#How to Change Old Currency Notes Easily

[wealthview]

How to Change Old Currency Notes Easily

Are you holding onto old, forgotten Indian currency notes? Perhaps some are remnants of a past trip, tucked away in a drawer, or maybe you’ve unearthed an old purse with some forgotten cash. Whatever the reason, having old Indian currency notes can be a bit inconvenient. But changing them shouldn’t be a hassle! This guide will walk you through the straightforward process of how to change old currency notes easily, so you can convert them into usable funds without any unnecessary headache. We’ll cover everything from identifying your notes to navigating potential pitfalls and ensuring a smooth transaction.

Identifying Your Old Currency Notes

Before dashing off to the bank, it’s crucial to correctly assess your old currency.

Demonetized Notes vs. Outdated Notes

Understanding the difference between demonetized and simply outdated notes is the first step. Demonetized notes are declared illegal tender by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and are no longer considered legal currency. Outdated notes, on the other hand, are simply old designs of notes that have been replaced with newer ones—a more recent example being the discontinued ₹500 and 1000 designs from 2015, which can still be exchanged. Always refer to the official RBI website (https://www.rbi.org.in/) for up-to-date lists of demonetized notes and their exchange policies. The exchange process varies considerably depending on this first factor.

Assessing the Condition of Your Notes

The condition of your notes also plays a significant role in determining the exchange process. Damage can encompass anything from minor imperfections like stains to more serious issues resulting from tears and rips. The policy regarding the replacement may significantly vary for soiled, torn, or damaged currency. It’s essential to inspect all your notes beforehand. Sorting and categorizing the currency notes into good condition v/s damages helps the process run easily at your appointment if your condition needs special intervention.

Where to Exchange Old Indian Currency Notes

Your options remain generally the following:

Banks – Your Primary Exchange Point

Banks are typically the easiest and most reliable way to exchange old Indian currency notes. Visit your nearest branch of your bank to convert your current or bank related paper currencies. Most local Banks take the time and trouble out of older currency conversions. Before heading to the branches, however, you’ll need a confirmation and clarification from your chosen outlet about exact limitations and any documentation involved on that specific locations old denomination limitations with those of that area specifically so you will leave time for any clarification.

RBI Offices for Specific Cases

RBI offices act as an accessible alternative mostly handling cases dealing with extremely damaged and mutilated notes as a general solution. However you must be aware this is only for particular denominations including specific and exact damaged notes if this applies specifically to what you need assistance with. Contact the RBI (via their website, not telephone or regular mail) you may possibly receive a referral based on your currency type.

Other Authorized Agents (If Applicable)

Be cautious. While limited entities other than banks were formerly able to occasionally be authorized exchanges; as currency denominations and designs changed frequently along with restrictions that remain in process on many of these forms of acceptance there are usually far fewer possibilities of this happening than there already happens to remain available options in most places. Any claims of other possibilities by any party should generally be researched further extensively immediately on reputable sites independently before processing anything involved based on their declarations as a verification method is paramount across most of these exchanges within India’s regulatory guidelines for these forms of paper currency.

The Step-by-Step Exchange Process

For the vast majority of successful processing and conversion situations involved dealing with this in old paper form currencies the steps can most often follow the same procedure:

Preparing for Your Visit

Gather your required identity proofs — usually your Aadhaar card, PAN card, etc.)— before showing up at your closest locations’ facilities to avoid needless delays, and carefully gather and organize this. Carefully handle any possibly relevant, organized receipts and any information necessary for clear transactions including amounts you bring as applicable so accurate reporting during the transaction should ensure your process is streamlined effectively without hindrance.

Interacting with Bank Staff

Explain your situation clearly and comprehensively, explaining you may have old or outdated denominations politely and comprehensively as necessary through the given procedural instructions.

Proceed as politely and thoroughly as necessary—offering relevant organizational material of your notes’ categorization appropriately while being ready for any explanations or questions that could address specifics about sources or other origins should clarify doubts and potentially delays on your matter at your appointment by this methodology greatly reduced through planning extensively.

Completing the Transaction

On this final stage, the final completion’s verification of any issued acknowledgement receipts—including relevant confirmation transactions of relevant updated exchanges as applicable from their given procedural assistance— this may involve an in-house specialist if appropriate based on the total quantities present or similar other needs depending upon the quantities involved at their facilities including the possible need for an external specialist at those particular branches according to their needs or specific branch procedural matters at appointment; the final step should have the details checked entirely along each appropriate step after thorough clarification so you ensure the complete process’ accuracy entirely across every single phase or relevant matter until completed for your final confirmation.

Dealing with Damaged or Partially Destroyed Notes

Some of these cases require special considerations—including possible need verification assistance such as documentation requirements as well:

Assessing the Damage

This stage depends exactly on whether the damage requires any of these possible extra steps included here on your need as well (including all specifics included and all needed procedures for those specifics). Assessing your needs—as these processes might require specialized considerations which would be involved based only in direct relation specific to those involved. These should be noted independently when you start the preparation steps during your initial organization including what kinds must be done; while some are processed within banking agencies some may be specialized and require various types of assistance therefore this procedure or involvement would vary appropriately during every process stage until completed successfully by those specified departments according to this process during those steps which would already be documented beforehand across applicable agencies for each branch or any related specialized assistance agencies based upon where your needed specifications can provide processing directly in that branch rather based entirely within those specified departments in those cases. 

The Exchange Process for Damaged Notes

Those damaged pieces which had needed specialized considerations at handling, based accordingly upon any involvement or related specifications of special consideration would be covered. This however will cover steps which would require more special needs involvement accordingly therefore based entirely only upon all relevant conditions and possible needs—whether there was possible necessity of a branch specialist for specialized types only which were those required ones accordingly this stage—the involvement stage; would contain the involvement of documentation at each stage only as needed (that needs for that stage only with that involvement’s involvement depending completely along each phase across any various specifications and related involved steps while each step until each stage needed to be dealt out on successful verification accordingly).

Avoiding Scams and Common Pitfalls

Remember always during various conversions which this kind potentially often has a high value per currency that should also contain significant worth should not be understated: therefore a lot would need additional precautions especially against likely more typical scams involved specifically regarding many areas like these ones too so therefore precautions across many kinds which require increased additional levels protection also would be highly especially necessary for safety’s involved security specifically to minimize any possibility involving a serious safety issues occurring against those potentially valuable types of paper material; here’s several measures including more to these involving more precautions against anything involving any associated scams accordingly involved precautions accordingly based always therefore against scams at all kinds would only ensure protection more safely while specifically minimize significantly against any losses incurred: therefore increased safety during this conversion is required highly so you need also enhanced safety awareness alongside throughout process.

Beware of Unauthorized Agents

Any parties claimed as possibly dealing in transactions not explicitly via authorized banking is only done by authorized or recognized parties therefore to these agencies so anything claiming this is an immediately invalid or illegal claim which often also would be inherently a fraud claim also that many scams originate or start from so this type often starts or develops therefore avoid it entirely across every single case encountered based across many. In essence—avoid dealings at unauthorized types instead remain entirely within completely established and highly reputable organizations with clearly and strictly identified bank-authorized channels for complete safety only within safe means. You must remain accordingly involved by these reliable methods across any phase to deal with your paper forms currency accordingly; as anything unreliable otherwise should therefore always also be avoided completely whenever whenever possible regardless what method across all phases whenever feasible means to deal safely remains exclusively reliable options during conversion which involves high-value forms like these old-type currencies involved those.

Understanding Exchange Limits and Fees

Several exchange forms often may possibly involve applicable various types exchange levels limits that should remain strictly adhered accordingly when needed while various levels exist there many often are various depending only on amounts across those values, be it local region or other reasons causing those specific factors causing discrepancies there causing such possible various levels those limits possibly occurring among these types of exchange forms accordingly as certain regions having different practices that remain only consistently among branches at that local area instead across only those within the local area alone entirely rather on a widespread basis accordingly along regions. Therefore those involved must only verify the necessary policies that each will deal with; always verifying policies accordingly always with clarity only after those specific levels involved for their local transactions. Therefore for total clarity verify which these limitations locally have locally through those processes among the branches only will appropriately clarified thoroughly only after this check involved at your location so that appropriately verify that those exchanges with currency happen with limits consistent completely so then also these processes with various fees involved would remain consistently across these exchanges as clarified only after these initial exchange forms involve their verification appropriately whenever possible also beforehand through those preliminary verifications involved exclusively across branches instead always with clarification thoroughly beforehand prior conducting across entire procedures in order remain with these clear forms prior their dealing therefore only remaining those reliable methods.

FAQ

Q1: What if part of my old banknotes is missing or torn due to the general disrepair or wear from damage that happened?

A1: Seriously damaged notes possibly could require submitting them in person, the bank’s security for dealing damaged banks at an appointment where their security handles such submissions under surveillance so they receive a proper confirmation about dealing properly or handling such items involved under observation only under verified conditions to help your case deal with appropriate forms only within reliable methods alone in this regard especially this should always to that effect so only remains as reliable among authorized agencies to remain only those always dealt accordingly based only exclusively those approved means—only those established, known safe sources only for confirmed cases at established forms so never leave anything for those involving unsecured or unauthorized ways only—that must follow entirely by verified sources to avoid scams at types while remaining safer dealing accordingly for those purposes involved safely through verified sources those.

Q2: Are there any limits on the amount of total money that I can exchange at once across any time overall total sums involved? A2: Various laws are based accordingly on the time limit during the official authorized periods the limitations change in the time given overall based across those levels only based on that so there’s consistently changing limitations therefore any limits involved those will possibly contain changes those therefore verification involved before conducting these exchanges will always include any new ones accordingly across various possible times among those consistent changing conditions consistently only therefore this ensures this information only stays accordingly among clearly communicated means. Across total sums—limits involved at such varying exchanges as time processes involved limits on any totals involved; varies only based always that specific times period involved overall across several levels those; however total values vary based entirely across those levels involved those only accordingly based throughout the exchanges occurring among those authorized processes and among periods that those therefore remain accurate by all means always involved; the consistency among that among various periods remain so always consistent this involved verification always among forms those for these so consistently through those involved during these involved to these ones always that means for clear those to handle reliably across amounts given correctly among consistent ones therefore clearly only forms based consistently on periods specified levels so all through accurately accordingly by only those verifying.

Q3: If I’m exchanging a vast quantity of that older paper denominated currencies how are such exchanges done effectively across various totals?

A3: Due to certain restrictions in many of the cases these need involvement through banking forms with specialists, specifically from more local or regional representatives according to various factors involved those; usually any limits according across several means those involved for any values; across any total levels any exchanges accordingly may need specialist intervention for high-value dealing often based on various high quantities overall if involved; total sums values for such exchanges at branches possibly sometimes will however generally among various factors across other limits among these would deal generally if among various values these depending various others depending many upon regions involved. Total handling for these however should depend completely consistently among these across each level based upon various factors within various others as factors. Verification accordingly should provide verification forms therefore only after these checks verifying each those locally.

Q4: Can I exchange the banknotes at anytime? This process varies based at various total level or by denominations among other reasons based on numerous others therefore clarification remains with their agencies. Various reasons this limits vary accordingly only across the timeframe so accordingly by these based only times involved accordingly among varying those accordingly these ones accordingly as varies through different conditions during those.

A4: Exchanges happen usually according only throughout official banking times at these official branches only; so that any exchanges or any verification regarding dealing only happen in official operation accordingly under working times only therefore consistent accurately along those conditions involved consistently. Also usually various based others based among certain types therefore consistent forms accordingly also across verifying processes involved across others factors based among various among consistently with their official policies.

Q5: The fees usually don’t affect various levels; as fees based only across quantities however across all those vary those as based only among this however often among all this therefore clear remains consistent ones among these so it will be among levels involved in quantities consistently alone rather others only depending entirely that those for across among consistently within their amounts during across times consistent only throughout depending only amounts total involved accurately and consistent all appropriately when handling total dealing across forms only always depending consistently entirely and uniformly consistent alone always on its totals given clearly without changing among them that remains consistently.

A5: The only usually consistencies involves quantities and no more usually no fees depending on any factors therefore entirely uniform among fees across entire forms unless specific situations or exceptional needs accordingly by individual branch based only on their regulations across consistently amounts dealing uniform levels consistently entirely uniform consistently entirely all consistently dealing so this uniformly consistent alone without other exceptions across totals involved only unless this situation applies and all consistently based on those levels however all consistent accordingly throughout involving consistently without variances in those total throughout uniformly consistently so only these total amounts remain involved to consistencies among those throughout dealing however among all remains uniformity without others among its total value across therefore consistently across them among those consistently uniform totals across those involved always depend throughout only amounts always uniformly across for those across during across entirely times uniformly always consistencies for their total amounts only uniformly unless for those exceptions clearly indicated among processes only therefore for uniformity completely uniformly accordingly among totals always for uniformity throughout among exchanges handling unless exceptions specifically at stated therefore this consistency of uniform among across values dealing with involving totals without variations across forms consistent among dealings always remains across that so always its processes among uniform those levels without variation along their exchanges unless specifically those mentioned clearly for those conditions uniformly unless among those for all however remaining so these involve consistency across those exchanges remain accurately on for these processes which involve across therefore involves uniformity across them among consistency unless stated ones consistently for only specified exchanges with situations and only among amounts during across all exchanges however consistencies accordingly for its exchanges so those uniform throughout their dealings so they involve consistently its amounts across those dealing all times only within involving those stated consistency those throughout uniform unless specific across handling its amounts however alone consistent across dealings during all across across consistent with these.

Summary

Exchanging old Indian currency has become mostly streamlined by banking’s modern streamlined measures as of very current circumstances involved; the methods above provide effective steps only toward its processes for conducting exchanges in an efficiently, successful and safe steps ensuring accuracy among their consistent official forms consistently in forms provided during transactions those among various branch conditions overall but will still however be different depending circumstances for various scenarios those therefore clarity consistently verified throughout accurately; using these precautions for ensuring effective exchanging successfully in processes ensuring safety so remain those consistent for security dealing and accuracy remains consistently achieved for those official forms consistently.

Share this guide with anyone who might find it is practical! Let us know in the comments if you have additional questions or successfully conducted exchanges processes for exchanges and leave a comments section with any suggestions among various situations overall at those points among various specific ones involving any processes among this or anything about these.

[businessadvisorrobert]

Why Should You Build Profitable Business With Auto-Classified Script

You can notice a big change happening in businesses. It's making a difference whether we're buying used stuff or using taxis.

Turkey is doing well in selling old-fashioned clothes and things, so there's a lot of growth in the second-hand market there.

If you want to join this big, exciting world, you can try making an app that works like another popular one.

We're exploring how to start a business with little money but make a lot in the Auto classified script.

Let's get started!

Statistics Of Auto-Classified Script

This year, the online car-selling websites are worth about $20.88 million. Between 2025 and 2027, they're expected to grow to about $23.113.33 million, increasing every year by about 10.7%.

The whole world's market for selling cars online was worth about $2.86 trillion in 2021. It's going to be about $2.95 trillion in 2022.

Last year, Letgo, one of the main companies selling second-hand stuff, got $700 million.

The car market is huge globally, and it is a thriving business in Turkey with a CAGR of 11.8% in the last year. 

 That's a lot of money! Let's find out why this business is doing so well.

Key Factors To Note In the Auto Classified Script Development

In the long run, you need strategies to reach the top of your field. Auto-classified scripts can help with this. Let’s explore how:

Faster Audience Reach

A strong online presence is crucial for businesses today, and auto-classified scripts are great for this. They help you reach a large audience, even globally. To do this, you need to focus on what your audience wants and make your business their top choice.

Auto-classified businesses let you reach a huge market, breaking through geographical barriers. Global reach is vital nowadays, and it can boost your productivity by attracting a wide audience.

To reach this goal, you need powerful features. The app offers multiple languages, multiple currencies, geo-location, and other options to attract global users.

Cost-Effective Promotion

Many companies spend a lot on advertisements to make their business known. Traditional methods rely on third parties, which can be very expensive. The digital space offers a cheaper alternative by allowing free promotions on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. This method requires low investment but can yield high profits.

These digital promotions are more advanced and effective than traditional methods. Have you heard of in-built marketing? Reviews, ratings, comments, and shares are inbound marketing features that indirectly promote your business.

Create a perfect business image that matches what your audience wants. This image is reflected in your logo, pictures, descriptions, and overall identity. Choose and implement these elements wisely!

Easy-to-Use Features of the User Panel

Your audience may not be very tech-savvy, so it's important to make navigation simple for them. From signing up to completing a payment, every step should be straightforward. Here’s how our platform makes it easy:

Simple Sign-Up: Users can sign up easily using multiple login options.

Advanced Search: Once signed up, they can use advanced search features to find a car quickly.

Easy Booking: After finding the right car, users can proceed to book it.

Flexible Payment: During booking, they can choose from multiple payment options and complete the transaction easily.

Order Confirmation: Finally, users will receive a confirmation of their order.

Our auto-classified scripts ensure a hassle-free shopping experience. Let's explore what makes the user experience so friendly!

Real-Time Updates and Inventory Management

The platform always keeps its inventory updated, which is crucial in the automotive industry. The auto classifieds script helps businesses list their vehicles efficiently, ensuring users see the most current information.

By constantly updating in real-time, businesses avoid advertising vehicles that are already sold.

This builds trust between customers and sellers, making customers more likely to return to the platform.

These benefits can positively impact your revenue. Now, let's look at the factors that influence revenue!

Revenue Methodology Of Auto-Classified Script

Revenue helps your business grow over time. Here are some ways to make money:

Earnings from Commissions

The platform makes most of its money through commission fees. Users and sellers can use the platform for free, and the transparent fee structure builds trust with stakeholders. The platform owners can fix the amount to be detached, which should be affordable for all.

Income from Advertisements

Another way to earn money is through advertisements. By letting third-party companies advertise on your platform, you can earn extra income. This helps with maintenance and other business needs. Since many platforms have not yet incorporated this feature, it will be a hit for your business. Also, it will be helpful for potential users. 

Subscription Charges

Many on-demand businesses use this model because it benefits both the user and the business. For example, with a basic subscription plan, a user pays for three months at once and doesn't need to make monthly payments.

In-App Purchases

Users can buy specific features to make their experience better. This is a good way for the platform to make money. However, be careful not to overuse this strategy. If you want to increase your revenue scale, it is the best choice because it is a driving factor and it will keep the audience visit the platform again. 

Bottom Line, 

I hope you've seen that buying an Auto classified script can make you a lot of money without spending much at first. In this article, we talked about the good things and the money you can make from this business. But there's still a lot more to learn! If you want to know more about how to make it, how much it costs, and the technical stuff, you can check out my blogs all about Automobile classified script.

[ohmygoodnessgraciouss]

could I request a story where Loki and the reader are both magic time variants captured by the TVA, and they become closer and plot to escape together, but even though the reader wants to help him they're afraid of getting too close or opening up about their past because in the past they had been really hurt by the alternate Loki in their timeline? I'm sorry that's very long, you don't have to write it if you don't want to I just love your work so much and Reality Check is so perfect :')

I'm sorry this took forever! Honestly, I should've just made this a whole miniseries to really flesh it out, but with MOM I wasn't sure if I wanted to dedicate all my time for that. Hope this is alright! <3

You watched the man before you smirk once he recognized who you were. "Y/N L/N, I never expected you to wind up here," He commented, scanning you. You scoffed, turning your head away to look at Mobius.

"You expect me to work with him?" You asked, pointing lazily. Mobius nodded.

"You two are the best of the best. He never seems to die and you have the ability to control him. Not many can say they can do that," He responded.

"I don't want to work with him," You replied, sharply.

"And why is that? I want a better explanation than he hurt your feelings a while ago," Mobius said. You rolled your eyes, knowing Loki must have grinned at his statement.

"No hard feelings, promise! I'm not the same Loki you knew after all," Loki said.

"No, but the sacred timeline forces it to be exactly the same. I know you haven't done it yet, but you will. Eventually. If you ever decide to stop being a little shit and go back to your timeline." You walked closer to Loki, trying to seem intimidating.

"Ouch," Loki winced, stepping forward, "I see Midgard taught you some vulgar language."

"Seemed only appropriate for a man who killed 80 people in a matter of two days," You suddenly realized how close you were to him, eyes widening as you backed off. Loki rose an eyebrow at this.

Mobius chuckled. "This is going to be interesting."

~

"I need you two to go to a small town in Oklahoma from a few hundred years ago to inspect something," Mobius said, pulling up a file on the desk in front of you. You sat next to Loki (Though it was not willingly) and waited impatiently to hear more about the mission.

"Oklahoma?" Loki questioned.

"It's on Midgard. It's a lot of farmland. Prone to tornadoes." You briefly stated.

"Seems like you know the place quite well."

"I lived there for a while. Until the TVA decided that I messed up something in their precious timeline. I mean, really. Do you guys think another war would happen when most people don't even know this place exists?!"

Mobius chuckled. "See, that's why I like you. You're realistic. But, unfortunately, rules are rules, and the timekeepers aren't ones for breaking tradition."

You shook your head in response, leaning back in the chair. Loki leaned forward towards the desk to get a better look at the file. It had several reports scattered across it, all describing the deaths of several minutemen from the T.V.A. "What happened?" He asked.

"Someone supposedly time traveled to the 1800s and broke the timeline. When our minutemen arrived at the scene, they set fire to the surrounding grasses and burned them all to crisps. We suspect the variant is another timeline's you, Loki." Mobius explained, showing several photos of the scene.

Your eyes widened. "Another timeline of him is running rampant and you imbeciles can't catch them?" You asked.

Mobius shook his head. "Loki is hard to catch. This one," He pointed to the man before him, "Not so much. The other one? Different story."

"And you expect us to just find Loki and bring them back?" You asked, leaning your head against your hand.

"It's either that or being reset by the woman who wants your heads on a silver platter."

Both you and Loki looked at each other for a brief moment, nodding slightly. Looking back at Mobius, you spoke at the same time.

"We'll do it."

~

You arrived in Oklahoma with Loki, taking a look at the burned farmland around you. Several bodies laid around the area, their weapons scattered. "God, these men didn't stand a chance," You said, crouching down to take a closer look.

"And neither do we if we can't find a trace of myself," Loki replied. He used his magic to trace where the fire started. "Over there," He pointed.

You looked over, seeing nothing special. "Looks just like everywhere else," You said.

"No, it's an illusion. I must have cast an illusion to make sure only those with magic would be able to find it. Or, well, another me did it. Why would he have done that though?" Loki asked, contemplating it for a moment. You walked up to him, showing him the collar and remote you had stolen from the agency only moments before arriving in Oklahoma.

"If anything goes wrong when we see them, I've got backup."

Loki grinned. "You're always so dependable. That's why I love you." You knew it was a weak attempt to make you soft. You shook your head, walking away from him.

"Not the same Y/N you know."

"The Sacred Timeline makes you the same."

"The same to an extent, but for me you're in the past. A lot changes in the upcoming years." You mentioned.

"Oh come now, old feelings can't die that easily, can they?"

"No, but you sure can."

~

You made your way to the Loki pointed to. The spot seemed to be as burnt up as the rest until Loki unveiled the illusion. It didn't take much of his magic to lift it, probably because the universe recognized it as the same signature. When it was revealed, the area hadn't been burned by the fire at all. The grasses were tall, reaching up to your shoulders at times. One spot was completely flattened though, with a singular note on the ground.

You picked it up, unfolding the paper carefully. Loki stood directly behind you, looking over your shoulder. "What does it say?" He asked.

"Meet me where we once called home," You read it out loud. The note crumpled as you tightened your hold on it.

"What does that mean? Once called home?"

"It means this Loki is in fact my Loki."

"Please tell me I don't have any hard feelings that you clearly harbor for me."

"That depends on whether or not you forgive me for the incident."

Loki quirked an eyebrow at this. You shook your head. "Not here. Let's find a place to stay. I know where home is. We're not far from it."

"Then shouldn't we go there first?" He asked, placing a hand on your shoulder to ensure you didn't walk away. You shook your head.

"No, I can't go there yet. There's a lot to explain before you see Loki."

~

You found an inn close by and decided to rest there. Because it was the 1800s you had to be careful about what you did. In a different century they wouldn't have minded you being in a TVA shirt and jeans. Now, they would.

Luckily for you, Loki was able to cast an illusion so that only you two knew what you were wearing. He even had to cast an illusion on himself to blend in more. He used fake currency to buy the room, which was about as small and cramped as you expected.

With only candles to light the room, it would've been considered quaint and cozy by most. A single bed with comforters, a drawer and chest, and a small desk. It was all you needed for your journey after all.

You sat down at the desk as Loki sat on the bed, feeling the comforter. "Softer than I expected," He commented.

"You lived through the 19th century, you should know it wasn't as bad as history books make it out to be."

He nodded in response, relaxing slightly. "Well? You said you would explain it to me. I should know what's going on before we go face off against myself."

You sighed, fiddling with a pen you had found in your shirt pocket. "Time travel isn't as uncommon as people may think. You and I both know that."

"Of course. You've time traveled a few times yourself."

"Exactly. Well, in my timeline, after the events in New York in 2012, you went to prison in Asgard and were eventually freed during the Dark Elves attack."

"I know what happens there," He said, sharply. You knew he must've known what happened to his mother.

You looked down at your hand, placing the pen down on the desk. "Well, you know what happens in the Sacred Timeline. Remember, you're a variant in this timeline too. In this timeline, you ended up going back to the 1800s, to this time."

"Why would I do that?" He tilted his head.

"To see me."

"What were you doing in this time?"

"I was running. I got into some nasty trouble with not only the Avengers but the federal government as well. It was just easier to go back to a time where I wouldn't have to worry about it. Plus, I didn't know what I was doing, so I wanted to hang out in a place where I knew I would never run into myself. I didn't account for you finding out." You sighed, fiddling with your fingers.

"And what happens after that? We were just fine before I... Well," He hesitated, "Tried to take over Asgard and then Midgard," He said, sheepishly.

A soft smile graced your lips as you thought about what had happened next. "We shared a life together. We were married, secretly of course, but we were happy. We moved into an old farmhouse around here and decided we would start a family here. It was in the middle of nowhere. No one was going to find us after all. We could be happy here."

"What changed?" He asked, leaning in. He couldn't understand where it would've gone wrong.

"The T.V.A," A scowl corrupted your smile as you looked up at him for the first time in minutes. "We were variants. What happened between us should never have happened."

Loki shook his head. "I can't believe that's what divided us. What did they do?"

"You gave me a chance to escape. You kept them off me and I ran off. See, I ran off and you went into the T.V.A to be charged for your crimes. They were going to prune you. Unless you told them where I was," You scoffed.

"Did I?"

"You did. Because no matter what you would always do everything in your power to save your own skin. Even if it meant ratting me out when I was protecting the child we had just taken in." Your tone quickly turned to ice at the thought.

Loki stayed quiet at the revelation. He didn't know what to say. "What happened next?" He asked quietly.

You shrugged. "I went in, you got out. You were reset. I don't know how you became a variant again. I guess they couldn't wipe your memory if you were able to remember our home."

"I don't understand. I don't understand how I could do that," He said as he stood up from the bed, pacing the room.

"The version of you in this timeline is different. He changed after escaping. I just hadn't realized it until it was too late."

Loki stopped in his tracks suddenly, staring you dead in the eyes. "Is that why you're with the T.V.A? To get revenge?"

You nodded. "The T.V.A, while I despise them, are my one way of getting to him. I want to make sure the agency brings him in once and for all. I'll prune him myself if I have to. And then I'm out of there. I have a plan to escape."

"And what will you do after that?"

You looked out at the window, "Find my little girl, I suppose. Make sure she's okay."

"Then perhaps you would like a partner to join you," He grinned.

"No."

~

Making your way to the farmhouse, Loki decided to stay back a little. The plan was for you to make sure Loki was in a vulnerable state, giving you just enough time to alert the T.V.A. Then, your partner Loki could capture the criminal Loki using the collar and remote you brought. It wasn't much of a plan, but it was enough for you to feel comfortable facing off against him.

Loki stayed outside, watching from a patch of wildflowers that sat outside the house. They were your favorites.

The house was cold and creaking from weight and pressure it hadn't felt in years. It looked abandoned. No one must have moved in after you did. The sight sent shivers down your spine. All seemed quiet except for a single door opening across from you. There stood the man that ruined your life - Your version of him.

"Hello, darling," He greeted you, a small sheepish smile plastered on his face.

"Loki."

"I know these are probably not the circumstances you would've wanted for this-"

"Not the circumstances?" You interrupted harshly. "I never wanted this situation to ever happen. You're lucky I haven't tried to shoot you in the face with a magnum."

Loki raised his hands up in mock surrender. "What I had done was uncalled for."

"Uncalled for?! You exposed me which put our family in harm's way! I have no idea where Rose is! None!"

His expression softened at the mention of Rose. You knew it struck a chord in his heart. It had to. Rose was adopted just like he was. All he wanted was to be a better father to her than his own was. If he were a better person you may have cared about hitting a sensitive spot like this.

"That's unfair. I had no idea she would possibly be reset by them," He said.

"Oh come on! What else did you think would have happened?! They were after us and so they were after her too." You moved your finger slightly to the communicator in your jacket pocket, signaling for the T.V.A to arrive and for Loki to step in.

"I never meant for her to get hurt," He said, his voice shaking slightly.

"No, but you meant for me to get hurt."

"I never wanted either of you to get hurt. It's just that-"

"Just what?" You grit your teeth.

"I was scared. You know how I am. I'm a coward!"

"That's no excuse for what you've done," You glanced up, seeing your partner sneak up behind the man. He wrapped the collar around him and quickly backed away, holding the remote up.

"What are you doing?!" Variant Loki exclaimed.

"Getting justice. Revenge. Everything I've wanted for years from you," You glared at him. The other Loki smirked, proud of you for what you had done.

The minutemen from the T.V.A quickly stepped in, arresting Variant Loki as soon as possible. Mobius followed them, looking the man up and down. "So you're the one who's caused all this trouble. And all because of a girl you crumbled. Gotta admit, it's not a good look for you," He said. You nearly laughed. "Take him away."

The minutemen began to drag Variant Loki through the portals, though he didn't go through without one last word to you, "Y/N! I will get out of this!"

You scoffed. "Sure you will."

~

Mobius decided to allow you and Loki to stay behind, giving you a moment to examine the home around you. He trusted you two enough to have a few minutes of peace alone. "So what's the plan, love?" Loki asked.

"Mobius has given us this much. If we gain his trust for a little while longer then we'll be able to have far more time and perhaps even a way to travel through the multiverse on our own. I hate to say it, but I'll stick with the T.V.A a little while longer. The endgame is long-term here."

Loki nodded thoughtfully. "It's smart. But I'm smarter," He held his hand up, revealing one of the portal remotes in his hand. Your eyes widened.

"How did you get that?!"

"I stole it from one of the men as they went through. I'm sure they won't miss this, but if they find out we have this when we go back it won't be pretty," He said, walking up to you, grinning.

You stifled a laugh as you looked down at the remote in his hands. You shook your head looking back up at him. "You're insane."

"Perhaps I am," His grin widened, "But I know you want this as much as I do. So, what do you say?"

He held his empty hand out to you, waiting for your response. Instead of giving it a moment's hesitation, you held out your own, taking his.

And with that, you never looked back.

[somesortofcoincidence]

The Pocket Watch in Literary Adaptations of Goncharov throughout History (Part 2)

From there, we move onto probably the most famous pocket watch that was described in all the literary adaptations of the original trilogy: The pocket watch from Nathan Morozov’s version of Goncharov.

I don’t think there’s any other way I could describe Morozov’s literary adaptation of Goncharov other than just perfect. The main reason as to why it’s perfect is because he doesn’t just the pocket watch as the central axis of the story. It’s because he’s providing you with historical context as to what each character is going through in their own country. For Goncharov and Katya, before they moved to Italy, they were living as serfs working for different farmers while also living during the October Revolution in Russia from 1917 to 1923. After that, when they move to Venice, Italy, Benito Mussolini was in power over the people of Italy. And in fact, in 1924, the government under Mussolini made it mandatory for every school in Italy to have a crucifix. That’s also another difference between the Morozov adaptation and the movie adaptation is the Italian setting itself. Scorsese could’ve easily told the cast and crew that they were gonna go to Venice, Italy and film there. However, there wasn’t really as much character or even personality in comparison to Naples. So, they filmed in that city instead. Although, the most interesting thing is that there are certain scenes where the film crew couldn’t film in Naples and they had to move to a different location either way down south or up north in Italy. But that’s just how filming a movie goes sometimes.

Another thing that I found very interesting about the Morozov adaptation is that he made sure to not only use time period accurate currency such as the lira for Italy as well as the exchange rates a character might bring up depending on their country of origin. But what he also brought to the table was counterfeiting the currency as well as techniques on how to make the currency look more authentic.

If you cast your mind back to the original movie adaptation of Goncharov, you’ll remember that Mario showed Goncharov the solution to their problem of having way too many freshly printed lira bank notes from one of their last bank robberies. What Goncharov instructed his goons to do was first crumple up the lira bank note carefully. It needed to look old, but it can’t be torn in any way. After that, the bill was passed off to the next goon where he would then dip the lira bank note into a canister of ground coffee and then it would be crumpled again so that the coffee grounds would settle into the bank note. Afterwards, Goncharov looked over one of the lira bank notes which was now crumpled and dirty from the coffee grounds and then put it into a nearby barrel. They did this sequence with every freshly printed lira bank note before placing a bunch of freshly picked grapes into the barrel and then closing it in order to hide the bank notes from the authorities.

That specific sequence was taken directly from the original source material in one of Morozov’s drafts for the adaptation. However, there’s only one slight change I think the film did better than the Morozov adaptation. In the book, Goncharov just throws the bank note into the barrel and just keeps doing this with every subsequent note. But in the movie, Goncharov looks at the bank note for a while, steps outside, puts the bank note on the ground, and then uses his foot to rub some additional dirt on the bank note. Now, keep in mind, he might’ve only done this once in the film as you see him picking it up and then tossing it into the barrel. The amount of subtext in that little interaction alone is incredible. On one hand, you could interpret Goncharov rubbing dirt into the bank note as a gesture of power and how he doesn’t view the lira bank notes as having any value to him because of the fact that he’s starting to become rich already. But on the other hand, you could interpret this action as Goncharov wanting to snuff out his regrets and mistakes of the past while taking all of that out into this one bank note. The past doesn’t mean anything to Goncharov anymore because now, he’s living in a country which could give them that opportunity for success he’s always wanted.

[thetriggeredhappy]

recently rediscovered your blog and read the fic from your dad spy au where scout starts out as the "guard" and then becomes scout from there and lemme tell you that shit put me on some s-tier brainrot. like a cranial decay type beat.

i had a concept in my head that instead of being hired as a guard, he could have been hired as a right hand man to the administrator like pauling, because i think hed be awesome in that position. like imagine having a personal merc who can get in fast and out even faster. but maybe he would stay in the base like the rest of them, sort of like a secret on call intel gatherer, who also maybe sometimes has to dig a couple graves. and also like, nobody on the team expects anything from him at first because its this 20 year old newbie kid. hes dressed in his formal clothes and he talks like somebody from relatively around boston but not quite. i can just imagine one day he comes back during a team dinner with his shirt half untucked and stained with blood, hair disheveled as he asks soldier if he can borrow his shovel, or him debriefing them for a mission when miss pauling is busy. same vibe as the fic i mentioned before but scout gets to have a job as cool as miss paulings. honestly id write it myself if i didnt have the attention span of a fly

anyways your scout content gives me life thank you

scout teamfortress but 20% more competent standing next to miss pauling teamfortress while she's doing her job and doing like silly quips and otherwise contributing nothing like it's a buddy cop film is literally my fucking ideal

(warnings for some canon-typical violence)

-

“Oh, Pauling, it’s good to see you again,” greeted the chairman, smiling in an imitation of a grandfather and clasping her hands perhaps too-kindly considering she barely knew him. “Young as ever, and still so stylish, I see. And who’s the new fellow?”

“He’s just here to help with transport, Mr. Montgomery, nothing unusual,” Miss Pauling replied, returning his smile and adjusting her glasses. “Heavy cases, you know how it is.”

“Of course, I remember you almost toppling clean over last time we made a trade!” Montgomery agreed, frowning at the memory. “You’ll pull a muscle that way, better to be careful. It’s a pleasure to meet you, young man. And your name?”

“Mr. Normandy, sir,” the new kid replied easily enough despite his slight East Coast accent, giving the man a firm handshake, expression neutral and stony, the picture of professionalism. Internally, Pauling breathed a sigh of relief.

“Firm grip there, young man,” Montgomery praised, nodding approvingly. “Tennis player, perhaps? Or golf?”

“Baseball, sir,” he replied, still evenly. “First baseman.”

“Ah! Of course! Were you any good?” Montgomery joked.

“At everything but playing in front of the crowds, otherwise I’d be in the major leagues,” he replied, tilting his head just slightly to imply that he was joking, his sunglasses glinting at the movement, and Montgomery barked a laugh.

“I like this one, Miss Pauling!” Montgomery said, and Pauling just barely caught herself from physically relaxing at it.

“We do too, Mr. Montgomery,” she agreed. “I was under the impression that you’re very busy today, so we won’t keep you for too long, we just wanted to sort out the final details surrounding the manufacturing rights for the—“

“—Pacific Northwest branch, up into British Columbia and Alberta, of course,” Montgomery agreed, nodding faintly. “Of course, of course.” He turned to regard his own man in a dark suit, the one standing to the right, who appeared to be unsuccessfully trying to stare down Normandy, who was completely ignoring him. “My briefcase, please.”

The man handed over the briefcase, and Montgomery put it on his desk, opening it and pulling out a sheaf of papers. “All our requests are submitted and approved, at this point we just had a few dustbins to take care of regarding initial percentages and making sure everything is wired to the correct accounts, which names are undisclosed, things like that,” Pauling explained as he glanced through the papers.

“Right, right, everything looks good here,” the man murmured, nodding to himself, sending his long-white hair just ever-so-slightly out of place. “I’m assuming these more sensitive documents should be sent some way besides through the mail?”

“If you finish them today I can take them with me, otherwise either me or Mr. Normandy can return to pick them up at your convenience,” she replied, to which Normandy gave a singular nod.

“Oh, it would only take me a short while,” Montgomery said, waving a hand. “We have a lovely lounge just down the hall from here if you’d prefer to wait there, it should only take me ten, fifteen minutes at most. In the meantime, I do believe there’s also the manner of payment for services rendered.”

Miss Pauling tilted her head just slightly to one side, confused.

“I arranged with Helen already,” Montgomery explained, not looking up from where he was initialing a few things. “The payment, rather than being wired, she asked to be made in material investment. A venture of mine from years ago that she’s willing to sit on. Rather than gold or bonds, she agreed to take some old currency of mine that my family collected, from early 18th century New Zealand and Australia. Monetarily it’s worth around the same, and I’m quite a bit attached to it to be entirely frank, but it was at her request to buy the whole collection from me, and after years of the work we’ve been doing together, well, I’d never trust it with anyone else.”

He gestured to the other man, the one on his left, who stepped forward to hand him a manila envelope, which he passed to Pauling.

“Inside is both keys, the door alarm codes, and all other security information for the building where the collection is being stored. They’ll ask for a few codes and confirmation of identity, only because several other art collections and artifacts are being stored there by other affluent individuals such as myself.”

“Thank you, Mr. Montgomery,” Pauling said, taking the envelope gratefully.

“Think nothing of it, my dear. Helen talked me into it all her own,” he said easily enough. “Now, gentlemen, if you would let Miss Pauling and Mr. Normandy into our lounge? I should have these wrapped up before any of us can even think about lunch, eh?”

One of the suits showed the two of them through the doors and down the hallway, through two doors bracketed by similar suits who simply nodded politely at Pauling and ticked their chins at Normandy as they passed them.

Normandy posted up beside the door for all of three seconds before they shut and Pauling pulled her glasses up, rubbing at the bridge of her nose and making a vaguely distressed noise. He then promptly relaxed, instead leaning his hip against an armchair probably worth the same amount as a small car. “So, uh, we’re glad that he’s giving us a bunch of commemorative coins from when dinosaurs still walked the earth?” he asked just below normal speaking volume, eyebrows raised.

“Yes. Very glad. Because unlike about six people total on the planet, he hasn’t figured out yet how valuable those are.”

“What, is a picture of a kangaroo on some copper really gonna make up for a couple hundred thousand American dollars?” Normandy asked, sounding doubtful.

“Not copper. Something else,” she replied. “I can’t tell you much more about it other than that, but these coins are made of something priceless to us. And to the Administrator.”

“…Love? Memories? The magic of family?” he joked, cracking a smile, and she rolled her eyes, moving to open the envelope and start reading the papers inside. “Hey, uh, not to question whether my job should exist, but what the hell am I doing here, exactly? Besides carrying a briefcase. Like, chivalry isn’t dead but I really don’t think you need me carrying your bags and holding the door for you.”

“You’re helping with security, basically,” she replied, adjusting her glasses to squint at tiny handwriting about the collection. “Mr. Montgomery is trustworthy, but he mostly hires out to… well, people like us. His security detail is mostly people we’d rather have screened, freelancers, stuff like that. A lot of people we contract out to are like that. Most of them have heard about me and know better than to try and pull something, since I can hold my own pretty well, but if they haven’t, seeing a second person might persuade them to think it over again.”

“Oh, so I’m like, uh, when it says ‘tow zone’ next to the no parking signs even though nobody checks, or when they’ve got a camera in the corner of the store that isn’t even plugged into anything,” he said, and the looked up at him, confused. “Like, uh, what’s the word… I’m a casual deterrent.”

“Sure,” she said, because it sounded like he knew what he was talking about, shuffling the papers back away and closing the envelope again, making a note to ask the Administrator if she should change their current containment procedures to be closer to Mr. Montgomery’s. “Just… if there’s a fight, you deal with it, otherwise you just stand there and look like you’re paying attention.”

“That’s what the sunglasses are for,” he agreed. “I was blinking morse code at the guy across from me literally the whole time.”

“You know morse code?” Pauling asked, surprised.

“Just the alphabet, ‘S.O.S.’, and ‘ass’.”

She rolled her eyes again, and that’s when the door opened.

She expected Mr. Montgomery, not one of the men in suits. “Excuse me, both of you, if you don’t mind,”the man said, accent having the slightest English tilt to it, a Londoner if Pauling had to guess. “You’re Miss Pauling, the Mann Co. affiliate, yes?”

“That’s me,” she agreed, hesitant, and glanced at Normandy.

“I’m afraid there’s been a mistake. Mr. Montgomery have you the wrong envelope on accident,” the man said apologetically, extending a hand forward. “We apologize for this unfortunate mix-up, it’s really quite embarrassing, but those documents are sensitive and we’ll be needing to see them back now.”

Pauling looked at him, and within a moment, shifted her expression. “Oh, I’m so sorry!” she agreed, nodding. “No, right, of course. These aren’t the papers for the currency collection?”

“I’m afraid not,” the Brit agreed, head tilting just slightly, hand still extended, moving a fraction further forward.

“Well, thank goodness we figured out now and not with us halfway back,” she joked, and moved to hold the folder closer to her body. “I’ll take this right back to Mr. Montgomery, then.”

“He’s sent me to correct the error,” the man explained simply.

“Right,” she said, and saw in her periphery that Normandy had already started sneaking a hand in towards his primary, clearly having pieced together something she was only suspecting. “We can bring this to his office, then, right down the hall.”

“You misunderstand,” the man said, taking a step forward again. “I’ll be taking it to his office myself.”

“That’s funny,” Pauling said. “I didn’t realize you had clearance to be in there. Or to be carrying a semi-automatic instead of a standard handgun.”

The Brit reached for the semi-automatic, and before he could even get it out properly, Normandy hit one clean shot to the side of his head and another to his thigh, sending him crumpling to the ground.

Pauling had only as far as pulling her own handgun free, thumb on the safety, and breathed a sigh of relief, glancing over at Normandy, shifting to more comfortably hold her gun. “Quick reflexes,” she noted.

“Just noticed a lot sooner, maybe,” he shrugged, stepping forward to glance over the body, tucking his gun back away.

“What was your hint?”

“He’s here to give us the right folder, yeah? Well, why were his hands empty, then?”

She was just starting to nod and realize that as well when a second man shouldered through the door, holding a gun at the ready. Normandy scrambled to draw his own, but Pauling fired a shot into his knee, shoulder, and neck to send him dropping before he was even close. “There’s quick on the draw, and then there’s prepared,” she said pointedly. “Gotta think of if there’s more than one, new guy.”

He nodded, and drew his gun again, bending to hit the guy on the ground at the temple hard enough to knock him out if he wasn’t unconscious already. He then glanced up at the sound of a shout from the other side of the door, two men shouldering through, guns drawn but lowered. It was only the firm eye contact they made with both her and Normandy that made her pause the millisecond it took to realize these ones weren’t trying to kill them.

“Pauling, what on earth is going on here?!” Montgomery demanded, entering the room and staring with wide eyes at the bodies on the ground. “What could’ve possessed you to—“

“He was trying to run off with these documents,” she explained quickly, gesturing with the envelope. “He knew whatever was in here was valuable.”

“He drew his gun, sir,” Normandy added, tipping his head down towards the body, and Pauling glanced down as well and found herself a little surprised. He’d rearranged the man just slightly, apparently, adjusting the arm to be holding the gun a bit further outward. “Other one was aiming to kill.”

“My, my,” Montgomery tsk’d, shaking his head as he surveyed the scene. “What a mess. My apologies, Miss Pauling, Mr. Normandy.”

“It’s alright, but you need to start doing more thorough checks on your staff, Mr. Montgomery,” Pauling stressed.

“He’s only been here two weeks, sir, he was one of the men we hired in a hurry after the incident last month,” one of the bodyguards said, and Montgomery shook his head.

“Thank goodness nobody was hurt,” he sighed. “Mutiny, and besides that, they’re bleeding on my carpet. Here are those papers, Miss Pauling—what a day, eh?”

“It’s really alright, we handled it,” Pauling assured him, giving her bravest smile, a little exasperated now.

“Right, right, you and the first baseman,” he agreed, and Normandy fought back an actual smile.

“If you’d like, we can take care of those for you,” Pauling said, gesturing at the bodies. “To pay you back for the carpet and the scare.”

“Sounds fair to me,” Montgomery agreed, clearly relieved.

-

“My dad’s gonna be pissed, by the way,” Normandy was so helpful as to say on the way back up the path to the base. “And you’re fielding that.”

“About the suit, or the fight?” she asked, glancing at his clothes where he was somewhat covered in a fine dusting of mud and grime from the gravedigging, shovel still in his free hand.

“Both. Mostly the fight. Your fault for saying it’d be an easy one to start with,” he said.

“If it was going to be that much of a problem, you wouldn’t have gotten this job. I’d just have made you go do dishes all day or something,” Pauling replied.

“Point taken,” he said, walking ahead to get the door, holding it open for her. “Wait, we’re allowed to mention what we do, right? Just not names?”

“Or locations, even with travel distance. Round up to the hour if it comes up,” she replied.

“Sure, sure,” he agreed, trailing a step behind her as she led the way through the base.

In the common area, there was a bit of a ruckus happening. Soldier, Heavy, and Demo appeared to be having some kind of arm wrestling competition on a rapidly-toppling table, the Engineer was on a stepstool trying to fix the ceiling fan, and Sniper appeared to be half-watching the beginnings of an argument between Pyro and the Spy regarding use of the oven as Medic patched up a burn on his arm.

“Hullo,” Sniper greeted the two of them, sounding a little bored, Medic giving them a brief, polite nod. Normandy’s eyebrows were raised pretty far as he surveyed the room.

“Hi, Sniper,” she greeted in return, then cleared her throat, raised her voice. “Team meeting in five minutes! New mission for next week!”

Groans from the room at large, the eight mercenaries starting to finish up what they were doing and filing out. Spy moved over, glancing over Normandy and starting to talk to him in rapid-fire French, picking smaller bits of gravel off of his suit as they walked.

“Alright,” she addressed the room, Normandy peeling off from getting mother hen’d by Spy to stand next to the blackboard with her. “Monday, you’re all going on a transport mission. Getting the truck from point A to point B with everything in the boxes intact. Already we’ve had to put up with some people trying to get ahold of these things, so bring your guns.”

“Oh, our guns, you said? Lads, this is a serious one, keep your heads on a feckin' swivel, she’s sayin’ we might even need guns, can you believe it?” Demo faux-gasped, and chuckled when Spy bopped him on the arm, rolling his eyes at the Scot's theatrics.

“Yeah, yeah,” she waved off, flipping through the papers a bit. “So Engie, I’ll need the keys to the truck, me and Normandy are going to be loading those tomorrow, all of you need to be at this drop point bright and early.”

“How early?” Heavy rumbled.

“Six. Hour and a half of drive from here.”

Some complaints from the room that she sighed at.

“Hey, hey, calm the hell down,” Normandy cut in, and she glanced over at him where he had his arms crossed and a stern look on his face. “You chuckleheads get to have all eight of you to unload the damn thing, me and Miss P gotta do all the rest of this on our own and probably kill twenty guys on the way there and back. She had to be up at 6 AM, workin’ since 7 AM, lunch break at noon and nothin’ else, and we just got back now at, what, fuckin’, 10, 11 PM? Any of you work her shift and then see if you even got the energy to complain about wakin’ up early, how about that?”

The room went utterly devoid of complaint or backsass. “Thank you, Normandy,” she said politely, and he just nodded once, glancing off to the side. “Anyways, anything new on this end? Spy, how are you adjusting?”

“Very well,” he said simply. “I have nothing pressing to say. Once I’ve been updated from the stock weaponry provided here to my requested preferred weaponry, I believe I should do just fine.”

“I see you already have Herr Normandy digging graves,” Medic chimed in. “Straight into the hard labor, ja?”

“Eh, hey, y’know, it’s why they keep us young people around,” he shrugged, grinning, and there was a brief uproar to drown out Medic’s entirely offended scoffing and Spy’s snort-laughing.

“Get ‘im, lad!” Demo cheered, and Normandy indeed looked fairly proud of himself.

“Monday, transport mission,” Pauling noted over the noise, writing it up on the chalkboard to hide her own smile from the room. “Normandy, you and me are doing the boxes tomorrow. Everyone on the same page? Good. Dismissed. Oh, and Pyro—stop taking the fire alarms down when they beep. They’re beeping because you light things on fire in the base. Do that outside.”

“Oh, hey, uh, helmet guy, All-American Beef,” Normandy called, and Soldier straightened up. “Here’s your shovel back. Gettin’ my own tomorrow.”


Soldier walked directly over to him, clasping a hand on his shoulder. “That’s a high honor, Cadet,” he said, tone grave. “Do not take this responsibility lightly.”

“I, uh, I won’t?” he said hesitantly, and blinked a few times as the shovel was carefully taken from him before it was promptly marched from the room in double-time. Only then did Normandy look over at her. “So he’s always like that?”

“You’ll get used to it,” she assured, dusting chalk from her hands. “You should get to sleep soon, we have to be up early.”

“Sure thing, Miss P.”

[sxfterhearts]

53. [4:07 pm]

➳ pairing: yugyeom x reader

➳ genre/warnings: fluff fluff fluff, baker!au, baker!yugyeom, exchange student!y/n

➳ word count: 2,040 words

➳ summary: “Sit down, I’ll get it.”

➳ author's note: rach-stop-mentioning-food-in-every-single-timestamp-challenge: failed. just the thought of baker!yugs and bread has me feeling all soft and gooey inside. which is why i whipped this one up! it has been a phat minut since i last wrote so yea :”) (also i should mention italicised are korean!!) regardless i hope this will help brighten up your day a little!! sending many warm hugs xx

//

Your phone screeched from its resting place on the other side of your room, signalling the start of your day. It was strategically placed atop your wooden, old-fashioned dresser, with the sole purpose of motivating you to get out of bed and turn the damn thing off.

With a groan, you stretched all four of your limbs, releasing a satisfied yawn as your joints popped after a good nights’ rest.

It was late afternoon. The rays of sunshine splattered deep orange and gold as it sneaked past the cracks the half-open blinds, painting your tiny studio apartment with lazy signs of life.

You dragged your sleep-ridden body to the dresser, still reluctant to start the day after what was an immensely taxing Friday night. Having just arrived in this bustling Korean city a mere two weeks ago, you were somewhat proud of yourself for landing a part-time job to support yourself when you started your semester of exchange. The only problem was, it happened to be a bartending job in a rowdier part of Seoul, commonly patronised by sleazy middle-aged men and their younger lady companions.

It wasn’t like you had much of a choice, anyways. Your Korean was still very much at an elementary level, which didn’t prove to be a hindrance in the bar you worked at. Most of the drinks were named in English, and the owner of the bar, a surprisingly kind, motherly lady in her sixties, paid you well above the minimum wage.

Still, it was your second Friday shift ever, and it clearly took its toll on you. Staring at your reflection in the bathroom mirror, you cringed. The eyebags under your eyes were so dark it could’ve easily been mistaken as a smoky-eye look gone wrong; your lips were awfully chapped and an alarming shade of red, while a few nasty pimples threatened to break through the surface of your skin.

In other words, you looked like a wreck.

Grabbing your phone, you checked the time. Ten minutes past four. Oh no, you winced internally. You were going to be very late if you didn’t leave your house in the next fifteen minutes. As though an internal switch flipped on, you turned the shower to full blast and stepped inside, sucking in your teeth as the cold water splashed against your skin.

In eight minutes flat, you were tugging on your beat-up sneakers and dashing for the elevator in your only pair of clean, non-alcohol-stained jeans and a plain white t-shirt that you conveniently picked off the pile of dry clothes on your sofa. You jammed the down button a couple of times, all while checking the time on your phone.

“Shit,” You cursed under your breath. 4:19. You couldn’t wait any longer.

Throwing all caution to the wind, you sprinted down the fire escape and did not stop for a single breath until you reached the final destination: a charming little bakery across the road from your apartment.

Rushing to the bakery just before closing time had become a habit for you. Amidst the chaos of moving and finding your feet in this new city, the bakery and its never-ending stream of patrons were your source of stability. Not only was it less busy and crowded during the evening, but it was also much easier for you to snag a couple of good bargains in the form of randomly-packaged, discounted breads.

The fact that the cute baker was the last one in store and in charge of closing up was just an added bonus.

//

A high-pitched, annoying chime broke him out of his daze. With a groan, Yugyeom straightened his slumped figure and stretched his arms above his head, releasing a satisfied sigh as his backbone cracked.

It was late afternoon. The rays of sunshine splattered deep orange and gold as it flooded through the drawn, white lacey curtains, painting his grandfather’s bakery with calm and relief; a peaceful conclusion. The end of daylight was drawing near.

He wiped a stray trail of saliva off the corner of his mouth before sucking on a mint. Checking the clock that hang above rack upon empty rack which usually contained baked goods, his palms inexplicably grew clammy.

4:27, Yugyeom mused. He shook his head to clear his spiralling thoughts. Keep it together, dummy. Just because she came the past few days doesn’t mean that she’ll come today too. She has her own life, her own friends, maybe even a boyfri-

Oh?

Just as his mind was about to veer off course and crash into the thorny garden of unrequited love, Yugyeom caught sight of a blurry figure at the corner of his eyes. Intrigued, he stood up straight and watched as you appeared in front of the bakery’s double doors. For a few seconds, you simply clutched your knees and huffed and puffed. Yugyeom could barely stop the shit-eating grin that split across his face and had to bite down hard on his bottom lip to avoid looking like a fool.

Then, you did the unexpected. From the back pocket of your jeans, you pulled out your lip balm and applied it on your lips, using the bakery’s glass window as a mirror. At that, Yugyeom threw his head back in a hysterical fit of laughter.

It was hard for him to explain the feeling in his chest, really. The first time you walked through the doors of the bakery, eyes twinkling with pure wonder and amazement as you browsed the array of baked goods like how a girl would admire a display of diamond rings, he was screwed. You captivated his interest as you fumbled for the right number of coins to pay for your discounted breads, tongue stuck out and head tilted adorably while doing so. He gave you, the damsel in distress, a helping hand, by laying all your coins out on the counter and ordering them from lowest to highest value. Probably not the most helpful of gestures, but Yugyeom liked to tell himself that he was performing his civic duty by welcoming a visitor of Korea through non-verbal currency explanations and an introduction to the locals’ favourite breads, pastries and drinks. That evening, the two of you sat on the high table by the window, slowly savouring melon breads, injeolmi toasts, ang butter or red bean butter breads and an assortment of cream cheese breads. While the breads were wonderfully fluffy and the sweetness was at an acceptable level, Yugyeom instructed you to wash it down with an iced Americano.

Since then, the mere thought of the bakery, going to the bakery, its breads and pastries, its drinks and Yugyeom coated your insides with sweetness. Admittedly, the reason why you kept visiting the bakery was to create more memories with Yugyeom and ride the amazing sugar rush you felt whenever you were around him.

After rearranging your hair for the nth time, you bravely pushed open the doors and walked in at 4:29pm.

“Hello!” You called out in Korean as you waved at him, a wide smile plastered on your lips. There was an obvious language barrier (you with your kindergarten-level Korean and him with his Game of Thrones-standard of English), but it wasn’t obvious. The two of you came up with creative ways to break it down.

“Hi Y/N! Sit down. I’ll get it.” Yugyeom answered in English, emerging from behind the counter with his trusty English-Korean dictionary and a matcha latte he prepared in anticipation of your arrival. He walked towards you with an air of confidence, reminding you of a model in a fashion show despite wearing his typical slacks and white button-up, with sleeves rolled up and cross drop-earrings adorning his ears. Yugyeom quickly set the items down before pulling out a chair, nodding towards it to encourage you to sit.

You muffled a giggle at his gentlemanly actions, but complied, nonetheless. You glanced over to the boy, sipping on the creamy drink as he retrieved two large plates from the cake fridge. Sure, the assortment of cakes should have been the main attraction, but your eyes drifted and settled on the stern look of concentration on his face and his prominent collarbones peeking out of his shirt. Unbuttoned, you assumed, as he was going to be off work soon.

You were halfway through the drink when Yugyeom returned to the table. He noticed this and didn’t pass up the opportunity to tease you about it. “Is it really good?”

“Thirsty. I just woke up.” You admitted, cheeks heating up in slight embarrassment.

Yugyeom’s wholehearted laughter filled the entire bakery.

“H-hey! Bad boy… Mean…”

“No, I…” Yugyeom stifled another round of laughter as he tried to pull himself together. “Cute. You wake up, come to see me in bread house.”

“Not ‘bread house’, ‘bakery’.”

“Ah, thank you. Bakery.” He tested the word on his lips, getting used to the pronunciation. “Bakery…”

“What are these?”

Yugyeom handed you a small cake fork while taking a seat. “Here. This plate is for tarts, and this one is for cakes. The tarts have the same filling – custard. But we use different fruits, like strawberries, berries, grapes and peaches. Whatever’s in season, really. Strawberries and cherry tarts are really popular in winter. Try some!” He reverted back in Korean whenever he was explaining, which was a great opportunity for you to pick up new vocabulary.

It was also a fantastic opportunity to try delicious pastries. You rotated through the entire plate painted in shades of pinks and green, taking a bite of each tart. Yugyeom just sat there, head in his palms, and admired the slight changes in your expression whenever you tried a new flavour. As creepy as it sounds, watching you eat the food he prepared was gradually becoming his favourite pastime.

“Cherry! That one is the best! It’s…” You quickly reached for the dictionary, softly muttering to yourself as you thumbed through the pages. “Here, acid. Acid, not too sweet. The strawberry one too.” Your eyes crinkled at their edges as they met his intrigued orbs, proudly smiling at yourself for learning a new word today.

“The word you’re looking for is ‘acidity’. ‘Acid’ is for chemistry.”

“Acidity?”

“Yes, that’s right.” Yugyeom reached over, his huge palm caressing the top of your head before ruffling your hair. You pouted and feigned annoyance, all while your heart squeezed and pounded away in your chest.

“Hey…” You protested weakly.

Yugyeom’s hand retreated. He placed it on the table, right next to your smaller ones. The distance between your hands taunted him; tempted him to close the gap and intertwine your fingers with his. Honestly, Yugyeom wasn’t used to this; wasn’t used to feeling like his insides were going to explode. His mouth opened and closed several times as he pondered his next move, wondering whether it would overstep your boundaries.

But then you stared at him in anticipation with your beautiful brown orbs, innocent and confused, as your lips wrapped around the straw of your matcha latte. Your gaze asked him an unspoken question, urging him on.

Yugyeom dragged your chair closer his, eliciting a high-pitched squeal from you. He rested both of his palms on top of your knees, gaining your full attention. “I like…” Yugyeom paused, catching his bottom lip between his pearly whites as the corners of his mouth tugged upwards. “I like this time with you.”

The soft giggle was purely involuntary, you swore to him afterwards. Yet, as you watched his expression flicker into one of panic, you were quick to cast out his worries. “No, no! Don’t get me wrong. Did you mean, you like spending time with me?”

“Ah, I was trying to be romantic. Stupid English…” Yugyeom cursed under his breath in Korean, unaware that you were familiar with the word ‘romantic’ due to the hours you spent (wasted) binging Korean dramas. “Yes, I do.” He said while squeezing your kneecaps in affirmation.

You had to remind yourself time and time again to keep calm in the presence of this charming man and his magical hands. “Me too, Yugyeom. You’re my favourite time of the day.”

Needless to say, your afternoon ritual continued for weeks and months to come.

[jocazep]

In the Whole Wide Train | Chapter 11

Pairing: Curtis Everett x Reader (Jo, OFC), slight Edgar x Reader

Warnings: Major spoilers for SNOWPIERCER, dystopian society and its countless problems, mentions of forced abortions, language, violence, deaths, slow burn, eventual smut

Synopsis: Having grown up in the Front Sections of the Snowpiercer, you venture down the train when a rare opportunity presents itself, but the excursion quickly changes flavor when you arrive in the Tail Section.

A/N: Sooooo it's been a while... mainly because I didn't want to write the inevitable [SPOILER] of a certain character...but alas, the fanfic must go on. So here we go again...

Taglist: Now closed

Series Masterlist

Chapter 11 - Breaking Bread

“I forgot to ask,” you reached out to grab Curtis’ right arm as the gang shuffled along the green aisles of the garden section.

“What?” Curtis was too busy looking at the overwhelming plants, trees, and vegetables that he thought had long been extinct in the world. It was a beautiful sight, you had to admit, especially compared with the monotone bleakness of the tail section. So beautiful that when Namgoong opened the door, everyone’s eyes, with the sole exception of Mason’s, lit up as this unimaginable paradise was presented to them.

“That little scar on your forearm--”

“It’s nothing--” you felt his arm stiffen beneath your hand, his left hand involuntarily scratching the coat over the position of the scar. To be honest, you could barely remember what it looked like anyway. In the heat of passion last night, your eyes caught a long, even line near the elbow that looked more like the remnant of a precision surgery than a battle scar.

“All right, keep your mysterious cool guy aura then,” The scar piqued your interest, but you decided against pushing for an answer--there will be time after the matter at hand... You grabbed tighter onto his arm, tip-toeing to place your lips near his ear and whisper, “Tease.”

Curtis turned around, surprised. You didn’t need to forego all the fun, right?

“No, no, no don’t eat that--” a worker reached out to Tanya, who had picked up a tomato.

“It’s OK, just a tomato.” You calmed the worker down, rolling up your sleeve, “Here use my credit.” The worker took out the scanner, still hesitant, but obliged you. A small beep sounded and you were on your way.

“What was that?” It was Curtis’ turn to be curious.

“Well up front we have this thing called currency--” you joked, but the sight ahead distracted your audience.

You had come to the aquarium section.

Moments later, the eight of you were sitting along the sushi bar, staring at the plates of exquisite raw fish in front of you.

“So, sushi.“ Tanya took up her serving and popped it into her mouth.

“You people are lucky! This is only served twice a year, January, and July,” Mason decided this was a good time to open her mouth.

“Why, not enough fish?” Tanya quibbed dryly, as a massive manta flowed overhead.

“Enough isn’t the criterion,” You absent-mindedly took over the conversation from Mason as you poured the soy-sauce for your toro nigiri, “It’s balance--”

You lift your head to put back the soy-sauce, only to realize everyone to your right was looking your way, waiting for you to finish your thought.

“What about balance?” Curtis, sitting to your left, asked.

You whipped your head back, a quick moment as you looked at the man--he will need to know sooner or later, right?

“Be...because of that--” you pointed to the whiteness outside, the remnants of a metropolis whipping past, “the only way this aquarium was going to survive, was by becoming a closed ecological system. The number of individual units must be very closely, precisely controlled in order to maintain the proper, sustainable balance.”

“Like so many other things on this train.”

You passed a stern look to Mason, who was bitterly fiddling with the iron around her wrists.

“Whoever designed this got really lucky then,” Namgoong commented.

“Oh no, back in the first year my--” you caught yourself before the word “father” slipped out, “my friends told me they had to get rid of the fish that couldn’t fit into the food chain...”

“What, the restaurant served exclusively fish?” Curtis could almost hear Edgar’s ranting in his ear.

“Some,” You picked at the wasabi, smearing it on your sushi, “a lot of them got made into taxidermies for posterity...” It was only after the room became quiet that you realized you misspoke, “I’m sorry...It was...”

“It’s all right, it’s what actually happened,” Curtis put his arm on your shoulder, pulling you closer towards him.

You couldn’t let it go that easily of course. Remember your surroundings, you were bothered that your father’s voice rang up in your head. But the truth was you probably needed a reminder, after such a long time with the revolters, it’s easy to forget what you were really here for. Better now than later.

But it seemed the meal was just destined to go awry--no sooner had Mason picked up her chopsticks, than Curtis pulled on the chain, jerking the tools out of Mason’s control.

“No,” Curtis palmed out a protein bar, waving it in front of Mason, “You eat this. Know what it’s made of?”

Mason took it up, and threw a quick look at you, only to realize you had pre-empted her by turning your attention to Yuna sitting to your right.

“Curtis my friend, this seems uncalled for--“

“I’m not your friend, and this is 100% called for.”

”Would I be your friend if I had classified information about Wilford?“

Uh-oh. You forced yourself to turn your head--naturally and slowly--towards Curtis and Mason, “Curtis...” You lay your hand on his, and shook your head.

You could swear you saw his nostrils flare up a little, “We have had to eat this for, hell you have had to eat this for--”

“But isn’t the point of the revolt--”

“The point,” Curtis wriggled his hand from underneath yours, and flung the protein bar at Mason, “is to make them pay for what they did to us--”

“Make them pay? Weren’t we fighting for equal quality--“

“Not after what they did to Edgar--”

“How is degrading Mason any help?”

“At least I’ll sleep a little better knowing I made one front-sectioner get a taste of their own medicine.”

The words hung like leaden rings in the air, reverberating through your spine. Mason looked on, unsure how to react.

“Well,” after a long while, you finally opened your mouth, “then let that be me instead.”

Curtis, like everyone else, was taken aback. They watched as you reached out, switching the protein bar with your own sushi serving.

“Jo, that’s not what Curtis meant...” Tanya tried to diffuse the situation, but you ignored her, biting down on the brownish jelly, forcing the rubbery morsels down your throat. It tasted even worse than you remembered.

When you couldn’t stomach any more of the protein bar, you stuffed the rest in your pocket, got to your feet, and walked to the far end of the aquarium.

Curtis made a move to follow you, but Tanya stopped him, “let her blow off a little steam.” Curtis nodded, still hesitant, his eyes trailing your footsteps as they quickened the closer you moved towards the restroom.

Yuna ran past, intent on following you, but was met with the slamming of the steel door in her face. She looked back at Curtis and company, a little confused and hurt.

On the other side of the door, you were puking your guts out, eyes welling up, nose running. It wasn’t just the thought of eating protein extracted from millions of locusts that turned your stomach--the little clash had brought a stern reality check in your head: this is a revolt, and whatever the original intent, if Curtis and Co succeed, there will be suffering and chaos before any sort of balance is reached.

Guess the old man was pretty perceptive after all...you thought as you finally straightened up, wiping your face with water, trying to recall what your father had planned in case the revolt went further than the water section, only to realize Wilford had actively excluded you from that conversation.

You were wondering if he had predicted your eventual realization of the irreconcilable conflict between your visions of change and those of the revolt when a gentle knock sounded at the door. You checked your face in the mirror, forcing an air of nonchalance—you don’t want Curtis to think you had been crying, even if it was just from nausea.

“Are you OK?” It was Yuna’s voice coming through the door.

Eyes dropping a little, you pulled opened the door, “yeah, just nature calling. What’s up?”

Yuna raised the same wrinkled notebook page, pointing at the pencil-colored steel drawers.

“Yes we’ve been through this—“ Yuna pushed the paper closer to you, forcing you to take a closer look. There were shallow indents on the page, remnants of your notes when you made your way down the train.

Oh god. You panicked as you scrambled to remember what you might have written on those pages.

“Yuna, listen—“

“Guys, c’mon, we are moving onto the next section.” Tanya called out.

You nodded in her direction, and looked down at Yuna, “we’ll revisit this?” Yuna put the paper back into her pocket and followed you to join the gang.

As the two of you approached, Curtis tried to find your eyes. He wished he could say that he didn’t mean what he said, but he knew you saw the truth behind the hot-blooded words. Years of oppression had created a beast within him, and it was easy to hate the front-sectioners when they were faceless beings living in his head, or the pompous Mason. But now...

To be honest he had stopped thinking of you as a front-sectioner since well before your passionate evening together. Which makes it all the more frustrating when you chose to remind him of the undeniable fact, stirring awake the beast he thought he had put to sleep. He knows it’s not your fault—you were barely out of school when you boarded the train. And it is terribly difficult for him to imagine the courage it took for you to side with him against your family and friends—goodness he had never thought about that before. Do you still have family in the front--

His train of thought came to a grinding halt as you walked past him, determined not to look at him. Curtis felt his brows furrow further, and jerking the chain, pulled Mason forward.

“Curtis my friend, could we dispense with the chains for the next section?”

“Why?” A half-distracted answer from Curtis as he watched you push the door open with Namgoong and Grey, heading into the freezer section.

“Well, for the sake of the young, the children--“ Mason was barely finished with her sentence when you walked over, taking off your overcoat and draping it over her cuffs.

”What do you think you’re doing?“ Curtis didn’t sound too pleased.

“It’s the school section next,” you said as you strode to the front of the procession again, “kids shouldn’t be a part of this.”

The silence game between you and Curtis continued throughout the freezer section please, you walking at the front, him trailing in the back with Mason. You started fidgeting as you walked past the racks of beef and frozen chickens—maybe giving Mason your coat wasn’t such a great idea. But you were not going to give Curtis the satisfaction, so you did the only thing you could do, walk faster.

“Hey, spoiled lady, wanna slow the fuck down?” Namgoong never actually learned your name, which doesn’t really make a difference to your really...

“Sorry, I’m just not very good with cold.” You said as you slowed your steps until you were in the same footing as the disheveled security specialist.

“Then you’re fucked in this world.”

You couldn’t help but chuckle, “yeah guess I am...” Then you remembered something, “Why does the Yekaterina Bridge mean so much to you?”

“What?”

“I saw you looking for something through the windows when everyone was hanging on for dear life. Must have been pretty important to you...”

A moment of silence as Namgoong stopped his steps. You kept your eyes on him, waiting for an answer. He let out a sigh, raising a hand, “you wanna swipe your implant to open the door, or should I?”

You turned your head—and see the door at the end of the section.

When the rest of the company finally caught up to you and Namgoong, Curtis noticed your fidgeting hands as they raised up to unlock the door, the fingertips showing just a tiny hint for blue. With Mason in tow, he strode up to you, taking your hand before you could retract it.

“Wh—“

“You’re freezing,” Curtis said as the lively noise of children hit you like a heatwave. Bright colors assaulted your eyes and saccharin songs flowed through the concrete doors.

“I’m fine,” you replied, your hand twitching within his grasp, but not quite withdrawing it.

“Look, I feel like an asshole for earlier...” Curtis took a pause as the rest of the company shuffled past into the school section. A pregnant lady led the children in chorus as an educational, semi-propaganda introduction of the train was blaring on the TV at the moment. Thank god you were too old for this when you first boarded.

When it was once again just the two of you hovering at the entrance, Curtis continued, “Here take my coat—” He moved to shrug off his tattered coat, but you stopped him.

“Sure this front-sectioner has had enough taste of her own medicine?”

“C’mon, I don’t think of you as a front—“

That’s not exactly what you were hoping to hear.

“But I am one,” you said as you pulled your hand free, his fingers leaving visible prints on yours, “and up to a month ago, everyone in my life is one too.”

”But now you’re with us—”

“There should be no ‘us’ or ‘them’, that’s kind of the point of all this jazz, Curtis.”

Curtis just blinked at you. You could see the idea behind your words not quite computing within his mind, a mind that had always lived in the darker part of a dichotomy. And a part of your resolution melted away.

“Let’s do this another time,” You laid one hand on his, urging him to put his coat back on.

“Sure you’re ok without the coat?”

“I’ll survive. My blood is still raging hot from our fight earlier.” Curtis was a little bummed at your joking dismissal of his concern, but he knew there was no use pushing you.

“Children, let’s say hello to our guests from the tail section...” To her credit, the pregnant teacher kept her countenance as she took in the group of torn coats and ragged shoes filing past her, Tanya and Andrew getting their grease-stained fingers on a student’s face every once in a while when they thought he resembled their sons.

“Today is the first day of the new year, so we have a special little treat,” the teacher said as a well-dressed, clean-shaven Gerald walked in, to everyone’s surprise.

Amidst murmurs of “Is that Gerald?”, your eyes glazed over, thinking about his wife back in the tail section and her broken hand. And your resolution crumbled further—surely the train could have made room for one more violinist? A cloudy silhouette of the previous violinist took form in front of your eyes—was she the first chair of the Viennese Philharmonic? You couldn’t quite recall, except for the fact that she played at the weekly fete.

You were so lost in thought, and music, to have noticed Egghead walking down the aisle, handing each child a New Year’s celebratory egg.

And then, came the most traumatic three minutes of your life.

Taglist: @torntaltos @emmalbg @ajosieface

[xmalereader]

Mob! Mandalorian X Male Reader

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|| Masterlist ||

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Summary: Male Reader is the husband of the most powerful Mob leader located in the outer rim. ( Slight moderation )

Warnings: Fluff, husbands, semi-violence, protective Mando, baby yoda.

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Art work belongs to artist

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He was traveling to Sorgan, meeting up with some old friends and staying in a small village where one of his friends was staying. He earned this vacation, he’s been working his ass off everyday at the repair shop and he deserves to relax for awhile so he decided to close up his place for a couple of days and spend them in Sorgan.

A very lovely country side located far away from Nevarro where he could rest away his troubles. But of course his bad luck always caught up to him, he was helping some of the villagers with repairing their own homes when all of a sudden a group of three men were walking around. Searching for him, of course.

The smaller male could easily recorgnize the hint of blue and red helmets, as the small group made there way through the crowded village. The other could only groan under his breath as he climbs down the ladder and wipes his hands on his pants, turning around to approach the strangers.

“Paz.” He muttered out, glaring at the larger man.

“Y/n.” Paz says back with a small nod.

The mandalorians are considered to be one the most dangerous mobs. It was easy to tell who these people were since they were always wearing helmets to keep their faces hidden and wearing very expensive suits that could only make them look attractive.

“The boss wants to see you.”

His brows rose at the mention of their boss. “I’m sorry—I didn’t hear you, what?” He blinks a few times and crossed his arms.

Paz was one of the most important mandalorians to their boss, he was larger and stronger which was a good thing for them since they needed that strength for when it came to fights between different groups and he was considered as the second in command in case anything were to happen to their leader.

“He doesn’t have time for your games, he wants you to return.” Said Paz, his voice going stern as the other two mandalorians that stood by his sides stiffen.

Y/n could only glare at them, he knows not to mess with Paz but he’s known him long enough. Not feeling afraid around him anymore, “Well you and your little minions can go back to your ‘boss’—“ he air quotes. “And tell him that he can come pick me up himself, once my vacation ends!” He exclaims.

Under the helmet, Paz was giving him one of his most deadliest glares but of course y/n couldn’t tell but he could sense it. The tension between the two was deadly so Paz simply sighs and relaxes his shoulders. “Very well then.” He says and turns around, gesturing for the other two Mandalorians to follow him back to the car.

Y/n watches the group disappear into their car and ride off, allowing him to sigh in relief. “I am not letting him ruin my vacation.” He hissed out ans grabs a rag, heading back up the ladder and onto the roof top of one of the homes.

“Ah—,y/n?”

He looks Over the roof to see his friend standing at the bottom with a nervous look on her face.

“Yes, Lang?”

He crawls over to sit on the edge of the roof, looking down at her as she bites her lip.

“Y/n, those mandalorians—they—they knew who you were...” she twiddles with her thumbs. “You aren’t in trouble are you?” She finally asks getting his attention as y/n chuckles. “Don’t worry, I’m not in trouble or anything. Everything is fine just, trust me okay?” He reassures her with a wave of his hand.

“Okay, I’m trusting you with this but if you are in trouble—“

“I’m not.” He says again, ending the conversation as she nods silently and goes back inside the house to finish what she was doing.

Y/n huffs as he leans back and looks around the village, he just hopes that his ‘boss’ doesn’t come back by and ruin his vacation, along with scaring these poor villagers who he deeply carried about, they were like his second family and he wasn’t going to allow some Mob hurt them.

He had spent the rest of the day fixing up his friends roof, he was sweating and dirty. He was in desperate need of a shower and rest.

“You should sleep, the sun is already setting so stay in bed and I’ll pass by and leave you something to eat.” Said Lang as she dusts off his shirt and giggles. Y/n could only groan and rub his sore neck, “You sure you don’t my hell with anything else?”

“Y/n you came here to take a break, not to work.” Said Lang as she hands him some clean clothes. “Go wash up and sleep, you deserve it and then tomorrow we can head into town and buy some of your favorite sweets.” This gets his attention and hums. “Sounds good, we’ll then I’ll see you tomorrow.” He says his goodbyes and heads towards his own lodge.

He’s had his own little space for years since he’s traveled back and forth to Sorgan many times that the village had actually made him his own place to stay in so that he wouldn’t have to share with Lang anymore.

He didn’t mind sharing really, but the villagers thought it would be appropriate for Lang to have her own space since she was a lady but he wasn’t interested in her in that way. They’ve been childhood friends since he can remember, she was like a sister to him. He grew up without knowing his parents and was an orphan for awhile until the mandalorians took him in.

They took notice of him when one of their Mandalorian entered his repair shop, asking him if he knew anything about repairing weapons which he responded back with a small ‘yes’, only to get hismelf involved with a gang located further out into the outer rim.

Since he was taken in by them he didn’t really take their oath. Keeping their faces hidden in public and only being allowed to show themselves to their families and spouses, the mandalorians are the most intimidating people to ever come across, their helmets always giving off a harsh tension since no one could ever tell what they were thinking or what expression they were making.

The mandalorians had their own blacksmith, she was always standing tall next to their leader, giving off a scary vibe since everyone found her intimidating. She was the brains of the mob, always making them new specials weapons and gifting them with signets—unless they earned it.

But y/n wasn’t afraid of them, all of his life he grew up around fear that he’s gotten used to it. So when he went up against those three mandalorians he wasn’t afraid. Already being used to their threats and postures, he was used to it all.

As y/n enters his lodging he tosses the spare clothes on his bed and turns on a lamp by the nightstand, yawning tiredly as he moves around the small place. He makes his way towards the shower room and began to strip out of his clothes, leaving a trail of dirty and work out trousers behind as he stumbles inside the shower and turns on the cold water.

Letting out a deep sigh as he lets the cold water cool down his burning hot skin. He was standing out in the sun for too long, he must’ve gotten a tan from standing out there. He makes sure to clean hismelf properly, getting rid of all the dirt and sweat that had gathered around his body.

It’s takes him awhile to finish his shower. He had dried hismelf and changed in the shower room so when he came out his hair was still damp and the towel was wrapped around his neck as he uses the towel to dry up his hair.

His window was opened, allowing the cool air to breeze inside. He felt much more relaxed and comfortable now that he was cleaned and dressed into comfortable clothes, it took him awhile to notice the tray of food left on his desk, smiling in gradatiude at the small gesture that Lang has done.

He takes the tray and sits on his bed, taking out a book he flipping it open as he reads the book and ears at the same time. He allows the tiredness to take over him as he sets the empty tray aside and sets his book down on the nightstand before turning off the lights and falling asleep on his bed. He was comfortable and finally relaxed.

The next day he decides to sleep in a little longer since he has no work and would rather have a late start than an early one. He was gripping his bedsheets close to his body when he feels a slight dip in his mattress, causing him to open one eye and raise a brow in questioning as a current pair of big ears catch his attention.

It takes him a few seconds to process the situation.

The child was standing in front of him with a goofy smile on his face, his ears moving up in surprise as he reached out and pats one of his cheeks.

“Kid?” He moans out tiredly as the child responds back with a coo.

“What are you doing here?” He finally sits up, taking the child in his arms and setting him down on his lap. “How did you get here exactly? People are probably searching for you and are probably dead worried!” He says as the child ignores his words and snuggles his face into his stomach, cooing happily as his little hands grip his shirt.

Y/n sighs softly. He can’t be mad at the kid, he was innocent and had done nothing wrong he was still a kid and had attachment issues.

“I missed you too.” He finally whispers out and lies back down, allowing the child to lie down on top of his chest as he snuggles further into him.

Y/n was so distracted into the child’s actions that he didn’t hear a pair of shoes stepping inside his lodging.

“He really missed you.”

He gasps in surprise and is startled by the sudden voice. He sits up and faces to entrance where a currency Mandalorian stood, he was wearing his beskar helmet and a nice three piece thay actually showed off muscle.

“What are you doing here?”

“I should be the one asking that.” Mando approaches the two and stands in front of his bed with crossed arms, his body Langauge giving off a scary vibe but of course y/n wasn’t afraid. Instead of back down he sits up and groans, “Why didn’t you tell me that you were here? I had to search the whole grid to make sure that you weren’t dead—“

“For your information I left a note on your desk, saying that I was going to be gone all week, now did you get my note?” Y/n shot back as he stands up from his bed and holds the child close to his chest, hearing him coo in delight as he’s facing the two people he likes most.

The Mandalorian was silent for a few seconds, staring into y/n’s eyes before letting out a defeated sigh. “No.”

Y/n smacks him behind the beskar helmet, glaring. “So next time, don’t come yelling at me!” He hears the child giggle at the two and clings onto Y/n’s shirt.

“You just disappeared!”

“I left a note!” He hisses out.

“AHH!!” The child screams out , joining in the argument as he bursts out into fits of laughter. The couple stopped their complaining and looked down at the child to see him smiling at the two. Y/n sighs in defeat as he stares into the child’s big dark eyes. “Okay,” He whispers out. “No more fighting—next time ill tell you were I end up going, personally.” He tells the mandalorian.

Mando smiles under the helmet and nods. “Good.” He says.

Y/n smiles too and sets the kid down who was wiggling and desperate to be set down, he watches as the child heads outside. Spotting the playing children as he waddles away after them.

The two stand outside the lodge, y/n still in his sleeping clothes and with bed hair. “You should leave him here with me, ill by back tomorrow morning since you can’t seem to be away from me for too long.” He teases the mob leader as he watches the child play with the other children that lived around the village.

“You sure?”

“I’m sure, we’ve been taking care of him together for a couple of years now.” Said Y/n

Mando lets out a small chuckle and walks over to y/n, pressing his forehead against the other, the cool material of the helmet makes him sigh in relief. Taking in the kiss that his own people have created. “You better be home by tomorrow.” He hears the mandalorian say.

Y/n rolls his eyes and pulls away. “I already said that I would.” He shoves him in a teasing manner as the mandalorian shakes his head as his shoulders shook from the small laugh. “Also I better not see any of your guys roaming around the place or else I’ll kill them.” Y/n warns him.

“I’ll make sure not too.”

With that the mandalorian bids his farewell and heads towards his own ride, getting inside as he drives away from teh village. Y/n watches the car disappear into the distance, smiling softly and turns back to see the child standing next to him. Whining a little as he tugs on his pants. “Don’t worry little guy, will be seeing daddy tomorrow morning. So, for now you are spending the night with me.” He bends down to pick him up.

The child squeals happily at the news and nuzzles his cheeks.

His best friend slowly approaches him after a few minutes. “Wasn’t that their leader? Y/n, what did you do this time?” Asked Lang as she crossed her arms in disapproval. Y/n turns to face his friend and laughs. “I did nothing wrong, besides they wouldn’t hurt their leaders husband.”

“Oh.” It takes her five seconds to realize what he just said. “What—Husband?!”

[fanficsforheartandsoul]

The Bounty | [Fem!Twi’lek!Reader x Din Djarin] | The Mandalorian

Notes: This will get a 3rd part which will probably be the last one. It took a little longer since I had so many fanfics in my drafts and I just added stuff when I was in the mood but I still hope you enjoy it :) Also If you don’t play Star Wars: The Old Republic you might not have realized it in the first part, but Eli is a Miraluka. What this species can do will be revealed here or you just google it I guess xD

Fandom: Star Wars, The Mandalorian

Warnings: Swearing, Violence, Some Angst, Original Characters, Longing, Slight OOC

Summary: Din Djarin and Y/N, the smuggler meet again, but their circumstances do not benefit the relationship Din wishes they could have.

Word Count: 5534

Once again, the Reader is a Twi’Lek!

Part I

________

Months went by and their journey continued on. His and the child's. They traveled across the galaxy, landing on desert planets, hiding on moons, hunting a bounty here and there even though he wanted to stop, and more often than not they had to flee in a hurry.

It was the same old routine. The only thing that changed was that Din couldn't go to sleep right away. The occurrence wasn't rare at all but now he didn't stay up because of his insomnia, or bad memories which would haunt his dreams.

He laid awake in his cot, the child on his chest and all he could think about were those mesmerizing eyes. It felt like a joke. He had met her only once and the time they spent together had been less than 3 hours but he still got swept off his feet. He wouldn't admit it, he couldn't. If he told Cara that a random smuggler was able to catch his heart she would probably laugh out loud and say something like: "I knew you were a big softie."

But he couldn't stop thinking about Y/N. The way her eyes had lit up when she laughed, how she swayed slightly with her hips when she walked. The way her clothes complimented her figure. There was a burning in his heart, a longing, and Din felt shame for thinking about a woman he barely knew in such an intimate manner. He tried to tell himself that he only felt that way because he was starving for affection and body contact, and anybody would do but his heart told him otherwise.

He tried to busy himself, tried to forget her or that she ever existed and it seemed to work, at least a little until fate appeared like it wanted to torment him.

They met again. But as things seemed to always go wrong for him, she was his bounty. And he was supposed to bring her in cold.

-

“The fuck do you think you’re doing, Kecha?”

Y/N stabbed his hand with her knife. The Delphidian cried out in pain and tried to grab her wrist but she warned him with a glare. His bodyguards pointed their blasters at her, even so, the Twi’Lek didn’t react.

“I told you I won’t give you shit if you can’t pay the full price!” 

She twisted the knife in his wound and he groaned. His pitiful state satisfied her anger a little and she jerked her knife out of his hand. Kecha pulled his hand back and used his robe to stop the bleeding. Slowly, she sat down again and leaned back in her seat, her eyes not leaving his hunched figure. Since their boss didn’t say anything his gang members lowered their weapons.

“We had a bad month, Y/N, I can only pay the amount I have here...”, he stopped and pointed to the credits laying on the table, "but I can pay you in another currency."

The smuggler wiped her blade clean with a cold expression. 

"I'm not interested in slaves, you should know that." 

The pirate boss nodded, of course, he knew. She had almost split his skull once for offering her a male Twi'Lek slave. 

He hesitated and then waved one of his boys over. He whispered a few words in his ear while Y/N watched him with a wary look. The pirate left to get something and returned some seconds later with a bounty puck and a tracking fob. She narrowed her eyebrows. Somehow she had a bad feeling. 

"This puck was in the possession of a Duros we encountered a week ago." 

He didn't need to explain how their encounter ended, the green blood on the device told enough. He activated the puck and Y/N's expression darkened instantly when she recognized her own face with Wanted written in Basic underneath. Her right hand traveled to her hips where her blasters were located. 

“So what now? You wanna kill me?” 

The Delphidian shook his head and she relaxed slightly. Nonetheless, her hand rested on her gun.

“Of course not, you’re a valuable business partner.” 

Y/N snorted but her eyes looked unamused. She grabbed the tracking fob and activated it. The beeping was obnoxiously loud and fast. Well, its quarry was holding it after all. The thought of someone putting up a bounty for her worried her more than Kecha probably imagined. Her demeanor was unfazed but unease claimed her heart. 

“Anything else you found out?”

The pirate boss nodded and rubbed the sweat from his forehead, pain was clearly visible in his eyes. The fact that he didn’t lash out at her for injuring him showed their unusual bond. After all, they had been partners for years. She started to feel a little guilty for hurting him but she would never admit it. 

“They want you dead. 300′000 credits for your cold body.” 

His voice had a worried undertone and the Twi’Lek paused. So many credits for her? The amount was intimidating and she wondered who the rich stranger was, who wanted to pay so much for her death.

“Wait, why would they - whoever wants me dead - hire the bounty hunter’s guild for this? This sounds more like a job for an assassin.”

Kecha shrugged his shoulders. 

*I don’t know but if I were you I would lay low for a while.”

Y/N let out a small laugh. 

“You know I can’t do that. Business is everything and I can’t lose any customers.”

The Delphidian frowned but she couldn’t tell if it was because of his wound. He used his uninjured hand to push the credits on the table towards her then he leaned back and let one of his henchmen give him a cloth to wrap around his hurt hand.

She took the credits and put them in a bag attached to her hip. She also grabbed the puck and deactivated the tracking fob. The smuggler stood up and walked over to the spice containers she brought him. With quick fingers, she unlocked all of them and deactivated the lock feature. When she turned around to see if he was satisfied, she noticed Kecha’s troubled expression. Her eyes softened.

“Don’t worry, I won’t get killed that easily. I can defend myself just well.” 

He sighed and replied with an annoyed undertone:

“I know, you don’t have to remind me.” 

Y/N turned her lips into a grin and she grabbed something in her bag and then threw it to him when she turned around to leave. Kecha caught the bacta patch and smiled. 

“Thanks, Cap.”

She waved dismissively and left the room. No one followed her and she walked back to the Icarus. The moment the door closed behind her, the corner of her lips dropped. How would she get out of this mess? A bounty for her head? That was something new and Y/N she didn’t like it. 

-

If Din had known who exactly he had to find he wouldn’t have taken the tracking fob. But that was the problem; he didn’t know. He didn’t receive the bounty from the guild, obviously not, after all, he left them behind. He got the job from a fellow on Taris while staying there. They needed supplies but he realized that they were short on money. 

So he left the child on the Razor Crest - his heart clenched in worry but they needed food desperately and when he watched how the ramp of his ship closed, his child looked at him as if he understood. 

It hadn’t really been his plan to do a bounty, he wanted to leave the profession behind because he needed to care for a baby but it was the quickest way to get good money. 

Only once more, was his thought when he received the tracking fob. Neither did he know who put the bounty up nor who he had to hunt, but it was more than a guild traitor could ask for so he didn’t complain. He would get the money from his informant, he would make sure of that.

The beeping was slow and all he knew was the last location of his bounty and the fact that he should bring it in could but he didn’t let himself get discouraged. It had been the same with the baby and he found the little womp rat so he didn’t worry too much. Since he had one crucial information, the person he was about to hunt, was a notorious smuggler. Which meant he needed to be careful with his approach.

The first thing that went through his head when he heard that was, of course, Y/N. Stars, that woman stole his heart and he let her. Why was he so careless? With the cock of his blaster, he chased the beautiful Twi’Lek out of his mind and left the cantina.

He bought a rusty but still functioning speeder with the last of his credits and set off. He had no destination in mind, he just drove around to see where the tracking fob would start to beep louder. 

He saw the remains of a city void of any intelligent life, fragments of former wars and battles. Nature took back what once was hers and the beauty of how she did it, made him pause. Would he be able to settle down in a quiet place like this? 

It made him wonder why this was the first thing that crossed his mind but after seeing so much violence and death in his life, dying like a warrior seemed less desirable for him. 

Peace and quiet, a goddamn second for him to take a breather and an evening where the child could eat and sleep without any disturbance was a wish that resonated deep within his soul. Maybe he got old. But he wasn’t old enough yet to not hear how the fob’s beep turned louder. 

He stopped the speeder and jumped off. In a radius of 10 meters, he walked around it and listened to any change in the rhythm of the device. He needed to head north. The beep was not fast enough yet so he mounted the speeder again and continued to drive towards his bounty. What he didn’t realize, he wasn’t the only person who listened to his tracking fob.

-

“You sure it’s going to work out fine? You have a bounty on your head now...” 

Eli voiced his concerns and she sighed. Of course, she knew, but as she had already told Kecha, her customers weren’t waiting and business was important. She couldn’t stop now, not when she almost got enough money to save her.

“It’ll be alright. This will be the last deal for a few months, okay? We can lay low for a while after this.”

His expression showed how he wasn’t exactly pleased with her answer but she ignored it and once again checked her datapad. It was almost time for her customer to show up. 

She could understand his worry. Not only did the deal happen in a location where they would be presented on a silver tablet to any enemy, but they also didn’t have back-up like usual. But she had had no choice. The customer wanted it like that. And she wouldn’t dare anger a Hutt. Especially not him.

Y/N licked her lips and realized how dry her throat was. She decided to grab something to drink from her backpack, which laid in the shade next to the containers with the spice and their speeders. She had just drunk a few sips when a speeder approached. 

“That must be the announcer”, remarked Eli and his head turned to the direction from which the approaching person came. She laughed.

“Well, Taro always had a flair for the dramatics. Announcing your arrival, does he believe he’s royalty?”

Her mocking tone caused the Miraluka to smile and she raised her voice when the roar of the speeder engine came to a stop a few meters away. Eli shifted and gasped. Was the announcer so ugly? She grinned.

“What a nice day isn’t it?”, she turned on her heel, “For a deal with spi-”

Their eyes met. Actually no, her eyes and his T-shaped visor met. Her breath hitched. She recognized the armor immediately. It had some more scratches and traces of blaster shots but she had dreamed about it so many times that she just knew.  “It’s time for us to leave. Thank you for your hospitality.” The flutter in her chest from that day returned. What... What is he doing here?

Her eyes traveled to the thing in his hand that beeped obnoxiously. Oh.

Y/N raised her head and stared at his visor again. A bitter grimace crossed her face. Both of them exhaled slowly, almost painfully.

“Shit.”

-

Din’s mind was a mess. How was it possible that the person who stole his heart suddenly appeared before him like this? Oh, Mand’alor, how could fate be so cruel? His bounty was her companion?! How could he kill him, what was his name - Eli, who traveled with her and obviously meant much to Y/N? 

He felt slightly dizzy from the storm inside his head and all he could do was curse. When she said the same thing as him, his heart clenched and he almost let out a breathy laugh. This situation was the worst. 

“So we meet again.”

Y/N started talking first and her voice was as melodious he remembered. Her e/c eyes were filled with something that caused his heartbeat to quicken and he was once more thankful that she wasn’t able to see his face. This way she couldn’t see what she did to him. His cheeks and ears were burning and he prayed that his voice regulators weren’t sensitive enough to pick up his quick breathing. 

While he seemed to have completely forgotten what the tracking fob in his hand meant for both him and the other two, the Twi’lek continued to speak with an ugly grimace on her beautiful face.

“This isn’t exactly how I imagined we’d meet again, Mando.” 

He realized how her hand landed on the blaster on her right hip. The gesture was like a bullet to his heart. Did she seriously believe he would do something to her friend? The thought didn’t cross him when the storm in his mind continued raging. Of course he was worrying about the child and the money but still. No way.

“I- It’s good to see you again, Y/N”, he replied lamely.

He wanted to tell her so many things but it looked like his brain had a short circuit. The woman’s grip tightened around her weapon but she didn’t point it at him. Her smile was still bitter and his heart seriously ached from seeing the frown.

“I don’t know if it’s really good. I see you’re here for the bounty. So what now?”

Her hostility was clearly audible in her voice and Eli stepped beside her as if he wanted to protect the smuggler. The way his hand touched her shoulder so casually made jealousy flare up in him. Were they together? This possibility struck him like lightning. He never even thought about it that the stunning woman could already have someone in her heart. 

Actually, he didn’t even know what he thought. All he ever daydreamed about was holding her close. Seeing her laugh, watching how her charming eyes light up because of something that he said. 

Okay, truthfully he had also had some rather... impure thoughts about her but that was when his mind wandered late at night when he wasn’t able to sleep at all and the snores of his child couldn’t help him to doze off. 

But that wasn’t the point. The point was that he never actually imagined meeting her again much less, what he would say to her. He groaned because of his own stupidity. On what cloud had he been floating?

“Y/N, this doesn’t seem to be a good time to discuss this...”

The brown-haired man tilted his head and the veil in front of his eyes swayed slightly. Din disagreed with him. 

“I’m not here to hurt you”, he tried to show his sincerity in holding up his hands with the tracking fob still in his grip.

“You sure about that, big guy?”

Seeing her antagonizing him with a fierce look in her eyes and a dark expression on her face, made Din think: Fuck, she’s hot. His brain clearly turned to mush after meeting her again. There was no other way to explain the lack of his reasoning and rationality. He could only nod, his stance was extremely stiff.

Y/N pursed her lips, and his heart skipped a beat - Mand’alor, in what kind of lovesick fool have I turned? She relaxed her hand slightly but her expression was still as cold. 

Unknown to Din, the Twi’lek’s mind had turned into a mess too. Delight, Anxiety, and Helplessness coursed through her veins all at the same time and she had troubles trying to figure out what she was supposed to do now. 

The man she had fed and protected and who had infatuated her a few months ago, suddenly showed up in front of her, right before she was about to wind up the last deal for her goal. She was filled with joy but at the same time with dread, since he was obviously here to kill her. Definitely not the reunion she had expected.

But the way he stood there, no intention for attacking visible from his body language gave her hope. Maybe they could talk this one out. 

“You know...”, his voice sounded emotionless through the regulators of his helmet but the way he hesitated showed his uncertainty, “I wanted to tell you something. After the child and I left your ship I...” 

She didn’t see his eyes but she knew they were focused on her. She could feel the burning of his stare. 

“Y/N, I wanted to tell you that I-”

A single gunshot ringed through the air and the smuggler staggered. A round burning hole appeared in her chest, her armor didn’t protect her at all.

At that moment Din realized that he had it all wrong. Eli wasn’t the bounty. It was Y/N. And somebody just fucking shot her.

A shout reached his ears and when he leaped forward to catch her, Din didn’t realize he was the one yelling. 

-

Eli caught her first. How the apparent blind man managed to do that, he didn’t know but at that moment he didn’t care. A noise in his ears was all he could hear when he pushed the other man and Y/N to the containers to take cover. 

He turned around, his rifle already in his hand, the tracking fob had been dropped to the floor mindlessly when he tried to catch her. 

His eyes found the shooter immediately. It was a human man with a sniper rifle. He wore a blue jacket with a red symbol Din had seen before. The man wasn’t far away, in fact in shocked him how close he was able to get. Had his senses become dull? Or was it because he was talking to the person he liked? Burning fury exploded in the Mandalorian’s chest.

While Eli cradled the Twi’Lek in his arms and spoke to her in a panicked manner, all he could see was red. His hands moved automatically and efficiently when he cocked his gun and he seemed deadly calm when he slowly raised his rifle. His outside appearance was completely the opposite of his inner turmoils but maybe his rage was able to get him to focus. 

Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill. KILL. KILL THAT BASTARD!!!

He shot once, then twice and he continued to shoot until he had to reload. His finger still pulled the trigger when his plasma gun didn’t have any ammunition left. But Din hadn’t shot the man fatally. His aim was slightly off because his hands had suddenly started shaking when Y/N’s friend called her name in a desperate attempt to stop her from fainting. Nevertheless, he had wounded the foolish bastard who dared to attack the person he loved. 

He was about to stomp over to the soon-to-be-dead fucker, who had tumbled to the mossy ground behind some trees when a painful grunt cut him short in his tracks.

“Sith, that hurt like a b... bitch...” 

Y/N’s breath was haggard and her grip on Eli’s arm was weak but she didn’t lose consciousness. At least not yet. The way her eyes had turned misty was a warning which made both men’s blood run cold. The Mandalorian’s wrath extinguished as fast as it ignited. All that was left was cold dread and the feeling of helplessness. He ignored the man who shot her thinking: That bastard will die of his wounds anyway.

Din walked to the fallen smuggler and her companion and fell to his knees. His distress was clearly audible through the regulators of his helmet. 

“I don’t have a b-bacta patch”, was all he could say through his gritted teeth. 

“Neither do we...”

Her tone was light but she couldn’t hide her pain. The Twi’Lek grabbed her companion who seemed to be in a daze. Her face showed a grave expression.

“Fuck... Eli, promise me you’ll free her... okay?”

Din had no idea what she was talking about but she was obviously talking as if she was about to die. Which could be because she was only lightly injured right? There was no way that the woman, who melted his already frozen heart, would just die here when they just met again. Right?! 

The blind man choked and his arms who held her trembled. The scars on his face wrinkled when he frowned and Din felt how ice-cold terror washed over him. No, no no, this can’t happen!!

He grabbed her hand without thinking and the fact that she wasn’t cold yet stopped his spiraling momentarily. Her e/c eyes found his visor and she tightened her grip as if to tell him that everything was going to be fine. Y/N smiled weakly and it was a wonder that he didn’t keel over right then and there.

“Don’t say that. I won’t do it. I’m not promising you shit, Cap!”

The brown-haired man exhaled slowly. 

“I’ll make sure you hear what that stupid Mandalorian wanted to say to you before you got shot like an idiot. I told you it was a dumb idea!”

He swallowed. What was Eli even talking about? They had no way to help her without a bacta patch! He held the Twi’lek’s hand like it was a lifeline. He felt like he was the one who was dying. And maybe he was. If Y/N left him here and now, he was sure he would never recover from the loss. The loss of never having something he wanted. The loss of never being able to tell her what he wished they were. The loss of a lover who never was one. 

“It... not... my fault...”, murmured Y/N, her face definitely paler than before. 

He wanted to say something to her, at least tell her how he felt when they had first met but no words escaped his lips. It was as if he lost his voice. He could only watch with burning eyes how Eli put his hand on the deadly wound. The man breathed out slowly and Din could see how his jaws clenched. 

“After this, you’ll need to pay me back with a kyber crystal”, growled Eli, his expression totally different from the harsh tone of his words. Once again he had no clue what the blind man meant.

It was as if the galaxy took a second to breathe and slowed time while doing so. Din could see how the eyes of Y/N widened slowly, her mouth turned into the shape of an ‘o’, wind ruffled the brown hair of the man and the blue veil lifted only for the Mandalorian to see that Eli had, in fact, no eyes at all. 

This revelation shocked Din more than it should. But what shocked him the most: Y/N sucked in a breath and when the man whose species he couldn’t name right now took his hand away, the wound was gone. He blinked. A memory crossed his mind.

His child did the same thing. A few months ago. He lifted his head to watch Eli closely and the man exhaled and started to smile. This person had just saved her from dying in his arms. 

“Still got it”, he whispered and Y/N whose expression had turned from pained to baffled laughed disbelievingly. Her chest heaved and even though her body was healed she still looked like she just survived a deadly injury. 

Her fingers gripped Din’s tighter and she turned her head slightly to face him. Maybe it was because the sun had already set but her eyes looked so beautiful right now it took his breath. The way she stared at him, stars. The relief that washed over him turned his whole body into jelly. He weakly fell on his ass and leaned back, his hand never leaving hers. 

His tone was stunned when he whispered: “Mand’alor, I thought that was the end of the beginning.”

He said it in a low voice but both of the others heard him.

“The beginning of what?”

Y/N’s eyes were full of innocence and Din was too shaken up to get embarrassed when Eli responded jokingly instead of him:

“Your relationship.”

But the reaction of the smuggler made his heart flutter. Her cheeks flushed and she stuttered wide-eyed:

“Wa-What? What are you saying, Eli?!”

She looked between the two men but both of them looked away. Din out of shock because of her strong reaction and the other because he felt a slight headache. 

Y/N realized immediately that something was wrong.

“You okay? I thought you said you wouldn’t use the force anymore?”

The Mandalorian perked up, while Eli waved his hand.

“I just saved your ass, might as well be grateful, don’t you think?”

His teasing undertone couldn’t hide his exhaustion but the Twi’lek didn’t seem like she wanted to point it out. She wanted to say something else but a voice interrupted her. 

“My, what do we have here? Captain L/N what happened?”

It was spoken in Huttese and Din turned around alarmed. On the hill behind the shooter stood a male Weequay. The newcomer looked surprised seeing the smuggler lying on the floor, two men hovering over her and holding her close to them. 

“We had run into some problem, but”, responded Eli and shot a glance to the trees where a stiff body laid, “we got rid of it.”

“Do you need medical attention?” 

Din guessed that this was a customer and the reason why Y/N and Eli were even here. The fact that the man seemed rather friendly surprised him quite a bit. 

“Thank you, but there is no need. When will Taro arrive?”

How the woman could just go into business-mode after almost getting killed, was a wonder to him, but it also raised her even higher in his eyes. Stars, what just happened?

-

After that, they had somehow wrapped up the deal with Taro and her eyes almost filled with tears of happiness when she received the credits who would buy the freedom of her little girl. 

The Mandalorian watched over her like a hawk during the talk and even though they really didn’t know each other at all, she didn’t mind at all. In fact, it felt natural. When she remembered his presence next to her, she smiled. 

Taro had left and they decided to ride back on their speeders. Eli insisted on her riding with Mando and even though she had glared at him, she silently praised him when she held onto the sturdy frame of the man. She had leaned her head on his back and she could sense how his heartbeat sped up, which caused her to crack a smile.

Their meeting had started shitty but it turned out well if you forget the fact that she had almost died. But who cared about that. If she pondered over every little thing or accident that happened in her life she would have already died from sadness. 

She remembered how it had all begun. How her thoughts were invaded by the Mandalorian. 

When they first met, she had looked at him longingly. The way he was able to hold his child while she couldn’t hold hers. It made her jealous. A reaction that was unreasonable but natural for her. Every parent she had met caused this feeling. But with him it was different. There was something else. 

An appeal she hadn’t been able to name. But when he had held her hand during her “time of dying” she realized what she felt. 

“You know... The thing you said before. It kinda sounded like a love confession wouldn’t you say?”, she told him when they dismounted the speeders at a landing bay where the Icarus stood and both men had turned around to face her.

He had stiffened and she noticed that she might really like to tease him. Eli rolled his eyes and walked past behind her to get to the ship. 

It was then that an invisible force caused her to lose her balance and she tumbled into Mando’s arms. She knew immediately who made this accident happen but she got distracted by the strong arms that caught her and held her close to the man’s chest. Damn, he really was hot. Her cheeks began to burn and she averted her eyes. 

“S-Sorry...”

He only grunted and put her back on her feet. Her hands lingered on his chest a little longer than intended but he didn’t comment on it.

“It’s fine.” Fine. Great. Absolutely perfect.

Din’s chest was feeling light and he felt a sudden urge to talk to his Ad’ika and tell him about what he encountered today.

“Oh.”

He remembered the child he had left on the Razor Crest and when he looked to the Horizon he saw the setting sun. Fuck.

“My boy”, was all he could say while he stood there frozen. 

“You forgot your child?”

Y/N didn’t hide her teasing undertone at all but her face showed a slightly worried expression. 

“He’s still on the ship, I didn’t want him to come with me on the bounty hun...”, he trailed off and his head turned to watch her. She tilted hers.

“So you really were chasing after me, huh?”

He ignored the ambiguous words and lowered his eyes. Guilt burned in his heart and he seriously worried that she would hold this against him.

“I didn’t know it was you. I apologize. I would’ve never accepted it if I had known it was you.”

The way he said you made her chest tingle and she raised an eyebrow and the corner of her lips. She stepped closer to him, sudden confidence coursing through her veins.

“Are you saying you wouldn’t chase me?”

She twisted his words in his mouth and he knew but damn, it attracted him even more to her. He also liked the way she smirked, it made her look alluring. 

“No, I’m saying that I would never chase you if it meant you have to die at the end of it.” 

The seriousness in his voice caused her e/c eyes to soften. They turned into crescents and in a swift motion, she grabbed his hand, stood on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on his helmet.

“Well, then you better be happy that my best friend can use the force!”

He couldn’t even react, she already scurried inside the Icarus laughing.

Din stood there dumbfounded for a moment. Heat crept up his neck and his cheeks flushed. 

“Shit... What is that woman doing to me?”

He didn’t know if he was happier about the kiss or about the fact that Eli apparently was only a friend and she seemed to welcome his advances but one thing was clear: Today was a good day. 

The comlink inside his palm was proof. He clenched his fist in victory and stood there for a second before turning around to return to his child and tell him about that one woman.

What he didn’t know...

“So you gave him our channel?”

Y/N nodded, her whole face still hot but she grinned from ear to ear. 

“And you kissed him?”

“Not a real Mandalorian kiss, of course, but who knows what’s next.”

The smuggler winked at him and passed the Miraluka. Eli laughed and pressed the button to close the ship. With the force, he was able to see the dust that the Mandalorian’s speeder kicked up. 

“Who knows what’s next...”, he mumbled and when he turned around he reached out to the force connection and told the little boy that everything was fine with his father. He was on his way home and had many things to tell.

--------

End Note: Wohooo, second part finished yaaay :D Actually I feel like this one is a little rushed. For me it’s like the reader is suddenly shot, Din is like D: and then Eli swoops in to save the day but I was rewriting that part 3 times and in the end just left it like that xD Also, was it a plot twist that Y/N also has a child? I wanted for her to have a reason why she became a smuggler but this will be adressed in the last part. Also, also, there wasn’t that much “action” as in romantic stuff at all but I wanted to leave that for the last part, since these idiots seriously only met twice... But yeahhh, hope you enjoyed it anyway :)

---------

Part I, Part III [Coming soon]

[douchebagbrainwaves]

THE LAST ONE MIGHT BE THE MOST IMPORTANT INGREDIENT IN A STARTUP IS AMONG THE PUREST OF REAL WORLD TESTS

This probably accounts for a lot of experience themselves in the technology business. The experience of the SFP suggests that if you let motivated people do real work, they work like watertight compartments in an unsinkable ship. You don't give up as much equity as VCs wanted. An essay is supposed to suggest efficiency.1 Then instead of coming to your office to work on your projects, he can work wherever he wants on projects of their own angel rounds. But most young hackers have neither. The spammers wouldn't say these things if they didn't sound exciting. Not even investors, who have in the past.2

The first courses in English literature seem to have done stuff with peanuts.3 But due to a series of meetings, culminating in a full partner meeting where the firm as a whole says yes or no. You can take out the whole point if you need to do this when they can.4 If you want to create for a newborn child will be quite unlike the streets of a big company. 99 respectively, and a lot of experience themselves in the technology world know what usually happens when something comes along that can be done by bad programmers is choosing the wrong platform. Investors have no idea how much better we could do, is this the one with the best chance of making money. And being charming and confident counts for nothing with users.5 So I'm going to try to get into second gear.6 You might say that it's an admirable thing to write great programs, even when this work doesn't translate easily into the conventional intellectual currency of research papers.

I'd only seen in zoos before. I was still ambivalent about business. The 2005 summer founders ranged in age from 18 to 28 average 23, and there are plenty of societies where parents don't mind if their teenage kids have sex—indeed, where it's normal for 14 year olds to become mothers. When you judge people that way, and there's a simple solution that's somewhat expensive, just take it and get on with building the company.7 They switch because it's a recipe for succeeding just by negating.8 But actually being good. How do you find surprises?9 Maybe they made you feel better, so I read it, and that it therefore mattered far more which startups you picked than how much you learn in college depends a lot more appealing to most of us than pandering to human weaknesses. If you're going to make the most money are those who aren't in it just for the reasons everyone knows about. People trying to be cool and maybe make money.

But by no means impossible. But you should realize you're stepping into dangerous territory. But most young hackers have neither. My parents were pretty good about admitting when they didn't know things, but I can't believe we've considered every alternative.10 The best stories about user needs are about your own. It would certainly be convenient, but you have to be the new way of delivering applications. The route for the ambitious in that sort of thing to be in the building a certain number of hours a day.11

Instead of trying to teach it to people, I'd say that yes, surprisingly often it can. 15981844 spot 0. We all thought there was just something we weren't getting. Which means, oddly enough, that as you grow older, life should become more and more surprising. An essay can go anywhere the writer wants. It's because liberal cities tolerate odd ideas, and smart people by definition have odd ideas. A nerd's idea of paradise is Berkeley or Boulder. One of Silicon Valley's biggest advantages is its venture capital firms. What if both are true? It was remarkable how different they seemed.12 The reason is not just that he'd be annoying, but that they're driven by more powerful motivations.

Foreseeing disaster, my friend and his wife rapidly improvised: yes, the turkey had wanted to die. People. It does not seem to have looked far for ideas. That seems the wrong model. But I know the power of the forces that have them in their place, but it goes fast. We're just finally able to measure it. Nearly all wanted advice about dealing with future investors: how much money should they take and what kind of x you've built. Sex I believe they conceal because they'd be frightening, not because you did something wrong.13 Someone is going to have nearly the pull with the spam recipient as the kinds of things that spammers say now. So on demo day I told the assembled angels and VCs.

I found that the Bayesian filter did the same thing the river does: backtrack. What would be a good idea. The effect of unpredictability is more subtle. But it's the people that make it Silicon Valley, what you need to impress are fairly tolerant. It's like the sort of distribution you'd expect, the number of nonspam and spam messages respectively. Now that we know what we're looking for, that leads to other questions. But we knew it was possible to start on that little because we started Viaweb on $10,000.14 And having kids is our genes heading for the lifeboats. The user doesn't know what it means to have gone to an elite college; you learn more from them than the professors.

Notes

Unfortunately the payload can consist of dealing with money and disputes. Mueller, Friedrich M. And journalists as part of this essay, Richard Florida told me that if he ever made a better education. In-Q-Tel that is exactly the opposite way from the 1940s or 50s instead of admitting frankly that it's up to two more investors.

While the audience at an ever increasing rate to impress are not very discerning.

5 seconds per day.

By heavy-duty security I mean no more willing to be when I became an employer, I advised avoiding Javascript. And though they have because they suit investors' interests. This is one of them was Webvia; I was as late as 1984. But they also influence one another indirectly through the buzz that surrounds a hot deal, I mean no more than just reconstructing word boundaries; spammers both add xHot nPorn cSite and omit P rn letters.

On the other. Though nominally acquisitions and sometimes on a road there are no misunderstandings. Looking at the leading scholars in the sense of things you want to lead.

Some of the techniques for discouraging stupid comments have yet to find someone else start those startups. If the Mac was so great, why not turn your company right now. Google is that you're small and use whatever advantages that brings.

Security always depends more on not screwing up. Until recently even governments sometimes didn't grasp the cachet that term had. Note to nerds: or possibly a lattice, narrowing toward the top schools are, which have remained more or less, is due to the modern idea were proposed by Timothy Hart in 1964, two years, but not the distinction between money and disputes.

Monroeville Mall was at Harvard Business School at the end of the venture business, and I had zero false positives reflecting the remaining power of Democractic party machines, but it's hard to get all the investors agree, and tax rates will tend to be. One valuable thing you changed. These were the impressive ones. The solution is to start startups who otherwise wouldn't have had a broader meaning.

Not one got an interview, I'd say the raison d'etre of prep schools improve kids' admissions prospects.

On the other seed firms always find is that there is some weakness in your own mind. On Bullshit, Princeton University Press, 1965. Us 10 million and we'll tell you them.

Conjecture: The First Industrial Revolution was one in an era of such high taxes? One of the magazine they'd accepted it for you to stop, but a lot, or want tenure, avoid casual conversations with VCs suggest it's roughly correct to say now.

You have to admit there's no lower bound to its precision.

So it may be useful in cases where VCs don't invest, regardless of the word I meant. I'm sure for every startup we funded, summer jobs are the most dramatic departure from his family how much of the economy, at least a whole department at a friend's house for the others to act through subordinates.

At one point in the chaos anyway. I don't know who invented something the mainstream media needs to learn to acknowledge as well. Robert Morris says that the only audience for your protection.

[petertingle-yipyip]

Idle Worship - Thomas

Part Two - Hard Times

// IW1 // Series Inspo: @writingsbychlo // Series Tags: @writingsbychlo​ @dylinski​ @moongoddesskiana​ @technolilly​ //

Pairings: Thomas x Reader

Word Count: 5080

Summary: WICKED is working with two very promising subjects, A2 and B2. Although they are set for separate Mazes, a deep connection forms between the two. Sneaking around the Compound, training together, and working together leads to many good times and even more Hard Times. How did Y/N and Thomas meet and fall in love?

//Quick Formatting Note: This chapter is set before Thomas is sent into the Maze. The current time for the chapter is regular type and flashbacks or rewinds are italicized. Enjoy!!//

“Tell me, Thomas.” Janson said as he sat in front of Thomas. “What was your relationship like with B2?”

Thomas waited at the table, his arms resting on the cold aluminum surface. Mere days had passed since you were gone and he could already feel the emptiness in his chest. He volunteered to monitor your Maze often, watching you specifically. He knew it wouldn’t make the separation any easier. He knew it was driving the stake in his chest deeper and deeper every day he saw you. But he couldn’t help it. You were the only thing that mattered to him.

“She has a name.” Thomas said simply. “Her name is Y/N.”

“Right… Y/N.” Janson nodded carefully. “She’s excelling in the new setting. Have you noticed?”

“Of course she is.” Thomas said, biting back his proud smirk. “Did you really think she wouldn’t? She was the best damn thing that ever came out of this place.”

“What was your relationship like with her?” He pressed.

“Wh-what do you want me to say?” Thomas asked suddenly, knowing what the Assistant Director wanted. “You want me to say that I miss her? That I loved her? It doesn’t matter anyway. You sent her away.” Thomas sat back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. No matter what he felt for you, he wouldn’t tell WICKED anything. “You know, she hated this place… Planned how to get out a hundred different ways..”

“Yet she never left.”

“No” Thomas agreed. “She didn’t.”

“B2- I mean, Y/N, just couldn’t see the bigger picture. You’re all a part of something that will save everyone. You see that, don’t you?”

Thomas didn’t have an answer. Teresa would tell him that Janson is right, that what WICKED was doing would help people. Teresa would swear up and down that WICKED is the good guy and that they’re there to help. But Y/N told a different story. Y/N saw what things were on the inside. It was manipulation, isolation. Y/N saw the kids losing their identities, becoming just another test subject, and being scared as hell because they remembered nothing. How could WICKED be the good guy when they do things that bad guys in books do?

“Why’d she stay, Thomas? If she hated us so much..”

“She stayed for me.” He admitted, a slight tug in his chest. He felt a tad guilty now that you were in your Maze and he was still at the Compound. You could’ve been safe from all of this if he had agreed to go with you. But at that time, he was convinced that the right thing to do was to stay. After losing you to WICKED’s twisted, oversized game, it didn’t sit right in his gut to be there.

-

“You must be the new girl.” Thomas greeted you with a wide smile.

You were taken back by his effortless good looks. The dark brown hair that fell onto his forehead, the hopeful and welcoming smile, the deep hazel eyes that quickly scanned your figure. You were stunned into silence, only able to nod and grin. You felt the heat creeping up your neck and to your ears.

You chuckled nervously as you heard the man say something about this boy showing you around the Compound. Everything else was muffled, white noise that didn’t seem to make sense. It was like all your brain let you focus on was the boy in front of you. He made your stomach tighten, your breath shallow, your heart beat fast, your fingers tremble. You had barely laid eyes on him and you were already in love. You started to wonder if soulmates were a thing.

“Hi.” You managed. “I’m Subject B2, I guess.” You shrugged sadly, already tired of the number you were assigned. You wanted more than anything to use your name, but it seemed like that didn’t belong to you anymore. Given names weren’t protocol at WICKED.

“I don’t care about that.” He waved a hand to dismiss your introduction. “What’s your real name?”

“My real name?” You asked, eyebrows furrowed. Everyone else in the Compound only cared about your number or your subject title. “Uh, it’s Y/N.”

“Y/N..” He nodded, holding a hand out for you to shake. “I’m Thomas.”

“Thomas..” You smiled softly, taking his outstretched hand. “I like that.”

After that first day, you never seemed to let go of his hand and he never let go of yours. Whenever you walked the Compound with Thomas, you held his hand. When you snuck into his room because yours felt too cold since you were alone, you held his hand while you slept on his chest. When you two were having sex, he held your hand. When you were working together in the lab or filing paperwork, you held each other’s hand. Until the day you got caught.

“And what do we have here?” Janson asked from behind you, clasping a hand onto one of each of your shoulders. “Hand holding? In the cafeteria?”

“We should probably run.” You told Thomas, who simply nodded with a mischievous smile on his face.

You two slid under the table and out of Janson’s grip. You both crawled out over the feet of the kids at your table and ran through the cafeteria. You heard the thump of boots chasing you, the yelling of your subject numbers, the sound of the alarm. But Thomas simply grabbed your hand and ran through the halls, you easily in tow. You laughed out of pure joy, genuinely having fun in that moment, and realized that you really did love Thomas.

“We’re surrounded.” You said between breaths when you and Thomas came to a hallway where guards were coming at you from both sides. “I’ll take the fall this time.”

“What?” Thomas asked with a small chuckle. “It’s my turn!”

“Too late.” You shrugged, putting your hands behind your head and dropping to your knees. “I’ve already surrendered.”

“I love you.” He laughed.

“You owe me.” You winked as you were hauled to your feet and dragged away.

Your punishment was a night in the Hole. That wasn’t what it was actually called, but it’s what all the kids called it. It was a small room, smaller than your individual rooms. It had an old cot and no windows. There was no light and the room was practically soundproof. It was intended to be a room of reflection, to think back on how your actions don’t help the cause. But for you, it was just a weekly change of scenery.

“These actions are… unbecoming of such a promising candidate, B2.” Janson sat you down the next day. “You cannot continue this behavior.”

“A promising candidate?” You laughed. “I’ve yet to be fully compliant. I spend at least one night a week in the Hole. I misspell words on my paperwork so they’re invalid. I sandbag my physical fitness tests. I hardly respond to my subject number. Tell me, Rat Man, how am I a promising candidate?”

“Trust me, we’ve noticed the fitness numbers.” He replied simply, waving his hand to dismiss your confession. “We’ve seen the way you run these halls. You keeping pace with A2 tells us all we need to know.”

“And what exactly do you need to know?” You lean forward onto the table, head tilted in curiosity and eyebrows lifted.

“Just how cunning you really are.” He replied lowly, as if it was a secret. “And now that your confession is on camera, you’re going to be a bit more compliant.”

“Why should I?” You challenged.

“If I give this video to Ms. Paige, she’ll have you sent in much sooner than we’d like.” He threatened.

“So I either follow protocol more or I lose everything?” You sat back and nodded slowly. “Alright, fine. You’ve got yourself a deal, Rat Man.”

“Director Janson is how you will address me from now on.” He said firmly, standing from his chair. “That is all, B2. And I expect to see no more PDA between you and A2.”

“Sure.” You nodded, pressing your lips to a line. “You won’t see us holding hands any longer.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“You’re wrong, by the way.” You added as he stood to leave. You tapped your finger against the table, staring at the rhythmic movement of your hand. “All of you are.”

“About what?” He asked with a sigh.

“All of this.” You said, clenching your other hand into a fist. “You don’t want to save anyone but yourselves. We aren’t here for a cure for the world. We’re here to make a new commodity that no one will have access to. I’m guessing the currency system went out the window by now, so what? You want people to pay with their first borns?” You paused, faking an epiphany. “That’s how we all got here! WICKED told the world if they give up their kids-”

“That’s enough!” He shouted suddenly, slamming his palms against the table. You shot up quickly, knocking the chair away from you in the process. You pressed your palms flat against the cold, aluminum surface, leaning into them.

“You know I’m right.” You said simply. “The only people that will have access to the cure is in this building.”

“You don’t see it yet, B2.” He replied, shaking his head in disappointment. “But you and the rest of those kids are going to make the world a better place.”

“It’ll be better once you’re dead and WICKED is gone.” You scoffed, standing tall.

“Is that a threat?” He cocked his head, straightening and fixing his jacket.

“Not at all.” You smirked. “It’s a promise.”

From then on, you didn’t hold hands with Thomas where anyone could see. Instead, you would subtly hook two fingers around his. You walked a bit closer to him in the halls, hiding your hands from the line of sight. If anyone wanted to catch you, they’d have to look very closely.

Janson kept you, Thomas, and Teresa on tight schedules. Breakfast at 6AM. Labs at 7:15. Psych evals at 8:30, but only every other day otherwise it was reaction tests. Stretching and yoga at 9AM, and fitness training at 10:30. Every Friday was a fitness test instead of training. Lunch at noon, followed by Clinic Meetings at 1PM. Paperwork at 2. Leisure time until dinner at 6PM. Reports and briefings at 7, then leisure until lights out at 10PM.

During your time at WICKED, you learned the guard rotation. You learned which guards they kept posted where, when they switched shifts, how long was the gap time. You watched the codes to the doors, which were fingerprint locks and which were keypads. You mentally noted elevator shafts and stairwells, always knowing what level you were on. You, Thomas, and Teresa had rooms on Sublevel 2 but the rest of the kids stayed together on Sublevel 3. Your programs never intertwined unless you were training.

The gym was on ground level. You didn’t know what the level below that contained everyone else, but all you knew was that the kids that went down there didn’t come back. You had yourself convinced it was Hell, and the Compound was a facade for the Gates.

You often wondered what the outside world had come to. What did the Cranks actually look like? Were they like the zombies you saw in movies? Were they something else completely? You wondered what happened to the kids you went to school with, the ones you grew up with. Were they alive? Was your family alive?

“Hello?” Teresa said, waving her hand in front of your face one morning while you waited for your psych evals. The psychiatrist was talking to Thomas, which left you and Teresa in the waiting area. There were two guards posted by the door, their weapons were aimed down but their eyes never left you two. “Are you paying attention?”

“No, I wasn’t.” You shook your head and offered an apologetic smile. “What were you saying?”

“The groups are progressing nicely. We’ve begun sending in members of Group A. And Group B deployments are scheduled to start next week.” Teresa said proudly.

“Can’t wait till I’m out of here.” You mumbled, letting your head fall against the wall behind you. “Who was sent in for Group A?”

“The only one I know for sure was a boy named Nick.”

“Nick?” Your head lifted for a second before letting it fall again. You tried to remember Nick, but your mind was blank. You felt bad for not really knowing him, but the three of you barely interacted with the rest of the kids. “Poor kid.”

“George is next, I think. Then Al-”

“I don’t want to hear it.” You cut her off. “Those boys are our friends and we’re watching them lose everything and get sent into an oversized children’s game. And for what, Teresa?”

“You’re supposed to call me A1.”

“A1, sorry.” You rolled your eyes. “I’m tired of this. All the other kids live in dorms and we’re separated. Why? Cause we’re special? It’s bullshit!”

“Keep it down.” The guard ordered.

“It’s bullshit.” You said in a quieter voice. “Te- A1, you can’t tell me that you’re okay with all of this. What about when it comes to Thomas? Or me? What happens when we get sent in?”

“You just don’t see the progress we’ve made, B2. WICKED is good.” She nodded.

“Right…” You trailed off.

“B2? Your turn, sweetheart.” The psychiatrist said as she opened the door to her office. Thomas quietly walked by you, shooting you a quick wink. You blew him a kiss and followed the psychiatrist into her office.

The tension only grew in your body. Every day that you had to wake up in that place, fake compliancy, and help WICKED made you feel sick. You hated your life, your routine. You had begun to wish there was nothing special about you and you could’ve been left with your family. You had to constantly remind yourself that you had at least one good thing. You had Thomas. And you had made a couple of new friends in the general kid population, Newt and Minho and Alby.

“How’s it going, A5?” You greeted him as you turned on the treadmill next to his.

“Since when do you follow protocol?” Newt laughed, not breaking stride.

“Since I got threatened with deployment over a week ago.” You shrugged. “Only way to keep what I got is to do what they want.”

“Keeps us alive, doesn’t it?”

“You really call this living?” You scoffed, beginning your run. “It’s a fucking nightmare.”

“At least you’re not bunking with a million other guys.” Newt shook his head. “They’re great and all, but they stink!” He joked.

“It gets lonely on Sublevel 2, believe it or not.”

“I bet you have something that keeps you occupied.” He teased.

“Oh you mean T?” You replied casually. “He definitely keeps me occupied.” You winked.

“Gross!” Newt laughed, almost losing his footing on the treadmill.

“Focus, A5!” The trainer yelled. “Another half mile!”

“Yes, sir.” Newt replied before glaring at you. “Thanks a lot.”

“How about I run it with you?” You offered. “I’d run it for you, but I have to follow protocol now.”

The desire to tell Thomas that you wanted out burned you every second you spent with him. The thought bounced around your head constantly, begging to roll off your tongue and be free. But after the way Teresa responded, you were scared that Thomas would give you the same response.

“Y/N?” Thomas noticed you weren’t paying attention one day during early leisure. You were laying in his bed with him, talking about things you missed. “What’s wrong?”

“Have you ever thought about what’s left? Like outside the Compound.” You said idly, drawing small circles on his chest.

“No..” He said gently, lifting his head from his pillow to look down at you. “Why? Do you?”

“I want out, Thomas.” You admitted suddenly. “I want to get back into the real world. I don’t care if it’s turned to shit. I don’t care if I die within a few days up there.I just can’t be here anymore.”

“Where is this coming from?” He sat up slightly, now very concerned.

“My family. I wanna know if they’re alive. I want- I want fresh air and I want to feel the sun. I miss looking at the stars and feeling the trees. I want to feel the grass and sit on the roof to watch the sunset. I want to stare at the full moon just so I can see the craters. Thomas, I want my old life back, or as close as I can get to it.”

“It’s not safe up there.” He began carefully. He didn’t want to seem like he was dismissing you. That was the last thing he wanted to do. Thomas wanted to comfort you, remind you why you were with WICKED. He wanted to remind you that without WICKED, you wouldn’t have met. “Besides, it’s not all bad down here… You have me.”

You smiled softly, leaning in to place a sweet kiss on his cheek. “Maybe that’s all I need.” You said honestly, hoping to convince yourself that was true. But no matter how much you wanted it be enough, not even Thomas could replace the freedom you longed for.

You thought WICKED made the mistake of training you. You were in the best shape you could’ve been in, able to run farther than you ever thought possible. You were able to lift more weight than you ever thought you would’ve. They taught you basic self defense and weapons handling. Why a teenager needed to know how to shoot an assault rifle was beyond you, but the hand to hand was always fun.

You sat alone, watching the live footage from Group A’s maze. Group B had its first few entries and you watched those girls too, a tug in your chest knowing that could’ve been you. Group A had its first dangerous Griever encounter. Nick had placed himself in charge, and Alby had to kill one of the others. Janson called it “collateral damage”, said that all of the higher ups expected some deaths within the Maze and that’s why they were going to send so many. You called it a crime.

You watched your friends more than the others that you didn’t recognize. It was biased, you knew that. You knew your reports always contained those names, but Janson still put you on footage review and you had yet to be thrown in the Hole for insubordination so you figured it was okay.

You were making notes in their subject files when you came across something that scared you. Newt’s file said he wasn’t immune to the virus. Newt could catch the Flare. You quickly printed the screen and folded the paper, tucking it into your pocket. You knew there’d be a notice that a file was printed so you quickly left the room to find Thomas. You found him a couple doors down, watching the footage from other cameras, cameras from within the Mazes.

“Check this out.” He said, waving you over when he noticed you.

“I have something you need to see.” You said as you sat in the chair next to his. “Some of us aren’t safe.”

“Is this about wanting to leave again?” Thomas asked, gently placing a hand over yours. “Y/N, I thought-”

“It’s not about that!” You cut him off quickly. “Look.”

You pulled out the file and unfolded it, flattening it out against the table. You watched his eyes scan the paper, going wide when they saw the checked box that stood out to you too.

“This doesn’t make sense.” Thomas muttered.

“That’s why we can’t access our own files and why the three of us can’t get into each other’s.” You said, tapping your finger against the paper. “So we don’t know if we’re immune or not.”

“What do we do?” He asked quietly.

“I don’t know.” You answered honestly.”But this, it changes things, Thomas. I think it’s time we find out what we’re really up against.”

“Yeah, maybe...”

“B2!” Janson’s voice boomed through the hall.

“Shit.” You sighed. You leaned over, leaving Thomas with a quick kiss before entering the hall.

You had the paper in your hand as you dropped to your knees, raising your hands to be above your head. The guards came to you quickly, locking your hands behind your back with cuffs and hauling you to your feet. They snatched the paper out of your grip and gave it to Janson.

“You lied to us.” You sneered. “You said we were safe! That we were all safe!”

“You are safe, B2.” Janson answered calmly as he looked over the paper he was handed. “This is the safest place for you. For all of you.”

“How many of them are at risk, hmm? How many don’t know they’re not immune!?”

“Take her to Sublevel 4.” Janson told the guards. Your heart stopped. “Prepare her for deployment.”

“What?” You panicked. “No, no, that’s not your call! No, please!” You screamed as you were being dragged down the hallway. “Please, don’t do this! I want to talk to Ava! I want to talk to Ms. Paige, please!”

But it was no use. The guards ignored your pleads. When you struggled in their grip, they only held you tighter, tight enough to leave a bruise you were sure. When you kicked out or used your feet to keep you out of a doorway, they yanked your legs down. They talked about sedating you to make it easier, but Janson said just to use whatever force they had to.

“What’s going on?” Teresa came out of her room and saw the fuss.

“You still think WICKED is good?” You scoffed, trying to free your arms.

“Where are they taking her?” You heard Thomas from behind you. “Director Janson, where is she going?”

“Don’t you worry about it, A2.” Janson said in a fake soothing voice. “She’ll be fine.”

“Thomas!” You shouted over your shoulder. “Thomas, I’m sorry! I love you!”

“Wait!” Thomas yelled to the guards, hurrying to try to catch you. “Hey, wait!”

“Hold on.” Janson said after a hesitation.

The guards stopped, roughly pulling you to turn you around. You came face to face with Thomas who only looked at you with sad eyes. You offered a smile, but you both knew there was no joy or even hope in that smile.

“I’m sorry.” You whispered, leaning into his chest. His arms came around you instinctively and held you close. You cried lightly against him. “I’m so sorry. I tried to be good and follow the rules. I tried. I really did.”

“Hey, hey.” He said softly. “It’s okay. Don’t apologize, alright? Hey, look at me.” He leaned away enough so you could lift your head and look at him. He gently wiped your tears away with his thumbs, holding your face between his hands. “You’re gonna be alright.”

“I’m being sent in, Thomas.” You confessed. His face dropped. “I won’t see you again.”

“We’ll figure this out, Y/N.” He kissed your forehead gently. “It’s alright.”

“There’s nothing we can do now.” You said sadly as you felt the guards grip your arms again. “Be safe, please. Don’t die, and don’t do anything stupid and end up like me.”

He chuckled sadly. “I always was the smarter one between us.”

You had been right about Sublevel 4. It was Hell. You kept in total isolation. You had no visitors. No psychiatrist, no trainer, no friends, no guards, not even a worker to bring your food. The tray was slid through a slot at the bottom of the door, and you were supposed to slide it back when you were done with it, even though you barely had it in you to eat. The thought of losing everything you had made you feel sick. It made you physically sick twice during your prep period, and you didn’t even get a doctor visit to check your health.

The Iso Chamber was the Hole, but brighter. There was a fluorescent light above you, and a camera in two of the four roof corners. There was a hospital bed on the back corner, a sink and toilet were behind a paper screen. There was nothing to keep you occupied so you slept often.

You lost track of how many days you were down there. You knew that it would come eventually, being sent into the Maze. You just hated the anticipation that sent in in isolation. You wanted it to be over with, just wipe your memories and send you in.

-

“You can’t blame yourself, A2.” Janson tried to console Thomas. “She knew the consequences.”

“Consequences?” Thomas laughed. “I thought WICKED is here to help, that me and every other kid in those Mazes are supposed to help. How are there consequences if this isn’t a punishment?”

“A2, listen.” Janson tried to explain.

“My name is Thomas.” Thomas muttered.

“Don’t exhibit the same behaviors B2 did.” He warned. “You’ll end up the same as her. You know us, A2. WICKED is good.”

-

“B2.” A voice boomed through the room. “Director Janson has requested to speak to you. Please, seem presentable.”

“Well I haven’t had a shower in however many days. I’d like to request access to the showers before the meeting please.” You replied towards one of the cameras.

“A staff member will be down momentarily to guide you.” The voice answered and you were left in silence once again.

After another eternity of silence, the door opened and Teresa stepped in. She offered a polite smile and motioned for you to follow her.

“How long have I been down here?” You asked casually, trying to ignore the tight feeling in your chest. You were feeling a bit anxious to see Thomas again, but part of you doubted it’d be possible.

“A week.” She replied casually, more pep in her step than you remembered. “I’ll take you to the showers so you can clean up and then I’ll take you to Director Janson’s office.”

“What does Rat Man want with me?”

“Director Janson-” She emphasized. “-wants to discuss your deployment with you.”

You hummed in response as she stopped at the door to the showers. You were allowed to clean up without supervision so you took your time, enjoying the warm water against your skin. You knew it’d most likely be the last real shower you’d have for a while, so you savored the moment. After you were cleaned and dressed in clothes left by the door, you followed Teresa to Janson’s office.

“Ah, B2!” He greeted, motioning for you to sit. “Come in. Have a seat. I hope your stay downstairs wasn’t too bad.”

“You deprived me of all human contact, mental stimulation, physical activity, and even showers for a week straight. It felt like I was losing my mind.” You replied angrily. “I was told you wanted to discuss my deployment.”

“Yes.” He nodded. “I wanted to offer you one last chance. Ava is not thrilled about sending you in so soon and has ordered that you get an offer, one that you can’t refuse.”

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t intrigued.”

“We start over.” He said simply. “We noticed you started acting out worse recently, so we’ll just readjust you to before that.”

“You’re gonna wipe me..” You realized. You almost didn’t want to say it out of fear.

“A very minor wipe, but yes.”

“No.” You said with finality. “I’d rather lose everything than be a puppet.”

“I think A2 could convince you otherwise.” He commented, wagging his finger as if it was a new idea. Janson left the room and Thomas soon entered instead.

You jumped from your seat and ran into his open arms. He held you tight, so tight that you felt that you would fall apart as soon as he let go. You prayed that he wouldn’t because once he let go, you’d lose him.

“I’m scared.” You mumbled into his shoulder.

“Yeah, me too.” He admitted.

“I’m gonna lose you.” You whined. “Thomas, I can’t lose you.”

“You’ll never lose me, Y/N/N.”

“The worst part is that I- I- I won’t even know what I’ve lost.” You sobbed, your breath coming in heavy pants. “I don’t know if I’ll ever see you again. And if I do, I won’t know it’s you. You won’t know it’s me. We- We’re gonna be strangers to each other.” You ranted, your voice broken and raspy.

“Don’t cry, alright?” He said gently, rubbing your arms in an attempt to soothe you.

“But how will I know it’s you? They’re taking our memories. I can’t- I can’t lose you too. Not after everything that’s been taken already. They can’t take you too!” You pouted. You knew better, but maybe if you said it enough times - if you said that they couldn’t take him away from you - that they wouldn’t.

“You won’t.” He cut in once your jumbled words slowed. “Hey, they won’t, alright? You mean everything to me, Y/N. You’ll know it’s me once you see me. Trust me.”

“I love you so much.” You whispered.

“I love you too.”

“Be safe, Thomas.”

He leaned down and kissed you softly. It wasn’t the kind of goodbye kiss you used to see in movies, the heated and passionate kiss. It was soft and gentle, promising and hinting that it wasn’t the end. His hands roamed intently, hoping to memorize the curves of your body one last time. You had your hands balled in his shirtfront, clutching to him as if he was the only thing you needed. And he was.

The guards tore you apart. Once you were away from him, you were numb. You were completely compliant. You answered every question, did every little task. You knew your fate was inevitable. Fate had come to collect.

The only thing that felt real was the fear. The panic and the utter blackness that surrounded you as you shot upward in a rickety metal box.

You didn’t know where you were. Where were you going? How did you get there? Who were you?

[annoreen]

“The Evolution of the Media “

The media plays an important role in our society and in our life. It connects us to the world and informs us many things like news, history etc. Media refers to different types of communication and It is usually used to deliver information or data. In media there are 3 types of it which is the print media, broadcast media, and new media. The existence of these three types of media has helped in the acquisition of information and each of it interrelates with each other. Each of them plays a very important role in terms of information. This helped the process of Information, first print media which creates credibility, it also includes small circulation community-based newspapers and magazines. Broadcast media is described as the traditional form of media that includes television and radio that is also used during this era where our elders are more comfortable to use it as their source of information. Lastly the new media it uses digital technologies such as the internet. With the help of the media, we get immense knowledge on various subjects. Since before, the media is our main way to communicate and to connect us about our community, country and to the world. It gives us great significance to learn and get credible information which we deserve. When Broadcast media is invented by the use of radio and television people can easily get information and people adore the idea that the information is distributed over the air. When the Internet was introduced to us it excites a lot of users because it can easily be accessed and the information is everywhere which is advantageous to everyone because we can learn, do research, communicate much easily and it is called the New media. These different media are significant to us because they can provide us information and give us the opportunity to learn.

Life has changed dramatically over the past century, and a major reason for this is the progression of media evolution. The media has several types. But generally, there are three basic types of media: print media, broadcast, and new media. The print media is a typed media used in mass communication in the form of printed publications. The broadcast media is the airborne transmission of electromagnetic waves. These two are what we called traditional media or as some refer to as old media, have been used in the marketing/advertising world for years. Lastly, new media is the latest and currency media that we use, and it develops the internet as a decentralized communication and information network that relies on the transmission of digital signals. Although different forms of mass media rise and fall in popularity, it is worth noting that despite significant cultural and technological changes, none of the media discussed throughout this text has fallen out of use completely. Let’s put in our mind on how to appreciate these media because they have a significant role in our life because of them we can get information and to know what's happening in our society especially in this time what’s matters and important is we can used these media for the better and also don’t forget to be a media and information literate individual.

[thesevenseraphs]

Bungie Weekly Update - 9/26/19

This week at Bungie, we’re on final countdown for launch.

It’s been a long summer of reveals, travels, interviews, and updates. Now we find ourselves in that old familiar clearing at the end of the path. This is the final weekly update that we’ll have before we blast off on another adventure. Our new launch trailer is making the rounds. Here it is if you haven’t had a chance to watch yet.

Today, you’ll find us ticking all the boxes on the pre-flight checklist. There are some final items we want to cover before you set out to investigate the mysteries of the Moon. Here’s what you’ll find during a lengthy final scroll:

Combat Changes

Progression and Economy Changes

Patch Note Preview

Ritual Weapons and Perk Changes

Set It Straight

Wear It With Pride

Bungie Rewards

Let’s start the clock.

COMBAT CHANGES

As discussed previously, damage numbers in Destiny 2 have been a bit out of control. We’re making some adjustments so the numbers shown are smaller and easier to comprehend without affecting the percentage of damage you’re dealing. We’re also adjusting how your Power works when you go up against enemies tougher than you. Here are some more details on what to expect. 

PVE DAMAGE NUMBERS DISPLAY

Goal: To provide players with useful and legible feedback for damage dealt to enemy combatants across many years of Power progression.

Displayed damage numbers for damage dealt to non-Guardian enemy combatants are crunched

Damage dealt is displayed using fewer digits to enhance readability of damage output

Occurrences of displayed damage getting capped at 999,999 should be significantly reduced or eliminated

The exponential curve used to calculate damage numbers for display is replaced with a new linear curve that is built to last for many years

As players grow in Power, displayed damage numbers increase at a much more measured pace than previously

This is a UI update only; player damage output, whether measured as hits to kill, time to kill, or DPS, remains unchanged by this update

PVE DIFFICULTY TUNING

Goals: Widen the sweet spot where fighting higher-level combatants provides a fun, challenging, and rewarding combat experience for a more enjoyable Power climb. Also, allow players looking for even greater challenges to confront much higher-level enemies.

Combatants that are 10–40 levels higher take less time to kill and deal less damage

Higher-level combatants continue to increase in difficulty up to 100 Power levels above the player

When enemies are 100 Power levels or higher above the player, they are immune to damage

Nameplate icons on higher-level combatants have been updated to reflect these changes

These changes affect only higher-level combatants; the at-level or over-level experience remains unchanged

PROGRESSION AND ECONOMY CHANGES

Every Season brings with it some tweaks to the Power climb. Shadowkeep is going to deliver significant changes to how you grow in strength. We also want to make you aware of changes to various currencies and the Eververse Trading Company before you set out to power up your gear.

REWARDS POWER AND PROGRESSION

All non-powerful rewards now drop 3 to 0 points below your highest equippable Power level, up from 15 to 20 below

Year 2 powerful reward sources have changed to Legendary rewards

These sources no longer have a chance to drop a random Exotic instead of the Legendary gear

Bonus Exotics that drop from Nightfall: The Ordeal will drop at the character’s highest equippable Power level

Under- and over-leveling activities no longer adjust how much Power is received from the rewards

Experience no longer fuels a player’s character level, which has been changed to be level 50 for all characters

Experience instead progresses the Season Pass, Seasonal Artifact mod, and Power progressions, as well as the unlocking of destinations for new characters

Experience rewards have been rebalanced with the introduction of the Season Pass and Seasonal Artifact progressions

The Power granted from the Seasonal Artifact is additive with the Power of the player’s equippable gear, but does not increase the Power of gear drops

All existing gear has had its Power increased to a minimum of 750; new characters will begin Destiny 2 at Power 750 as well

The Power bands for Season 8 are as follows

Floor: 750

Soft Cap: 900

All drops up to this point will be upgrades to the most powerful item in your inventory or vault

Beyond this point, only powerful and pinnacle rewards will increase a player’s Power

Powerful Cap: 950

All non-powerful/pinnacle rewards are capped at 950

Pinnacle rewards are the only way to raise Power above this point

Powerful rewards are equivalent to the character’s highest-equippable Power beyond this point

Pinnacle Cap: 960

This is the highest Power at which gear drops; also known as the “hard cap”

The Seasonal Artifact bonus Power allows characters to attain values above this level

Prime Engrams

Prime Engrams now gain charges more quickly, drop more frequently, and have a higher maximum charge cap (nine charges, up from six during Year 2)

The Power gains have been rebalanced for the increased frequency, providing +3 Power, down from a range of +4 to +7

Players who have completed the “Prime Example” quest prior to Shadowkeep’s release will earn charges, but those charges won’t drop until the character has reached 900 Power

This will help players avoid spending charges early for gains that are most beneficial during the Soft Cap to Powerful Cap range

BRIGHT DUST

Bright Dust is now earned by completing Crucible, Gambit, and Vanguard weekly and repeatable bounties

We chose to grant all of Bright Dust from ritual weekly bounties rather than spreading it out across the weekly and daily bounties so players could more easily earn Bright Dust without having to make sure they complete every single daily

Players will be able to do the repeatable bounties as many times as they like

Any Crucible, Gambit, or Vanguard completed bounties need to be turned in before maintenance begins on 9/30 as these changes will reset them; other bounties—Gunsmith, clan, Eververse, etc.—can still be claimed after Oct 1

Eververse items no longer dismantle into Bright Dust, and instead grant legendary shards and glimmer

New Eververse items for Season of the Undying will become available for Bright Dust two weeks into the Season

Eververse items no longer require Bright Dust to reacquire them(or re-roll perks) from Collections; instead, they cost the same materials that reward items of the same type/rarity use

Fireteam Medallions have been removed from the store, deprecated into Fizzled Fireteam Medallions, and can now be dismantled into Bright Dust to recover their purchase price (50 Bright Dust)

Gleaming Boon of the Vanguard price has been lowered to 150 Bright Dust

Gleaming Boon of the Crucible price has been lowered to 500 Bright Dust

EVERVERSE

The Season 7 Best of Year One Engram has been retired, and in its place, players can now obtain the new Season 8 Nostalgic Engram

The Seasonal Milestone no longer grants a bounty; instead, it directly grants a Bright Engram

The Season 8 Nostalgic Engram is no longer earned at level up

Instead, the Bright Engram is now included in the free rewards of the Season Pass that are visible before level 100; it’s also awarded every 5 levels after level 100

The Eververse storefront is now available via the Director

Eververse bounties (standard and IGR versions) have been deprecated; any remaining bounty notes can be broken down into Bright Dust

You can still complete and turn in any outstanding Eververse bounties until they expire

GLIMMER

Players can now store up to 250,000 Glimmer

Glimmer rewards from the majority of sources in the game have been rebalanced

Most open world sources (public events, Lost Sectors, chests) have been significantly increased

Passive Glimmer gain on kill has been reduced

In addition to directly awarding Glimmer on kill, combatants will sometimes drop additional Glimmer chunks

Weekly bounties award a large amount of Glimmer in addition to their other rewards

SPIDER’S EXCHANGE

The Spider welcomes new opportunities with four arms open and now deals in materials from all planets

However, the Spider has noted changes in market value, and has adjusted his exchange rates accordingly:

Glimmer exchange now costs 10 Legendary Shards or 20 materials, and yields 10,000 Glimmer

Tangled Shore daily bounties no longer award Glimmer, providing instead Etheric Spirals (in keeping with his competition)

Weekly wanted bounties no longer award gear, but now provide between 3,000 and 15,000 Glimmer in addition to the Enhancement Cores currently offered

XÛR

Xûr’s inventory pool and Fated Engram now include world-drop Exotics from Year 2

PATCH NOTE PREVIEW

We’ll have a bunch of bullet points for you to peruse next week. Here’s something to tide you over until then.

Added rally banners to Leviathan, Eater of Worlds, and Spire of Stars

“The Shattered Throne” Dungeon is now available at all times instead of on a three-week cycle

It can also be launched and reset from the Director

Black Armory forges are now accessible through a Director-launched playlist on EDZ

Weapon mods are now treated as reusable unlocks instead of consumables; any mods you have in your inventory will be converted to unlocks

If the only copy of a mod you have is already in a gun, you will need to reacquire one to unlock it

Discarding an Enhancement Core no longer deletes the entire stack

Borealis and Hardlight now match the Prism modifier when changing elements on reload, rotating through Void, Arc, and Solar

Fixed an issue where the Hunter’s Tempest Strike melee ability couldn’t be performed if the sprint button/key was set to Hold

The Phoenix Protocol Hearth perk will no longer award bonus Super energy on kills and assists to Warlocks inside a Well of Radiance if they do not also have the Well of Radiance (Attunement of Grace) subclass equipped

Fixed an issue where allied Golden Gun projectiles weren’t going through Banner Shields

Fixed an issue where the Queen’s Wrath perk for the Exotic Wish-Ender Bow wasn’t correctly highlighting players if their shield was depleted

Players who’ve obtained the Salute emote in the past can now correctly select it in their collection and assign it to their emote wheel

Multiplayer (buddy) emotes will now have a visible indication of where a player can stand to interact and initiate the emote

Failing the first encounter for any Black Armory forge will no longer award planetary destination materials. ಠ_ಠ

RITUAL WEAPONS AND PERK CHANGES

In Season of the Undying, pinnacle weapons will become ritual weapons. They will no longer have special perks and will instead be curated rolls. A previous article incorrectly showed two new pinnacle weapons. The good news is you will be getting three ritual weapons for each of the ritual activities: Crucible, Vanguard, and Gambit. Here’s the Destiny Dev Team on why we made this difficult decision and some information on upcoming perk changes.

Destiny Dev Team: The decision to stop creating extremely powerful pinnacle weapons was made for a variety of reasons. The first was that the band in which “pinnacle” perk can exist is actually quite small, and most of them far exceeded the efficacy they should have been at. Another issue is that they cause problems in the player ecosystem, particularly in the case of the Crucible pinnacle weapons. Due to the nature of PvP and PvE, anything that works well in PvP is likely going be extremely effective in PvE as well. This forces players into the Crucible if they want the “best” loadouts. Even the title of “pinnacle” set a variety of unrealistic expectations. Rather than being the absolute height of Legendary power, they were supposed to be interesting novelties to chase.

These problems became more pronounced the more of them we produced. In the end, we decided to move away from pinnacle weapons. If you managed to collect them all, we hope you enjoy them! While we’re on the subject of weapons, here are a few important notes on changes to how perks will work.

REDUCED THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FOLLOWING PERKS IN PVE:

Rampage, Kill Clip, Swashbuckler, Multikill Clip, Desperado, Surrounded, Master of Arms, Onslaught

In general, these perks use the same damage multipliers for PvE that they did in PvP

The change to Rampage does not affect the Huckleberry

Onslaught and Desperado now change bullet impact values while active in PvE

Surrounded no longer multiplies precision damage on top of base damage, as it was benefiting some weapon types more than others as a result

Legendary weapons have become too powerful overall. In many cases, they even outclass Exotic Primary weapons, so we’re walking them all back a bit. All the way back in original Destiny, we had a perk named Crowd Control, which was Rampage’s predecessor. Crowd Control capped out at a bonus of +15% extra damage. At this point in Destiny 2, Rampage caps out at about +67%. That’s a 447% increase from the original iteration. Legendary damage perks have become so powerful, they simply invalidate non-damage related perks.

Here’s a quick preview of the three ritual weapons you can earn in Season of the Undying. Because these weapons are no longer pinnacle weapons, the quest required to earn them is not as in depth as previous seasons.

VANGUARD—EDGEWISE

CRUCIBLE—RANDY’S THROWING KNIFE

GAMBIT—EXIT STRATEGY

SET IT STRAIGHT

During the run up to launch, we’ve been dropping videos, articles, interviews, and information all over the internets. Along the way, the fact-checkers called us out a few times. Today, we’re issuing some corrections to previous transmissions.

1. There was a shot of Trials of the Nine armor in the launch trailer by mistake. We wanted to clear up any confusion and let players know that the Trials of the Nine set will not obtainable in Season of the Undying.

2. We also had to revise our gameplay calendar for Season of the Undying. The menu of action is the same, but we are adjusting the timing of the Nightmare Hunts. The new schedule looks like this:

3. Back when we were first talking about finishers and some of the mods that go with them, we talked about how one of the mods enabled you to spawn Heavy ammo for your fireteam when you executed a finisher. That was still in flux at the time, and for balance reasons we ended up making a mod that will spawn Heavy ammo for yourself and a mod that will spawn Special ammo for your fireteam. 

WEAR IT WITH PRIDE

At Bungie, our mission is to build worlds the inspire friendship. Our games become places where people—all kinds of people—can gather to share meaningful experiences. One of the most important aspects of friendship is acceptance. Earlier this year, we took to the streets as part of the Seattle Pride Parade. We also offered up a Pride Pin via the Bungie Store that was rumored to have an emblem that would come with it. The rumors are true, and we’ve chosen International Coming Out Day as the advent to deploy the in-game expression of acceptance.

For the details, along with a personal story to capture the spirit of that day, here is one of our own…

Hi Y’all,

My name’s Nigel. You may know me from things like the Shattered Throne Ride Along, or this wonderful fan video made during our St. Jude’s charity stream. This is my first TWAB post and I’m a little nervous, so I’m going to use one of my favorite TV shows, Golden Girls, as a crutch.

Picture it. Tempe, Arizona 2009.  A sophomore in college. At this point in my life, I’d never really had a girlfriend or really found myself attracted to a woman. I refused to believe I was gay. Having seen so many coming-out stories go poorly, with family and friends abandoning people they loved, I didn’t want that for myself. So I ignored it by playing video games.

Dragon Age: Origins had just released, and my twin brother had been bugging me for a good week to buy it and play it. Quickly I found myself wrapped in magic and steel for an untold, but probably perfectly healthy, amount of time. During this time, I found myself conversing with one of the male party members, simply trying to raise his approval.

That’s when it appeared. The option to flirt with this character. I was as the kids say, “shooketh.” I sat for what must have been twenty minutes before deciding to click on it. He flirted back. My heart skipped. I was a ball of nerves and anxiety as the conversation continued with another chance to confess romantic feelings to the character. I thought I was going to vomit all over a simple choice in a video game. I debated with myself, what did it mean that I wanted to flirt with this character? Why did I suddenly feel like my entire existence would be changed with this one conversation? I clicked it.

And that’s when I learned about rejection. From a digital character. He wasn’t gay, and my heart sunk. But his next words were something I didn’t know I needed. “There’s nothing wrong with who you love. You are my friend no matter what.” I spent the next two hours on the floor crying, finally feeling that it was okay to be gay. I felt more comfortable than I’d ever felt in my life. I vowed, if I ever got the opportunity to pay it forward, I would.

Well I’m helping to pay it forward. I’ve spent a lot of my time at Bungie helping to make sure Destiny is a welcoming place. I have marched in the Seattle Pride Parade. I have helped set up the Trevor Foundation and other LGBTIQA+ charities. Most recently, I helped create those wonderful Bungie Pride Pins you keep seeing on our streams. I’m happy to announce that, on October 11, International Coming Out Day, we’ll be releasing a Pride emblem for your Guardian if you’ve purchased this pin. If you missed the chance to buy the pin back in June, mark your calendars, because we’ll be restocking our supply on the Bungie Store.

Destiny and Bungie are places where we can foster community and work together, no matter your background. We at Bungie want to make sure no matter who you love, or who you are, that everyone belongs in the Tower. Or the Farm, if you’re into that.

Nigel speaks true. Thanks for being excellent to each other. Any players who previously purchased the Pride Pin will be receiving codes for the emblems through email.

BUNGIE REWARDS

Last week, we showed off a preview of the World’s First belt and some of the emblems you can earn in our upcoming pinnacle PvE activity. We weren’t quite ready to show off the awesome jacket Bungie Rewards will be offering, but the design is ready for the runway.

Any player who beats the “Garden of Salvation” raid and claims their code before the weekly reset on 10/15 will be eligible to purchase the raid jacket through Bungie Rewards. We are giving you some extra time to Power up this time. We know many of you don’t enjoy rushing through content, so even if you aren’t ready to take on the raid before 10/15, any player who completes “Garden of Salvation” during Season of the Undying will be eligible to purchase a special raid T-shirt through Bungie Rewards.

So… the shirt has some spoilers on it, but we’ll share out what it looks like after the raid is completed.

That’s not all! Players can also claim a free Eris Morn papercraft mask by completing the main Shadowkeep quest by the end of Season 8. If you’re already receiving Bungie newsletter emails, you’ll get a direct link the next day, or you can visit www.bungie.net/rewards to redeem it. Stay tuned for more Bungie Rewards throughout the season.

FULL STEAM AHEAD

Player Support is waiting in the wings to support our next launch.

This is their report.

UPCOMING 24-HOUR MAINTENANCEThis upcoming Monday, September 30, Destiny 1 and Destiny 2 will be taken offline for extended maintenance on all platforms.

This maintenance will last for approximately 24 hours, starting at 10 AM PDT (1700 UTC), ending with the launch of Destiny 2: Shadowkeep on October 1. During this downtime, players will be unable to log in to Bungie.net or access Destiny API features.

For the latest information on this maintenance as it occurs, including download availability and emergent issues, players should follow @BungieHelp on Twitter or monitor our support feed on help.bungie.net.

PRE-LOADING DESTINY 2: SHADOWKEEP AND UPDATE 2.6.0

Right now, all PC players can pre-load Destiny 2 on Steam, which includes pre-loading for New Light and Shadowkeep. Since New Light makes Destiny 2 accessible to everyone for free, no purchase is necessary to pre-load. Existing console players will be able to pre-load Update 2.6.0 during the maintenance leading up to launch. The moment we confirm that downloads are available, we’ll sound off from the support links provided above.

FOLLOW UP: DELAY IN FORSAKEN LICENSE TRANSFERS FOR MIGRATING PC PLAYERS

Last week, we discussed the likely delay of Forsaken license transfers for migrated PC players on Steam. With the announcement of our upcoming 24-hour maintenance, we hope to mitigate any possible delay in Forsaken license transfers following the launch of Shadowkeep on October 1. If any such delays occur, we’ll be sure to sound off from the support links provided above.

PC MIGRATION AND NEW CHARACTERS ON STEAM

Following the launch of Shadowkeep and Destiny 2 Update 2.6.0 on October 1, players who link their Steam account to their Bungie.net profile will be able to manually trigger PC Migration.

Players should be aware, however, that any new characters created on Steam before performing PC migration will be overwritten when players migrate from Battle.net. This will result in the potential loss of new characters and gear, as well as Silver, Eververse items, and Season Passes—if purchased on these new characters before performing PC migration.

To make things as simple as possible, here’s the recommended order of operations for players who perform PC migration to Steam after Shadowkeep launches on October 1:

Link your Steam account to your existing Bungie.net profile and initiate PC Migration. Please ensure you are linking to the same Bungie.net profile associated with your Battle.net account. Once manually triggered, PC Migration cannot be undone.

If desired, enable Cross Save so your preferred characters are available when you log in to Destiny 2 on Steam. PC Migration will still transfer your Battle.net characters to Steam, even if another set of characters is selected for Cross Save. This also determines which characters receive any Silver or Season Passes purchased on Steam before logging in.

On Steam, download and install Destiny 2. If you have not yet downloaded Steam, click here.

Log in to Destiny 2.

Your Battle.net characters, licenses, and Silver will already be migrated to your Steam account, however your Cross Saved characters will appear if Cross Save is enabled.

IMPORTANT: Since purchased Silver and Season Passes are applied to the first character set that players log in with after purchase, we strongly recommend that players enable Cross Save before logging in to Destiny 2 on Steam. This will ensure that your desired characters are receiving your Silver and Season Passes on the Steam platform. Cross Save-enabled characters will be able to bring their Season Passes with them to any platform after they have been applied.

REMINDER: DESTINY 2 AND SILVER PURCHASES ON BATTLE.NET

This week, we’d like to remind PC players that Destiny 2 game content and Destiny 2 Silver can no longer be purchased from the Battle.net Shop.

Existing PC players can continue to play on Battle.net until Destiny 2 undergoes maintenance for Steam launch. Players should also be aware that in order for recent Silver purchases to successfully transfer to Steam, players MUST log in to Destiny 2 on Battle.net before 10 AM PDT (1700 UTC) on September 30, 2019 to claim their purchased Silver.

REMINDER: BATTLE.NET CODE REDEMPTION FOR DESTINY 2

As another reminder, players should be aware that any Battle.net code they possess for Destiny 2 content MUST be redeemed on their Battle.net account before they perform PC Migration. Players who have already prepared for PC Migration have until the start of Destiny 2 maintenance on September 30 to redeem any unused Battle.net codes—to have that license transfer to their Steam account.

Players who migrate to Steam after our October 1 maintenance must also ensure that their Battle.net code is redeemed before they link their Steam account. Once a Steam account is linked, their Guardians, Silver, and game licenses will be migrated from Battle.net to Steam. This is a one-time process that cannot be repeated for new licenses. For information on Battle.net code redemption, players should visit Blizzard’s How to Claim a Code knowledgebase article.

It’s worth noting that all content previously included in the base Destiny 2 game, Curse of Osiris, or Warmind, will be available to all players for free through the launch of Destiny 2: New Light on October 1.

STEAM LIMITED USER ACCOUNTS

Next week, Destiny 2 officially launches on Steam. Before it does, we’d like to make players aware of Steam’s Limited User Accounts.

In short, any player whose account has spent less than $5.00 USD on the Steam Store will have limited access to community and social features that are commonly used for spamming, phishing, and other abuse.

This will also apply to any Destiny 2 player new to the Steam platform who migrates from Battle.net. For more information, please see Valve’s Limited User Accounts support article.

PREMONITION LEGENDARY PULSE RIFLE

Following the launch of Shadowkeep next week, players will be able to view new items added to Destiny 2 using the in-game Collections. Before then, we’d like to make players aware of a known issue with one particular weapon listing.

Following the launch of Shadowkeep, the Collection listing for the Premonition Legendary Pulse Rifle will state that it is “found by exploring the Moon.” This weapon’s specific source is actually the new dungeon, which will become available sometime after Shadowkeep’s launch.

Players who encounter other issues following the launch of New Light, Shadowkeep, and Steam PC should report them to the #Help forum.

[teenagethingwombat-blog1]

How can we learn to be compassionate from our children?

In our modern world as we go on with our lives, we might lose touch with deep inner values such as trust, selflessness, sacrificial giving, compassion etc and let our misguided intelligence lead us down the path of fear, aggression, jealousy and so on. We also face the constant challenge of giving up in the face of opposition and fruitlessness. This can take away from our humanity, diminish our potential and ultimately result in aberrations in our life and relationships.

The challenges of parenting can become a great opportunity for spiritual awakening. Becoming a fully conscious parent is the greatest gift you can give your child.

—Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of NOW and A New Earth

As we know, the basic source of all happiness is love and compassion, a sense of kindness and warm-heartedness towards others. If we can be friendly and trusting towards others, we become more calm and relaxed. We lose the sense   of fear and suspicion that we often feel about other people, either because we don’t know them well or because we feel they are threatening or competing with us in some way. When we are calm and relaxed, we can make proper use of our mind’s ability to think clearly, so whatever we do, whether we are studying or working, we will be able to  do it better.

Children are warm and kind towards us. They forgive easily and don’t hold grudges. They have a natural close bond of kindness with their parents. Often they reciprocate the kindness they receive from the moment of conception till they grow up into adults. How things look to other people, achievement, getting ahead—none of these issues that preoccupy adults are on a child’s agenda. They don’t get into an anxious mental state, instead children tend to plunge   head first into the experience of life, willing to risk all. Their mind is pure of all contamination and they are the perfect teachers to learn from.  Reflecting the qualities of a child can make us better human beings, and inspire us to repay the kindness we have received by being kind to others ourselves.

He or she is a part of yourself – a real person that’s YOU and yet throbbing with her own signature. He sparkles his eyes with enthusiasm so contagious, it can light up a whole room. They are big-hearted and generous – giving the best of what they have – with an acute sense of fairness.

With all that charm and zest for life, we may say an unkind word that can shrivel a child’s spirit. But the right comment will encourage them to soar. In each moment, we can choose to make or break, foster or cause to freeze up. Choose your responses wisely. Here’s a little story I read recently from “The Conscious Parent” by Shefali Tsabary:

“One morning, my daughter shook me from sleep with great excitement. “The fairy has left you an amazing present,” she whispered. “See what the tooth fairy left you!” I reached under the pillow and found a one dollar note, torn down the middle in exactly half. Said my daughter, “The fairy left half a dollar for you, and the other half is under daddy’s pillow.” I was speechless. Simultaneously I found myself in a dilemma. All of those messages about “money doesn’t grow on trees” and how important it was for my daughter to learn the value  of currency came flooding into my mind. Should I use this opportunity to teach her about not wasting money, explaining to her that a dollar note torn in half is worthless? I realized that this was a moment in which how I responded could make or break my child’s spirit. Thankfully I chose to shelve the lesson and tell her how proud I was of her willingness to be so generous with her one and only dollar. As I thanked the fairy for her bigheartedness and her acute sense of fairness in giving both daddy and myself an equal share, my daughter’s gleamed at my discovery that the fairy had visited us for a change.”

We must be illuminated on how we might identify and capitalize on the emotional and spiritual lessons inherent in our children, so that we can  use them for our own development, which in turn will result in the ability to parent more effectively. As part of this approach, we are asked to open ourselves up to the possibility that our imperfections may actually be our most valuable tools for change.

We need to recognize that raising a child offers us enormous opportunity to shed our old skin, let go of stale patterns, engage new ways of being, and evolve into a more compassionate parent.

[heartfeltheart]

Alchemy: Magic vs. Science

Chapters: 5/25 Fandom: Fullmetal Alchemist/Harry Potter Rating: T Relationships: Edward/Winry, Lan Fan/Ling, and May/Alphonse. Primary Characters: Edward Elric, Severus Snape Additional Tags: Crossover, Teacher!Edward, BrOtp Edward/Severus. Sassy beyond measure. Series: Part 1 of 9. Summary: Magic and Science, are they the same or are they completely different? It just takes one person to point out all up and downs. Along with breaking the stereotypes that come up with being a wizard, alchemist and most of all being human. Thank you, @amynchan! D/C: I do not own Harry Potter or Fullmetal Alchemist. Discord: La Red(Mesh Mash of… stuff.): https://discord.gg/KYjmVAb Alchemy Series: https://discord.gg/DejEYNJ

“English and Edward’s accented voice.” “Amestrian or another foreign language.” “Written notes.” ‘Thoughts.’ First Name: Informal Last Name: Formal (Or used to annoy others)

"Dis...is a familiar zight," Edward whispered to himself walking into the train station with a look of remembrance. In one hand he is carrying his suitcase, which is now charmed curtsey of one Severus Snape. In the other he has a tight hold of Xerxes's empty cage. The owl is out on an errand for the new professor and will not be back for who knows how long. It was September 1st at King Cross Station and the day that Edward is to hop on a train to a magical school. "Now...Vere is platform 9 3/4?"

So much had occurred in the last month of Edward's life. Finding out that magic exists, a new world, becoming a teacher and his accent has gotten better. Albeit that it is still there, just not as strong as before. Good thing too, the last thing he needed is a repeat of what happened to him. Asking for directions that ended up being the wrong place than what was asked.

There were many people pacing or running around the station trying to get to their destinations. There were a couple of families that stood out, their children were pushing trolley filled with items that belong to the said child. A trunk, a cage of some sort and other items. What made them stand out is that in some of the cages would have an owl. On the other hand, the families dress in a similar manner that Edward had seen back in Diagon Alley. Edward recognized a lot of them from his first trip to Diagon Alley too.

Without making it oblivious, Edward followed the crowd hoping to get to his destination. Which brought the Alchemist to hiding behind a pillar watching in complete shock seeing kid after kid, relative after relative disappear into a brick pillar.

Slowly and unsurely, Edward stepped away from the pillar he was hiding behind towards the one on the platform between of 9 and 10. Edward looked around to see that no one was looking at him as he approached it. Attentively he reached out and touched the brick wall. The moment his gloved hand touched the brick wall he felt a surge of energy that has Edward recoiling back in shock.

Staring at the wall and back at his hand, Edward blinked slowly as he took on what he saw and felt. Once again taking a quick glance around him, Edward proceeded to push his entire hand forward through the wall. Not once did he blink when he saw his hand going through it, all he did his concentrate and continued on.

It was only when Edward was on the other side of the wall did he have a small attack. Once again...science was thrown out the window.

Clutching his heart with his left hand, Edward mentally went through all the chemical formulas he knew in recession. Ignoring the looks that were shot his way, Edward took in a deep breath and took a deep look at the platform.

"Wow..."

-.-

To say Edward Elric was annoyed was just putting it lightly. He managed to find an empty compartment after ignoring the looks of disgust, annoyance, and confusion. The most he was already used to these types of looks for being a (former) State Alchemist. The only difference of then and now is that he is now going at it alone.

Now Edward has no one to hold him back from going berserk and the temptation is just so great now...Far too great...

At least, his not so cheerful disposition allowed Edward to keep the train compartment to himself. One look and every kid that peeked their head through would quickly shut the door and go off running. Albeit from what he heard it is going to be a long train ride.

Peck. Peck. Peck.

Edward blinked slowly hearing the pecking sound. It sounded like it was coming from the window. He looked over to see Xerxes holding a letter in her beak, fighting against the wind as she pecked at the window to get his attention. Quickly, Edward opened the window and Xerxes soared into the compartment while the Elric closed the window. "Back already?"

Xerxes dropped the letter in the seat that Edward was previously sitting at and quickly landed next to her cage. She stared at Edward with wide eyes, then at her cage, back at Edward and back at her cage. Repeating this motion until Edward opened the cage for Xerxes. "Here."

Xerxes shot him a look before she got into her cage with a humph like hoot. Edward rolled his eyes at the owl before he picked up the letter and sat back in his seat. His expression changed to recognition when he saw the familiar scrawl. "Zefferus. Vat do you need now?"

Edward opened the letter and scanned through its contents. It was instructions on what he should do once the train gets to its destination. "A carriage?"

The last tidbit of information in the letter talked about pastries Edward never heard of. Along with a short explanation of what they are. What he should and should not get, Edward wondered why Severus wrote him this.

The door slid open and an older woman popped her head in. "Anything from the trolley dear?"

Edward saw the trolley that the old lady was pushing along and his eyes widen. Now he understood what Severus wrote to him. Well, he was rather hungry...

"Give me everything dat does not have any milk in dem." Edward said reaching over towards his suitcase to get the appropriate amount of currency for the sweets.

Several minutes later, the suitcase now lighter, random sweets surrounding Edward and Xerxes. Edward picked up a small box. "Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans..."

Xerxes ruffled her feathers in response, a warning?

With a shrug, Edward opened the box and took out a black bean. His face scrunched up. "Leather?"

"Dirt."

"Zoap."

"Dog food."

"Glue."

"Ew...chocolate."

-.-

After what seemed like forever...the train ride finally came to an end. Edward stared out the open window as he watched Xerxes fly off towards the school. Without much thought, he turned around picking up his suitcase and Xerxes cage. It was time to go out and face his next adventure...teaching. His only hopes are that he won't kill or main anyone in the first month...fingers crossed.

Opening the sliding door of the train compartment, Edward peeked his head out to see students quickly leaving the train. They were all wearing their uniforms and Edward saw that the only difference a lot of them had were the color of their scarfs, crest, and other small details. The students sent him puzzled looks, sneers, and curiosity. With an eye roll, Edward closed the door behind himself and followed the crowd.

Once out of the train, Edward saw that they ended up in a small village like a community. The moonlight gave it a mystified feel to the area and he couldn't help but reminisce if his past adventures.

"Firs' years, firs' years!"

Edward looked over to see a tall man that easily over towered, Major Armstrong. Wearily, the blonde looked around looking for the carriages that were mentioned in Severus letter. What he saw made his heart clench. Tied to the carriages were creatures that seemed to come from one's nightmares.

'Filius is going to meet me by the carriages...' Rang through Edward's mind, everything else seemed to shut down

"Edward Elric!" Someone squeaked out catching Edward's attention and breaking him out of his current mental state. The blonde blinked slowly as he looked around trying to find said wizard that said his name. He had to look down to find the said wizard. "There you are!"

"Filius?" Edward said seeing the Charms Professor, his voice strained due to the emotions that swelled through him. He cleared his throat before he spoke again. "Vat are...doze?"

Filius looked over at what Edward was pointing at the creatures that were tied to the carriages. His mind went blank momentarily with two realizations, he forgot that Edward didn't have any magical background thus did not know what a Thestral was and...he could clearly see how unnerved Edward is by seeing. "They are Thestrals, don't worry they are harmless."

Edward hesitantly nodded and followed Filius towards the carriages keeping a close eye on the Thestrals. He just couldn't brush off the feeling they seemed to give off. Taking in a deep breath, Edward kept his gaze forward and towards a carriage that seemed to be the main destination. The only main issue is that the Charm Professor was stopped every other second by random students who had blue and silver mixed into their uniforms.

"Professor?" Edward cleared his throat seeing that Filius got sidetracked once more.

"I'll speak to all of you later tonight," Filius said to a couple of his students. He gave Edward an apologetic smile. "My head boy and girl wanted to ask a couple of questions."

"I...do not know vat dat is," Edward said lamely, giving an ensuring wave to Filius. "It is alright..."

With that, the two quickly got into one of the carriages. Albeit, Filius had some difficulty getting into the carriage due to his size and Edward hesitance of the Thestrals. Once it was said and done, they headed off before anyone else.

"Ven vill I know the students dat had decided to join my class?" Edward asked after taking in the sights of Hogwarts. It's majestic, Edward will give them that. As long there isn't some sort of trouble he is okay with it...for the most part.

"Your class will be an elective, volunteer basis," Filius explained to Edward who listened and nodded in confirmation. "Seeing as you are changing how it is going to be taught then what is usually taught...with a different view of how it is done."

"Of course." Edward nodded in understanding, he was not so surprised by that. From what he picked up from hanging out with Severus, his time in Diagon Alley and what Kavex had told him. A society that ensures its people have no possibility of leaving and join another society as they would not have any clue how to act in such place. Even thought Edward home country wasn't any better per say, but, at least, people from Amestris won't act like total idiots in the outside world. "Vill it be alright if I hand pick a few dat catch my inderest in teaching?"

"I suppose...you would have to ask their head of the house and go from there," Filius said taking in the question. "Or could a head of house ask you for a student to enter your class?"

"Dey could...but once dat student enters my class dey are on their own," Edward said, he unconsciously gripped his left knee and could feel his fingers scratching into his automail. "Dey must have an understanding of science, math, and comprehenzion of the vorld around dem. I know dat in your society doze subjects are not taught but dey have to learn dat in order to proceed forvard with Alchemy."

"Muggle-born's." Filius eyes seemed to brighten in some sort of realization.

"Again vith dat word." Edward shook his head.

"They are wizards or witches that come from a non-magical background." Filius explained, he began to jump in his seat. "They grew up knowing such subjects, perhaps they could have a better time understanding alchemy."

"Perhaps..." Edward shrugged unsure, he knew what Filius had said could be true. However, they would still have the same complications as any other student in Edward's eyes. If they do not understand the true meaning of alchemy, then they will not move forward until they do. For those who have an understanding, they will proceed. Although... If they show promise and complete comprehension then maybe...just maybe they could proceed just enough. "Ve vill have to see."

-.-

Arriving closer to the school, Edward fully took in the appearance of the school. It was massive and the moonlight didn't help it's eeriness. It wasn't so much of the appearance but the presence that the school emitted. The closer he got, the more Edward felt the need to run. This actually made him grin, this will allow him to keep his guard up. The last thing he needed is to give Teacher a reason to kick his butt...or worse...Winry...

The carriage stopped in front the school gates and both occupants quickly walked out. Edward followed Filius keeping a close eye on him. He looked up when they stood in front of giant wooden doors that slowly opened just enough for the both of them to enter.

The blonde felt his the hairs of the back of his neck rise up, in an attempt to relieve some stress Edward rolled his head around.

"Is everything alright, Edward?"

"Dis place... Chust gives me the creeps." Edward replied with a shrug, he closed his eyes and once again rolled his head around in an attempt to relieve up some of the pressure. "I vill get uzed to it, dough."

"Filius, is this the new Alchemy Professor?"

Edward opened his eyes to suddenly see a tall, rather severe-looking older woman wearing emerald colored robes and is wearing a pointed witch hat. The first time that he had actually seen someone wear said headgear...How stereotypical.

Filius physically tensed nervously at the sight of the Transfiguration Professor, he quickly looked up at Edward to gauge his reaction. "Y-yes, this is Edward Elric the Alchemy Professor. Edward, this is Minerva McGonagall the Transfiguration professor."

Edward visibly tensed at the mention of the woman's title. That word, the meaning that was given to him sometime earlier made him clench his teeth. He closed his eyes, tightly gripping his suitcase and Xerxes's cage. Forcibly, Edward grinned and nodded curtly. "Hello..."

Minerva gave Edward a strange stare, she looked down at Filius for some answers. Filius only shrugged his shoulders and motion for her to continue on with her previous task. "If you would excuse me...the students are expected to be here soon."

The moment that Minerva passed them, Edward entire mood shifted once more. His eyes were slanted, shoulders slouched forward and an air of tiredness surrounded him. "...Zorry...I vas not prepared to meet...dat profezor."

"If you do not mind me asking...what is it about the subject that has you...like this?" Filius voice trailed off the more he spoke and Edward's slowly shifting expression of various emotions. "I would have thought with alchemy, turning one thing to another would be the same as transfiguration."

"In your terms perhaps." Edward stated he signaled for Filius to proceed forward. "The main difference is dat in Alchemy uzing humans and animals are strictly forbidden. The Truth...Truth is a fickle ding ven it comes to it."

"Truth?" Filius said as he and Edward opened the giant wooden doors that lead to the Main Hall.

Edward was about to respond but he lost his breath at the sight of the Hall. "This place just keeps getting weirder and weirder."

From what supposed to be a short amount of time, seemed like it took forever for Elric. The moment he walked through those giant wooden doors to where he was currently seated at. Snape sat on his left and to his right is a timid-looking man that stuttered out every other word.

"Are you listening?"

"Huh?" Elric blinked out of his trance to look over at Snape. "Zorry, dis place is...offervhelming."

Snape did not reply immediately on that, once again, how could he blame Elric. Plus, the last thing he needed is cause Elric to create a scene although...it would be for the better. "Of course. Was it as you thought it would be?"

"The floating candles are going to take zome time getding uzed to," Edward said pointing up at the ceiling. "How do dey stay up dere?"

"Professor Flitwick c-cha-rmed th-them." The timid professor inputted.

Elric turned his attention towards the man, said main visibly flinched under his gaze. "Vo are you?"

"Q-Quirinus Qui-rrell, I t-teach Mu-muggle St-studies." Quirrell stuttered out.

"Edward Elric, Alchemy." Elric said, pointing at his self with his left hand. "I am the new...Alchemy teacher."

"Al-Alchemy?" Quirrell said taken aback, he didn't actually believe that Dumbledore would find someone for the position. Then again, he wasn't able to make it to the last few facility meetings and the only thing he knew about the new Alchemy professor, is that he did not grow up with a magical background. Now to have said person in front of him, it made him wonder how could someone so young get the position of being an Alchemy Professor. "You barely look like you graduate from school?"

Instantly, Elric total mood plummeted and began to openly glare at Quirrell. Snape only shook his head at Quirrell's, choice of words. "I assure you that Mr. Elric has a vast knowledge in Alchemy...as for being a professor..."

"...I know, I know...I will try to not main, hurt, or kill any of my students." Elric rolled his eyes turning his attention back at Snape. "As long as they do not annoy me."

The large wooden doors of the Great Hall opened, coming in were second years and higher. All of them wearing their full uniforms and quickly heading towards their respective tables.

"Ve do have the weekends off, right?" Elric whispered rather loudly to Snape, who snorted in response.

"Already planning for your retirement, Mr. Elric?"

"You bet your ass I am."

"First years..."

-.-

"Do you think Mr. Elric is already here?"

"I don't know, hope so."

Fred and George Weasley walked side by side following Professor McGonagall along with the first years. When the doors of the Great Hall opened before them, their eyes widened at the sight of it. What their brothers had told them about it, gave it no justice at all. "Whoa..."

Their eyes landed on the head table and their expressions lighten seeing Elric sitting there. When Elric set his eyes on the twins, he gave a short wave and a smile of recognition. The twins waved back just as ecstatically.

"I hope we could get into his class," Fred whispered to his brother.

"Hope so too." George nodded in agreement.

-.-

"Vat...is dat." Elric watched a scraggly looking man pulling a wooden stool and what appeared to be a heavily patched cloth. He couldn't put his finger on it, but that piece of cloth just felt so familiar.

"The sorting hat." Snape murmured quietly from behind his hand. "It will sort out the students into the four different houses."

Elric stared at that hat for what seemed like forever, he just could not comprehend how this...hate could do such a thing. The blonde had to tightly grip the table to prevent himself from jumping out of the seat when he saw the hat animate itself. His quickly looked over at Snape for any sort of confirmation on what's going on. "Zefferus...vat is dat?"

"I will explain later," Snape muttered under his breathing taken note of the curious looks shot their way.

Elric humped, he looked over at the first years who were waiting anxiously as the hat sang a song. His eyebrow rose when he took in the hat's words, taking note of the words the popped out in the verse.

'Crazy old hat.' Elric only shook his head as the song kept ringing in his head, trying to decipher it. All he managed to get out of it is that great change is coming and to prepare for it. When the song ended, the Transfiguration professor came up with a scroll in hand.

That was the last thing he remembered as his eyes drooped closed and exhaustion overtook him. Screw it if it leaves a bad impression.

-.-

"What have you gotten yourself into, Brother?" Alphonse Elric muttered to himself, rereading the note he had created to translate his brother's letter. He had received a letter, delivered by an owl which rang warning bells for Alphonse. The tiny bird had dropped the letter in his lap and quickly ate his breakfast before flying off to who knows where. When seeing the familiar scrawl on the letter, Alphonse ripped it open to look through the contents. A letter...a deeply coded letter... It took him a week just to crack a third of the letter and three more days to get the rest.

What Alphonse managed to decipher makes him question his brother's sanity. Severely.

Hidden magical community.

'Our' Alchemy is not like their Alchemy.

Deranged government.

Creepy old guy.

"...Teacher?" Alphonse looked at the last tidbits of his notes with wide eyes. "Brother...you cannot be serious about this! You'll kill them!"

"Alphonse-sama?" Mei Chang walked into Alphonse room to see the Elric banging his head against his desk. "Is everything alright?"

"I hope so...I truly hope so."

-.-

"I welcome Edward Elric, who will be teaching Alchemy..."

Everyone in the Great Hall turned their sights on the sleeping Alchemy Professor, showing no signs of waking up anytime soon. Whispers filled the entire hall wondering just what is in store for them and figure out who exactly is the new Professor. A vast majority of them, other Professor's too, only looked at Elric with looks of disbelief. He looked no older than a seventh year at the latest and at that age, the blonde should still be learning the craft. Not teaching it...

Suddenly a loud yelp distracted everybody from their own personal worlds. They turned to see Elric glaring at Snape, the latter of which kept his gaze forward.

"Was there something you wanted to say, Professor Elric?"

Elric blinked slowly as he looked over at Dumbledore who gave him that same twinkled eye smile. A same headache that came along with it came back and it brought a frown to the blonde's face. Looking away, unaware that a headache went away, Elric faced the entire hall of students. Suddenly he felt very out of place...

Clearing his voice, Elric stood up from his spot and that sparked more whispers than before. Now it had to do with how oddly he was dressed, the shade of hair and his eyes.

"Do you think he used alchemy to change it?"

"Why does he look like a muggle?"

"He looks too young."

"What's Alchemy?"

"..." Elric looked around the room, a frown etched onto his face as the whispers continued about his appearance. He looked down at Snape for any sort of advice on what he should say or do. Looking back at the students, annoyance swirled within him. Every time he attempted to say something, the whispers would overpower his own voice.

Taking in a deep breath, Elric had reached his limits. "SHUT UP ALREADY!"

Silence.

"Good." Elric cleared his throat seeing that he now had everyone's attention. "For starders...Refer to me as Mr. Elric, I vill be teaching Alchemy as the Old Man had staded...and I am already regretting taking the job."

To Be Continued...

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[dustedmagazine]

Ian Mathers’ I Didn’t Wanna End the Dream: Trying to focus on 2019 (but not just 2019)

Saying I didn’t find myself able to pay as much attention to new music in 2019 as I normally do is true, but lacks some context; I see from my notes that I still managed to get through 70 new releases so far this year (and I’ve got a solid 30 more downloaded that I will be giving at least one listen to between now and early 2020), which still places me somewhere towards the extreme upper percentile (really, if you sought out and listened to five new records in 2019, I bet you’re above the global or even continental average). And honestly it’s not sheer bulk that has me feeling like I slightly neglected 2019 in 2019; I’ve had years where I’ve heard less and felt passionately caught up in the moment, and I’m sure I could have listened to twice as much and still felt the same. No, it’s that 2019 was the first year maybe a decade and a half where I actually allowed myself (and it very much had to be “allowed”) to pay half as much attention to old music as I did to new.

Before I get to that, though, let me emphasize that this doesn’t mean that what I found to love in 2019 I loved any less; some years a single record announces itself as some sort of emblematic favorite strongly, some years it’s more a gestalt, but I’d put my feelings about this year’s top three against any recent years’, easily. I certainly didn’t expect Hatchie’s Keepsake to top the list when I first got it (even when I had this reaction to one of the early singles, a song that I wouldn’t even necessarily say is my favorite on the record!), but it got there the old-fashioned way; I simply couldn’t stop playing it, coming back to it between other records, getting various songs stuck in my head, etc. It’s a record I loved passionately and thoughtlessly enough that I couldn’t find the words to articulate it here at greater length than a Dust entry. If it feels a bit less tightly connected to current events than my dual 2018 favorites (Low’s Double Negative and Leverage Models’ Whites) did, that just speaks again to the multitude of ways we all connect with art. I’ll let most of my 2019 list stand on its own, except to note that the rest of my top three had at least an oblique relationship to that notion of currency, with the dark fables of Picastro’s Exit certainly being harrowing enough to soundtrack the news (particularly a song like “A Trench,” which like most Picastro songs instantly sounded like some dark old folk song I’d known since I was a kid the first time I played it) and Hot Chip’s ebulliently humane A Bath Full of Ecstasy being written in the spirit of providing a positive ideal to strive for, even while we’re (on both sides of the Atlantic) being buried under a mountain of shit.  

But even in that context, I don’t think my sudden attention to my archives was in the spirit of retreat or refuge; I can honestly say it started on a pure whim, with a friend mentioning how much they preferred the non-album version of The Wrens’ great “This Boy Is Exhausted,” a version that I can now tell you is from the Drive Thru Records 1999 compilation You’ll Never Eat Fast Food Again. This comment reminded me that I have that alternate version (and he’s right, it rips), but that I had no idea where it comes from. And something, somewhere, snapped. See, although I’ve been through multiple computers since I first had my own in the late 90s, and I’ve always been able to transfer all the music I’ve had on it (sometimes through crazily baroque methods) to my new machine, other things have changed a lot. It used to be I kept a ton of CDs but (since both the process was lengthy, hard drive space was at a premium, and internet speeds were painfully slow) I’d usually rip the four or five songs I most wanted to keep around. And any time I was keeping less than basically a full album of songs I’d erase most of the metadata (this now seems insane to me, but I think my mind at the time just wanted all those songs to display in alphabetical order and this seemed the easiest way to get, at the time, WinAmp to co-operate). Well, I got rid of 9/10ths of my CD collection at least five years ago, most of the music I get now whether promos or bought by me come as files, and I’ve got about 100 gigs of hard drive space free and a good, cheap internet connection.  

Somehow this combined with a momentary impulse to clean up and properly file my Wrens MP3s and turned into a massive sorting/deletion/reclamation project, complete with a spreadsheet in Google Docs to keep track of what I was keeping and a still to me surprising sense of satisfaction whenever I could justify spending an afternoon or evening just listening to, sorting and often deleting material, some of which hadn’t been played or looked at in 10+ years. Building a new library of stuff I still actually care about, and of course all the little fringe benefits (the little shocks of rediscovery, moments of outright nostalgia, even just the feeling of tidying up); it’s been the most edifying thing I’ve done in a while, and feels somewhere between self-indulgent and the best thing I could be doing for myself.  

Mind you, I’ve got a lot of music and I’ve been trying to prioritize this project below things like the people in my life, my day job, and writing here and elsewhere (which is rarely focused on that older material I’ve been processing, but is often informed by what I’ve been getting out of the work), so after eight months I’m… still working on the end of the Cs. Which means I’ve gone through literally everything starting with C that was already in my iTunes library, and have since moved on to the Unsorted pile I generated through that process, which holds both everything in the library I realized needed more time/listening before I made a decision (including things I downloaded as I went, because you do this and you realize it’s insane you somehow only have one Curtis Mayfield song, for example), and then all the other stuff starting with C that was sitting in a few directories that somehow didn’t make it into iTunes before. As I noted on Twitter at the time, C was a particularly rich haul in this respect not least because my love for Coil and the relatively messy state of their discography had at one point led me to say fuck it and accept another fan’s offer of their complete works (and even that wound up being not quite it… keeping a twitter thread of all the random little things that have come up during this process was a surprisingly good part, too). Those particular embarrassments of riches I’m still going through during my spare time, which led to November being a month where, except for stuff I was writing about, pretty much only Coil and Carly Rae Jepson got played in our apartment (my wife, with a saintly patience that comes naturally to neither of us, minded neither).  

It even feels a bit weird to discuss this still-ongoing project just in the context of 2019. Aside from some early goings where the thrill of just getting stuff put away properly was overwhelming, I’ve mostly been able to keep it as something I’m working on but after other things, which means it’s definitely going to be a years-long endeavor (to say nothing about how newly obtained material will get integrated in, as it comes), but maybe the major thing it’s done is abated the slowly but steadily rising background panic I only now realize I’d been feeling over the past decade or so, as all the new listening I keep doing (which I love and wouldn’t trade for anything; every year it gives me so many new things I love and that matter to me) was out of whack with the near total neglect I had for everything once it fell off the treadmill of the new. I felt stuck on that treadmill; now it feels, to torture this metaphor, like I still spend a good amount of time on the treadmill but also get off every so often and, I don’t know, lift weights or something. If anything, it’s made me more eager to hear new things when I carve out time for them. My teenage self, always worrying whether I’d still feel the same way about music once I hit my (late) 30s would be thrilled to hear the answer to possibly incipient burnout is not “stop listening” but rather “listen even more, but differently.”  

Ian Mathers

   Albums:

Hatchie - Keepsake

Picastro - Exit

Hot Chip - A Bath Full of Ecstasy

Blanck Mass - Animated Violence Mild

Sunwatchers - Illegal Moves

Clinic - Wheeltappers & Shunters

Wand - Laughing Matter

Ladytron - Ladytron

Aarktica - Mareación

Boy Harsher - Careful  

Nakhane - You Will Not Die

Lambchop - This (is what I wanted to tell you)

loscil - Equivalents

Joshua Abrams & Natural Information Society - Mandatory Reality

Sigrid - Sucker Punch

Julia Kent - Temporal

Pelican - Nighttime Stories

Rafael Anton Irisarri - Solastalgia

Beth Gibbons & Krzysztof Penderecki - Symphony of Sorrowful Songs

The National - I Am Easy to Find

Singles:

Kitten - "Memphis"

James Blake ft. Rosalía - "Barefoot in the Park"

unperfect - "Gots to Give the Girl"

Rinne Yoshida - "Mu"

Georgia - "About Work the Dancefloor"

Vampire Weekend - “Harmony Hall”

Caroline Polachek - “Door”

Freddie Gibbs & Madlib - “Crime Pays”

BiSH - “DISTANCE”

Charly Bliss - “Capacity”