#He didn't have to/shouldn't have done any of this

[nyeddleblog]

SAW THAT YOU CANNOT GET BOB OUT OF YOUR HEAD MAY I REQUEST A MEET CUTE FIC WHERE READER IS A GIRLBOSS CORPORATE GIRLIE AND BOB IS WELL...BOB

Yes, but since I'm at work in a 10 hour shift, we'll forget about the cutesy aesthetic shit I usually do for my fics.

Warnings: Female presenting reader, use of reality warping powers, in a probably inaccurate way, written from my phone and not proof read.

--

You liked your job. Well, kind of. You liked getting paid for something that you actually did pretty well, and you liked that you could live from it. Yeah, it was a annoying having to walk around New York City taking care that your tights weren't ripped or that your high heels wouldn't give out for the next few blocks. Skirt always impecable, just below the knee. Blouse silky and not revealing too much cleavage. But the paycheck... Oh, the paycheck. And your boss was an okay guy!

You've dealt with all kinds of people before; the annoying ones, the narcisistic ones, the perverts... For someone your age, it was difficult to achieve the tranquility you had.

So you entered the coffee shop, mindlessly looking through your phone. It was a bit more expensive than others, usually empty around this hour. The cashier gave you a nod, urging you to just take a seat. You had paid a bit extra last time, since they didn't have any change; that meant, coffee was on the house. It made you smile, making a mental note to tip them well when you left.

Your heels guided you through the usual path, too invested on the screen to look up as you sat down. Your boss wanted something urgently, something you could actually do through your phone. It took you around five minutes to write down the email you needed to send to an investor, and another one to communicate that it was done. Only then, you looked up.

There was a guy sitting there. Considering his half eaten muffin and the stains on his cup, he had been sitting there before you even arrived. And he looked so troubled too, face flushed as he tried his best not to look at you. You blushed.

"Oh, I'm so sorry—"

But you looked around and frowned. This was usually where you sat and it shouldn't have mattered if it weren't for the amount of people around. Why the fuck was it so full? This had never happened before.

Your eyes reached a table were one of your colleagues sat. You wrinkled your nose; he was probably going to talk to you about work, so your eyes went back to the guy in front of you, softening.

"Is it okay if I stay here? If only until they bring me my coffee, then I can just take it to go."

He looked at you then, pink cheeks and a bit unsure if you were talking to him. You maintained eye contact, an easy smile on your lips as you awaited his answer.

"Y-yeah, no... No problem"

Your smile widened then, but you didn't say more. You knew how annoying it was when someone talked to you while you were minding your own business. It was the reason why you stayed there and didn't go to your colleague's table, after all.

Then the usual waitress brought you your coffee, in a mug. You let out an apologetic sigh, knowing that you'd have to ask her if she could change it to a plastic cup, probably ruining all of the barista's work in the process, but right before you spoke, he interrupted you.

"It's... It's okay. You don't need to, uh, leave." It came out awkwardly, almost strangled. The waitress looked at the both of you with a smile as she came back behind the counter, absent-minded of the position she just put the both of you in, "I don't mind the company. I'm about to finish anyways."

"Oh, well thank you" you answered politely. He truly didn't seem like he was about to finish, considering how slowly he was eating his muffin. And he was kind of cute, you realized. Messy brown hair, and adorable blue eyes. But you wouldn't stare.

You let your coffee air for a little bit, not wanting to burn your tongue. He was reading a book, you noticed; he looked invested. It was probably why he didn't mind your presence, despite being an obviously shy person. His fingers picking at the muffin and slowly dragging the bite into his mouth.

You brought the mug to your lips as you stared at the pastry. You should have asked for one of those, really, it looked tasty. Red velvet, your favorite, fuck. You were oggling at the muffin then, drinking your coffee and slowly zoning out. So many things to do, the meeting that afternoon. And tomorrow, too. Oh, how you hated meetings.

Your eyes slowly brought you back to reality as they slowly came up to his face. He was staring at you, probably because you were pondering to the reality where his muffin was yours. Either way, it startled you and a small drop of coffee fell into your impeccably white blouse.

Shit.

You let the mug on the table immediately, assessing the damage. It expanded quickly on the collar, leaving an ugly stain that you wouldn't be able to get rid of before the meeting. You groaned dramatically, covering your face with your hands.

It had to be the meeting with the one investor that always stared at your tits. That one unfiltered asshole that fucking humilliated women when they had chipped nails or a run on their stockings.

He'll say something, and you'll answer, and he'll find you rude, and then you'll show him how rude you can actually be and... You'll lose your job.

"They say putting some sugar on it may help get rid of the stain" he stuttered out, in front of you. You frowned, almost forgetting that he was still there in the first place and barely understanding what he was talking about.

"What?"

"T-The stain..." He pointed at your collar with a packet of sugar in his hand. Your frown losened as he left it on the table, near enough for you to reach, "It may be worth a shot?"

"It may be" you repeated in a murmur, staring down at the packet.

It sounded like bullshit, but you were desperate and the sugar couldn't possibly make it worse than it already was, so you opened the packet and poured it on the stain, looking defeated as it clinged to it. You rubbed it for a few seconds, unable to see how the eyes of the man in front of you briefly lit up bright golden. Then, the sugar turned brown and you wiped it away, amazed by the result.

"Hey, it worked!" you exclaimed in excitement, looking up at him, "I can't believe it!"

Your bright smile made his cheeks heat up, and he avoided your eyes as he gave you a sheepish smile back, shrugging.

"That was ama...! What was your name?" you interrupted yourself to ask. As he replied, you continued "That was amazing, Bob, truly. You saved my job and made my day!"

"I-It's nothing."

You braced yourself, for what you were about to say, unable to hide the smile of awe in your lips, "Well, Bob. It's everything to me," Maybe a bit of an exaggeration, you were dramatic like that, but it was honest nonetheless "So, could I buy you a muffin sometime?"

His pink cheeks turned red as he stuttered over his reply, and by the time you finished your coffee, his number was already saved in your phone.

You stood up, giving him sweet smile and putting the promised tip in the jar before leaving.

He stared at you until you were out of view and you didn't know why, but it made your heart beat a tiny bit faster.

[tranquilreign]

at arms length II. | mini series

- © tranquilreign - all rights reserved | DO NOT STEAL, TAKE, or COPY any of MY WORK without MY PERMISSION.

pairing; jungkook/reader genre: ex best friends au! college au! warnings: angst, fluff, swearing, alcohol consumption, attempted assault word count: 2.4k synopsis: he lost everything when he lost you. now he'll do anything to make amends and set things right. tags: @whoa-jo @jungkookie-7 @thelilbutifulthings @foulmoneybathoagie-blog @darklove2020 @llallaaa (I was unsure if those that asked for a part two but didn't say about a tag wanted it, but I still did it nonetheless, I hope that's okay! <3) parts: at arms' length I.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ♪ .⋅} ────── ⊰

Jungkook still remembered it like it was yesterday. Watching you walk away, slipping through his fingers. He so desperately wanted to follow you, but he knew you wouldn't listen to him. He had taken you for granted for so long, and now he realised just how much he needed you.

He couldn't sleep properly anymore, often falling asleep during classes. Eating was something that was far from his thoughts. He would pick at his food during break, or would have completely forgotten to bring in lunch.

At first, he ignorantly thought this would be something you'd get over. But as the days turned into weeks, he knew you weren't coming back to him.

You were there for him through everything. No matter how big or small. And now, with you no longer by his side, he was lost, as if he were wandering through a forest with no end.

His friends had noticed this early on, growing more worried as time went on, not knowing how to help. You would have known what to do in a situation like this, but you weren't here anymore.

Jungkook tried everything to get you to forgive him. But no matter what he did, how he apologised, you would never accept it.

"Y/n, please," he begged.

He was on his hands and knees, leaning forward, pleading for forgiveness. You stood above him, nothing but anger in your eyes.

"You're not sorry, Jungkook. You're just sorry you got caught."

"What do I have to do to make you forgive me. I know I was wrong. I know I shouldn't have talked badly about you or shared your secrets. I know how badly I've hurt you, and I want to make things right," Jungkook cried out, tears now forming.

"There's nothing you can do," you answered coldly. "I don't want you to talk to me ever again. You got that?"

You hadn't bothered to wait for an answer, turning on your heel and walking away. Jungkook stayed still, his forehead pressed against the floor, tears cascading down his cheeks and hitting the concrete.

From then on, Jungkook kept his distance, but never once stopped caring for you. He would watch you from afar, making sure you were safe.

You had made a new group of friends over time, sitting with them during lunch. You knew Jungkook was watching you. You had often caught him staring.

You'd be lying if you had said you didn't miss him. But he hurt you deeply, and you knew you couldn't forgive him for what he had done. But knowing he was watching you, in a way, made you feel safe.

"Y/n," your friend, Min, chirped in your ear.

You flinched at the sound of your name, zoning back in and looking at your group of friends. They all giggled at you, making you smile sheepishly.

"Sorry. I was in my own world."

"We could tell," Sara laughed. "So this weekend there's a party happening at Min's boyfriend's. Are you in?"

"Ah, I don't know," you said unsurely. Parties were never your thing. You loved a drink, but typically you preferred that in your own dorm with friends.

"Oh, come on, Y/n! You never come out," Min pouted, looking at you with pleading eyes.

"Fine," you sighed.

The girls cheered, quickly bidding you goodbye as they made their way to class. You sat, uncomfortable at the thought of the party. But your friends were right. You hadn't properly been out with them, and now it was time to change that.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ♪ .⋅} ────── ⊰

You arrived at the party with your friends an hour after it had started, and it was packed. Music blared from every direction. Cups and empty booze cans had been discarded in every possible part of the house.

"Fucking hell," Sara yelled over the music.

You all pushed in through the front door, slowly squeezing past the dancing bodies and into the kitchen.

"Min! Ladies, so glad you could make it!" your friend's boyfriend slurred.

He was completely smashed. Min cringed at her boyfriend's state, slinging his arm over her shoulder.

"I'll get him outside for some fresh air and water," she yelled, picking up a bottle of unopened water. "Just pour yourselves some drinks and I'll be back soon!"

With that, Min left. Sara quickly grabbed a beer and popped the can open. She offered you one, but you shook your head, instead grabbing a cup and pouring yourself a rum and coke.

You glanced around the room, taking a sip of your drink. At that moment, your eyes landed on a familiar figure. Jungkook. He was laughing, for what seemed like the first time in a while, talking to his friends.

He wore a pair of ripped black jeans and a loose black top. And his hair was slightly damp with sweat. You fought with yourself to not go over and speak to him. Every time you saw him, your heart ached. As if he had sensed your presence, he turned, locking eyes with you.

You quickly avoided his gaze, deciding it may be better to drink more than you initially planned. Making sure Jungkook was watching, you downed your drink in a shift motion.

"Fucking hell Y/n, I didn't realise you could drink like that!" Sara laughed, clapping enthusiastically. Min had returned at that moment, cheering when she had seen you holding out a drink for her.

"Let's get fucked up," you joked, laughing with them.

Jungkook's jaw clenched as he watched you down your drink. He hadn't known you would be here. His friends continued to talk amongst themselves until Jimin noticed Jungkook's lack of attention.

Jimin nudged Yoongi, and together they followed Jungkook's gaze until it fell upon you.

"Oh fucking hell," Yoongi groaned. The three boys watched as you poured your third drink. You and Sara pushed your cups together before downing them.

"Should we stop her?" Jimin asked Yoongi.

"Honestly, I don't know."

For the next two hours, the three boys watched you closely. Yoongi had to stop Jungkook from storming over whenever a boy would begin to talk to you. He couldn't blame the guys who were shamelessly flirting with you. Tonight, you looked stunning.

You had decided to wear a short black dress that stopped at the mid-thigh and a pair of knee-high heeled boots. Something which Jungkook had never seen you wear before. It was very clear that Min and Sara had taken you out to the mall to get some new clothes.

By this point, you were drunk, but the boys were surprised at how well you were holding your drink. Sara was struggling to keep up with you, gagging every now and then as if she was going to be sick. And she was.

You guided your friend to the sink so she could spew somewhere that wasn't as hard to clean. Your cup had been left on the countertop while you rubbed your friend's back reassuringly.

"Is she alright?" someone asked from behind you.

You turned around to see someone you didn't know. All you knew was that he was handsome. He was resting against the countertop, concern written all over his face.

"Ye-yeah, she's fine. Just had a bit too much," you reassured, still rubbing your friend's back. You glanced over at Min, who grinned. She moved to you, pushing your hand off Sara's back, motioning you to go to the boy.

"Go," she said quickly, then returned to Sara.

"I don't believe we've met. I'm Ha-joon." He held his hand out.

"Y/n," you responded, taking his hand and shaking it.

"Do you wanna dance?" he offered.

Drunkenly, you accepted, grabbing your drink and allowing him to pull you into the crowd of people on the makeshift dance floor. The music blared as you both danced, slowly getting closer to one another.

You allowed Ha-joon to grab you by the waist and began to lead your movements. You laughed, drinking the last of your drink and spinning around so you faced him. Letting your arms fall over his shoulders, you began to grind into each other, completely letting go.

Jungkook eyed you, anger building up as he watched you dance with Ha-joon. His fists clenched, the urge to protect you intensifying. Yoongi grabbed hold of Jungkook, making him look back at the other boy. Yoongi shook his head, warning Jungkook not to interfere.

When the song had finished, you laughed, pulling away from Ha-joon. You sauntered back over to the kitchen and leaned against the countertop. Min and Sara were gone, most likely upstairs to get cleaned up.

Ha-joon stood behind you, placing his hands on your hips and pulling you flush against his chest. At that moment, your head began to spin, feeling as if your legs were going to give out.

"Let's get out of here," Ha-joon whispered in your ear.

You stumbled out of the house behind him, allowing Ha-joon to lead you away from the party.

"W-wait," you stammered. "I really don't feel... good."

Ha-joon sighed, looking back at you.

"I know it must be a horrible feeling. But you're just so fucking hot," he muttered. He watched as you slumped to the floor, passing out on the spot. Drunkenly, he pulled you up by the neck, his hot breath fanning your face. He leaned in, kissing you.

"You fucking bastard!"

At the moment, Ha-joon was pulled off of you and thrown back onto the ground. Jungkook stood above him, chest heaving in rage. He stepped over Ha-joon, kneeling down and let his fist collide with his face.

Yoongi and Jimin had followed behind, covering your legs and shoulders with their jackets.

"Kook," Yoongi growled, stepping over to the younger boy. "Jungkook, that's enough!"

Yoongi aggressively pulled Jungkook off the unconscious boy. Jungkook calmed for a moment, realising he had completely lost control. He turned and ran to you.

"Y/n," he breathed. He moved your damp, sweaty hair out of your face, cupping it between his hands.

He looked over your body, making sure Ha-joon hadn't done anything but kiss you. Jungkook scooped you up into his arms, looking back at his friends.

"Whose house is closest?"

"Mine," Yoongi responded. "It will also be the best place for Y/n. It's where she's been living for the past few weeks."

Jungkook shot Yoongi a look, but now wasn't the time. What was important was that he got you somewhere safe.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ♪ .⋅} ────── ⊰

The next morning, you rose with the worst headache you'd ever experienced. It was as if the world was still spinning. You held your hand to your head, a poor attempt to try and make sense of where you were.

"Y/n," a voice beside you said.

Blinking to try and focus your eyes, you looked in the direction of the voice. Beside you sat Yoongi and Jimin, who both looked incredibly worried.

"Hey guys," you groaned. "God, my head."

"Are you alright, Y/n?" Jimin asked, moving to take hold of your other hand.

"Yeah, I'm fine... why?"

"Last night at the party. You were spiked," Yoongi explained.

All the memories came flooding back in that moment. Sara being sick, you having left your cup on the countertop to help her. At that time, Ha-joon had come over. He had spiked your drink before he spoke to you.

"Oh my god," you said in a panic. "Did- Did he..."

"No, he didn't," Jimin cut you off.

"You're lucky that Jungkook had been watching you, Y/n. If it wasn't for him..." Yoongi trailed off.

"Jungkook... Jungkook saved me?" you asked in disbelief. "Why would he do that?"

"Because despite all he's said and done to you. He still cares deeply for you, Y/n," Yoongi spoke. "And I know you've seen it as well."

You sat in silence, not knowing what to do or say. After so long. After everything he said, how could he care for you? For the first time in a long while, you cried. You leaned forward, tears rolling down your cheeks at the realisation of just how much he truly cared for you.

"Y/n?"

Your head shot up at the familiar voice. Jungkook. In that moment, it was as if time had frozen. He stood by the door, half hidden behind it, in case you didn't want to see him.

He flinched when you climbed out of the bed and ran at him. You pulled the door away from him and threw your arms around him, crying aloud. He was shocked but immediately wrapped his arms around you, a feeling he had missed so dearly.

"We'll leave you two," Jimin whispered as the other boys left.

Jungkook did what he did best when it came to comforting you. He stroked your hair, whispering reassuringly in your ear. You both sank to the floor, where Jungkook proceeded to rock you back and forward gently.

Slowly, your sobs stopped, your breathing becoming even once again. In that moment, you knew just how much you missed Jungkook.

"I'm so sorry," you choked out.

Jungkook shook his head.

"You have nothing to apologise for," he cooed. "I'm the one who should be sorry for every word I said. And for not being quick enough to realise what had happened and protect you sooner."

You mimicked him, shaking your head. He chuckled, bringing you so that your head rested against his chest. You could feel his heart race.

"I took your friendship for granted, and for that, I truly am sorry. These past weeks, honestly, have been hell," he admitted. "It felt as if part of me was missing when you weren't around. And if I could take back everything I said, I would in a heartbeat."

"All that matters is that you're here now, Kook," you breathed, grasping a fistful of his shirt.

You both stayed as you were, holding one another in a moment of silence, enjoying each other's presence, having missed it for so long.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ♪ .⋅} ────── ⊰

hello there! hope you enjoyed the final part of this mini series! it may not have been what people wanted, but I was just in my feels with it.

if you enjoyed it please take a look at my other works or if you're interested in requesting an idea/or have a prompt click the links below!

masterlist | requests | request rules | prompt list

tranquilreign~

[apomaro-mellow]

CC Ransoms Steve 7

Part 6

Eddie went up the stairs after Steve, leaving the other three to explore the kitchen and rustle up some grub for dinner tonight. When he got to the top landing, he realized he didn't know exactly which room was Steve's. He remembered which was his parents', so he avoided that when he heard the sound of running water. He went towards that and found himself in a room with dark blue and white wallpaper.

Steve came from another door which Eddie realized was an en suite bathroom where he could hear the shower running. Any thoughts of bitching about how rich Steve was right now were thrown out the window at the sight of his shirtless chest.

"Ever heard of knocking?", Steve crossed his arms, bringing attention to his pecs and biceps.

Eddie had to swallow, his throat suddenly dry. "I uh, I came up here to uh..."

Steve rolled his eyes. "Don't even think you're getting lucky after what happened down there."

Eddie snapped back into focus and closed the bedroom door. He didn't think there was any real danger of the others hearing and thus finding out about him, but well, he didn't get this far without being at least a little cautious.

"That's not why I'm here", he said. "I'm here to say that while that was a huuuge hiccup, you handled it well."

"Yeah. I did", Steve said, his tone turning agitated. He turned to go back into the bathroom, presumably to finish undressing and actually get into the shower but Eddie couldn't let him do that. For more than one reason.

“Look, you’re plenty useful”, Eddie said in a placating tone.

“Yeah, I know. Question is, do you know that? Do your friends know?”

“I’ll straighten them out.”

“Not enough”, Steve said. “I want an apology.”

Eddie raised a brow and just barely kept from scoffing. "An apology? For what?"

"You remember this started with a kidnapping, right?"

"One you've criticized several times", Eddie pointed out.

"Just because it sucked doesn't mean you shouldn't feel sorry for it."

"Okay, sure, fine, we'll beg for your forgiveness for that", Eddie submitted. He had to remind himself that the only path forward was through Steve right now. In the light of the bathroom, the lines of his body were more prominent. But something else was more visible as well. "Is...is that...?"

Steve raised his arm and the bruise on his side became more pronounced. "Oh yeah and some idiot hit me with his van. I could call the police. Can't remember why I'm not."

Eddie actually felt shitty right now. For all that Steve benefited from his many sources of privilege, he'd never really gone out of his way to hurt someone. But Eddie had slammed his van into him, knocked him unconscious, and Steve had only done the most minimal of bitching. Eddie should be sitting in the back of Hopper's car, at the very least.

"I'm sorry", he said. His sincerity must have shown through, because Steve's shoulders relaxed immediately.

"It's fine. I mean, it's not fine, it hurts like a mother, but I'll survive."

"Shouldn't you get that looked at? Like at a hospital?", Eddie asked.

"And tell them what? The town freak did a hit and run?"

Eddie shrugged. "You could leave me out of it. We could saaaay Carver did it."

"Sure, let's add false accusations to your rap sheet."

"What's one more crime?"

Steve laughed and Eddie felt less shitty. There was this weird thing between them, held together by this harebrained scheme. Eddie didn't know what would happen to them after it was done. But then again, he never was that good at thinking ahead.

"Are you gonna let me shower in peace now?", Steve asked, smiling.

Eddie waggled his brows, because those weren't under his control apparently and Steve laughed again before he closed the door to the bathroom. Eddie was smiling as he came back down the stairs and saw the other three busy with cooking. Eddie lent a hand while Steve showered upstairs.

"Did you handle it?", Doug asked first.

"It's handled", Eddie said simply.

Steve was lured downstairs by the smell of food. Not that he could tell exactly what it was. he was half afraid of coming to a burnt kitchen. But somehow, they had pulled it off. It wasn't anything extravagant. There was a frozen pizza fresh from the oven, a bunch of grilled cheeses, two big bowls of chips, one of popcorn, someone had cooked an entire pack of bacon, and soda.

After the day Steve had, it looked like heaven. He sat down to eat but before his first bite, Eddie held up a hand.

"Gentlemen...", he gestured to the others.

Jeff, Gareth, and Doug all groaned and rolled their eyes, but stood in front of Steve. "We're sorry", they said. Only Gareth looked like it physically pained him to say it.

Steve crossed his arms and leaned back in his seat, grinning. "Did you rehearse a song too?"

They grumbled, but didn't bite back, which showed how truly sorry they were. Steve gestured for them to sit back down.

"Apology accepted."

"We should probably really strategize our next steps", Jeff said after a few bites of food. "Like plan for what might go wrong this time."

"What could go wrong?", Gareth asked. "All we gotta do is take this haul to the pawn shop, then make our way to the competition."

"Seems easy enough", Eddie said.

"But we didn't count on those old ladies", Doug pointed out. "And I bet if we don't plan for it, something could happen at the pawn shop."

"You guys are being paranoid. Whatever happens, we'll take care of it, like we did today", Eddie said.

Steve smirked. "You mean by the skin of your teeth?"

The topic quickly changed to which songs they should play and how their lives would absolutely change after. Dishes were left in the sink but Steve couldn't bring himself to care. He stretched and made his way to the stairs.

"Not so fast, don't we still need someone on guard duty?", Gareth pointed out.

Eddie tried to appear casual as he stood up. "Well if I must-"

"Uh-uh", Jeff put a hand to Eddie's chest. "You dropped the ball last time. This time we'll do a real rotation." He couldn't explain it, but there was something in the way that Eddie looked at Steve.

Steve just shrugged and went up to his room, Jeff volunteering himself to go first. Eddie did his best to not look too disappointed. He, Doug, and Gareth got comfortable on the couches in the living room. When it was Eddie's turn, Doug nudged him awake and pointed to the stairs.

For once in his life, Eddie didn't mind being awakened. He got up to Steve's room. It was dark but for the moon illuminating his bed and for a moment Eddie was taken to that one raunchy fantasy romance that he'd huddled up in the corner of a library to read. Steve was very much like the maiden in the story. Face softened by sleep, completely open and vulnerable to the welcome intruder to her room.

Eddie sat at the desk at the end of the bed and watched. Sunrise came in the blink of an eye.

Taglist

@tinyplanet95 @dammitjim02 @chaotic-waffle @missarte-beltane @im-sam-fucking-winchester

@persnicketysquares @estrellami-1 @spookycollectorcandies @chocolateraccoonlights @exasperatedsighohmy

@disrespectedgoatman @yesdangerpls @me-ig7 @imaginary-maggie-waggie @live-laugh-love-dietrich

[akajustmerry]

first of all I boycotted and continue to boycott captain america brave new world so pls don't tell me to watch it. second of all, what I'm about to say is obviously not the mcu's biggest crime in the grand scheme of things, but I have big thoughts so here it is anyway: there is actually no excuse or explanation for making Walker "Captain America" in Thunderbolts that doesn't boil down to anti-Black racism. And I mean that on both a narrative and production level. On a narrative level, Sam is also a "rogue agent" which was established in tfatws, and a veteran (literally first thing we learn about him). There's no plot point or character arch written for Walker that couldn't also fit Sam and even be more compelling with Sam there. One of the weakest points of thunderbolts is a lack of any significant established relationships or commonality (except for Yelena and her dad) between the characters, having Sam there balances this more and gives Bucky a more compelling reason to join the team at all. On a production level, it's nuts. Especially when the studio knew how much audience racism there was towards Sam: to further undermine him with the racist villain from his series (Walker) getting a whole movie where he "redemptively" becomes the "official" Captain America only encourages more racism directed at Sam, ESPECIALLY when you have even Bucky siding with the racist guy, going against everything established in tfatws. I know this is a tale as old as time at this point wrt Disney and Black characters. but Disney shouldn't cast Black people in these roles if they aren't going to a) protect them b) take them seriously or c) actually write culturally considerate and inclusive stories. Even if it's intended to be a commentary on anti-Blackness (which to be clear thunderbolts doesn't make that textually obvious enough for anyone to make that argument) it's done badly. You can't say "they're doing racism to critique racism" when there's no actual critique or pushback within the narrative against the racism. On a production level, it's truly crazy how the MCU has undermined Sam as Cap at every turn. He had to share his series with everyone's favourite white dude, he didn't get a movie for years, and when he did it was an ethical shitshow set up to fail. Not to mention, the incident at Comic con where Anthony Mackie was told ca;bnw would be Marvel's main event only for the trailer drop to be entirely overshadowed by the RDJ doctor doom announcement. And they announced Chris Evans return to the role before Sam had ever got his own film. I'm not asking anyone to feel sorry for millionaire actors or billion dollar companies funded by the military. However, it is very much worth considering how virulently and consistently anti-Black that studio is to this legacy character, and how these are for better and worse the biggest most watched films on Earth. That matters. Unfortunately, how the MCU portrays marginalised people matters because the reach of their impression in pop culture is unbearably massive. It is racist in every possible way how Sam's tenure as Captain America has been handled.

[littlebittyhollowbugs]

They drive me insaaaaaaane !!!!!!!!!!!!

[a-host-of-dancing-daffodils]

And because I recently read the Chocolate Box...Please enjoy one of the only things I feel like the show did right with this particular story...

Poirot looking super dapper in his Belgian police uniform:

The cut of this uniform is very flattering on him, I must say...especially with the way it accentuates his chest, his waist, and his ''''''''seat''''''''

And I love the design on the collar/sleeves. Very fancy/official

also. please look at his very silly official hat

Gotta say. Hugh Fraser may have been the eye candy of this show, but. David Suchet sure knows how to be pretty, too

[juliareed]

You still cling to naive ideals. I learned, at a very young age, the only currency worth anything in this world is power.

[gabrobichaux]

He startled her when he pulled away. Gabrielle just stared. He was right, they shouldn't be doing this. Her face heated. What was she thinking. What would everyone say if they found out about this? They could both get in so much trouble.

Or at least she would. Boys would look at her a certain way, so would other girls. Especially with the way she'd been portraying herself to some of their classmates this semester.

Blame the little bit of alcohol still in her system, or the rush of hormones, but Gabrielle wanted to cry. She was embarrassed. Not because of Samuel but because she'd acted so... foolish and lovesick in front of him. She read his intentions wrong and...

"I'm so sorry," she said softly, turning away from him. "I'm... You didn't do anything wrong, I shouldn't have--" she shook her head. "I can walk home myself, it's alright. I... I don't want you to get in trouble with the security guard. I can pretend I left my purse somewhere and head back out." She shut her eyes.

"I don't know what I was thinking, that was--that was reckless. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable, Samuel, really." Gabrielle felt sick as she scooted back from him more, giving him space. She didn't really want to go home--she didn't want to walk past that security guard again--but she didn't even know if she wanted to stay here.

"I feel like I've done nothing but just seem like a mess in front of you all year," she almost laughed. "You were right to want your distance from me, I... I should have respected that."

Gabrielle covered her face with her hands, sitting in this moment, soaking in her embarrassment. "You don't need to walk me home, Samuel, I've caused you enough trouble for one night. Again, I'm so sincerely sorry."

Could she have made it any more clear that she had no idea what she was doing?

@apirateslifefor--smee

Those Hallowed Halls | Vampirate

[zaritarazi]

hanne (trying to recall a fun childhood story): did you tell them about the zipline

matthias: i did tell them about the zipline

jesper: he told us about the zipline

hanne: then why do you all look so upset

wylan: sorry, to clarify, are you referencing the zipline designed to kill children?

hanne and matthias at the same time, still not sure why people don't think that the zipline story is funny: yes

nina, walking back into the room after getting a glass of water: why does everyone suddenly look so concerned did matthias bring up his childhood summer camp's illegal fucking zipline again

[immortalsins]

ive never had such an emotional rollercoaster of a day what the fuck

[thechosengryffindor]

"A year ago I might have taken them up on that offer; bypass finishing school and going straight into the aurors. I'm a fighter, two years ago all I wanted to do was fight. All I wanted was to rid the world of evil and then..." And then he died. Then he had seen Dumbledore in that white void that resembled the train station.

A warmth spread through him at the word blessed, had anyone ever told him that? His eyes darted over to her and then looked away, not quite sure what to do with that; he wasn't a blessing, especially not now.

But he couldn't tell her.

"I think Ron might go into the aurors, or maybe he won't since I'm not. I'm done fighting I- I'm tired. Beyond tired." Harry said quietly, there was an ache in his bones and Hermione. "You're a rule breaker but only when it's necessary. There's no reason we shouldn't finish school, even if the idea of being saddled with essays after defeating Voldemort makes me shudder."

His lips finally twitch with the faintest inkling of a smile and he looks back up at her, "But it's what we should do, and all I've ever wanted to do was what I should. Y'know? I- I didn't do any of... any of it because I wanted glory or to be a hero. I did it because no one else would, and this is the same principle I reckon."

Harry went silent for a moment, nibbling at a piece of the food on his plate before looking up at her with an almost mischievous smirk, "Just promise me you won't dump me for complaining about my potions essay?" he said dryly.

She listens to him and nods, keeping ahold of him as they sit together and enjoy their food and each other's company. Something about this is calming, and she finds herself lost in thought for a moment before she speaks up.

"I won't lie to you, Harry..." she begins before she finds herself smiling a little. "I'm not even remotely done learning what I want to learn. I do believe on some level that I can make a difference, but not the way I originally thought. I don't have the same strengths and weaknesses as you, but a lot of our issues during the war were because the Ministry was weak..."

She's not even afraid to say it at this point, because she knows where the problem was. Too many people let fear control them, and the Minister couldn't even protect them. Hermione never wanted something like that to happen again, and if that meant taking it into her own hands, then so be it.

"I know that they'll want to bend all the rules for us--and trust me, Ron is already willing to accept that--but that has never been me to the same extent." Hermione admits with a shrug of her shoulders.

She's not opposed to bending the rules of course, and sometimes she's pretty sure she's done it more than Ron and Harry ever have. At the same time, she's always had to prove herself a bit more because of where she came from, and she cups his face, capturing his lips in a tender kiss.

"You say stuck, and I say blessed to have you. From now on it's always you and me." She promises, a smile on her face.

[offthewall1979]

young michael jackson makes me understand why princesses get locked in towers

[xceanlynx]

y'all I went on twitter for the first time in three days and people are trying to cancel First? bffr

[pedrcpasccl]

He really needed to take a step back and look at how it might have seemed like he was flirting with the older woman. Maybe he was giving her way too much attention, and those were boundaries that he was going to learn if it meant that it'd make the blonde happy. "If she was drooling all over me, then I'm really sorry. Maybe I'm oblivious to it because that wasn't an intention I wanted from the conversation with her, I simply was being nice. But if that's something that makes you mad, then tell me." All he wanted was the open communication with her and he knew that was going to take time and some learning, but as long as she was willing to put in the work then so was he. "That was your last relationship, Sabrina. I'm not that man -- I'm completely different and I've gone through some shit in my time, and what I've learned and carry to this day is that other people's opinions don't matter and shouldn't. I know that's easier said than done, but it's true." Shifting the weight from one leg to the other, he kept his gaze on her. "Don't compare me to him, please." He knew that she didn't have ill intentions by bringing up her past relationship, but he didn't want her to keep that in the back of her mind each time they had problems.

Eyes flickered from the suitcase that fell to the ground and the blonde who looked absolutely stunned by his confession. And before he knew it, she was wrapping herself around him. Dropping his hands from his waist he wrapped them around her petite frame and pulled her in, embracing her tightly against his body. "We'll figure out a way to end that, amore. I promise." His voice low, as he peppered kisses on top of her hair. "Shh, it's okay. I know this is a lot and not being able to be open about our relationship can be hard, but I promise you that I'm yours and yours only for as long as you'll have me. You're quickly my heart yours, and I wouldn't want it any other way."

sabrina knew that if she stopped moving that there was a chance she'd stay. that somehow she would be convinced that she was wrong. it was hard to not let doubt creep in and overtake everything. she had no idea if it was because of drew or just everything else. she had been embracing just being single and everything had gotten so insane. though she was taken by surprise when he expressed that he wasn't flirting," i know you might not think you were flirting but it felt that way and she was nearly drooling onto your shirt." she felt taken aback at how he seemed to truly believe that he wouldn't care what was said. the press could be nasty as well as the general public. it didn't help that the both of them were at the top of their game right now. her grip on her suitcase was starting to loosen as she stared up at him," you say that now but my last..relationship, the attention, my fans, it all got to be too much for him and i don't want that to happen with us." she already knew that she wanted to end the pr thing with jacob. it had been weighing on her mind so much but she hadn't been able to figure out how," it's what i want." the suitcase dropped to the floor with a thud as she realized what she had just confessed. she hadn't intended on blurting it out but she felt overwhelmed," i-i am." she hadn't been expecting him to say anything back but he was. her breath hitched and her eyes widened," th-that's all that i want to." even if she was feeling all over the place, she went to close the distance. she practically jumped into his arms and wrapped herself around him, pressing her face into his neckline," i'm so sorry, i'm just-just overwhelmed."

[reiyaus]

fem reader intended

"gumi... come back to bed, please?" your voice drawls out.

it was 1:05 am and you'd just woken up to find that your boyfriend was still awake, fixated on nothing but the computer in front of him.

just a couple hours ago, megumi excused himself from bed to go work on his missing school assignments. you let him be, lazing around on his bed without realizing you were slowly falling asleep. he, of course had noticed, and took the initiative to make sure you laid comfortably on his bed before returning to his chair.

"i will," megumi responds, moving to comb his fingers through your hair. "i just need to complete this one and then i'll lay with you."

"but that's what you said hours ago," you propped yourself up on your elbows. "you shouldn't stay up too late, it's really bad for your skin."

he rolls his eyes and chuckles. "sometimes assignments take more than one hour, you know."

you sigh once more and with nothing else to say, you decide to scan his face. lit under the warm lamp light, his eyes and lips were highlighted in such a way that made him even more beautiful.

even so late at night, megumi still had a way of charming you.

"how many pages do you have left?" you asked, another desperate attempt to get him to stop.

"around 3 i'd say. four if i decide to overexplain." megumi stretches, groaning out when his back pops.

"then just finish it in the afternoon when you have more energy. come on, it's too late to be focusing on this."

he turns his chair to look at you, an unreadable expression on his face. was he tired? annoyed? on the verge of ending it all? you didn't know. all you wanted was for him to return back in your arms.

megumi licks his lips in thought, "it's only three pages, [name]. you can go to sleep if you get tired, i'll join you after."

you sigh again, flopping onto your back. "fine. but when you're done, don't bother sleeping next to me-"

"what?"

"-you're sleeping on the floor," you announce.

he stares at you dumfounded.

"excuse me?" now megumi's genuinely confused. just a second ago, you were begging for him to lay next to you, and now he just got demoted to floor-sleeper. in his own room.

"you got a problem?" you turn to your side to look at him. "you can sleep on the couch if you prefer that more."

megumi deadpans. "are you being serious right now? look- sweets. just let me do this really quick and i'll be there."

you yawn, "it's now or never, gumi. i'm gonna fall asleep any second, so make your choice now."

you turn to face away from him, hiding the growing smirk you had on. it gets bigger when you hear him sigh, followed by the sound of the chair rolling away.

the bed behind you dips down as he makes himself comfortable next to you. his arms wrap around you, and you turn once again to bury your face in his chest. he holds you against him tighter, breathing in the scent of your cologne.

you chuckle and twirl his hair around your fingers, "i knew you'd fold."

megumi grumbles. "it was either this or back pain, don't think too much of it."

[cntloup]

Gojo Satoru x pregnant!reader

protective!Satoru, fluff, a lil angst, mention of feeling guilty, implied heavy symptoms experienced by the reader

"it's ok, baby. i've got it." Satoru says as he approaches your slouched form over the sink, washing the dishes as you try to get something done and make yourself useful.

you've been feeling guilty during the past month or so, feeling like you were a burden to him, thinking that you would never live up to his expectations. now he has to take care of you. and as time goes by, it will get even worse as your pregnancy progresses. but he's a busy man with heavy responsibilities. you'd be only holding him back. you torture yourself with these thoughts every day.

"oh, thanks. i'll go clean up the living room and do the laundry then." you respond with a forced smile, trying to mask the guilt that's been gnawing at you for a while as you try to keep yourself from falling over out of dizziness.

"what? no, wait! i'll do it after i wash the dishes. you go get some rest. you've done enough." he retorts while gently grabbing your arm, voice slightly raised to stop you immediately.

he is in utter disbelief at your behavior. you should be resting right now, tucked in beneath the soft sheets peacefully. you shouldn't worry your pretty little head about anything, he thinks.

"i haven't done anything all day." you utter in a faintly frustrated tone, mostly at yourself.

"and that's exactly how it should be." he replies with a nod, "now go to bed before i drag you there myself." he adds, maintaining a playful tone, a soft smile adorning his features as he drinks in your beauty. you're already glowing. but considering how observant he is, he senses your discomfort immediately like he can actually feel the gloom and sorrow you're feeling right now like a mother hen.

"what is it, baby? tell me." he murmurs as he walks up to you and pulls you into him by your hips, shining blue eyes staring at you as he awaits a response.

his hand rests on your side as the other cups your jaw, his thumb swiping over your cheek that could be dampened any moment now as you feel tears threatening to spill.

"i'm so sorry." you whisper breathily, voice slightly quivering with the lump in your throat as you look up into his glowing eyes.

"for what?" he asks, confusion evident on his features.

"for being weak. i'm so sorry to disappoint you." you finally spill out the words that have been weighing heavily on your chest as the tears cascade down your glossy eyes.

"disappoint me? i don't understand... why are you crying, love?" he mutters with a shake of his head, his confusion growing even more by your words as his fingers swipe over your cheeks to wipe away the stray tears.

"you're literally the strongest and you're stuck with me. i'm barely even showing yet and i'm feeling extreme fatigue. i've been sleeping all day for the past month cause i can't do anything. and because of the symptoms, i'll probably have to quit my job." you ramble about the thoughts that have been pulling you down all this time.

"wait, wait, wait! how long have you been feeling like this?" he questions with widened eyes baring into your soul.

"eversince we found out i was pregnant. i can't stop feeling guilty about disappointing you." you reply quietly, almost embarrassed to admit it. of course you know you're being irrational. it's all natural to be tired during this time and need help, but you just can't help it.

"you've been feeling like this all this time and you didn't tell me anything?" he blurts out almost too aggressively to his liking, "sorry. didn't mean it to come out that way." he quickly apologizes after witnessing the slight flinch on your part.

how could he not see it? you've been trying to do the chores like regular, pushing yourself to your limit both in the house and on your job until he swoops in and takes the weight off your shoulders. now he starts to blame himself for not finding out sooner and letting you wallow in your own sadness and guilt all alone.

"you're not weak, baby. you're doing the one thing that i can't possibly ever do. the one thing that the strongest can't do. and what does that make you? huh? you're literally the strongest of all, babe. i can't even fathom what you're going through and you're doing amazing-", "i'm barely functioning." you cut him off.

"i'm not done yet, babe." he says playfully before continuing, "you're doing amazing, honey. you sleep not because you can't do anything else but because you need it. you're carrying our child for fuck's sake. a literal human's life is growing inside you and of course it takes its toll on you. and i'm right here beside you every step of the way." he finishes his loving speech with a tender kiss on your forehead as his strong arms wrap around your now slightly shaking form as you sob, utterly moved by his words and also the hormones.

"thank you, Satoru. i really appreciate it. you always know what to say when i'm feeling down." your words are cut off by loud sobs but he patiently waits for you to finish as he rubs your back soothingly while nuzzling his face in your neck.

"any time, baby. i love you." he whispers in your ear, "i love you too, toru." you say back, continuing to sob in his arms for a while before you eventually calm down and he guides you to bed, encouraging you to take some much-needed rest.

"and don't worry about your job. you can take some time off or quit altogether. i have more than enough to pay for our family and the next generations to come-", "ok, stop bragging!" you chuckle, "i'm just saying, baby. i've been dying to spoil you. now's my chance. let me take care of you. you don't have to go through this alone. in fact, i won't even let you." he chuckles lightly and crashes his lips onto yours, pulling away with a loud smack as you both lay in bed, limbs tangled together, "you already spoil me." you mention with a slight pout, "and i'm gonna do it even more. you deserve it, baby. don't worry about anything. i've got it." he says while softly caressing your cheek, admiring your glowing beauty illuminated by the faint bedside light.

you slowly start to feel the sleep creeping in and drift away into a slumber as you mumble a quiet 'thank you', curling into Satoru's side as he holds you so lovingly while you think to yourself how you've been blessed with the best, most loving and supportive partner anyone could ever ask for.