#Oh look at you yes you did great today look at that 1 million more people on insurance this year compared to last :)

[creepyscritches]

Defending a for-profit healthcare model to protect widespread access to basic care is the clown nose I never thought I'd wear but here we are. Some punks must honk during the workday.

[moonxknightx]

♡˗ˏ✎*ೃ˚ : FALLING FOR THE SPOTLIGHT (PT.1) : :;

╰┈➤ ❝ [PAIRING] ❞ Hugh Jackman x F!Reader

・❥・GENRE: Fluff!!!

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆FANDOM: RPF

ੈ✩‧₊˚ WARNINGS: None!

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥SUMMARY: You interview for a personal assistant position with Hugh Jackman over Zoom. Despite initial nerves, Hugh’s charm and playful teasing create a connection, making the conversation feel both professional and surprisingly personal. By the end, you sense a special chemistry and eagerly await his decision.

Next Part

YOU SAT AT THE SMALL DINING TABLE IN YOUR APARTMENT, tapping your fingers against the edge of your laptop as the screen glowed faintly. Across the room, Zoë, your best friend and roommate, was lounging on the couch, casually flipping through her phone. She glanced up at you, smirking as she noticed your nervous energy.

"How are you holding up?" she asked, her voice teasing but affectionate.

You shot her a nervous smile. "Barely. I mean, it's Hugh Jackman... Hugh freaking Jackman. What am I supposed to do with that?"

Zoë laughed, sitting up and tossing her phone aside. "Oh, you’re going to do great. You’ve got this. You just graduated with a degree in media, you know your stuff. And besides, he’s going to love you."

“Easy for you to say,” you muttered, staring at the blank screen, your mind still whirling. "You didn’t have a massive celebrity crush on him for, like, half your life."

Zoë grinned knowingly. "True, but that’s exactly why you'll nail it. You’ve been preparing for this moment without even realizing it."

You gave her a mock glare, but deep down, you appreciated her confidence in you. It was a dream scenario—working as Hugh Jackman’s personal assistant. When you saw the job posting online, you didn’t even hesitate to apply, though you never imagined you’d get an interview, let alone one scheduled so quickly. And now, here you were, waiting for a Zoom call with the man himself. The idea of seeing Hugh in real-time, talking to him, hearing his voice directed at you, was enough to send your heart racing.

The laptop chimed suddenly, breaking your thoughts. The screen lit up with an incoming Zoom call.

Zoë jumped up, wide-eyed. "That’s him, isn’t it?"

You nodded, trying to steady your breathing. "It’s happening. Oh God, it’s happening."

She scurried over to stand behind you, giving your shoulders a quick squeeze. "Good luck! You’ve got this."

You took a deep breath, clicked to accept the call, and the screen shifted to show none other than Hugh Jackman. His face appeared, smiling warmly into the camera as he adjusted the angle. He looked even more handsome than you’d imagined—salt-and-pepper hair, sharp features, and that trademark grin that could melt a million hearts. The casual blue T-shirt he wore only added to his approachable charm.

“G'day!” His voice was warm, rich, and effortlessly charming. “Can you hear me okay?”

You smiled nervously and nodded. “Yes! I can hear you perfectly. Hi, Mr. Jackman. I mean, Hugh. Sorry. Hi.”

Hugh laughed softly, and the sound of it eased some of your nerves. “No worries at all. And please, just call me Hugh. ‘Mr. Jackman’ makes me feel old.”

You giggled despite yourself, the tension in your shoulders loosening slightly. “Okay, Hugh it is.”

His eyes twinkled with amusement. “So, how are you today? I know interviews can be a bit nerve-wracking.”

"Just a little," you admitted with a sheepish smile. "But I’m excited, too. It's a really amazing opportunity, and I’m just happy to be here."

"That’s the spirit," Hugh replied, leaning forward slightly. "Listen, I’m not one for formal interviews. I’d rather just have a chat, get to know you, and see how we vibe. I hope that’s alright?"

“That sounds perfect,” you said, your heart pounding a little less now. The casual nature of the conversation was starting to help you feel more at ease.

“So,” Hugh began, tilting his head, “you just finished university, right? Tell me a bit about that. What did you study?”

“Yeah, I graduated not too long ago,” you replied, feeling more confident. “I studied media, so I’ve done a bit of everything—social media management, content creation, production... I’ve always loved the idea of working behind the scenes. I guess I’m just looking for a job where I can put all that to use.”

Hugh nodded thoughtfully. "Media, huh? That’s perfect. I need someone who knows their way around that stuff. I’m hopeless with social media." He chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "If it weren’t for my team, I’d probably still be figuring out how to send tweets."

You laughed, feeling the connection start to form. “Well, you’ve got a pretty solid Instagram game going on. But I can definitely help with anything tech-related.”

"Ah, well, that’s good to hear," Hugh said, leaning back in his chair. "And what about your interests outside of media? Any hobbies or passions I should know about?"

“Well,” you began, hesitating for a second. “I love movies—obviously. And I’m really into fitness, too, though I’m not quite at your level.”

Hugh raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "Fitness, eh? Are you trying to take my job? Next thing I know, you’ll be Wolverine."

You blushed, laughing nervously. "I don’t think I could pull off the claws."

"Ah, you never know!" Hugh said, winking. "But seriously, fitness is a great passion to have. Keeps you grounded. Maybe we could train together sometime—I’m always looking for a new gym buddy."

Your heart skipped a beat at the casual offer, the idea of working out with Hugh Jackman suddenly flooding your mind. Was he joking, or…?

"That sounds fun," you replied, trying to keep your voice steady. "But you might have to go easy on me."

"No promises," Hugh teased, his smile never faltering. Then he leaned in slightly, his tone a little more serious. “But really, you seem like you’ve got a good head on your shoulders. I like that. You’re young, but from what I’ve seen on your resume, you’re definitely not lacking in experience. How do you feel about working in such a high-pressure environment?”

You thought about it for a moment. "Honestly, I think I’d thrive in it. I’m used to juggling a lot at once, and I’ve always worked well under pressure. I guess I’m just ready for a challenge."

Hugh nodded approvingly. "Good answer. I like someone who’s not afraid of a little chaos." He paused, then added with a mischievous glint in his eye, “And you seem awfully young to be my assistant. You sure you’re not still in high school?”

You blushed furiously and laughed, shaking your head. “Definitely not. I promise, I’m a fully certified adult.”

“Well, I guess I’ll just have to trust you on that,” Hugh replied, his tone playful. "You might just surprise me."

For a brief second, there was a comfortable silence. You could feel the warmth radiating from Hugh, and you found yourself smiling more freely now, your initial nerves melting away. The conversation felt easy, almost natural, like you’d known him for longer than just a few minutes.

Hugh broke the silence with a chuckle. "You know, I have to say, I think you’re going to fit in really well here."

You blinked, caught off guard. "You think so?"

"I do," Hugh said, his expression softening. "I’ve interviewed a lot of people, but you... there’s something about you. You’ve got a good energy. I like that."

You felt your cheeks heat up again, but this time, it was less about nerves and more about the undeniable connection you felt growing between the two of you. Hugh Jackman, your long-time celebrity crush, was complimenting you—on more than just your qualifications.

"I... wow, thank you," you said, a little flustered but genuinely touched. "That means a lot coming from you."

Hugh smiled, leaning back in his chair with a relaxed air. “Well, I’ll make sure to let you know in a few days, but between you and me, I think you’ve got a pretty good shot at this.”

You grinned, trying to hold back the excitement bubbling up inside you. "I’ll be waiting by my phone."

“I’m sure you will,” Hugh replied, his voice laced with warmth. He glanced at the clock on his screen and sighed. "I’ve got another meeting to run to, but it was really great chatting with you. I’ll be in touch soon, okay?"

“Sounds good,” you said, your heart still racing. “Thanks again, Hugh. I really appreciate it.”

Hugh gave you one last smile, his eyes twinkling. “No worries at all. Have a great day, and I’ll talk to you soon.”

The screen faded to black as the call ended, and you sat there for a moment, staring at your laptop. Your heart was pounding, your cheeks still flushed with the warmth of the conversation. You couldn’t help but smile, replaying every word in your head.

Zoë appeared behind you, her eyes wide with excitement. "So...?"

You turned to her, grinning. "I think it went really well."

Zoë's eyes lit up with excitement, and she grabbed your shoulders, shaking you slightly. "Oh my God! Spill! What did he say? How was he? Was he as charming as he seems?"

You laughed, pushing her hands away gently. "He was even better. Like, ridiculously charming. He made a joke about me being too young to be his assistant and then—" You paused, recalling the moment he’d complimented your energy, your stomach fluttering. "—and he said he thinks I’d fit in well."

Zoë gasped dramatically, bouncing in place. "That’s basically a ‘you got the job’ in celebrity-speak! Oh my God, this is huge!" She practically danced across the room, grabbing her phone and immediately typing furiously.

“What are you doing?” you asked, still in a daze.

“Texting the girls! I have to tell them you just interviewed with Hugh Jackman, and it sounds like you nailed it.”

You chuckled, though a part of you was still processing the entire experience. Had that really just happened? Talking to Hugh had felt so natural—like you’d known him longer than the fifteen minutes the interview lasted. He was warm and playful, but also professional when it counted, and you couldn’t help but replay the way he’d teased you about your age. Was that flirting, or was it just his way of putting people at ease?

Zoë interrupted your thoughts, practically vibrating with excitement. “Okay, but tell me—how did you not, like, melt into a puddle of goo? I mean, he was on your screen, in real-time, flirting with you.”

You shook your head, laughing softly. “I don’t know! I was nervous at first, but he’s so easy to talk to. It didn’t feel like an interview at all—it felt more like… I don’t know, like we were just chatting.”

Zoë waggled her eyebrows at you. “Uh-huh, chatting with Hugh Jackman, no big deal.” She crossed her arms and leaned against the counter, smirking. “And what’s this about working out together? Are you going to become his gym buddy now?”

You blushed, laughing as you recalled his casual invitation to train together. “I’m pretty sure he was joking. But who knows? If I get the job, maybe I’ll just casually bump into him at the gym.”

Zoë raised an eyebrow. “Girl, if you get this job, you’re about to be around him 24/7. You better prepare for that heart of yours. Crush or not, you’re gonna be spending some serious time with him.”

The thought sent a flutter of excitement through you. It was true—if you got the job, you’d be Hugh’s personal assistant, meaning you’d be with him constantly, organizing his schedule, helping with events, traveling with him... And you’d be doing all of that with a man you’d secretly crushed on for years. The idea of it was both exhilarating and terrifying.

“I know,” you said softly, biting your lip. “It’s kind of crazy to think about. But I also can’t let myself get too ahead of things. It’s still just an interview for now.”

Zoë rolled her eyes, waving a hand dismissively. “Please, that man was smitten. You’re going to get it, I can feel it.”

Before you could respond, your phone buzzed on the table. Your heart leaped as you saw an unknown number pop up on the screen.

You stared at it for a second before Zoë nudged you. “Don’t just stare at it! Answer it! What if it’s him?”

You fumbled with the phone, quickly hitting the button to accept the call. “Hello?”

A familiar deep voice on the other end made your heart race again. “Hey, it’s Hugh.”

You almost dropped the phone. Hugh is calling me? Already? You took a deep breath, trying to keep your voice steady. “Hi! I wasn’t expecting to hear from you so soon.”

Hugh laughed lightly, the sound sending another flutter through your stomach. “Yeah, I know. But I’ve been thinking about our chat, and I wanted to catch you before the weekend. I’d love for you to come in on Monday for an in-person meeting. I want to show you the ropes and see how you feel about everything in person.”

You blinked, trying to process what he’d just said. “You mean… like a second interview?”

“Sort of,” Hugh said, and you could almost hear the smile in his voice. “But mostly, I just want to make sure you’re comfortable with the role before we make it official.”

You tried to suppress the squeal threatening to escape your throat. “That sounds amazing! I’d love to.”

“Great,” Hugh said, his tone warm. “I’ll have my assistant email you the details—where to meet, what time, all that jazz. We’ll keep it casual, don’t worry.”

Your heart was beating so fast you were surprised Hugh couldn’t hear it through the phone. “Thank you so much, Hugh. I really appreciate it.”

“No problem at all,” he replied smoothly. “Looking forward to seeing you again.”

The call ended, and you stood there for a moment, phone in hand, staring at the screen in disbelief.

Zoë practically pounced on you. “What? What did he say?!”

You turned to her, eyes wide with excitement. “He wants me to come in on Monday. For a follow-up meeting, but it sounded more like... like he’s already offering me the job.”

Zoë screamed, grabbing you and spinning you in a circle. “I knew it! I told you! You’re going to be Hugh Jackman’s assistant!”

You couldn’t help but laugh as she danced around the room, but deep down, you felt a wave of excitement mixed with nervous anticipation. This was it—the start of something big. You were one step closer to working for Hugh Jackman, to being a part of his world.

And maybe, just maybe, there was a chance that this job could lead to something even more than you’d ever imagined.

🏷️: @oatmilkriver @khxna @hughverine @junnniiieee07 @stark-ironman @Marcswife21 @boomveronika @kellyxo1 @shiawaseorii @shybluebirdninja @mutilatedcupid @corvusmorte @iluvfanficsstuff @stickyunknownsubstance @miha080 @acescutejeans-1247 @ladydimitrescutlou @iwannadie07 @whimsiwitchy @bitchydragonparadisee

If you want to be added to the taglist, let me know!!

I am so hyped for this small series!!! Hugh needs more content on here. I absolutely love reading all of your thoughts on the chapters, so feel free to leave a comment!! And at last, Enjoy!!

I’m also thinking of writing some oneshots taking place in the same AU after i finish the series. You can read them as standalones or see it as extra content for this project!!

[luvneymar]

(1) LOVE TO HATE ME — NEYMAR JR

— SUMMARY: You & Neymar both were booked for a suggestive underwear photoshoot, the only problem? You both hate each others guts.

PARINGS: young!neymar x female!reader & young!lucas paqueta x female!reader

NOTE: any examples doesn’t not represent the race, body type or skin-tone of the female lead.

— “Yes! Just like that! A bit more slutty and you’ll be perfect!” The casting director yelled at you from the background of your Calvin Klein campaign, You laughed hearing the last part as you posed on the set strutting your body in different ways.

In the recent years of you becoming a rising star in both the athletic world & the modelling world you’ve been booked & busy with these kinds of activities & activities. The one thing that sold the most was your partner shoots with another male athletes or actors.

The first time it happens it was by total accident when the director doubled booked 2 models at the same time but seeing how much money it brought in for you & the companies, you had to basically expect for some handsome famous guy to come & sweep you off your feet.

As you were posing the casting director stopped the photographer as he walked onto the set to whisper something into your ear,“Darling you know how much I love your smile but, we don’t need it here. Look fierce! Look alive! Look sexy!”

He begun to adjust your facial expression by pulling your bottom lip out just a bit to create a naughty but nice type of pout along with curling your eyelashes a bit more to make them look “doe-y” at one angle then “siren-y” the next.

Once he backed away and resumed the shoot you took his advice & begun to pose is much more suggestive ways; ways that your mother would’ve smacked you for if she saw the magazine you’d be front & center in.

“Lovely! That’s what I’m looking for!” He yelled out waving his hands around in an attempt to hype you up.

Soon the flashes stopped as he turned to the photographer looking at the photos he took to approve them, he sent an approval nod his way signalling the standby staff to clear the set & hand you a robe.

As you walked off the casting director engulfed you into a hug patting the back of your head, “You did great today, your next set is in your change-room. As you know that’ll be your collaborative project. Get excited”

You both exchanged cheek kisses before your waddled to change-room feeling exposed & quite cold actually. As you opened the door you immediately searched for the clothes you were going to wear.

Except you only found a pair of pants & the iconic Calvin Klein underwear, not a shirt in sight. You begun to look around trying to see if your shirt was misplaced. Or at-least a bra; you never signed up for a topless shoot.

“My set missing a—!” As you walked out of the change-room holding the “outfit” you were supposed to wear you locked eyes with non other than— Neymar Junior. Neymar fucking Junior.

The Neymar Junior who broke your nose in Secondary School, The Neymar who cut your hair in middle school, The Neymar Junior Santos who tripped you in the halls. That Neymar Junior.

“He’s the super hot athlete? Oh, just kill me now.” You yelled out throwing your arms in the air as you spun your heels speed walking towards your change room grabbing your manager by the arm digging your nails into his arm.

As you slammed the door you shoved him into the couch throwing the clothes on the table as you flopped down beside him, “Seriously? Seriously! You hyped this up so much I thought I was gonna do a shoot with the Stephen Curry.”

“Just listen—” He tried to explain, you slammed your finger onto his mouth signalling him not talk as you shook your head side to side very slowly with an evil scowl on your face.

“I’m having a moment here! I specially said anyone but him! Did you know he broke my—!” You explained flailing your arms in the air as you fell over on the couch resting your head on the armrest.

“Yes I know you’ve told the story a million times and more, to be fair you weren’t all the kind to him either.” He cut you off as he stood up from the couch, “I tried to reason with them but you both are very popular on the internet. You even have fanclub—”

“Ew! Don’t even mention that to me. I’ll just suck it up & hold my breath till I die on set & blame him for 1st degree murder.” You grumbled swinging your legs off the couch as you sat back up staring right at the wall blankly.

“Your loss. I personally think he’s kinda cute—!”

“Get out!” You shrieked throwing your pillow at him as he rushed out of the room laughing at your reaction. You got up & begun pacing around the room chewing on your thumb nail as you pondered about how you could even do this.

You weren’t even worried about Neymar as much as you were worried about your long-term boyfriend Lucas Paqueta seeing this. You half naked pressed against another man; his best friend according to the concept photos you were given.

“I’ll just explain it to him later. He knows how much I hate him anyways!” You took a deep breath shaking off any negative thoughts you had lingering in your mind as you begun to get dressed.

It didn’t take long since all you had to put on was a pair of underwear, jeans, & a pair of nipple covers. Thankfully they ate last provided you with that seeing as how you felt as if you were about to film a porno.

You walked towards the mirror hands held on your breasts as you looked up and down at your attire embarrassed look melted onto your face. “Neymar Junior is going to see my boobs.” You muttered out, in disbelief.

“Neymar Junior is going to see, my boobs! As you took in the fact you begun to laugh uncontrollably at the irony of the situation, your arch enemy since your birth is going to be touching your boobs; a place only a select few were even allowed to see.

You wiped the small tears forming at the corner of your eyes due to excess laughter as you pulled out of your phone from your pocket feeling it vibrate from a text that read.“We’re ready for you.”

You sighed saying a small prayer before walking out of the change-room hands covering your chest, as the shoes you were wearing made noise the casting director along with Neymar turned their heads to look at you. “Woman of the hour!”

“Yeah.” You nervously chuckled as you slowly made your way to the edge of the set, despite taking literal baby steps you made it there in a shorter time than you’d like, as you stood there staring straight ahead right past Neymar’s eyes that didn’t leave your body.

“Did you look at the concept photos?” The casting director asked you as you completely zoned out all the background noises, your heart begun to pound as you took in that this was really happening.

“Yeah I did.” You muttered out as you turned your head slowly towards the director awkward smile on your face as you felt Neymar’s gaze being branded onto your skin.

“Well we’re scrapping that one, this is what the first pose will be.” The casting director handed you a photo face down already making you suspicious, when you flipped the photo your eyes nearly flew out of your sockets.

“What the fuck is this!” You whispered shouted in disbelief as to what you were seeing, not only were you going to be literally topless, Neymar’s head was going to be resting: on your breasts.

You hadn’t even noticed that his hands were going to be resting on your ass. “We are not filming a porno! You’ve gotta change this now.”

“This is what is going to sell. It sold back then it’ll sell now. Come one darling, just this once. For me.” He pleaded with you grabbing you by your shoulders.

“No! Not unless you pay me millions! Even if you can You’re gonna owe me. Big time. largely.” Hearing that the director smiled at you before ushering you onto the set where you stood awkwardly beside Neymar who had a stupid smirk on his face. “Alright places everyone.”

Once you heard that you grit your teeth and furrowed your eyebrows as you eased onto the floor of the set, you hesitated before crawling into Neymar’s lap hands hovering just centimetres away from his waist with him doing the same cringing away from your body.

Just before the photographer begun to take photos the director begun to yell once again,“Ugh no no no! Hands on her waist, hands on his waist, look seductive, look like you want to fuck each other!”

You grew goosebumps just hearing that as you muttered under your breath “ew”, you rolled yo ur eyes looking away from Neymar’s annoyed gaze, “This is an underwear company! you’re advertising underwear! hands off your sides and pose!”

“Don’t think I’m enjoying touching your repulsive body, I’m doing this because I have too.” He muttered under his breath emphasizing the “repulsive” making your skin crawl.

“Your breath stinks.” You replied pinching him in his side as hard as you could, seeing him wince in pain gave you a weird boost of satisfaction, as you both bickered with the occasional pinch coming his way you both tuned our the director till he yelled.

“I’m not paying you both millions to look like constipated scorpions! Positions! Now!” He yelled out using the paper in his hand to fan his forehead which was sweating quite heavily, hearing him be so angry out of nowhere frightened you enough to relax just enough to look natural.

Once you both had relaxed easing into each other the rest of the set had gone smoothly with minimal arguing from both of your sides; especially your side since you were quite literally topless. “Wonderful Job guys! Your cheque’s will be emailed to you shortly.”

Once the set was clearing out you stood there waiting for your robe to be handed to you as you shivered, the studio was a lot colder than you had realized. As you were standing around you noticed Neymar hadn’t left quite yet & he was looking a bit red.

“Ew, Are you blushing? I know I have great boobs, but no need to get embarrassed y’know? I’m sure your girlfriend—”

“My God, Will you just shut up?” Neymar shouted at you as he begun to scratch his skin, little blotches of red begun to show on his skin— not that you’d notice them of course.

“Shut up? Did you just tell me to shut up? Do you want me to rip your jaw off? Or did you forget who you were talking too? You turned your body to face him as you looked him up & down with disgust & annoyance in your eyes.

As you were cussing him out you didn’t even notice he hadn’t given you a snarky response back or just pushed pasted you like he always did confusing you, as you took a closer look at him you noticed he was developing a skin rash; hives.

“What the fuck? What type of rash are you developing?” You asked as you backed away wrapping your robe around your body tightly, watching him scratch his body frantically grossed you out enough to just leave the set & go back to your change-room.

Just before you were able to set foot into your room you heard a loud boom, along with a shriek alarming you greatly. As you rushed towards the noise you were met with Neymar breathing heavily on the floor with his assistant all over him trying to find out what was wrong.

A crowd gathered around him as some people were calling the ambulance while others were helping in anyway they could, as you stood there looking at him try to take in a breath you spun your heels turning back to your room.

“What the absolute fuck is going on?” You muttered out backing away from the crowd as you slipped back into your change-room slamming the door before locking it, you slid down the door trying to figure out why that was happening.

As you wondered it had finally hit you, recently you were gifted a body-care set that was based upon real strawberries giving you a long lasting strawberry scent all day— the only problem? Neymar was severely allergic to them.

TAGLIST: @watersquirtpewpewboomm @neymaruposts @aniya7 @foolsarehome @abluvions 💕 (send a reply to be added to the taglist!)

ON HOLD

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[conniesanchor]

ʟᴀᴠᴇɴᴅᴇʀ ʜᴀᴢᴇ.

spencer reid x fem!reader

the five times you realize you're in love + the one time you say something.

warnings: not much, maybe angst if you squint, suggestive comments, kissing, and spencer reid being an absolute angel. + a couple plot holes, probably.

wc: 2k

1. picnic

you had been going out with spencer for a few months now. when you got together he agreed the two of you would take things slow, go at your pace. which was great, he never pressured you into anything, and he was truly an amazing boyfriend.

the only issue was that sometimes, you needed the push, you needed to be pressured. otherwise, you would never be brave enough to take the leap from one step to another. so when he texted you and told you that he was going to surprise you, you could say that you were relieved.

you have told spencer two million times that he could just open the door. it's always open, and he has a key. that doesn't stop him from knocking everytime he comes over. "come in spence." you yelled from upstairs.

you had just finished putting on a baby blue sundress and converse. you came down the stairs fast, trying not to keep him waiting. "hey, sorry. just getting some water and then i'll be ready."

he laughed before walking toward the kitchen, "don't be sorry. you look- you look great by the way." he spoke in an awkward tone, but that was what you loved about him.

love.

you have been fighting with yourself and others for weeks now. you didn't love spencer. not that it would be a hard feat, you just hadn't made it that far.

you were not in love.

༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶

you still weren't sure where spencer was taking you, but you had been walking for about five minutes when he said "just a little bit longer."

as promised, after a short amount of time, you were in a grassy field. spencer had set out a blanket with a few books, a basket full of your favorites. strawberries, and a few other random items. what did stick out to you was the sandwiches that already had the crust cut off.

you were in awe for a moment, not knowing what to say. you did, however, settle on the cliche, "spence, this is too much. you didn't have to." you spoke in a soft voice, turning around and wrapping your arms loosely around his neck.

"yes, y/n, but i wanted to." he responded before placing a delicate kiss on your lips. "now, c'mon. sit down, we have sandwiches to eat."

you chose to ignore the fire burning in your chest.

2. under the weather

you were supposed to go on a date with spencer today, but when you woke up and could barely move, that was a no-go.

you:

hey, not feeling too well. raincheck? :(

spencer <3:

oh, no. :(

actually, is it okay if i come anyway?

you:

don't wanna get you sick, spence.

spencer <3:

you won't, promise. im on my way.

༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶

it wasn't long before spencer arrived at you house. you were upstairs again, lying in your bed. once again, he did knock. you were losing your voice and knew that if you yelled, he wouldn't hear you. so you shot him a 'it's open' text.

you heard his footsteps find up the stairs and sat up so you didn't look like a total mess. "hey, pretty." you smiled but when you noticed the bag in his hand you sighed. "spence, you didn't have to bring anything." you coughed out.

"i know, just wanna help you feel better." he mumbled, sitting on the edge of your bed. he leaned into kiss you but you swerved the other way, "hey, what was that for!"

"can't get you sick." you smiled but it quickly turned into you coughing up a lung (into your elbow of course because if you got spencer sick, you would never forgive yourself.)

"woah, hey just relax." he spoke, rubbing your back gently. "here, drink some water." he requested, but it wasn't much of a request at all. "slow, slow. there you go." the curly haired boy said, doing his best to comfort you.

"im sorry i ruined our date, spence." you mumbled, trying not to cry. spencer was already doing way more than he had to do, he didn't need to comfort you while you were crying, too.

"hey, hey, sweetheart. look at me." spencer whispered. "you didn't ruin anything. in fact, this is perfect. being here with you. not to mention you were worried about getting me sick, but judging from your eyes and how warm you are, you've been sick for a while. the sickness is generally most contagious before you're even sick. so, there's a chance i could get sick, but it's slim, and worth it for you."he rambled on, and on but was interrupted by a laugh of yours.

"spencer." you spoke as more of a question. "i-" you started. "thank you. for being here." it wasn't what you were originally going to say, but it fit anyway.

"don't thank me, sweetheart. now, come lie down, ive got snacks and a movie."

yet there was still a burning sensation in the bottom of your stomach.

3. his day off

spencer had spent the night at your house, and you were both ecstatic that he had a day off. your eyes fluttered open and you were met with spencer lying down next to you. he was still asleep, but he was so warm. you couldn't help but bury your face into his bare chest.

soaking up his heat, you kissed his jaw before moving to get out of the bed. you wanted to make some breakfast for the two of you. you quietly made your way down the stairs, and opened the fridge.

you grabbed strawberries and whipped cream, and then moved to the cupboard to get the pancake mix. before you could even turn around, you felt spencers arms wrap around your torso. "spence, baby go back to bed." you requested leaning into his chest.

"no. i can make us food. you go back to bed." he smiled, kissing your shoulder before turning you around and kissing your lips. what he did next caught you by surprise. he lifted you up and carried you as a firefighter would.

"spence, what are you doing?" you laughed, holding onto his waist to ensure you wouldn't fall. he carried you back up the stairs and then proceeded to gently toss you onto the bed. "spencer!" you giggled once more.

he then jumped onto the bed right next to you. moving ontop of you, making sure not to put all of his weight on you. "hi." he mumbled, taking both of your wrists into one of his hands and then pinning them above your head.

"hi." you responded. you smiled and tried to kiss his lips, but failed when he moved away. he was teasing you.

"im gonna go make breakfast, you stay here." he spoke before giving you what you wanted and kissing your lips softly.

as he left the bedroom you couldn't help but think to yourself that he made you feel more than anyone ever.

4. meeting the team

the team had requested that spencer brought you to one of rossis dinner parties, and he did not hesitate when bringing up the idea to you. you, however, we're terrified. so many questions clouding your mind. what if they didn't like you? what if you were too much?

your wonderful boyfriend was there, though. "y/n. they're going to love you. alright? you've got nothing to worry about. you're amazing, they'll love you and you'll love them." it still didn't work, but he didn't give up. "y/n... look at me." he requested, "you're perfect, okay? amazing. beautiful. gorgeous. smart, and my wonderful girlfriend. they kind of have to love you, because there's no way anyone couldn't." he kept comforting, and when he noticed a laugh, he knew he had succeeded.

"i just don't want them to not like me, but if you seriously think that they will like me, let's go." you said, taking his hand and moving toward the door.

༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶

when the two of you arrived at rossis, he took your hand in his, and squeezed three times. you walked up the steps and into the house, then, everyone looked toward you and their faces lit up. they looked so excited.

"oh my god!" a woman, who you thought would be penelope, squeeled and rushed toward you. you offered your warmest smile and were shocked when she pulled you into a hug.

"hi, im-"

"i know who you are." she said as if you were supposed to know, "spencer never shuts up about you." she laughed. "this is aaron, jj, dave, emily, and the little guy is jack."

"hi." you smiled. you were still shy, but with spencer next to you, it turned out to be a great night.

with every touch, there was a new spark.

5. jealousy.

recently, spencer and jj had been hanging out together. you know you have no reason to be upset, but you couldn't shake the feeling of jealousy. they were friends, and besides, you and spencer had only been going out for a month.

of course, spencer caught onto your feeling. "angel, talk to me. you're upset about something."

"no, it's nothing. im alright." you lied, trying your absolute hardest to convince him. it was useless, he could read you like you were an open book.

"don't lie to me, sweetheart." he requested, moving you toward to couch so you could sit down. "talk to me." his dark eyes looking into your own.

"you're going to laugh at me." you complained, a small smile creeping onto your face.

"probably, but if you're upset about it then im going to take it seriously." he agreed.

"i just- you're always with jj, and she's amazing, and i like her. i know i don't have a reason to be jealous, i just- i can't help it sometimes." you spoke, and he listened. that was what was amazing about spencer, as much as he would like to interrupt, he never did.

he couldn't help but let out a chuckle, "baby, are you serious?" he smiled before continuing, "jj is my co-worker, alright? that's it."

you breathed out, "i know, i know. i just, really really like what we have going on. i would never ever think you were cheating but sometimes my brain plays tricks on me."

"look at me." he spoke, grabbing both of your hands and turning more toward you. "you and me, okay? i know this is new, but i promise you that if you want it to work out as much as i do, it will."

god did you love him....

wait.

+1. a drunken confession.

you had to admit, you had a few too many. after a lot of convincing, spencer had finally gotten you to go out for drinks with the team. the only way you could calm your racing nerves, was drinking until you couldn't feel anything.

"sweetheart, i think that's enough." spencer suggested softly, "almost everyone's gone, baby. let me take you home."

"mm, okay." you reluctantly agreed. allowing him to take your hand and lead you out of the bar.

the drive felt short, time passing on and on. when you finally reached the driveway, you didn't even realize until spencer was opening your door. "relax, baby. you don't gotta walk, i’ve got you."

when he reached for you, you instantly wrapped your arms around his neck and allowed him to carry you into the house. you just wanted to lie down, but spencer brought you to the bathroom. "spence, i wanna to to sleep." you whined.

"i know sweetheart, we gotta brush your hair and teeth and then we can get you dressed and into bed... alright?"

"okay."

༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶

it took quite a while to get you ready for and into bed, but spencer didn't mind. he never did. "i love you." you blurted out and the look on spencers face was priceless. "im sorry, i know im way too far gone but i’ve been meaning to say that for so long i just never could."

he took a deep breath before pulling the blankets over you. "i love you." he mumbled, "always have. now, bedtime. go to sleep, sweetheart."

the fire didn't go away, but this time you acknowledged it.

[nofomogirl]

Before the Beginning (part 2.1.)

Part 1.1. | Part 1.2. | Part 1.3. | Part 1.4. | Part 1.5. |

Part 2.2. | Part 2.3. | Part 2.4. |

I'm very excited to share today's post with you!

I originally wanted to discuss pieces of information we learn from the Before the Beginning scene in chronological order - the order in which the information is revealed to us. That's why I started from angel!Crowley's appearance, something we learn even before any words are spoken.

But I really couldn't wait to share this particular observation with you!

So.

The thing

Please look at this exchange:

C: (...) Most of the universe's stars will come pre-aged, but these ones are only starting out. A few million years to bake, and then voom! Stars everywhere! A: Oh, that's nice. You know, the current word from upstairs is that we'll be shutting this all down again in about 6000 years. C: But that's nothing! Oh! What's the point of creating an infinite universe with trillions of star systems if you're only gonna get it run for a few thousand years? The engine won't have properly warmed up by then.

Yes?

Please tell me why aren't we talking about it?

Why aren't we addressing the fact that the 6000 years deadline was intended for the entire universe!?

More specifically, why aren't we collectively brainstorming to reconcile this information with Crowley's evident belief that the "World" in "The End of the World" only means Earth?

Well, allow me to give it a shot.

The theories

Theory #1: Aziraphale got it wrong

Heaven never meant to destroy everything and Aziraphale somehow misunderstood what he heard.

Theory #2: Heaven changed its mind

It was "current word from Upstairs" which suggests plans kept changing. So Aziraphale got it right but sometime later Heaven decided it was too much hassle to annihilate the entire material creation.

Theory #3: Crowley doesn't remember

Armageddon is indeed going to be the end of the whole infinite universe with trillions of star systems. Crowley, however, is no longer aware of it.

Theory #4: Crowley is in denial

Deep down he knows it's not going to be just Earth. But the thought is so monstrous and unbearable he has shoved it so deep down that he doesn't acknowledge it anymore.

If you can think of something more. please share.

Which is it?

Each theory opens some interesting interpretations, and I'll look at them in the next post.

For now, one big thing to keep in mind while considering each of them is that the Starmaker didn't care about Earth. He hadn't even heard of it (as such) before his conversation with Aziraphale. But he cared a great deal about the universe as a whole. Learning that it's going to be annihilated before it gets a chance to reach its full potential was what made him question and doubt God and God's plan for the first time. It was that knowledge that marred his pure light and unadulterated joy with his first heartbreak and his first fit of anger.

But then we see the demon Crowley who doesn't seem to believe that's the universe's fate anymore but his anger at the Great Blasted Plan remains unchanged. If anything, it got even fiercer. On the one hand, it figures. Crowley came to love Earth, so even if everything else is spared, it's still enough of a reason to rage against Heaven. On the other hand... how did this transition happen, exactly?

Thanks for now.

As usually, I'll be back.

[pollstuck]

Alright these fuckers are Done and Named. And while i'm sure they all have meaningful introductions and an intricate web of relationship dynamics that we could spend hours poring over. I do not have that kind of time.

Everyone skips to act 5 act 1? We're Skipping act 5 act 1.

Uno reverse card bitch.

-- ectoBiologist [EB] began pestering tentacleTherapist [TT] --

EB: hey flighty! TT: Hi. EB: how are you doing? i don't even remember the last time we talked. EB: i have been so busy. EB: and it looks like you have been too. EB: i mean, hopy shit! EB: my house is HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE! TT: Actually, building up your house has been one of the more trivial ways I've passed the time. TT: Great swaths of the structure may be copied and pasted with little architectural consideration. TT: I've only bothered to do so while in contemplation. TT: It's relaxing. EB: oh. EB: well, it must have cost a fortune! TT: We have a lot of grist. EB: how much? TT: I don't recall any hard figures off hand. TT: Last I checked, more than a million units of several different types. TT: Torrented between the three of us. TT: After I unlocked the disc from your registry and deployed it. TT: I convinced your nanna to install it on your computer. TT: Before an imp threw it out the window, that is. EB: you got her to do that? but she's an old lady! also, a ghost. TT: My methods of persuasion have been improving. EB: also! EB: what's up with the alchemiter? EB: it looks weird. TT: Upgrades. EB: did you get nanna to do that too? TT: No, your consorts were utilized for that. EB: the salamanders?? TT: Yes. They seem eager to receive simple instruction. TT: I'm guessing they find their way back to your house to allow the client player to remain productive while the server player is away. EB: yeah… EB: uh… EB: what have you been doing this whole time??? TT: Why don't you tell me what you've been up to first? TT: I've been curious, but too preoccupied to inquire. EB: well, EB: i have been talking to a lot of trolls, for one thing. EB: they sure are a talkative bunch! TT: I've noticed. EB: and then i cloned some slime babies in the veil. TT: Did you? EB: yes. um… EB: ok, long story short is, farmstink is my slime clone sister, and insufferable is your slime clone brother, and we were all born today! TT: Yes. EB: yes? TT: I figured that out. EB: oh. TT: Anything else? EB: umm… EB: then i fell asleep, and woke up on the battlefield. EB: now stop being so spookily mysterious and tell me what you've been doing! TT: Investigating, mostly. EB: investigating what? TT: Everything there is to investigate. TT: Information hidden in the lore of our lands, concealed in ruins and riddles. TT: I'm looking for whatever there is to discover about the game, and more importantly, whatever exceeds its boundaries. TT: The cloaked traces of myth beyond its scope. EB: its scope? EB: oh, flighty, did you know that we are supposed to be creating a universe with this game? TT: Yes. EB: i think that's pretty neat! TT: It is, in principle. TT: But it won't happen. EB: so you believe the trolls then? TT: It's not a matter of believing them. TT: The writing is on the wall. Literally. EB: it is? TT: This session was never meant to bear fruit. TT: It's barren, so to speak. EB: that's a bit of a bummer! EB: i am still skeptical about that, though. TT: That's why you're our leader, Zoosmell. EB: huh? TT: Optimism through stalwart skepticism is a defect not everyone is lucky enough to be cursed with. EB: that's stupid. EB: i'm not your leader, i am your FRIEND, there is a BIG difference! TT: Statements like that are also why you're our leader. EB: pff. EB: laaaaaaaame. TT: Yes, kind of. EB: so, if you're sure that we are going to fail… EB: what is the point of everything we're doing? TT: Simple. TT: The objective is no longer to win. EB: um… EB: i mean, what are we actually shooting for here? TT: To do as much damage to the game as possible. TT: To rip its stitches and pry answers from the seams. TT: We will snatch purpose from the jaws of futility. TT: Are you ready to wreak some havoc, Zoosmell? EB: i suddenly don't understand anything.

-- grimAuxiliatrix [GA] began trolling tentacleTherapist [TT] --

GA: Okay This Will Probably Strike You As An Odd Moment For Me To Mention This GA: But Actually GA: There Are Not Many Moments Ive Observed On Your Timeline Which Wouldnt Qualify As Odd GA: And Somehow GA: Your Idle Moments Seem To Invite Interruption The Least GA: And This Is A Difficult Topic For Me To Broach GA: For Reasons That You Probably Wont Understand TT: You're rambling again, Queer. GA: Okay Sorry GA: Ive Just Been Meaning To Say GA: That I Read Your Instructional Guide

TT: Oh? GA: Yeah TT: Sorry to hear you were subjected to that. GA: Why TT: It was a little melodramatic in retrospect. Heavy-handed. TT: Have you ever written a message you regretted instantly upon sending? GA: Lately GA: Almost Perpetually TT: That line included? GA: Wow Yeah Kind Of GA: Also GA: That One TT: I'm sure you must regard the walkthrough as pretty quaint. GA: Actually GA: At The Time Of Reading It Lent Some Useful Insight GA: Into The Nature Of The Game I Hadnt Yet Considered TT: At the time? TT: When exactly did you read it? GA: Uh GA: By The Way GA: What Are You Doing Here GA: Is This Part Of Your Ongoing Investigation

TT: Yes. GA: Are These Tactics Really Necessary TT: It's faster this way. TT: If there's one thing you and your friends regularly remind us, it's that time is not on our side. GA: I Know GA: But I Thought Our Methods Earlier Were Effective TT: My current strategy is comprehensive. TT: Your notes have been helpful, but the facts you've supplied are being cross-referenced with understandings I already have, and data gathered by the sort of means presently on display. GA: But These Means Presently On Display GA: Are Making Me A Little Nervous GA: I Think Its Kind Of A Reckless Use Of GA: Influence By The Gods From The Furthest Ring GA: The Communion You Seem To Have Developed With Them I Find Kind Of Troubling TT: I don't think they are as nefarious as you might imagine. TT: Many of them seem to be intent on helping us. GA: How Exactly Do You Know That TT: From their whispers in my dreams. GA: How Much Time Have You Really Spent Sleeping GA: Since You Began Playing TT: Not much. TT: But quite a lot in a failed timeline. TT: And now and then, memories surface from that alternate reality. TT: They spoke to me in my sleep and told me much of what I needed to know. TT: Including what to do to reset our timeline and create the present reality. GA: That Makes Me No Less Nervous TT: I have assurances I'm on the right track. TT: Surely you must have spoken to the gods by now. TT: What did they tell you to make you so suspicious? GA: Actually GA: I Havent GA: I Have Never Visited Derse Or Traveled Beyond The Veil GA: Prospits Moon Was My Home TT: It was? GA: Yes TT: This surprises me. GA: Why TT: … TT: Good question. GA: Skaia Was Always The Foil For My Curiosity GA: But It Only Showed Me What I Needed To See GA: It Very Much Had The Presence Of Something Sentient GA: And GA: Benevolent GA: But Silent GA: Not Something To Converse With Or Be Instructed By GA: I Always Trusted It GA: And I Dont Trust Gods That Would Eschew Its Light TT: You didn't actually answer my question. TT: When was it exactly that you read my walkthrough?

GA: Oh GA: A While Ago GA: Why Dont You Put The Turtle Ruins Down GA: And Return To Your House GA: I Have Sketched Some New Outfits For You That I Think Are Nice GA: We Could Try To Make Them GA: It Will Be Fun TT: You seem to have taken quite an interest in my wardrobe decisions. TT: Are all trolls so fashion-minded? GA: Urrgh No GA: Sadly TT: Maybe later. GA: What If There Isnt A Later TT: Well, we already know there won't be. TT: That's nothing new. GA: I Mean GA: There Not Being A Later Might Happen Sooner Than You Think TT: Wow, what? GA: I Mean GA: For You Specifically GA: Okay GA: This Was Something Else I Wanted To Say GA: Or Ask About GA: But Im Afraid My Asking Might Play A Role In The Outcome GA: And I Dont Know If I Want That

TT: The outcome will happen one way or another. TT: Whether you have something to do with it or not. TT: You might as well ask me. GA: Um TT: I have a question for you too. TT: Let's swap ignorance, ok? GA: Alright GA: I Cant See You In The Future GA: The Viewport Wont Let Me After A Certain Point GA: Its Black GA: But Only For You GA: Not The Others TT: When? GA: Several Hours From Now GA: Do You Know Why This Could Be TT: I have no idea. TT: I can't see the future. TT: But I promise that if I have a hand in it, it won't be because you told me. TT: Does that make you feel better? GA: Sort Of GA: But It Remains Ominous TT: Is that why you want to dissuade me from my admittedly zealous investigation to go play dress-up again? TT: Because our time here is almost up? GA: Also Sort Of TT: That's thoughtful of you. GA: What Was Your Question GA: I Believe Youre Owed Some Compensatory Ignorance TT: Yes. TT: I was wondering.

TT: What do you know about the Green Sun? GA: Ive Never Heard Of It TT: Thank you. TT: The transaction was very tidy. GA: Agreed

[billconrad]

Is Proper English Still necessary?

When I was a young pup, all the students immediately grasped reading and writing. It looked so easy, but I struggled despite trying my best. Things began changing in the ninth grade, and I started making peace with grammar, spelling, and writing.

    Why was mastering the English language so important? English? They ripped off the word from the name of a country. Lame. The answer is that we no longer solely depend on verbal words to communicate in our modern society. Instead, we write concepts on paper, enter them into a computer, or print them on a printing press. Written words have become the primary means of communication, information, computation, and understanding. Thus, it is necessary to have an agreed-upon format, and education forces students to follow these rules.

    And the result is fantastic. “Today, I ate a red apple for breakfast.” There is no ambiguity in that sentence. Every single reader 100% understood exactly what information I intended to convey. And what a great sentence! Did you notice the capital letter at the beginning and the period at the end? How helpful! And that coma? Readers know exactly when to pause while speaking. Genius!

    Professionals, employers, teachers, and readers expect/demand good sentence structure to work, communicate, understand, research, record, archive, share, debate, and absorb the content. Even if all the meaning is present, a poorly written sentence trips up the system because readers get confused. Sometimes, the error can be so bad that the confusion can only be resolved by contacting the author.

    Finally, a well-written document is so much more impressive. It stands out as the mark of a true professional, and they can be proud of their creation. Proper documents power our modern world and prepare us for a fantastic future.

    Well, it seems like I have summed things up neatly. Spelling, punctuation, and grammar are all essential for a functioning society. Nothing more to say. Yet… Some cracks are forming. Let’s start with the with our “solid foundation.” What is the standard set of rules for the English language? That’s easy. The Chicago Manual of Style. Obviously!

    Umm, how many kids/adults even know about this book? Did the teacher bring it out in your first-grade class? No. Why not? Oh, it is too complex for kids. Now, hold on. Remember going to Sunday school as a kid to learn about religion? Yup, on the first day, some religious person tossed a Bible/Torah/Koran right at you, and you spent the next 10-100 years trying to figure out the meaning.

    Have you read the Chicago Manual of Style? What a confusing mess! But it is perfect, right? Umm. Why is it on the seventeenth edition? Hmm, it sounds like the manual needed improving. And who decided the Chicago Manual of Style was the master default source? I never even heard of the thing until I was 50.

    It used to be that when you bought a car, you jumped in and drove off. The Lexus we purchased five years ago has FIVE manuals. The owner’s manual is 907 pages, and the entertainment/navigation system is 416 pages. Is it necessary to read all that? If you want to understand how to navigate, it sure is.

According to Toner Buzz:

Each year, 500,000 to 1 million new books come out.

Including self-published authors, the count reaches close to 4 million new book titles each year.

In 2021, there were about 2.3 million new self-published books in the US, marking a decline compared to the preceding two years.

Plus there is internet information, prior published books, newspapers, magazines, textbooks, journals, letters, and advertisements. They even have entire buildings filled with books, called libraries. What is a library? Dang, you will have to go to the library, to get a dictionary to look up that word.

    It is all too much, and something must give. Quality. Yes, the effort we put into writing quality has begun to slip. Now, English errors are more common and get less attention.

    Speaking of introducing errors, we now have a new player. Yes, Artificial Intelligence is now in the typeset seat. Yay! Need to create a 1000-word report about George Washington? ChatGPT: Create a 1000-word report about the life and history of George Washington. Done! And the result will read well. Very well! But… ChatGPT is not a person. It makes weird mistakes, gets repetitive, confusing, wordy, and produces incorrect results. But the grammar/spelling and punctuation is fantastic. Right?

    ChatGPT created sentences that look good with a quick review, but I see flaws when I study sentence structure. (Note: I do not use ChatGPT for writing. I do use it for a story idea sounding board.) The funny thing is that ChatGPT is getting worse. It blabbers on about nonsense and gets into strange side tangents. I have spotted two glaring spelling mistakes.

    We have another problem: Spell/grammar checkers. Wow, they have changed my life. I love Grammarly, ProWritingAid, Thesarus.com, Dictonary.com, Wikipedia, and random name generators. Astounding! And I can even hire a ghostwriter, beta reader, or copy editor. They charge by the word. Just like Uber charges by the mile!

    What happens when these incredible resources disagree? All those tools are synchronized to the latest edition of The Chicago Manual of Style, The Modern Language Association of America handbook, and the Oxford Dictionary. Right? They are not? What? How can that be? They do their own thing because nobody can agree upon the rules. Know what is worse? Besides America, other countries speak English, and their rules differ.

    Plus, there is a new player: social media and streaming sites. We used to get all our essential information from written sources like textbooks, manuals, guides, reference books, or data sheets. Let’s say I want to remove the engine from my car. I used to go to the library and check out one or more books on automotive repair. Then, I would search for the chapter on engine removal and follow the steps. The manual will include important cautions, tips, warnings, and pictures/diagrams.

    Now, I search YouTube for “engine removal” and then watch the informative video. If I do not like the video, I click on another. What is the problem? YouTube viewers will listen to a person naturally speaking without a script, and there will be many grammatical errors. This means that hearing verbal errors is becoming more acceptable, which translates to writing errors being more acceptable.

    Now for the most significant attack on the English language. Kids text all day and night. Punctuation is actively frowned upon, and kids intentionally misspell words. Teachers are completely overwhelmed, and they have another problem.

    Popular social agendas have ruined the education system, and politicians are introducing programs without trials or public input. For example, my daughter graduated from a high school with the “No Child Left Behind” program. Wow, that sounds impressive.

    What did this program replace? They used to have an Advanced Placement class for the smart kids, a regular class, and a class to help the struggling kids. Now, they throw them together with the idea that the smart kids will help struggling kids.

    Result? Group tests, projects, and homework. My daughter was placed with three average kids and two struggles. So, she would do the work while the others play on their phones. Even when she asks for their input, they refuse to help. A+ for everyone! What does this mean? This means that chimps learning sign language get a better education than five out of six kids.

    It gets worse. Because the administrators at her high school spent all their money on giving themselves raises, they must cheap out as much as possible. So, they use open-source (free) software instead of industry-standard programs. Do companies use open-source programs? No, because they must administer their employees, open-source programs are nearly impossible to control, secure, or maintain.

    Now, I must pivot. I got my latest book back from my copy editor and have been reviewing the edits. My guy is fantastic and uncovered so many errors I never would have spotted. Wonderful!

    Well, I found a significant error that the copy editor missed. See if you can spot it. This is a dialog between two characters:

“I try.”

“Stop being so modest and take the compliment,” Kim chided,

“Alright.”

    I ended a sentence with a comma and not a period. This mistake is easy to miss because a comma and a period look similar. Side note: Grammarly, Microsoft Word, and ProWritingAid also missed it. Boo!

    This error is big enough for a bus to drive through. And I was even more upset because I caught the mistake after reviewing the document several times. But then I thought about the reality of the situation. Was my mistake that bad?

    I see spelling mistakes on massive billboards, gobbledygook from bestselling authors, and text messages that are so bad that I cannot make heads or tails of them. My comma mix-up was a minor boo-boo—no big deal.

    Yet, I remained angry. “I should have caught this! My editor should have caught this! Hey, you messed up, Grammarly, Microsoft Word, and ProWritingAid!”

    Am I writing this article to give myself a pass? No, quite the opposite. Today, there are more tools than ever to correct English flaws. Plus, the internet provides a vast resource for properly learning English, and the rules are better documented than ever. So, there is no excuse for improper English.

    Yet… Have you read a book review lately? I often see comments like: “Needed editing.” “I spotted six spelling errors in the first chapter.” “Did a sixth grader write this?” “They used ChatGPT to write the entire book.”

    And there is a final smack in the face. It has taken me a lifetime of struggling to attain basic English skills. Now that I can appreciate finely crafted sentences (I love you, Neil Gaiman!!!), everything has turned to junk.

    My question remains. How upset should I be by my comma mistake? So many people discourage proper English, and a well-written sentence looks out of place. My answer is that I will try my best, but this feels like a battle where I am the only one who cares about the outcome.

    You’re the best -Bill

    September 11, 2024

   Hey, book lovers, I published four. Please check them out:

  Interviewing Immortality. A dramatic first-person psychological thriller that weaves a tale of intrigue, suspense, and self-confrontation.

   Pushed to the Edge of Survival. A drama, romance, and science fiction story about two unlikely people surviving a shipwreck and living with the consequences.

   Cable Ties. A slow-burn political thriller that reflects the realities of modern intelligence, law enforcement, department cooperation, and international politics.

   Saving Immortality. Continuing in the first-person psychological thriller genre, James Kimble searches for his former captor to answer his life’s questions.

   These books are available in softcover on Amazon and in eBook format everywhere.

[auniverseforgotten]

Top 5 animated movies!!!

OKAY HERE WE GOOOOOOO absolute top is gonna be number 1 but there's no other order to the next ones, I just love the first one more than anything

FIRST OFF SOME HONORABLE MENTIONS and yes I have a million of them I'm sorry I love so many animated movies:

-Pagemaster: brilliant concept, well executed imo and I ESPECIALLY loved horror's area.

-Scooby Doo and the Ghoul School: SUCH A FUN CONCEPT I love the daughters of movie monsters and it's honestly so wholesome. ALSO all the early scooby doo movies are fab

-The Snow Queen [1957]: we had this on vhs at my grandparents when I was a kid, and the animation and telling of the story really grabbed me.

-Megamind: IT'S VIBES IT'S VIBES IT'S VIBES I WISH I HAD MORE SPOTS IT WOULD BE ON HERE OFFICIALLY

-Fantasia [1940]: Fantastic animation, but my favorite sequence is the Night on Bald Mountain sequence with Czernobog and the insanely cool ghost animations. Did also love the inaccurate dinos tho

-Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 1&2: BIG COMFORT MOVIES I love the foodimals so much

-Moana: I love this movie so much I saw it in theaters FIVE TIMES I JUST RAN OUT OF SPACE

-Basically anything Studio Ghibli: LOOK I LOVE STUDIO GHIBLI THEY MAKE MASTERPIECES I ADORE THEM BUT I DON'T HAVE A TON OF SPOTS and while I love them I saw them as an adult so my nostalgia wins out.

-The Swan Princess [1994]: an absolute classic just...just don't look up the sequels...trust me....the first two that were done in the 90s aren't bad but my god. It gets. SO bad. I HAVE SEEN THEM ALL. TRUST ME.

-The Secret of NIMH: A really lovely movie that is ENTIRELY different from the book; where the movie leans hard into magic, the book leans hard into technology. They're both enjoyable, though!

-The Emperor's New Groove: AMAZING CAST AMAZING MUSIC I LOVE IT ALL SO MUCH

-The Great Mouse Detective: VINCENT PRICE VINCENT PRICE VINCENT PRICE VINCENT PRICE

The Hobbit [1977 Rankin and Bass]

LOOK PEOPLE HAVE FEELINGS ABOUT THIS MOVIE. I get that. The art isn't for everyone and it GREATLY compresses the story and ignores some of the most important parts of the movie.

BUT.

This is my number one comfort movie of all time. I have been watching this movie for decades. When we were having some really scary wildfires I watched this movie and the return of the king one they did for hours on end because it calmed me down.

To me the art style fits it perfectly; it feels like a storybook that's holding some sort of secret inside, just waiting for you to explore. It has it's problems, certainly; the wood elves are...what even are they, Elrond has a beard [only one elf ever had a beard, Círdan, who looks visibly VERY old in contrast to other elves], but just LOOK at Bilbo here. JUST LOOK AT HIM. You say hobbit and this is forever what I will see first.

AND THE SOUNDTRACK OH MY GOODNESS THE SOUNDTRACK. Utilizing the amazing Glenn Yarbrough, an American folk singer. I listen to this playlist all the time just. For anything. Feeling sad, 1977 Hobbit soundtrack. Need background music, 1977 Hobbit soundtrack. Just vibing, 1977 Hobbit soundtrack. I can sing along to every single song on this playlist it fills me with such comfort and joy.

The movie as said above fails in SEVERAL crucial ways; the Arkenstone doesn't even exist, seven of the dwarves die rather than just the line of Durin, they leave out a lot for the run time but I just. It's nostalgia but it's also just a deep love for the very FEELING of this movie, the way it feels and sings in my heart. Nothing will ever top this for me. I OWN A RECORD FOR THIS MOVIE LIKE.

OKAY FOR THE REST this is any order no favorite or preference just movie

2. The Rescuers [also 1977, good year for solar favorite movies]

So this is one of the few Disney movies I watched as a kid that I still actually enjoy today!! i am a lover of all things small, especially when those smalls use things from the world around them to create their world. The Littles was one of my fave book series as a young kid, and Rescuers gets a head above others for that alone.

And also it's just so charming?? I love Bianca and Bernard, I love their dynamic, Medusa is an excellent villain, and Penny...oooh Penny she's such a sweet kid. It's a classic rescue kid from bad situation and it just hits on so many levels. And also it's not about it but the ANIMATION IN THE SECOND ONE,,,,THIS SERIES KEEPS WINNING.

Also like I. Love. Old sparkle effects. And when Penny is down in the cave looking for the diamond?? SPARKLES.

3. Pokemon 3: The Movie [2000]

LOOK I LOVE A LOT OF THE POKEMON MOVIES especially the early ones; this one BARELY beat out Pokemon 4ever for this spot, like man,,,,that scene with Celebi,,,AND IT HAD SUICUNE IN IT,,,,Pokemon 4ever is amazing too BUT THE REASON WHY POKEMON 3.

The Unown. My god never have I loved a movie take on a Pokemon more than this one. So the Ruins of Alph in Pokemon Crystal was one of my favorite places to go; I loved how weird the radio got down there, I loved the way that the ruins were, I loved the messages and the thought of it being some kind of ancient Pokecivilzation. So ofc I'm going to love an Unown movie. But the powers they get are insane. They transport Molly's dad into the Unown dimension and then they're like "oh shoot sorry kid uhhhh magic box of Us!!" and then Molly goes WILD. And the Pokemon and ENTEI and stealing Delia,,,,LOOK IT'S SO GOOD. But again I love every single early Pokemon movie I could tell you SO MANY MOMENTS

4. The Book of Life [2014]

OKAY HEAR ME OUT. Some of the covers DEFINITELY do not land BUT. BUT. THE VIBES OF THIS MOVIE ARE IMMACULATE. I adore the way the cast of the 'Story' part look, how they're so clearly wooden dolls and how their world comes to life. I love the story going on with a boy whose family are bullfighters but he's gentle, a boy whose father died protecting the town and so he becomes Obsessed with doing the same, and a girl who is yes the usual tomboy character and is sent away for it BUT SHE'S STILL REALLY COOL EVEN WHEN SHE COMES BACK.

But I also really especially love the designs of La Muerte, Xibalba, and the Candlemaker. Idk it's just so fun to me??? It's ridiculous and silly but emotional and I love it.

5. Atlantis: The Lost Empire [2001]

NOTHING. NOTHING. Can ever unseat my love for this movie. It starts with the animation style; everything feels very SHAPED. A lot of the shapes feel blockier, more action-y in my mind, and nothing ever feels normal which is honestly perfect for the subject. THERE ARE SO MANY GOOD HINTS like the coelacanths in the tank and OH MY GOD HELGA SHE'S SO AMAZING I LOVE HER and the whole CAST oh man the WHOLE CAST I LOVE THEM ALL SO MUCH

I am especially soft for Whitmore and Sweet I won't lie, they just make me so RAHHH I LOVE THEM but I just. Every part of this movie is great. ROARK is an amazing villain, his comeuppance is brutal and deserved, THE MONSTERS,,,,OH MAN THE MONSTERS,,,,and the way everything works together aaaaaa,,,,I love it so much

ALSO A NOTE TO THE SECOND ONE it was originally a pilot for a tv show which is why it feels so disconnected, but my favorite sequence in it is in the desert...with the sand coyotes....I get chills every time

THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE ASK CY!!!!

[phillipcole]

Post-AGT Appearance 1291: Saturday afternoon Oldies with Norma Pokocky CHES fm 91.7 March 2

Toad woman of Tennessee would have dropped to 12th by the last weekend of February and would have made $234 million domestic. It would have ended its international run with $182 million. Man of my Dreams would have dropped to 24th the last week of February.

Desantis would have dropped out 2 days before the South Carolina primary. Haley would have won 42-39 with Burgum getting 14%.

Trump would have won Michigan with 45%, Haley 27, Burgum 26. None of the above would have gotten 22% against 69 for Biden, Williamson 5, Phillips 4. I would be back in Canada, still with no news from the Colbert people. Brian Mulroney would never have cracked the top 100, but with his death Friday my agent would decide I needed a quiet, safe interview in Canada over the weekend. He would have picked a live visit to CHES fm 91.7 in Ontario, a community non-profit station and I would have done the interview with Norma Pokocky, who plays oldies on Saturdays from 12 to 4 local time. I would join her shortly after 1 pm.

Pokocky: Well today as promised I have a live interview guest: Phil Cole of Phillip and Cole's Variety Team. He is well known to Americans for all forms of entertainment and now he's in Canada preparing to make 3 major movies starring Justin Bieber. Phil, thank you so much for being here.

PBC: My pleasure.

Pokocky: Phil, your career is well known in the states, but some Canadians might not be familiar with you. Can you start by telling us how your career started?

PBC: Yes. my career started 10 years ago last month wi9th my first audition for America's got Talent.

Pokocky: That recently?

PBC: Yes, I had not performed anywhere before that. I had this great idea for a traveling entertainment team. I'm from the little state of Rhode Island, but that year they held auditions in Providence.

Pokocky: How did it go?

PBC: Well, first I looked for a partner, a musician to play the songs I created for Phillip and Cole. I posted an ad on Craig's List and someone replied. He said he was from the south so I wrote a song called Nashville Rap for Cole from Nashville and created Phillip, a Boston intellectual who writes country songs.

Pokocky: That's funny already. What was his song called?

PBC: The Northeast livin', bland vanilla Blues.

Pokocky: Ha ha ha.

PBC: The man was just there to cause trouble, so I ended up alone, but I wrote the 2 songs, created the characters, stood in line and then someone said, "You only get 90 seconds."

Pokocky: Oh no; what did you do?

PBC: I couldn't sing, so the 2 characters introduced themselves. Phillip told 2 intellectual jokes. Cole told 2 corny southern jokes, then we did the routine called Celebrities that make Phillip sick. We wrote the list on toilet paper. Cole read it and Phillip got sicker and sicker. When Phillip was lying on the floor Cole said,

Cole: There's 2 more names on the list, but if I read them now, it might kill him.

PBC: Then wiped his bum with the list.

Pokocky: Oh my, and that got you on the show?

PBC: It got me to the second audition. Now the reason I used that routine is because Howard Stern the shock jock...

Pokocky: Yes, we know him.

PBC: He was one of the judges that year, and a charter member of the sick list. So at the next audition, in New York, I went.

Pokocky: This is a one man team by the way.

PBC: Yes, I'm Phil, not Phillip. Phillip's in a coma now. Well, I went to New York and told jokes about the other judges. That got me to the third audition, in New Jersey. We sent Norbert Adams to that one.

Pokocky: Is he here.

PBC: Yes, hey Norbert.

Norbert: Y-yes.

PBC: Tell her what you said in New Jersey.

Norbert: Hi, I-ii'm Norbert Adams, th-th-th-the unluckiest man in the world. I I I kn-know what you're thinking. Where's Phillip and Cole? They don't want to get this close to Chris Christie.

Pokocky: Oh my!

PBC: That got me on the show, but there was no way I could win. I barley made the first round. Then Phillip did a routine called Alternate endings to Shakespeare plays. We knew we were doomed, so when it was time to cut the list from 24 to 12 we introduced the rest of the team. There's the Ranting 99 Year old Man. He died last year. Then there's Brad and Ford, Cole's cousins. We were eliminated but we had a full team.

Pokocky: We play records here, oldies. Do you mind if I play a couple songs now.

PBC: No, I need to catch my breath.

Pokocky: Don't go away folks, we have a lot more with Phillip and Cole's Variety Team.

[the-firebird69]

She's talking about the Royal family and she says you're also royalty everywhere else and he says so I'm a royal royal pain in the ass she looks down and says persons of lips and says yes kind of like Grandma but differently just kind of like an impolittle with dust a lot she does it a lot I'm very sarcastic and sardonic unfortunately copied Kathy and a little bit less clean Elizabeth the second so she went up there I said oh she's acting differently they used to cast a son off pretty much a lot and she was a little Queen at the house. You started talking to Mom about it today and said I don't want to asking me for stuff from Britain out loud ever and she said you're saying it out loud now and she goes okay and she says what can you bring over she said I got stuff what do we need here look at this old face and you're going to handle it and stuff and she's going oh my dear to say to you in American it's kind of old and expensive and put it back gingerly so carefully she thought I wonder how much she thinks it's worth it's like a hundred bucks or something he doesn't have any money she would say oh dear he has no money and that's what she's thinking as you say it like an act oh he hasn't any money he's a poor guy and hero would be laughing because with the mixed up jumbled stuff she's saying and thinking it sounded confusing on purpose and it wasn't she's just thinking he's poor and we're not and that's bad and he started making money saving money all over the place and she thought that's that's great she heard how much she thought it would never do it's time to try and help greedy but he doesn't really know he has any money somebody tell that boy how to make money so we got a chance status for saying it but that's what she said to do know that he would probably help her. And it works out like this Trump is the madman and PGA is going to be fighting him for Max to take it back and she laughs and says that sounds right. And slowly she drifted off and they got there and preserved her and put her away and they're evil people. And juice it's a threatening her you're trying to take everything in the backfired she laughs and says I'm tired of your stupid jokes and I wonder if they're funny. She's fading away and he's saying these jokes I wonder if your Catherine the Great she said no and he said where is she going well she's going to sleep for a while unfortunately the assholes are doing it and he goes and preserved he says we get that appreciating it so he's going to get there somehow and she said good finally she said stop telling me those jokes are horrible hurry up Uncle Mac if you're not fast enough you have to go dig her out of there it's a lot more work. She's smiling a little and A tear came to her eye cuz he doesn't want to go through all that. It's nice to be cared about okay and you people act like you don't care about our son at all you more like a terrible and some are okay but just okay and then really bad she was horrible today and now see if it can get much worse

The more like her up there and they have around 10 million octillion troops and people are not fighting each other and they're trying to figure out what to do and don't worry about robots and Giants and they're sitting there like on their horses waiting and they're getting a sign from some of their troops is there doing some work to figure out what it is and they're saying this both are gone we would duped we were due to we were duped and they keep saying it Max people are saying who is on watch We were no wiped out by these idiots who didn't form a chain they said my grand nephew has style but he forgot about it too and he didn't think that he had to remember it as well as he does he has no command and no station and no money what a pitiful State we're in and that's Mac Daddy. That's fine pulls aside and a horse the nights uniform one and says yeah but I did the job. And backs the horse back to where his rank is. Is it sullen moment of praise for him. In order troops and to do the full investigation and a big number.

Thor Freya

I haven't felt message goes out to our people we are in trouble and as our friend said this person is a menace and the two Big fellas that he works with and their cadre says that we have a chance to do something now and that he's been right the whole time and they've been trying to help and doing the work they mean this is how these people need help they're practically crippled and they're smart and tough but these people are numerous and very very annoying and heathens we need to stop them

Mac daddy

We're up to it now and we're going to help out we're going to do the job and we're going to be the clowns that we were made to be by accident or on purpose

Bja

And we're moving to the edge of the hole they find that it's quite deep and cavernous but it's not that deep as he said there wouldn't be any water in most of the ocean and we're moving in and soon we will be engulfed by the darkness

Brad

We have to do this and it's now we need to see what it is

Jason

Remove shortly and we have a plan it's a good one we think

Mike tew TU.nels too

You need some air up here this place is stiflingly low and oxygen the levels are mind-bogglingly low there's too many ships someone has to blow some air up I'm sending mine

Daniel

It's a huge huge battle that's for me there's so many up there I think the clothes be gone but they have a lot of people they're going to figure that out now that we've been right

Olympus

[outerbankies]

You know how teenager rafe is gonna just be spiralling over reader going to prom with someone else? I’m going to cry cause like he’s a baby and he doesn’t know why he has these feeling for this one person that he’s always kind of orbited around?? And he knows she’s it for him but only deep down cause he’s trying to figure so much out and how could you know who you’re going to end up with at the age of 17 let alone 10 or 12 but he’s always known and aaaaah imagine that kind of love

an angsty little pre-series prom blurb partially inspired by this ^ ask that made me spiralll. thanks anon i hope u like this!

—

new light blurb: before we knew — rafe cameron

new light series masterlist

obv takes place pre-series in high school! referenced in part 1

warnings: underage drinking

“Top, it’s not fucking funny.”

“It’s kinda fucking funny, Y/n/n. Like, way more than a little.”

Rafe had ditched the last fifteen minutes of statistics when he finished his test early today, and he’d been messing around on his phone for ten minutes waiting for the rest of you to come and get in Topper’s Jeep so you could all go to lunch off-campus today.

Rafe stands up straight from where he’d been leaning against the hood when he hears your voice approaching, his smile matching yours once you see him. “Hey, Rafe. How did your stats test go?”

“Good, hey, Y/n. What’s not funny?” he asks, opening the passenger side door for you before sliding into the backseat behind you.

“Oh, get this, Rafe,” Topper says, laughing. You just groan again, clicking your seatbelt on. “Griffin is gonna ask Y/n to prom. Tomorrow.”

Rafe blanches. “Griffin?”

He knew Griffin thought you were hot. Certainly had to hear it enough times in the pool at practice every day. Rafe always found himself biting back a remark—well, almost always. As captain, Rafe was able to tell everyone to run another play whenever he felt like it. The extra exertion in the pool was nothing compared to having to tread water and hear his teammate talk about you like that.

But even after all of that, he still had no idea Griffin had the balls to actually make a move on you. Because Rafe could tell you’d seriously rather die than ever give Griffin the time of day. And Griffin had been pursuing you without luck for months, even though you’d been trying to gently show you weren’t interested. Half of the time, Rafe wished you'd just tell him to fuck off.

The other half of the time, Rafe was considering just doing it for you.

Rafe clears his throat after his outburst, a finger digging into a hole in his jeans. “How do you know?”

“He just told me in PE,” Topper says. “He said he has this huge banner, and speakers, and he’s gonna do it at lunch right in the middle of the quad—”

“Topper.” You cut him off a bit more seriously this time; Rafe can hear the shift in your tone. You've always hated being anywhere close to the center of attention, getting embarrassed by the smallest things others wouldn’t even think about. If Griffin actually knew anything about you the way Rafe does, he’d know you wouldn’t like something big and flashy. “Can you stop?”

“Hey, cut it out, Top,” Rafe is saying immediately. Topper just rolls his eyes, but Rafe doesn’t care. “You okay?”

“Yeah, Rafe,” you say, smiling over your shoulder at him. “M’fine.”

“Do you want me to tell Griffin to—”

Topper laughs from the driver’s seat, clearing his throat to cover it up when you look over at him. You look back at Rafe, and his heart breaks at the worry in your face. “Don’t, Rafe.”

“Are you gonna say yes?”

“No,” you immediately laugh, looking at him like the idea is preposterous.

“Oh c’mon, Y/n/n. Can’t say no to him in front of all those people,” Topper teases. “And where the fuck is Kelce? I’m starving.”

“You’re right,” you sigh. “I don’t wanna embarrass him. I’ll just find him after school today and tell him I’m going with Kelce.”

Topper’s eyes widen, Rafe catches it in the rearview mirror before he hurriedly looks away. Rafe clears his throat, settling back into his seat from where he’d been leaning into the front space to talk with you. “You—uh, are you actually going with Kelce?”

“Yeah,” you nod, distracted by your phone. “We said we’d go together if we didn’t find dates. Kelce didn’t really wanna ask anyone after what happened last summer. And after nearly being set up with Top last night, I’m about ready to throw in the towel.“

Rafe looks to his friend that sits in the driver’s seat, who's looking straight at his lap, the back of his neck bright red. “Wait, you two?”

“It was just our parents, dude. Went to dinner at the club last night and our moms brought it up,” Topper mumbles. You giggle at the idea, completely unaware of the energy in the car right now.

“Yeah, sorry, Thornton. But no thanks. You and Emily should be really cute, though,” you say earnestly, patting his shoulder.

Topper just stares straight ahead. “Thanks, Y/n/n.”

“And then this thing with Griffin—I’m just so over the idea of finding an actual date at this point,” you sigh. “Plus, I know Kelce won’t put up a fight about the color scheme. I’m thinking like, aqua. Or maybe pink? I don't think I'd look good in gold.”

You'll look good in absolutely anything, and Rafe will just have to watch you from across the floor of the Island Club, while Kelce twirls you around the dance floor or holds you close during a slow dance.

The guy in question opens the car door and slides into the backseat next to Rafe right then, sighing as he slides his backpack off. “Sorry guys, coach stopped me in the hall. Where are we eating?”

Rafe glares at him.

“I want a smoothie,” you declare from the front seat.

“Fine with me,” Topper nods, pulling out of his parking spot. “Guys?”

“Can we go to that place with the deli next door? I’m so hungry,” Kelce says.

“Yeah, I like their açaí bowls,” you say, twisting around to look at Rafe one more time. He must not be able to hide his emotions as much as he thought, because your smile drops when you see him. “Rafe? Does that sound good?”

He turns his body to look out the window, eyes flicking back to yours one last time. “Not hungry.”

—

Rafe meets Topper and Kelce at the dock later that night, the three of them intending to get drunk and maybe take Topper’s boat out if they felt like it.

Kelce is already there by the time Rafe pulls up, drinking a beer with Topper while they laugh at something on his phone.

And Rafe paces right down the dock, snatches Kelce’s phone out of his hand, and pushes him off the platform and into the water.

“Rafe, dude,” Topper says, immediately pushing him back by his chest.

“What the fuck?” Kelce sputters, spitting out water as he surfaces and climbs the ladder back up. “What is your fucking problem?”

“You couldn’t ask literally fucking anyone else? It had to be Y/n?” Rafe says, laughing indignantly. He looks down at where Topper is still keeping them separated. “And you—what the fuck—”

“I told you, man. It was just our moms. We didn’t even consider it,” Topper says, rolling his eyes.

“You both lied to me,” Rafe accuses. “Because you knew I’d be mad.”

“And why’s that, Rafe?” Kelce spits, reaching around Topper to try and push at his chest. “Why are you mad? Not like you were gonna ask her.”

“No,” Rafe says immediately. And he isn’t even lying; it’d never crossed his mind as a possibility. Which is why he can’t even begin to try and work out why he’s this upset about it. He didn’t do anything to stop this, but it’s still happening, and it’s making him crazy. “You know my dad’s making me take Reagan since we’re both on prom court.”

“That’s what I thought,” Kelce grumbles. “I was gonna tell you.”

“When?”

“Soon, I just—we made the plan so long ago, bro. Neither of us wanted to worry about dates… but I gave it time because I thought you might—I dunno,” Kelce trails off, shrugging. “I dunno.”

“Thought I might what?”

“Figure your shit out and ask her yourself,” Topper says, coming back from the boathouse with a towel that he passes to Kelce.

“Even if I could, Y/n/n would never say yes to me,” Rafe scoffs, shaking his head and reaching for the six-pack they were working through.

Topper scoffs back. “Oh, yeah ri—”

“Guess we’ll never know,” Kelce says, cutting him off while he dumps the water out of his shoes. He sighs at his soaked clothes before he looks back up at Rafe. “You know I’m not into her right? We’re just going as friends. It’s senior prom.”

“Why would I care what you’re going as?” Rafe says, shifting in discomfort, hand clutching his already-half-empty beer can a little tighter. “None of it even matters.”

“Whatever you wanna tell yourself, bro,” Kelce sighs, grabbing his phone out of Rafe’s hand and pushing past him to go change.

—

“Nice taste, Y/l/n.”

You whirl around from where you’d been adjusting Kelce’s boutonnière (you’d only pricked him twice, which was a personal record for you) at the sound of Rafe’s voice, plastering on a smile before you face him. Your eyes drop to his attire immediately. “Oh shit, Rafe. We match.”

“I know,” he laughs. “My step-mom wants a picture.”

You furrow your eyebrows, shifting in your heels, the tule of your dress suddenly itchy against your legs. “Um. Shouldn’t you take one with Reagan?”

“We already took a million. From every angle. With every possible fucking pose,” Rafe sighs. “C’mon, please? Before the limo comes.”

Rafe grabs your hand and you look back at Kelce who just nods, downing some champagne. “Take care of my date, Cameron.”

You can see Rafe just shake his head where you trail behind him, leading you back to where Rose is talking to one of the other moms. “There you are. Your dress is beautiful! I wish we'd found one like that for Reagan. It looks great with Rafe's tuxedo.”

“Uh, yeah. It's nice to see you, Mrs. Cameron,” you say politely, ignoring the last half of what she said completely. She pulls up her phone and Rafe’s bringing you into his side, his hand resting in the middle of your back.

“This okay?” he murmurs, his breath fanning over your neck as he leans down.

“Yep,” you say quickly, but you can’t help but look around and catch multiple of your friends watching you, including Reagan, who promptly rolls her eyes once you make eye contact with her.

“Y/n, sweetie, just a few pictures for the newsletter,” Rose says, reminding you of your purpose right now.

“Right, sorry,” you say.

“Hey,” Rafe whispers. You look up at him, feeling his hand bring you closer to his body. “Take this a little more seriously, Y/l/n. Don’t you know that the next issue of the Island Club newsletter will be completely ruined without this one specific photo, that will probably be squished into the corner of a terribly- edited collage?”

You laugh in surprise, hitting him on his chest for joking about his step-mom right in front of her. “Rafe. Be nice.”

He just grins down at you, before straightening up and turning back to the camera. “If I’m nice, will you save a dance for me later tonight?”

You’re glad he’s not looking at you anymore, because then he’d see the way your smile faltered before you turn back to the camera as well. “Sure.”

—

“How is my flask empty?” Kelce groans, tipping it over and shaking it out for emphasis.

“That’s what happens when you drink it all, bud,” you laugh, patting his shoulder. He rolls his eyes at you, linking his arm in yours as you both pass through the crowd to find Topper and his date, Emily. You all watch Rafe up on stage, waiting to inevitably be crowned prom king.

He was a shoo-in anyway, but you’d definitely distracted your English teacher with a conversation about the 1984 essay you just turned in while Topper and Kelce stuffed the ballot box he was meant to be guarding.

Rafe seemed like he couldn’t care less about stuff like prom court, just shaking his head when his name was announced over the speaker as a nominee three weeks ago at lunch.

And he’d dragged his feet through finding a date, just shrugging whenever you brought it up to him, prying partially for your own sake.

You couldn’t figure out why he seemed so averse to the entire event, but you supposed that was better than having to hear him go on and on about Reagan and how he asked her and what corsage he bought for her and if he was bringing her to after-prom—or anything else that would’ve dragged up some feelings you thought you’d firmly buried at this point, telling yourself for years that you never stood a chance with Rafe.

But the closer graduation got, the more you’ve been realizing that things with your friends would never be the same. Things with Rafe would never be the same.

“Kildare Academy, your prom king is Rafe Cameron,” the DJ says, snapping you out of your thoughts. Kelce and Topper cheer obnoxiously while you laugh, a little grateful they’re both drunk and distracted—so happy their plan worked (Rafe subtly flips them off behind his back as he’s crowned) that they can’t notice the way your shoulders slump as Rafe leads Reagan, just crowned queen, out to the middle of the dance floor while some Ed Sheeran song starts playing through the speakers. You’d roll your eyes at the terrible music selection if that was what you could focus on.

All you could focus on was wondering if Rafe would even remember that you promised him a dance tonight.

Kelce is dramatically bringing you into his arms as the prom court dance takes place, subtly turning you around so your back faces the stage and the court, smiling as he holds your waist. “C’mon, dance with me.”

—

Rafe’s letting go of Reagan as soon as the song ends and everybody cheers, dashing off to the DJ booth after telling her he’d be back in a bit. She merely shrugged before adjusting her crown and going off to some friends.

“Hey man, can I pull some prom king privilege right now?” he says, leaning in to speak into the guys’ ear. “I have a song request.”

“Playlist is set, approved by the school,” he says dismissively.

“Thought you might say that,” Rafe grumbles, reaching into his breast pocket before he can take the time to wonder if he’s really going to do this—if he’s really going to bribe the DJ to play a song by your favorite band before he goes to cash in on that dance together that you’d promised.

He hands him a crisp hundred.

The DJ sighs, snatching it out of his hand and pocketing it while Rafe smirks in victory. “Alright, what song, country club?”

And then it's practically a race to find you before the Kid Cudi remix currently playing ends. Rafe heads off in the direction where Topper and Kelce had been yelling when he was on stage, evening his pace when he spots you jumping around with Kelce, your dress fanning around you while you laugh, the string lights illuminating your face.

You’re smiling so big that it stops Rafe in his tracks.

Guys had always shown interest in you, and you turned most of them down. Not all of them; Rafe still had to see you with guys who absolutely did not deserve you giving them the time of day, sometimes at parties or maybe at the Club. Rafe could usually lie to himself, write off these feelings as some protectiveness over you, a nice girl who’d been a good friend to him his entire life. Rafe was protective of all the people he held close in his life, why wouldn’t he look out for you, too?

But something must have changed, because now—now Rafe’s looking at you, and he knows time is running out before you both set off on your futures. He has three weeks of school left with you, then a summer of seeing you around. And then... that's it.

And now he’s looking at you, those feelings less and less ignorable with every single second closer Rafe gets to not having you around him every day anymore.

Those feelings are crowding every corner of his mind, finally coming to the surface after all of the drama with prom dates had forced Rafe to wonder why he couldn’t stand you going with Griffin or Topper or Kelce. Couldn’t stand thinking about you ever being with someone that wasn’t him—a reality he knows he’d have to get used to you a lot quicker than it took him to even realize he’d fallen for you.

Because the future’s coming, and maybe in the future you actually end up with someone like Griffin, or Mateo, or that guy from the party that one time, or that touron from New England that your parents tried to set you up with, some hotshot you brought home from California after a semester, or Kelce—even Topper. Your parents would love that one. And one day in this future, you’re running into Rafe on the soccer field; your kids play for the same team together. Rafe ended up settling for someone he could never like half as much as he loved you, and he sees you across the field with a sweater tied around your shoulders, chatting with all of the other moms. The lucky asshole you finally chose just watches you the way Rafe always had, the way he is now as you dance with his best friend, the way Rafe will probably never be able to stop himself from doing.

Or maybe there's another future without you, where you move away to somewhere that suits you; the Outer Banks had never good enough for you, in his mind. Maybe you stay in California after school. And you bring home that hotshot that’s perfectly matched for you, who gets to hold you and kiss you and have you. Rafe only gets to see you every once in a while, when you decide to grace the Outer Banks with your presence for the holidays or for Midsummers. Maybe in this scenario, Rafe was never able to find someone else, maybe he shows up solo while you flash your engagement ring when the old crew gets together for drinks—no, you wouldn’t do that. You’d be absolutely smitten with whoever won your heart, showing the ring he got you to your girl friends with an embarrassed little smile pulling at your lips while they all gush over it. And maybe one of your friends jokes about how Rafe used to have a crush on you. You'll just laugh and shrug it off, nodding—because you knew all along. Of course you knew, everyone had to know at this point. And Rafe can picture you merely laughing at his feelings for you as the other guy gets to pull you closer on his lap.

The opening chords of your song snap him out of his reverie. He can see the exact moment you realize what song it is.

Rafe beelines for you, holding his hand out as soon as he’s in your vicinity, fully pretending he hadn’t just realized he’s fallen for one of his closest friends in the middle of prom. Like he hadn't realized that he wasn't just into you, didn't just think you were cute or like the way you made him feel when you remembered his stats tests or wore his shirt to his water polo games. Like he hadn't just realized that no matter how many times he'd told himself it didn't bother him that much that you'd never come close to giving him the time of day, that he'd never forget what it felt like to not even be on your radar.

“You promised me a dance, Y/n.”

You look at him and his outstretched hand and smile, then look back to Kelce, who's quickly letting you out of his arms, casting an accusatory glance at Rafe. But then he smiles a little. “I'm gonna hit the restrooms.”

“Too bad our one dance is gonna be to a song by a band you hate,” you laugh, accepting Rafe's hand. Rafe’s on autopilot, his hands resting on your lower back while yours move to his chest, swaying the two of you in little circles. The song is already through with the first verse.

“I don’t hate this band,” he lies. But maybe it’s not a lie—how could he hate anything you loved?

“Okay, prom king,” you laugh, fiddling with his pocket square a little, the one that matches your dress. “Still can’t believe we ended up matching.”

“Great minds, Y/l/n,” he shrugs, eyes trained on your face. Your hands slip up around his shoulders, and you nudge the plastic crown on his head before leaving your arms to rest there, fingers locked behind his neck. Rafe pulls you closer. The second chorus was already starting up. Time was running out.

“I’m not sure what the optics are of our matching and you leaving the prom queen to come dance with your friend,” you say, your small smile turning into a frown. “Reagan already seemed pissed earlier.”

“Don’t worry about her,” Rafe says. “It’s just you and me right now.”

“When we go off to college, I think I might just miss you, Cameron,” you say, smiling.

And Rafe might not ever get to tell you how he feels, or ever be with you the way he wants to, but at least he got to dance with you at his senior prom.

“I know I'm gonna miss you.”

—

@moniamaybank @downbytheouterbanks @littlementalpolaroids @fangirlvoice @chicagoblackhawkslover96 @pogueslandia @loveylangdon @oopsiedoopsie23 @sodasback @rafeseggplant @cooper8224 @rafeyybabyy @lemur46 @cameronsrafe @theepoguelandia @judayyyw @irlpadfoot @synonymforlame @tinawhynot @mildkleptomaniac @ilymarkchan @sofiatheseconf @hockeyshmockey @supersouthy @coffeeandcrimeshows @emptyloverofmine @infinitleyethereal @nerdypartytrashpsychic @mrs-cameron @tcmhollnd @nicavass @sakikos @catonthesideoftheroad @jemimah-b99 @serrendipiity @depressinq @svechnibrock @julianakawaja @ctrlcherries @lostaurorax @wildflower98 @babygirl2022 @lieswithoutfairytales @painlesslies @messagesinthesky @orrsoared @destourtereaux @sammywilscn @tylernagle @anonymousobxfan @lilacsandwhiskey @raphaelcameron @mardema @princesspogue @alwaysclassyeagle @brittlehe-art @drewswrld

[saltygilmores]

Thoughts While Watching Gilmore Girls, Season 1/Episode 10 ("Forgiveness and Stuff")-PART 2 of 2

Sigh. If only. As of August 2022, this is my fourth time watching the show begining to end and I'm acutely aware that I will have to put up with this fuckstick Dean and Lorelai kissing his ass for another 60 something episodes. AGAIN.

Awww, I missed Luke. We see his disdain for Dean (D4D) for the first time. Luke is generally a good judge of people's character. Lorelai is a terrible one. Lorelai either giggles away a million obvious red flags or sees them where they don't exist. She does not listen to him.

The Lorelai And Dean Affair is officialy off and running, folks. Where is my barf bag?

Sorry Jess, if only you could grow a few more inches, your future Aunt might just give you a chance.

Why yes, I did try to read the teeny tiny print on the back of this menu I succeeded: Basil Pesto Pizza, Meat Pizza, Thai Pizza, Veggie Pizza, Shrimp and Crab Pizza, Macho Nacho Pizza. So Luke serves at least 6 varieties of Fancy Hipster pizzas (it seems very off brand for Luke to be serving pizza. Who's making them? And they're not even like, pepperoni or sausage) yet Lorelai just resorted to depression salad because one pizzeria couldn't deliver to her. As if she would ever decide against any excuse to go to Luke's to get pizza, and eat a salad instead. Maybe his pizza sucks.

I want to travel back in time to tell Luke that he will face a rising tide of resistance to this "no cell phones" business, but that with the advent of texting, public phone conversations will be much more uncommon. Yes children, 20 years ago, cellphones had antennaes, they had jingly little ringtones, using them in public was considered bad manners, and the only thing we could do on them was talk. It's true. Lorelai gets a call that Richard is in the hospital. I think Richard is a great character, and I usually enjoy his relationship with Rory and most of his scenes.

Again, the more times I rewatch the show, the more I get this intense urge to reach into the screen and warn the characters about what their futures hold. Like, I want to warn Luke that in a few years he's going to find out that he has an incredibly annoying daughter (and that his nephew will get dumped on him).

That won't happen until season 5.

So cute.

Teehee! Oh Dean! Someone please stick a fork in my eye, it would be less painful than this. After what happened when Rebecca Pearson turned around to get a candy bar from a hospital vending machine, I don't trust em.

Not to Dean, anyway.

L&L are just too flipping adorable in this episode. It somewhat erases all of those toxic Dean Vibes.

No, no, no, no! Bad Lorelai! Bad! *whacks her with a rolled up newspaper* LG to RG: "Go, talk mushy to each other, then spend an hour arguing over who's going to hang up first." But that's YOUR Dean fantasy, Lorelai.

Awww, the debut of the blue hat! And Luke's hair. I love this scene. Confession: I got a little teary eyed at that scene where she gave him the hat. It was so cute and sweet. I may be extra hormonal today. Who can go from insulting a character one minute to praising them the next.. I can, I can…

And a SantaBurger to close out this review. The Good: The scenes in the hospital were all touching and sweet. Lorelai, Luke, and Luke's hat. Luke is a good judge of people's character. Christmas theme. Santa Burger. Rory looked cute. Richard recovers. A dog. The Bad: Lorelai's exhausting hypocrisy, Creepy Forrester peeping into Lorelai's house, The Lorelai and Dean Affair rears its ugly head, Dean's behavior is forgiven because he's tall, Dean lying when he says he supports Rory's Harvard endeavors, Lorelai is a terrible judge of people's character. The New: The beginning of the Dean & Lorelai affair (DALA). More early signs of life in the Luke & Lorelai relationship. Emily shows emotion. Luke's new hat. First time we see Luke's hair. Nostalgia: Ancient phones and manners.

[k3rm1e]

heyo!! i was wondering if you would mind writing hc’s for a reader who just had a major accomplishment but their parents don’t really congratulate them or anything, and then philza celebrates with them instead and tells reader how proud he is. i kinda want some dadza comfort rn :’) anyway, thank you sm!! have a great day <3

accomplishments

heyo!! i was wondering if you would mind writing hc’s for a reader who just had a major accomplishment but their parents don’t really congratulate them or anything, and then philza celebrates with them instead and tells reader how proud he is. i kinda want some dadza comfort rn :’) anyway, thank you sm!! have a great day <3

hello anon! i’m sorry i took a while to answer this. i went a bit off track with this and got A LOT more angsty, so i’m really sorry about that. If you want me to make a much more fluffier or mellowed-out version, i’d be happy to. please, read the trigger warnings before reading this.

i don’t plan on writing more angst-y things like this, especially not this angsty, so don’t worry. once again, please, if you would like me to rewrite this into a less emotional version i’d be happy to

cw: swearing

tw: talk of god and the church, slight manipulation, repetition of words

accomplishments:

  holy shit. you were in disbelief. a state of shock. one million twitch followers. one. million. followers. you were silent. shock can have many effects on a person. some scream and laugh out of joy, or a misplaced sense of mania. others cry, because they cannot handle it. some remain confused, because their brains are unable to conceptualize the event. you were silent.

  what should you do? would a “thank you” tweet be good enough or would it come off as insincere? should you wait to stream? or would that make people feel you didn’t care because you took so long? through the anxiety you could feel the true realization that you now had one million followers. like a truck, you were hit with the most excited feeling ever. getting up, you jumped around your room. you spun and jumped and cheered and whooped and yelled and smiled and danced and were overflowing with joy, with the acknowledgement that you had done it, you had really fucking done it. 

  opening the window above your desk, without a single fuck, you screamed. “WHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! FUCK YEAH!!!!!!” let’s just hope your neighbors don’t wake up.

  you stayed up all night, celebrating. tweeting out a thank you, you received congratulations from your fans and friends while you talked with the people in your discord vcs.

  in the morning, your mother and father had woken up. with a newfound determination, you ran downstairs. streaming was your passion and you wanted to tell the world what you had done. but, because of limitations, your mother was your metaphorical world.

  “mom! mom! mom! mother, mother, mumther!!” you shouted, dashing down the stairs, tripping over your feet. stupid wood flooring and slidy socks.

  from your place at the bottom of the stairs, you heard her sigh, “yes, sweetie?”

  you bounded over to her, setting your arms on the kitchen counter. from the hallway you could see your dad, who was sitting on the couch drinking his sunday morning coffee. “mom! guess what?” without giving her time to respond, you shouted, “i hit one million follows on twitch! one freaking million!”.

  your mother didn’t seem as enthusiastic as you. “is that why you were causing such a ruckus last night? and, watch your mouth, even though ‘freaking’ isn’t a ‘true’ curse, i don’t want you swearing. especially not on the lord’s day. i couldn’t fathom going to church everyday, only to allow you to have a mouth like that.” she continued to stare at her work papers.

  “oh, uh, okay mother. dad? did you hear me? i hit one million on twitch.” you awkwardly turned your head over to your father.

  “she’s right, you know that, don’t you sweetie?” your father stood up, and made his way into the kitchen. “language like that, it’s shameful. surely, we don’t need you to have a private session with father paulson, do we?” your dad stood next to your mother, rubbing her back as he stared at you.

  “no, no, of course not. um, i’m gonna go upstairs now.” you turned around, wishing you could simply disappear.

  “without breakfast? are you truly that upset with us? we can’t have you ending up like those people, committing sinful acts and going to hell. god would never forgive you. we’re already taking a risk allowing you to stream, putting yourself out there.”

  both your mother and father stared at you. your blood felt like ice in your veins. the white walls of your house seemed so much brighter, yet duller at the same time. everything felt a white-pure-pink-orange. your breathing got uneasy. choppy. in, out, out, in, in, in, out, in, in, out, out for different increments of time. 5, 3, 2, 7, 10, 9, 6, 4, 1, 6, 8, seconds, over and over and over.

  “we just wanna protect you, dear. we love you, don’t you get that?” your mother stared at you.

  you felt like a scene in those movies. the ones that directly cater to teens who thought their lives were shit when in reality they just hadn’t grown up enough to make sense of something yet. were you one of those teens? or is this actually wrong. you don’t think it is, but you don’t talk to others about this. family matters stay in the family was a common phrase repeated in your household. the church was family, they could know. your mother and father, they could know. others, they must not know, never know.

  “of course, mother, father.” you wanted to force yourself to speak, but syllables were incapable of getting past your lips. your mouth was full of peanut butter from the sandwiches served in your elementary school cafeteria. but, the partly frozen chocolate milk always washed it down. “of course. i love you guys too. love you.” you smiled, a disgusting smile that felt violating to exist on your face, violating, violating, violating.

  you dashed up the stairs, to your room, up, up, up. running in, you wanted to slam the door, scream out the window, puch your pillow, smash your pc, cry, whatever you could do to get out your emotions. but instead, you lightly shut your door and slowly walked over to your desk chair to see who was online. you would go live later. it was only 5 AM, after all. they could wait. at least, you hoped they could.

  opening discord, just to see what everyone was doing, you saw philza minecraft was online. you went over and messaged him, ‘phil. philza. philza minecraft. vc please?’ in response, you received a short, ‘sure m8, gimme a minute’ you waited, until you heard the noise confirming he had joined.

  “good morning phil.” your energy from before had receded back into the confines of your chest. the prior excitement was gone and replaced with a feeling of fatigue.

  “morning mate, how are you? congrats on the one mill!” phil sounded excited, happy for you. you smiled, chuckling a bit.

  “i’m alright man, just tired. how are you? and, thanks for the congrats.” you smiled, feeling the fatigue set in.

  “i’m good. but you, you don’t sound very good. couldn’t sleep, could ya’? that was how i was when i hit one mill. way too excited to sleep.”

  “yeah. yeah, i’m just tired.” you were getting a bit too tired to talk. the day had barely started, and yet the full-body emotional exhaustion had set.

  “‘just tired’? the hell happened kid?” phil’s voice sounded concerned. fuck. the last thing you wanted to do was worry him. he had his own life and you had already caused enough trouble today.

  “it’s nothing big phil, seriously. just my parents.” there, a slight bit of information. family matters still within the family, just a few words.

  “they being shitbirds? or are you lying, and something big did happen?” he was being inquisitive, which was dangerous. questions were dangerous.

  “no, why would i lie?” his inquisitiveness would continue, you knew. so you spilled the metaphorical beans. “they just, just weren’t as supportive as i’d wished they were when i told them. i was really psyched, y’know? and them, just sort of, not giving a shit? i don’t know man, it just feels bad.”

  “i get you. it’s shit, when people don’t care about your accomplishments. my parents never really saw streaming as a true profession in the beginning, which led to shit like you describing. i promise it gets better though, even if it feels like shit now. and, for what it’s worth, i’m proud of you.”

  “it’s fine phil, you don’t need to try to make me feel better. i’m okay, seriously.” you didn’t need or want his pity. accepting it would feel patronizing.

  “no, you need to understand that i’m not fucking around. one million is a big fuckin’ thing, especially for you who hasn’t been streaming all that long to achieve. it’s fucking amazing, mate. be proud of yourself, for christ’s sake.” his fake anger chimed through your headphones. even though you were being berated, you still felt better.

  “thank you, phil. i needed that.”

  “your welcome, mate. and look, anytime your parents are being shit, don’t try to hold it all in. call me, or wil, or someone, okay? don’t hold that shit in.”

  you fake sighed, just to piss him off. “okayyyyyy….”

  “good. now, go take a nap or some shit. i love you, kid.”

  “love you too, dadza.” this time, your words didn’t feel forced. the smile on your face wasn’t violating, but an invitation to better times. it would be alright. okay.

[fanxyblog]

KISS CAM ~pH-1

Request: can I request a scenario if you still open requests. A scenario that y/n and pH-1 are friends and you two are at a stadium to watch baseball. There’s a kiss cam during the break time, it suddenly chooses you two, and then you both confess the feeling.... make it fluff, thank you

A/N:  I don't know much about baseball, since it's not a sport that is popular in my country. ( almost nothing, even though I did my research) so I'm sorry if some things are off, and also I'm so sorry it took me so long and I hope it does not suck.

Enjoy it!

Word count: 798

ENGLISH IS NOT MY FIRST LANGUAGE, SORRY FOR ALL THE MISTAKES

You and Junwon have been friends since he joined H1GHR MUSIC back in 2017, at that time you were working there as a makeup artist, being around each other on sets resulted in you two getting to know one another a little better, which has led both of you to discover how many things you have in common. The more time you had to spend with Junwon the more fatal your position has become, at the very beginning you had thought that it was only an innocent crush, but over the years it had developed into a much more serious feeling. You were completely and utterly in love with Park Junwon. There was a time when you wanted to tell him that you are in love with him, but you were too afraid, ruining your friendship was not something you wanted to happen. You liked spending time with him, it felt great, that is why you were wisely using your opportunities to do so. 

You weren't a big fan of baseball, something you can't say about Junwon, baseball was something that remained him of the time when he used to live in New York. Watching Yankees with his friends was almost like a tradition, so it felt kind of special to you to be the one coming with him to watch the match between Hanhwa Eagles and LG Twins.

Jamsil Baseball Stadium seemed even bigger on the inside than it did on the outside, it was fascinating to you. The number of people watching their favorite teams play. It felt extremely different from the atmosphere of the crowd at H1ghr's concerts.

"Do you like it? " you looked over to your left side and focused all your attention on Junwon who was seated next to you.

"Yes, I'm enjoying it so far " you leaned closer to him to make sure he hears what you were saying and smiled softly at him. He smiled back at you.

You two were happily watching the game, cheering on the team while eating popcorn and some sweets. After two hours it was time for a break, Hanhwa Eagles were currently losing the game by two innings.

"I'm really happy you invited me here Junwon, I would have never thought I'm going to have so much fun. Thank you " You smiled sweetly at him.

" You're welcome Y/N. Honestly saying  I should be the one thanking you If it wasn't for you agreeing to come with me, I would have been alone today." his words made your heart skip a beat, you could feel your cheeks getting a bit warmer.

"Don't mention it" you rubbed your hands on one another and lowered your sight shyly. You weren't usually a shy person, but being around him made you feel shy, more often than you would care to admit.

Unexpectedly the noise around you has become much louder, your head snapped up as you looked around and on the big screen you saw people kissing.

" Oh my god, it's a kiss cam. I didn't know they had things like that on Korean games " Junwon said to you, a short chuckle coming out from him.

"Yeah, I need to admit that this is pretty unexpected," you said, your eyes still focused on the big screen hanging under the ceiling. Your eyes widening at the view. A look of utter shock is present on your face.

Never in a million years, you would have thought that someday you will see your face along Junwon's on a kiss cam. Your cheeks reddened immediately as whole heat from your body traveled to them.

You looked over at Junwon, people screams surrounding both of you. He looked as surprised as you, his cheeks were also red from all of the attention.

It was almost like something possessed you, your hands suddenly finding their place on his cheeks, your lips capturing his in a kiss. Your lips moved slowly against each other, there was no rush between the two of you. Each of you is giving in to the kiss, hoping this moment will last as long as possible.

At that moment there were only you and him no one else. It felt like everything around the two of you.

You two parted eventually, applauses and screams of encouragement around you.

You smiled at him, he smiled back at you as he caressed your cheek.

"I wanted to do this for quite a long time now," he said 

"Me too, I wanted to do this for a long time too" Junwon laughed at your response happiness evident on his face.

Right there, you knew that this moment is going to be one of the best moments in your life.

[chudleycanonficfest]

A Million Possibilities

Day 3, Story #1 is by @honouraryweasley12

Title: A Million Possibilities Author/Artist: honouraryweasley12 Pairing: Arthur/Molly Prompt: First Date Rating: PG Trigger Warning(s) (if any): None

"So, is today the big day?" Rodney sat down at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall, clapping his friend on the back before grabbing a slice of bread.

Arthur Weasley stared down at his porridge, a sickly look on his thin face. He glanced slyly down the table at her, before returning to his breakfast with a sigh. "I suppose so."

"That's the spirit. The first Hogsmeade trip is at the end of the week. You don't want to miss the opportunity again, do you?"

"No, I don't." He'd badly wanted to ask her last year, but couldn't summon up the courage, fearful of the rejection. Over the summer, he'd resolved he would do it this year, but it was far easier to make those promises to himself when she wasn't so close, like she was now.

Rodney grinned. "Everyone knows you fancy her anyway, so you might as well get it over with and stop moping."

Arthur looked up at his classmate and frowned. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

"What's the worst that could happen, eh? If she says no, you move on." He puffed out his chest. "We're Fifth Years now, we're practically adults. You've got to have some confidence."

Arthur shook his head and gulped. "I think it would be far worse if she said yes."

Just then, a boisterous laugh rang out from the end of the table, causing Arthur's head to shoot up and take her in.

"You've got it bad," Rodney remarked. "When do you think you'll do it?"

"After classes today. I hope I can catch her alone. That way when she rejects me, at least it won't be in front of her friends." The thought of it caused him to push the bowl away. "I'm suddenly not hungry."

"You'll be fine."

"I hope so." He suddenly stood up, needing a breath of air. "I'll see you in Potions."

Had he looked back, he would have spotted two pairs of eyes watching him with great interest.

~*~

"I can't believe how many assignments we've got. When are we supposed to study for OWLs with all of this extra work?"

"Mmm," was Arthur's reply, his mind clearly elsewhere.

"Did you even hear a word in any of our classes this morning?" Rodney asked, a smirk on his face. "Or were all your thoughts on one Miss Prewett?"

"Shut it," Arthur replied through tightly pressed lips. "Someone might hear."

"Too late for that."

The two boys spun around, only to find the identical grinning visages of Fabian and Gideon Prewett. Arthur gulped; the two Seventh Years were known for their magical prowess.

Fabian motioned to Rodney. "You go for lunch; we want to have a quick chat with Mr. Weasley here."

Rodney wished him good luck, and hurried off.

Gideon threw an arm around the younger boy's shoulders, even though they were about the same height. "We understand that you fancy our little sister."

"I-I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't play dumb with us, we know you want to ask her to Hogsmeade. You really shouldn't talk about such sensitive things in the Great Hall—you never know who might be listening."

Arthur knew his charade was pointless, his shoulders slumping. "I was planning on asking her. But you don't have to worry, I don't think she'll say yes."

"That may be, but we were coming to warn you about her."

Arthur pulled out of Gideon's grasp, affronted. "What?"

"Don't misunderstand us, we love our sister and would do anything for her, but she has a very… strong personality. We came to warn you not to get bullied by her. She can be rather overpowering, downright scary even."

"But you're two of the most powerful wizards in the school."

Fabian smiled. "Yeah, but we can't exactly duel our little sister every time we get into a sibling argument. There's actually very little we can do when she's made her mind up about something."

"That's one of the things I like about her, that she is very strong-minded, not to mention caring, and beautiful." Arthur was smiling but was broken out his thoughts by the gagging sounds the twins were making.

"Look," Gideon said. "You seem like a nice enough bloke, so we'll leave you to it. I will say this though—if we do hear anything about you being less than respectful to our sister, then you will have to deal with us. Do you understand?"

Arthur nodded quickly.

"Oh, and don't tell her we said anything. It wouldn't be good for any of us. Now, hurry along."

They watched as the lanky redhead turned the corner.

"Poor bloke," Fabian remarked. "He has no idea what he's getting himself into, does he?"

"He certainly doesn't."

~*~

"What was that about?" Rodney asked as Arthur flopped down and let out a groan.

"If the asking wasn't bad enough, now I have to worry about those two."

"Well, you can't be surprised, they are her older brothers. I hope it's worth it."

Arthur happened to look up, and that moment, caught Molly's eye. She flashed him a quick smile, but all he could do was grimace awkwardly before looking away. He missed seeing the flash of disappointment on her face.

"She's definitely worth it. From all the time we've spent together in class, or studying, or even just chatting in the Common Room, I really like her company. I just don't know if I can ask her out without losing my lunch."

~*~

Arthur exited their last class of the day with great reluctance, knowing that his time was up. As he walked to the Great Hall for dinner, he spotted the object of his affections walking in front of him with a group of her friends.

He felt a nudge against his shoulder from Rodney. "Now's your chance."

"Here goes nothing." Arthur took a deep breath. "Molly?"

She stopped and turned, giving him a smile before signalling to her friends to go on without her. Rodney sped past them as well, nodding at Molly before disappearing down a nearby stairway.

She patted her hair before addressing him. "Yes, Arthur?"

He surreptitiously wiped his hands on the back of his robes, before running a hand through his ginger hair. "H-how are you?"

"I'm well, thank you. How are you?"

"I-I'm fine."

There was a long pause, but Molly's encouraging expression was enough to spur him on. "As you know, there is a Hogsmeade trip coming up. Sometimes, that is, some people like to go to Hogsmeade with other people, not their friends."

He knew he was babbling now but couldn't stop himself from getting flustered. "I thought maybe that could be something you might be interested in."

She let out a small laugh, her cheeks rosy as she placed her hands on her hips. "Arthur Weasley, are you asking me on a date?"

"Yes, I am. Molly, will you go to Hogsmeade with me?"

"I would be delighted to. In fact, I've been hoping you would ask for some time."

Arthur was incredulous, his eyebrows flying up. "You have?"

"Yes, I have." She reached out and squeezed his forearm, letting her hand linger. "I thought I had been rather obvious in my attempts to flirt."

"Oh," Arthur blushed. "I assumed you were just being friendly. I did almost ask you last year, but I didn't think you'd say yes. Blimey, I didn't think you'd say yes now!"

"You had nothing to be worried about. You've always been sweet to me, and I've noticed."

He grinned at her, relieved to hear her say so. "So shall I meet you in the Common Room on Saturday morning?"

Her joyous expression mirrored his. "That sounds lovely."

He let out a breath. "Great! I'll see you then." He didn't know what possessed him to do so, but he stooped down and kissed her gently on the cheek, before walking away and smacking himself on the forehead.

The red in Molly's cheeks deepened, and she lifted a hand to her face, letting out a sigh of her own. Saturday couldn't come quickly enough.

~*~

He watched in awe as she descended the stairs into the Common Room, her flaming red hair pulled elegantly over her shoulder. A thin coat and a nice jumper were perfect for the fall weather, and she wore a long, loose skirt to complete the outfit.

"You look wonderful," Arthur complimented her as she reached him.

She beamed. "You don't look so bad yourself," she replied, sliding her arm through his. "Shall we?"

He nodded, dumbstruck that he was going out on an actual date with Molly Prewett. From the corner of his eye, he saw Fabian and Gideon watching the two of them, and he quickly looked away.

He was nervous but found making idle chit chat with her as they walked into the village to be rather easy. As the minutes ticked away, he felt himself getting more and more comfortable. It certainly didn't hurt that every few minutes she gave him a cute smile or laughed at one of his jokes. He felt drawn to her.

"Would you mind if we stopped at Scrivenshaft's?" Molly asked, breaking him out of his reverie.

"No, of course not. Running low on quills already?"

"No, nothing like that. I wanted to get some yarn. I took up knitting over the summer and want to continue practicing. I made this jumper, in fact."

"You did? That's incredible! I was admiring it earlier."

"You were admiring it, were you?" She winked at him, causing him to flush. "I'll just be a moment."

Arthur wrung his hands as paced outside of the shop, taking some deep breaths. Everything was going pretty well in his estimation, and he still couldn't believe that she seemed to like him as much as he liked her.

"Miss me?"

He nodded, reaching out a hand to take the bag from her. She grabbed his other hand and their fingers locked. He looked down, and then looked at her.

"Is this alright?" She asked.

He nodded again, and smiled, giving her hand a gentle squeeze which she returned. It seemed like a big step, to be holding hands so that everyone could see, and yet it felt right.

Molly's cheeks were glowing, and her eyes were sparkling. "Where to next?"

"I thought we might sit down somewhere. How about Madam Puddifoot's? It'll be quiet there. If that's fine with you, of course?"

"That sounds perfectly fine to me, Arthur."

The two walked through the village, enveloped in a bubble of giddiness. Arthur kept looking down at their joined hands. He already knew he was smitten with the red-headed witch.

The décor of the establishment was far simpler in the fall than at other times of the year, like Christmas and Valentine's Day. They were quickly ushered to a booth in the back and took their seats, facing each other. Once they settled in, Arthur took her hand in his again, resting them on the tabletop.

"This is nice, isn't it? Just the two of us?"

"No meddling family is a nice change, though it wouldn't surprise me if my brothers were in the next booth, listening in."

Arthur peeked at the next booth over and saw a couple snogging. "Don't worry, we seem to be safe here."

"You know about my brothers. Tell me about your family, what are they like?"

Arthur launched into a few tales about his family, which seemed to enthrall her before they were interrupted for their order.

"We don't have much, but we get on quite well."

"That's nice to hear. Some of my more distant relations on the Black side are quite… eccentric in their views of certain things."

"Oh, me too. I have some relations in the Black family, but we're not involved with them. I've heard their ideas on Muggles are rather disturbing."

"You're quite interested in Muggles, aren't you?"

"Oh yes," Arthur replied. "I find them absolutely fascinating, the way they come up with creative ideas and make things to make their lives easier without magic. They seem to come up with a million possibilities to solve a problem. Did you know American and Russian Muggles are trying to fly to the moon? Imagine that! I don't think wizards and witches would ever contemplate such a thing."

"It's rather cute to see you get so excited about it. Most wizards wouldn't."

"I know most people in our world would find it silly, but it is really interesting to me. I wouldn't mind working in Muggle Relations one day. I'm aiming for an Outstanding in my Muggle Studies OWL."

"Oh, don't remind me. I'm not looking forward to sitting those. It's going to be a difficult year, isn't it?"

He squeezed her hand. "Well, the year has started out brilliantly."

She waved him away but couldn't hide her pleasure. "I never took you for such a romantic."

"It's the truth. I've been hoping for this for awhile now. I've known you for four years, and I've fancied you for at least half that time."

She looked at him curiously. "There's something I've been meaning to ask you about that. I know I'm not the prettiest girl in our year, and I know I have a reputation of being somewhat bossy and strong-willed. Those don't seem like typical qualities one would be looking for."

Arthur grabbed her other hand in his.

"I happen to like the fact that you speak your mind and have your opinions. I've also seen you helping the younger students, and you're so generous and caring. I think those are especially important qualities in a person. I don't know what it is, but I feel so comfortable around you, like I can be myself."

"That's very nice to hear."

He leaned forward. "I also happen to think that you're quite fetching."

"You're a charmer, if I've ever met one."

"I'm serious. You are the prettiest girl in our year. At least to me you are."

She scoffed and shook her head. "I'll take your word for it."

At that moment, their server arrived with their tea and snacks, forcing them to let go of their hands and end their conversation. After a few bites, Molly continued.

"What did you get up to in the summer?"

"Well, we can't really afford to go on any fancy trips, but my family has a plot of land out in the country, near Devon. It's nothing special, but it's ours. We spent a lot of time there, cleaning things up. There's a small house on the property, so we fixed that up as well. I think my parents mean for me to have it when I'm older."

"Oh, isn't that nice! It sounds like a wonderful place. It must be beautiful out there."

"It's very peaceful. It seems like a nice place to raise a family. Not that I'm insinuating—" He dropped his fork with a clatter at that moment, causing her to giggle.

"You are a surprising one, Arthur. In a good way, though. I don't know of many sixteen-year-old boys who are thinking about such things."

"Oh, well, I guess I am a little bit odd then. I think it would be nice to have a big family one day, lots of little red-headed children running around."

"Who said they would have red hair?"

"Well, we both—" His eyes popped open, and he choked slightly on the scone he was eating, before gulping down his tea.

"Do you usually plan your entire future on your first dates? Is there a proposal coming?"

He shook his head, mortified. She let out a laugh and grabbed his hand again, entwining their fingers. "I'm only teasing."

After he recovered his wits, he couldn't help but respond. "I guess your brothers aren't the only troublemakers in the family."

"Certainly not," she replied, eyeing him mischievously while taking another sip of her tea.

They bantered on, talking about school, gossiping about their friends, and complaining about their teachers. The conversation flowed naturally until Arthur noticed other couples drifting out of the teashop.

"I think it's getting late; I suppose we should head back to the castle."

"Yes, we wouldn't want to get detention. Though I wouldn't mind it if I got to spend it with you."

As Molly finished up her tea, Arthur signalled to the server that they were done. After proudly paying their bill, he clasped Molly's hand again and led her out of the shop.

He peered around for a moment before setting off through the village, swiveling his head every few seconds.

"Arthur, is everything alright? We still have plenty of time."

"Y-Yes, of course."

"Then why do keep looking over your shoulder?"

"Oh… I don't want to say."

"I'd really rather you did."

Arthur stopped and sighed. "Your brothers threatened me if I did anything disrespectful toward you."

She frowned. "Those brothers of mine are going to get a piece of my mind. I'll have you know that I've had a lovely time, and you've been a complete gentleman."

"That's the problem, you see." He smiled down at her. "I would really like to kiss you right now… and not on the cheek this time."

"Don't concern yourself about Fabian and Gideon, I'll take care of them—and I'll decide what is disrespectful. Now, are you going to kiss me or not?"

He pulled her to a secluded area, away from the prying eyes of the other students. Cupping her face with his hands gently, he pressed his lips to hers. She responded and deepened their kiss, her arms wrapping around his narrow waist. It was bliss.

After they broke apart, they shared a smile and resumed walking back to the castle, hand-in-hand.

"Molly," he stated suddenly. "Will you go steady with me?"

"Go where?"

"Oh, it's a Muggle term. Would you like to be my girlfriend?"

"Yes, I would like that very much, my boyfriend."

His laughed bubbled up, unable to hide his happiness at the prospect. He was walking on a cloud as they made their way through the castle and up to the Common Room.

He realized his mistake too late, forgetting to drop her hand as they entered through the portrait hole. The were immediately set upon by Molly's twin brothers.

"What do we have here?"

"Well, you see—" Arthur began, only to be cut off by Molly.

"Arthur is my boyfriend now, no thanks to you two. Any attempts to threaten him in the future will be met with… a response. Do I make myself clear?"

Arthur was amazed at her gall and was even more amazed that they cowered at her words. If he wasn't already completely taken by her, that would have done it.

The two looked thoroughly chastened and agreed.

"Right then." Molly reached up and deliberately kissed him on the cheek in front of her siblings. "Thank you, Arthur, dear. I had a wonderful time. Shall we go study in the library? I'll go get my books."

He nodded, giving her hand a quick squeeze before they separated.

"Arthur, dear?" Gideon said after she left, his face screwing up in disgust. "I hope you're looking forward to a lifetime of that, Weasley."

That didn't sound so bad to him. He suddenly felt like the Muggles he was talking about earlier; it was like he had a million possibilities—now that he had Molly in his life.

[im-a-lil-simp]

hello!! could i request a wilbur fic about joining him for a if you laugh you lose? :) take your time and i hope you have a great day! <3

Indirect Introductions (Wilbur Soot x Reader)

I really loved writing this, even if I put it off and wrote it over the span of 2 days. I'd usually just get it done in 1 session, but I was all over the place today. I hope you enjoy it! I kept it as romantic as I could.

It had been a chilly day. You woke up cold, you went shopping cold, and cold you stayed. It took everything in you to not just stay inside all day and burrow under your blankets, turn on a space heater, and try to sleep for the rest of the day.

In your mind nothing was stopping you. But on the way back to your house after shopping for some much needed household products, it dawned on you that you still had to show up to the office today.

You happened to work for Wilbur Soot himself. He wasn't the biggest deal, compared to larger people in the media, but with a couple million subs, he still needed help carrying his workload.

You happened to be one of those who helped to carry that workload. Being a long time friend of Wilbur, he offered you an editing job when your old one let you go. He was very understanding and knew you had some prior experience.

When he switched to streaming in an office, he invited those who worked for him to use the space as well. It wasn't necessary, it was just an offer. But when you ended up being the only person to take him up on it, it felt a bit awkward.

Sure, the office wasn't very big, but having it just be the two of you there felt off somehow. But you'd be lying if you said you didn't like that it was just the both of you.

You guys would constantly bump into each other, Wilbur muttering a quick 'sorry bout that' before moving on. The small flush of your face that would occur after that was not easy to hide, but you managed.

He was always such a gentleman with how he approached the close quarters situation. Always letting you go ahead of him if you got there at the same time, waiting for you to get comfortable before trying to move around you, etc.

None of that changed the groan that came from your mouth when you realized you had work to do at the office. You honestly did not feel like cutting down a whole stream vod for what felt like forever.

Once again leaving your house, you set your sights on your workplace, slowly trudging along as you did so.

Upon arriving, you noticed that Wilbur was already inside. The door was unlocked and his stuff was placed messily inside. He had been streaming when you walked in. Reciting his famous you laugh you lose rules as you hung up your coat.

You smiled to yourself as you made your way to your little makeshift workspace. It was comfortable and effective.

That was before Wilbur was damn near yelling your name to get you to come over to him. You, a meek little editor, had no business being on camera. But there you were, just out of view as you spoke to Wilbur.

"Join me on stream. You can get more lives than me."

"But Wilbur, I have editing to do."

This was mainly an excuse. While it was true,  you just didn't want to have to be on camera. You weren't exactly the most secure person out there. As well as the fact that it meant you had to sit directly next to Wilbur for the stream to see you well.

"Oh come on. Chat's tired of me. Come sit over here."

Ultimately you knew that you wouldn't be able to say no. His pleading made you feel weak and your heart probably couldn't take much more.

With a heavy sigh, you look around for your chair. Its wheels making too much noise against the floor as you roll it next to Wilbur's.

He had you introduce yourself to his chat, so you gave a quick 'hi' and told them that you were just his editor.

"You're more than just my editor. You're also one of my good friends, aren't you?"

You chuckled out a half-hearted 'yea' before internally screaming at yourself. Of course he wouldn't just admit anything in front of his stream, but he had you in the first half, not gonna lie.

You had no clue how you were supposed to keep your flaming cheeks to yourself if you were on stream.

The chat was being spammed with messages of support. Many greetings from his fans that you only ever see in vods or hear him talk about during streams.

Mediashare donations kept rolling in as you tried you hardest not to laugh. While Wilbur only had one life, he and chat agreed to give you around 10.

This was probably a good thing, as you weren't as experienced as Wilbur was. Choking out a couple of laughs at videos Wilbur had already seen multiple times (smh y'all are breaking one of the rules), you had been brought down to six lives.

The stream had been live for about 2 hours now and Wilbur despperately wanted to end the stream. He hadn't been too up to it today, for the same reasons as you. It was just one of those days where you didn't want to do a single thing.

He kept trying to make you laugh, going so far as to poke your sides a couple of times to get you to budge. But you weren't moving.

You were, however, extremely conscious of how close the two of you were. You were extra careful to make sure you were ver consistant distance at all times. If you so much as brushed Wilbur's hand, you would probably break out into a full flush and maybe even a stutter.

You did not want to do that on stream.

By the time he finally ended the stream, you still had 4 lives left. You ended off stronger than you thought and felt kind of proud of yourself.

Once the stream had ended he expressed how proud he was of you and how long you made it had him bringing up a hand for a high five. Thinking nothing of it, you went in, the pride of your success making you feel very confident.

As soon as your hands collided, he intertwined his fingers with yours. This sudden change of plans made you very confused but also very embarrassed.

Not wanting to pull away you both sat there awkwardly. You guessed that he had not planned much further than this.

You coughed awkwardly before he pulled both of your hands down. He scooted closer to you before rubbing his thumb against your hand. You had no idea how to react to this.

"I hope it was alright that I dragged you into the stream like that," he muttered lowly.

"It's really fine, I understand wanting to spice up your streaming."

"Yea, I guess I just wanted them to know who you were, so that hopefully if you said yes when I asked you out, they would already know who you were."

It took you a second to fully process what he was saying. Blinking a couple times, and summoning zero words from your brain, you sat there looking like a fish out of water.

Finally finding the right words, you blurted,

"You were planning on asking me out? Me? On a date?"

You were shocked. Nothing could have ever prepared you for this.

"Yea you."

"Does that mean I can say yes?"

He did nothing but laugh at that. Hopefully his stream would be delighted when it finally came time to tell them you were dating.