#I know there's better wheels out there on the market but honestly I don't have the money

[violet-dragongirl]

Cleaned and Calibrated the G29 I had collecting dust since 2019...

Gonna get back into Project Cars 2 and a couple other racing sims that support the wheel.

[seat-safety-switch]

Bicycles kick a lot of ass these days. When I was a kid, a bicycle would only go as fast as you could pedal. Maybe, if you were really a huge asshole, you could take the bus to the big city and buy one of those mini-moped kits from a motorcycle shop. Then you could break playground-zone speed limits with enough two-stroke burble and pop to arouse every police officer within thirty miles.

Nowadays, you can slap some Chinese-made wonder magic on your Norco and do three or four horsepower without even knowing how to solder. In fact, it's much better if you don't know anything about electronics, because that level of knowledge will prevent you from extracting the maximum value out of your investment of "some vape batteries" and "a motor I found on Amazon whose name YouTube can't consistently pronounce." Electrical engineers are just too damn afraid of fire to go really fast.

Sure, you have to show fealty to the all-knowing microcontroller inside the magic motor box. Pinky-swear to it that you live in the hypothetical lawless wonderland that would allow you to have this much wheel-bending, mind-melting torque on a public pedestrian pathway. Honestly, it's its own fault if it believes a shifty character such as yourself. Not that the local cops are going to pull over Bob Tongsheng on his way to deposit your money in his bank, either. It's this kind of primitive hot-rodding that once made this country great: neglecting the existence or worth of anyone and everything outside of your vehicle in lieu of Go Fast.

Sure, this sort of thing will only last for awhile. Pathways are already filling up with lots of zingy e-mopeds and e-deathscoots, ridden by perfectly normal people. Your 1500-watt stealth bomber build is going to get pulled on by a pensioner within a year or two, as the market begins to demand enough cargo room (and rollover protection!) to do a once-a-month Costco run with the entire fam in tow. Inevitably, the cops are going to have to crack down on the whole deal, too.

For a glorious, shining moment, you too can dig a rusty mountain bike out of a creek and have it doing 50 miles an hour by watching a YouTube video. That's something previous generations simply could not have imagined. Which is their loss, really. If they had gotten off their asses earlier and figured out the lithium-ion battery, we could all be driving $100 50-horsepower ebikes right now instead of having to pay Big Battery for the "latest and greatest" in burning your garage down.

[the-fix3r]

"I'm back Chris..."

The door shuts and he places his stuff down, before clicking a button, a machine booting up from its slumber. He takes a seat.

"Your family's still doing well. Viv just finished another semester in college. Your mother and father are still wondering about where you are. It's kind of sad though...they didn't mention you nearly as much as other years...bittersweet even. Their resilience is still there, honestly, I have to commend them for it, but...we didn't put out posters this year. They probably didn't want to spend Christmas having all of us go outside of the city, after all, we've been doing it for...5 years now? I'm sure Viv appreciates having a normal Christmas for once."

He types away at his computer, loading up a program that's had it's use several times before, how it hasn't given out yet is anybody's guess.

"I offered Viv an opportunity to come work for us. Heh - all these years and her drive and determination still hasn't left her. She seemed awfully excited to join. I'm thinking of making her a marketing face, something people can picture when they think of the name of the game. I don't think she'd mind that. You know her, she always loved being a part of the spotlight..."

The room goes silent again as he scrolls through something

"Interesting...Seems like you had an eventful holiday this year...'Cosmia' huh? Pretty name...I wonder who she's attached to..."

The sound of the wheel scrolling continues

then a pause

followed by a chuckle

"Still the same as ever I see. All these changes you made and yet, a part of you still shines through. Well, I suppose I could give you a gift from the family to help better your mood. A belated Christmas gift of sorts~"

Even though his talking stops

The typing continues on in its place...

[dangerousalpacas]

HELLO my name is Thalia and I've been casually making trend predictions on fashion and music for the past couple years, and I'm tired of being correct and having no record to show for it. I predicted the y2k resurgence two years ago and no one believes me.

So, here's my trend predictions for the next six months to a year-ish. (this means that over the course of the next 6-12 months, I think these things will gain steam, not that they will be popular for the next 6-12 months. )

What I think will be new fashion trends in mainstream culture:

Theme: early 2010s

low rise skinny jeans (I know I'm sorry)

Tank tops, specifically camis. Bonus points if they have the lace on the top, even more bonus points if they're a vibrant color.

Layered bracelets. Not charm bracelets, per se, but they can have charms on them. I think people are gonna wear a whole bunch.

Messy, full coverage makeup. I think that this'll push away from the already fading "clean girl" aesthetic, and be almost feminist at first as it toys with pushing away from the male gaze ("you look so much better with all that makeup" you voted to take away my rights shut the fuck up)

Twee moment. I don't know if theyre actually gonna call it twee, but the same vibe. There was a small resurgence about a year ago, but I think this time it'll evolve with the fashion naturally. Square, boxy glasses, earth tone floral skater dresses (that might be too specific but im going with it), messy curly buns, and I think they're gonna work in the already popular grandpa sweaters. Might be a cardigan+tanktop as well.

Shorts with tights, but that'll be more like "edgy"

Mainstream alternative fashion will be more casual and palatable. So, not like the "emocore" event that happened in 2020, more like "5 seconds of summer" or early Halsey

Things that I think will fall out of fashion:

Themes: y2k, "afflictioncore", clean girl, high glam (not as it relates to drag or performance, but more like Kardashian)

baggy pants ( :( )

chunky shoes ( :( )

The graphic tshirts are gonna stay, but I think the style is gonna change. Im honestly am not sure how yet, I'll update if I figure it out, but I think the graphic tshirt is too new in popularity to fall off completely, but I think people are gonna get sick of the skull and wing motifs that are popular right now pretty fast. I definitely think that alt culture is gonna have a spike in the "old design" of metalcore/emo tshirts, with the bright graphics, though.

Kandi, kinda. I think it's gonna stay popular in certain subcultures, but will be replaced by rubber bracelets in others. Rubber bracelets are DEFINITELY gonna come back (if not that is a massive missed market).

I think clean girl is gonna push more into a granola vibe. It's gonna keep the same "simplistic" motifs, but because the messy, bright colors are gonna start taking the wheel in major culture, it's gonna migrate.

As America gets more poor, less and less people are going to be able to afford luxury items, so I think the popularity of luxury brands is gonna shoot down. I'm not 100% sure how this is gonna translate, but I think trends based on super rich celebrities like the Kardashians will fall off, as it becomes unachievable. With this, the general populous might romanticize drugstore makeup and more accessible fashion (like jeans and a tshirt).

Visual media predictions:

unserious superhero movies (as if they have a choice)

The fall of romantasy. I think people are gonna get sick of it soon enough. The tropes are getting overhashed, and the plots are predictable. I've seen a lot of people start turning against it.

2d animation (that might be 2+ years but I def see it making a comeback soon)

Weekly release episodes

Music predictions (mainly alt music):

I think pop is gonna keep taking the wheel, and alternative genres are going to start being "true counterculture". "Gateway" genres, or genres that help people get into alt music are going to be more successful, and already alt people will start rediscovering older genres. (Example: post hardcore making a modern comeback. This would NOT surprise me, as a lot of alt people are already talking about them more.)

In the next year or two, I think we're gonna start seeing a more strict divide between folk and country. Modern country may get less popular, and folk will be more grassroots with leftist themes. Genres like indie folk will start having heavier political themes, and we might see some folk punk bands gaining more widespread popularity.

I think the potential of a MCR album will be extremely pivotal to alternative music. If they release an album that is similar to their old sound (like they don't pull a Mania and just have it be a completely different genre), I think a LOT of grassroots emo/pop punk bands are gonna come out of the woodwork.

Some bands I'm watching bc I think they might make a comeback/become more popular: Sincere Engineer, Fall of Troy, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, AFI, Chiodos (heavy on Chiodos), Sleeping with Sirens(?)

On that, I think poetic lyrics are gonna be really big in a band's success. So not lyrics like "fuck him i hate him" but more like "If i was a god I would have snapped my fingers to make him exactly what he was to me; nothing" (that was a big appeal in early pop punk and emo, like "I cast a spell over the west to make you think of me the same way I think of you"? come on man)

ANYWAY if you have critiques or anything to add go for it

[chipped-chimera]

This ... is so busted. Also saw it coming.

If there is one thing I have learned about Elon Musk in my brief look into his history, he is an engineer's worst nightmare. He has them spinning in their graves over the shit he does with Tesla's, I am not kidding. If you look into the guts of most modern vehicles, they're a mess of cabling - and for good reason! When building anything, especially something dangerous like a high speed heavy metal object you really don't want to lose control of, you have to think about points of failure. Most modern cars are built so if something breaks, the system can remain operational and SAFE FOR THE DRIVER.

Now in Tesla's for example, guess where most of your car settings, speedometer etc. are? On the tablet screen mounted in the car. What happens when that screen fails? Well you now can't tell what speed your going. But it wasn't just how you checked your speed limit, it was how you operated a bunch of shit in the car right down to unlocking the goddamn glove box. This dumbassery also extends to the internal wiring of Tesla's and while safety regulations have kept him from doing it completely, you bet if he could he'd have it running off one internal wire. Which is so stupidly dangerous I think a small child could understand why that's probably a 'bad idea'. Musk? He's more interested in streamlining the manufacturing of his vehicles for sale. Right now people are worried because the new cybertruck (which I'm just gonna say as the person with Cyberpunk 2077 brain rot - is a goddamn awful looking car that is just ugly NOT 'cyberpunk') is using a 'steer by wire' system where the wheel is NOT physically controlling the wheels. It has no physical connection, it relies on a low latency cabling system to communicate with the wheels. While this is used in aviation, a plane is a LOT bigger than a car, is probably wired a lot better and can only be operated by someone who has QUALIFICATIONS TO DO SO. Also you absolutely bet when someone is making a plane that can carry hundreds of people they're going to do their best to make sure if something breaks it's NOT going to immediately kill everyone. Musk? Well you already know what I said about manufacturing.

So knowing this, when shit started coming out about Musk wanting to make Twitter (rip) / X an 'everything app' that could 'book tickets' and 'replace YouTube' and even be your dating profile AND your bank - well you couldn't get a more obvious red flag without setting it on fire.

POINTS. OF. FAILURE.

Think about it. Okay so you have this app/account that stores everything. And I mean literally everything - it's your social media, your dating profile, your bank, even your fucking LinkedIn (which he explicitly stated wanting to replace). What happens when someone manages to hack that account? Like getting your social media hacked is one thing, but if we're to project onto whatever messed up dream Musk wants from this app - it's everything. Literally everything. Hackers aren't just taking your social media, they are taking your bank, they are taking your business profile and if Musk really gets what he wants - your goddamn MEDICAL RECORDS.

I am not kidding - Musk is trying to basically recreate WeChat for the West, which does hold medical records but also is a format which has only worked under an active dictatorship. He does not care about the potential risks of the user here, he cares about money, marketability and streamlining the fuck out of shit to the point that it takes ONE issue to lead to catastrophic failure. One hack - that's you're entire identity stolen, and with cybercrime on the rise, honestly if I had half a brain; pooling that data behind one point of entry would be the LAST thing I'd want to do - but apparently Elon doesn't even have half a brain here.

So yeah, while this current thing is just a little oopsie-woopsie about video chatting - the writing is on the wall. It only goes downhill from here. This is the level of foresight this man has with your data. If you're still using X, I suggest you get out of it now.

It's only gonna get worse.

wow. this is dangerous.

[barry-j-blupjeans]

@taznovembercelebration - Paint / Erase

"Honestly, Lucretia, you're just being selfish at this point," Lydia said, sounding bored.

Once again, she was standing in front of the Wheel of Sacrifice. It had been… well, Lucretia didn't know how much time had passed. All she knew is that they were seven rounds in and she was no closer to getting the Animus Bell than she had been when she started. Behind her, Cam was leaning heavily against his sword. Lucretia herself was really wishing she had something to support herself with. Last round, she had wagered twenty years of her life in a game of chess and lost. The general soreness of aging seemed a hell of a lot worse when it happened in a matter of five seconds.

But they couldn't stop. She needed the Bell. If she didn't get the Bell, then this would have all been for nothing. She didn't know if she could go back to base and face Davenport without the thing she had left for. Finding Wonderland had already taken much longer than she had initially hoped- once again, Lucretia had to commend Barry. He was nothing if not good at hiding. But the rounds just kept coming and she had a nasty feeling Edward and Lydia never truly let anyone win their suffering game.

"It's not selfish of her to not want to give things up," Cam said, in a wheezy sort of voice. "It's selfish of you two to take them, though."

A bit of black smog rose from his mouth as he talked. Lucretia hadn't figured out what that was for yet. Overhead, Edward tutted.

"We're just playing by the rules we originally set out," Edward said, sickly sweet. "If you can't handle it, then I'm afraid you won't be going for much longer. Now Lucretia, come on. Your mission is to, what? Save the world? You don't need to know how to paint to do that."

"And we're not saying you'll never be able to paint again," Lydia said. "Just that you, y'know, won't be as good. Your paintings will never quite live up to your expectations. That's not so bad now, is it?"

"Cam lost three fingers and half his overall health already," Edward said. "And you can't even-"

"Fine," Lucretia said. "Take it."

"Oh, good girl," Lydia said. A wave of something washed over Lucretia, leaving a dull feeling in the middle of her chest. This was no worse than her losing her colored sight. In fact, Lucretia was kind of grateful they had only taken the painting thing, and not anything else. They had had to go through a penalty because she had refused to give up the memory of Barry and Lup's duet. She let out a shaky breath, watching the first light flicker on above the wheel. She turned back to came, who was looking rather pale and daunt and hardened her resolve.

She spun again.

"Lucretia," Cam said, staggering forward. "You gonna get yourself killed."

"No, no, no," Edward said. "If she wants to spin for you, she gets to spin! No takebacks!"

The wheel started to slow, ticking like a timebomb until it landed Brain once again. From above them, Edward and Lydia giggled. A feeling of dread settled into Lucretia's stomach.

"Let's see here," Lydia said. "You won't sacrifice to duet, but I imagine there are other things from that year that you don't really need, now do you? After all, your friends are doing fine without them."

"Oh, yes," Edward said. "Honestly, with all that you're keeping to yourself, you make me a little angry, Lucretia. Why do you get to decide what they get to keep and what they get to use? It's like your playing God."

"Though, we're not entirely opposed to that, are we, Edward?" Lydia said and Edward laughed. It sounded mocking to her ears.

"Yes, but we play the role much better than 'Creesha here does," Edward said. "Alright. Lydia? Have a favorite you wish to take? Or do you need Lucretia to show you how to do it?"

They both sniggered. From behind Lucretia, Cam coughed weakly.

"I think I'll be fine, dear," Lydia said. "Lucretia, that year, with the duet and the Voidfish and all, you made a painting of a place you often visited back home. A farmer's market, correct? I figured, since you can't really paint anymore, and you still have the painting, we could take that memory from you. Of course, you won't be able to make sense of that painting anymore. You'll know what it's supposed to be, but you'll never be able to picture it in your mind, you'll never be able to imagine the sound or the smell anymore. It'll just be… erased."

"And it's about time you've gotten a taste of your own medicine, Lucretia," Edward added.

"It really is," Lydia said. "So? What do you say? Isn't that more agreeable than last time?"

"Take it," Lucretia said. The same feeling washed over her once more and Lucretia struggled to stay standing for this one. The world in front of her was spinning for a few seconds. But the second light lit up all the same. A door appeared behind the wheel.

"Now it's time for another game!" Edward said, delighted. "Aren't you both having so much fun?"

"Lucretia," Cam said, stepping forward to help her down the steps. She brushed him off, getting down them on her own. She might be hurt, but that didn't matter in the long run. She just- she needed to get the Bell. For Davenport, for the world. And, in a way that just proved Edward and Lydia right, a little for her.

[evil-giggling]

Langa VS. the Assholes Who Hurt Reki

Summary: Langa and Reki have finally made up! But that doesn't mean that they no longer have problems.

(or, Langa just wants Reki to be happy, but for some reason people are very against that.)

Warnings: Swearing (Langa has has enough), Mentions of violence, Ad*m.

Words: 1.7k

(haha wdym the title is a star vs the forces of evil pun,,, no it isnt haha)

The stars in Okinawa reflected the sea, and the sound of their laughter along with the scraping of wheels against the cement ground is one that symbolizes peace, unity, and pure, unadulterated love.

Langa and Reki are alright again, and everything is right with the world.

"You... What?" Langa looked befuddled, an unidentifiable look on his features, as Reki nervously fiddled with his fingers, blushing from embarrassment. From what? He doesn't know.

"It's— it's not as bad as you think!" Reki said hurriedly, but by now there was a prominent frown on Langa's face, "it's— I was just ran over by a car—"

"Just," Langa emphasized, his voice uncharacteristically firmer and louder, "ran over by a car? Reki, do you think everyone just gets run over by a car? And do you think people who get run over by a car wake up in a love hotel? With a stranger?"

It's the next day since Langa and Reki's making up from their fight, and neither of them quite expected that the comeback of their roof-top lunches would start with Reki accidentally spilling that he was in a love hotel. Much less brought to a love hotel because he was ran over. By a stranger.

Everything was all so suddenly not-right, and Langa couldn't decide if this was better, or worse.

"—Langa? Hey, earth to Prince Langa!" Reki snapped his fingers in front of Langa's face, and the latter blinked, wondering when he started to get lost in his thoughts, and—wow. Reki seemed a bit too close to his face right now. Not that he was complaining.

There was a cute pout on Reki's lips, Langa guessed it was caused by his own neglect of their conversation. The former, though, upon noticing that his companion's eyes were on his lips, blushed bright red again, and brought back distance between them. Langa didn't stop the disappointed sigh from his lips, but the disappointment didn't last long.

His face once again etched up in concern, looking at Reki, who was facing down at the ground, his headband covering his cheeks, in an attempt to cool them down. Langa let a small, fond smile on his lips, before shaking it off once he remembered what Reki mentioned earlier.

"Reki, you can't just brush this off," Langa said, eyebrows furrowing and his chest hardening in both concern and frustration, "what else happened to you when I wasn't around?"

Reki sneaked a glance at Langa, before sheepishly turning away.

"Nothing," Reki said, but the lie obvious to Langa, "and you're talking a lot about this, like last night."

Langa frowned, "of course I am, you worry me a lot when you say 'it's nothing' or 'I'm fine'," he played with the hem of his shirt, before letting go and continuing, "because most of the time, you're lying."

Reki said nothing, only burrowing farther in himself. Langa huffed, frustration building up in him. If Reki thought it was surprising to see him chatty, he'll definitely have a heart attack after this.

Langa engulfed Reki in a hug, and it wasn't only the latter who gasped in surprise. Perhaps they've gathered some nosy onlookers?

Who cares?, Langa thought, Reki's the only thing that's important right now.

"Reki, be honest please?" Langa said, voice muffled, as he buried his face on Reki's shoulder.

"O-okay! Langa, okay, I'll tell you!" Reki stuttered out, a flustered mess, from the way he spoke, "just, let go, please?" He whispered to Langa, "people are kind of looking at us right now."

Langa didn't care who saw them, honestly. But he got what he wanted, and he didn't want Reki to be embarrassed too bad, so he let go of Reki's waist, and sat back to where he was positioned earlier.

He looked at Reki expectantly, but with patience. The latter picked at his nails in nervousness, wherein Langa took one of his hands to ease his anxiety.

Reki brought back Langa's hands, and started staring down at them and playing with them. He seemed to calm down, as his cheeks were no longer red, and Langa sent a dirty look to the passersby who were looking at them with keen interest, when Reki wasn't looking.

Reki swallowed, and looked up at him.

He scrunched up his face and looked away for a second, scratching his cheek with a finger, a small flush on his cheeks, "uhm..." letting out a sigh, Reki collected his thoughts and said, "erm, before I met you, I used to be in this sort of team? Gang? Thing... It was for skating." Reki added, upon the worried and horrified look on Langa's face, and the latter let out a sigh of relief, and encouraged him to continue.

"Er, they were sort of—they weren't really people I wanted to hang out with?" Reki mumbled, sheepishly, "they, uhm, they weren't really ones who enjoyed skating? They did it for the aesthetic, basically, and it made them sort of lame for me.

"So, I quit after three days."

Langa only seemed confused, so Reki added, "and well, I saw them while walking through the market and they kind of..." Reki mumbled the last part, and Langa blinked.

"'They kind of' what?" Langa pressed on, and Reki swallowed.

"They jumped me, but—" Reki immediately started to add, silencing a seething Langa with the palm of his hand.

Langa was nothing short of furious, and he was ready to tell Joe about this development to gang up on the little fucks that put a hand on Reki. And you know what? He'll do the same to that stranger! He'll make them have hell to pay, damn it, how dare they hurt his Reki.

But he couldn't express any of this right now, with Reki's hand on his mouth, so he (begrudgingly) let Reki continue.

"—but, it's fine! It's all in the past now. 'Sides, I kind of felt like I deserved it? I mean, I didn't actually deserve it—" he said, at the furious glare Langa sent to him, "it's just—well, it didn't compare to the people at S, y'know I—oops."

Reki flustered, detaching his palm from Langa's mouth to cover his own. Langa squashed the giddy feeling of that indirect kiss, and firmly, but with a gentleness Reki absolutely deserved, placed his hands on both of Reki's shoulders.

"What did 'the people of S' do, Reki?" Langa grounded out, tired of all of these people out to hurt Reki. Out of everyone he knew, Reki was the last one to deserve this much abuse.

Reki looked up at Langa, and knew he couldn't just lie his way out of not telling him. He looked down for a moment, simmering in guilt—of what?— and looked back up at Langa, setting his hands on his lap.

"They, uh. They would talk behind my back, and uhm, and talk about... How I'm just... A useless... Er," Reki struggled to find the words, and he felt tears sting at his eyes, and he looked up, not wanting them to fall. Langa felt guilty at making him relive these memories, but he needs to know exactly how he'll hurt these assholes.

Reki looked down, at his hands, and then at Langa, then he said, "they'd say that I'm no one... That I'm just... 'the guy who hangs around Snow'... Or just..." Reki bit his lip, "the one who's not Snow."

Langa was reminded of a meme, back from when he was still very much devoid of Reki and his kindness, talent, and all around amazing-ness. It was a dubbed line from an anime, wasn't it?

This is the first time in my life that I've been provoked to hit a woman.

Except they weren't a woman, in fact, they were the plethora of annoying assholes who made Reki feel worse than he already did.

Talk about kicking a guy while he was down.

"Names." Langa said, plain and simple.

"Huh?" Reki said, confused and flustered.

"I want their names, Reki."

"Langa, they were total strangers! Which makes it even more pathetic that their words got to me, honestly—"

"Don't blame yourself for them being stupid and blind." Langa said firmly, "you're amazing, Reki. Don't let them make you think otherwise."

At that, Reki smiled, and playfully punched Langa's shoulder, "thanks, Langa."

Before Reki could pull his hand away, Langa took it in both of his own, "I'm serious. You're so amazing Reki—"

Reki blushed, "th-thanks man, you're amazing too—"

"—you really don't understand, when you skate, you're the only thing I see—"

"—that's really enough!"

"—and you know exactly what I need, and you don't even have to try that hard to figure it out—"

"—is this even about skating anymore, Langa?"

"—and I think your headband is neat, but you look so cute without it, and your hair is a lot more fluffy—"

"Alright!" Reki squeaked out, just as the bell rang, signalling the end of the lunch period, "we'll talk about this later, we have to go back to school—er, class!" Flustered, Reki fixed his headband, and stomped his way back to the classroom.

Langa let out blissful laughter, and for now, he was satisfied with his work. He hoped it'd be enough for Reki to temporarily forget what those people did and said to him. Hoped it distracted Reki enough to not figure out that Langa was planning to find out everything with the rest of the gang, and would be punishing the ones who offended Reki accordingly.

He ran up to Reki, and offered his hand to the latter, whose cheeks were still flushed.

To his delight, Reki took his hand, and they walked down back to their classroom, hand in hand.

Later that evening, uncannily enough, Adam proposed an idea to the duo. A rematch, he had said, to redeem Reki of his loss in their last beef. There was an obvious, underlying malice, in his offer, though. Reki looked terrified, yet determined, but before he could agree, Langa had stepped in front of him, a chilling glower directed at Adam, who only smirked.

Langa had enough of people wanting to hurt Reki, and hated that smug face on Adam's features so much (it promised to hurt Reki to the point that he would be irreparable, and Langa was furious), that before Adam could even comment at Langa's protective stance, he had been punched in the face by the latter.

And, well, Joe seemed a bit inspired to do the same.

——————————————————————

A/N: haha i dont know how to make titles someone help

@andromeda612 @yunolik87

[kalee60]

@larkboyd Larissa! I'm sorry you're having a really crappy, awful day! I get you, I honestly do, the last few weeks have been really... Well... trying is probably a polite way of putting it.

So therefore in response to your cry for a distraction and a little care and love - I present you with this little one-shot - I quickly threw it together in the last hour so apologies for any mistakes.

I hope your day gets better and that when you get home tonight you can relax, put your feet up and remember that even though we are all on opposite sides of the world @darter-blue @iamsherlockedondoctorwho and me (plus so many more) are always there for you 😘

Enjoy this Merthur fic made just for you!

*~*~*~*~*~*

Merlin sighed heavily as he hung his coat over the back of his chair, seeing that he was the only one in the lab's office once again. Frustration didn't even begin to cover it, especially when his phone started to ring almost immediately. 

Eyeing the most hated piece of technology on his desk critically, Merlin tried to work out telepathically if he could figure out who was calling.

A rap on the partition window between his office and the next made him jump. Gaius was staring directly at him, giving him the Eyebrow of Contempt, a phone to his ear and pointing towards Merlin's, which hadn't ceased it's relentless mating call.

"Welcome to Camelot Labs, this is -"

"- Merlin you fool, it's me."

Merlin looked up to see Gaius run a hand over his face tightly, oh right. Maybe he shouldn't have gone out the evening before.

"Were you at the tavern again last night, are you still drunk?"

Looking heavenward, Merlin finally sat down, booting his computer up and wedging the phone between his ear and shoulder.

"It's called a pub, Gaius, and what do you need, I'm extremely busy." He proceeded to place each of his three coloured pens (blue, black and red) neatly next to his blank notepad, adjusted his takeaway coffee so the pattern on the cup faced him, then picked up the red pen and wrote his name with a flourish on top of the page. The heart over the I, probably the best one he'd ever drawn.

"You're on your own today."

"What?" Merlin yelled, dropping the phone to glare at his boss who just shrugged in return, the Eyebrow suddenly looking a little more friendly in the presence of Merlin's plight. He picked up the god awful device to exclaim hotly, "You can't do that to me! I can't hold the fort down by myself, take all these calls, I'm not a wizard that can magically conjure a second Merlin."

Gaius did not look impressed at his sarcasm, Merlin grumbled some more and took a long pull off his coffee. It ceased to satisfy.

"I'm trying to get one of the boys from marketing down here to help."

"Oh no, no you don't. This is why you're calling me through the window? Isn't it? You're too scared to stand before me and tell me - I'm telling you, you can't send me one of those lunk-heads, those clotpoles who wouldn't know their arse from their -"

"- their what Merlin?"

"Gaius no!" But Merlin was speaking to nothing, Gaius had hung up and was suddenly nowhere to be seen. Gritting his teeth, Merlin spun around to watch Arthur fucking Pendragon walk over and put his bag down at the desk… the desk right. Next. To. Merlin.

He wasn't having it. Arthur was the biggest douche to walk the hallways of Camelot, always pushing Merlin's buttons in meetings, and generally acting like a Prince holding court. It didn't help that his father Uther ran the company.

"And what brings you down to the bowels of the Camelot Labs?" Merlin snarked, then opened up his emails only to see a hundred new ones. Oh god, his day was over and it hasn't even begun.

"Gaius said you needed help, so here I am. I can go if you like."

Merlin gave Arthur the side eye, "can you read reporting figures to let departments know their results?"

Arthur nodded and sat his coffee cup down, seeing that it was from the same place Merlin bought his. Huh, maybe his taste wasn't that awful.

"Can you use the online filing system for collections and batch records?"

The nod came again, while Merlin watched Arthur place two pens either side of his notepad. Rookie. He wouldn't be lending his red pen out, even if Arthur begged. And that was not an image Merlin needed to see in his mind. Arthur on his knees, walking towards him… begging and naked.

"Fuck," Merlin exclaimed, noting how Arthur raised a brow sardonically at him. "Can you use a phone?"

"Can I use a… really? Look, just tell me what you need me to do and I'll do it. And don't be a dick about it."

Scowling, Merlin quickly showed Arthur the phone, the programs and what he needed done. He ignored the crisp, woodsy scent that clung to Arthur's skin as he leant over him, and he most definitely ignored when Arthur's arm brushed against his then left it pressed there, for almost a minute. Not that Merlin was counting.

Yes, Arthur was helping, and it was much better than being there alone, but Merlin, although very vocally did not like Arthur, had always found him unfairly attractive. And that set him on edge, made him feel itchy under his skin, knowing that Arthur, who was basically royalty on the London scene wouldn't even look twice at someone like him. So it was much easier to be an arse.

Four hours into their forced working conditions, Merlin had to admit that Arthur was actually more of a help than a hindrance. And it grated his nerves.

"Maybe next time, you should write the batch into the system before you give out the results."

Arthur's brows were in his hairline as he turned to face Merlin, and he felt a flush rise up his cheeks, it honestly didn't matter the order you did it in, but he had to say something.

"You really don't like me do you?"

The retort died on his tongue when he realised Arthur was serious.

"Err, well, it's not exactly that, I actually think you're -" his phone rang, thankfully halting anything else he might blurt out unintended. 

A few minutes later he was off the phone and typing again, lost in calculations and figures when he heard the chair next to him roll over the floor, and it didn't stop.

Startled he looked up into bright blue eyes, eyes that were only a few inches away.

"You were saying?"

Merlin's cheeks filled once more and he couldn't help the small gulp, audible in the quiet lab. Oh god.

"I was saying that I think you're a complete arse, " Arthur's eyes narrowed at his words, "but if you had a red pen, and stopped taking mine, I'd actually admit you've been a huge help today."

Arthur's face transformed into a grin and Merlin couldn't help mirror it, having never been on the receiving end of it before, or had he, and he'd just blocked it out? But Arthur was still too close, within touching distance and as if realising it for the first time as well, Arthur ducked his head, before looking up again.

"Can I buy you a drink after work, Merlin?"

Startled, Merlin floundered for a moment, uncertain what was happening and why Arthur Pendragon was asking a lab tech out.

"With you?"

Arthur's laugh was deep and fond, another anomaly, "yes with me. I thought you were smart?"

"I am, thank you very much, ask anyone and they'll tell you that I can -"

"- no Merlin, I meant I've been flirting with you for months and you've completely missed it, haven't you?"

Merlin's mouth was agape, he knew it, Arthur knew it, and he snapped it shut. Arthur thought he was...? He wanted to go for drinks and...?

"I'm taking that as a yes on both counts."

"My god you're arrogant..." Merlin started but faltered when Arthur grinned broadly at him.

And feeling off balance wasn't something Merlin relished and as Arthur started to wheel his way back to his desk, he reached out, fingers tangling in the collar of Arthur's shirt and yanked him back. The wheels squealing on the floor.

Falling forward he pressed his lips against Arthur's, feeling the shock run through the other man's body, and Merlin smirked until Arthur's hand came up to cup his cheek, thumb running over the skin softly, reverently then pushed forward into the kiss. Oh. He'd not expected the feel of tongue against his, the slip of their lips as they deepened the kiss, nor hear the small unbidden moan falling from Merlin's throat.

It was the sweetest and most perfect first kiss he'd ever received.

"Well that shut you up for a minute." 

Well it was until Arthur spoke. "One drink, that's all you get Pendragon."

And with a conceited smirk that hit Merlin directly in the guts, and a push of his chair, Arthur put his headset back on and looked Merlin directly in the eye.

"Perfect, I like my coffee black in the morning, preferably before I get out of bed."

And Merlin could do nothing but snort and shake his head fondly as he answered his phone, greeting the person on the other end brightly, holding Arthur's blue sparkling eyes in his gaze. Maybe it wasn't going to be such a terrible day after all.

[btssunnyboy]

Becoming Mine - Jeon Jungkook Part 1/?

In which the fairly new employee has an admirer

Word Count - 4,048

Warning - This is yandere and the whole series will have many yandere related events! Profanity and the mentions of looking down a shirt and seeing cleavage.

If anyone has any ideas they’d like to contribute, please feel free to send them my way!

Masterlist

———————————————————————

Mr. Jeon pinched the bridge of his nose in aggravation, while letting out a small huff of air as he stared at the trembling man before him. The man fiddled with the stacks of paper at his fingertips, and scanned each and every line hoping to find a solution, but every single one seemed to have a flaw within its codes. The numbers were far too low considering the amount of business ideas the company had sold this year. The man gave a short and almost panicked like cough when he noticed how violently Mr. Jeon’s leg was shaking underneath the table. The back of his heels that were repeatedly tapping away at the tiles were driving the man insane, the sound echoing in his brain like it was telling him to watch out for a dangerous situation is headed your way.

Patience for the problem at hand was growing thin in Jeon, too thin for anyone's liking.

If someone doesn't get these numbers corrected there will be hell to pay. Jeon loved to dish out servings of his sadistic like plans to those who were unfortunate enough to cross those boundaries. He'll make sure they receive what’s coming to them no matter what. Sweat was beginning to form in beads upon his employee’s forehead. The sight alone almost made him laugh, since Mr. Jeon knew if he only paid attention a bit more than the problem like this wouldn't have occurred at all.

The mess could have simply been avoid if only he was fucking paying attention for once in his pathetic life. Mr.Jeon's harsh eyes glared burning holes into the poor man temple.

"Rufus, I'm trying to remain professional because I know mistakes happen, but this is utterly ridiculous." He seethed through his teeth. His hands were now clenched before him, his whole demeanor was absolutely furious. You could practically see the smoke shooting out of his ears.

"I'm so sorry! I watched them go over these sets a million times I'm truly, and deeply sorry." Rufus sputtered out, as he frantically shoved his glasses back onto the bridge of nose. The sweat was pooling on his palms, and his pants were almost soaked with how much he's wiped his clammy hands on them. He didn't even give himself a chance to breath when he tried recalculating the numbers by hand.

"Your department better be lucky that these numbers aren't due until tomorrow night." Mr. Jeon spoke calmly. Even though, everything at this moment was completely opposite. He tapped away at the wooden surface of his desk, while Rufus gave a great nod of understanding. "What are you still doing here? Go fix these fucking numbers."

"O-Oh! Right Sir!" Rufus said, gripping tightly at the messed up papers. Not giving a care at this moment as he clenched them all beneath his fist and threw the wrinkled papers into the brown file organizer. A hastily escape was made as he fumbled on his feet to get out of the office completely. His sweaty palms once more giving him trouble as they refused to stay solid against the cold, metal doorknob. Giving it one last tug he yanked the door open swiftly and made his departure, making sure not to look back even as he closed the door.

Rufus could feel the fury clawing around inside of his chest at the thought of that embarrassing moment. The big big boss almost chewed his head off and that's never a good sign. Mr. Jeon will probably now view the department as a failure thus forcing everyone to quit, or he'll simply fire them. Either way the business will find a new management team who could actually keep up with their required task. If he loses his job then he's royal screwed.

"How in the hell did these numbers turn out lower than expected!" Rufus bellowed as he swung open the main door to enter his domain. The frame smacking its self on the nearby wall, gaining everyone’s attention. His sharp eyes stared down each and every employee in that room. Their eyes were cast downwards refusing to meet the eyes of a main who held nothing, but fire in his being. Rufus's demeanor changed within a snap of his fingers ever since he left the main boss' office. He was made out like a fool, and he was gonna make them feel the exact same way. "I don't have all day."

No one said a single word as he waved around the brown file organizer. Everyone shared confused looks between them all. They were for sure those numbers were calculated correctly. All those numbers were the profits the company has made and the numbers were sky rocketing. What happened? That the question that plagued everyone's mind, but no one had any clue as to what the answer might be.

Rufus's eyes finally landed on you. You pondered on the solutions to this problem. It had to happen fast or a lot of people were gonna be in deep trouble. You eyed the brown organizer that was hanging loosely from his grip. It was like a cartoon lightbulb dinged brightly above you head.

That's it, the brown file organizer is not the right one at all! The folder for this year was in a soft blue color. The wheels on your office chair slung you a bit to the right as you raced towards the drawers that held all the recorded numbers. Skimming through each one as briskly as you could. That organizer was here somewhere, it has to be here. No one, including you, could afford to lose this job.

You let out a sigh of relief as your fingers made contact with the plastic material of the organizer. There in all of its blue glory was your ticket to keeping your job, as well as the others. The drawer made a harsh clank as it was abruptly shut. Your heels clicked rapidly against the tiles as you raced against the clock to deliver the precious organizer.

"What is that?" Rufus sighed, motioning towards the blue plastic that was clutched in your painted fingertips.

"These are the correct numbers, you grabbed last years by mistake." You smiled as you tried to gingerly hand it over. Seeing as he would have to take it back up to Mr. Jeon and get them approved. His face quickly flashed from relief to the sinister. "Rufus what's the matter? Are you okay?"

"I was specifically told all the right papers were in this brown organizer! Why the hell do you have a blue one."

The profanity that left his lips without hesitation didn't affect you as it happened so often. Although he's making it seem like it's your fault that he grabbed the wrong one. You never told him to grab the brown one at all, you didn't even tell him which one it was period. This was his mistake, and he's not taking credit for it. It's absolutely pitiful.

"I remember you asking what color was last years and we responded with brown, and then we proceeded to say that this years color was blue." You corrected as you held it out once more. A dry scoff past through his lips as he harshly shoved the organizer into your stomach. "What?"

"Take it up there and explain to him why this mix up even happened. Let's see if you can handle the main boss and his wrath." After he spoke his final words he trudged to his office in the back.

Turning around you noticed everyone's eyes on you. Their sympathetic smiles only hurt you feelings more. You wish you could tell them it was fine, that mistakes happen. Even in a company like this, but with Rufus' new outburst you're afraid to even open you mouth at all.

"L/n! Get going!"

With that command you rushed off in the opposite direction. You tried not to draw that much attention as you walked right up the familiar glass door. When your eyes landed on his laser focused figure your legs grew weak almost giving in, and letting your body fall towards the floor. The thought of him yelling at you, saying you're disturbing him only made you want to race back to your original post and let someone else handle this. This should be Rufus after all not you.

You banged on the glass as lightly as you could and waited for his eyes to at least glance at the door. When it didn't happen you almost took that as your chance to bolt back downstairs. You’d just have to make up a lame excuse and say he was busy or not in his office at the moment.

"Rufus where - " Mr. Jeon stopped dead in his words when he noticed a more feminine looking figure in the other side of the glass. No gray hair, but a full colored one, no nasty black dress pants, but smooth legs connected to a very fitted pencil skirt. He could honestly say he was really enjoyed the view.

You tried to calm your breathing as you pushed open the door to let it swing open fully. The moment your entire body was in full view Mr. Jeon physically felt the breath leave his body. He was astonished at the person who was standing before him, he's never seen someone so breathtakingly beautiful. For the first time in his whole laugh he couldn’t muster up the rights words to say.

"Mr. Jeon I'm so sorry if I’m interrupting, but Rufus sent me with the correct numbers this time. Would you like to go over them?"

The way his name fell from your lips was sending the poor man in a full on spiral. His world felt like it was beginning to take a new form. A new form that was making him feel something he's never felt before, and he was now determined to keep this feeling alive and blooming. This was the one thing he was going to nurture like no tomorrow and make sure you're always by his side. All he needed was for you to agree and it was gonna be a piece of cake, hopefully.

All he needed was your name, and then he could get his hands on anything he needed to make you his.

"Oh you're not interrupting at all, but who are you?" His voice was filled with curiosity and you could actually understand it. The two of you have never formally met considering it was Rufus who hired you to work underneath him.

"Oh! I'm Y/n L/n, I work in the marketing department." You smiled as you extended a hand. What surprised you the most was how gently he took your hand into his. Like it was make of tender glass and if anything touched it, it would shatter into a million pieces. You've heard so many stories about how this man was as ruthless and conniving as they come. Yet here he is treating a stranger like they’re a delicate rose that needed strong protection and a gentle hand to do the protecting.

"I'm sorry we haven't formally met, but better late then never right, but let's see those numbers." He smiled as he gestured to the seat in front of him. That smile grew a bit wider when he noticed you pull the chair a bit closer. While doing this your body was leaned forward and when his eyes noticed your cleavage that was peeking out through the small dip in your shirt, his breath hitched. Purple suits her, oh god I bet that color would suit my floor even better.

"Are you okay, Mr. Jeon?" You questioned when the legs of the chair were finally sturdy against the tiles. Your caring eyes were full of concern as you stared at him. No sick motive behind you words, just genuine and honest concern.

"Of course don't worry about me, now back to these numbers."

Your fingers skimmed the lines of number that were printed onto the page. Making sure to note which numbers corresponded with which sales for that period. This company truly was a force to be reckoned with. Since it easily became one of the richest and most powerful companies within a few years. All that progress was made possible by the CEO Jeon Jungkook.

"Miss. l/n can I have a little bit more of your time before you go, I have an important question I need to ask you." He asked while you began to stand up and gather the correct numbered papers and neatly placed them into the empty folds of the organizer.

"Of course, Mr. Jeon. What is it?"

"How does Rufus treat his workers, is he as good of a boss as he claims to be?" He asked while intertwining his hands and leaning forwards on his desk. His eyebrows raised and his head tilted just slightly. The hesitation in your answer made his hands tighten ever so slightly. "How does he treat everyone? I need an answer."

"I mean he treats us good, but usually tries to rush things."

"Miss L/n, I don't appreciate when I'm being lied to straight to myself face. Now I'm gonna ask you one more time. What is his attitude back in that department like?" Mr. Jeon snapped. Just as before he was losing his patience, he needed this answer desperately. He finally wanted a reason to cut Rufus off at the knees and watch him crumble at the thought of losing the one thing that is keeping him afloat.

"He used to be really understanding and such, but now he rushes us and then proceeds to pile work-load upon work-load on us. He's agitated all the time and never sees anything as his fault it's always someone else's." You confessed as you fiddled with the hem of your blouse. Acting like the small, black button on the bottom was the most important thing in the world.

"Thank you for your cooperation and if you’re interested in a new swag from Rufus I’m almost positive I have a few new openings.” He added before you started walking out the door. His eyes lingering a bit longer on parts of your body that those eyes shouldn’t be looking at.

"I'll see if I can come by later, thank you Mr. Jeon."

"You're welcomed and you can call me Jungkook from now on."

You gave a small nod and quickly made your way out the door. Jungkook smiled like he has just seen the gates of heaven, but just the mere thought of you was more endearing than heaven itself. A dazzling smile had graced his face. He could feel a warm sensation taking over his body as he watched you walk down the end of the hallway and disappear into the crowds of people that flooded the office halls. When he was for certain that no one was going to bother him he quickly rolled around to his computer.

His sharp fingers typing at rapid speed against the white keyboard. Dozens of searches popping up, but none matching the description of the one person he needed. A groan of disapproval was lodged in his throat as nothing was coming up. Your file was somehow hidden from his view. His nails dug indents into the palms of his hands since his grip was iron tight. He needed to keep his temper under control he couldn’t afford to cause a scene on his office and have people rushing in.

He couldn’t afford to let people see his darling on his computer when you were supposed to he for his eyes only.

A small ding alerted him of a new notification. A new file had finally been added to the company database. By the grace of god that file was none other then yours. That beautiful face adoring his computer made his heart swell with endless amounts of joy. He had what he wanted at his fingertips.

He was gonna learn everything about you and all he needed to do was a click a few tabs. It may seem strange with his sudden infatuation with someone he just met, but he couldn’t help it. It was like a breath of fresh air watching you take timid steps through that door. Your honey like voice sounding like music to his ears and he wanted to keep that tune on repeat forever.

He wanted you forever.

When he fully closed out the tabs he raked his mind for possible positions he could place you in. The front desk was too far away and your intelligence would simply be wasted. When the thought of you being right by side crossed his mind there was no going back. The decision was already set in stone with or without your say so.

"I'll see you tomorrow my darling." He spoke in a gravelly voice. A sinister smile grazing his face at thought of you finally being his. This time his plans won’t fail, you’re not gonna end up like the last one. You are far superior then all of the others combined.

This time you were not gonna get away.

                                   —————

You didn’t like the unpleasant feeling that was flowing through your veins. The way his eyes went from kind and caring to stone hard within a snap of a finger gave you chills. He was determined to get the truth out of you and you gave into the pressure and completely caved. The air in that room felt suffocating and when you finally reached the step out of that office the air had finally came back into your lifeless like body. You scurried down the hall as fast as your heel clad feet could carry you.

You rushed to your cubicle as you placed yourself within its confinements. Genuine worrying filling you up once more as you thought back the encounters. His longing stares that stayed on you a bit too long to his hands that somehow kept brushing up against yours. The feeling felt foreign, strange and unwanted. The way his mood would swing from left to right left you drowning in concern.

The right thing was to just stay in your department and keep you distance. Somehow you still doubt he'll let you off that easy, but god you wish he would. You should never have said you’d come by to talk about the other job opportunities.

"Hey it's time to lock up." Lori shook your shoulders lightly pulling you away from your terror like thoughts. Her soft smile providing a little reassurance as to what just happened. No matter what you still can't shake that feeling that something is gonna go wrong. Usually your gut feelings are right, but this time you wish it was just an upset stomach. 

"Oh yeah I'll meet you at the car I just gotta use the bathroom."

"Okay don't be too slow I want to stop and get something to eat." She yelled as she got further down the hallway. Until all that was seen was the shadow she casted on the dimly lit hallway.

The familiar ding of your phone flashed the notification that your file was added to the database. They let everyone know when they were added due to the fact that employees had a right to know when their information was uploaded on any sort of database. This also came with the perks that everyone was update when their profile was being viewed.

Oh god, that same feeling of dread overtook your body like a tsunami.

He had viewed it. Probably from top to bottom, taking in as much information as his eyes would allow. He has accessed your phone number, you education and your fucking address. Everything was now at his grimy fingertips. Maybe this was gonna be a lot more dangerous then you thought. You tried to play if off as fluke, as him seeing you for the first time and was just wondering around it. The whole air of the situation felt sinister and you just couldn't stop it.

Your eyes darted left to right in a panic making sure he wasn't lurking behind the curve of the halls. Your heart was beating too loud for you to hear properly. Those cool, metal keys were clutched between your fingers as you took shaky steps down too the parking garage. Without falling you didn't waste time to yank open Lori's car door.

"Wow honey, looks like you've seen a ghost.you must’ve peed quickly." Lori snickered as she held out her hands for the keys and then she began to pull the car out of park. Her eyes trained on the numerous vehicles behind her car.

"Oh me? Yeah I'm...fine. Turns out I didn’t have to.” You said, taking a shaky breath. Your fingers quickly pressed the lock located on the right side of the door. The paranoia jumping out in your obvious actions. “Would if he weird to the main boss to view your profile?”

You saw her eyebrows go up as she pondered on the thought. Her acrylics tapping away at the wheel. “Well it all depends. If you’re talking about today then it’s probably fine, because keep in mind you just joined a few weeks ago. So don’t worry about it.”

You felt you shoulders lose the tension inside them. The shaky breaths that you were making you light headed finally were under control. A small smile grazed your face as you rubbed you temples. A gracious thank you passed through you lips when you got out of Lori’s car. An overwhelming feeling of security lingered on your body when the latch on the door was finally hooked.

You’re finally away from that place, you’re finally away from him. No need to watch over you shoulder to hide from his presence, no need to wonder if he’s lurking behind a corner.

The clothes that were restricted against you body felt like heaven coming off. Your bare skin was loving the feeling of cool breeze against it. You couldn’t wait for the scorching hot water to bless you skin once more.

“Hello?” You questioned, uncertainty laced throughout the word. Your eyebrows rose in confusion when the caller gave a heavy cough on the other line. You gave a shaky breathe as you tried to recollected yourself. “Mr.Jeon?”

“Oh! Yeah I’m sorry, but I was just calling to see when you wanted to schedule that meeting of sorts?” He questioned, his voice seemed like it was caught in his throat. Like he was all chocked up. “Are you busy right now?”

“Sorta, maybe it would be best if we called back later and try to arrange something?” You spoke. You were desperately trying to get out of this call as quickly as humanly possible.

“Yeah, I hope you have a good night, y/n.”

You didn’t even bother with a response as you quickly clicked the red button on the bottom of the screen. The damn phone number section had to be required on that stupid form. Right now you’re wishing you could just drop the job all together. Bills don’t pay themselves though.

You wish the hot water would wash all your worries away. That when you stepped foot outside the tub that everything would go back to normal, but that stuff seems to only happen in the movies. You hair was standing up on the back of you neck, and you just wanted these foolish feelings to evaporate with the steam that was clouding your body.

When you finally stepped out the shower you were quick to wrap the green towel around you vulnerable body. When you back was turned towards small window you couldn’t held the feelings that overtook your body.

“Stop acting like a fucking coward.” You grumbled to yourself as you slid a shirt over you sticky, wet shoulders. “Everything is gonna be fine.”

No matter how many times you repeated that phrase to yourself that night, your mind still raced with endless amount of possibilities.

Maybe this wasn’t gonna fine, maybe this was the start of something more sinister and dangerous then anyone could have imagined.

And maybe your mind was right.

[ajw720]

I agree with everything you say about Chris. I think everyone forgets that Chris is a top notch actor. He knows exactly what he's doing. He just sells it better than D because D just seems tired and pics of them are everywhere. Chris doesn't really post too much and his friends don't over expose him either. I've never seen a kiss pic between C & the pa. Is it the Halloween pic? I always thought it was fake.

Chris sells it better because he doesn't despise Will. Will doesn't mistreat him. And there are far fewer outings to pick apart. We get the occasional night out when Chris needs to divert attention from Darren and needs an alibi. To be honest. I fully expected Chill last weekend and was shocked we didn't get it. And I have a theory as to why. But as I can't document it. I'll leave it there. So it was important to make it up this weekend. A weekend that was otherwise odd as we still don't know who Darren was accompanied by on his various outings. At least Ashley was present. We wouldn't want them to go out without the ever present third wheel. One of the glaring issues with Chill. And I think Chris prefers it that way. But it's hard to compare the couples. One is forced. One is by choice. One is built on manipulation. One is fully controlled. But Chill was built to protect CC. And to try to make miarren more believable by removing the major obstacle to validate its legitimacy. Chris. And Chill will be here until that woman is gone. Maybe beyond depending on how that ends. If we get a staged break up. Expect Chill for awhile. It's just so hard to know how the next few months/years are going to look like. I have no doubt she's on her way out. But how? I don't know. I do see the perfect tie in with ACS for Darren to come out. But is Fox/Murphy willing to take that risk? Hard to know. Honestly. It could be a brilliant move. ACS doesn't need the D stans that believe the PR narrative to watch. It has a built in audience. And imagine the interest if there's a huge story surrounding the star. It could be massive. And a brilliant marketing move. We know they made a deal. Just not what it looks like. Then again. It could backfire. So perhaps they won't take the risk. And we could be looking at a few years. And I expect Will around until the CC truth is revealed. Because the minute she exits. All eyes will turn back on CC. On the kiss. It is the one picture I am near positive is a manip. But I could be wrong. So many flaws in that pic. I actually think a great amount a trickery was used and what's behind the photo is interesting. But again. Theory. Not fact. But regardless of real vs manip. Make no mistake. Chris made sure that photo was released into the world. Again his way of equalizing the crime after the first miarren kiss was posted. I firmly believe Chris will stop at nothing to protect Darren and share the blame. Which is why I don't understand the need to protect him. He's fully in control and aware of what he's doing. And will stop at nothing to protect his relationship. Further. Team Incompetent should be petrified. Because I have no doubt, in time, when legal constraints are lifted, his fury will be unleashed towards those people that tortured Darren for years.

[frogsandfries]

I don't know........

I'm mentally pacing right now.

If I'm earning about a thousand bucks a month, putting two hundred into the household, giving myself two hundred to take care of business, and then seriously saving the rest, that's about eight hundred left...... in three months, that's two thousand dollars. Twenty-four hundred. Give or take about a hundred a month, depending on how diligent I am.

That's money I could sink into a) a van that works, and either has been lived in, or is ready to move into, or b) a van that has been pretty much sitting (as far as I know), a van that I, a short person, cannot fully stand up inside of, a van that needs to be built out. A van that I know has a lot of complications. Within three months, I can start looking. Or within three months, I can throw away a decent amount of money on storage.

Or, instead of it being stored, my dad could bring it to me with the last repair made, ready to drive. I can work on furnishings over winter, like I would have the previous winter if there'd been space.

I dunno........ On the one hand, no matter what my dad says, I don't actually have to pay them; they'll just keep the title, which maybe that's okay? If I build it out, even if it's the way I want, they can just sell or barter the furnishings they don't like and I'm sure that'll be at least equal to the value he wants back.

Without taking on too much myself, I think I could also help them tiny-house that trailer they have; they could also keep the trailer for whatever ends suit them.

Ugh....... I feel like I've decided, and I'm not sure I'm crazy about my decision. It's always easier to go with a sure thing, and this is a sure thing. Depending on what they want to store the van or what it will take to get it into my possession, and then I can focus on getting behind the wheel. Once it's in my possession, I can further focus on getting the roof cut out and building out the new roof. Certainly it's very likely, the existing shell may make for a good base to work from, but there's the question of getting it up there in the first place without hiring a garage. When we put it up on the Dodge, it was a very dangerous process of slowly elevating it. For nothing, as we were then unable to move the Dodge out of the storage bin.....

I honestly cannot understand why my dad wouldn't just cut the damn roof off and let me build the new one. But this time around, I'm going to at least build the new shell in EPS before re-proposing the final cut. The earliest I can do anything like fiberglassing won't be till probably May to June. I don't think I'll be using actual fiberglass. I think there are several decent substitutes on the market that might be a little less finicky that will most likely work just as well.

I would say I think I my dad thinks I'm a reject or a failure, but that would be a lie. I think my dad thinks I'm impulsive and they don't trust my judgement. Also, partly, as staunch as they are about gender equality, I partly a little bit think they don't think I know what I'm talking about because I have boobs and I go cross-eyed at vehicle talk.

But I know stuff about materials. I daresay I've done more research on van stuff than they have. I don't care about the vehicle part; that's what regular maintenance is for. I know about upselling, and you don't have to fix everything at once just because the mechanic tells you you should. I could just as easily keep each garage visit paperwork and see what continues to be recommended for repair and move them up the list until, hopefully one day, they're all taken care of. Or, I sell that van for a better one. Like a Mercedes 🤩🤤

I know Knuckles. After his brake job, and after such a long time, I'll have to get to re-learn how it feels to drive him, but Knuckles is a known factor. Also, my dad hates that I call him a him and that I call him Knuckles.

Additionally, I have resources I didn't have previously. I live at a house now, and the house has a garage that I could work in, or store my building materials inside of. I could still work on cross-stitch stuff during the week, after work, and use my days off to work on the van. Until I get the new roof on and my power supply running, working inside the van is pretty much out of the question. I could choose to focus on that, putting together supplies, figuring out measurements.

God. DAMN. It. I need to work on my license....... I've written like half this post standing around waiting for the driver to come back to the bus and we're like three minutes late. Dude, I get written up if I'm a second late from my fifteen minute break. It might as well not even be called fifteen minutes; it should be called thirteen minute break, because if your phone doesn't match the clock to the second, fuck you. I've gotten written up for it twice and a half already--the half is because I got written up when I told a superior that I was late because of a customer. I think I get quite a bit of leeway for coming back late from, but regardless..... it's feudally anal.

Except I guess not so much feudal because at least feudal societies got tons of vacation time and leisure time.

Anyway.

I dunno........ my dad says, apart from getting new glass in the windshield, which I was planning on anyway, it's one or two repairs from road-ready..... See what I mean? It's a known factor, versus a possible unknown factor. So, what I was struggling with was working on the outside AND the inside simultaneously, and now that's not a problem; apart from regular maintenance, I can focus on getting the new roof built and installed, and building out the interior the way I would like.

That's really all I wanted from this van adventure. I just want to build my home and live in it. Ugh.......a year later. More than, as a matter of fact. I burned out from the politics of the mechanics of the van my dad bought me.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe I should sleep on it. I can barely keep my eyes open. Things got less weird after I tied off that bag.

If I really think about it seriously, there are still mechanical technicalities inside the van--I want to figure out a decent-quality electrical system. I want to be able to run my fridge, and some kind of RV heating and cooling system. I'll have to purchase a heating and cooling system. I can figure out how to survive with battery powered lights.

I just........ don't know.....

[justanotherlittlethought]

Hi, @wildxenomorph ! I'm not here to talk at you, but if you'd take a look at these and see if your opinion is as absolutely certain as you'd thought it was? If it still is, that's fine; you're still in high school and not eligible to vote yet, so my need to change your mind isn't pressing. But if you can understand the need to defend yourself, rather than count on an ideal world where the black market is a fantasy and criminals question themselves before trying to hurt others, well. Just see what you think. Facts never hurt anyone. Bear in mind the realities of human nature and ask yourself if what you desire will actually solve the problem, or if you HOPE it MIGHT HELP America's true (albeit tragic) situation. This isn't Sleeping Beauty; we can't burn all the spinning wheels and call in some nice fairies and POOF, the problem goes away. The guns already exist, they're not going to disappear just because the government steps in with some handy dandy laws and criminals aren't going to say "Oh, well, it's even MORE illegal to own a weapon? Guess I better cancel the afternoon shooting." There are so many guns in the US; it honestly makes sense that there would be more shootings. There are more car crashes in America than there are in Luxumbourg, because /America has more cars./ Reality isn't going to alter to accommodate our ideals.

I don't agree with everything these articles have to say myself, but they seem to have some decent information.

https://www.factcheck.org/2012/12/gun-rhetoric-vs-gun-facts/

http://www.yesmagazine.org/people-power/gun-violence-has-dropped-dramatically-in-3-states-with-very-different-gun-laws-20180216

http://interactives.dallasnews.com/2016/gun-owners/

My personal view though, bottom line? If they have a weapon, my weapon is going to be equal to theirs if I want to get out alive. Maybe I'll never use a gun for self defense, but I have a lot of books to read and if someone takes me out before I get a chance to read them when I could have saved myself? I'm going to be pretty ticked off in the afterlife. The question isn't "will making it harder for criminals to acquire weapons lower crime rates?" It might, it might not; it could take 20 years to get an accurate answer. The real question is: "Are you willing to risk not being able to defend yourself against someone who has a bigger, stronger weapon than you, in the off chance that the law messes up--as it's wont to do--and someone slips past the system and threatens your life, liberty, and happiness?" Because my answer to that is "Hell no." Because it's not that "My right to own a gun means more than other people's lives." It's that "My life, and those of my family, mean more to me than that of the person who threatens me and I am not athletic and need every advantage at my disposal." It's that laws don't stop criminals; if they don't get guns from the US they'll get them from Mexico (unless we stop illegal immigration, etc. etc. but that's a different can of worms) or somewhere else, because even if we halt all companies from ever making another gun, the ones that exist won't disappear. Therefore, if someone threatens me with a gun, no amount of martial arts and pretty words will save me.

Consider the wider spectrum, instead of a single incident, or even multiple incidents. Then question everything anyone has ever told you, because it doesn't matter what "side" people are on; sometimes they lie, and sometimes they're wrong. Do you know for sure why you think the way you do? Start there, with unbiased facts, test those against your own morals, and then come back to me. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Today, March 14, 2018, a student walkout was held.

From 10:00 to 10:17 the majority of my school stood outside, gathered around the flagpole.

We were silent for 17 minutes, a minute for each of the victims of the school shooting that occurred last month (February 14).

And I wondered, how is it possible that nobody has taken action? How is it that even after countless school shootings, people still won’t ban guns, or at the very least raise the age limit for buying and owning a gun.

Tomorrow, it could be me lying dead in a school hallway.

Tomorrow, it could be your child, grandchild, sibling, cousin…

It’s true, guns don’t kill people.

People WITH guns kill people.

The solution: don’t allow people to have guns.

It’s not hard to understand.

Your gun does not outweigh lives.