#I felt it was on brand for Blake

[senviva]

my Blake costume 🪓

(naturally for one pic I broke out the heeled boots to try & recreate @rainfrazier’s drawing from last Halloween)

[cynicallyscorned]

finally, a new side of me... 🎶

(dont rb!)

[astroismypassion]

Astrology observations 🌌🌌

Credit goes to my Tumblr blog @astroismypassion

🌌 Virgo MC can’t really get away with “bad decisions”. For example, if they don’t eat well, overindulge, they are more likely to get backlash or criticism from people.

💙 Retrograde Mars people can often percieve themselves as not enough sexually desirable. They might think people don’t want to have sex with them.

💜 People with Capricorn Moon or Moon in the 10th house and other Earth Moon feel like their mental health starts get better if they just begin doing chores.

🌌 Neptune in the 4th house and Pisces IC native is that family member that can’t ever be blamed. Family members might even fear hurting this native due to how innocent they are and that they have the most unconditional love out of all family members.

💙 Gemini Suns are scared of gossip. Because they are aware of the fact that even a made-up thing can be turned into “a fact” too quickly and that people can end up taking a misconstructed thing as the whole reality.

💜 To me Virgo Venus has “minimalist” aesthetic, Taurus Venus “quiet luxury” aesthetic, Pisces Venus “coastal grand daughter” or “cottagecore” aesthetic and Capricorn Venus “preppy” or “dark academia” aesthetic.

🌌 I noticed Scorpio Moons most often only have one active social media account. Like they would use JUST Tiktok or just Tumblr, just Instagram and nothing else.

💙 Neptune in the 1st house women enjoy colouring their hair and changing colour. This is even more prominent if they also have Uranus in the 1st house.

💜 Women with Virgo Mars might have a husband that is gluten or dairy free. Also, your partner might have really nice skin if Virgo Mars is located in the 9th house or the 2nd, but if it’s in the 8th house or aspected with Pluto, he could actually struggle with keeping a healthy skin, could be prone to acne.

🌌 Musicians who have Gemini North Node or North Node in the 3rd house were discovered on Youtube or on a social media platform.

💙People with Scorpio over the 12th house or Pluto in the 12th house might help or serve ill people, such as granting the wish of critically ill people.

💜 You might buy food, food brands or meals from people who share your Moon sign. As an example: if you are Taurus Moon, you buy food items made by Taurus Sun people. If you are ans Aries Moon, you support food brands made by Aries Sun.

🌌 Leo Rising hair always stands out. Even if they are bald, have buzz cut, thin or frizzy hair. People tend to remember their hair the most.

💙 Gemini Mercury loove saying “fun fact…”. 😂

💜 Sagittarius Mars natives might really like their first time (having sex).

🌌 And also a side note, I noticed a pattern that people tend to describe their first time mostly with their Mars sign traits. If it’s Cancer Mars, they felt really comfortable and it was probably with someone they really, really liked and had a crush on for a very long time. Virgo Mars could point that it might have been a quickie or you paused and had a second round. It could also mean that you first started with a hand job, oral. Taurus Mars could also mean your first time started with a blow job (Taurus rules throat). Like 8th house sign also comes into the consideration.

💙 Taurus Moon people love having a drink with them. They love a cup or glass in hands. Such as grabing a smoothie, a cup of coffee, tea or a matcha. It just comforts them.

💜 Pisces Venus looks really good in emerald green clothing.

🌌 I noticed that one MC that is really common among celebrities that almost never (or very rarely) receives hate is Taurus MC celebrities. Real life examples would be Emma Chamberlain, Selena Gomez, Emma Stone, Margot Robbie, Eddie Redmayne, Blake Lively, Gemma Arterton etc. These people are really, really loved by the public. Also sometimes Capricorn Venus or Venus in the 10th house, but not to the same extent as Taurus MC. They can’t do wrong in the public’s eye. It’s like it’s very NOT to like them.

💙 Virgo Lilith women enjoy wearing bows and ribbons in their hair.

💜 People with Gemini Descendant or Gemini over the 7th house often talk down on their own beauty. They might have really glowing skin, but would still say “Yeah, but it’s still not *perfect* looking skin”. Or they might point out more their “beauty/appearance quirks” (uneven teeth, frizzy hair etc.) just so that people don’t end up idealizing them too much or build expectations for them.

🌌 I noticed Capricorn Moons with time love more luxurious pieces, otherwise in younger years (before Saturn Return) they quite love rather cheap stuff.

💙If you have Gemini over the 7th house people can often question the character of your spouse, committed partner. If you have Gemini over the 4th house people can question your mother's character or that of your loved ones, close friends.

💜 Men with Libra Moon often feel threatened by beautiful, conventionally attractive women. However, they also have this deep need of satisfying perfect beauty so they often pick models as their partner or women that look well-balanced, harmonious and have striking physical features, which sometimes intimidates them even more.

🌌 Pluto in the 8th house people or Scorpio over the 8th house might have regrets if they quit a sport they were really passionate about. They have more guilt than others of not sticking with it.

💙 I can’t stress enough how important is for Cancer Moons and Moon in the 4th house to stay in touch with the things they grew up with. It soothes them the best and it really benefits their emotional and mental wellbeing. If you have this placements, watch movies or series you enjoyed when growing up, build a pillow fort, listen to top hits from that time that remind of childhood/teenage nostalgia.

💜 The public and people always want Virgo MC to leak that daily routine👀 Like people are so interested in how they spend their day and what their day-to-day life looks like.

🌌 Virgo Moon (but also Gemini Moon to a certain extent) can act very stingy in their home. They would keep the lights off just so that the electricity bill will be smaller.

💙 I noticed people that are the most consistent with daily work outs tend to have Capricorn Moon or Moon in the 10th house. Because they can detach from feelings, even when they don’t feel like working out.

💜 Leo Risings often end up doing a job, profession or have a career that doesn’t really feel like a regular job. It’s like one of their hobbies for them. They also are found in jobs where they entertain, not necessarily on stage, it can also be on a social media platform.

Credit goes to my Tumblr blog @astroismypassion

[pers-books]

Four new trips to Gallifrey

To mark the twentieth anniversary of the Gallifrey range, Big Finish Productions presents Echoes Through Eternity, a brand-new collection of short story readings, due November 2024.

Gallifrey. Ancestral home of the Time Lords. Some have lived there all their lives, some have adopted it as their own. Allies, thrown together by circumstance and strife, have forged lasting friendships in the furnace of politics, alternate realities, and the Last Great Time War. 

Gallifrey is constant, but its inhabitants must change to survive. Perhaps none more so than Narvin... 

Gallifrey has watched over the universe since the dawn of time – and, at Big Finish Productions, since 2004. The audio drama range following intrigue and adventure on the Doctor’s homeworld is now twenty years old. 

Marking the occasion is Echoes Through Eternity, a collection of four brand-new stories, in the style of Big Finish’s Short Trips. These tales are set across the timeline of the Gallifrey range and feature some of its most iconic characters. 

The set includes two stories by Gary Russell, the range’s original creator. Both follow Celestial Intervention Agency Coordinator Narvin and are read by Seán Carlsen. The other two stories focus on the characters of Braxiatel and Ace, with their original voice actors Miles Richardson and Sophie Aldred reading. 

The Worlds of Doctor Who – Gallifrey: Echoes Through Eternity is now available to pre-order (as a digital download only) for just £11.99, exclusively here.

The four stories are: 

Damned If You Do by Gary Russell, read by Seán Carlsen 

CIA Coordinator Narvin is unwillingly called upon to find some lost students – aliens admitted to the hallowed Academy. But when Narvin and Cadet Kransa enter the Catacombs, nothing will be the same... 

The Questing Beast by Fio Trethewey & Georgia Cook, read by Miles Richardson 

Battling the Lord Burner, Braxiatel is separated from his friends as they fall through a multitude of alternative Gallifreys. He arrives in a realm where science is magic and there is a Dragon to be slain... 

In Search of Lost Time by Una McCormack, read by Sophie Aldred

Old Time Agents never die – they just lose their memories. Back on Earth after her involvement in the Time War, Ace is having trouble fitting in – and coincidence seems to be following her... 

Damned If You Don’t by Gary Russell, read by Seán Carlsen 

As the Time War rages, Narvin is at the heart of the action – but he has lost so much, he may not have the will to carry on. Until his past returns to haunt him... 

Producer Heather Challands said: “One thing that was very apparent when I came on to the Gallifrey range was how well-loved it is by the listeners. 

“Gallifrey has introduced us to so many different characters, timelines, conflicts and so much creativity over the years that it only felt right to celebrate the 20th anniversary by revisiting some old favourites. A small slice of a very storied history, explored by four brand new stories set from the earliest days in the Citadel to deep in the heart of the Time War.” 

The Worlds of Doctor Who – Gallifrey: Echoes Through Eternity is now available to pre-order (as a digital download only) for just £11.99, exclusively here.

All the above prices include the special pre-order discount and are subject to change after general release. 

[kitkatopinions]

When people talk about how "rwde is mad that RWBY subverts expectations" I wonder how much of what's considered subverting expectations is actually ignoring set up, doing things out of nowhere, and actually doing a popular and very much so expected thing.

Like don't get me wrong, I do think sometimes people have ideas for what RWBY should've been and then think that it was more set up then it actually was. Like, people who took Blake saying she grew up outside the kingdoms and had to learn to fight to mean "I am an orphan and spent my whole life on the streets" that then got mad when Blake had pretty big house and parents. I might agree that RWBY perhaps shouldn't have given Blake the privileges they gave her specifically because of how they decided to use her to tell the other Faunus to stop being mean to their oppressors (though I'd sooner throw that part out than get rid of Blake being the daughter of a leader with a big house,) but I don't think it was pulling the rug out from under people the way some people do.

However, then you have things like Adam, where some people in RWDE are saying "he was set up as this interesting character who would be an ideological foil for Blake that cared about the cause and his people, and it felt like he'd be used as a way to talk about the injustice in the world of Remnant and then was reduced to nothing but a girl-obsessed hate sink two dimensional incel" and some anti-rwde people are hitting back with "you're just upset that the edgy bad-boy isn't getting redeemed, you just wanted Adam to be Zuko, but RWBY subverted your expectations by not redeeming him and instead giving Ilia the redemption arc, and giving Blake and Yang the sympathy."

And there's a lot to unpack, there. Including the fact that redemption arcs and sympathy aren't a zero-sum game in fiction and as someone who loves both redemption arcs and when characters get justified sympathy, it's frustrating when people act like there isn't enough redemption to go around as if it's a pie and Adam getting a piece of it means Ilia doesn't get any.

But more to the point, A. I at least have zero interest in Adam being a Zuko, because so much of Zuko's redemption arc hinged on Zuko confronting his and his people's role in oppression. Adam is oppressed. Zuko was scarred by an abusive father and banished from home, Adam was branded like cattle by a supremacist who he was working for as a child laborer. Although both are incredibly sympathetic, they're incredibly different. Whether or not the writers were trying to harken back to Zuko (which I believe they were,) they seemed to completely miss the differences between the two characters, and also deciding to 'subvert expectations' when the circumstances they themselves wrote were so different is a bad look at best. As if they couldn't have 'subverted expectations' with a different character like Cardin or Jacques or even Roman Torchwick, that wasn't a member of their in-universe oppressed minority group.

B. A member of an oppressed people group that's been hurt by the oppressors of the world and yet spends their time committing horrible cruel acts that force the heroes to stand against them is not some never before heard of thing. In fact, it's very common. A revolutionary supposedly fighting for equality that's actually hurting the people he's supposedly fighting for is a pretty regular every day thing. People have literally been criticizing how it's misused and usually racist propaganda (usually written by white people) since long before RWBY was even concepted. Adam isn't a proper subversion of anything, in my opinion, because you can't do the common thing and then say you subverted expectations by not doing the less common thing. Which in this case, the less common thing would actually be to make the oppressed person who had been branded and was shown fighting for the rights of his people to actually be a nuanced and complicated character who does deserve sympathy and could be redeemed.

C. It might just be me, but if you're going to 'subvert expectations' then the thing you write instead of the expectation had better be pretty freaking good. Because sometimes the expectation is there because it just works well. Like in a group of heroes, you expect them to develop a friendship. If people want to subvert expectations by instead having them hate each other, the story better be golden because the reason people tend to expect friendship is that it's usually much easier to connect to character dynamics when they actually like each other. If you're going to write a story where hope is a central theme, but you want to subvert expectations by making a sympathetic and cool character with a personal connection to the mains look like they're gonna get redeemed but then instead make them just the worst person imaginable, then you better do it super well and make him instead a great well-rounded nuanced and fun to hate villain. So not only do we have to pay attention to why the writers shouldn't have gone that route for Adam, we gotta look at the quality of what they did with it, and... Nope. It sucked. Adam was paper thin and horribly voice acted and honestly if he'd never attacked in V6 nothing would've really changed because it had no real consequences that couldn't have been better achieved in a different way, and introducing his branding scar in the same scene he got stabbed was purely for shock value, and nothing came of his character, and idk if Ruby ever even learned his name on screen or Weiss knew anything about him, and it was so badly done. If you're going to 'subvert expectations,' you gotta do it well, or people are always going to want the thing they expected in the beginning instead. Unfortunately, the RWBY writers didn't write Adam well at all. So I for one can't blame anyone for saying 'honestly, I wish they'd gone with the other thing.'

D. Back to 'sometimes when people say subverting expectations, they really mean ignored set up.' With Adam in particular, I do believe that he was always meant to be a bad guy who did bad cruel things from the very first trailer he appeared in, but that doesn't at all mean that set up wasn't ignored. From Blake talking about him as a mentor, to her crediting him with the Grimm masks, to the ideological differences, to Cinder literally having to threaten and coerce him into working with her on screen, the set up indicated that at the very least, this would be a complicated and nuanced 'villain with a point' and that point was going to matter and be addressed. The set up was that Cinder's coercion was going to be addressed and would matter. The set up was that Blake's complicated feelings about Adam and her desire to help her people and her later established care and compassion for Ilia (who may I remind people is at least just as bad as seasons 1-3 Adam in at least attempt if not execution,) would lead somewhere when it came to Adam. The set up was that seeing a child laborer literally branded on the face with the logo of WEISS'S COMPANY would lead to big discussions and some sort of recognition of just how bad the current system is and how bad the SDC itself as always been. And instead Weiss as far as we know never even heard about it and continued on being angry that she wasn't set to be CEO and calling her grandfather a hero and Blake was completely disinterested in attending a rally against Jacques Schnee and teased Weiss about her family owning half of Atlas. Like ???

E. Doing things out of nowhere is also not subverting expectations. In regards to Adam, this looks like randomly making him totally obsessed with Blake enough that he stalks her for weeks when he literally let her go repeatedly before that. Doing things out of nowhere is making Adam not care an ounce about his people in order to do whatever Salem says when we saw him reject Cinder outright and need to be coerced with threats to his people. Those aren't subverting expectations, that's just doing one thing and then retconning the character to do something out of character.

This post turned out to be mostly about Adam, but there's tons of examples of this, like people saying RWDE are mad that the writers 'subverted expectations' by making Ironwood turn evil when we were sitting there like 'the fact that he wasn't evil was subverting expectations in the first place! And they had to throw V3 out the window to get where they were in V8! And it was super badly done!' People just throw around 'subverting expectations' when it comes to RWBY because it sounds a lot better than 'flying by the seats of their pants doing whatever pops into their heads with no care or consideration towards set-up or emotional pay off' but that's it, that's what the RWBY writers seem to do. When I expect something to happen in RWBY, it's because it's the natural thing that makes sense to happen, and in their supposed effort to 'subvert expectations,' the writers instead made a show with no consequences where you can't expect the writers to make anything that happens matter and you can't trust what's in the show because the writers might say sike and retcon it. It's endlessly frustrating to be like 'hey was any of what was in the show going to matter' and then have people say 'you're just mad because RWBY subverted your expectations.' RWBY subverted my expectation that the show would be good, how about that?

You know, if the show actually was interested in subverting expectations, Jaune wouldn't be in the show nearly as much and he'd be more gender-non-conforming and be a support healer role instead of the man now with like twenty years of experience on the mains who always has his trauma get plenty of focus and gets away with screaming in Ruby's face that she's responsible for all bad things while he mourns the three different women that were shoved in the fridge for the sake of his character development. They could've started with making the white straight cis able-bodied not-faunus man actually not be a basic underdog-protagonist turned Michael-Scarn-esque tragic hero that Weiss lusts after, but whoops. Like what am I supposed to think, that they're super interested in subverting expectations for the sake of women when Jaune is right there guzzling up screen time? Nah babes.

(Before someone comes in here talking about Adam-obsessed fan boys, I do not even like Adam, canon Adam is not only gross but far too two-dimensional for me to even enjoy, and my own ideas for rewrites involve me boiling Adam down to a concept and building him up again as if he was a different character as much 'Adam' as Ruby is Red Riding Hood. Nobody accuse me of being an Adam-obsessed dudebro or I will lose it. Because that's another thing that a lot of anti-RWDE people seem to do, is decide that the only reason anyone would ever talk about problems with Adam is because they're an obsessed incel man. And meanwhile I'm over here as a bi-women who dislikes Adam partially because he reminds me of my controlling 'my happiness is your responsibility' ex-boyfriend who we - long story - thought might've stabbed someone with a sword once. So yeah, not an Adam fanboy lol.)

[onboardsorasora]

🎾Tennis Dan - Part 35🎾

Soooo I started writing this at the start of the year when the Australian open was actually going on and then my brain decided it needed a break. Which fair…. I'd been writing 3 Roses non-stop and then like a lot of smaller fic around that time as well. I took the break my body requested then just…. didn't have the inspiration to come back to this. I wanted to do a completely new chapter but I also really liked what I'd already written here, so I finished it. Nothing else has been written so anything after this chapter will be like, current lol

I'm so sorry for taking so long to bring our boys back, please forgive me.

Part 1 | Part 34

Max felt the roar of the Australian crowd as the set finally ended. Sustained by the announcement that the last rally surpassed the games record of 27 volleys with 31. The set had been going on for over an hour now with both players giving it their all.

Max watched as Daniel wiped at his face with the oversized towel. He was drenched in sweat, the planes of his muscles were obvious through the slicked fabric of his shirt.

This was the longest match Max had ever witnessed, Daniel and his opponent were very well matched and they each had an answer whenever the other had the upper hand. The scoreboard looked like an annoying math equation with integers and fractions.

It was clear who the crowd were behind though, the ‘Aussie Aussie Aussie oi oi oi’ chants riled the packed stadium in every break. The inflatable kangaroos waved merrily when Daniel got the advantage.

He was doing well for himself in his first big Open back from injury. Daniel had spent the Christmas break in training camp on the ranch while Max had been doted on by Grace and Daniel's grandmother.

Watching Daniel in his element would always make Max's blood simmer in his veins. Daniel was calm, focused, and fucking good. His navy shorts were short– mid thigh and shorter than he normally wore but Max wouldn't say he was complaining. Not when Daniel was lunging and stretching this way and that, Max loved watching his straining muscles.

He watched as Blake and Michael hurriedly poured packets of salt in a branded water bottle and shook it all together. Daniel had already drank all of the electrolyte drink and even the ‘just in case' pickle juice that had been packed in his gear bag. They were moving quickly, never once expecting the match to go on this long, for him to go through the back stores.

A court attendant in a white wide brimmed hat accepted the bottle and placed it by Daniel's bench. Daniel grabbed the bottle and took a sip and Max chuckled when his face involuntarily squished onto itself before he raised a thumbs up. He drank the salty water like a trooper before chasing it with some ice cold fresh water.

He made a face that was broadcast onto the screens, with his tongue out and sharp head shake, the crowd cheered and screamed. Daniel grimaced then laughed before waving to the camera goodnaturedly. He stood and wiped his face again before grabbing his racquet. The crowd swell was insane.

The next few sets went quickly after that, most into Daniel's favour. Max stopped paying attention to the clock, to the score. Instead focused on how strong and– quite frankly– fucking sexy Daniel looked below him. Panting and straining and looking positively dominant.

Grace's hand clamping onto his arm brought Max back to the present. The stadium was tense, with the sound of thousands of people gasping and holding their breaths. 

Max looked to see Daniel on the ground, on his back. His opponent returned the volley with vigor and Daniel had no time to get back up. The crowd groaned with fear and Grace seemed as if she wanted to hide her face.

Then Daniel arched up and volleyed back from his position on the ground. Then he scrambled to his feet just as the ball was returned. Daniel grinned widely and watched triumphantly as the ball went out. The stadium roared and Daniel beat his chest, then raised his hands tiredly in thanks.

— - —

Max licked his way up the planes of Daniel's back as he laid prone on bed beneath him. His arms were spread out like a cross, ice packs taped to his biceps and traps. 

Daniel was exhausted, and Max had elected to be the one in charge of his post match care. He'd say through the trophy ceremony impatiently, he couldn't wait to get his hands on Daniel.

“Mmm Max.” Daniel groaned gutterally, his face smushed into the sheets. Drool collected beneath his lips to form a wet patch.

Max had been edging him the whole time, massaging his muscles while keeping him horny as hell. Daniel's body was a livewire of pain and pleasure and his dick was hard and leaking, trapped beneath him.

“You did so well today, Daniel. You were perfect. My perfect champion.” Max cooed in Daniel's ear, pressing his hard dick between the cleft of Daniel's cheeks. Daniel shivered and whined.

Max kissed the column of Daniel's neck and rutted against him, savouring each of Daniel's breathy moans and exhales.

“You're gonna come for me baby, let me take care of you.” 

“Yeah.” Daniel panted, trying and failing to raise his head or his hips for better access to Max's roving lips and grinding hips. He wanted to do more but his energy was done. And Max felt so so so good.

“Don't worry, I'll fuck you tomorrow baby. I promise.” Max gripped Daniels hips and picked up his speed. Daniel's whines became hitched before his eyes clenched and he stiffened beneath him. Daniel choked out a moan while Max murmured praises into his ear, a soft smile on his pink lips. 

“Max, fuck.” Daniel rasped and Max came with a moan of Daniels name.

[cosmicoatlatte]

────── ☆ kinktober 2024

Everett Blakely - temperature

content: mentions of death, smoking, ice cubes, oral (fem receiving)... 2k

The sad thing about seeing the man you held affection for in the arms of another woman was the fact that it was your own damn fault. Really, what did you expect? Telling Everett that you couldn't go on knowing full well that he could be taken from you any minute had been the only logical choice yet your effort to protect your heart had only ended up shattering it. Part of you was glad —the fact that he could move on so quickly, with one of your closest friends on base no less— just proved to you that you made the right choice letting go of him. But a bigger, more bitter, part of you cursed yourself for holding on to your feelings. 

Why did you foolishly hold onto the belief that he would wait for you? Remain unattached until the war was over and he had both feet on the ground, safe enough for you to ask him for a second chance? 

Everett had flown two missions since you asked him to end your romance and each time you'd been so worried that you could barely function all day.

But Ev had moved on and so should you. Wanting to be happy, wanting him to be happy, didn't mean watching him and Tatty get cozy dancing though. A girl had her limits and watching them sticking their heads together and talking in hushed voices while swaying in the middle of the dance floor surpassed any of yours. The night air was cool against your heated skin as you stepped outside, the closing door behind you muffling all the noise coming from inside the hall. Oh how you wished you could do the same with your feelings, close a door on them and walk away. 

You riffled through your pockets absentmindedly before your fingers clasped around the etui you’d been looking for, shaking hands shaking out one of the cigarettes and placing it between your lips before you looked for your lighter. Before you could find it you heard the telltale click of a Zippo being sparked and a flame appeared in front of your face, close enough that you barely had to lean forward to light your cigarette. You were about to thank the person that offered you the flame when you followed their arm up to their face and discovered that it was the devil himself that had followed you outside. 

You still thanked him, albeit with a bitter taste in your mouth, because you had to be the bigger person. It was your own fault he moved on. At least he was kind enough to spare you any small talk. Not kind enough to spare you his company though. 

“New brand?” He asked, nodding to the cigarette you were holding. Not sparing you the small talk then either.

“Jack picked them up for me in London.”

“Kidd? Huh.” He gave you a look, not the kind of checking you out you'd come to expect from him. “Air exec… barely flying and all.”

Immediately you could feel the hairs at the back of your neck stand up at his insinuation. How dare he.

“Yeah. I let him feel me up behind the donut cart while you get shot at. Screw you, Blakely. If I were with Jack at least I'd be far away from your bunk and not getting it on in the bed right next to you. But hey at least you know the way to Tatty’s bunk. Just make sure to walk those two extra steps.”

Ev had you backed against the wall before you knew it. A rough kiss that left your head spinning and your lips yearning. He was intoxicating to the point that you didn't even realize the position you were in until a cold hand hit the swell of your breasts. The two of you pressed together against the side of a building with your blouse half unbutton, cigarettes long forgotten on the dewey ground while your ex-lover felt you up.

Your flat hand connected with the side of his face soundly but you didn't stick around long enough to see if he was hurt. Instead you ducked under his arm and ran back to your bunk while trying to button yourself up again.

The night had been ruined anyway so you used the fact that the other women you were rooming with were still out to take the longest hottest shower you could. After those glorious lukewarm fifteen minutes were over you got all ready to call it an end for the day and lay down but as you walked back to your bunk you realized you wouldn't be able to. Everett had the audacity to sit on your bed, looking up at you expectantly as you got closer. You smugly noted the chilled drink he kept pressed to the side of his face.

“You shouldn't be here.” You didn't look in his direction as you put your things away neatly.

“I know.”

You sighed, trying to ignore how exposed you felt in front of him in your simple white nightgown even though he had seen you in less. Crossing your arms over your chest you tried to keep the overflowing emotions you felt out of your voice and hidden from him. “If you get caught I'll get in trouble too. Please leave.”

Everett nodded but instead of getting up he sat up straighter, not intimidatingly so but just enough to let you know he was serious. “I am not with Tatty. We’re friends. And she's doing me a favor, keeping the Red Cross girls out for a few more hours so that we can talk.”

“What's there to talk about?” You asked, as casually as you could with the way your stomach clenched at his words. He wasn't with her… 

On your bed Everett leaned forward to put his glass down, ice cubes clinking against each other as he put it on the concrete floor. “I’m sorry. For insinuating you’re sleeping with Kidd. I know you wouldn't- I know you wouldn't attach yourself to another pilot this soon after leaving me.” He said the last part quietly but you understood him all the same.

It was hard enough to mourn strangers, even worse to mourn friends, but you knew that mourning the one you loved would break you. Which is why you needed to stop your romance with Everett before it was too late. “Thank you. For apologizing.”

The two of you existed in silence, the only noise filling the barrack being your creaky bed as he leaned down to pick his glass back up. “You can leave now.”

“Do you think it will be easier?” Everett said instead of getting up and walking away.

“What?”

“Finding out they shot me down if I'm not yours.”

His words ran ice cold through your veins. “Ev…”

“Because I think you'd cry the same. Only cursing yourself for not giving us a chance while I was still around.”

He reached out to take your hand and it was only then that you noticed you were shaking. “Please.”

“Don't deny us this love.”

Those five little words was all that it took.

Your resolve broke silently as you scrambled to climb into his lap. After forcing yourself to stay away from him for so long nothing else mattered except getting close to him. It felt like a celestial weight fell off your shoulders when your lips finally connected. The warm fuzzy feeling in your belly quickly turned into unbearable heat. 

One of his hands came to hold your hip before slowly sliding down to grab your butt and you moaned against his lips. Then the other came up to hold your neck and you bit his bottom lip and shock.

“Cold.” You muttered as an apology but for kissing it better.

Not just cold. Ice cold.

“Sorry.” Everett took it off your skin quickly, hovering awkwardly before you took his hand in yours and placed it on your neck again.

Getting you out of your nightgown would only take seconds so you focused on ridding Ev of his uniform while he focused on distracting you. Another touch with cold fingers, another gasp. It played on a loop as you got him undressed to your liking. Until the only thing keeping you separated was your flimsy nightgown. You expected him to rip it off you in a frenzy or delicately unwrap you like a present. What you didn't expect him to do was keep you dressed, gathered close on his lap as he leaned down to fish a partially melted ice cube from his glass.

“May I try something?”

As soon as you nodded he placed the ice against your neck. No warning, just the wet coldness against your skin. The shock of it quickly faded as he let a travel across your skin. Down your throat and past your collarbone to the neckline of your nightgown and across the swell of your chest slowly. Cold water droplets, melting away, had turned the light fabric almost translucent when Everett leaned down and wrapped his hot mouth around one of your peaked nipples. You wanted to scream and beg for him to take you —to push you down and make up for all the precious time your stupid decision cost you— but then he pulled away and you just wanted to scream and beg for him to put his mouth on you again. That damned hot mouth with that damned little grin.

“Hold this for me, will you love.”

Everett placed the ice cube against your lips and you did as he asked, opening your mouth and letting him place the cube inside, holding it on your tongue.

He had you on your back before you realized it, your nightgown gone. But so was the ice cube, melting away into nothingness.

Another one was quickly grabbed before it was deposited into the valley between your breasts. Long fingers working it lower slowly as his mouth showered your exposed body in affection.

You could feel him smirk against your skin at the goosebumps across your body. Then he circled around your belly button with the ice and nipped at your chest and you couldn't hold back your moans any more.

“Ev. Please.”

The remnants of the ice cube were left right next to the crease of your thigh rather unceremoniously as Everett kissed his way down your body, following the trail of water the melting ice had left. It was an unsaid race to see what would reach your pussy first, the cold water or his hot mouth, but no matter how hard you tried you would not be able to pick a winner.

He lapped at you, sucked and licked and devoured while you writhed on your bed in pure ecstasy. It didn't take long for your pleasure to reach its breaking point. Everett ate you like a man starved and when he added his fingers —those long talented chilly fingers— it was over for you.

You fell apart with a sharp cry as he worked you through it. Softly dragging out your high until you couldn't take it anymore and pulled him up with weak arms.

Everett let himself be manhandled by you until his warm body pressed yours into the thin excuse of a mattress the Army provided. His kisses were gentle, sweet, and you didn't even mind the fact that you could taste yourself on his lips because you were too happy kissing him again. 

His dick, hard and hot and ignored through the entire thing, sat heavy against your thigh. The slightest movement of your hips made him hiss and you couldn't help but giggle as you reached down to help guide him inside of you. Pretty moans echoed through the empty barracks, frantic sounds of skin meeting skin. There was no telling when your bunkmates would return and you wanted your favorite flyboy to fill you up before then.

[misstrashchan]

2, 3, 7, 20, 27, 28, 29, for the rwby ask game? If you don't mind!

2. Rank the soundtracks

From favourite to least:

V1

Not a single track I don't love. Forever iconic, each and every one.

V5

Ignite is my favorite Yang song, as is Path to Isolation for Weiss. Smile is such a tragic song of showing Ilia's parents telling her to cope by smiling, by hiding, to the present where it's twisted into an angry mantra and she's still hiding who she is in a different way. The Triumph feels like such a comeback song with how high energy it is, all our girls heading back to each other, jumping back into the fray. All that Matters is PEAK bumbleby pining angst song. All Things Must Die is glorious, and tbh I think even This Time is pretty underrated as a song for Blake/the White Fang.

V7

I find myself relistening to this one a lot. Trust Love is my favorite OP (and yes that is in part the refrences to the Little Prince I can draw). I also like Touch the Sky and Brand New Day as these kind of recovery songs for all the characters that had been at their lowest or feeling lost finding their hope and confidence, happy in themselves. Let's get Real is a song that DID get me into Renora a little, it's a bop. Was over the moon to have an Oscar song in Fear that encapsulated the theme of the volume and complimented Ozpin's fear speech. Hero makes my brain go AAAAHHHH at how it captures the hubris of Ironwood. Such a great tragic downfall song for his character. Until the End is a great listen and such a lovely surprise to have a Ruby song after so long. War is a certified banger and a great song for the RWBY vs Ace Ops fight.

V9

In fairness I don't think I've listened to this one enough, but the more I do it definitely grows on me. Inside feels like the most unique OP, Checkmate is catchy as hell, Trapdoor makes me INSANE as a Ruby spiralling song. Pleasantly surprised to have a Jaune song in Quiet that's very moving. Worthy is beautiful as a Bumbleby confession/kiss song, truly magical. As a whole I feel the songs lean into being more gentle and introspective as to the usual hardcore rock ballads we know RWBY for, even Checkmate with it's jazziness feels fresh and new. I haven't actually listened to the Edge or Guide my Way enough to have an opinion on them, but I remember liking them, Guide my Way is a nice continuation and evolution of the Red like Roses song trilogy.

V3

When it Falls is SO HARDCORE. Bleeding edge and tragedy for the death and destruction to come. I'm the One is fantastic at laying out Emerald and Mercury's trauma's and subsequently coping mechanisms. Neon is one I like to listen to a lot, it's so fun and upbeat. Divide is brutal and chilling as the song to introduce us to our main villain after seeing her for the first time in all her dark glory at the end of V3. Not Fall in Love with You is... eh. It's my Turn is a good Weiss song, but it's not one if my favorites.

V6

I really like Rising as an OP, it feels the most... magical? fantastical? idk. I like the vibes. Indomitable is what I feel like singing all the time in wake of the recent RWBY news! We really are indomitable! Nevermore as a true triumph over Blake and Yang's trauma at Adam's hands, while acknowledging the tragedy of Adam's own situation. And Big Metal Shoe is a certified banger, love all the fairytale references crammed in there. Miracle is... fine. One Thing is a great song for Neo's return and revenge quest, but I never bought into the Neo hype so I'm kinda mid on it too.

V2. SACRIFICE I LOVE YOU FOREVER AND EVER PLEASE REPRISE IN THE SHOW LATER WITH CINDER PRETTY PLEASE. Now it's Time to Say Goodbye is an incredible banger of an OP, but it felt a little misleading considering it's a song all about losing innocence and leaving behind childhood, which feels more appropriate for V3 and the FoB than V2. Shine, Dream Come True and Boop are all fun and cute but I'm not hugely into Arkos or Renora so I'm kinda neutral on them. I'm also kind of mid on Time to Die as a song.

V8. Honestly this is just the soundtrack I find myself listening to or remembering the least, even though I really like Friend as the perfect Penny song that had me tearing up, and Truth, while short was a great bittersweet song for Cinder. And it was nice to get a Nora song too. The opening for this volume never really grew on me like all the others did (aside from the "some ROSES WILL NEVER BLOOM, SOME HEROES CHOOSE THE WRONG SIDE"). I also just associate this soundtrack with fandom arguing a lot about what song applied to who and it felt exhausting.

3. Favorite Ruby ship?

ROSEGARDEN ALL THE WAY BABY!

7. Favorite lines I already answered for @hoepunkausta

20. What are you looking forward to seeing in Vacuo?

*vibrating at a frequency unknown to man* idk I think a reunion hug between Ruby and Oscar would be neat maybe. Like @aspoonofsugar has pointed out all the set up at the end of the extended epilogue points to these two having a second alchemical wedding and so their relationship having a certain amount of focus/development in Vacuo seems apparent. After so long of not seeing them onscreen together I'm excited for any interactions honestly. I miss my kids.

Wanting to see WBY all trying to support Ruby more and her actively trying but still struggling to open about how she's feeling. More of what see saw with Ruby/Yang in the Boba episode. I'd especially like Ruby and Weiss to have a heart to heart.

Very curious about what Theodore is gonna be like and whoever the hell the Summer maiden. With the Dorothy allusions and those who've lost their homes trying to make one in Vacuo, I'm expecting an exploration of "there's no place like home" to be leant into.

RAVEN. TELL US WHAT HAPPENED ON THAT MISSION WITH YOU AND SUMMER. RUBY AND YANG DESERVE TO KNOW. For real though I'm hoping we see what lead Raven to rejoin the fray too, and how she'll interact with Yang and Qrow and even Ruby, what tension might be there. Delicious family drama....

Speaking of delicious family drama, the Schnees! all reunited! I want Winter and Whitley to tackle hug Weiss to the ground! Also the Schnees appear to be being confronted with all the harm their family and company has done in a kingdom like Vacuo, so I'm curious to see how Weiss handles that. Also Winter is clearly Not Doing Good, so something I'd really like is if Weiss (as her sister) and Ruby (as a friend of Penny and someone she also offered the maiden powers too) and maybe Jaune (who was there with Penny in her final moments) offer comfort to her and they all grieve together.

Emerald. Honestly suprised we didn't get much of a sense of how she was doing in the extended epilogue, not even briefly like Mercury. But I'm super excited for what her arc holds. Seeing her integrate with the group, if Ren, Nora and Oscar are already on friendly terms with her but RWBY are all still a bit wary of her because they've spent less time together. Seeing more of her friendship with Oscar develop (gimme that Little Prince/Fox allusion with their friendship in taming each other pretty please) and like. Mercury. Emerald KNEW Mercury and Tyrian were being sent to Vacuo, she saw him off in the ship, but Ren seems suprised to see him and Tyrian on the cameras in the epilogue. Did Emerald... not tell them? Even though that's incredibly important information that could help her new allies? Because... she wanted to protect Mercury? Because she still feels conflicted? It's incredibly juicy and I can't wait to see how Emerald and Mercury's relationship comes into conflict during the Vacuo arc. Gimme that Emercury angst pretty please.

Vacuo in general. By virtue of the books I think they have the most interesting world building, the food, the culture, the different words for weather phenomenon, the fauna, the nomadic tribes, the history of being a once incredibly beautiful oasis full of everything they needed, then exploited time and again and left with nothing and yet still surviving and carving a home and life for themselves. The world building of Vacuo is one that is inevitably tied to the story because of their fraught history leading to tensions between them and all the refugees from Atlas, Mantle and Vale seeking their aid and shelter in their kingdom, not to mention the Crown seeking to restore the monarchy, it'd be easy for them to be divided and conquered by Salem, and so our heroes have to find a way to overcome that and bring everyone together. So just getting to see the kingdom animated and learn more about its history and culture would be cool. I also like desert punk aesthetic, so I'm hoping whatever new outfits our girls get will have a little of that. (part of me hopes for maybe some Trigun inspiration... we've had Gurren Laggan inspiration in Yang's outfits before!)

I would also say I'm looking forward to seeing my darling cringefail wife Cinder but I don't know if she'll be in Vacuo or with Salem in Vale wrecking shit.

27. Favorite voice performance?

AARON DISMUKE AS OSCAR HANDS DOWN. Him being the VA for Oscar meant I was destined to like him, I usually do with characters he voices. The fact he has to also voice Oscar when controlled by Ozpin, and sometimes Oscar pretending to be Ozpin, and completely nails the subtle differences in all of them is phenomenal. And as the merge progresses he's literally having to mix and merge their voices together too!!! It's crazy!!! The awkward and shy intonation becoming a more sincere and quiet confident voice as Oscar develops, and gaining Oz's mannerisms in speech with a deeper and more serious tone. That is some crazy talent this man has.

Always impressed with how well Linsay Jones and Miles Luna hold up in earlier volumes, they've consistently been the best voice performances from start to present. Also Cherami Leigh as Ilia is absolutely fantastic, it's rare I've heard her get to flex her emotional range like that in her voice work for such a complex character.

28. Fairytale character you'd want to see RWBYfied?

With how character songs are a big thing in the show and semblances that can hypnotize and mind control exist, and instruments sometimes being weapons (gestures to Flynt), I'd love an allusion to The Pied Piper or the Lorelai Siren as a villain of some kind. Bonus if you had a Little Mermaid/Lorelai Siren allusion for that victim/monster/hero duality RWBY likes to play with.

Not technically a traditional fairytale but also very much one, the Last Unicorn, one of my alltime favorite books would be beyond amazing to be alluded to, even a tiny bit. Amalthea the unicorn being the last of her kind, the rest hunted down by a wicked beast at the order of a tyrant. She is associated with silver, the moon, hope and purity constantly. A story that is both a love letter and deconstruction of fairytales, an exploration of the nature of humanity and mortality. Tell me that wouldn't be perfect as an allusion to a Silver Eyed Warrior (also thought to be a myth) trying to find out what happened to the rest of her kind.

29. Favorite opening to sing along too?

TRUST LOOOOOVVVVVEEEE AND OPEN UP YOUR EYESEESSSSS TRUST LOOOOVVVVVEEEE THE TRUTH IS THERE BUT SOMETIMES IN DISGUISE

[reashot]

Happy Mother's Day! Feat. Jaune's Future Children.

Ruby: You know Yang mother's day are coming...

Yang: Do you want to visit mom's grave afterward?

Ruby: Yes, I would like that...

Blake: (Damn this is getting dark all of a sudden. Where's Weiss when you need her.)

Then out from nowhere a girl around their age appears suddenly behind Ruby to loudly proclaim herself.

Scarlett: Hi mom it's me your favorite daughter! 😆

Ruby: Scarlett! And how do you even get here? 😮

Scarlett: Heh, heh... Trade secret. 😉

Ruby: So anyway. What brings you here? 🤨

Scarlett: We're here to meet you all, silly. 😜

Ruby: We, what do you mean by we?

Aurum: I think What little sister meant is that she's bringing us to celebrate mother's day.

Yang: OMG you remember about Mother's day. You're Aurum right. You're supposed to be my son from the future?

The man she's talking to tower over everyone in presence, much older than the rest of the group and encased in golden armor.

Aurum: That's right mother how have you been?

Yang: Oh fine... Shoot, I don't know how to act around you. You're supposed to be my son and all, but you're older than my dad.

Aurum: Ha, ha. I get that it would be confusing. But worry not Honored Mother. *kneels* No matter how you treated me I will always regard you with the up most respect.

Yang: Ah, please stop you're embarassing me...

Blake: Wait if Aurum and Scarlett are here then that means. My Dusky Wusky is here too!

Dusk: Mommy!!! *glomps on Blake*

Blake: *Squee* How is my beautiful baby girl. Your mama miss you so much!!!

Dusk: I miss you too mommy but please stop it. You're hurting me.

Blake: No I will not. Because you will just leave me again. Mama will never let you go. I will love you and cares for you for the rest of your life!

Dusk: Umuh...

Ruby: Okay... So what brings you here. Or is it when? Ah it's confusing I don't get how time travel sentences works. 😵

Scarlett: We're here for Mother's day!!! 😇

Ruby: Wow okay, but I though we already established that we are not really your Mother. We're from different timeline. So you don't have to celebrate it for us. 😞

Blake: Fuck That! Dusky Wusky is my baby and no one will take her away from me again.

Aurum: Lady Blake. Hold thine tongue! There's children here.

Yang: Blake out burst aside. Why are you celebrating with us. Should you go celebrate it with your real mom?

Scarlett: Well we did that already. But seeing that what we been through last time. We all think it just felt wrong not to celebrate it without everyone....

And speaking of which where's dad? I mean, where's Jaune?

Wow that's super weird calling my dad by his first name. I mean his other version's name. Oh I hate how parallel reality works! 😩

Ruby: Jaune? Oh we haven't see him much lately. Whenever we tried to approach him. He Immediately ran away from us. Can you believe it? 😢

Yang: Can't say I blame him. After everything that just happened. It would be weirder that he acted like nothing happened.

Blake: Whatever it is we should give him some time to process what happened. If he doesn't want to see us anymore then it's fine. We will respect his choice...

Scarlett: I understand. But anyway to get back on topic we have present for everyone here. 😎

Ruby: Present! Well why didn't you start with that. Of course we would like present. 🤯

Scarlett: He, he. For Ruby Rose here is a beautiful Rose from my brother and me. 😘

Ruby: Oh it's so beautiful. I love it. You and Aurum shouldn't have. 🥰

Scarlett: it's not from Aurum, silly. It's from MY brother. You also have a son too mom. 🤭

Ruby: 😮

Dusk: And I also want to give you this mommy.

I made it with daddy with crayon and macaroni.

Blake: *Gasp* it's so beautiful... I have the greatest mother's day gift known to Faunus and man. *cry*

Aurum: And "mother" dearest from me. I do not know what you like but you did use to tell me that when you Were young you used to like to ride on your bike. Something bee? Any way I have for you a brand new motorcycle.

Yang: Oh my gods! Oh my gods! Oh my gods! A brand new bike. I can't believe it. You made all the their mother day's present look like trash I love you Son!....

Uh, I mean. It's not what the present that count but the thought that matters...

Blake: Did you just said my daughter Mother's day present is trash!

Yang: Hey it's not a competition. Although if it were a competition. A Motorcycle beat Macaroni art hands down.

Aurum: Mother please. You're making things worse.

Lady Blake. I would like to apologize on my mother's behalf. I meant no disrespect with my gift to my mother.

It's just that I have so many siblings that I felt I have to match it in size.

Yang: Wait, many siblings. How many are we talking about?

Aurum: Ah, only around 12 with me included of course.

Blake & Ruby:

Yang: 12 Children! Curse my great child bearing hip.

Ruby: O-okay please stop! This is too much new informations to take. I can't. Wait a second isn't there supposed to be four of you?😱

Yang: Yeah the somehow even whiter version of Jaune. Victor. Weiss' son from the future.

Blake: As if that even possible. Jaune is pretty much as white as it can get.

Ruby: If this is a slander on my future baby's daddy then I would rather you keep it to yourself. 😠

Aurum: Not to worry Victor are also here to give his Mother's day present.

Yang: Didn't he tried to kill her the last time they met!?

Aurum: He gave me his word that he will not harm her.

Yang: H-he said that. And you just believed him?!

Aurum: Of course. He promise me after all.

Ruby: Wait. Where's Weiss?

Meanwhile

Victor: This is all your fault!!!!

Weiss: *choked* (Please someone save me. Ruby. Please save me Jaune...)

----------------------------------------------------------

Anyway here is my sorta sequel to my last fic. Go ahead and read it you want.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Oh yeah and Scarlett have an older brother. And no I didn't just add him out off nowhere. He had an unnamed cameo in an intermission fic I made a while back when I still have 40 followers:

If anyone asking what he is like think Jaune but with none of his insecurity and self loathing. Also he inherited Ruby's silver eyes. Nothing I'm sure.

And I know that someone will be asking where is Jaune in all of this and why is he avoiding team RWBY?

Well the answer is....

[taylorswiftstyle]

Out to dinner w/ Blake Lively | New York City, NY | September 16, 2023

Tod's 'Leather Crossbody Mini Bag' - $1,825.00 Foundrae 'Petite Chubby Ear Hoop' - $1,570.00 & Other Stories ‘Leather Knee Boots’ - £145.00 (no longer available)

Taylor continues her social streak in NYC, heading out to dinner with Blake Lively at a members only club wearing a neutrals-dominated outfit (my favourite kind). A few people asked me how I felt about the combination of a cropped black cardigan, slate grey mini skirt, and burgundy boots. To which I say: Yes. This is definitely an outfit I'd personally wear.

But what's so fun about it is that the idea of a pleated skirt and boot combination is not new to Taylor's style. She's been wearing some iteration of this pairing ever since she was a teen. What's fun to watch is how she makes slight styling adjustments to make it more current and also more 'her' of today. It's that blend of familiarity but modernity that I feel is so relatable to Taylor's style and what makes her feel so approachable and real, but also recognizable for those who have been observing her 'fits change from era to era. She's always there underneath at all!

That aside, these particular boots actually have a story within Taylor's fashion history. They first debuted in November 2014 and haven't been seen since winter 2015. With 1989 (TV) around the corner, this obviously has my brows raised. If intentional, what a throwback.

The Tod's bag is one she also wore earlier this year with a vintage NYU sweater.

On the jewelry front, this particular style from Foundrae (a brand she's been loving as of late in her pursuit of the perfect stack) does come in a cute initial version which would be very up Taylor's alley (she loves initial jewelry). However, given that she owns and has worn the matching necklace of the pictured style, this is the one I'm going with for now.

To see all the times Taylor has worn these boots, click here.

[visionofvoid]

Homewrecker - MV1 Part Six

Summary: “do you trust me?”

Warnings: nothing but its a little slow burn

Pairings: max verstappen x oc

Word Count: 2.1k

Taglist: @ravenqueen27, @octaviareina, @formula1mount, @evans-dejong, @ditttiii, @vita-di-moda, @imheretoread, @alwaysclassyeagle

PLEASE MESSAGE ME OR COMMENT ON THIS IF YOU WISH TO BE ADDED OR REMOVED FROM THE TAGLIST 

PART FIVE PART SEVEN 

Blake wasn’t too sure how Max managed to convince her to wake up when it was still dark but here she was at six in the morning standing in the lobby of Max’s apartment complex patiently waiting for him to come down so they could start their journey. She wasn’t too sure what the plans for the day were but after an afternoon spent with Max she wanted to hang out with him again before she flew back home and the pre-season training and lots of paperwork began. 

The lobby of the apartment complex screamed luxury with artworks decorating each wall, sculptures under lighting fixtures and on trend furniture for guests waiting in the lobby. You had to be buzzed in, in order to gain entry but even then the waiting room was just immaculate. The colour palette, however, was rather questionable. She heard the sound of the elevator and turned, smiling when she saw Max approach her with a backpack and two thermos in his hands. 

“Not only did you make me wake up at the ass crack of dawn but I couldn’t get myself a barista made coffee and I had to bring my passport. Where are you taking me?” Blake raised an eyebrow as Max handed her one of the thermos’ and sniffed it, letting out a moan when she smelt caffeine. It was no barista made iced latte which was her usual go to but she was grateful nonetheless. Caffeine was caffeine really. She lifted it to her lips and had a couple of gulps before looking back to Max. “Wherever you’re taking me, it better be worth it.” Max chuckled and led her back towards the elevator, pressing the button for the garage. 

Blake looked around her at all the luxurious cars that sat in the garage owned by both Max and the other rich tenants that lived in the same complex. She knew for a fact that all these cars were worth more than her beat up Jeep Wrangler back home by millions and she stood in awe as her eyes moved from one car to the next. 

“This way.” Max chuckled at Blake’s facial expressions, his hand on her lower back to guide her through the garage to where his cars were parked. There he had his Porsche, his Ferrari, his Aston Martin, his Renault and a normal sedan for days like this, when he wanted to be low-key. Blake spotted the Ferrari first, having sat in it the day prior when he drove her around Monaco and showed her the highlights and little hidden gems. She had to giggle at the contrast between the big branded cars to his low-key sedan, but she knew why he had it nonetheless. All of his cars were in immaculate condition, not a scratch or bump in site. “Did you bring a jacket? It may get a bit cold on the walk.” Blake sighed, it was the one thing she forgot. She had gone for the athleisure look at Max’s request and could only think it was to do some sort of physical activity. 

“Shit! I totally forgot.” Blake got into the car, placing her thermos in the cup holder as she strapped herself in. 

“You’re lucky I bought another one. I knew this would happen.” Max teased as he placed his backpack in the back seat and got in the front driver's seat beside Blake. “I remember all the times when you would have Kelly or Penelope’s jacket but never your own.” Max continued as Blake seemed to look away, hiding her blush. She never thought Max was that observant. Her insides felt warm and fuzzy though she chose to ignore it. It was embarrassment over anything else, surely. 

They sat in a comfortable silence as Max started to drive, weaving in and out of traffic safely, across the border of Monaco and into France and got himself heading in towards the Alps. She was definitely not dressed to go skiing at all and it wasn’t quite the right season for it so all she could think was about to happen was maybe a walk along some of the trails. The pair engaged in small talk as Max drove the whole hour and a bit to get to his destination and when they arrived there was no other car in sight. He parked in a secluded parking lot down a dirt road, the large green trees towering above them.

“Come on, it’s only about a half hour walk.” To what, Blake didn’t know exactly, but she followed nonetheless, the jacket that Max had handed her feeling snug on her soft body. It smelt like him, not that she had memorised his scent or anything, but it bought her comfort, especially being in such a foreign place. Max could be taking her to her death for all that she knew, but highly doubted that he would drive an hour away to kill her. God, she needed to stop watching all those true crime documentaries at night. 

Blake found herself following Max as he walked along the trail into the trees. He used a flashlight from his backpack to light the way up as the sun was only just beginning to wake. Five minutes into the walk they passed an older couple adorned in hiking gear, the pair nodding as they squeezed past on the trail. Max and Blake fell into a steady pace, Max pushing the branches out of the way so they didn’t smack Blake in the face and calling out about puddles so she could avoid them. She began the first five minutes trying to hide her heavy breathing but then eventually gave in. She knew her face was red as it usually got whenever she did any form of cardio and that beads of sweat were falling from her temples. 

Max seemed quite familiar on the trail which was a sign that he had walked this many times before. She would have known if Kelly had been out here before as it would have been on her social media feed or she would have told Blake all about it when she was once her assistant but it seemed like it was just a slice of Max’s life that he didn’t share with many people, and here she was. 

“Just up a little further.” Max called from in front of her. His flashlight was now discarded back in his bag as the sky was beginning to turn lighter, though it was still dark when you looked through the trees. They passed several different viewing platforms on the walk before Max started to slow down and veer off the path slightly. Blake’s calves were burning as she followed behind, the incline working her legs just that little bit more but it was so worth it. She felt oddly relaxed, that she didn’t have to try and be someone she wasn’t. God, if this is how walks, exercise or hikes do for your mind then she needed to do it more often. “Okay, before I show you, you need to trust me and close your eyes.” Blake raised an eyebrow, looking at Max as she stood near a little less notable path leading through some thinning trees. “Do you trust me?”

“I mean, I think I trust you?” Max chuckled as he looked down at Blake. She looked absolutely confused as she stood beside him, her face flushed red with a sheen of sweat. His jacket never looked better than it did on her, the sleeves pushed up slightly as it was hot on the steep walk but still cold enough to not warrant just wearing a shirt. “Max, it feels like you’re going to kill me or something and I don’t think you should be doing this on a date.” Blake, for one, didn’t realise that she used the word. Max, however, stilled as the word slipped out of her lips. He said nothing about it. 

“Do you trust me, Blake?”

“I trust you Max.” She finally spoke before squeezing her eyes shut hesitantly and clamping a hand over them just in case she decided to peek. She was only human after all. Max grabbed her free hand, the girl jumping at the sudden touch at first before relaxing, allowing him to guide her to wherever it was he was taking her. Max spoke softly as he instructed her to move her feet over roots and rocks. This was a place he came by himself to unwind so he wasn’t too sure why he went through the effort of taking her out here when they weren’t even dating. No one else knew about this place besides his sister and mother and yet here he was, leading Blake through the trees so he could show her a sunrise in France. 

To anyone passing by it would look like a very romantic gesture, which it absolutely was. In Blake’s mind she was overthinking everything; was she breathing too loud for Max? Was her hand sweaty? Does she smell like sweat? Max was also in his head, going over all the things that could possibly go wrong; was he coming on too strong? Was his hands clammy? The two seemed to be hyper focused on their own thoughts as Max guided Blake into a small clearing that overlooked mountains and with the sun rising causing a spectacular sunrise that he forgot to mention a tree root that was sticking out, causing Blake to trip. 

Her hand over her eyes pushed out in front of her, reaching for something to grab a hold on to in order for her to stop falling. There was a reason Max was the number one in his sport and it was partially for his insane reflexes which helped aid him in catching Blake as she tripped. He clutched onto her hand that was already in his palm and he grabbed a hold of her bicep as she fell into him, her free hand that she was holding over her eyes now above his heart which began thumping at the sudden movements. 

“Shit! Max, I am so sorry, are you okay?” Of course he was okay. He caught her before she could even hit the ground and that was all that mattered. Of course someone as selfless as Blake would be more concerned about someone else over themselves. She looked up at him frantically, her back facing towards the sunset and her body pressed into Max’s as he held onto her. 

“Yes, of course I’m okay. Are you?” He was more concerned about Blake, looking back to the root she tripped on. She could have seriously injured herself if he didn’t catch her. There were rocks and roots and sticks everywhere in his little clearing. 

“I mean you’re pretty terrible at guiding a blind person- Whoa.” Blake pushed herself slightly away from Max, turning her head and soon her body as she took in the view behind her. Snow-capped mountains in the background are decorated with large green trees, grey and black rocks. The sky was a mix of warm colours; oranges, pinks and yellows. She felt the warmth of the sun as it rose from behind the mountains, slowly beginning to cast more light through the trees, taking a bite off the cold winter morning. Max watched as she stood in awe, basking in the warmth of the sun, taking in the view. “It’s ethereal.” Blake almost whispered, her body still so close to Max’s that he wanted nothing more than to slide his arms around her waist, drop his chin on her shoulder and just be in her company with no expectation of conversation. 

“It really is.” He muttered, just loud enough for Blake to hear. Max had come here many times during his breaks, it was his little peaceful place to come when he needed to unwind away from the city, away from being Max Verstappen. He had recalled the first time he stumbled upon this small clearing off the beaten path, he had recalled every sunrise and sunset he had witnessed. Max was lucky enough to have travelled the world far and wide, seeing the cool tones and the warm tones that the sky had coloured. He had a memory for every sunrise and sunset he had witnessed; the first time he got a seat in Formula One, his first win, his first Championship, when his sister told him she was having a baby. All these important milestones he had linked to a view similar to this. They all had their own story. He had seen the sunrises many times before but this one was ten times different, and it was easily his favourite.

[shefanispeculator]

Album review: Gwen Stefani - Bouquet

Fans have been begging for a new Gwen Stefani album, and lo and behold us, we can finally say we have one. Bouquet, the singer’s first proper studio album in eight years (seven if you include her Christmas album, You Make It Feel Like Christmas) arrives after a few false starts. After initially teasing what many assumed was going to be a reggae-pop album in homage to her early No Doubt career, Stefani got married to country-singing husband Blake Shelton and felt inspired to pivot in another direction. Taking a more ‘70s, yacht rock approach with hints of country, Stefani takes influence from the music from her childhood while documenting where she’s at in her life right now.   

Kicking things off with the anthemic pop-rock single “Somebody Else’s,” Stefani makes it clear that she’s never looking back again after realising she deserved better during a previous relationship. “I don’t know what a heart like mine / Was doin’ in a love like that” she opens the song. Continuing to recognise her self-worth, Stefani sings, “If I could go back in time / I would erase you, ooh / But I could never go back there / I might be wild, but I ain’t that crazy,” in the second verse.

With her ex-lover out the way, the majority of Bouquet hears Stefani gushing about one thing and one thing only: her relationship with Shelton. Telling the story of how the pair blossomed and fell in love, the wholesome title track stands out as one of the album’s key moments. Boasting Shelton’s ability to make her feel as if she’s the most beautiful woman in the world, Stefani has never been happier on sweet ballad “Pretty,” while on the uptempo “Late To Bloom,” she proclaims that “good things come to those who wait” after having to hang on until she was well into her 40s to meet the man of her dreams. 

For an album that could alienate a lot of long-time listeners of Stefani, she appears slightly more on brand for the record’s latest single “Swallow My Tears.” The Queen of Emotive Songwriting, fans might argue that the song feels like an accidental ode to some of Stefani’s previous heartfelt material. The same could be said for another standout, “All Your Fault,” which features an irresistible chorus that wouldn’t sound out of place on 2016’s This Is What The Truth Feels Like. Rounding off the release with her duet with Shelton, “Purple Irises,” the choice feels rather fitting. After all, the evident case is that this album wouldn’t exist without his influence. 

Just like a bouquet of flowers, Gwen Stefani’s most recent offering, Bouquet, is a pretty album packaged with 10 tracks. Is it her most exciting? No. Does it further demonstrate her ability to be a musical chameleon and a top songwriter, however? Yes. Do we secretly deserve the album she intended to release a few years back? Most definitely.

[detachedminxsfics]

Bad Romance

Masterlist

Characters: Comedian x Vigilante F!Reader

Summary: You and Eddie have been making eyes at each other for a while now, and tonight he decides that playful flirting is no longer enough.

Word count: 3.6K

Warnings: NSFW - Dub-con (eventual consent), period typical misogyny, rough sex, choking, brief dry humping, dom/sub dynamic, creampie, Eddie's filthy mouth, shotgunning, public sex

A/N: Yes, I named this after Lady Gaga's song because I saw this one edit of The Comedian on tiktok to it and I can't stop thinking about it.

Space. That was what you needed. Sometimes it felt like he could pin you against the wall with just the look in his eyes, the long, lustrous stares making it feel as though you were fucking each other with just that. The way he would lean in as close as physically possible when he spoke to you or came up from behind you, and the smoke of his cigar would wisp and swirl beside your head, clouding your peripheral. Or the times when you would be trying to gain control of the chaos in the streets and he'd get carried away as he typically did, his usually brutish heavy blows to some poor civilian's skull only growing increasingly violent if he caught you staring at him, nearly beating the man half to death as he got caught up with the sight of you. The tension was thick between the two of you, and tonight was no different. Being a lady in these times meant you were expected to fight in far less armour and clothing than the boys, something to which he often took notice of.

"Hey, sweetheart." Eddie whispered, quiet enough for any prying eyes or ears to not hear.

You rolled your eyes a little as he rounded you after emerging from your side, coming to stand in front of you with a cigar pushed between his lips. You weren't sure why he was so persistent, but make no mistake, it wasn't love. Edward Blake didn't love anything or anyone other than himself. Given his cold nature, you arrived at the conclusion it was more of a possessive and authoritative desire to have you, with no intention of pursuing anything of real worth afterward. And honestly, in your weaker moments, you often found yourself fantasising about the parameters of that arrangement.

"Hey, Eddie." You mumbled, leaning over and adjusting the narrow bands of fabric on your thighs that were fastened to your stockings.

The moment you finished fiddling with them, and straightened your back intending to politely meet his eye as he spoke to you, you felt the calloused pads of his fingers dig into the top of your thigh.

"This is definitely your colour." He remarked teasingly, still balancing his cigar between his lips.

His thumb smoothed over the garter, and your whole body tensed. You hoped nobody was looking, because the way he was humiliating you so publically, touching you like you were some whoreish display, was appalling. You stepped back to break the contact, and Eddie chuckled as you recoiled from him.

"Damn it Eddie, get your hands off me." You tried to keep the volume of your voice low, not trying to cause any sort of unwanted commotion and make a scene.

Usually, it was passing flirtatious comments or heated moments, but this was the first time he had gotten particularly handsy. It wasn't that you were necessarily opposed to the idea of being intimate with him, his rugged handsomeness undeniable when he flashed those pearly whites with a dirty smile; but he was cruel. Eddie's hands were bloodied with the countless lives he had taken, just for the fun of it, and because everything was one massive joke to him. On the spectrum of vigilantism, Edward Blake crossed the line of total criminal, kept going only by the media's reassurances that his actions were driven by patriotism, thus branding him as some kind of twisted all-American dream. Delivering justice one murder at a time, as if any of the things Eddie did were really for the greater good.

After backing up and scolding him for treating you so impetuously his eyes narrowed for a moment, as though he was trying to make sense of what it was that just made you so resistant to his curt, manly charms. Then the frustration began to set into his features, and you could feel him practically restraining himself from telling you just how much your rejection vexed him. This man was too much, the weight of him and all that he was crashing over you for the hundredth time, and the havoc he wrought upon your morals. Though most would argue heroism is subjective, you believed you could tell right from wrong. And Eddie? He was just damn wrong. You turned and left wordlessly, a pace in your steps encompassing just how much you truly needed to be anywhere but here, anywhere so long as it was somewhere without him. The double doors flung open allowing a gust of cool air to sting your bare skin, but you'd brave the frost of the evening if only to be away from him. To be alone. You rested your back against the brick wall, allowing the unrelenting chill to work through your spine, and tipped your head back, eyes closed as you craved to wander in a place of peace for just a moment or two. A Comedian-free zone, as it were. You were granted that for a sweet, short while, and then reality overcame you in one word.

"Hey." Eddie's confrontational tone wouldn't go unnoticed.

Hesitantly, you opened your eyes to stare back into the bottomless chocolate hue of his irises, the whites of his eyes only further brought out by the smouldering black mask that circled them.

"I've had enough for tonight, Eddie. Please, just go back inside." You were trying to keep as level-headed as possible but couldn't help the impatient hint to your words.

It only riled him further, and he stormed towards you in determined, large strides in no time. You instinctively backed yourself against the wall to put any kind of space between the two of you, anything but the alternative, but to no avail. His body pinned you against the wall, and you hissed slightly at the way he mushed you with the coarse brick pressing in against your back. Eddie was built like a linebacker, broad-shouldered, and in sickeningly good shape. It was something you might have been able to appreciate if it weren't for the fact that it meant you were shit out of luck when it came to getting out from underneath him, or beating him in hand-to-hand combat. You were screwed.

"I'm not goin' anywhere, baby. C'mon, we both know that you've wanted this for a while now. You been givin' me fuck me eyes since the moment we met."

As he accused you of employing the supposedly womanly wiles he was so sure of, his hands moved up to grip your hips, a slight wince escaping your lips as you knew the bruises that would later form.

"God, what the hell's gotten into you?"

You attempted to wedge your hands between your bodies, hoping to slam your hands against the solid leather plating decorating his chest, and failed miserably. Eddie used his hold over your hips to draw your lower half against his groin, his head burrowing into your neck to suck and nip at the skin between his teeth as he began to grind, creating inconceivably obscene friction that had you threatening to give in. His stubble scratched along your jaw, and his subtle groans mixed with your own unsteady, hitched breaths. It took everything in you not to move against him, not to return his ministrations, but you sure as hell found your strength. In a quick, deliberate movement you reached up and gathered the hair at the back of his head in your hand, making sure you'd gotten an effective fistful before yanking, hard. The force was enough to swing his head back, and he grimaced at the painful sensation searing through his scalp, recovering far quicker than you'd anticipated just as you were about to clock him in the jaw. He caught your wrist expertly and swung you back against the brick, the back of your head colliding with the wall and allowing a deep, tender pressure to work through your skull, the world around you seeming to darken with the gradual enclosing border of your vision. Just as you began to fathom the ache seeping into your head you felt the feeling of fingers digging into the underside of your jaw, gripping along the line that met your throat. Lack of oxygen worsened your already hazy vision, your gasps for air barely acknowledged as you heard the click of him undoing his belt.

"Y'know, you putting up a fight is just gonna make me harder." He drawled between his chuckles, a smirk of triumph plastered across his lips.

You tried to free yourself from his hold, but your futile attempt resulted in nothing but squirms that had you asphyxiating yourself against the grasp on your throat. The fingers of his free hand ran down the top of your thigh, caressing your skin before his fingertips passed over the lace trim of your stockings. He rolled some of the material between his thumb and index finger before drawing it back and releasing it, snapping the elastic against your skin.

"I'm the real reason you dress like this, aren't I baby? You been trying to get my attention?"

"Fuck you." You spat, your not-so-ladylike mouth resulting in him turning you around and hiking up the fabric of the mini skirt you wore for your costume.

He was not so considerate when it came to your panties, fingers delving into the back of your thong and ripping them clean off, the sound carrying through the uneasily silent evening air. You hissed at the cold rush between your thighs, unable to feel the full extent of the icy harshness as his hands took hold of both your hips, forcibly angling you into a sleazy arch. Eddie wedged his boot between the small space inbetween your stilettos, hooking over your heel so he could slide your feet apart, thus spreading your legs. You flatten your palms against the brick in an attempt to brace yourself, but nothing could have prepared you for that. Eddie lined himself up and then slammed inside you with one rough thrust, sinking all of him into you mercilessly as you let out a humiliating whine. You wanted to despise him for the man he was, the unforgivable things he has done, and yet, it was like nothing else mattered. You knew it was wrong that he felt like you were his for the taking, that there would be nothing more than a dirty secret between the two of you afterwards, but quite frankly you could care less. The start of a series of surprisingly slow thrusts was your undoing, every movement threatening to buckle your knees, and the filthy moans that began to pass your lips. With one hand left clutching your hip, the other moved to your front, his large hand cupping your clothed breast. Then you felt the hard leather of his chest plate press against your back, and the sound of his low, heavy breaths blowing just past your ear.

"That's what I fucking thought. You like this, huh?"

He finished his sentence with a hard thrust, the sensation of fullness leaving you breathless, and allowing the brick grazing one side of your face as he kept you pinned against the wall to become something of an afterthought.

"Please, Eddie. Oh, fuck."

He rested his forehead against the nape of your neck, his hot breath fanning over your skin as you could practically hear his righteous smirk, even feel that shit-eating grin pressed against your skin. Then, he brought himself all the way out before slamming back inside, the snap of his hips making you curse. If anyone were to pass by, a car or a simple pedestrian, they would find arguably one of the most notorious headlining vigilantes in New York City balls deep in one of his team members, and you'd never be able to live it down. Eddie loved that you were vulnerable, however. He loved the position of power he had over you, and he savoured the way his name rolled off your tongue, the way you moaned for him.

Without warning he removed himself from you and impatiently flipped you to face him, allowing you to drink him in in all his glory. The illumination of a nearby streetlight faintly backlit him, his typically styled front strands of hair still curling magnificently at one side, and his darkened eyes boring into yours. The smell of the city permeated the bitter air, the familiar scent of car fumes wafting through the street, and then him. His aroma consisted primarily of cigars, something that didn't come as much of a surprise considering you had barely ever seen him without one, the smoke always dancing in front of his face or leaving a momentary trail as he walked before dispersing. This very moment had to be the longest you had seen him without one. The fact that a man this nihilistic could look so striking was nauseating, depraved even. You knew Eddie wasn't the type for this sort of touch, and that he may deject it entirely, but you couldn't help yourself. You smashed your lips against his, and sensed his surprise for a moment or two, before he returned the movements with his own. His stubble was scratching along your chin as he moved his hands from your hips and took hold of the underside of your thighs, cupping just below your ass. He hoisted you up without a hint of struggle, holding you as though you weighed nothing, and entered you once more. You whimpered against his greedy lips, and he groaned against yours, the scarlet shade of your lipstick surely smearing messily over both of your lips.

"You feel so damn good, babygirl." He muttered between kisses, both stealing your air and breathing it back into your mouth with hoarse grunts.

For a split second you allowed naivety to wash over you, the idea that you were something more to him than a pretty face, something other than a way to alleviate the bulge that strained at his pants every time he laid eyes on you. You wrapped your legs around his waist, closing your thighs around his hips and letting him bury himself inside you over and over, his ruthless thrusts growing progressively harder and rougher. You wrapped your arms around his neck as you rolled your hips in time with his thrusts, your fingers combing through his hair and being careful not to ruffle the way Eddie kept it. It didn't take long for the pace he set to become unbearable, your head tipping back whilst you mewled from the pressure building in your abdomen, your walls clenching around him and making him take a sharp breath inward.

With your throat bare to him, he rushed to start marking you again, his lips assaulting your skin in a wild purposeful frenzy. Eddie knew what he was doing. Every kiss and bruise he made, every contusion in the shades of blues and violets left in the path of his lips only fulfilled him that much more, stroking his vast ego. Eddie didn't want you to ever be able to find another man that could make you feel like this again, that could fuck you right out in the street in the middle of the night like he could. The last thing you had ever wanted was a man like Edward Blake, the thought of craving and needing such a cold callous man having never crossed your mind, and yet you had this dread working through your body, a fear that you would never be able to go without him. Your thoughts were interrupted by the trembling of your legs, your whole body burning with a heat so intense that all you could do was wait for him to relieve you, the teeth you dug into your bottom lip the only thing left stopping you from begging him to.

"That's it, you gonna cum for me baby?" He husked.

You lifted your head and found yourself barely able to breach a word through your quickened, unsteady breaths, eventually managing to muster a frantic nod in response that would have to suffice. Eddie's release seemed to be nearing too, his forehead coated with the perspiration of the sweat he'd broken into despite the chill carrying through the nocturnal breeze, and his thrusts growing impossibly vigorous. You couldn't take it any longer, your whole body quivering with the waves of pleasure that crashed over you, the overwhelming sensation heightening your senses. He held you against him throughout and only continued to work you through it with pitiless thrusts, before his release washed over him. Eddie's throat rumbled with the most guttural of sounds as he released hot, wet spurts inside of you, his sounds of pleasure ultimately dying down to leave you both with nothing but the sound of your agonisingly heavy breaths, and the distant sound of gentle wind passing through Manhattan's streets. He was stilled for a brief moment just to catch his breath, not that he had much breath or composure to chase with stamina like his, and then prompted you to unwrap your legs from him with a pat on the side of your thigh, his other hand still cupping your ass. You did, unwrapping your legs from him and then your arms whilst setting your heels down on the concrete, steadying yourself on your shaky legs. Eddie tucked himself back into his pants and put his large tactical belt back on with a click, meanwhile, you shamefully unrolled your skirt from where it had gathered at your hips. In the underwear department, you were utterly commando thanks to Eddie's carelessness, whereas Eddie looked as though he'd just gone for a walk, asshole.

"Well, thanks for that, doll." He murmured as he retrieved a lighter.

Though a crass way of doing so, he was trying to flatter you somehow.

"Just, keep this between you and me, okay? Things are hard enough without everybody knowing I dropped my panties for The Comedian."

He chuckled and retrieved a fresh cigar, balancing it between his lips as he held the flame of the lighter towards it, the embers roaring aflame and smoke bellowing out almost immediately. With every passing second you'd further feel the extent of the way Eddie handled you, the bruises most likely having already begun to form, and your neck undoubtedly littered with vicious marks. You craved the feel of your bed beneath your spine, the night having been a whole lot more eventful than you'd anticipated, the balls of your feet sore from having been in heels for so long. With your new desired destination of home, you leaned forward and planted a chaste kiss on his stubbled cheek, smiling a little as you turned to start the journey home. You took one step when he closed his hand around your wrist and brought you back, turning you to face him again.

"Hey, I think we're a little past that, don't you think? C'mere."

You weren't sure what he was referring to for a moment, and then you felt fingers taking hold of your jaw. He closed the cigar between his index and middle finger with his free hand, inhaling before he removed it from his lips and pressed his lips against yours. Your lips parted wantonly, enabling him to breathe the cigar smoke into your mouth and taste the tobacco on his lips, even down to the liquor on his tongue. The combination had you infatuated, and you had to suppress the urge to ask him for round two when he parted his lips from yours, the warmth of his mouth dying on your lips.

"That's better." Eddie muttered, the hold on your jaw quickly shifting to an oddly gentle hand cupping your cheek.

He smoothed his thumb over a particular area of your cheekbone, and you slightly winced, the sensation suggesting that you'd grazed one side of your face when he'd been pinning you against the brick. Your reaction brought a smile to his lips, considering what it was that you'd received your injuries from. Not entirely sure he'd noticed his rather comical appearance you decided to show him a little compassion, raising your hand and brushing your thumb along his lips in an attempt to wipe off the lipstick you'd smeared over his mouth, and he let you. You thought you'd leave the faint kiss mark on his cheek though, it was hardly revenge when you knew a man such as himself would be happy to sport it as a badge of honour when someone pointed it out, the mark of a lady.

"There, now it doesn't look as much like you got in a fight with some lipstick." You finished your sentence with a small giggle before leaning back, to which Eddie removed his hand from your cheek.

"Okay, now I really gotta go."

He nodded and brought the cigar back to his lips, the smoke tangling in the air and occasionally surrounding him like some kind of makeshift fog. Without warning Eddie reached around you and gave your ass a playful spank, his lips curling into a grin around his cigar from your slightly surprised reaction. If you thought he was a handful before, things were about to get a whole lot worse.

"Night, doll."

He turned on his heel and left, leaving you alone in the unforgiving evening chill, and covered with the marks of his rough treatment. You supposed it best you get used to this feeling, as you suspected you'd be encountering it again sometime soon.

No, you were sure of it.

[strykingback]

Im sorry, but Jaune stans have really delicate feelings... Adam and Ironwood stans have had way more horrible words flung to them, both Bumbleby and Blacksun shippers too... It's sadly just the normal behavior of the FNDM. I feel bad that Jaune stans are receiving punches too, but they really act like it's the end of the world and like haters have kicked them in the gut. This is normal. Welcome to the actual experience in the RWBY FNDM!

I have to agree as well. I know that there are some good Jaune fans out there that understand that Jaune is poorly written as a character same with those in the Ironwood and Adam camps as well. These three characters in particular all lacked something when being written. Which I think for Adam and Ironwood fans held up firmly while Jaune stans just need to see that Jaune is poorly written... and not a good character.

For Jaune his poorly written status are in line with his lack of accountability, how the writers mostly Miles and Kerry treat him like a self-insert, and lastly poorly-done and pretty generic Semblance and allusion. What he lacks in accountability and responsibility, more respect towards his historical allusion, lastly, not being treated as a "Nice Guy" self-insert character.

Adam was VICTIM of racism even his bio on the now defunct Amity Arena mobile game even supports this. Yet people want to call him abusive or a PDFile because.

The Writers didnt know what to do with him. (Once again, fuck you Miles and Kerry.)

We still have no official confirmation about his age, despite A/rryn Z/ech claiming that he's in his twenties. Once more. Voice Actors dont write the show.

Instead of that. It would have been best to see how racism towards the faunus affected Adam when he was younger, since he has the Schnee Dust Company brand on his eye. Another thing would be to reinforce the student-master relationship and thats it. Nothing romantic between Blake and Adam just a student and master stuff that is all. T

he fact that we could have seen him at first glance hesitant to help humans after the Haven Academy attack because of his morals when he is exiled by the White Fang's council and a new High Leader. While at the same time revealing why he does not trust humans.

Not to mention making him a key-player in the downfall of Jacques Schnee alongside Blake, Weiss, and Winter. Most important of all for that specific arc being that he could see that both Faunus and Humans in Mantle suffer underneath Atlas and the corporations that live up there.

Ironwood just like Adam felt like wasted potential as well for lack of development and no exploration about his past at all. Just suddenly revealing that: "Oh he was evil all along" instead of understanding that he is in a position of leadership and doing what he can while also letting the stress of that position get to him.

We should have gotten the reveal on what happened to half of his body, why he is so focused on maintaining order to better fit the Tin Man allusion, and developing around him to the point where he reveals a kinder side to him. Showing that he has a heart.

Lastly, his semblance not being an ableist allusion for ADHD, which is on the spectrum by the way. Instead why couldn't it have been powered up shots depending on which gun he is using.

God thats another thing I want to touch on. As someone who ships Blacksun as well, I feel very sorry for the peeps who shipped Blacksun a lot, even to the point when BB did become canon that they may have insults flinged at them especially in their ask boxes anonymously. Which I also feel sorry for any BB fans who wanted a natural confession instead of the forced one they got in Volume Nine and perhaps in some case wanting Blacksun or Sunnybees (basically Polyamrous Blacksun and BB) .

To end this.

Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter The RWBY FNDM For if you disagree with what the FNDM says, thou shalt be shamed for it.

[ordinalastronaut]

From Now Until Forever (pt.3)

a/n : a follow up to chapter one (technically). Back to Maria's POV with some other friendly faces in the mix. I think I have one more chapter in the tank on this story before it's over. After that, I might move it to AO3, I might not, no clue but I hope you enjoy and have a great week, reader

summary : Maria's trying to come to terms with a life altering injury while returning to the life she no longer has. Natasha just wants her wife to be happy.

Other tags: established blackhill, mentions of injury, tattooed Maria Hill, because I can't help it, supportive Natasha, best friend Laura to the rescue, Service dog mentioned

word count : 2.7k

❖𐅡❖𐅡❖𐅡❖𐅡❖𐅡❖𐅡❖𐅡❖𐅡❖𐅡❖𐅡❖𐅡❖𐅡❖𐅡❖𐅡❖𐅡❖𐅡❖

“Alright so it looks like we just need two cans of tomatoes and some garlic and that should do it,” Natasha looked up from the list Laura had sent them with. 

Maria pushed past the fatigue that slowly crept over the right side of her body, not wanting to think about the cane she had left in the car. She had made her decision and now she needed to stick by it. 

“The garlic is on the other side of the store,” the brunette motioned with her left hand, “If you want to go get it, I bet you’ll still beat me to the end of the aisle if I pick up the tomatoes.”

“Are you just saying that so you get to see that dog by yourself?” Natasha used her chin to motion to the service dog that was walking dutifully next to its owner in front of them.

“Who? Me?” Maria pretended to gasp, “I’d never deny you the opportunity to look at a dog. I think I explicitly said that in my vows.”

“That’s true,” the Russian nodded and looked once more at the list and then back to the produce section with a sigh, “okay fine, meet you back here after I get the garlic, no dog looking without me.”

The Commander smiled, nodded, and tried her best not to look like she was about to collapse as she took the cart in her hands and ever so slowly pushed it down the aisle. Section by section she balanced the task of staying upright and searching the cans of tomatoes for the right brand. Her occupational therapist would be over the moon at her “real-world application” of multitasking. 

She was halfway down the row when she finally found them and used the item in her hands to keep her from falling over. The wheels held as she bent down, but seemed to have a mind of her own as she stood up and went careening into the cart next to her. 

“Sorry,” Maria ground out as she regained control of the shopping cart, willing the embarrassment out of her cheeks as her hands threatened to spasm and drop the can in her left hand. 

“No problem at all,” the man gave her a broad smile as he straightened out his own cart. 

That was when Maria noticed the other aspect of the man, his left leg ended in a sleek black prosthetic. She only felt bad about staring for half a second when she realized the man was taking in the surgical scars that marred most of the tattoos she had. 

“They looked better a little over a year ago,” she joked and forced herself not to turn her body to hide the right side. 

“Would you believe me if I said I had a calf tattoo up until a few years ago?” The man laughed and motioned to his leg, or lack thereof.

Maria winced as she placed the cans in her cart, “bummer.”

“Blake,” the man stuck out his hand. 

“Maria,” the Commander offered hers back, knowing that her handshake would be nothing of what it once was. 

“This is Molly,” he motioned to the dog in front of him, “you can pet her if you’d like.” 

“My wife’s going to lose her mind if she finds out I got to pet this cutie,” and yet she couldn’t help but stick her hand out and let the dog sniff it before scratching right behind her ear.

Molly’s tongue flopped out of her mouth as she soaked up the affection. 

“You two dog people?” Blake asked with another easy smile. 

“Oh yeah, we were about to rescue one before…” she motioned with her left hand to the other side of her body, “and nowit doesn’t seem like it’s in the cards.”

The man hummed, “I’m the opposite, never a big fan of them before the accident. Now I couldn’t picture my life without her.”

Maria got one final dog pet before she looked up again. “That’s really nice.”

A few minutes passed as they continued to talk, and Maria continued to pet the dog in front of her. She had learned that they were local and had offered up that she and Natasha were just in town visiting. They both wanted to ask about the other's injuries, but they both kept their questions to themselves. 

“She’s spoiled rotten, I can tell you that much,” Blake laughed, “I swear when I take her to the VA she doesn’t even look at other dogs, thinks she’s one of the humans.”

“She should,” Maria smiled, “I’ve spent my fair share of time in the VA, everyone who works in those buildings deserves to be pampered.”

“You ever thought about a working dog?” Blake asked, genuine interest in his features, “A service dog?” 

“Oh- no, no I-” she shook her head and grabbed onto the handle of the cart once more for stability, “my mobility is pretty much tapped out after a grocery trip. I’m in no shape to look after a dog.”

“There are actually a lot of dogs who are great for mobility and low maintenance-”

Whatever else he was about to say was cut off by a slight squeal from the other end of the aisle as Natasha’s eyes got even bigger now that she saw the proximity of Maria’s hand to Molly’s head. 

“My wife,” Maria chuckled as the Russian speed walked to where they stood. 

“May I?” Natasha didn’t bother to introduce herself as she buzzed with excitement next to the dog. 

“Go for it,” Blake smiled and pulled out his wallet from his back pocket, “listen, if you ever want to learn more, I’m part of a service dog support group. Lots of good working dogs, and even more washed-up vets like me.”

Maria took the card in slightly shaking hands, intending to stick it in her own pocket and never look at it again.

“Give me a call if you want to learn anymore,” Blake smiled, “might not seem as impossible to have someone like Molly as you think it is.”

“Thanks,” she nodded and waved her goodbye to them both as they walked further down the aisle.  

She expected the Russian to make a joke about how Maria did in fact dog-look without her, but instead, the woman just gave her a soft smile as she walked alongside her. Maria continued to push the cart and think about the man not only as they paid for their groceries, but as she helped Laura with dinner. 

“You’re quiet,” the woman pointed out as she used the can opener, “what are you thinking about?”

“I’m… I’m probably not going to get all that much better, Laur,” she flexed her hands under the water as she washed the last cup in the sink. 

The water was blessedly warm and just for a moment allowed her right hand to open up fully. She kept her voice low as she spoke, knowing that Clint and Natasha in the living room wouldn’t let her say such things. 

But Laura was different, she just cocked her head to the side and stirred the sauce in front of her. She always let Maria, or anyone really, speak their minds before she offered any advice. 

“Physical therapy is going well but,” Maria turned off the water and felt her hand once again curled into a fist, “I haven’t made any improvements in the last 6 months. I looked it up and most people online say that this could be me hitting a plateau but some say that it could just be the max of what my body can do now.”

She looked at the jar next to her that she couldn’t open, one that hadn’t even been that tightly screwed on, and sighed.  

“And what do your therapists say?” the woman asked just as quietly. 

“That it’s too soon to tell, but… but I know my body and I don’t think it’s ever going to be the way it used to be.”

“Ria, they told you that from the beginning,” Laura offered. 

She was right the doctors had told her about that, Laura had been present for the conversation, probably more present than Maria given how many painkillers she was on.  

“I thought I would get further before I hit this wall,” she waved her left hand dismissively, “I thought I would have something at least close to my old life.”

“You might, this could just be a plateau that you will work through and get closer to getting to that point again,” Laura added fresh basil to the sauce before turning around and giving Maria her undivided attention, “is it really about not being able to open jars?”

Maria stood and looked at the jar once more, then her hand, before shaking her head. 

“I know that Tasha’s still turning down missions because she’s scared to leave me in DC alone.”

Laura didn’t deny this, didn’t try to make her feel better, she just nodded, “You’re proud and stubborn, and I don’t think the word ‘assistance’ is in your vocabulary Maria Hill.”

The Commander kept her eyes focused on her hands. 

“I think she’s scared that she’s going to go on a mission and come back to… well the worst case scenario for someone who has physical limitations and no intention of asking for help,” the woman took Maria’s scarred hand in her own, “you have to remember, you weren’t the only one who went through something traumatic that day.”

Maria let the hand around her own keep her grounded as she recalled what she had been told. Natasha had seen the video of Maria’s body moments after the bullet hit her and she fell out of the helicopter; she had been one of the first ones to see her both before and after her surgeries. Natasha had thought, multiple times, that her wife would die.  

“It’s going to be hard for her not to worry,” the woman ran her thumb down one of the longer scars on Maria’s hand. 

“I know.”

“Talk to her.”

The brunette nodded knowing that once again, Laura was right. 

She thought about how to say all of this to her own wife, mapping out exactly what to tell her to make Natasha finally return to SHIELD in the way she should. Of course, none of it went to plan and it ended with the same conversation each of these arguments did. 

“Then tell me, Tasha,” Maria sighed, “tell me what it would take for you to get back to the way your life used to be.”

“I don’t need to go back to that life,” the Russian shook her head with a sad smile, “I’m happy with where we are.”

There was some truth to it, but she had known her wife for long enough to know it wasn’t the whole story. She missed going on missions that she was part of from the beginning to the end, not the ones she and Clint took now where they handed it over as soon as they got enough intel.  

“No bullshit Natasha,” Maria reached out and placed her hand on her wife’s thigh as they sat on the edge of their bed in the guest room, “I know you want to go back into the field, for missions that don’t end in you handing over your work to B rate teams.”

The redhead said nothing as she absentmindedly traced over the dark ink that covered most of her wife's arm. The tattoos were no longer perfect, not much outside Natasha was, and so she pushed and asked again. 

“Tasha, tell me, what would it take for you to get back out there?”

Natasha gave her the same look she always did right before she requested the same thing, “you to use the cane and keep your phone on you at every moment of the day.”  

“The phone I can do, I can get better about that,” Maria nodded knowing that she would have to break the habit of it staying in her desk drawer or the coffee table for most of the day. 

“And the cane, Ria,” Natasha pushed. 

The Commander said nothing, they both knew how she felt about the mobility device. She had taken one look at it a few days after she started walking again and focused all of her energy on her lower limb PT for months just so she didn’t have to use it. She hated the sound it made, the way it looked, and more importantly the looks of pity she had when she was forced to use it. 

“It would make me feel better, I wouldn’t worry if I knew you were using it, and if anything happened you would be able to call someone for help,” her wife spoke softly, “without those two things, I need to physically see for myself that you’re okay every day.”

“Then I’ll send you a picture or… or…” the brunette shook her head. 

“You know I can’t look at my phone when I’m in the field most of the time.”

“The cane isn’t magic, it’s not going to guarantee that I don’t fall,” Maria dug her heels in.

“Those two things are the only way I’ll get any piece of mind when I’m gone,” Natasha said firmly in her own position, “I could be gone for days, and if you fell and couldn’t get back up?” 

Maria knew where this conversation was headed, knew that if they discussed it any more Natasha would talk herself out of ever going on a mission again. 

So blue eyes closed for a second as Maria nodded, “I’ll keep thinking about it. I’m going to go get some water.”

Slowly, she exited the room and made her way into the kitchen. She grabbed a plastic cup she was positive she couldn’t break if her hand spasmed and filled it with water. The moon was high in the sky, covering every surface in a cool blue hue as she thought about what her wife was requesting. 

She was being selfish by refusing the cane, it was one small thing for her to change so that Natasha could get back to a little more normality in her life. It needed to be done, she needed to just get over herself and suck it up and do it. Over and over again she told herself that and over and over again she tried to push the pit in her stomach away at the thought of how everyone would stare at her, see her as weak. 

But she loved her wife, loved her enough to do this for her so they could go on living the lives they had always dreamed of. Maria closed her eyes and thought about the life they had pictured, her and Natasha, maybe a kid or two, definitely a dog-

Her mind slowed as she thought about the dog she had seen earlier that day, the one that had helped the man with his everyday life. She shook her head, it wasn’t the same and she would just be trading one reason for stares for another. But it would be different, it would be…

Maria shook her head once more, squared her shoulders, and decided she would tell her wife that she was willing to use the cane, there wasn’t another option. She turned and went to leave the kitchen but stopped as she took in the faded photograph that was in front of her. 

There in the top left corner of the fridge, was one of Maria’s favorite photos of all time, the same one that adorned their own refrigerator at home. A gap-toothed blonde girl and a redhead trying to hide her smile in front of a sign that read “Tiboldt’s Circus”. It was an innocent enough picture, but a closer look revealed a boy in the background getting ready to perform, a bow strapped across his back as he talked to an older blonde teenager. 

Maria Hill didn’t believe in coincidences; for her, everything in life happened for a reason. Including the accident, including her journey to SHIELD, and including the two kids in Ohio who met years before they would end up saving each other in their own ways. 

It took her two tries to pull the business card out of her pocket, her fingers not cooperating in the way she wanted them to, and leaving it on the kitchen table. Tomorrow morning she would call the gentleman, tomorrow morning she would see if maybe there was another option out there. Maybe one that would save her in its own way. 

[onboardsorasora]

Another 'idk what this is' post lmao. But my attempt at girl!Dan

Daniel entered the event, ducking her head a little to let her curls— that were more defined and perfect looking— cover her face a little. She was a little uncomfortable, but Blake and the stylist from their new main sponsor said she looked good.

This wasn’t the sort of outfit she normally went for, the flared pants were different to her usual (ripped) skinny jeans, but they cupped her ass and thighs in a very flattering way. The top was definitely nothing she had in her closet, it was slinky and metallic and exposed her entire back— which was a work of art thanks to her years of work and effort.

Christian, the man of the hour, was the first to see her and his eyes widened in surprise was enough to tell her that this deviation from her usual outfits was ‘radical’ indeed.

“Daniel. Wow.” Daniel smiled in embarrassment. She didn't surprise Christian often, in fact she last time she surprised him was in 2014 when she beat Seb. And maybe in 2018 when she signed for Renault. But that was different.

“Happy Birthday Boss!” Daniel grinned, clinging to Geri when she came over to hug her as well. Geri’s hand on her bare back felt odd but not as weird as she anticipated.

“Is this Hugo?” Geri asked, figuring the tiny eyelets that made up her top. Daniel nodded, she was head to toe in the former Alpha Tauri’s new sponsor. All her jewelry to her shoes. Even her underwear– including the nipple pasties.

“Yeah, Kelly the stylist came prepared.” Daniel joked. She knew Yuki was wandering around somewhere, he'd been marginally easier to dress and Daniel had many moments tonight where she wished she hadn't grown out her hair.

“Have you seen Max?” Christian asked, his voice was odd, maybe.

“No, I just walked in actually. Haven't even had a drink yet.”

“Of course, of course.” Christian nodded before encouraging her to chat with the executives around, all the important people invited to Christian’s 50th in Vegas. The race was in a few days, Daniel hoped she could stay the minimum amount of time and go.

She'd spent a little time talking to some new Alpha Tauri– Hugo Boss executives before she wandered to the bar. She leaned forward on her elbows, swiping her loose curls over one shoulder.

“hi, can I get you a drink?” A familiar voice sounded from her right and Daniel tucked her head on her palm and smiled over at her friend and former teammate.

“It's an open bar mate. Does that actually work on women?” She grinned at Max who took a moment to piece her voice with the person he was looking at. If she thought Christian’s surprise was impressive, Max's was almost a religious experience.

“Daniel? Wow– I didn't recognize you.” Max gushed, eyes wide. He was blushing, and Daniel fought hers to continue to tease him.

“So about this open bar, I'd love a tequila.” Daniel grinned at him, she could feel the gloss on her lips when she smiled widely. She hoped her eyes weren't completely hidden by her new lashes.

Max looked... Well she'd never seen him look [at her] like this before. He kept looking her up and down; like he was seeing her for the first time, like he didn't recognize her.

A bartender came over at Max's wave as if they knew that he specifically wasn't to be left waiting. Daniel wondered if her own picture was taped up at the back of the bar but they didn't recognize her with her new look. It didn't matter because Max ordered exactly what she wanted, down to the brand of tequila she preferred and how she liked her glass prepared. She didn't realize he paid this close attention.

Max handed her the drink, his fingers lingering on hers for a beat longer than normal. Daniel smiled at him in thanks, determined not to think too deep into it. It was Max– nothing was happening.

Max smiled his crinkley eyed smile at her as if she'd said something funny– she hadn't. Then led her away from the bar with a hand to the small of her back.

It felt…different than when Geri did it. Geri's fingers mainly did the touching, Max's palm was pressed into her skin, branding her like a tattoo. It's apt because her back was the only place she hadn't yet covered in ink.

Max was talking to her, but she couldn't concentrate on what he was saying. Hyper aware of his skin against hers. It wasn't like it was the first time he's led her around with a proprietary hand, in fact it was pretty normal. But she'd never… she'd never noticed it until now. Not until it was skin against skin. It was harder to hide when there were no clothes to hide behind.

“Daniel, are you paying attention?” Max's voice broke her thoughts and she sipped her drink for something to do.

“Sorry Maxy, got a bit distracted there.” She bit her lip, letting it go quickly at the taste of lipgloss. She truly wasn't used to it. She looked at Max through her new lashes– his gaze was on her lips.

“I, of course, understand.” He murmured, it sounded as if he didn't even realize he was talking. “Daniel I–”

“Ricciardo Daniel, as I live and breathe. Is that you?” George interrupted and Daniel had never before now wished George could disappear so she could hear what Max had been going to say. He had shaken his head as if to clear his thoughts and taken a sip of his gin tonic.

Daniel smiled at George, wildly wondering if she imagined the twitch of Max's hand on her back.

“Russel George! it is I, I am me!” She chuckled and glanced over at Max to see he'd adopted his resting ‘go away’ face. Daniel was starting to feel lightheaded.

Part 2