#JUST HOW MANY outstanding questions there are to be had now that this is a reality

[blazingblorbos]

You know.. Arlecchino actually becoming playable actually raises so many questions.

How is she going to feel in relation to us knowing full well we lead to Signora's death? Does she resent us in any way? To what extent? Or does she accept Rosalyne's fate, what with her having lost the battle with us fair and square.

What's going to happen when we face the Tsarista??? At least with Childe, we know where his allegiance lies. He's loyal to the Tsartista and his home country but considers us a friend nonetheless. Arle?? We have no clue how much she cares about any faction.

Does she know anything about our sister??? Would she even tell us? Her partnership with us SURELY has to be a partnership and nothing more, right?? CERTAINLY that nature of our relationship is going to color every action she makes in her capacity as a playable character... right? Like she's not just going to warm up to us suddenly and become all sentimental and genuinely caring, correct??????

Even outside of the whole "Oh, how are they going to redeem the villain this time?" question (which I'm actually fairly confident they just.. don't need to do for her), a Harbinger - NUMBER 4 OF THE 11 FUCKING FATUI HARBINGERS - canonically coming to the Traveler's aid and joining their party is an astronomical step forward in...

hell, I don't even kNOW what direction.

I just hope they give use relatively concrete answers and don't leave these sentiments floating up in the air, completely unadressed.

(Oh and I can't wait to see what both her debut (event, interlude or otherweise) quest and story quest are gonna be about.)

[russilton]

George has opened up a bit more about his dad in a new article for the daily main (without paywall below) and it's a genuinely gut wrenching read. If you want to go in knowing while George doesn't acknowledge it as such, his descriptions of his dad's behaviour are very clearly abusive.

It’s poolside at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, Miami, and a sun from central casting beams down. Just beyond the adjacent cream sands the day before a shark was spotted amid the white caps of the Atlantic.

Some observers gawped. Many recorded the scene on their phones, quelle surprise, while those in the water rushed to dry land with almost comic alarm, the terrified tripping as they waded to safety.

Now all is quiet, and staff bring over watermelon juice as George Russell sits down to talk. Aged 27, the Norfolk-born driver has contended with the sharp-toothed critters of Formula One to emerge as the outstanding British performer of today.

His consistently accomplished drives for Mercedes this season, and the end of last, underline his rightful status as successor as team leader to no less than Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion he acknowledges as the GOAT.

Russell’s route to Formula One was not travelled on a red carpet. He picks up the story of a hard taskmaster father, Steve, and his protective mother, Alison, of their parental rows over his treatment, and the £1.5million they scrimped and saved to fund his career – and tells for the first time how he has now repaid them every penny of their investment.

‘It was hard,’ he says of his father’s tough love. ‘From the age of seven to 16 you are not mature enough to recognise what your parents are doing for you.

‘My father was working every day from seven in the morning to nine at night to earn his money to take me racing at the weekend. As a kid you question, “Where’s dad?” Oh, he’s at work. “Why’s he at work?”

‘And then we go racing and he is quite stressed from his job. And if I was making silly mistakes, he’d be dead angry with me. In those eight years, there were happy times, but there are lots of sad memories from my parents fighting because of how hard my father was being on me. My mum was trying to hold it all together.

‘It was, “You’re not winning.” The expectation was to be on pole and win every race, at least always be on the podium. Even times when I did win, it wasn’t sunshine and glory on the way home. It was, “But you could have done this better, done that better.”

‘He has moulded me into the guy I am today. He would always want the glass full. He would see where I could have improved while never seeing the positives. I continue the mentality of looking at where I could have done better, while ensuring I see the positives. Otherwise, it can be a very slippery slope.

‘I can now see it with my brother: his kids are starting go-karting and he is working his a*** off to give them the chance. Life isn’t simple, with the stress of work and the rest. And I will forever be grateful for what my dad did.’

‘I just accepted the way he dealt with me. I accepted that if I didn’t win, he wouldn’t be happy with me. And that the journey home would be a long one, and most likely end in tears.’

Did young George get the silent treatment?

‘No, I’d be b******ed,’ he recalls. ‘I see it now that kids who are born with a silver spoon in their mouths don’t have the same work ethic as those who had massive discipline over them from a young age.

‘My father was working every day from seven in the morning to nine at night to earn his money to take me racing at the weekend.'

‘If I could turn back the clock knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t change a single thing’

‘So, from my father’s perspective, would he wish that for those six, seven, eight years that he had a closer relationship with his son? Maybe. But those years set me up for life.

‘If I could turn back the clock knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t change a single thing.’

How is Russell’s relationship with your father now, I wonder. Closer?

‘Hmm, yeah,’ he says. ‘What was amazing with my father is that when I was signed by Mercedes (on their Young Driver Programme eight years ago) he opened the cage door and let me fly.

'It went from being a super-controlling, super-emotional, b******ing every time I didn’t do well, to suddenly feeling he could pass me on to the next chapter.

‘Now he supports me from afar every single session. He is taking care of grandkids.’

Steve Russell was involved in agriculture, a seed and wheat merchant – his factory a first port of call after harvesting prior to distribution. ‘He sold the business to fund my racing,’ adds Russell. ‘In 2012.’ Russell was just 14 then.

‘For where we lived, my father was an exceptionally successful man. But in that industry success was making a profit. Now we are in a world of unrealistic wealth with billionaires around us.

The Norfolk-born 27-year-old has now made 133 grand prix starts, with three race wins

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff’s ardour for world champion Max Verstappen seems to have waned, just as Russell’s results increasingly make their own argument

He is out of contract this year but remains confident of re-signing. His results should make that a slam dunk

Russell's new Mercedes AMG One, which has a top speed of 219mph and accelerates from 0-186mph in 15.6sec

‘We could have lived a very happy life had he not done that. I have paid everything back that he spent on me. I made it clear that as soon as I made money, I wanted to pay everything off. It was about £1.5m.’

The dividend can be measured, among other achievements, in the car Russell has just bought – the AMG One supercar. A limited edition of 275, the coupe was initially listed at $2.7m (£2m). It has a top speed of 219mph and accelerates from 0-186mph in 15.6sec.

It is the first car Russell has ever bought, having started on the road in a white Polo bought by his parents – 60bhp, top speed of 100mph with a following wind. And there was no reduction for Mercedes’ top driver for his new car. He chose a navy blue that glistens in the sun. His racing number – 63 – is inscribed at his request.

He intends keeping the car forever (despite receiving an offer worth double what he gave for it), to go with his company G Wagon and the vintage 300 SL he hopes to add to his portfolio.

Three cars – that’s ‘all’ he wants in his garage at home in Monaco; no huge collection. All are Mercedes, we note, a telling symbol of his commitment to the Silver Arrows.

He is out of contract this year but remains confident of re-signing. His results should make that a slam dunk. Both he and boss Toto Wolff are talking optimistically of a successful conclusion, probably this month or next.

Helpfully, Wolff’s ardour for world champion Max Verstappen seems to have waned, just as Russell’s results increasingly make their own argument.

With Russell in Miami, as she is at most of his races, is his Spanish girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt, 26. She did not know he was a racing driver when he stood in for a friend who was due to go on a date with her. That was in London in 2020. She is upstairs on the terrace as George and I talk. He pays her this tribute as his rock in a volatile world.

With Russell in Miami, as she is at most of his races, is his Spanish girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt, 26

The Mercedes driver has paid tribute to his girlfriend, labelling her his rock in a volatile world

She did not know he was a racing driver when he stood in for a friend who was due to go on a date with her back in 2020 in London

‘As for Carmen I feel lucky having her around. She is my emotional support in the world of instability I live in.'

‘I left school at 13 and have very few friends to be honest,’ he says. ‘It can be a lonely life. You are in different hotels, different countries, different time zones, different climates.

‘Mondays are emotional hangover days after a race. A slap in the face if you are on a high after a good result, and a slap in the face after a bad one if you dwell on it. I play padel to get my mind off things, rather than sit inside scrolling through social media.

‘As for Carmen I feel lucky having her around. She is my emotional support in the world of instability I live in. I wouldn’t change anything in my life now or what went before.’

Now he is off for a run – a peaceful 7km, next to the ocean where the sharks prowl.

[marymary-diva17]

Human wife shenanigans (Tonowari and Ronal)

Having a human mate who is also a dream walker could be special. There is so much to learn about their world and cultures. That was something that many navi had to know right away when they had become mates with the ones who came from the skies.

Y/n “ ……” you are underwater holding a camera, filming the underwater life and anything else. It was something you would do, and you would send footage back to your friends Jake and Norm, along with everyone else. They enjoyed these videos as they saw you were okay and what some of the ocean looks like. You soon swam to the surface, still holding the camera. 

Y/n: “ I think I have gotten enough footage for  today.”

??? “ Mama.” You looked up to see your three kids running towards you. You head towards shore to greet them with a bright smile. 

Y/n “ Hello, babies, have you come to see me.”

Tsireya: “ Yes, we did, mama. What are you doing with your camera?”

Y/N: “ Well, sweetie, I'm taking a video back in the forest for my friends to see some of the life here.”

Tsireya: “ Did you get footage of the beautiful fish, mama? They are so colorful.”

Y/n “ Yes, I was able to get them, sweetie.”

Rotxo: “ Can we see Mama, please.”

Y/n “ Sure, baby.” Tsireya and Rotxo gathered around you as you showed them footage on your camera. You soon noticed aonung was not there. 

Y/n “aonung baby is everything okay.”

Aonung: “ Yes, I'm looking for Mom and Baba; we don't need them coming over and saying no.”

Y/N: “ Baby, it will be okay; no need to worry. Now come on, let's see the footage, and hey, maybe I can let you all film something as well.” The kids smiled brightly upon hearing those words, and you smiled as well, and the kids gathered around to watch the rest of your film. 

Y/n “ That is all the footage I have for today, kids. Do you have any questions or anything to share with me?”

Aonung: “ Wait, mama, you are friends with Toruk Makto.”

Y/n “ Yes, but I knew him way longer before he was named Toruk Makto; we have been friends since we were your kids ages back on our planet with many others.”

Rotxo: “ That amazing mama.”

Tsireya: “ Your films are so good, mama; they are so cool and show so many beautiful things.”

Y/n “ Thank you, and your words make me happy. Why don't I show my beautiful children how to film with the camera? " The kids jumped up and down as you began to show them everything to do, and they listened closely. 

Tsireya: “ These are the cliffs out of the village, where the divers will sometimes dive off of for fun or practice.”

Rotxo: “ When we age, we will be taught how to dive from higher points, just like our parents and all the others.”

Aonung: “ We should show them the strimwings  that are so cool; they will love to see them.”

Tsireya: “ Yes, we should definitely, but there is more. We need to show them as well before we go anything else, maybe our spirit tree as well.”You smiled as you watched the kids decide on what next to show off for the camera. 

???? “What is going on here?” You and the kids had turned around to see ronal and tonowari standing there. 

Ronal: “ I hope you, the great mother, haven't gotten the children involved in that sky people device you keep.”

Y/N “ Well, yes, the kids have been enjoying seeing my films. I showed them the one I made today. They wish to make their own as well.”

Tonowari “ We can see that, ma y/n”

Tsireya: “Mom and Baba, don't be mad at Mama. She showed us what to do, and we listened closely and have been making short videos.”

Y/n “ Yes, they have, and they are outstanding students, and this is also teaching them about my world and getting along.”

Ronal: “ That is good, and if it makes you happy, we are happy for you and the kids.”

Tonowari: “ We knew our dream-walker world would always keep on amazing us after all these years.”

Y/n: “ I love to hear that from my wife and husband.”

Rotxo: “Aonung, did you get that.”

Aonung: “ Yes, all of it.” You and your mates laugh, and the kids laugh as well.

Aonung: “ Can we still show them the creatures of the village as well, mostly the strimwings?” 

Tonowari: “ We can see about that now. Come on, let's get heading back, and you kids can film still.” The family had headed back together, as the kids were having a good time with the camera. 

[yourlittlebunnyy]

sweet request - eris x reader

masterlist

summary: Eris wants to see you pregnant with his child.

warnings: none i think?

w/c: 1k

You have tied the knot with the mighty High Lord of the Autumn Court, Eris Vanserra, ever since the day you discovered your status as mates. Currently, you're occupied with your newly acquired duties as High Lady. This allows Eris to be alone with his thoughts, and his mind is consumed by the desire to see you carry his heir.

Later, you make your way back. "My dear." Eris gently holds your face and says, "I would like to discuss something with you." He smiles. Instinctively you reach out your arms to encircle his neck, holding him close to you. It was hard for you to get used to spending all day divided from your mate, but you had to do it. When Eris became High Lord, a lot of things changed in the Autumn Court, including the power of females: you first wished to be an example for all undervalued, abused and exploited Fae and decided to work and toil as hard as Eris. This allowed many other females to emulate you, feeling free to make their own choices, and the Autumn Court slowly began to change its mindset.

But all this, of course, took time and effort, not allowing you to spend much time with your beloved. Eris’ grin widened as you wrapped your arms around him, pulling him close. He loved to feel you close again, after a whole day of being apart. He was happy that you were taking your status of High Lady so serious. But even he could see how much it was wearing down on you. Eris’ expression quickly changed into that of worry and concern as his eyes slowly looked over your tired body, noticing the bags under your eyes.

“Darling, are you tired?” The Autumn Court High Lord questioned, his hands gently cupping your face.

His concern tugs at your heart, and you can't help but smile at him. Eris has always been an outstanding mate, and before that, a friend always willing to help you.

"No, no. Don't worry. What did you want to tell me, you, rather?" You ask, returning the conversation to the question he had asked you just moments ago.

Eris knew you were lying, and it took everything he had in him to not call you out on that. He took a deep breath, knowing that if he would push it, it wouldn’t end well. He caresses your cheek, a frown on his lips as he sighed out quietly.

“Just something I’ve been thinking about.” He said, his hand now gently moving down to your hip, caressing it with his thumb. He was quiet for a second, as if mentally preparing himself for what he wanted to say next.

It was not often that Eris was... nervous. Sure, sometimes he is agitated, sometimes he is sad. But he was never... afraid to tell you something. In fact, once he was, you remember pleasantly.

Eris was the first to sense your bond, and that very afternoon he ran to you to reveal it, not wanting to lie to you and giving you a choice. He was nervous that afternoon, just as he is now. You wonder what was left so 'unsaid' between you that made him so uncertain.

"Hmm, and what is that?" You ask as you place a hand on his that was already resting on your cheek, an encouraging smile opens on your lips, inviting him to speak.

Eris took another deep breath. He was so nervous. No he was terrified. How would you react. He swallowed down the lump in his throat, his eyes locking onto yours, seeing the encouraging smile that you adorned on your beautiful lips. He couldn’t help but fall a little more in love with you.

“It’s something that I want.” He began. His heart was racing, but he couldn’t show weakness. He needed to remain calm. No matter the outcome.

Eris knows how much effort you are putting into your new role, and he does not want his request to prevent you from doing what you like, or worse-that you feel obligated to do what he wants just for him. If you were going to have a child, it would be at the behest of both of you; Eris would not agree otherwise.

"Well, love, you are a High Lord, I could say you can have anything you want." Your partner chuckles, but it doesn't calm his nerves. The hand resting on your hip fiddles with your dress, and it does not go unnoticed.

It felt like you were setting him up for rejection. But he couldn’t think like that. He can’t give up before he even tried. He looked down, away from your eyes now, a look of doubt in his brown-amber eyes. He inhaled deeply, as if to give himself courage to continue.

"Anything?" He questioned as his hand stopped moving on your hip. His heart rate picked up again.

Eris could see the worries that were starting to cross your mind. He knew a lot of scenarios were now playing out in your mind, and it pained him to know you thought he didn’t want you. That, by Gods, was the last thing he wanted you to think. He let out a small breath, and quickly brought a hand up to stroke your chin with his thumb. “Hey, stop thinking.” He muttered. “Just-“ A pause, as he tried to gather the words he wanted to say next.

"Please, love. Just say it, okay?"

He was quiet for another few seconds, mentally preparing himself once more. But he knew you wanted him to just spill it. He took a deep breath, and finally said what was on his mind.

“I want to see you pregnant.” He said. His cheeks heating up as he did so. He didn’t know why he was so nervous. It shouldn’t be a hard request for you to satisfy.

Your heart loses a beat as a mix of emotions takes over you. If that's really what he wanted to tell you, then you don't understand why he's so nervous. A slight chuckle escapes you, making Eris confused. Are you laughing at him, or at his request?

After a small moment when you recover, you take his hands in yours and look him straight in the eye. You make sure to send him as much love and comfort as you can through bonding, and smile sweetly when he reciprocates with the same emotions.

"So, you want a child? With me?" You ask shaking his hands, Eris smiles.

He was confused. He had been dreading telling you this, dreading your rejection, and he had expected a different reaction coming from you. But there you were instead, trying to hold back a laugh. He almost pouted at that. And was about to, if it wasn’t for you taking his hands in yours, and staring into his eyes. For a second his heart stopped. But it started up again as your love through the bond hit him.

He knew he had been worrying for no reason. He always did.

“With you.” He confirmed, his smirk returning again.

You smile again at his words.

He smiled back at you, before he gently used his hands to tilt your head back by your chin. He slowly started walking you backwards, gently pushing you towards the wall behind you, as his smirk slowly turned into a devilish grin. Once your back hit the wall, he leaned forwards, and spoke in a tone that left no room for any disobedience.

“I suppose I’ll have to put a baby in you now, won’t I?”

[anantaru]

⊹ ‧₊˚ ᰔ cw. handjob, overstimming & edging kuni <3 a/n. this is a rewrite, fem! reader

with all the talks of not being able to get crushed by anything at all, you take it as a challenge to get your boyfriend beneath your warm skin, writhing and begging, ghosting your hot, wet mouth right on his tip yet never touching it. not once.

"hmm do you think.." you whisper and cover his oozy cockhead with your breath as scaramouche forgets all about his previous claims— wondering why he was tensing and twitching up onto his knees.

a temperate fling of air softly cradles his teary cheeks as you carried on with your intentionally slowed sentence— which you knew would only make the man under you grow more frustrated and most importantly, desperate.

"..you can keep going for me? i might let you cum then, ‘promise."

and he heaves and sniffles at the sharpened punctuation of your last two syllables, because scaramouche wanted to keep going, really and he hoped you saw it too, his dedication— how he could get used to this.

he was looking forward to make you all happy, cum on your knuckles and turn you delighted at how good he was behaving for you— for his sweet angel that had turned his body upside down with nothing but your mesmerizing touch.

"of— of course i can! who do you think i am?!" he barks back, his chest glistening with his sweat and exposing his defined build, "what kind of question is that?!"

you share a look before he sneakily jolts his hips up into your stilled hand— holding him close, really close to the point where he whines when his little thrusts wouldn't go far.

scaramouche thought your grip on his shaft must've been the hardest one you've ever had on him, or maybe it was because of how many times you had already jerked him off and then abruptly stopped the second he would've approached his climax.

and for you? well, you’ve been devilishly enjoying this, salivating at the sight of your lover being so needy and overstimulated because of you— the thought of his cum being all out, balls emptied and the taste, you cannot wait.

kuni wants to cum so badly, showing you with a rhythm of little pants and grunts, "please.. pleasepleaseplease, i’ll do anything, ‘swear" and his begs were burning sharp daggers into your soul and pride— finally, you've got him.

it just feels, really good. outstanding.

he wonders if you'd let him release on your hand and have him ruin you with his creamy cum until it's all slithering down your knuckles in thick spurts, making a mess and then watching you lick it all up— yet only if you let him of course.

fuck, he hopes you do.

with certain, having someone like scaramouche, a previous harbinger, hopelessly try to fuck the tiny hole of your hand while you’re pressing him down was beyond lewd and filthy in your eyes— and it turned you on too, no, it was quite beyond that, because seeing him like that made you grind your thighs together to lift the heavy tension between your legs and your soaked cunt.

by now, your panties surely are sticking to your folds and gathering all the liquids on the fabric, struggling to hold back and beginning to dream about how he'd slide himself into your tight cunt.

archons, you’re going to fuck him real good afterwards, ride him into the mattress and pepper him with sweet sweet kisses for how good he was behaving tonight— minus the slip ups when he attempted to make your hand move up and down his cock, earning some sort of friction in tune with moans dancing with hunger.

but he's cute, your darling kuni, your boyfriend who only let you do this to him because it's you who he fiercely worshipped.

©2024 anantaru do not repost, copy, translate, modify

[double-aa-batteries]

things about about TSC I can't stop thinking about

"hindsight was a backstabbing bitch"

curtains symbolizing jeans healing journey, how he keeps them closed at Abby's in a effort to recreate the nest in search of some normalcy, how he opens them and looks out the window his new apartment, seeking calm in his overwhelm

"I want to go home" (13) meaning evermore vs. "I want to go home" (329) meaning to his apartment with Laila, Cat and jeremy

the fact that jean's phone is probably still in Abby's freezer

Kevin "their kindness matters" Day

Neil's smile is as unsettling to everyone else as it is to him and he has so much more Nathaniel in him than he recognizes in his own pov

Jean is so similar to neil in that they're both petty, dramatic bitches who care deeply about their teammates' safety

riko and the ravens quite literally took jean's name from him (Jean-Yves, Jonny, Paris)

"[Renee's] love was so tender it looked like grief as it curled her mouth and made her eyes shine"

jean gets forehead kisses from Renee and Cat

"that creepy little goalkeeper Andrew Minyard"

jean's many nicknames for neil: tiny bastard, tedious malcontent, abominable cockroach, wretched little runaway, ignorant child, etc.

Neil took the bandage off of jeans 3 and promptly stuck it over Kevin's chess peice

"I should have let him kill you," Jean said. "Probably," Neil agreed, "but you didn't, so here we all are."

"...aside from his outstanding murder charge, there was nothing interesting about that fox"

the fact that the point of tfc was to show characters who couldn't/wouldn't/ or were unable to heal from the trauma they had faced and yet from the very beginning and without question, TSC is about jean clawing his way forward and toward healing no matter what

the cheese drawer

dadmack dialed up to 1,000 See: "i will burn this house down before I let them touch you"

bisexual jean Moreau panicking over his teammates in swimsuits and Jeremy's long legs

"He's earned the right to be arrogant"

riko couldn't bring himself to hurt wymack because he was Kevin's father and Kevin was like a brother to riko and riko has always yearned for a father's recognition

Alvarez has a motorcycle and jean didn't say no to learning how to ride it

we know next to nothing about Jeremy Knox despite having chapters in his pov (why was he in therapy? why was his dad in France? what the hell did he do at the Fall banquet his freshman year to tear his family in half?)

that being said: Jeremy Knox is a rich boy with a butler

everything about Catalina Alverez

the fact that Jeremy knox has two brothers and one of them is probably dead

"rather than force the Trojans underground for that part, they simply built steps up and over it inside the stadium" the JUXTAPOSITION

Alvarez cooks and so now does jean

we know for a fact riko subjected Kevin to "subtler cruelties" while he was in the nest

"they never should have said yes when you asked" and "I didn't ask"

"as if you can tell a girl apart from a cow on a good day"

"permission to break his face, coach?" jean asked. "denied," white said.

all of thanksgiving pt. II

"alarm looked wrong on a face born for smiling"

jean casually saying "your apologies are as useful as perfume on a frog" to Lucas

Neil's whole relationship with Jean

David "I believe we all have the choice to be better than the hands that shaped us" Wymack

Neil generally being a menace to society but especially "Neil, being the person he was, pointed at the fire hydrant adjacent to it's front bumper and said, 'thats illegal, just so you know.'"

"the cracking heat in his chest could have been his ribs snapping or his heart breaking"

[soon-palestine]

Israel, the world’s most innocent country, fell victim to a horrific attack from Iran with zero reported casualties on the same day Israel killed dozens of civilians in Gaza.

Israel had been minding its own business, quietly bombing hospitals, schools, universities, mosques, and an embassy, when the Iranian regime launched their outrageous attack for no apparent reason. Thankfully, the US and UK scrambled jets to defend Israeli airspace because it’s wrong to bomb countries in the Middle East, unless your name is Israel, in which case you can do all the bombing you want.

Every British and American ship in the region is now in grave danger and the risk of terror attacks on our soil has surely increased, but you will be relieved to know our countries have not benefitted in any way from our intervention. Personally, I can’t think of a better way for Israel to spend our tax money.

Our leaders have condemned Iran in the strongest possible terms, which is confusing because I thought we were supposed to remain ambiguous and say we’re investigating the matter when such an attack occurs. Perhaps this is one of those rules that only applies to Israel though.

When informed of the attack, a calm and rational Suella Braverman screamed: “WAR! I WANT WAR!” and when she’d stopped hyperventilating, she added: “This must be the end of western backsliding on Israel,” because she thinks we have not been sufficiently supportive of their genocide. Anyone who is not on the same side of the argument as Suella Braverman must ask serious questions about themselves.

Iran’s unprovoked attack involved giving Israel adequate warning and launching 30-year-old missiles, 99% of which were intercepted, and then saying the matter is closed unless Israel escalates further. The fact Iran would consider retaliating to further escalation from Israel shows just extreme these lunatics are.

Among Iran’s targets was the Israeli air base from which the missiles that struck its embassy were launched, killing 13 on April 1. As of yet, we have no indication as to why Iran carried out the attack, but we’re going to tell you it’s because they want to start World War III. Psychos.

Conspiracy theorists have suggested it’s actually Benjamin Netanyahu who wants escalation, but it’s unclear why the man who faces political oblivion, and possibly jail, would be incentivised to draw his allies into the fight and cause everyone to forget his many war crimes.

Israel, the country that definitely does not want war, has vowed an “unprecedented” response against Iran which will probably kill many more than zero people. If Iran expresses disapproval at Israel’s next mass murder, it’s because they’re trying to destabilise the region. At this point, we’ll have no choice but to help Israel do to Iran what we’ve spent six months helping them do to Gaza - launch precision strikes that destroy 70% of the buildings in the country and leave survivors living in tents.

Worryingly, we’ve just discovered at the most convenient moment that Iran has enough uranium to build 12 nuclear bombs. If it were true that Iran had so much weapon-grade uranium, it would be incredibly stupid to attack them, but we’re going to insist we must attack them because we’re weapon-grade idiots - and we think you are too.

Please just switch your brain off and accept what you’re being told, you simpletons! What matters is rich people can afford nuclear bunkers if this all goes horribly wrong. In the meantime, you can look forward to lots of exciting stories in the media about bringing back conscription and describing how you are likely to die in humanity's final war. Are you looking forward to radiation sickness and nuclear winter? Because they sound like brilliant fun! x

Thank you so much for reading! If you enjoyed this outstanding piece of journalism as much as I did, you can support my work here:

[nobodyfamousposts]

What if Chloe had lost her memories of her old life after making the wish in Chloe's Lament? If so, would she remotely be nicer given not being rich means her father has less reason to spoil her? Or would she still be mean anyway even with her memories gone, implying she may just be born evil?

Yes but also no? It's a bit complicated so please let me explain:

If Chloe's Lament didn't happen and Chloe was the Chloe of the reality in question, things would pretty much be the same way they are for her in the Lament. The difference would be how Chloe herself handles it since she's fully aware of her position in this life going in without any memories from an alternate self getting in the way.

Andre is still Andre. He is a pushover and loves his little girl. He WANTS to give her whatever she wants, so it's not that he has less reason to spoil her and more that he simply CAN'T, at least not to the extent she wants. Think to the setup in canon where he was able to buy Chloe a golden bracelet and a diamond-filled phone case, fire Roger when he upset Chloe, arrange the closure of an ice rink to build a gym for her, and shut down Clara's music video on her demand...but ended up in an outright panic when he told Chloe that he couldn't banish Marinette and her family from the city, something he legitimately could not do. Not for lack of wanting to. Just that he can't.

That's pretty much the position he'll be in here. He loves Chloe and he WANTS to give her her every desire, but he's not rich or powerful this go around and he has no weight to throw, no money to spend, no influence to use, and no status or backing to protect himself or Chloe from the repercussions of her antics.

But this ask isn't about him, I know. I'm just trying to give perspective here.

Andre would still spoil her...at least as much as he could. And you have to bear in mind that he is trying to make up Chloe's lack of a present mother while also running a functional and decently well off but not outstanding business. He would deny her things she wants because he can't give her everything she wants.

But the Chloe of this world would know that. And since she never had the wealth and power that Canon Chloe has, she wouldn't expect all the things that Canon Chloe did when waking up in her position.

This is actually what makes the primary difference. I have said before that it is fully possible for the characters who make the Wish to end up happy in their Lament, and while I'm sure many of you doubt me or think I only apply that to Marinette, I meant it for everyone.

See, the main thing that makes this a Lament isn't the position of the Chloe in this world but in how Chloe HANDLES it. Canon Chloe is going to try and handle it like Canon Chloe handles anything, and it's going to fail because her expectations are based in a setup that she cannot understand no longer applies and her go-to methods require resources and protections that she doesn't have here.

THIS Chloe is going to handle it differently. Her expectations are already more down to earth than Canon Chloe to begin with. And by the time the events of the story start, she's going in with the knowledge that she is on thin ice and some change needs to occur if she doesn't want to lose everything she has left.

Chloe by this point is the bastard child of "Style Queen Audrey" and is just as acknowledged by her as she was in canon if not less, so she's still dealing with abandonment issues while trying to endear herself to her mother however limitedly she can. She still has Adrien as a friend but knows that's hanging on by a thread as well (her friendship with him was mostly through Andre's friendship with Emilie and she's gone now, and Gabriel himself is not that impressed with her). She has Bustier's support and is still able to go to the school, but she's on probation with the administration watching her. And her father is working desperately to get her out of consequences for her previous behaviors. So if she messes up again, she's going to lose all of that.

So yes, in that sense, this Chloe is going to be "nicer". She has to be. She is trying to change her behavior in order to avoid a bad situation. To try being "kind" and "helpful" when she's still very much a selfish and angsty teenager who doesn't get why she should. "Nice" and "Good" are two different things, after all. Though that's not to say that she'll be very good at either.

This change in behavior is difficult for her. Change usually is. But practice makes perfect, right? So that's why Chloe starts trying to do things she normally wouldn't. Like helping her father in the bakery. Planning a box of goodies for her classmates to try and make peace for the next school year.

And yes, help out an old man on the street.

However, there's another aspect to consider here.

After all, in this universe, Chloe and Adrien are childhood friends. And Adrien and Marinette are childhood friends, too.

So wouldn't it stand to reason that Chloe and Marinette were also childhood friends as well?

...

...

IF I wrote this setup as its own story sans the Wish and Lament, we'd be dealing with a story of Chloe growing out of a negative mindset, addressing her inner fears that drive her actions, and improving her life and her relationships. All while dealing with the stress and responsibility of being a hero. And just the clash overall of the difference between who she is as Chloe vs who she is as the Ladybug Hero.

As Marinette in Canon pointed out, "Ladybug has made me a better Marinette. So, perhaps being Queen Bee will make her a better Chloé, too!"

That's what happens here.

Chloe KNOWS she's not a good person. She'd even convinced that a mistake was made when she was chosen. But being a hero lets her do good more easily under a mask where no one has preconceived feelings or expectations of her. It would be freeing in a way. And give her the positive reinforcement she needs.

But the biggest issue would be dealing with her toxic mindset and how it led to her situation and strained relationships. Which would be what the course of the story is meant to address. Chloe in this world doesn't understand what "healthy" or "healthy relationships" are anymore than Canon Chloe does. But she's getting a crash course in the matter while also receiving guidance courtesy of Tikki.

Ultimately, this Chloe would have more of a chance than Canon Chloe.

She wouldn't go into this looking to take advantage and cause harm the way that Canon Chloe did.

She would be a selfish teenager learning to be a little less self centered and a little more aware of her impact on others.

[ming-yourworkisamazing]

#spoileralert!

Just rereaded chapter 248 of World Trigger again because there was no update this month and I came to a new realization about Osamu.

It was Hyuse's "...Osamu and his ilk are almost too unique" and Mikumo's "Think up a bunch of cheese tactics to annoy the enemy into submission!" when they were explaining why Rokurō could be a good instructor in the future.

In the last time I only focused on the Rokurō's strength, Hyuse's explanation because I have been wondering that question too! But this time this sentence hit me hard as I realized Osamu has come a long way to this day. And the captain of number #2 B-rank squad is not just an ordinary person.

From the start of the anime, Mikumo was sort of an annoying character who was weak with a hero complex. If it were Kuga, who had the strength, wanted to save people, it might be a more lovable character design. But in an action series, being weak CAN BE considered as A CRIME. It's not hard to find those old comments about how frustrated they felt when watching Osamu.

My point is, my first impression of Osamu is only slightly better than those comments, but that because I was recommended strongly by my friend and not because I thought Osamu would have one of the best development. I actually quite like Osamu at the beginning too, because I'm weak for hero-type character.

But now thinking back, Osamu is a weird one at the beginning. He didn't save people because he thought they need saving, but more because he thought that something he should do. Other than that, he seems like all the typical hero characters with his selflessness and humble nature.

But in the Aftokrator Arcs? That's when I knew I was wrong about my assumptions. Apart from how crazy his action was, y'know risking his life to protect a FAKE cube, to achieve his goal of saving Chika. This is another worm I would love to dwell in on another post. I was shell-shocked to know Osamu had tried to break in the Border with pliers because he didn't satisfy with his result. FOR WHAT? What are you even gonna do? Negotiating with the higher-ups?

There are actually many theories about what Osamu did, because as we all know, he DID become a member. But that's aside, I had the secondhand embarrassment when I watched what he did on the press conference. All of this is NOT what I expected about Osamu!!! It's exactly like a comment I saw on YT "He knew the rules, it's just to him his rules come first". And while it's completely far from I expected, somehow I didn't feel a single bit out of character, that's just the author's talent.

And in the Rank War Arcs, Osamu did bring his role as a strategy character to a new high-level if you thought about what their team had achieved. Even though Tamakoma-2 was nothing like a typical newbie squad, but still Osamu's effort is nothing to sneeze at. But do you know what's even better? That's us, the readers, normally don't feel like Osamu is that extraordinary or a super talented individual.

Until Hyuse pointed out how not everyone could repeat Osamu's actions, I always believed Osamu is a character who can be considered as normal type, except he also has good tactic-thinking. I mean, woah, completely caught me off. It was because the author had described Osamu's thinking process in detailed, there were no sudden buff-up training arcs, only hard work and determination, no friendship power, except you count Osamu's motivation.

And considering how Osamu had no exceptional background, his development is more impressive. He came from a weak character who would receive more critics than praises, to an outstanding character. He's not an overpowered opponent but the type if you left him alone, he would cause serious damage to your team.

Now the closed-environment phrase in manga Osamu is cooking hard, showing what he had learned in their squad's resuls. And better yet, his tricks always strive as a one-time trick, or even something anyone can come up with. But there is Hyuse, or rather the author, confirm that's no. Not everyone could continuously come up with effective strategies like Osamu. That was his own fighting way. And the developing process was so convincing that I, myself, didn't realize how far he had gone.

That's my thoughts from exactly a manga panels lol.

[maboroshi-no]

Hamefura Anime Blu-ray S2 Vol 2 Special Booklet SS

Series: My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! Source: Anime BluRay S2 Vol 2 Special Booklet Title / Character: Geordo & Alan Author: Satoru Yamaguchi Synopsis: Geordo and Alan are attending a party at the castle. They are approached by a noble from Jeffrey's faction. Translation: maboroshi-no

Geordo's POV

Noble Lady: You are so charming, Prince Geordo.

When the noble lady I was dancing with told me this with a mesmerized expression and tone, I, Geordo Stuart, returned my usual smile.

A ball at the castle. Entertaining this kind of noble lady was a pain and I wanted to end the dance and part with her immediately, but I couldn't because of my position. But if she had been Katarina, her words and smile would have been greatly welcomed. Speaking of Katarina, after dancing the first piece with me, she was immediately snatched by another man (Keith), and now she was happily dancing with yet another man (Nicol). Honestly, I wanted to get her back immediately but I couldn't ignore the other noble ladies waiting for my dance to end, so I was weathering it with a fabricated smile. I wanted to hurry to Katarina's side. As I was thinking this, the entertainment of the silent noble ladies I was strongly connected with came to an end. I was finally free. I could finally go to Katarina, so I hurriedly stepped forward, but…

Marquis: Hello Prince Geordo. It has been a long time.

A middle-aged man wearing overly gaudy ornaments on his loose fattened body called out to me like this.

Geordo: Yes, Marquis. It has been a long time.

I replied with a smile but inwardly clicked my tongue. It was a pain, but he called out to me.

Marquis: Your dance was splendid.

The marquis said this with a grinning face. He was part of my eldest brother Jeffrey's faction and someone who hated me, so…

Marquis: You are so splendid, Prince Geordo. Dance, swordplay, you can do anything to some extent. But this also means you don't have any outstanding ability.

He spoke a little sarcasm to me at each encounter. But of course, I had no reason to humor such people, so…

Geordo: I am honored by your praise.

When I answered this with a smile, the marquis's face twitched. 

It was a complete waste of time but this marquis was persistent and once caught, I could hardly get away.

Marquis: You can do anything to some extent but anything you do won't exceed that level.

The marquis started throwing remark after remark. I knew very well that I didn't have any outstanding ability nor surpassed others in anything. I was well aware that I could do anything to some extent but only that. After all this time, I wouldn't be bothered by it no matter how much he told me about it. But I just wanted to hurry to Katarina's location, and as I was enduring it with a smile while inwardly shouting at him to end his talk quickly…

Katarina: That's right! Prince Geordo can really do anything!

I heard the voice I had been yearning for coming from right behind me. When I turned around in surprise, Katarina was standing there with a plate of food in her hand. Then, she turned to the marquis, and…

Katarina: It is just as you said! He is skilled at studying, swordplay, and even dancing! 

She passionately spoke with sparkling eyes. Seemingly dumbfounded by Katarina's reaction, the marquis said "Well then, I must excuse myself" and hurriedly ran away.

Geordo: Umm, Katarina.

Could Katarina have said that to repel the marquis's sarcasm? When I looked at her with this question in mind…

Katarina: You are recognized by so many people. You are so amazing, Prince Geordo.

…She said with a grin. It seemed like she didn't have the intent I had imagined. It was Katarina after all, so chances were that she just didn't listen closely to the conversation. Even so, it was thanks to her that my chest felt somewhat refreshed.

Geordo: Thank you, Katarina.

When I said this, Katarina made a puzzled face. Then she suddenly realized something.

Katarina: This dish was so delicious so I wanted to recommend it to you.

After saying this, she offered the plate of food with a smile.

Today too, I was saved by her smile.

Alan's POV

A ball at the castle. I, Alan Stuart, was playing violin on stage as I was asked. When I cast my eyes toward her during it, I met sparkling aqua-blue eyes. I hurriedly looked away, then worried it might look strange, looked at her again. No, even without that, I couldn't help naturally chasing her with my eyes.

Katarina Claes, the fiancée of my older twin brother Geordo, and the one I was secretly in love with. Even so, I had no intention of making her mine. It was just that I couldn't erase my desire to stay even a little by her side, even a little longer. 

When I was little, I was tormented by an inferiority complex due to being inferior to the brilliant Geordo in everything, and then Katarina saved me.

Thanks to her, I was now able to perform my favorite music at ease like this. And seeing Katarina listen to my performance with sparkling eyes gave me tremendous happiness.

After my scheduled musical performance ended, I got off the stage and looked for Katarina. There,

Marquis: Hello, Prince Alan. It has been a long time.

A middle-aged man wearing overly gaudy ornaments on his loose fattened body called out to me like this.

He was a marquis from my eldest brother Jeffrey's faction and a man who made caustic remarks at me whenever we met. I honestly didn't want to get involved with him but since he called me by name from a short distance, I couldn't ignore him.

Alan: It has been a long time.

I replied with just this and tried to leave with a hurriedly said "Well then", but…

Marquis: Aaaah~ Your musical performance was splendid. Your musical talent alone is amazing. But only your musical talent. How about stopping being a prince and becoming a musician instead?

He enthusiastically bombarded me with sarcasm.

I was kinda used to being told things like this by the nobles in my older brothers' factions. It was true that I wasn't as capable as my older brothers, Geordo included. I knew that better than anyone. But it didn't bother me and I had been okay with it ever since she taught me that each person was different. Still, listening to it wasn't pleasant. As I was enduring it while not expecting it to end soon,

Katarina: That's right. Prince Alan's performance was truly splendid!

When I turned around after hearing this carefree voice, Katarina was standing there with a grin.

Katarina: Prince Alan, your performance earlier was truly splendid. Just as this person said, it was better than the ones given by the other musicians.

Katarina said this with sparkling eyes. The marquis never said that, by the way. But since it was her, she most likely got carried away after hearing just bits of our conversation.

Then, Katarina started talking about how splendid my musical performance was. Looking at her, the marquis muttered "again" with a dull face, and maybe because he felt uncomfortable, said "Well then, I must excuse myself" and left in a hurry.

While looking at the marquis leaving,

Katarina: Oh... And I wanted to discuss more about the splendidness of your performance...

Looking at the blank Katarina who was missing the point, I inadvertently broke into laughter.

Alan: Hahaha! As usual, you're amazing!

She gave me a quizzical look, probably because she didn't understand anything. Looking at her puzzled expression, my chest suddenly felt light.

Correction. It wasn't only when we were little, Katarina is still saving me to this day.

Katarina: And so, about your performance earlier…

Katarina praised my performance again with sparkling eyes. Looking at her, I softly whispered in my heart only, "It was because you wanted to listen to it that I gave that musical performance".

[solifugae44]

As much as I hate how Aomine is portrayed by the fandom, I would still rather take him as a cold asshole with trust issues over a pathetic loser simp with no self-esteem who can’t see the world without his lover. Like, bro has too big of an ego for that.

I get that this might be one way to portray his depression—since he was very lonely, and lonely people tend to obsess over others (which is actually biological; your brain tells you to cling to someone because loneliness signals that you won’t survive alone). But Aomine is a true egoist. He always puts himself first, and I just can’t see him in that role.

He would never beg for attention. He’s the type to leave you without a word if you hurt him because the first person he loves is himself. He would NEVER, EVER degrade himself for others, and he would never choose someone else over himself. Because if he did, that wouldn’t be Aomine anymore. What makes Aomine attractive is his personality. What makes Aomine Aomine is that he is always number one in his own life. So no, he wouldn’t risk his basketball career just because he loves someone. XD Love isn’t that important to him—his only true love is basketball.

(I feel like the Joker right now.) But SOCIETY OMG sold you the idea that romantic love is the most valuable thing in life when, in reality, self-love and passion are much more important. For someone aroace like me, this is a joke. If you invest more in someone else than in yourself, you’re going to end up alone with nothing. You’ll lose your attractiveness.

He’s an egoist, and there’s nothing wrong with that! He doesn’t need character development for it! Society likes to paint egoism as a flaw, but it really isn’t. They just don’t want people to grow and focus on themselves; they’d rather turn you into a people pleaser who doesn’t cause any trouble.

This is exactly why I love Aomine the most—because no matter what, he always holds his head high. He is HIM. He has an undeniable sense of self, strong values, and unwavering dignity. Even when he’s wrong, a king without a crown is still a king. PERIOD.

He’s not your typical sad boy, all “Oh, there are so many better options than me, I don’t know why you picked me🥺”—HE KNOWS HE’S THE BEST OPTION, OH MY GOD. Even though he’s aware of his flaws, his self-confidence is impeccable because being aware of your flaws actually gives you confidence.

And GOD, I hate how some people treats self-degradation as a sign of character development when it’s the complete opposite. That’s character regression, if anything.

I absolutely DESPISE this kind of mischaracterization. It makes me question whether people even watched KnB or if they had their eyes shoved up their asses the whole time.

Of course, this kind of portrayal can be done well, but it just doesn’t fit Aomine at all.

He wasn’t depressed because other people called him a monster and isolated him (though that didn’t help). He was depressed because he couldn’t grow. He stopped developing. He wasn’t challenged anymore. His depression started with himself. Most people get this wrong because they project their own experiences onto him. But Aomine was in an inhumane position—no one could surpass him. His problems aren’t something most people can relate to because Aomine’s struggles are the problems of less than 0.01% of the most outstanding humans alive. He was simply too good. He was more than just human.

And if we all agree that Aomine canonically has ADHD, then everything makes even more sense. He lost his hyperfixation. He was bored and lost his thrill, his passion. And also people with ADHD don’t miss people (shoutout to all the neurodivergent girlies <3).

(I’m writing this post to cope). I’m a writer myself, and I can say that most of what Aomine does in my fanfics is far from canon—and that’s okay!!! Everything made by fans is fanon, not canon, so I hate when people act like their version is the only correct one. That’s just your interpretation of his character.

[ashprince-of-bel-air]

I haven't written about Rolan in a while and now I have the brain rot for him again.

The threat of the Netherbrain had fallen, throwing the celebration of Baldur's Gate into question. Any hands that had participated in the downfall of the city had now been eradicated. A city wide party was now in order, festivities went on for days, parties took place on the street and not a single person was absent. Though Rolan only played a minor part in the thwarting of the Netherbrain, he was celebrated and revered as a hero, offer upon offer was made of wine, beer and company to him.

Ever the stoic gentleman, Rolan declined every offer, he aided in the downfall of the Netherbrain but felt unworthy in the claiming of its defeat, instead he turned those who would honour him towards his friend Tav, watching their annoyed face and smirking to himself, laughing internally as he watched Tav politely accept each offering whilst shooting Rolan dirty looks, knowing that he had sent them their way on purpose.

Baldurs Gate had calmed after a week or so, the celebrations finally died down and business as normal had resumed, albeit frantic for a brief period to cover the lost time spent partying.

It wasn't the story of him helping the "Hero of Baldur's gate" that drew you to Sorcerer's Sundries, you were drawn by the stories of Rolans talent, eager to learn what you could from him, the stories you heard about him we almost like fiction. Holding his own in the shadow cursed lands, saving the teifling children and then to aiding in the defeat of the blight that was the Netherbrain. How could you not be enthralled by such talent and power.

The day you arrived at Sorcerer's Sundries was a busy one, many were attempting to seek employment just to be near Rolan. You counted yourself amongst the few people there who were concerned with Rolans skill, not the ever inflating legend that people were spreading in the city. The interview process was brutal, though you were only seeking to apply as a librarian for now it still made you nervous, having to explain the nuances of each area of magic before Rolan himself was nerve wracking. In the end you were granted the job, recieving a personal thanks and praise from Rolan as you were by far the most outstanding applicant for the role.

As you started your role as librarian and assistant you took to it like a duck to water, whether it was client or colleague that needed assistance you attended them with vigour. The library of Sorcerer's Sundries became a second home to you, you knew every bookshelf and cranny intimately, you could tell the difference in the wood grain between certain shelves, knowing which ones were chipped and which had been freshly stained.

You had excelled at your job as librarian, recieving praise often, yet it was your role as assistant that saddened you some days. Attending Rolan made your heart flutter every time, you would bring him his meals and cleaned his private study. It was a quick job cleaning his study, Rolan was meticulous and kept things in their proper place, only a quick clean was ever required of you.

Each day you brought Rolan his meals he was always enthralled on some research, yet it never stopped him from approaching you to bow and thank you profusely for attending to him, each time it made you shudder and caused butterflies to stir in your stomach, blushing and trying to hide your face as your left his office in a hurry, a fact that Rolan noticed and smirked at every time.

The Netherbrain plot had now faded into distant memory over the last few weeks, life had returned to normality for the citizens of Baldur's Gate. Working at Sorcerer's Sundries was heaven, you were left to attend to the books and had regular audience with Rolan, a thing that was envied by most people as he was the wizard of the grand tower.

Each meal you brought Rolan elicited some small talk, asking how the day was going and what plans you had for the night. It was performative at first, to make the situation less awkward between the two of you, yet after a while the performative facade faded away.

Rolan saw you often and wanted to know more, to know what you liked and what made you tick. Rolan began to enjoy the daily visits where you brought his meals, the food was inconsiqusntial at this point, he was interested in the short small talk you had together, laughing internally at the blushes on your cheek that he caused. He was an intelligent man and knew that you haboured some sort of feeling for him, admittedly he found your presence and form attractive in equal measure, all he needed to do was take the risk and act upon it.

The day was like any other in the library, answering queries and suggesting certain tomes was just daily business. Lunch was approaching and so was your next visit with Rolan, a thought that excited you every time. Brushing off the dust of the old books from your dress you made your way to the kitchens. Never before had there been a full kitchen in the shop, yet the growing amount of staff meant it became a necessity to have one. Today's option was a roast pork meal, you plated it up ready to take to the master of the tower.

As you approached the tower with hot food in hand you daydreamed about Rolan once again, you knew it was folly to believe he would want you, yet it never stopped the daydreams. The door to Rolan's study was thick and heavy, after some time you had now become acquainted with it's weight and opened it with ease. You approached his desk, meal in hand and placed it gently upon it, calling for Rolan and announcing his meal was ready.

It was quiet in his study, not an uncommon thing but this time he hadn't responded to your call. Instead you felt a hand stroke your hair, jumping at the feeling of it before hearing a familiar laugh. "Are you always this skittish?" A low rumble of a chuckle left Rolan's throat as he continued to play with a strand of your hair, savouring the softness of it.

You felt Rolan's other hand upon your waist, hungrily grasping at your curves, feeling like his hands wanted to learn more about your body. All it took was a quick gasp and you were turned to face him, to stare in those hypnotic golden eyes of his. You felt his finger hook underneath your chin, forcing you to look up at him as he spoke to you. "I appreciate all you do for me, yet I would ask more of you, if you would be so inclined"

Rolan's thumb stroked softly over your lips as he spoke, you knew what task he was implying and it excited you, it was something you had also desired. You stared into his golden eyes and considered his proposal, it was not a hard decision to make, you aimed to please and had desired him from the beginning. The feeling of his thumb upon your lips is what convinced you, taking it into your mouth and biting playfully, it was all the confirmation both of you needed.

[yyummius]

Sinkin' into the waves

Floyd leech x female! Reader /pirate au/

Note: so uhm this was in my draft for a month and I dont know if I edited it good, dont know if the beginning matches the rest of the story..🌚 but lols im back after while..so sorry if this is really ass

Part 1

You wanna know stories about sea creatures? Pathetic. Kid all those stories you hear is all fake, they never existed and plus the pirates conspiracy is just fake they're probably just dumb pirates roaming around. Don't believe everything they say ya hear me kid?

Being a curious teenager it always made you want to know more about mermaids, Of course you always wanted to know more about them but those same words would appear in everybody's mouths. You've always tried to find information about them, maybe old posters that you will see or theories you would probably hear but barely.

Your mom would always yell at you for always staying awake at night, She once caught you one night and seeing papers scattered around in your small desk. Drawings of mermaids, posters that have been so old already. Scribbles on each paper and crumbled up papers around you. When she knew what you were doing she yelled at you she hated how you were so curious about the ocean and wanting to know more. The books would warn you with anything if you encountered a merman no matter what.

That one memory you would always hate was when you bought a bracelet from a mysterious lady that everyone warned about.

Her own store was fishy and suspicious, it was when you went out with your troublemakers. Ace and deuce, All of you went to town and wanted to see the store where everyone told you guys not to enter especially.

Not buying something from that lady.

When entering it was really small, many Turkish lights were surrounding you guys. It was so beautiful many different colors were so outstanding, The store gave you guys a warm welcoming there was also a hint of herbs and incense. The store had everything, Crystals carpets and many more. You guys started to wonder around where your group kinda separated to see the different stuff that was there. Looking at all things thats in the shelfs and slowly walking to the jewelry.

There was so many different and beautiful ones, Ones with crystals and a little meaning of the crystal near by it. Rings bracelets with a different jewelry on it, If you couldve you would've bought that entire jewelry. You were picking them up and admiring it and putting them back. There was interesting jewelery but you felt like they weren't matching you.

Your group started to walk up to you, it was obvious they wanted to buy something but they didn't have the money for it. When you guys were about to leave, you gave the jewelery one last look until a bracelet that spiked ur own eye. It was a small bracelet of a shell, inside had a small shiny teal and pinkish gem inside of the shell, It something that caught your eye so quick in this store. It was a bracelet that felt so different from the other jewelery that was there.

Slowly picking it up, you thought for a second.

Your heart kept telling you to buy it.

While your guts was telling you the opposite, dont buy something from this lady.

You'll never know what will happen after you buy it.

Listening to your heart as stubborn you are, you bought it and when she gave it to you she looked at you in shock and smiled then.

"My... your future is truly fascinating, Your future looks like a coral hibiscus. Each petal that falls will make your life interesting. Oh that life of yours thats happening right now is boring but...after this bracelet it'll change everything." She gave you a creepy smile and began to chuckle.

You questioned it a bit but didn't really care, maybe she was those scam witches where they give you a tarot reading and they just lie to your face.

When you arrived home you were wearing your bracelet, Your mom saw it and and grabbed your arm and began to yell at you.

Yelling at you why you bought it.

It was a brutal argument but it was stupid, Why is she being so worked up over a "bracelet" it didn't make sense to you.

After a long argument she let go of your arm, you looked down and ur bracelet was becoming more shiny then before?

"Don't use that bracelet every single day."

That memory is burned in your mind, You wouldn't forget about it. Its not like you and your relationship with your mom is bad its just there were days you guys had arguments but made it up the day after. Its just you never knew why she got mad over a bracelet, you knew the lady in that store was weird but you never knew it was that serious. You thought like hey maybe she just likes scamming people. Maybe this bracelet is just a regular bracelet.

Not a magical one.

You wish.

"When are you waking up..you're boring yer know?"

Feeling someone breathing closely to your neck and long nails poking you. You open your eyes quick before you started to cough harsh. Choking on the water that was filled up in your nose, your instinct made your hands grab a handful of sand and throw it to the person.

you couldnt recall what happened until you saw your nightgown all soaked and your feet filled with sand mixed with water.

The merman got shocked from your reaction and looked at you with a mad face until laughing showing his sharp teeth, The action you did to him made you look stupid to him.

"Not even a thank you? Humans here are truly something" chuckling looking at you intensely with glow in his eyes. It looked like he wanted something from you like he was curious about you. "Your something else ya know? Wanting to find mermans with your...dumb friends I guess, You were the only one trying to find one." Laughing at your face while he closed his eyes until slowly opening them looking at you with a sinister smile.

"You saw me with my friends?" You raised a eyebrow you swore you didn't see anything suspicious in the ocean, trying to recall memories you couldn't remember if you did see something weird.

"Guppy you and your "friends" were so out in the ocean, you were lucky that I only saw you guys. If not those other mermans would've done something to yall" his look darkened after saying the last sentence.

You slowly opened your mouth but then you closed your mouth, you didn't wanted to ask him more questions.

"Anyways guppy your not gonna give me something in return for saving you? You better have something interesting if not...ill jus throw ya back to the water and watch ya drown ya know?." his cheek rested on his palm looking at you with a teasingly smile, This merman was off to you.

Furrowing your own eyebrows thinking deeply, You couldnt just simply say that you need to find the reasoning why the pirate ships were disappearing. Until you created a idea that maybe you could get something in return from him.

Slowly opening your mouth, it felt like gum between your teeth because you didn't know how to form the words and scared to say it.

"Ill tell you if you tell me something that i need from you" you put ur legs under yourself and looking at him seriously, The cold air hitting both of you guys while the ocean kept on coming back, it was like the ocean was telling you not to say your idea to him.

Waves kept going on, The ocean tried to communicate danger was slowly coming to you. Maybe it was all in your head thinking that the ocean was trying to help you.

Those eyes felt like they were reading you like he knew exactly what you were trying to say.

"ill do anything for you in return if you get me something interesting from land."

Furrowing your eyebrows, "Something interesting you say..?" Why that you thought why would a merman only ask that from you.

The books you read about ocean life is that every creature would make a dangerous deal with you, Giving you your own teeth in exchange of something or worse. Why? You knew what you were setting yourself with but, Something from the human land.?

Creatures in the ocean were always curious and thats why they always wanted something from the human itself if they were trying to make a deal with. You heard many brutal stories where people were so desperate for something that in exchanged they would give something from itself to the merman so their wish to come true.

"I thought you would ask for a tooth of mines or maybe my finger?" You lowered your tone, slowly biting your inner cheek.

The atmosphere changed quickly after you asked that.

The merman titled its head and widen his eyes, You looked away so quick and gripping the sand beneath you.

He began to laugh, his heterochromia eyes squinted and looked like he was going to cry because of laughter. Looking at him you titled your head like his head, why is he laughing?

"You really think ill ask that? I could ask that but im not that interested in those typa stuff y'know?" He slowly stopped laughing and looked at you with a wide smile showing his sharp teeth

The cold weather got to you since you were soaked, no sun helping you dry yourself a bit. You hugged your body and shivered a bit. The lips of yours slowly started the become a bit purple and blue since how cold it was.

The wind was picking it up and also the ocean, it was like cursing you after the deal you made with this mysterious merman. He noticed your figured a chuckled a bit, looking at you and slowly saw the bracelet you were wearing.

Grabbing your wrist, You yelped from his actions since it was so quick you didn't react fast "What the hell is your problem?!" You yelled at him furrowing your eyebrows with a serious expression on your face.

"That bracelet of yours...it looks so interesting..it looks familiar don't know where.." he eyed it for a long time with a questionable expression.

God your arm kinda started to hurt because of how long he was holding ur wrist.

"Let go of me.." You mumbled

"Hold onnnn..im trying to remember where I saw this bracelet."

Getting tired of him you saw a spiky fin on his arm and your left arm lightly grabbed it.

He immediately let go of ur arm and hissed at you. "Hey! What the freak are ya trying to do?!" Trying to grab your arm. You quickly let go of his fin. He glared at you for a while and looked back at his arm. Until he saw one of his fins is missing on arm.

His own eyes widened and quickly changed his look at you, He was full of of anger. You didn't know what you did wrong until you looked down at your hand and you saw it.

The fin. Its on your hand.

How..

He slowly let out a growl that made your stomach turn in a bad way. You didn't even pull it hard, it came out like a petal from a flower...so easily. God it felt like picking a petal from a flower, it came out so easily that made it worse. You didnt wanted to anger this merman longer. Knowing he can do anything in seconds.

Wouldn't that also make him die to? If you died he would also...

His body quickly tensed up and squinted his eyes with anger, he didn't knew how to react seeing his fin in your hand. In a human hand. This was the worst feeling he ever felt in his life, he could harm you but this would also affect him to. God the moment this curse breaks he would make you into his new punching bag.

Never touch something from a merman body.

Especially the fins or scales.

You quickly tried to give him the fin. "Im sorry!!" you pleaded with guilt and with regret. You started to breathe very heavily not knowing how to react, You couldnt believe on what you did. The merman arm where the fin was at started to bleed, and also had blood on ur hands but not much.

Not knowing how to react, he grabbed your collar from ur nightgown, "Why did you do that?! What made you think to do that" he glared at you. It was obvious he couldn't form a sentence now his life is at risk. Making your guts turn with guilt. You could write im sorry in the sand billions of times.

"It just came out like it was nothing I swear! Just listen to me...please im telling you the truth" you tried to argue back but it was no help in this argument. You looked at his eyes but it was also scary looking at them since they were fill with hatred. Shivers went down your spine, God you hated this feeling and you never wanna see him angry ever again. It felt like he made you into stone like he was Medusa.

"Ya know that means guppy.." before he can finish his own sentence, you interrupted him "take your hand off from me!" His eyes widened and his body quickly listened to you, His hands let go from your nightgown. Now his hands is filled with the sand that was in your gown. He slowly made his hands into a fist, anger rushing thru his whole body.

Woah..you didnt know this curse was truly true..

You couldnt believe it...There's no way a ocean life creature is now a servant to you.

Your own eyes widened with the thought of that, you made a huge mistake and it wasn't even your own fault. It was like that fin wanted to came out from his arm already. Gripping the fin thats in your hand, some blood started to come out. Now your hand is stained with his blood. You looked horrible, sand mixed with his blood it was truly something you thought this would happen.

Interrupting your thoughts you heard a growl and saw a angry and serious face on him. "God knows what you did but now im a servant to a human who doesn't even know what shes doing!." He argued back and hissed at the thought of it. "My life is in a human hands, you do can do anything with my life now." Yelling in frustration. His eyes were filled with anger and frustration, Struggling on what to say he stayed quiet.

You started to feel guilty, you knew it wasn't your fault but you didn't know how to convince him more. He wasn't even going to listen to you. It was understandable why he didnt wanted to believe you, he was acting stubborn but it wasn't his fault.

He sighed and clenched his teeth and looked at your bracelet, furrowing his eyebrows "in return of that give me yer bracelet! You got my fin so give me that bracelet. " he showed his palm to you, Showing that he wanted it already.

Looking at your wrist you sighed. You didn't wanted to let go of your bracelet but feeling pity you needed to do it.

You took out ur bracelet from your wrist and handed it to his palm. The bracelet was handed to him and he put his hand to a fist. "Don't worry guppy i would protect ya bracelet" he said in a sarcastic tone. Not even believing him you didnt wanted to go further with it anyways.

"Yeah yeah since your life is now in my hands just keep that bracelet until I can break this...i dont know...curse I guess?" You responded back to him shrugging your shoulders.

He thought for a second "Maybe we should both find a person who can break this curse off, Im in the ocean your in land. It'll be more helpful if we both help out ya know?" He suggested his idea to you, Thinking for a bit. His idea would work but how would guys communicate with eachother.

His expression changed so quick, putting his sharp hands infront of his face and started to shake his head. "Why did I suggest that stupid idea...Thats such a hassle I don't wanna work a human who barely knows what shes even doing." Muttering under his breathe with annoyance, his body started to tense up thinking the fact he now needs to work more to help a human take this curse out.

You are forbidden to be in the ocean at night and even on the morning but you can try to go early in the morning to tell him the ideas you find in land.

"I guess we can go with your plan but I cant met you in the nights...im not really able to be at the ocean at night.." you mumbled the last part, its embarrassing how you need to tell that.

He looked at it with a 'are you serious' look and couldn't hold in his laughter, "You cant go out at night but yet yer little shrimps were drinking at night and exploring!" He exclaimed out loud. "Youre so interesting guppy I cant even take ya seriously" he tried to hold in his laughter but wasn't able to.

"Shut your mouth!" You yelled at him lifting your head up, you had such a huge confidence saying that. His mouth quickly stopped laughing and stayed quiet. That look of his looks like he can kill you any moment. It was like a threat to you but after this curse its kinda protecting you in a good way...and a bad way.

Rolling your eyes you were kinda used to this already, this was like how ace and deuce first found out about this too. You slowly gripped his fin that was in your hand. Fully embarrassed on the conversation you guys were having.

Until you felt something forming in ur shoulder, you looked at it and you saw a small tattoo.

He stopped laughing and looked at you "whats wrong guppy?" Looking where you were looking he saw what was forming.

A small hibiscus flower forming in your shoulder, the color of it was a turquoise and looked like it was glowing?

"Was that already there or..." he looked at you with a pleading face wanting you to say yes.

You shaked your head with a worried expression not knowing how to react, he went closer to you and put his hand on ur tattoo.

"I really need ya to hide that no matter what, since knowing how humans know everything about these things. They'll know." He sighed not knowing what to say next, That expression showed he was done with everything thats happening.

"God why does this have to happen in the worst time" you mumbled and sighing, making a deal with a merman, having the merman fin in your hands and now a tattoo that shows that you have a merman servant.

Pathetic, All happening in one day.

You held his wrist and looked at him "We will both communicate at night no matter what. I'll try to sneak out and met you here, you find a way how to break a curse and lll do the same" glancing at his wrist and back at him with a worried expression.

"If you dont come back one night I will put your life at risk" you darkened your expression quickly. You didn't wanted to live with this dumb curse on you.

"Yeah yeah whatever, Im not listening to a lousy person." Muttering under his breathe, He hated how his life is in this person's hands. Thinking he got the worst person ever.

You went silent for a moment you really didn't know how to respond with that, sighing you agreed.."Well Mr.merman ill get you something truly "fascinating" for you." Rolling your eyes at him

He crossed his arms in annoyance "You better get me something good or im not willing to answer whatever you wanna ask guppy.." he yawns and not looking like he's interested in this conversation.

Wanting to add more in this conversation you wanted to ask his name.

Your ears began to ring bad, it was also a bad idea sharing your own name to mermans. Every single book would tell you dont do this dont do that if you ever encounter a merman no matter what. Jeez every lousy book warns you with anything and its dumb...is sharing your name to a merman that dangerous?

Shaking your head, might as well ask his name you already did a stupid deal to him and there's no escape from it.

"Whats your name...?" You hesitated for a second

"Having to give my name to a pathetic human to...why am I trusting you." His tone was aggressive and you dont blame him.

"Floyd leech, I dont mind whatever name you use guppy." he stared at you, You both locked eyes until you cleared your throat.

You told him your name, it felt like a eternity saying your own name

Floyd hummed in response, Wanting to respond back he heard two voices. Knowing those voices he looked at you. He quickly went to ear and whispered "don' know if i wanna come every single night, depends on my mood guppy" He chuckled feeling his breathe next to your ear.

You reacted so quick but couldn't grab his arm in time to yell at him, You made the worse deal and curse with the worst merman ever.

Is every merman like this or what..?

Lost in your thoughts you didn't notice two people going up to you.

"Dude we were looking everywhere to find you?! Where the heck were you?!" Ace yelled at you in frustration, it was obvious they grew tired not finding you.

"Sorry I kinda got lost" chuckling a bit and shaking your head, you didn't wanted to make it obvious you saw a merman. Holding your shoulder to hide what happened.

Deuce sighed in relief "Atleast we found you and you dont look hurt too, We gotta go back home quick so your mom doesn't find anything suspicious." He said with a worried expression knowing how your mom was with this.

He eyed you up and down and didn't notice you were shivering. "Woah did you get in the water?! Here ill lead you my sweather so you dont get cold, Youre soaked!" With a worried tone he quickly took off his sweather and gave it to you.

You laughed saying you did but either way you didn't find anything. Wearing the sweather of his did make your body feel more warmer then before. You guys started to walk to the other side of the shore, They started to talk what they found but it wasn't important, having to lie you said you didn't find much. Looking back at the ocean you swore you saw gold eyes looking at you. Not thinking much of it you shrugged and went back to conversation you were having. Not noticing you left the fin that you had in your hands in the spot where you were talking with floyd.

You heard humming coming from the ocean, it was like trying to lure you in the ocean. Looking at the water you wanted to go foward and find that voice. Who is humming and how they can make it so...addicting

But you couldnt go to the water, your body was slowly giving up and was already exhausted from everything. This night has truly opened your eyes.

How would you break this curse? Who knows how to break this dumb curse?

Maybe the lady that was watching you the entire time with the crystal ball?

[umgeorge]

George Russell Interview: Why I'm Paying My Parents Back £1.5M For Their Tough Love

entire article under a cut bc tw child abuse

It's poolside at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, Miami, and a sun from central casting beams down. Just beyond the adjacent cream sands the day before a shark was spotted amid the white caps of the Atlantic. Some observers gawped. Many recorded the scene on their phones, quelle surprise, while those in the water rushed to dry land with almost comic alarm, the terrified tripping as they waded to safety. Now all is quiet, and staff bring over watermelon juice as George Russell sits down to talk. Aged 27, the Norfolk-born driver has contended with the sharp-toothed critters of Formula 1 to emerge as the outstanding British performer of today. His consistently accomplished drives for Mercedes this season, and the end of last, underline his rightful status as successor as team leader to no less than Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion he acknowledges as the GOAT. Russell's route to Formula 1 was not traveled on a red carpet. He picks up the story of a hard taskmaster father, Steve, and his protective mother, Alison, of their parental rows over his treatment, and the £1.5million they scrimped and saved to fund his career – and tells for the first time how he has now repaid them every penny of their investment. "It was hard," he says of his father's tough love. "From the age of seven to sixteen you are not mature enough to recognise what your parents are doing for you. My father was working every day from seven in the morning to nine at night to earn his money to take me racing at the weekend. As a kid you question, 'Where's dad?' Oh, he's at work. 'Why's he at work?' And then we go racing and he is quite stressed from his job. And if I was making silly mistakes, he'd be dead angry with me. In those eight years there were happy times, but there are lots of sad memories from my parents fighting because of how hard my father was being on me. My mum was trying to hold it all together. It was, 'You're not winning.' The expectation was to be on pole and win every race, at least always be on the podium. Even times when I did win, it wasn't sunshine and glory on the way home. It was, 'But you could have done this better, done that better.'

He has moulded me into the guy I am today. He would always want the glass full. He would see where I could have improved while never seeing the positives. I continue the mentality of looking at where I could have done better, while ensuring I see the positives. Otherwise, it can be a very slippery slope. I can now see it with my brother. His kids are starting go-karting and he is working his ass off to give them the chance. Life isn't simple, with the stress of work and the rest. And I will forever be grateful for what my dad did. I just accepted the way he dealt with me. I accepted that if I didn't win, he wouldn't be happy with me. And that the journey home would be a long one, and most likely end in tears." Did young George get the silent treatment? "No, I’d be bitched," he recalls. "I see it now that kids who are born with a silver spoon in their mouths don't have the same work ethic as those who had massive discipline over them from a young age. So, from my father's perspective, would he wish that for those six, seven, eight years that he had a closer relationship with his son? Maybe. But those years set me up for life. If I could turn back the clock, knowing what I know now, I wouldn't change a single thing." How is Russell's relationship with your father now, I wonder. Closer? "Hmm, yeah," he says. "What was amazing with my father is that when I was signed by Mercedes he opened the cage door and let me fly. It went from being a super-controlling, super-emotional, bitching every time I didn't do well, to suddenly feeling he could pass me on to the next chapter. Now he supports me from afar every single session. He is taking care of grandkids."

Steve Russell was involved in agriculture, a seed and wheat merchant – his factory a first port of call after harvesting prior to distribution. "He sold the business to fund my racing," adds Russell, "in 2012. Russell was just fourteen then. "For where we lived, my father was an exceptionally successful man. But in that industry success was making a profit. Now we are in a world of unrealistic wealth with billionaires around us. We could have lived a very happy life had he not done that. I have paid everything back that he spent on me. I made it clear that as soon as I made money, I wanted to pay everything off. It was about £1.5m." The dividend can be measured, among other achievements, in the car Russell has just bought – the AMG One supercar. A limited edition of 275, the coupe was initially listed at $2.7m (£2m). It has a top speed of 219mph and accelerates from 0 to 186mph in 15.6 seconds. It is the first car Russell has ever bought, having started on the road in a white Polo bought by his parents – 60 bhp, top speed of 100 mph with a following wind. And there was no reduction for Mercedes' top driver for his new car. He chose a navy blue that glistens in the sun. His racing number, 63, is inscribed at his request. He intends keeping the car forever (despite receiving an offer worth double what he gave for it), to go with his company G Wagon and the vintage 300 SL he hopes to add to his portfolio. Three cars – that's "all" he wants in his garage at home in Monaco; no huge collection. All are Mercedes, we note, a telling symbol of his commitment to the Silver Arrows. He is out of contract this year but remains confident of re-signing. His results should make that a slam dunk. Both he and boss Toto Wolff are talking optimistically of a successful conclusion, probably this month or next. Helpfully, Wolff's ardour for world champion Max Verstappen seems to have waned, just as Russell's results increasingly make their own argument.

With Russell in Miami, as she is at most of his races, is his Spanish girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt, 26. She did not know he was a racing driver when he stood in for a friend who was due to go on a date with her. That was in London in 2020. She is upstairs on the terrace as George and I talk. He pays her this tribute as his rock in a volatile world. "I left school at thirteen and have very few friends, to be honest," he says. "It can be a lonely life. You are in different hotels, different countries, different time zones, different climates. Mondays are emotional hangover days after a race. A slap in the face if you are on a high after a good result, and a slap in the face after a bad one if you dwell on it. I play padel to get my mind off things, rather than sit inside scrolling through social media. As for Carmen, I feel lucky, having her around. She is my emotional support in the world of instability I live in. I wouldn't change anything in my life now or what went before." Now he is off for a run – a peaceful 7km, next to the ocean where the sharks prowl.

[skay-ali]

Part of the family

Soldier

A spy suffers a 90-degree turn after a mission, resulting in her being forced to hide from potential threats. Luckily, there's a secret base in a small town full of friendly, normal people. The possibility of having a normal life runs through ___'s mind. After all, no one would suspect her, and all the townspeople are normal.

Prologue

Be cold and calculating.

Play and win.

Never let your guard down.

You've been taught since you can remember to be the best, to take advantage of your strengths and talents, to do things you wouldn't have imagined under other circumstances.

You were weak, you recognize it. You weren't born a prodigy, you weren't even outstanding; you were normal. Your destiny was defined long ago: a simple life, without great dangers except for the occasional villains who attacked the city.

A job, a family, friends, and great times awaited you...

Oh, that's how it was meant to be.

Life took a big turn, your destiny changed.

The innocent, smiling, dreamy girl was left behind.

You had to grow up; your new tutor imposed it on you.

Toys were replaced by training in fighting and endurance.

Colorful clothing became dull, without extravagant decorations; simple but practical became essential.

Time spent in front of the television changed to time immersed in books about history, science, literature, and math.

Your time playing with children your age, whom you called friends, was now spent learning conversations with experts in different areas or with children who trained like you.

Now you looked in the mirror and analyzed how much you had changed.

You didn't recognize yourself.

And it wasn't just the blood that covered you.

Your body changed. You had muscles that were the result of constant training. Your once enormous eyes, full of color and light, had become dull. You wore a frown almost always on your face, unless you used your charms out of necessity.

You had a gun in your hands, held them securely, without hesitation.

You did your job without question. Spy, infiltrate, and eliminate targets. Disappear before a hero appeared and judged you with his authority.

You weren't afraid. The bodies lying around you, the broken things in the room, the deadly and heavy silence, for you now it was normal, part of your daily life.

"Congratulations, angel." Your boss gave you his usual smile, looking at you for a few seconds before returning to his computer, located on the left side of his desk.

"You continue to fill me with pride." He wasn't looking at you anymore, his interest focused elsewhere. Still, he emphasized the profound words that served as a warning, disguised as a compliment.

"We wouldn't expect anything less from our greatest weapon," another voice congratulated you as you walked alone down the hallway, under many stares.

"You're more capable than a hero," your friend told you, well, the only person who came closest to that title.

If you were the best.

If you were a source of pride.

If you were a weapon, invincible.

Because now you were running.

Hurt, tired, scared.

Your humanity and fragility had returned in an instant, with your final victim of the mission assigned to you. You hesitated, letting a life take its course.

As a result, a series of events unfolded that ultimately brought you down.

You found yourself desperately fleeing for your life. With a severe wound, no strength, with dangerous people after your head, with no help from anyone.

You persevered.

You stopped trembling, hiding in a dilapidated, abandoned building.

You treated your abdominal wound with what you found and made a plan.

No one would save you but yourself.

You traveled through some temporary places, staying for a short time, in the darkness.

Carefully finishing off your hunters, like a snake waiting for the perfect moment to strike, coiling your body around them when they were most unaware, planting poison or a weapon in a vital spot, your hands acting delicately yet deadly.

You hid alone, with memories of your training, huddled in silence, carefully planning your moves. You carefully remembered your mother, oh your beloved mother, how you missed her.

Everything became miserable when your mother died.

Now, you lost your life, your direction, again.

You searched and searched. Until you found your final destination, your new path.

A small town.

One last stop in Metropolis, a few hours of travel, and you would arrive.

You would have a new life, a normal girl, who decided to live in the countryside, far from the busy city.

A town with few inhabitants, brimming with kindness and smiling residents. A town lacking danger and villains.

With few memorable moments, like the one about a small meteorite that fell more than 20 years ago in a field and that no one ever saw because it disappeared upon landing.

You created a quiet life, working in different jobs, such as gardening, restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, clothing stores, anything a new worker could do.

One of those jobs, a delivery job for a hardware store, led you to meet an older woman who still had a good, very pleasant experience, with a strong character in a good way, with serene smiles and a kind attitude.

It was like seeing your mother again.

You stayed close to this woman, she accepted, inviting you into her life. She treated you like family in no time.

This woman gave you two jobs, one as a helper on her farm and another as a nanny for her beloved grandson, something you were hesitant to accept, but her strong insistence was stronger, and you finally agreed.

Also, in a strange way, you met her... son, or distant relative? Well, it was strange, especially because the role a boy your age played in the family and with the woman you grew fond of was never fully explained. But he was a nice guy, even with his confident and somewhat self-centered attitude. You wouldn't lie, his flirtations were something new to you. They brought a smile to your face, with a hidden bit of sadness... you missed that too.

It didn't take long for the woman to introduce you to her other family, friendly and kind people, people who also accepted you.

It was a new beginning.

A new normal.

Right?

You just had to improve the strong attachment to the family you spent most time with in the village.

It was a small attachment, a lack of understanding of limits.

A typical mistake made by people from a small town in the middle of nowhere.

Their traditions and customs will overwhelm you.

Nothing unusual.

Right?

You'd solve it?

Of course you would...?

"Oh my girl, come, come sit down, it's time for our family dinner."

"___, ___, sit next to me."

"You promise never to leave ___, it's a pinky promise."

"Best brothers, forever."

"Honey, how about this dress and this outfit? They're cute."

"They'll look great on you. Oh, but what am I saying? They'll all look great on you."

"My little girl, it's best if you stay home; the world is too dangerous for you."

"I'll take care of everything."

"What are you saying? Hide what's between us, love... the family will love to hear it, they'll burst with happiness."

"Don't think about it too much, no one will be able to separate us in the end."

[thoughtfulchaos773]

Neil Fak- The simple, innocent man Carmy once was.

Since Carmy is back home, he's outgrowing his naviety

What caught my attention is that Carmy and Fak are interested in flowers. However, Carmy loses hope and gets rid of the flowers in season 3. We can associate flowers with joy, innocence, love, and sentiments, which are all absent in Carmy's life in season 3. But he desires that innocence again something Fak carries. But there's both pros and cons to this way of life.

Fak is who Carmy would have become if he had stayed in Chicago and continued to be around Richie and Mikey. He would have immersed himself in the ballbreaker game, trying to win and ultimately losing his potential.

Did you notice that Fak isn't introduced to the story until Sydney is introduced? When season 1 begins, life is now too complicated for Carmy to understand, and a mind like Fak's can only narrate it simply.

In some way Fak is a version of Carmy. The innocent version.

Fak and Carmy - we're told they're best friends or butt buddies as Richie puts it.

Fak's adolescent mind - naivety thinks everyone is his best friend.

Since Carmy has gotten older, he realizes he carries more scars and wonders what a best friend is. He even questions if Mikey is his best friend.

As the series progresses, Carmy is coming to terms with the fact that relationships are complicated and not as simple as he initially thought. It's easy for him to resort to anger and violence like the Ballbreaker game when things become too complicated to understand. However, Carmy needs to mature in order to be the person his family needs. Being naive about relationships, people, and emotions won't help him.

I want to acknowledge @outmakingmoonshine for this outstanding, detailed meta on whether or not Syd and Carmy were planned. I re-read the script where Fak is introduced. In so many words, Carmy is saying that a sappy love story won't save the characters this time. Fak is raising the stakes, making winning at life a more significant risk. He gives Claire Carmy's number, adding more risk to the love story between Sydney and Carmy.

This subtext is a prediction- Sydney and Carmy's relationship is heading towards difficult feelings, and it becomes even more complex as they grow. Calling in Fak can hopefully help Carmy navigate, allowing him to somehow narrate an easier story than what's about to be told.

From Fak's innocent perspective, the game "Ball Breaker," known for its violence, is just too difficult because there's more to it. From Fak's perspective, the game or story (life) is too confusing to beat. Fak is the one who's raising plays to a dollar. A higher risk for a story about manhood and ball busting. Love.

Ballbreaker Game is gone. Now Fak is left to play Cupid.

Season 2 Ball breaker is over, and we're left with the game of who's in love with you—who could be dating who—with both Richie and Fak playing the game of cupid.

Fak sees it simply. Marcus and Sydney should hook up because they like each other. And carmy is in love with claire. Why shouldn't they get together?

He's not paying attention to syd and carmy's part. It's too difficult of a part of the game or story to navigate.

We need to take Fak's input on love with a grain of salt because he insists that Carmy is his best friend, just like everyone else.

It's just too difficult

Think of the upcoming sydcarmy scenes. 2x09 Carmy grows up a bit realizes that he has to be the guy his family expects him to be- the man where everyone can rely on him. This moment of growth has carmy wanting to fix the table or relationship with Sydney without faks help or naivety coming to mend it. The same as 3x04 when Sydney is ready to talk to Carmy about his consistent miscommunication Fak is pushed away.

Because this is a story about manhood, Carmy's growth involves shedding naivety, embracing complex emotions, and becoming the man his family needs.

But he is still wondering how he can find the balance to embrace his innocence and where he can stop and smell the roses while still growing up.

Tagging: @currymanganese @moodyeucalyptus @vacationship @whenmemorydies @brokenwinebox @fresaton