#Punch Bar Cream review

[odanurr87]

Alchemy of Completed 2022 Kdramas - Part 1

Last year I watched a bunch of kdramas, too many for me to properly review at the rate I write about them. As a result, I'm gonna try something different and quickly review those dramas that released in 2022 that I watched, and maybe recommend a few alternatives here and there in those cases where the show didn't live up to the task. Considering it's been a while since I watched some of these dramas, I binged a couple of them again to better inform my commentary. If you're short on time, or just want to add kdramas to your ever-increasing watchlist, you'll find a ⭐ next to the titles I wholeheartedly recommend, and a 💀 next to those I feel should best be avoided, but you do you. If you still haven't watched some of these shows, this list will hopefully give you some idea of whether you'll enjoy watching them (or not).

A brief note on my rating system before we begin. I use bins for my 1-10 scale in the following way:

Anything between 5 and 6 is considered average

Shows between 7 and 8 are considered above average

Shows in the 9 to 10 range are the cream of the crop

Anything between 1 to 4 is considered below average, with the 1-2 range reserved for the worst offenders.

Thus, I have two possible scores for the average, above average, and cream of the crop categories, what I believe makes my life a little easier when rating shows. I have occasionally given half point ratings (e.g. 7.5) to certain shows when I feel they're halfway to a better grade, but that has been the exception rather than the rule.

So without further ado, welcome to my Alchemy of Completed 2022 Kdramas - Part 1!

A Business Proposal⭐

Episode count: 12

Where to watch: Netflix

Rating: 8/10

Verdict: "You know I'm good at a lot of different things, right?"

We start with one of my favourites and the best short romcom of 2022. Based on the manhwa of the same name by Haehwa (original story) and NARAK (art), Taemu Kang (Ahn Hyeo Seop) plays the 'perfect CEO' stereotype who ain't got no time for love so, after several hilarious events, he eventually hires Hari Shin (Kim Se Jeong) to play the part of his girlfriend to fool grandpa. Unbeknownst to him though, Hari is his employee. Will their fake relationship turn into a real one? You bet your ass!

The show ticks almost all of the required tropes, subverts some -what was a pleasant surprise- and entertains throughout, making perfect use of its runtime. The second lead couple, played by Kim Min Gue and Seol In Ah, also turned several heads, not to mention the latter had great BFF chemistry with Kim Se Jeong. Week after week, I was looking forward to every episode of this show, especially considering how disappointing another romcom that aired around the same time turned out to be, and that you may or may not find in this list. You could say this show aired just in time for Samantha and Rachel to cure my FLAWless disappointment.

Again My Life⭐

Episode count: 16

Where to watch: Viki

Rating: 8/10

Verdict: Lawful Lawyer is back!

The better Lawless Lawyer of 2022. Kim Hee Woo (Lee Joon Gi) is a prosecutor who travels back in time to put the people who murdered him behind bars while the audience wonders which female lead he should date. And between Kim Ji Eun, Hong Bi Ra, and Veronica Park Kim Jae Kyung, well, he's definitely not lacking in choices. Fortunately, time travel is merely used as a trigger to tell the story (similar to 365: Repeat the Year in this respect), so we don't have to worry about kdramas' rather abysmal track record with sci-fi. The show keeps you hooked episode after episode, finding a good balance between the scheming, putting people behind bars, throwing some punches (has those trademark LJG action sequences!), all the while going after the next big fish. Last, but not least, it does an incredibly good job at managing an ensemble cast of characters, and there are a lot of them! If you're a fan of Lawless Lawyer or Lee Joon Gi, you can't go wrong with this one.

Alchemy of Souls - Part 1

Episode count: 20

Where to watch: Netflix

Rating: 6/10

Verdict: Watch a fantasy cdrama instead

Alternatives: Fights Break Sphere, Fighter of the Destiny

When I watched the character promos for this show I thought this could be Korea's answer to some of China's fantasy dramas, possibly Xuanhuan dramas, and I was all for it! I liked the male actor, Lee Jae Wook, in other dramas I'd watched with him (he was great in When the Weather is Fine and Search: WWW), and Jung So Min playing a master assassin and mentor in a fantasy drama was quite appealing. Of course, I was a bit worried when the teaser dropped, with its emphasis on some weak comedy, but I decided to give the show the benefit of the doubt. Sadly, Part 1 didn't live up to the task. It meandered a lot, definitely under-using its 20-episode order, focusing on every romantic relationship under the sun and then some, ultimately delivering an unsatisfactory hero's journey for the ML, while the antagonists played ping-pong with the alchemy of souls. At times, I was reminded of Hwarang, a show I have reviewed very poorly and that seems to have relied on the idol factor to garner popular appeal.

I've previously compared Jang Uk's journey to that of Xiao Yan from the cdrama Fights Break Sphere, in that I expected the former, from the previews, to undergo a similar rise to power as the latter, rigorously training under his master, slowly climbing his way back to power, but with the additional appeal of developing that romantic relationship between Jung So Min's character and Lee Jae Wook's, what would've made for a more rewarding journey for both the character and the audience. This is a tried-and-true formula, also used by the popular anime The Rising of the Shield Hero, to mention but one other example. Unfortunately for us, Jang Uk can hardly be bothered to train (supposedly, he "trained" with twelve masters for years and didn't learn a damn), except at the very specific, and limited, times that the script dictates, instead relying on luck and plot contrivances to "skip ahead" his way to power, what makes for far less memorable scenes. Additionally, the cdrama nails the master-student relationship thanks to the great rapport between Baron Chen's Yao Chen and Leo Wu's Xiao Yan, but there's hardly such a bond between Mu Deok and Jang Uk.

In the end, Part 1 of Alchemy of Souls should've been about Jang Uk's rise to power under the guidance of his master, and later love interest, Mu Deok, but it's too unfocused, its attention constantly diverted by comedy, love polygons, or caricaturesque villains doing dumb things under everyone's noses. Perhaps its only saving grace was the character of the Crown Prince, brilliantly played by Shin Seung Ho, who was able to nail both the comedy and the drama when called for. However, if you're looking for a good fantasy drama with a more traditional (or any) hero's journey, watch Fights Break Sphere instead, with the caveat only the first season has been released, and it's doubtful there'll be a second. I'd also recommend Fighter of the Destiny, with Lu Han. It probably doesn't have as good CGI or sets, but it has a better grip on the hero's journey than Alchemy and nails the camaraderie aspects.

Alchemy of Souls - Part 2

Episode count: 10

Where to watch: Netflix

Rating: 7/10

Verdict: Works better as a standalone watch

I should've probably left Part 2 of the show for Part 2 of my list, but I'm going in alphabetical order so that's that. This is one of the shows I decided to rewatch to refresh my memory and, to my surprise, it fared much better the second time around. Why's that? Read on to find out!

Part 2 of Alchemy of Souls starts strong, much stronger than Part 1 did, something many were doubting when the news hit that Jung So Min wouldn't return for Part 2, instead being replaced by the original Naksu actress, Go Youn Jung. Fortunately, she does an excellent job throughout, but especially in the beginning of Part 2, which comes across as more of a fairy tale (Rapunzel's), and where the show decides to embrace some of the typical marriage contact tropes, as Young Jung's character fake-marries the now uber-powerful Jang Uk in order to escape from her mother's tight grasp. Honestly, I wish the show had started with Part 2, in media res, and used the material from Part 1 for flashback storytelling, in a similar vein to how The Untamed did it. God, that would've been so good! Precisely because Jang Uk has become sort of a demigod he can boss around all of the useless supporting characters from Part 1 (I'm looking at you, Pathetic Assembly of Evil), and pretty much do whatever he wants, so it's quite commendable to see him return smarter and more measured in his decision-making.

As someone who watched Part 2 live back then, it started to lose its initial glimmer when an inevitable reveal kept being delayed episode after episode, hinting that it would obviously occur the next one. Of course, this never happened, but what made matters worse was the fact that the ML was kept oblivious while everyone around him found out and chose not to tell him because... reasons? I can understand one person keeping the secret for his own agenda, maybe a couple, but I find it astonishing that even Jang Uk's friends and family shared this same agenda, as they also kept the truth from him. Additionally, the more this delay continued the further the narrative possibilities were constrained and, thusly, certain scenarios conjured up by fans never came to pass. However, this will not be much of an issue for people coming in blind to Part 2 (or with a healthy distance from Part 1). Perhaps even the fact that the noble idiocy card is played, or that the main antagonist is obstinately preserved by the writers until the very last episode to little effect (when he shouldn't have made it past Part 1), won't present much of an issue to newcomers.

Having said this, I still feel the final battle for the fate of the world remains rather underwhelming and anticlimactic, not helped by the fact that certain characters are resurrected right before said battle. After all, if the show outright establishes death is not permanent, minutes before "the end of the world," why should I fear for any of the characters? Even Jang Uk himself, during this final battle, doesn't show an ounce of worry that maybe this time he will not make it out alive, regardless of his powers, making the fight seem entirely mechanical and perfunctory. The writers even throw in some half-baked plot device about the King's Star being powered by seven other stars, and since it had never been explained throughout the show a character has to exposition-dump it on our laps (there's quite a lot of exposition dump going around in Part 2, what helps newcomers to the show). It's a plot device prominently featured in the cdrama Fighter of the Destiny, which I previously recommended, so maybe it was inspired by it?

In the end, if you still want to get a taste of the Alchemy experience, I wholeheartedly suggest you treat Part 2 as the original show, with Part 1 being the prequel made to cash in on the show's success that, ultimately, you may not even need. Thus, as a standalone, I'm revising my original rating for Part 2 from a 6/10 to a 7/10, bumping it into my above average bin.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo

Episode count: 16

Where to watch: Netflix

Rating: 6/10

Verdict: Better luck in S2

Alternatives: Good Doctor, Again My Life

Woo to the Young to the Woo started off with a bang and had me sold after binging its first four episodes (I had a bit of an offset), making me hopeful this could be one of my favourites from 2022. Sadly, it was thereabouts that the quality of the writing slowly started going downhill for me. Woo lost me on two fronts: the weak framing and execution of the legal cases, and the underdeveloped cast of supporting characters, who were mostly neglected in favour of Park Eun Bin's Young Woo. Don't get me wrong, Park Eun Bin nailed the character, and her conversation with her mom in Episode 8 was particularly poignant and well executed, but it wouldn't have hurt to give characters like Min Woo or Jun-ho a case that resonated with them, like "The Strife of the Three Brothers," which was relevant to Young Woo's BFF Geu Ra-mi.

I'll take Min Woo as an example because, out of the whole cast of supporting characters, he showed the most promise. The show mentions in passing that Min Woo is his family's sole breadwinner, what could explain why he's so competitive and regards Young Woo as a threat rather than a boon, but the show never tries to explore this when it has the perfect medium to do so in the form of the legal cases. So why not give him a case that echoes some of his struggles trying to support his family while making headway into the competitive legal world, thus allowing us and his teammates to get to know him a little better? In essence, show us, don't just tell us. How am I then supposed to buy his sudden change-of-heart in "The Blue Night of Jeju" when you've given me nothing to support the fact he's bonded with anyone in the team? (besides Jun-ho who was already his flatmate) Perhaps not surprisingly, this particular episode throws a bunch of arcs left and right for the supporting characters to try and grab hold of, but too little too late.

As a procedural, I feel Extraordinary Attorney Woo is pretty average. It either didn't know how or never intended to handle its supporting cast of characters and successfully integrate them into the narrative, similarly to how a show like Again My Life did. To draw a curious parallel, the final episode of Again My Life gathers all of "the good guys" at the restaurant of Hee Woo's parents. There are 14 of them in total, not counting Hee Woo and his parents, and I feel like they've truly become one big extended family by show's end. Extraordinary Attorney Woo has a similar scene, gathering everyone at Min Shik's place that is meant to convey the same feeling, but they don't quite feel like a team yet, let alone a family. Maybe in Season 2?

If you're looking for a show featuring another savant autistic lead, but with a better grasp on developing an ensemble cast of characters, as well as a romantic relationship between the leads, then Good Doctor is the show for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a kickass lawyer, well, you probably already know who I'm talking about.

Fanletter, Please⭐

Episode count: 4

Where to watch: Viki

Rating: 8/10

Verdict: A lot of heart in a small package

The first among three shows in these lists that feature Choi Soo Young and Yoon Park as either main or supporting leads. I'd only previously watched Choi Soo Young in So I Married an Anti-Fan, a show not without its share of issues, but her as the female lead wasn't one. Indeed, she was one of the highlights and I was looking forward to seeing more of her work. As such, I was looking forward to this mini-series, more so when I realised Yoon Park would play the role of a father willing to move heaven and earth for his daughter, what is not a typical setup in kdramas (in my watching experience, mind you). Off the top of my head, I can only think of Marriage Contract and Lie After Lie as similar shows, in terms of how much of a protagonist the child actor is. Both are shows I would wholeheartedly recommend.

As for Fanletter, Please, I was positively pleased by how much content and social commentary this show was able to fit into its 4-hour runtime without harming the storytelling, something that even full-length kdramas struggle to achieve. Having said that, I would've welcomed one or two more episodes to let it breathe a little bit more and, of course, to watch some cute family moments! This is definitely a case of so good you want more of it. Still, Choi Soo Young and Yoon Park make it work within the available runtime, what's a credit to them and the script. CSY was on a roll last year (as you'll find out in Part 2!) so I'll have to keep an eye out for more of her dramas, and it was very welcome to see Yoon Park play this devoted father character after the disappointing Forecasting Love & Weather (though he was pretty good in it). Give me more short dramas!

Forecasting Love and Weather

Episode count: 16

Where to watch: Viki, Netflix

Rating: 6/10

Verdict: Couldn't forecast love and I have my doubts about the weather

Alternatives: She Would Never Know, The Rational Life

I have a soft spot for Park Min Young, having watched romcoms like What's Wrong With Secretary Kim? and Her Private Life, or even melodramas like When the Weather is Fine. And who can forget Healer, where she played the part of Lois Lane to Ji Chang Wook's Clark Kent (watch it, it's a classic). I couldn't remember a drama with her that I didn't enjoy watching, so it broke my heart a little to see what a disappointing mess Forecasting Love and Weather turned out to be. I should've heeded a friend's advice to steer clear of Song Kang dramas, even though the script was clearly the worse offender by far.

The show hooked us in with the initial romcom elements, and then decided to veer into slife/melo territory, as the relationships between the different couples started to fray, with conflict being driven at an accelerated pace by the issues that arose from poor communication, or an outright absence of it, and how the different couples handled (they often didn't) the results of their miscommunication. I didn't much mind at the time because I felt they were being somewhat mature about it without overplaying their hand, and because my weekly romcom fix was being delivered by A Business Proposal, but they were treading a fine line... that got utterly ground into dust in the last six episodes. At this point in the show, the nonsensical drama was amped considerably, to the point it could've given Young Lady & Gentleman a run for their money, setting us up for the inevitable breakup. Why? Because the kdrama gods have written that a breakup must inevitably occur in Episode 14 or thereabouts, and this show is not about to subvert that trope!

Like Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Forecasting Love and Weather failed at properly handling its ensemble cast of characters, trying to juggle five relationships to some very mixed results, when it would've been better off simply focusing on the main and secondary couples. As a result, by show's end I could've cared less what happened to the main couple, and was actually a bit more invested in the secondary one, played by Yoon Park and Yura, possibly because they at least tried to talk to each other and work things out. Honestly, Yoon Park's Ki Jun got the better deal out of all the characters in the show. How do you make Ki Jun, the guy who cheated on his fiancée with Si Woo's girlfriend, a more likable, or at least interesting, character than everyone else? You have him grow from an immature baby into a more or less responsible adult. You could argue that the main leads experience growth of their own, but it struck me as a bit aimless, a bit hollow. I mean, 16 episodes for Ha Kyung's boss to tell her you learn more from your mistakes than you do your successes? Seriously? Just go to r/GetMotivated for that.

Would I recommend this show? Unless you want to learn a little about what goes on behind the scenes of a weather forecast, not really, but maybe it's my fault for having high expectations due to PMY. It's not a bad show though, just average. If you want far better executed takes on this concept, check She Would Never Know on the kdrama side, and The Rational Life on the cdrama side.

Glitch💀

Episode count: 10

Where to watch: Netflix

Rating: 3/10

Verdict: Watching an episode of Ancient Aliens on the History Channel would've been more exciting and a lot shorter too

Alternatives: Circle

Can I get away simply by saying watching this show was a glitch? No? Dammit. I should've known better than to watch a Netflix-produced kdrama, even if it does star Nana, 'cause they've all been a bust for me, but Glitch was one of the privileged few shows I watched in 2022 that made me feel I had utterly wasted my time, with no redeeming qualities about it. 500 minutes to tell a story that lacks focus and is all over the place, perhaps stretched thin to meet a Netflix episode quota, with a FL that is not particularly interesting to follow, as she goes through a midlife crisis and teams up with Nana to investigate a UFO cult that may or may not have kidnapped her ex to sell his kidneys. Okay, maybe I made up that last bit about the kidneys.

The comedy doesn't land, the mystery doesn't land, the drama doesn't land, and the UFO doesn't land either. Undoubtedly, the finale is the better episode of the show, not least of why because it marked the ending, but also because the show didn't have any more time to dawdle as it had been doing for the past nine episodes, what gave it some much needed focus. To make matters worse, the surprises and twists at the end of each episode just weren't good enough to keep you hooked, nor, I'm afraid, were the leads. I was tempted at the time to give this show my first ever 1/10 for the way it wasted my time over the span of those 500 minutes, with a story that was infuriatingly inconsistent and lacked a lot of common sense, but it's probably not that bad. Still, I would only recommend watching it to my enemies, probably alongside something like Sisyphus.

Good Job

Episode count: 12

Where to watch: Viki

Rating: 7/10

Verdict: Good fun

Alternatives: Secret Royal Inspector

Another ENA network show, like Extraordinary Attorney Woo, but shorter and more entertaining, as we follow the crazy antics of Eun Soon Woo (Jung Il Woo), a chaebol CEO who doubles as a private detective (think Bruce Wayne/Batman), and Don Se Ra (Kwon Yu Ri), his newly-recruited superpowered assistant, as they aim to solve a 20-year-old cold case while uncovering other, smaller, cases, helping people and rectifying injustices along the way.

Good Job is just a fun ride overall, even if the comedy can be a little hit-or-miss sometimes, especially when it drags on for too long or tries the Marvel route of undermining certain scenes. The writing too could've benefited from another revision, as some events feel gratuitously delayed, like when a character refuses to reveal a certain name only to do so a few minutes later, while others are forced to a head, like Se Ra discovering Soon Woo's batcave. Oh, yeah, he has a batcave, of sorts, and even an Alfred, in the form of Lee Joon Hyuk's Director Hong, whom you may recall from Mystic Pop-Up Bar. He also has a talented sidekick and comedic support, Jin Mo (Eum Moon Suk), both a lawyer and a hacker, who also gets into a romantic entanglement of his own with Se Ra's best friend, Na Hee (Song Sang Eun). This is the mini-Justice League you'll see play dress-up (these scenes are so over-the-top fun!) from episode to episode, as they go undercover to solve cases and get one step closer to their goal. In this sense, this show could be compared to something like Taxi Driver, but, unlike the latter, Good Job doesn't take itself too seriously and neither should you for maximum enjoyment.

While the resolution of the final case felt a bit underwhelming, and perhaps a tad perfunctory (I did appreciate the brief redemption arc for one of the antagonists though), Good Job achieves in 12 episodes what Extraordinary Attorney Woo could not in 16, making its cast of characters grow into a team, one I would not mind accompanying in more adventures in future seasons. Will that happen? Probably not, so if you're looking for more fun adventures of the sort, and don't mind traveling to the past, I would not hesitate to recommend Secret Royal Inspector, with Kim Myung Soo and Kwon Na Ra.

Grid💀

Episode count: 10

Where to watch: Disney+

Rating: 4/10

Verdict: Another nail in the kdrama sci-fi coffin

Alternatives: 365: Repeat the Year, Reset, Circle

Sci-fi is one of my favourite genres, but kdramas have had a rather lousy track record at delivering good quality sci-fi and, sadly, Grid does nothing to change that. Our story starts in 1997, when a mysterious time traveler known as "the Ghost" laves a program for an energy grid to replace Earth's failing magnetic fields. This Grid is now managed by the Administration Bureau who intend to track down the Ghost and unlock the secrets of time travel... eventually. The show's comprised of only ten episodes, yet the pacing of the first half is slower than it has any right to be given the events depicted (hint: they aren't that exciting) and the dialogue isn't stimulating enough to sustain such a slow burner. This "season" could've been compressed into 5 or 6 episodes and it would've been stronger for it. Of course, then it would hardly qualify as a "season" (though Netflix seems to think it does).

The main plot line focuses around this serial killer and the fact that the Ghost is helping him evade capture. Why is this time traveler aiding and abetting a criminal? Honestly, this question was never interesting enough to fuel ten weeks of watching (the pain!) and it shows. Additionally, it is not answered conclusively, although there are some bread crumbs for the viewer to put the pieces together. In fact, this statement captures the show in a nutshell; it raises questions, but never provides any conclusive or satisfying answers, playing on the viewer's knowledge of other (better) time travel stories so they can come up with their own. Perhaps the worst example of this is the season finale, which is only meant to set up events for a possible S2 (in your dreams, or nightmares), thereby raising even more questions.

The writer behind this, Lee Soon Yeon, is apparently quite good, having written for Stranger and Stranger 2. I haven't watched either show so I can't comment on them, but time travel stories aren't for everyone. Having said that, the "mysteries" that are supposed to keep viewers hooked were also underwhelming. I remember reading an article that recommended Grid as a show that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I suppose it's possible to fall off your seat while asleep, right? If you want a show that uses time travel well, though in very limited fashion, merely as a trigger for the plot to unfold, watch 365: Repeat the Year. The cdrama Reset is a great exponent of using a time loop and one of my favourites from 2022. If you want kdrama's best exponent of sci-fi to date, watch Circle (review on the way).

If You Wish Upon Me⭐

Episode count: 16

Where to watch: Viki

Rating: 8/10

Verdict: The genie from Aladdin would be proud

First things first, there is a better version of this show if you take out the gangster storyline, which was entirely superfluous, and better integrate the sister storyline into the main plot. You can also drop the jealous doctor who added surprisingly little beyond being jealous at the required times (what a waste of a perfectly good character). Repackage it all into a shorter, 12-episode, season and this show could've reached 9-10 territory for me. Those are pretty much the weakest aspects of the show.

With that out of the way, it's a very good show. People have compared it to Chocolate given that it takes place in a hospice ward but, for my part, I dropped that show after 5 or 6 episodes, partly because of the ML. No such problem with Ji Chang Wook's character here, an orphan and ex-con with a heart of gold, and a cute dog he's named "Son." Despite all the abuse he's been subjected to throughout his life, he slowly starts to open up as he does community service at the hospice. Paired with Choi Soo Young's flirty Nurse Seo (love her!), these two alone make a powerful case for watching this show. Sung Dong Il also delivers a great performance and has some wonderful exchanges with Ji Chang Wook's character.

The show follows the "case of the week" formula for the most part, certainly during the first half of the drama, as Team Genie tries to fulfill the final wishes of the hospice's patients and often positively impact other people's lives in so doing. Be prepared and have tissues at hand. Beyond the gangster detour that wasted our time towards the end, and drew dangerously close to upending all the good will the show had garnered throughout its run, the final episode really brings it home, coming full circle and delivering a really satisfying conclusion to our story, one final surprise as Team Genie brings down the curtain on their show and bids us goodbye.

In short, yes, it could've been better with a tighter focus but, as it stands, it's one of the better shows to have come out in 2022, and perhaps Ji Chang Wook's best work since Healer (with the caveat that I have not yet watched Suspicious Partner nor Lovestruck in the City). And Choi Soo Young is now 2 for 2! (this girl's on 🔥🔥)

Jinxed at First💀

Episode count: 16

Where to watch: Viki

Rating: 4/10

Verdict: Oh, it's jinxed alright

Alternatives: My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, Goblin, Scripting Your Destiny

I had measured expectations for this drama. Na In Woo had previously worked with the same director in 2021's River Where the Moon Rises, a show I enjoyed a great deal, though mostly because it was the first time I delved deep into the history behind the drama, namely the tale of Princess Pyeonggang and On Dal the Fool, and the history of the Three Kingdoms' period. He was brought in late, with production underway, to replace Ji Soo; he barely slept, had to adlib a lot of his scenes, and still managed to have great chemistry with Kim So Hyun and, to my mind, had the better grasp on the character of On Dal. I'd hoped Jinxed at First would give him another opportunity to shine, but, alas, that was not the case.

The first episode alone is a hectic storytelling mess (and, incidentally, River Where the Moon Rises alumni reunion), rushing through a lot of backstory and setup for the rest of the season. We're introduced to Soo Gwang, a bright student with a promising future and powerful friends, whose life takes a turn for the worse when he meets Seul Bi (Seo Hyun), a woman imprisoned since birth by his best friend's dad because of her strange ability to see a person's future through a single touch. Cut to a year later, where we find Soo Gwang working as a fishmonger under a different name, only for Seul Bi to track him down again, determined to remain by his side.

Honestly, I'm not sure what genre this show wanted to be, but I'm pretty sure it failed at most of them. For the first 6 or 7 episodes it tried to resemble something like My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, as Seul Bi is just as innocent and naïve as Miho was (even if Miho sold it better than Seul Bi did, to my mind), and both male leads were resolved to get rid of her. This is perhaps the strongest portion of the show, as Seul Bi adapts to her new environment and neighbors, making new friends while at the same time helping Soo Gwang get rid of his (never explained) bad luck. I even enjoyed some of the comedy. However, unlike My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, there is not enough chemistry between the leads to have them fall in love with each other over the course of 6 or 7 episodes. Well, not in Soo Gwang's case at any rate, as Seul Bi has been infatuated with him for years. Upon falling in love, the trope that naturally follows is a break-up, after which point the show starts to resemble more of a makjang, turning to corporate and chaebol intrigue and infighting. This is also around the time Soo Gwang's best friend, Min Joon (played by Ki Do Hoon, from Scripting Your Destiny), decides he's in love with Seul Bi (what?), something even more out of left field, especially when he's already engaged to Lee Ho Jung's (Soljiwan!!!) charming character, Ja Kyung, who effortlessly stole every scene she was in. Min Joon, if you don't want her, I'll gladly take her off your hands!

Seemingly having exhausted the depth of its narrative well, the show dragged its feet for several episodes, eventually deciding the story was better served by turning a character into a psychopath, who also wanted Seul Bi for himself and was willing to kill anyone in the process, an eye-rolling set of circumstances eventually resolved thanks to Seul Bi's expansive (aka nonsensical) repertoire of supernatural powers. And, of course, in a show of this caliber, the amnesia trope could not be absent, a card that is dealt in the very last episode and resolved at the very last minute. What a payoff.

When I first learned of this drama I recall reading an outline that went something along the lines of, "Unlucky man meets a goddess of luck." Would it have been too much to ask for a show fitting that description, but in the vein of the excellent Goblin instead? Or maybe something like Scripting Your Destiny, which is certainly not as good as Goblin, but is still way better than this, and much shorter too. If you want to watch a show that features a romantic relationship between a god and a human, I encourage you to give those a try instead, as well as the aforementioned My Girlfriend is a Gumiho.

[vapehk1]

Dummy (Tekashi 69) Vapes: In-Depth Review of Flavors, Pricing, and More

An Overview of Dummy (Tekashi 69) Vapes Dummy Vape is a disposable vape brand launched in 2023 and endorsed by the American rapper Tekashi 69. Leveraging Tekashi 69’s strong fanbase, the brand has quickly gained popularity. While I’m not particularly a fan of Tekashi 69, his colorful cartoon avatar and the eye-catching "Dummy Vapes" logo are undeniably distinctive. The character, with large expressive eyes and rainbow-colored teeth, perfectly captures Tekashi 69’s unique persona, blending humor and style. The brand’s rapid rise hasn't gone unnoticed, with other vape companies like Fume Vape attempting collaborations with Tekashi 69, which ultimately led to legal disputes. Dummy Vapes LLC, a Florida-based company, seems to be the brand's owner. In October 2023, the company filed for the Dummy Vape trademark. Interestingly, another company, HIGH-QUALITY VAPES LLC, has filed a similar trademark featuring Tekashi 69’s cartoon image, raising questions about the brand’s ownership. Currently, Dummy Vape offers a single product, the Dummy Vapes 8000. Despite lacking FDA approval, it’s marketed as a safe product. In this review, I’ll provide a closer look at this disposable vape. Design & Build Quality The Dummy (Takashi 69) Vape comes in several design variations, including the Classic version, Dummy Vapes version, and a 24k gold version. The 24k gold model, priced at $999, is currently unavailable, but it stands out as a luxury option. This review focuses on the Dummy Vapes version, which is heavily branded with Tekashi 69’s imagery. The Dummy Vapes model features a bar-shaped design with a semi-transparent, food-grade plastic mouthpiece for ergonomic comfort. The device's body is constructed from solid-colored plastic, with a small display near the bottom that shows battery and e-liquid levels. The air intake and charging port are positioned at the base. The front of the device is adorned with a colorful Dummy Vapes logo and a large cartoon image of Tekashi 69, along with the flavor name and a corresponding fruit graphic—a first for disposable vapes, adding a playful touch. While the bar-shaped design is functional, it lacks aesthetic appeal. However, the colorful Tekashi 69 cartoon adds a fun and distinctive element to the device. Performance & Functionality Specifications: - E-Liquid Capacity: 18mL - Battery Capacity: 650mAh - Maximum Puffs: 8000 - Nicotine Strength: 5% (50mg) - Operation: Draw-Activated - Heating Element: QUAQ Mesh Coil - Charging: Type-C Port - Display Screen: Smart Display Screen The Dummy (Takashi 69) Vape is prefilled with 18mL of e-liquid, promising up to 8000 puffs. In reality, users can expect around 3600 puffs, which is still respectable. The 650mAh battery takes about an hour to fully charge, offering decent performance. The device features a QUAQ mesh coil, a lesser-known brand under the same company that owns popular brands like Elf Bar, Lost Mary, and Funky Republic. This ensures reliable vaporizing technology, as the coil plays a critical role in flavor and vapor production. In terms of user experience, the Dummy Vape offers a smooth and satisfying draw. The small display screen, located on the bottom side, can be slightly inconvenient to view. Additionally, the device does not have adjustable airflow, limiting customization of the draw. Flavor Selection & Taste Dummy (Takashi 69) Vape offers 22 unique flavors: - 69 Lush Ice - Watermelon Ice - Alien Invasion - Blackberry & Dragon Fruit - Bad Berry - Intense Blackberry - Brooklyn Blue - Blueberries & Icy Coolness - Clear - Pure Vaping Experience - Cosmic Blast - Raspberry, Peach & Lime Ice - Dummy Dream - Creamy Banana Ice Cream - Fizzy Lemon - Sparkling Pink Lemonade - Fruit Frenzy - Pineapple, Guava & Passion Fruit - Gangsta Punch - Pineapple, Mango & Lime - Gooba Grape - Cranberries & Grapes - Gummo Gummy - Candy-Inspired Flavors - Kika Kiwi - Kiwi & Pomegranate - King of NY - Cool Mint Ice - Rainbow Rapper - Skittlez-Inspired Fruit Mix - Redd Dummy - Cherries, Strawberries & Apples - Stoopid Strawberry - Strawberries & Banana - Tobacco - Rich Tobacco Flavor - Trollz Twist - Blueberries, Raspberries & Sour Candy - Twisted Tangy - Orange, Lemon & Mint - Wacky Watermelon - Strawberry, Mango & Watermelon - Zest Zaza - Cucumber, Lemon & Mint Top 3 Flavors: - Cosmic Blast: A refreshing mix of raspberry, peach, and lime ice, with a balanced sweetness and cool throat hit. - Dummy Dream: Authentic banana ice cream flavor with just the right sweetness and a smooth throat hit. - Gooba Grape: A delightful blend of natural cranberry and grape flavors with balanced sweetness and a satisfying throat hit. Pricing The Dummy Classic and Dummy Vapes versions are priced at $14.99 USD, while the 24k gold version costs $999 USD. The classic version’s price is reasonable for an 18ml capacity. Retailers like vapecityusa.com offer the product for $14.44 USD, providing small savings for budget-conscious buyers. Final Thoughts As a disposable vape, the Dummy (Takashi 69) Vape stands out with its robust build quality, diverse flavor selection, and reliable performance, thanks to its QUAQ mesh coil. However, the lack of adjustable airflow and basic functionality might limit its appeal to those seeking a more customizable vaping experience. If you’re not a fan of Tekashi 69, the themed versions might not be for you. In that case, the Classic version is a more neutral option. Overall, the Dummy (Takashi 69) Vape is a solid choice for casual vapers, offering a unique blend of style and performance. Review By Vape Vison Read the full article

[chocolatedonutdream]

10 Startups That'll Change the butter pound cake Industry for the Better

Our London Pound Cake – Strain Review - Real. Functional. Diaries

Table of ContentsThe Basic Principles Of London Pound Cake - Weed Strains Everything about How Good Is The London Pound Cake Strain?Indicators on Pound Cake Strain Review You Should KnowUnknown Facts About London Poundcake Strain - Hybrid Cannabis Video, Thc, Terps

Some state the fragrance is actually a bit different than what they counted on. Are you a beginner farmer seeking a trusted seed bank? ILGM is the planet's most renowned distributor. Examine out our. Enjoy your develop! Some mention the flavor of Greater london Extra pound Pie is actually, as a matter of fact, beyond its odor.

Those who carry out sporadically use marijuana could experience results that are actually more powerful than they would certainly choose. This is actually why you need to spare this tension for evening use (is a cake bar weed). Under the worst-case case, you might locate that it sedates you a little greater than expected, undoing any sort of possibility of being actually successful afterward.

These seeds take approximately 12 weeks to grow. They agree with for developing either inside or outdoors. Don't expect to find any kind of feminized versions of seeds, thus be readied to "weed" out the guys when you can easily pinpoint them. Considering that they are pricey to get, London Extra pound Covered grass stays some of the a lot more strange marijuana vegetations to expand (london pound cake strain leafly).

Have you ever before smoked or? Please allow me know what you believe regarding this cannabis pressure in the remarks below. Robert - ice cream pound cake strain.

Greater London Extra Pound Covered is actually an indica dominant crossbreed stress that really stuffs a punch! Its THC web content can easily acquire up to 29%, as well as users commend Pound Covered for its own capability to create a blissful physical body and scalp higher. This strain was actually endured when Sundown Sherbet was actually crossed along with a not known hefty indica tension.

The Ultimate Guide To London Pound Cake - Strain Information

Greater london Extra pound Cake will definitely leave you really feeling artistic, uplifted, as well as all set to handle your time! It is actually a great strain to appreciate along with friends, or alone during a stress-free time at house. This stress tends to increase rather heavy along with lengthy divisions (lemon drizzle strain). Each of its own weeds are darker eco-friendly in colour with brownish-yellow tinted pistils all throughout the area.

However, for those struggling with mood disorders or ailments like depression, this stress can offer much needed to have comfort! As a result of its capability to relax the mind and also generate an uplifting sense of bliss, people typically review this strain as havnig mood-boosting and maintaining homes - london pound mints 11 strain. London Extra pound Cake is likewise helpful for those along with focus shortage ailments, provided how it may aid one concentrate their thoughts and possess a greater feeling of command during that sense.

It may likewise lead to a case of the munchies, assisting people experiencing a shortage of appetite as a result of medicines, severe ailments, or the adverse effects of radiation treatment to consume consistently as well as keep a healthy body weight (cake gorilla glue hybrid review). Alternatively, it supplies a pleasantly uplifting yet relaxing mental sensation that aids promote creativity as well as emphasis (garlic cookies strain leafly).

Many patients mention that it helps cease racing thought and feelings and may even shut down the bodily reactions to anxiousness or fear. Many unscientific consumers additionally mention that London Poundcake aids with state of mind swings as well as the incapacity to focus triggered by ADD or even attention deficit disorder - cookie face strain. Your point of view of the London Poundcake pressure will certainly be actually located totally by yourself individual inclinations. lpc jealousy strain.

If there is everything that I positively appreciate regarding the pot world, it is the plethora of possibilities you receive whenever you intend to take in any type of buddy - london pound cake strain seedfinder. Coming from the dankest natural herb to the fruitiest flavours, the range is actually so extensive that you are always in shock when you uncover a new pressure (banana pound cake).

Some Known Details About London Pound Cake Weed Strain Review & Information

I concur, the name is actually tempting good enough to provide it a go, yet even more than that, it was the vivid profile page as well as the strange parent of the tension that bugged my curiosity to provide it a favorite. And also as they state, the remainder is actually history - cookie cake weed strain. I certainly never leave a great tension only for me, and also I understood I must marker down my evaluation for every 420 aficionados that are actually appearing for some relevant information about this charm.

I don't such as a beautiful stress, mentioned no one ever before. Most of us receive a light high through appearing at the stickiness, the small closely-packed buds, the trichome dealt with brilliantly colored pistils, and not to discuss, the tantalizing aroma. Greater London Pound Covered is just one of the pressures that tease you along with their look, simply intending to be actually eaten - lemon cookie strain.

If you are actually presuming the sweet, smooth London Pound Pie Pressure are going to leave you with a subtle scent, you are actually so wrong. The stress scent is rather solid, adequate to stink up the space, therefore if you are actually planning on toking it discreetly, miscarry the mission (buttermilk pound cake paula deen). That being pointed out, it does not possess a slimy scent, but somewhat falls on to the positive edge of points - apple pound cake recipe.

You might anticipate a fruity fragrance, yet it has pointers of wood and the planet in addition to some berry-like scent to even things out. A deeper smell discloses keep in minds of citrus and lemon, offering it a best combination of verbose as well as rounded. In all honesty, the down-to-earth nuttiness is actually tasty as well as works well to prep you for the flavour it must offer.

The exhale carries onward the nutty and cakey profile page of the pressure, leaving you with an earthy taste and also the remaining zest of grapes. cake bars thc. Considering its high THC material, just about lining at 30%, the Greater London Pound Cake is actually certainly not for the newbies or rookie tokers that have actually merely entered into the grass lane. lemon pound cake strain.

The Main Principles Of London Pound Cake Weed Strain Review & Information

As the high resides in, the second impact emerges in a condition of kicking back higher, floating your physical body by means of the drowsy as well as loosening up stage. You will find yourself conveniently on the couch, diminishing between the condition of tiredness and sleep or sedation, however certainly not that is also mind-boggling. The mild emphasis as well as the slow-moving creeping bodily results make it a best tension for night use.

A best tension for a fun motion picture night! And also do not panic, the efficacy carries out not trigger fear or even anxiety, instead creates you much more rested. There are no adverse side-effects of the Greater london Pound Tension as it is a really relaxing, smooth, stress despite the fact that it is fairly high in THC information.

[nathancabera]

Punch Bar Cream is a flavorful treat that won't burn through every last dollar. Look no farther than Punch Bars! These little jewels are ideally suited for when you need something sweet however don't have any desire to burn through a huge load of cash.

[softyoongiionly]

BlackHeart Bakery

Who says Halloween can’t be romantic?

Pairing: Emo! Jungkook x Reader

Word Count: 3.7k

Genre: fluff

A/N: HI OMG IM SO SORRY THIS IS LATE. I love you, I hope you like it. I’m sorry it isn’t longer but, I still can’t wait for you to read it.

-you never imagined that the quirky lil bakery down the street from your university would change your life  

-But it did

-“Omg shut up, you’re so dumb.”

-“Rawr xD”

-“Did you just say rawr xD out loud??? That totally defeats the purpose of its existence...”

-“Don’t cite the deep magic to me witch, I was there when it was written.”

-“And now you’re quoting the chronicles of narnia- alright just go back to sleep you big dummy...”

-“Mmm but you married a big dummy so what does that say about you”

-“Jungkook don't spoil it oh my god!”

-“Like they don’t know what’s coming already- spoiler alert losers! I get the girl.”

-“I hate you...”

-“Mm yeah- I love it when you talk dirty to me baby. The last time you said that- we ended up fuc-“

-“Ok! That’s enough! Our story begins...”

-Jungkook’s bakery was quite famous around your city

-If people didn’t come for the gaudy Halloween decorations  

-They came for the music  

-Exclusively pop punk, if you’re wondering

-It was like 2009 everyday  

-Which was comforting, considering the world has gotten a little

-Tricky

-Since then

-But anyways

-If they didn’t come for the music or the decorations

-They came for the AMAZING espresso  

-And the spooky themed treats

-But if you’re being honest

-You think the main thing that keeps them coming back

-Is Jungkook  

-If his sweeping black hair didn’t get you

-Or the adorable cheeky twinkle in his eyes

-It was the tattoos and the piercings  

-He looked like he walked right off of a black veil brides music video set  

-He was hot

-This was obvious

-But he didn’t seem to think so

-You had come to the conclusion that he was oblivious  

-he shoved his feet into his big black doc martens every morning  

-Slipped on his beaded bracelets and studded chokers

-Pulled his fall out boy t-shirt over his

-Massive

-Tattooed

-Biceps

-And just thought hm

-I’m pretty average I guess (lol)

-That’s a direct quote from him btw

-Men truly are hopeless

-Jungkook opened the bakery two years ago

-He had mentioned to you that he had saved up money from his 3 part time jobs to put a down payment on the building  

-Which was wedged between a sex shop

-And a thrift store

-And honestly his bakery

-Blackheart Bakery, if you’re being specific  

-Fits right in

-Jungkook refuses to hire new staff

-“They won’t do it right.” He whined to you one day

-“One time I tried to hire this guy and he put the sugared googly eyes on the cookie skeletons ALL WRONG”

-“How do you put googly eyes on wrong?” You had giggled

-“you just do- i- See? This is exactly why I can’t hire anyone...”

-You had started chewing on the end of your pencil in the midst of your laughter

-It was an unconscious habit

-And it makes Jungkook shift uncomfortably, his hands moving off of the top of your table

-“Don’t do that...” he had muttered, smirking to himself as he walked back behind the counter  

-he did that a lot

-He’d mutter something  

-Mildly flirtatious under his breath and then  

-Just walk away

-It was quite confusing

-But honestly you had a feeling he was just a filrty person  

-You certainly weren’t the only girl he smirked at

-Not that you pay attention

-Ok  

-Maybe you do  

-Kinda  

-Pay attention  

-but it’s not your fault!!!!  

-You just  

-Can’t help but feel a little jealous

-You kiiiiiinda have a little thing for him

-Ok

-Maybe it’s a big thing  

-Maybe it’s a massive

-Gigantic

-Towering  

-Crush  

-But look at him!!!

-You simply couldn’t be blamed

-It was his fault  

-Yep

-That’s what you’re going with

-It was Jungkook

-And his tight t shirts

-His ripped jeans

-His dangly earrings

-His tattoos

-His big

-Stupid boots

-Ugh ok

-Focus  

-You have work to do

-The whole reason you began coming to Jungkook's cafe was so you -could find a consistent place to study for your exams

-You were in school to become a teacher :)  

-And teachers have to study very very hard  

-Educating the youth is no easy feat  

-Jungkook had asked what you were studying during the first week you arrived at his spooky house of baked goods

-“Oh I’m an education major”

-“Ahh so you’re getting an education about...education.” He concludes

-“I love it.”

-“So meta.”

-“Are they educating you on the disparities between impoverished children and wealthier children?”

-His wide eyes were brimming with genuine curiosity  

-You kind of got a kick out of how candid he was about such heavy conversation topics

-“Not as much as they should be but, I’m actually writing a paper on a similar topic right now...”

-This caused a brilliant grin to come over his face

-It was almost blinding really

-And it made your heartbeat all wonky  

-“Of course you are. You look smart like that...”

-He had backed away from your table then, seemingly satisfied

-Had you passed the vibe check?

-“I’ll leave you to your paper.” He nodded to your laptop but as he walked away, he pivoted back towards you on and the heel of his combat boot, “welcome to Blackheart Bakery by the way, let me know if I can get you anything.”

-Another brilliant smile is sent your way  

-“Thank you.” You had smiled back, sending a tiny wave his way

-Which in turn, made HIS heartbeat all wonky  

-You’re cute

-Like really cute

-And despite how often it may seem like his eyes are elsewhere

-They are ALWAYS on you

-Every chance he gets he is glancing your way

-Smirking to himself at how endearing you are

-Brow furrowed

-Lips pouted in concentration  

-Completely oblivious to his gaze

-He has to remind himself to look away  

-He doesn’t want to be a creep

-“Creepy men deserved to get kicked in the teeth...”

-He’s said this to you before when another patron had made you uncomfortable

-Jungkook kicked him out immediately  

-“If you don’t leave, I’ll have no choice but to kick you in the teeth. One, because I can’t compromise my personal philosophy and two because you’re making my favorite customer uncomfortable.”

-Oh look there goes your heartbeat again

-WONKY

-The guy leaves in an angry rush, flipping Jungkook off in the process

-Saying something about leaving a bad Yelp review  

-He doesn’t care tho

-He definitely doesn’t want to be a creep

-You’re just so  

-Pretty

-Ugh

-He rolls his eyes at himself behind the espresso bar

-The latte in front of him neglected  

-In need of a bit of foam

-“Focus Jeon, she’s just a chick...”

No wait

-“She’s just a woman. A woman who I respect, like I respect all women...”

-He’s been watching a lot of feminist theory on YouTube

-He likes staying educated  

-And also fuck the patriarchy

-The man waiting for his drink has arched a brow at this point, wondering if his barista has lost his mind

-“Uhhh medium...” he checks the cup for his awful hand writing, “ghostly toasted marshmallow latte!”

-“Thanks.” The guy mutters, throwing a judging look Jungkook's way  

-He gives him a lazy salute as the guy struts away with a briefcase in tow

-“Thaaanks.” Jungkook mocks him, his face scrunching up in annoyance  

-Stupid man

-With his stupid briefcase  

-As Jungkook is pulling out a batch of cream cheese frosting stuffed pumpkin muffins  

-Or as Jungkook calls them

-PUNK-in Muffins

-Movement at the counter catches his eye

-is that

-”oh shit...” He grunts, hastily wiping his hands on his apron and rushing over to the counter

-normally he would meander

-stroll

-or even slump to greet any new guests at this hour

-and by this hour

-he means 45 minutes before closing

-Jungkook’s bakery is open til midnight on weeknights

-9pm on Sundays

-and 3am on Saturdays (for the culture of course, gotta keep it spooky)

-tonight happens to be a Friday night and the person awaiting his assistance is

-you

-”You’re still here?” He gawks, the black polish on his nails glimmering as he punches in a few keys on the register

-You offer him a tired and slightly amused smile, “No. Y/N died around 4:30, you’re speaking to her ghost. Please leave your message after the tone.”

-Jungkook cracks a smile, his palms resting on flat on the counter, “Do ghosts check their voicemails?”

-“Oh of course not but, I will be checking yours because you have access to caffeine.”

-Jungkook laughs

-no...he giggles  

-and it’s fucking cute

-but you digress

-“I feel like I should cut you off...this is your 4th latte; I’m pretty sure you’re 80% caffeine at this point...”

-“Noooo, don’t do that.” You whine slumping against the counter, “I just need to finish this one page...”

-He quirks a brow as he scribbles something on your cup, unimpressed with your statement, “You said that three hours ago. I’ll make you another one but I’m not putting an extra shot in.”

-Your face turns up in protest but he click his tongue against his teeth , shaking a manicured finger at you

-“Ah ah- nope. I don’t want to hear it. You either take that or I’m making you a hot chocolate and shutting the buildings power off.”

-With a dramatic sigh, you concede

-“Ugh fine. Here-” You go to hand him your debit card but he shakes his head

-“Put that away.”

-You want to protest but given the fact that he’s made the rules thus far during this interaction, you doubt you’d be able to stop him.

-A smile appears on your face then, appreciative of his generosity

-“Thank you.”

-He merely grins, waving you off before rolling up the sleeves of his black Blink 182 shirt

-as soon as his tattoos are out

-all the moisture leaves your mouth

-you try your hardest not to stare at him

-expertly, he eases the espresso shots into the milk, tongue poking between his lips in concentration

-and you

-being sleep-deprived

-and a little loopy

-decide to  

-flirt????????

-if you could even call it that

-which you could but you shouldn’t

-“For the record, when I finally dig my way out of this of mountain of death I’m stuck in, I will definitely take you up on that hot chocolate...”

-Jungkook’s brow quirks at the tone of your voice, his hands suddenly itching with nerves

-was that

-was that flirty?

-should he flirt back?

-“My hot chocolate is legendary. You won’t be disappointed.” His lips display a small grin as he places the lid atop your finished latte, “Also mountain of death is a great name and I WILL be stealing it.”

-You giggle

-again

-“and I WILL be suing you for copyright.”

-He laughs now, wiping up the bit of milk he spilled

-the sinewy muscles in his forearm tensing and untensing

“Good luck getting me to show up to court.”

-and that’s kinda how it was between you and Jungkook

-for like six months

-it was a little bit flirty but never anything to push either over you over the edge.

-and speaking of being on edge

-recently, you had gone from vacationing in your timeshare on the edge

-to signing a 35 year mortgage contract  

-4 bedrooms

-2.5 bathrooms

-of pure

-unrelenting

-stress

-you could feel it in the middle of your back

-shoving itself up between your shoulder blades

-your body seemed to ache with it

-the worst part being

-it was Halloween

-You should be out with your friends, having fun

-wearing itchy costumes and drinking sugary drinks

-but instead, your headed towards the bakery to work

-Jungkook was behind the counter, smiling happily at a family dressed like the cast of scooby doo

-from what you could see he was wearing a skeleton onesie

-his jet black hair tousled perfectly above his head

-he looked adorable

-(and hot)

-He notices you instantly, his face turning up in surprise

-you offer up a small wave and head over to your table

-you know he’s going to say something about you being there but

-you don’t really have much of a choice

-this work has to be done

-it takes him a second to spot you but when he does

-he seems to perk up

-his smile brightening as he looks back towards his customer

-as you’re setting everything up, you feel a presence (not the spooky kind) at the end of your table

-it’s Jungkook and he has your regular order in one hand, along with something wrapped in skeleton-patterned parchment paper

-“I know, I know.” You acknowledge before he’s even able to chide you for being here

-He smirks “What are you doing studying on the holiest day of the year??”

-You giggle

-“The holiest day of the year huh?”

-“Of course. Halloween is the one night a year that the homies can dress like total -sluts and no one can say anything about it.”

-This makes you giggle again

-“And you went with slutty skeleton huh? I love it- it’s like as naked as you can possibly get.”

-He chuckles, gesturing to his costume

-His floppy black hair getting in his face

-“Damn right baby.”

-The way he grins tells you the pet name is a joke

-But the deepening of his voice gets to you anyway

-“Thank you for this. I promise I’ll get out of your hair early tonight.”

-“The only thing I’m worried about getting out of my hair is this white spray paint. You’re welcome to stay as long as you want.”

-He’s put a streak of white spray paint in his raven locks

-Why? You’re not certain

-Does it look good on him, like everything else does?

-Absolutely

-Its been a few hours since your night of studying began

-Jungkook’s dropped off two free lattes since you’ve arrived  

-As well as a slice of his ‘I write cinnamon not tragedies’ bread

-Which was equally hilarious and delicious

-You caught him glancing over at your table a few times but you didn’t think anything of it

-He’s probably just checking to make sure that no one needs your table

-His bakery is packed most nights but Halloween is a special night at Blackheart Bakery

-He has a trick or treat counter set up with free (homemade) candy

-A photo op complete with a fake haunted house backdrop

-A Halloween playlist

-And a bunch of discounts on his signature lattes and food

-you watch him amongst the chaos

-He is completely unfazed

-He seems elated at the amount of customers he has

-he grins and laughs at something a man dressed like Thor says at his counter

-he seems entirely in his element

-you realize that the denial tactics you’ve been trying out haven’t been working

-because this floppy haired, tattooed, slutty skeleton/baker kind of has a hold on your heart

-you’ve been friends for a long time now

-he always makes sure you’re taken care of

-he always asks if you’re ok

-he always gives you this little grin

-it feels like a secret sometimes

-but maybe it’s been his way of letting you know where he stands

-he’s been bringing you lattes and pastries for months now

-he never charges you full-price

-he always reminds you not to work too hard

-he

-fuck

-he likes you doesn’t he?

-you look back over at the counter to see him bending over and handing a skeleton cookie to a little girl dressed like Captain Marvel

-he laughs at something she says

-his eyes focused entirely on her and whatever she seems to be proclaiming to him  

-your heart goes wonky again

-alright

-enough is enough

-you’re doing this  

-Jungkook’s done so much of the work thus far

-it’s time for you to seal the deal

-and if he rejects you, well…

-you can just crawl into a hole and never come out again

-easy peasy

-You can feel his eyes on you as you get up to take your place in line

-luckily there isn’t anyone else behind you

-rejection with an audience would certainly be worse

-Jungkook has his witty comment ready for you as you approach the register

-“I know for a fact you haven’t finished your third latte and I’m not making you another one until-“

-“I’m not here for another latte.” You laugh, trying to ignore the thrashing of your heartbeat

-“No? Well, are you finally going to try my Welcome to the Blackened Chicken Parade Burger then? I’ve been asking you for like three weeks…”

-god he’s fucking cute

-“I’m here to ask you out.”

-Jungkook swears he feels his heart stop

-“You’re here to…”

-He repeats the first part of your response as his he didn’t hear you

-his black fingernails anxiously tapping against the countertop

-“I’m here to ask you out- on a date.”

-Jungkooks face seems to go through various stages of confusion before a shy smirk presents itself on his pretty mouth

-“Me? You’re asking me-“ He places a hand on his chest, “-out on a date?”

-“Yes!” You laugh, slapping the counter a bit too hard, your nerves getting the best of you, “Are you down?”

-He shakes his head but his answer contradicts his movements

-“So down, beyond down. There is no one on Earth who is more DOWN than I am. Yes. My answer is yes. 50000% yes.”

-you can’t help the smile on your lips

-“great. So are you free next Friday then?”

-He grins with his teeth this time, nodding emphatically  

-“Consider the shop closed.”

-and so it was

-you returned to your table moments later  

-feeling on top of the world

-you did it

-you asked Jungkook out

-and he said yes

-and now you

-NOW YOU HAVE A DATE WITH JUNGKOOK

-LOOK AT YOU GO

-TAKING CHARGE

-you try your best to engage with your studies but with Jungkook on your mind

-its really hard

-roughly two hours later, things at the bakery have finally started to slow down

-“Hey uh- Y/N?”

-Jungkook's voice that pulls you out of your studying trance

-he’s standing at the entrance of his back room, waving you over with his hand

-and who are you to deny him?

-you make your way over there, annoyed at the instant increase in your heartrate

-he stands awkwardly to the side and gestures to the boxes on the metal rack

-“I just remembered that I’ve never given you a tour of the place. I give all my regulars a tour of the stockroom and my office and uh-”

-he cuts himself off and clumsily cups your cheek

-he pulls you into a kiss

-a really good kiss

-his lips are so warm

-he smells like cinnamon

-you could literally die happy

-The ridiculous nature of his first attempt to kiss you, makes you giggle into his mouth

-you feel him smile, his hands smushing your cheeks together as he pulls away

-“Ok I lied. There is no tour. I’ve just been watching you focus on your computer for the last two hours and you’re just really fucking cute and-”

-this time, it’s you who cuts him off

-“You better give me an actual tour next time. How else am I going to steal your secret recipes?”

-he scoffs in mock offense

-“Ah ha! So that’s the only reason you asked me out huh? Should I be calling you Plankton instead of Y/N? Ew no wait- that would make me Mr. Krabs and he’s a dirty capitalist...”

-You laugh, “Oooh good point. Guess you’ll just have to be Karen, my computer wife.”

-This makes him laugh now and the sound warms your soul

-“I could live with that- I like your last name better anyways.”

-with another kiss, your adventure with the emo baker of your dreams begins

-It may have been Halloween but it sure felt like Christmas to you

[iwantescapism13]

'Mother of Olms' - Sigh.

This half-episode mostly concentrated on the idea of “one might be old, but knowledge is what makes them above the younger generation”. It's a good message. I love the interactions between Hop-Pop and Mother Olm. They're wholesome old creatures.

It's just... not something I'd like to see in the last part of the series. And especially not in an episode where I thought it would cover a lot more than just the prophecy.

Again, under the cut would be my opinions regarding this episode and it would be mostly (if not all) negative. If you're interested to know, go and have a read.

If not, see you guys next week for my review of the super anticipated episode.

----

Alex was right in mentioning that this season would be a rollercoaster.

3B started off with the supposed last episode of 3A. The bar was set so high due to Anne's awesome display of her version of brains and brawn. She was smart (although the plan failed) and tough (the lightsaber scene was the highlight). Then the series proceeded with the correct first episode of 3B, where she's finally back in Amphibia. The graph line went downhill so fast due to the massive failure in keeping Anne's characterization consistent with ‘Escape to Amphibia’. Then ‘Sasha's Angels’ and ‘Olm Town Road’ aired and the graph line increased this time, but not as high.

And then... we got ‘Mother of Olms’ and the graph line just went in a zig-zag direction.

Sigh.

About 7-8 minutes(?) of the episode were wasted to show the gross comedy of applying cream inside Mother Olms’ brain (that the characters would have to go through her freaking EARS in order to go there *gags*) to make her remember the prophecy. It was... super disgusting. I hated it so much that I tried not to look away (because I need to watch the episode), but I just couldn’t.

The only time I forced myself to look back at the screen was when they mentioned “Dr. Yohan” (which was something I was very happy about because that’s another way to pronounce my real name and basically I WAS MENTIONED IN AMPHIBIA).

But anyway.

These scenes reminded me of some of the Season 1 episodes. Why are we still seeing these kinds of scenarios at this point of time? Why is it that whenever Marcy is being mentioned, it just comes off as a passing remark and nothing else?

It feels... so... odd, somehow.

What is Amphibia trying to do here? Why is Marcy being put off to the sidelines so much that NOT EVEN HER BEST FRIENDS are shown worried as fuck? I wouldn’t expect anything from Sasha, honestly... but Anne? Her best friend since kindergarten (probably)? Like... what... the... fuck? Season 3A has come and gone, she’s now back in Amphibia, and still NOTHING? WHY??

If it’s for the sake of punching our guts when Marcy finally appears in an episode, I swear to god--

Just for comparison’s sake, Season 1 ended with Sasha almost dying. Anne was shown to have cried her eyes out even after she knew that Sasha was okay. She was shown to be “depressed” and clearly affected by this by Season 2 Episode 1. If I were one of the fans who watched Season 2 as it aired back then, would I have felt the same way as what I’m feeling right now towards Season 3 because Sasha wasn’t mentioned again?

No.

Because Anne, AT THE VERY LEAST, acknowledged it.

She reacted to the situation.

The thing is, Marcy... literally... DIED. We need to highlight that fact.

And Anne didn’t react as much. She didn’t even fucking cry, for fuck’s sake.

“Denial”, people said. ‘Denial’ of what? That Marcy’s dead? So she knew, but she’s just trying not to address it? BUT WHY NOT? Why put it off? Why have her motivations to open the portal be about JUST getting the Plantars back? Why was it that the only time she ever cried and broke down in 3A was when she was leaving her parents? Why the fuck did she seemingly sigh in relief at hearing that Marcy’s alive but just captured? Why isn’t she panicking and trying to come up with a way to rescue her best friend?

Let me just remind everyone as well that there was a point where Anne went all the way to her school on a weekend just to save Marcy from a bunch of snakes. I’m not even talking about shipping here. I’m just straight up saying that as a BEST FRIEND who would (probably) do ANYTHING to protect the other best friend, she should be feeling more than just simply sigh in relief and move on. If anything, I thought Anne would be more careless because the thought of Marcy still being alive BUT CAPTURED was still worrying. Anne should be panicking, making rash decisions - that could be a good alternative plot point for 'Commander Anne' - and Sasha would be the voice of reason. Sasha would say something like “we need to slow down, take King Andrias’ forces bit by bit until he’s too weak AND THEN we save Marcy” - that bit of dialogue would have been enough of an indication and then they can continue with whatever shenanigans they want to do. Maybe I wouldn’t have been so pissed or frustrated or disappointed as I am now because at least it was ADDRESSED.

In this episode, I had hoped... that this would bring up some of Anne’s reasons for feeling the way she feels about the whole Marcy situation.

I had hoped... that she would talk about it.

I had hoped... that Mother Olm would sense that one of the destined people were missing.

But no.

These are all the things we got (aside from the gross stuff in the beginning which I will not comment):

Me, throughout Season 3B so far.

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Oh Sasha... you’re such a cute thing.

I’m glad you acknowledge that there’s 3 of you. I mean, sure. Marcy definitely exists somewhere in your mind. But with the lack of worry, I’m beginning to think you guys have forgotten about her.

This... was too uncharacteristically childish, even for Sasha. I don't know. But, in another way, I guess it’s good that she’s finally acting like a 13-year-old for once?

I feel like this is just a wholesome comment. You know, like... old people agreeing just so that you'll be happy but they don't really know what you're talking about? I don't know...

Excuse me?? I thought you were able to? In ‘Escape to Amphibia’, you didn’t faint even after you used your powers AND you were able to cut a fucking avocado with your motherfucking eyes-- AGH GODDAMN IT ALL!

It IS rather interesting that the mural at Mother Olm’s door shows Anne, Sasha, and Marcy (or at the very least, figures that look suspiciously like them) as if they had been prophesized since a long time ago. Speaking of, Mother Olm actually didn’t address that. It’s a shame... if only she remembered a bit more, she could have elaborated more.

What, they're gonna defeat Amphibia's worst self with the power of friendship? Hmm... I do wonder how Anne is going to pass her powers off. If the show wants to go through the polycule route (in which they definitely wouldn't), a kiss is probably the way to go. But story-wise, it's probably about letting go of something or even acknowledging or talking about something. Anne was able to get her powers back through the intense emotion of grief over Sprig basically falling to his death. Sasha is still going through her redemption arc, so maybe hers would be about talking to Anne regarding "their emotional baggage". And for Marcy... sigh... she's still currently possessed. One twist I would like is that she'll be getting back her powers while in the mindscape because this is secretly what she wants to be - basically, accepting the person that she doesn't want people to see her as. She didn't ask to be a Straight-A student - she only worked hard because her parents put emphasis on it (as Asian parents do). I'm a believer that Marcy is actually an unhinged person, but she's holding off... for reasons. And The Core will take that fact to its advantage.

I guess it’s valid for Anne to be curious as to why THEY had to be the one stuck to this world and not anyone else. I wonder if she’s beginning to think that all this may not necessarily be Marcy’s fault, since they have been destined to be here.

Olms are really just the embodiment of passiveness at this point. They will never participate in wars or do anything to make any changes to what they’re comfortable in. Interestingly, this might be the reason why we only get to see the olms as side characters... because Amphibia (the series) is all about ‘change’. If they want to stay in a time and place where they can live peacefully without getting involved in anything, then they’re not really... “growing”, per se. Do you guys get what I mean? And this also explains Parisia’s attitude towards any outsiders or how the olms’ way of doing things is not giving creatures a second chance or it could even explain the olms just agreeing to whatever Parisia said without thinking of any alternatives. They’re one-track-minded, but it’s this one-track-mindedness that got them to live until a thousand years. They were never involved in anything, so they thrived and survived. But at the same time, they are unaware of what’s happening in the surface. Other than the fact that they cannot get out due to sunlight, olms are just... pretty much “myths”, as Grime said.

It checks out. King Andrias mentioned in ‘True Colors’ that his ancestors were “glorious conquerors”. And about that “unnatural thing” - it's a robot. A robot that contains Amphibia's greatest minds. The Core, obviously. Yeah... I thought she’d talk a little bit more about this. But no. That’s it. Let the characters figure it out for themselves behind the scenes, I guess. Or even better, let the fans interpret it on their own and come up with an entire story since that’s how incomplete all of these are at the moment. But fine. I can forgive Mother Olm. She’s just an old amphibian, living underground for who knows how long. And anyway, amphibians don't actually know what a robot is, thus explaining the “cryptic” way of describing it. The proof for this is Mrs. Croaker’s reaction to Sasha's confession in ‘Turning Point’ (in which, she asked what a robot was).

Again, insinuating that it isn’t Marcy’s fault. They were just DESTINED to be here. That music box WAS supposed to work. Because it’s them. They were the chosen ones for this story. They had a purpose. 

----

I like that the episode tackled the prophecy (as it should, since that was we expect this episode was going to be about), but I didn’t like how short it was. This prophecy thing only took about, what, 5 minutes of the entire half-episode? I thought they’d cover more than just that. And it’s interesting that Mother Olm immediately knows there’s 3 of them, when the only ones who showed up were Anne and Sasha. Why didn’t she ask about Marcy? Who the fuck knows.

Anyway, I give this episode a 6/10.

[technicallymilkshakes]

Reciprocal ❂ || 1 of 2

A Manager!verse story Genre(s): Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Smut (in future chapter) Pairing: Jongin x Reader Word Count: 4.1k No warnings for this chapter, but note that the next one will contain mature content.

Next Chapter >>

Less than two hours outside of Seoul, the night air already seemed easier to breathe. The windows were open and a rain-scented breeze blew in to riffle the top of your hair. Brake lights reflected red on the slick roadside ahead of you before fracturing into ten thousand raindrops against the windshield. This was a Friday night kind of feeling. You felt reckless and emotional, free for the first time in months and brimming with life.

Jongin had told you that he would halfsy the drive. Instead, he was deep asleep in the passenger seat, head slumped sideways, shoes kicked off within minutes of entering the vehicle. Promotions had been particularly brutal this time around. Without the other members to help ease the burden, Kai had to be on at all times. He was charming and dorky and witty—he flourished under all the attention—but it came with a toll. You scheduled PT sessions in any brief moments of respite you could cram then in. He slept wherever and whenever he could and when he couldn't, he drank coffee.

Running point for this solo had been just as taxing for you. Time moved in recordings, photoshoots, and appearances. You'd fall asleep and wake up reviewing the itinerary. Promotions were occurring across a variety of platforms and you spent countless hours researching and breaking down offers, liaising with event managers and security, monitoring press reviews and social media. You were in so deep, you didn't even realize you weren't living until someone else pointed it out. Nine, Baekhyun's manager, encouraged both of you to take a vacation. Pronto. Their experience shepherding Baekhyun through multiple solo albums had been invaluable, so you weren't about to argue.

Besides, you hadn't been to the mountains since your first year of high school.

It had stopped raining by the time you pulled up to your destination. Jongin was already awake, blinking heavily at the sight that greeted him.

The mountain lodge was modern but inviting. The lights were on and they spilled pleasantly out into the night. You turned the car off and stepped out into chilled air enlivened with the sounds of leaves rustling, insects chirping, and nocturnal animals stirring.

Inside, golden wood warmed the open space. The retreat was divided into two levels—living/dining area and one bedroom on the first floor and the master bedroom with a balcony that would be rich with fresh vegetables in the summer on the second.

You looked out on the living room. The designer had impeccable taste. Plush seating with cushions and pillows in sumptuous fabrics curled around a fireplace. Your toes sank into lush, layered carpeting, which bracketed and defined the space. It was comfortable and intimate. You could easily imagine yourself sinking into a chair and nestling in for a nap, lulled into a trance by the fire.

The kitchen gleamed in the opposite corner, all straight lines and modern appliances. And the dining area next to it. Table and chairs had been regally arranged in front of wall-to-wall sliding glass doors that, for now, looked out onto darkness.

But there was one particular feature that had clinched the deal when you booked the place.

“There's a spa bath here,” you said, and suppressed a smile at the soft 'ooh' Jongin let out as he disappeared to investigate.

A quietness settled over you in his wake. There was no wifi here, no work to haunt your waking nor sleeping hours. The other managers were under strict orders not to contact you unless there was an emergency.

You felt oddly vulnerable, stripped of the last vestiges of responsibility holding you together. Listless and exhausted, you climbed upstairs and fell into bed without a thought for anything else.

**

You woke early the next morning, body too used to being tired. You stared at the ceiling for an indeterminable time, thoughts eddying around without any clear distinction, like static noise that only resolved itself into proper words when you concentrated.

You'd been managing Kai for almost five years now. Hard to believe. You loved this, the sense of belonging and the endless opportunities to learn, but the pace was grueling. Five years was a long time. You couldn't imagine how some of the older managers had kept up. You weren't sure how you had kept up. And, if you were being honest, you weren't sure anymore if you should.

But that was too much thinking for this early in the morning. You rolled over in bed and shut your eyes.

After the appropriate amount of indeterminable time had passed, you heaved yourself out of bed. Sleep wasn't coming back for you. Duvet wrapped around your shoulders, you slinked downstairs to find Jongin rummaging around in the cabinets. He spun around, flinching as a drawer clanged shut behind him, then relaxed.

“You too, huh?” he said with a lopsided grin.

You nodded.  It was no surprise to find him here. You were just two bodies too accustomed to being together.

You turned your gaze to the counters. “What are you doing?”

“I was trying to make some coffee.”

He looked wan and tired. One armed wrapped around his middle, the collar of his shirt sunk low enough to expose his collarbones... like he was holding himself together, trying to stay warm.

A sense of fierce protectiveness overcame you. You were both overworked. But at least in this small bubble, this moment in time and space, nothing could hurt him, including himself. No work excuses allowed.

“That sounds like a disaster waiting to happen,” you said, and he gave a weak laugh before getting an armful of duvet shoved at him. “Go sit down, I'll bring it over.”

Jongin stood there a moment staring at you. Under-cabinet lighting slashed over his chest, the rest of him slipping into shadow before he disappeared completely as he pulled the duvet over your head.

You felt a light kick to your backside.

“Hey!” You wrestled with the duvet. “As soon as I get out of this thing...!”

But he was grinning at you when you finally pulled it off, and you felt your urge for vengeance abate far too quickly as your fatigue flared. You still punched him in the shoulder, though.

He pouted, rubbing his shoulder.

“Oh, don't give me those puppy dog eyes. You deserved it.”

“I can make coffee...”

“You can,” you agreed. “With adult supervision. Now get the kettle out.”

**

The sunrise was something pulled from a poet's imagination. The lodge perched along a low ridge and peered down into the valley. Jongin had pulled open the curtains to what only last night had looked out into darkness and now found the world at his door. Together, you watched as the sun spilled over the mountain peaks opposite, then glissaded down powdery slopes to the tree line. The trees across the valley, where the mountains were taller, were still snowcapped, and the first sun rays lit them up like jewelry before setting them aflame with light, their trunks like matchsticks to the fire. Shadows tucked themselves in to sleep at the feet of the brightest places.

Day woke and stretched its radiant fingers across the sky to tangle in the wingtips of greeting birds. And with the sun came some clarity. These last few months had tested your commitment and shaken the bedrock upon which you had built your future. But if everyday the birds could rise and welcome the the newborn morning so lovingly, you thought you could keep trying to find beauty in it, too.

Next to you, Jongin had fallen asleep wrapped in your duvet. You leaned over and tucked his toes in.

**

The village was quaint and small, situated on a scenic one-lane-each-way route that wound through the mountains. The cashier at the grocery store greeted you as you entered. You felt her eyes on your back as you moved through the store.

The cabin came stocked with various dry foods, but you needed to pick up the perishables. Most of the in-season vegetables and fruit had been grown in the area, with little signs detailing farms and their locations. Strawberries, kumquat, apples, wild parsley and chive, and even shepherd's purse laying in baskets, some of which had been foraged from the mountainside just this morning. There was a vibrant freshness to the produce here that you just couldn't find in the city.

You gathered everything you needed, taking no heed of diet restrictions or nutritional value, and went to ring up your purchases. The cashier gave you small smile and talked quietly of some of the hidden gems to visit around here, hands sweeping back and forth over the scanner as she spoke. She had a soft and lilting accent you found pleasant to listen to.

You hid your embarrassment. Was it that obvious you were from out of town? She probably knew from the moment you had stepped inside. Heck, you hadn't worried about fitting in for so long. Over the years, your accent had eroded away against standard Korean and harsh edges of the city. And the boys had been so welcoming. At least she was friendly, though. Soon enough, you were hauling your bags out to the car, but not before thanking the woman for her advice.

**

Jongin was still lying on the couch when you got back, barely awake. Two cold mugs of coffee lay abandoned on the table next to him, one still nearly full. He sat up when you walked in with the bags, frowning.

“You went shopping?”

You heard the missing “without me?” and gave him a calm look. “You were asleep and I needed something to eat for lunch.”

He gathered himself up with a frown, wrapping the duvet around himself just as you had this morning. It already felt like a day ago even though it couldn't be past 11 in the morning. He inspected the bags, pulling them open and poking through them. You watched with amusement between putting the contents of the already-poked-through-bags away.

“What are you, a dog?”

“You got pig bars?!” He pulled out the ice cream, the item cradled in his palms. He looked at you wide-eyed, some mixture of reverence and fright.

“Yes. No chicken either.”

He kept staring down at his hands and you chuckled awkwardly to fill the silence. He opened the ice bar and jumped up onto the counter.

As you put the groceries away and then began making soy bean soup with the shepherd's purse, Jongin remained quiet and watchful. You enjoyed living alone back in Seoul, but you found you didn't mind his company. His presence was comforting—a constant, quiet companion. Not a dog, then. Your lips quirked. A cat.

The kitchen filled with the beat of knife against cutting board, the melody of soft burbling from the pot on the stove. You found yourself slipping back into the rhythm of cooking, like a dancer remembering the steps to an old song.

“What song is that?”

You startled, knife slipping, nicking the knuckle of your middle finger. You hissed, dropping the knife to inspect the cut. “Shit. What?”

Jongin jumped down from the counter, grabbing your hand, apologies tripping themselves over his lips.

“It's fine, it's really shallow, don't worry about it.”

His grip tightened, and his head remained bent low over your hand, examining the cut. “Let me worry,” he said.

So you sat in muteness after washing the cut. He took your hands and dried them with a towel, soft pats and delicate swipes. His eyes would flick up to your face now and again, carefully observing your expression. Sometimes, you would catch him doing it. His lips would arc gently into a smile and you would look away, scalded by the softness of lips and eyes. You stared instead at his fingers. They moved as light as butterflies over you as he applied a bandage.

Jongin lifted himself away, a lightness to his shoulders.

The words cast themselves from your throat, thrown out like hooks, that old part of you reeling to keep his attention.

“Thank you.”

Something glittered behind that gaze. He looked you straight on with that smile like honey and said, “I was glad for the chance to take care of you.”

**

After lunch, you went straight up to your room, sank onto your bed, and stared blankly at the wall.

What was that? Your mind sped in a circuit, thoughts looping back on each other. Why'd he do that?

Surely your brain had short-circuited. He was like that with everyone, you reminded yourself, sweet and concerned. The type to ask a stranger how they're doing and stick around for an answer. But without the barrier of work, things felt different. It dredged up old feelings, back when you were half-way in love with him. It embarrassed you something fierce now, but in the beginning you used to make a playlist of all the songs you knew he listened to. You'd play it at night after work, lying in bed in the dark and wondering if right now, he wasn't doing the same. It made you long for him and feel closer to him all at once. You always paid Kim Jongin too much attention.

But at some point, you changed your focus. You threw yourself into the role of manager head first. Taking care of him was number one. You spent so much time around him in various states of undress over the years, helping with quick changes or applying therapeutic patches. You'd stood behind the cameras, watching other people fall in with him with a smile. You'd seen him at his worst, in pain, angry and sullen with the confinement of the world. It was the ultimate form of exposure therapy. Gone were the nights filled with music and yearning. You'd prepare for the next schedule before you sank exhausted into a deep and dreamless sleep. You thought you were immune.

You should've been immune.

So why did it feel so very much like you weren't?

**

You acted skittish around him at dinner, skirting over things and racing through the meal. You felt his cool gaze on you as you ate and felt yourself hunkering lower and lower over your plate like some threatened beast.

“Did you want to take a bath?”

“What?” you squeaked.

He looked up at you over his forkful of pasta, eyebrows raised.

“The bath in my room. It's like a spa. I thought you might want to relax while you're here. You're welcome to use it anytime.”

“Oh.” You swallowed thickly. “Um, maybe later. Thanks.”

Safe to say you did not take a bath in his room that night.

**

You woke first the second day. Sleep hadn't come easy, and you spent much of the night thinking of how to stop thinking, daydreaming of a long walk to purge all thoughts from your head. And so you dressed and headed downstairs on quiet socked feet. The owner of the lodge kept galoshes for the guests, and you pulled a pair out, slipping them over your shoes before walking out into the world.

Most of the snow that remained on this side of the mountain had melted, leaving behind stretches of mud that sucked at your shoes. Around you, the birds trilled. The forest was full of forest noises—pine needles brushing against the wind, woodpeckers drilling against bark. The website for the lodge mentioned that there were a number of trails maintained by a grounds crew throughout the property. A stream bordered the western edge of the property, and you thought you remembered something about a Buddhist shrine located near there.

You missed this, you realized about a half hour into the walk. Seoul had its share of scenic parks and river walks, but it felt like a held breath. Something temporary, a quick break before you returned to the rushing arteries of people making a living.

Life felt impossibly lethargic here in contrast. You realized, with one moment of panic, that you hadn't yet checked your phone this morning, before it dissipated slowly. You were on vacation, you reminded yourself. The others could hold down the fort while you were gone.

The path you were following rounded a corner into a scenic corner of the world. A small waterfall fed by snowmelt spilled over a mossy rock face into a pool surrounded by sweet grass. You stayed there for a while by the edge, mist falling over you in fine sprays. Small diamonds of water accumulated along the woolen fibers of your sleeves.

After about 15 or 20 minutes, the urge to move was back. The trail branched off here, and a lichen-covered stone marker sat in the intersection. You recognized it as one of the landmarks the woman from the grocery had mentioned. The hanja carved into it had grown worn and faded. 'Grove of the Elders' it read. You took the path to the left.

Soon, you found yourself in the Grove of the Elders. Erman's birch trees filled the clearing. The branches were still spindly, buds just forming on the tips. Papery bark peeled away from the trunk like old men's beards. White forsythia was in the early stage of blooming along the periphery. You understood why it had been named the way it had.

You made your way through the grove. The trees were well-established, some with trunks thick enough to wrap your arms around. You were making your way through the grove, marveling at the open blue sky above you, when you almost stepped on Jongin.

“Whoa.” He jumped up from where he had been reclined against the base of a tree, rubbing a hand along the backs of his thighs. “What are you doing here?”

It was disorienting to run into him here, out in the middle of the woods. You had forgotten about him, about everything if you were being honest. But confronted with the realness of him again, your worries returned.

“Me?” you asked. “I was on a walk. What are you doing laying here?”

“I was trying to read.” He flashed a heavily dog-eared paperback of Papillon. “Didn't really get that far,” he said with a wry grin.

“Oh, sorry. I'll let you get back to it.”

You made to leave when his hand stretched out and gripped your sleeve.

“That's not what I meant.” He seemed flustered at your misunderstanding and he released his grip on you. “You don't have to. I was actually thinking about stretching my legs. If you don't mind the company.”

“I don't,” you responded quietly, even though you weren't sure if that was the truth. You had come here to be alone with your thoughts after all, not spiral into a silent panic.

Jongin smiled at you and shoved his book in the back of his jeans as he fell into step.

**

It felt surreal to walk through the woods like this with him. It was like being on the set of a music video, except you were the subject. The perfect setting for a story.

“Is it okay if I tell you something?”

Jongin sent you a questioning look. Something about his eyes caught you. You realized that this was maybe the first time you were about to confide something in him. Secrets were dangerous things.  “Yeah, of course.”

“Sometimes I wonder how much of a person I am without you.” You laughed. “It's silly, I know. But I used to be so spontaneous. One time, I volunteered to pose nude for an adult art class just because, I dunno, it seemed like an experience. I liked collecting memories. My friends always used to ask me what I was up to.

“Now, they ask me what you're doing. Because it's the same thing now, I guess.”

You exhaled, then felt a hand wrap around your own.

Jongin looked at you, really looked at you. There was a particular intensity to this, a piercing quality that you had never been subjected to.

“You are more than me,” he said.

You were taken aback at his response.

His grip tightened. “I couldn't do this without you,” he continued. “I should've told you before—but I'm not like Jongdae, I forget. I think,” he ran a hand through his hair, “I thought you already knew, but it was stupid of me too assume when I wasn't... I didn't... You're the best manager I've had. I'm not saying that just to flatter you.”

The words tumbled out of him. You'd never seen him so discombobulated, and that threw you off kilter in turn. You hadn't expected anything from him, had let go of the words like balloons released from clumsy fingers, where an appropriate response might be “oh no.”

“You're knowledgeable and accountable. Do you know how much I rely on you? I was so nervous this comeback, I only made it through because of you.” He swept your hand up to his chest. You could feel his heart beating frantically against your knuckles, like it, too, was trying to tell you something. “I do better when you're around. I want to make you proud. So get that through your stubborn brain: I wouldn't be even half of what I am now if it wasn't for you.”

The tears came, unbidden. In a heartbeat, Jongin had pulled you in close, your head against his chest. One of his arms wrapped around your back, while the other lay now at your sides, his fingers still intertwined with yours.

“I don't even know why I'm crying,” you laughed through your tears.

“You're always fighting for me. I just wish I could do more for you.” His fingers grazed over the bandage on your finger.

The laughter faded into full-throated sobs. Your heart squeezed with an uncomfortable fullness. You were overwhelmed. Lately, it had felt as if work was a crushing void, a thankless pit that sucked everything out of you. You felt isolated, living life without reciprocation or support. Jongin wouldn't know it, but he made you feel like a person again. He brought back the colors.

Dew drops dripped from branches around you, soft patters against soft spring grass. Jongin was warm and solid against you.

“I get scared that I can't do this forever.” The words were spoken softly. Jongin wasn't looking at you when you lifted your head, focused instead on something in the distance. “I don't know what I would I do without EXO.” He finally dropped his gaze to yours. You saw your own uncertainty reflected back. “Or you.”

You knew then that everything you'd been through lately, the uncertainty, didn't matter. You were both a little broken. So you pressed yourself against him harder, a pair of fractured hearts holding each other up. “You won't be getting rid of me anytime soon.”

Jongin sank into the embrace, his cheek pressed against your temple. You felt his chest build with a sigh, felt the exhale on the baby hairs of your nape. Dry lips grazed against you. His wordless thanks lingered upon your skin.

**

By some unspoken agreement, Jongin's hand remained in yours on the trek back to the lodge. You walked close enough to brush arms and skim each others thighs. A small part of you dreaded that you'd have to let go once you got back.

“The first time I realized I trusted you was when I told you I didn't know how to iron,” he confessed out of the blue.

You laughed. You remembered that day. Jongin had been adamant about wearing a bear-print shirt to the airport the following day, but it was so wrinkled. The collar pointed in two different directions and one sleeve was longer than the other unless someone held it down straight.

“I didn't know how to iron a shirt either,” you admitted.

Jongin grinned, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “We had to look up a tutorial on Naver, remember?”

“Oh yeah, the one with the Kyungsoo look-a-like, right? I took screenshots and sent them to Cho-hee.” You told him how Kyungsoo's manager had coerced him into recreating the shoot. Jongin had gasped delightedly and you made a mental note to show him the pictures when you got back. “But hey, wait, you still don't know how to iron, what the heck! I just ironed something for you last week!"

“Ah I don't know, I don't know,” Jongin chanted, plugging an ear with his free hand. “What tutorial? I don't know anything.”

“Kim Jongin, you are shameless.”

Laughter rang through the trees. Here was the morning you would rise to greet every day.

___________________________

A/N: The second, and final, chapter should be up next weekend (June 19-20). Me, releasing more than one thing in a month? Who am I??

Thank you for reading!

A/N 2: Second part is now up.

[ ❂ Read more Manager!verse here ]

[wrestlingwithhistory]

A Gentleman Never Tells - Chris Adams

Gentleman Chris Adams is a name that many people miss when they talk about wrestlers from the UK who not only did good business in the US during the 80’s but helped to train some of the biggest names in professional wrestling during the 90’s and helped to bring to light one of the most popular finishers in the industry today.

Chris Adams was born in Rugby, Warwickshire on 10th February 1955 and from a young age was involved in competitive Judo, which he continued training in exclusively for around 14 years which he earned a Black Belt in the discipline. Both he and his brother Neil competed in national and world championships, with Neil actually winning a silver medal in the 1980 and 1984 Olympics. Chris was a member of the 1976 Olympic team but never competed for Great Britain.

Chris Adams began taking part in Professional Wrestling in 1978. He had no formal training in wrestling and used his expertise in Judo in his early years of wrestling. He worked with Joint Promotions and appeared on ITV’s World of Sport regularly taking on the likes on Mark ‘Rollerball’ Rocco, Dynamite Kid, Fit Finlay, Adrian Street and Davey Boy Smith. His finishing move, originally called ‘the Judo Kick’ was later renamed a ‘Superkick’ and is still used by many professional wrestlers today.

By 1983, Adams was approached by Fritz Von Erich to work for World Class Championship Wrestling and he officially joined on 15th April, 1983. During his time with WCCW, he feuded with many of the company’s big stars, from The Von Erichs to Ric Flair, and the Fabulous Freebirds. He was tag partners with Gino Hernandez and became the second iteration of The Dynamic Duo in 1985, where one of their most notable matches was a hair match against the Von Erichs which The Duo lost and were shaved in front of a rapturous crowd.

Chris was due to go into a feud with Gino going into 1986. They had worked an angle against The Cosmic Cowboys, who were actually Kevin and Kerry Von Erich in disguise. The finish to the match was Adams being blinded by hair cream that was thrown by Hernandez, resulting in a loss against the Cowboys. Chris used this time in the storyline to go back to the UK and visit him family, but during that time, on 2nd February 1986, Gino Hernandez died of a Cocaine Overdose. Adams was questioned by Scotland Yard about Gino’s death as authorities in Texas originally treated the incident as a homicide, but this was later changed to an Overdose by officials. There is still some scepticism over Hernandez death today.

Shortly after this, Adams started to become involved in a number of high-profile altercations, many of which would hamper his career despite his talent in the ring. In June of 1986 while travelling back from a show in Puerto Rico, Adams headbutted an Airline pilot and punched a male attendant. This resulted in a 90-day jail and a $500 fine. It is believed that Adams’ belligerence was a result of being denied alcohol by an FAA inspector and that he was restrained by Kevin Von Erich in the process. By September of 1986, Adams had left WCCW to join Bill Watts’ UWF but later returned to WCCW in 1987 as UWF was absorbed into the NWA.

In UWF, Adams became tag partners with Terry Taylor, known to many as The Red Rooster in WWF in later years. They later feuded and carried this back over into the newly acquired by NWA, WCCW. Over the next few years, Adams would find himself in the upper mid-card region of the company’s talent pool, competing against many of the companies’ big stars and also working with companies like Georgia Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Alliance.

In 1988, Chris Adams opened his own training school based out of the world-famous Dallas Sportatorium. Two of his most popular students were Scott Hall/Razor Ramon and Stone-Cold Steve Austin. In 1989, Adams was arrested and sentenced to a year’s probation after his wife was found beaten after Adams had flown into a rage, again related to his Alcohol abuse. He was later involved in more legal troubles and again place don probation for 2 DUI arrests in 1991.

After the WCCW has ceased business in 1990, Adams returned to the independent circuit. He would visit numerous territories having matches for various championships during this time. He won the GWF Heavyweight Title on 2 occasions in 1994 and also a brief stint as the NWA Heavyweight champion in 1995 after Jim Crockett had taken control of the company.

He continued wrestling with various NWA affiliated territories and other independents up until joining WCW in 1997.

When joining WCW, Chris was placed into a British stable called The Blue Bloods alongside Lord Steven Regal (later William Regal) and Squire David Taylor. This stable was not together for very long due to some personal issues between Regal and Adams which hampered the stable from becoming credible in the eyes of the WCW officials. Adams wrestled against Randy Savage in the first match of WCW’s new midweek show, Thunder in 1998. Adams got a pinfall over Savage, but the decision was overturned by JJ Dillon after interference from Lex Luger swayed the match in Adams’ favour. He began to drop down the card, working as an enhancement for other talents to get victories over. He left the company in 1999 and returned to Texas where he began promoting shows and wrestling part time.

During his career, Adams unfortunately fell victim to a number of addictions, his first with Alcohol. David Manning said in the Documentary ‘Gentleman’s Choice’ that his Alcohol dependency was heightened after a flight cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances by the airline prompted them to offer a free bar to the wrestlers on the flight, not for a few drinks but for several hours until a flight was arranged for them.

Adams was also a heavy user of GHB, which at the time was being used by bodybuilders and wrestlers alike as an alternative to steroids but it did not have the same anabolic effects as steroids and left longer addictive tendencies with the users. Many of the people using them believed that the GHB worked while they slept.

Adams and his then girlfriend Linda Kaphengst overdosed on a combination of alcohol and GHB in April 2000. Adams survived, but Kaphengst was not so lucky. The overdose starved her brain of oxygen and her family were told that should she survive, she would likely have long term brain trauma. A few hours later, her situation worsened, and her family had to make the difficult to turn off her breathing apparatus.

Adams was not originally suspected in any foul play at the time of the incident and went on to marry again in August 2001, but an intoxicated and threatening voicemail left on answer machine to Pam Hernandez stating that if she did not stop meddling in his affairs then she would ‘end up like Linda’. This voicemail was brought to the Homicide team dealing with Linda’s death and Chris was indicted on a manslaughter charge.

He was due to be indicted but the day before his hearing, he was fatally shot in the chest during a drunken fight with a close friend Brent ‘Booray’ Parnell on October 7th, 2001. Booray claimed self-defence, stating that Adams snapped off a piece of bedframe and tried to attack him with it. Booray claims in the documentary ‘Gentleman’s Choice’ that he does not know the reason for Adams’ behaviour at the time, other than asking him to keep the noise down as his mother was sleeping in the next room. He said that his eyes were black and almost demonic at the time of the fight, which is a known side effect of the drug GHB.

Booray was cleared of all charges against him as acting in self-defence.

Adams, although a clean-cut Olympic prospect from the UK, fell victim to the harsh lifestyles of living on the road as a professional wrestler. Though many still speak of him based on the poor choices he made during his life, many still speak of the apt moniker ‘Gentleman’ given to the late Judoka-turned-Wrestler.

His legacy of wrestling some of the sport’s greatest names in the 80’s and 90’s, training future hall of fame wrestlers and one of the UK’s least discussed exports is somewhat tarnished by his final days.

I have posted the link from Youtube to the 2008 documentary ‘Gentleman’s Choice’ below uploaded in full by The Hannibal TV.

If you have liked this post, please leave a review and follow for future posts.

Thanks!

https://youtu.be/-sgxAH47TsA

[sterlynwrites]

December 2nd - Hot Chocolate

“Andrew. Hey Andrew!” 

Nicky slid up beside him on their walk up to the dorm. He made to throw his arm over Andrew’s shoulder, but thought better of it last second. It seemed that Neil wasn’t the only one trying to change. 

Saves me from stabbing him.

Part of Andrew felt pleased with that. Lately, things had been okay with regards to the people that found themselves in his general vicinity. Nicky had been keeping to himself a little more and branching out ever since the room switch. Aaron was also feeling more relaxed when he came around to the point he was even backing away from picking at Neil. 

He hated Katelyn but if she got Aaron to shut up and to quit making homophobic comments, then at least she was good for something. 

After all, if he had to push himself into confrontation with Aaron that would have ruined both their moods. 

Neil was the one that had changed the most. 

He could tell the other had really started to look around him, and not just in a way that meant survival. It was like he was looking at things for the first time. 

“So. I was thinking.” Nicky hazarded a tentative look his way. 

“Don’t do that, you’ll strain your delicate brain.” Andrew answered. 

Nicky grimaced as the passed through the doors of Fox Tower and he punched the call button for the elevator. “Andrew. I’m serious!” 

“So am I.” Andrew toned as they stood in front of the doors. 

“It’s about Neil.” 

Andrew turned and tipped his head as he narrowed his eyes at his cousin. Neil was still a very touchy subject between them especially since Andrew had found out what Nicky had done to the other. Nicky held up his hands, “Just hear me out, okay? I promise no bad intentions.” 

Turning back to stare at the elevator, Andrew ignored him, and he waited. 

Nicky watched him for several seconds. 

Andrew sighed inwardly, “...And?” 

“Oh. Uh, I was thinking. This is Neil’s first real Christmas, right?” 

Oh. 

That. 

Andrew thought about first Christmases. He really hadn’t had one growing up that he could remember that wasn’t tinged in something negative. He had just assumed that Neil would be the same way. 

His father after all had made things bad, and his mother after leaving his father had made things even worse. 

“So, I was thinking. Maybe we could make this month all about Neil’s first Christmas.” 

Andrew thought about the redhead and how he had been opening up himself for the time being, but he also knew Neil. If they made a huge deal out of it, the other would like it even less. 

The blond also tuned Nicky out as he examined the idea over and over in his brain. 

Would it even be worth it? 

Would Neil even cooperate? 

Probably not. But, at least it would be interesting to watch the others try and get their reluctant vice captain into the spirit of Christmas. He pulled out his phone and checked the time, hummed and turned back around from the elevator just as the ding of the arriving cart rang out. 

Nicky stepped one way, and Andrew went back towards the door, tapping at his phone. 

“So I was talking to Matt about it and- HEY Andrew!” 

Nicky’s voice was cut off by the closing elevator door. 

Andrew quietly pulled up the internet on his phone and typed in a few things on the search bar. He didn’t even notice that Nicky was huffing and puffing trying to catch up. 

----

After a few minutes of deliberation, Andrew ended up at Target. He parked and waited for Nicky to finish his horrible rendition of Up on the Housetop before they finally set inside the store. 

 “So, was this a sudden flight of fancy for a certain someone.” Nicky asked. 

Andrew ignored him as he wandered down the aisles with a small basket hanging over his arm. He wandered toward the baking isle, he grabbed cocoa powder, cornstarch, and a bag of sugar. Next he grabbed a gallon of milk and shoved it in Nicky’s direction. 

“Why can’t you just add it into the cart you're carrying?” 

Andrew wandered away and let Nicky follow him again. 

On his way down the aisle he grabbed the last ingredients that he needed, he grabbed a bag of marshmallows, some peppermint candy canes, and whip cream. 

Nicky hummed and chuckled to himself mostly, “You sly dog you. I know exactly what you’re doing. 

-----

Neil was having a hard time. 

He missed exy, but this was the time on campus that everyone feared: finals. 

The striker sat at his desk and squinted at his math text book and narrowed his eyes as he worked through a particularly daunting set of problems. He didn’t hear or notice that Andrew had been back for some time. 

Not until he started to smell something odd. 

Then he heard the sound of pounding for a few moments and Nicky’s voice chattering away about something. 

<i>Oh no. Nicky’s going to end up dying.</i> 

Of course Neil didn’t actually think that Andrew would kill his cousin, but Kevin would if he came back and had to listen to that chattering. Neil’s curiosity wasn’t so strong that he felt like he needed to go and check out what was going on. If Andrew was doing something and he needed Neil or wanted his company he was sure the short blond would come find him and take him away from his work. 

With that Neil ended up going diving back into his math review. 

At some point, he must have really gone into his head. One minute he had been awake the next he was waking up with his cheek against his text book. 

His body felt heavy, but Neil hadn’t woken up because he had slept enough. 

No, he had woken up because he felt a large blanket being draped over his shoulders. He still wasn’t good with being touched when asleep, but he recognized the firmness of Andrew’s hands. No one else would have come up and done that. 

After all, Andrew had asked permission from him the first time something similar had happened during the fall part of that same school year. 

“Andrew?” Neil rasped. 

“It’s cold in the room. Did you want to come out to study?” 

Neil shook his head, “Nicky’s over, right? I don’t want you to kick him out.” 

“He just left.” 

Neil hummed and looked down at his book. His interest with it waned in the face of spending time with Andrew. They had time to spend together, something that Neil never thought he would have had alone or with anyone else. 

He was thankful for it. 

Making himself move, Neil tugged the blanket around his shoulders tighter and Andrew grabbed Neil’s book as they moved him quietly to the couch to continue his study. Andrew wandered back into the kitchen to do God knows what, and Neil settled down with his pencil, paper and book. 

He was scarcely starting up again when Andrew wandered and sat back down, two mugs in hand. 

“What’s that?” Neil asked. 

“Try it.” 

Andrew handed him over the mug in his right hand. 

Neil touched it and relaxed at the warmth between his palms. “Hot chocolate?” 

Andrew didn’t answer and took a sip of his own cup. Missing from Neil’s cup was an ungodly amount of whip cream, but that didn’t make Neil upset. 

He braced himself and took a tiny sip. 

The rich chocolate coated his mouth, and Neil hummed softly and grinned at Andrew, “It’s not too sweet.” 

“I took yours out of the pan before I added the sugar.” Andrew told him simply. 

Neil felt his heart and insides warm. 

“Thank you Andrew.” 

That’s how they stayed, math review forgotten, silent, and sipping on Andrew’s homemade hot chocolate. 

[richincolor]

Interview with Dr. Yusef Salaam & Ibi Zoboi

From the publisher: Dr. Yusef Salaam, a member of “The Exonerated Five” (formerly known as “The Central Park Five”) and Ibi Zoboi, author of Pride and the National Book Award finalist American Street, have collaborated on a young adult novel, Punching the Air.

Punching the Air follows Amal Shahid, a teenager who has always been an artist and a poet. But even in a diverse art school, he’s seen as disruptive and unmotivated by a biased system. Then, one fateful night, an altercation in a gentrifying neighborhood escalates into tragedy. “Boys just being boys” turns out to be true only when those boys are white. Suddenly, at just sixteen years old, Amal’s bright future is upended: he is convicted of a crime he didn’t commit and sent to prison. Despair and rage almost sink him until he turns to the refuge of his words: his art.

This novel in verse is simply stunning. The poetry is powerful and the story itself is heartbreaking and yet still hopeful. Amal's story definitely points out some of the major issues with the criminal justice system. It also shows how the education system can also be harmful to young people of color. As a teacher, that was a hard aspect to read about. Amal's teachers and even his lawyer fail to see his humanity.

All of the Rich in Color contributors are reading Punching the Air right now for our discussion that will be posted on October 7th so be sure to stop back by to participate or read more about the book. In preparation for our discussion, we're happy to hear from the authors today.

Crystal: The verse format was a brilliant choice for Amal's story. Was there anything unexpected about writing a novel in verse?

Ibi: I loved how ideas just came to me as I was working through a poem. I’d start a poem as a couplet and then I’d realize that I can shape it into a box or a pyramid. Making shapes out of poems is like collaging or putting puzzle pieces together. The words not only have to fit into the shape, but they have the right metaphor and convey the right mood. It really is art on every level.

Crystal: Do you think we will see more poetry from you?

Ibi: Absolutely. All my novels have had some form of poetry.

Crystal: Yusef, when did you begin to write poetry and what has that writing journey been like?

Yusef: I started writing and paying attention to words when I was very young. Hip-hop had a huge impact on me and I wanted to mimic what some rappers were saying in their lyrics--the ones with message-driven content. Like many other boys growing up in my environment, we wanted the world to hear our words. Hip-hop was one way to get our messages across. I kept writing while incarcerated and it’s what kept my mind free.

Crystal: Ibi, you've been writing for young adults for quite some time. Do you feel any specific responsibilities to young readers?

Ibi: Yes, always. I always feel the need to create whole, fully-realized characters. I always return to Adichie’s quote about stereotypes. It’s not that they are untrue, it’s that they are incomplete. I try my best to create complete characters and stores. Yes, Black children are criminalized, but why? I always strive to paint a bigger picture.

Crystal: What were some of the challenges and benefits of co-writing a novel?

Ibi: There were all benefits. I could’ve tried to write this book alone, but I had someone to help guide the emotions of our teen character. Amal would’ve been a very different boy born of my own limited imagination. With Yusef’s help, we created a fully rounded character with every real hopes and fears. I was able to sink into his skin because of my conversations with Yusef.

Yusef: It was a great experience. It’s amazing how someone I met at a time when I was hiding in plain sight, two years after prison, when the world thought wanted to bury us, wanted to help me tell my story. Back then, I wasn’t ready to share everything. But now, Ibi brought her skills to table and we were able to tell this story--Punching the Air--together.

Ibi Zoboi was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and holds an MFA in writing for children and young adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her writing has been published in the New York Times Book Review, the Horn Book magazine, and the Rumpus, among others. Her novel American Street was a National Book Award finalist, received five starred reviews, and was a New York Times Notable Book. She is also the author of Pride and My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich, which was a New York Times bestseller, as well as being the editor of the anthology Black Enough. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and their three children. You can find her online at www.ibizoboi.net.

In 1989, Dr. Yusef Salaam was just fifteen years old when he was tried and convicted in the “Central Park Jogger Case” along with four other Black and Latino boys. The Exonerated Five spent between seven to 13 years behind bars, until their sentences were overturned in 2002. Since then, they received a multimillion dollar settlement from the City of New York for its injustice and were profiled in award-winning films, including The Central Park Five documentary from Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon and the award-winning Netflix limited series When They See Us, written and directed by Ava DuVernay.

Over the past two decades, Yusef has become a family man, father, poet, activist, and inspirational speaker. He continues to share his story with others to educate the public about the impact of mass incarceration and police brutality. He regularly advocates for criminal justice reform, prison reform, and the abolition of juvenile solitary confinement and capital punishment. Yusef is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama (2016), the Phoenix Award from the Congressional Black Caucus (2019), an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Anointed by God Ministries Alliance & Seminary (2014), and a long list of Proclamations—most notably from New York State Senate (2018), and New York City Council (2013).

[youngdreamer3214]

Jealousy, Vodka, Flirting

Disclaimer- I own nothing.

This is a sequel to 'Sweet Sorrow'.

No flames please. Please read and review.

He wasn't a jealous or a possessive guy, he was fun, easy, out going and a womanizer. But right now he wanted to take her away from all the hormonal males in the room and keep her as far as he could from them.

He never acted like this for anyone nor did he have these feelings for anyone but her. This girl, she was something else, her sarcasm, her wit, her confidence and her strength of character. Something that he had not seen in many people. It was driving him crazy.

But how did this start,...oh right, they had kissed once and he had gotten a taste of her and he couldn't help but want more. He wanted to run his hands down her purple hair and engrave her scent in his memory, he wanted her to hug him and tell the world that she was his, he wanted to get lost in her amethyst eyes. He wanted to spend time with her, he wanted her.

Their feelings had been confessed but before he could ask her what they were, Titans east had to go back to Steel city because of an unavoidable emergency. Needless to say the archer was very disappointed and he did take out his anger on the villain who disrupted his time with the empath.

Fortunately for him the titans were meeting again in a week for the annual titan party. The time when all the heroes would take a break from crime fighting and just have fun.

He figured that he would talk to her when they reach the club, maybe dance a little and flirt and then ask her if she would be his girlfriend.

He was awestruck when he saw her entering the club, she was wearing a fitting black dress, it was floor length, and a had a slit starting from her ankles and ending mid thigh, her dress ended below her collarbone, a silver necklace was adorning her bare neck. She had 5 inch black heels which made her legs look endless. Her hair was left open in curls flowing down her back.

The archer never expected her to wear such a dress but she looked drop dead gorgeous and before he could tell her so Aqualad swooped in and kissed her hand and complimented her. She was flooded with compliments by most guys to which she blushed and smiled.

Right now the twenty year old hero was staring at the girl of his affections while she had pink coloured shots with Wally and Jinx.

He washed down the drink in his hand and walked up to her at the bar and said with a grin "Hey guys...can I borrow Rae for a moment." The couple smiled knowingly and nodded.

Speedy held Raven's arm and lead her to a less populated area of the club. She had her back against the wall. Speedy put his arm near her head for support, leaned in and said "Wow Rae, you look stunning."

She giggled, a light blush covering her cheeks. She smiled drunkenly and put her hand on his chest and said "Even you look amazing...wow you really are muscular and handsome."

It was his turn to blush now, he thought that something was wrong with her. She never acted like this around anyone, he shrugged it off and was about to say something when she beat him to it and traced his biceps while saying "Your arms are really muscular and strong too."

She added "You know words cannot define how hot you look but...numbers can 10/10." His jaw fell open at that.

Now he definitely knew something was wrong with her, he was about to say something when suddenly Aqualad came and said "Hope I am not interrupting anything...but Raven you really do look amazing. I mean I can't say it enough."

Speedy grumbled and was about to say something rude when Raven turned towards him, giggled and said "You don't look so bad yourself Garth."

Speedy was now sure that something was wrong, Raven was flirting openly and giggling. His jaw clenched, when she said "Your eyes are blue like the ocean and baby, I am lost at sea." She made Aqualad blush and Speedy fume.

Now the red headed archer was two seconds away from punching the Atlantian and pulling Raven away from all potential competition, he was about to say something or do something when Beastboy came to them and said in a cheerful voice "Hey dudes...how is it goin'?"

Raven turned towards the newcomer and said "hey Gar,...you look handsome. I never knew Green was such a beautiful color until I saw you." At this the shape shifter turned red, after a few minutes he turned towards the fuming archer and asked "She didn't have vodka, now did she?"

Speedy thought back and said "She had some shots...why?"

Beastboy groaned and blushed while saying "Vodka has a different effect on her, she becomes truth serum drunk and extremely flirty with guys...last time when she had vodka the only guys she didn't flirt with were Cyborg and the guys in relationships."

There were many things Speedy wanted to ask him but one question was prominent so he asked "Where the hell was I?"

Beastboy looked at him and said "Do you really think Raven's overprotective brother Cyborg would let you near her when she was like that." He said pointing towards Raven who was chatting or more like flirting with Aqualad again. Speedy thought for a moment and nodded.

Roy groaned and took Raven by the arm and started leading her towards the exit, before they left he turned towards Beastboy and said "I'll take care of her. If someone asks tell them" the changeling nodded and the couple left.

Roy intertwined their fingers and helped her get in his black Ferrari. He started the car and headed towards the tower, while buying some ice cream on the way so that she can sober up a little.

They reached and the tower and before he could say anything or do anything, Raven ran inside. He sighed but smiled and chased after her with vanilla ice cream in his hands. Soon he found himself standing on the roof and Raven sitting with the wall as support.

He sat down next to her and said "Hey Rae,...come on have some of this ice cream, you will sober up a little."

She opened her mouth slightly, asking him to feed it to her. He smiled and shook his head and slowly fed her the ice cream. After that they both sat in silence when Speedy turned towards her and said "Are you feeling better?"

She smiled at him and said "Only because you are here with me..."

'Okay still a bit drunk but she can form words clearly so must have sobered up slightly.' Thought Roy. He took her hand in his, marveling in their softness and asked her "Did you think about me...since our kiss?"

She took her hand from his and said "Everyday...but I thought that you forgot me, you didn't even try to contact me once...I thought you didn't want me anymore."

She had turned towards the sky, not looking at him anymore. He turned towards her shocked, he reached for her hand again, slowly caressing the back of her hand while saying "Raven, you don't have to question my feelings. I want to be with you...more than anything. And since our kiss you have been the only thing on my mind...do you want to be with me too?"

In her answer, she turned towards him and lightly kissed his lips. Before he could respond she had pulled away and was giggling when he saw his slightly pouty expression.

She walked up to the opposite end and leaned against the wall their, she looked at him with flirtatious eyes and said "To kiss me you have to catch me."

He smiled charmingly and walked up to her, only to have her teleport from their and appear away from him. This happened multiple times until Speedy grinned and ran towards her, gathering her in his arms.

She shrieked and looked at him smiling, his heart skipped a beat when he saw her looking at him like that. She was looking at him lovingly, in that moment he knew that he was utterly in love. He pulled her closer to him and said "There is no one like you Raven." And crashed his lips on hers.

Raven snaked her arms around his neck and held her waist firmly. Slowly he backed her towards the wall and started kissing her passionately, they stopped only when they were about to turn blue from the lack of oxygen.

The empath's eyes were drooping slightly, Roy chuckled at this and kissed her forehead lovingly and scooped her up in his arms, bridal style and took her to her room.

He laid her down gently on the bed, before taking off her heels and pulling the covers over her. He kissed her temple and said "Sleep well, Love." And was walking away when she grabbed his hand and looked at him and asked in a sleepy voice "Will you be here tomorrow?"

He kissed her hand and said "I will be here as long as you want to me to be." And starting walking away.

As he was crossing her threshold he could here a slight "Good night Roy." He looked at her again and then left for his room.

He grinned like an idiot as he laid down after changing. He never knew that her saying his real name would have this effect on him. He was looking forward to tomorrow and spending time with girl of his dreams.

[lettercastauthor]

Spider-Barista: Part One, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Extra Whip

AU Summary and Warnings: Tony Stark survived the snap that killed Thanos and only lost his arm, Steve Rogers has returned from his brief time travel escapades after realizing he’s not as straight as he thought he was, and his feelings for Tony went far beyond friendship. Tony, Steve, Peter, Rhodey, Pepper, and Nebula are in a polyship and were living at Stark’s private New York residence located somewhere in the city “near all the action,” also close to Peter’s school. Peter, 18, is finishing senior year. Recently, Pepper and Morgan Stark have left for upstate New York to begin Morgan’s private school. Overprotective “auntie” Nebula joined them due to her own safety concerns, leaving the boys to fend for themselves. Unknown to everyone, Tony is having a secret sciencey-fling with Bruce Banner, kept private for shy Bruce’s sake. Aunt May is on a cruise in the Bahamas.

Tony has offered to pay for Peter’s college, but Peter is being stubborn and wants to earn it for himself, so he gets a job at the local coffee shop and quickly finds a love for the job. In fact, he loves it so much that he begins to neglect his Super-Hero duties. At first Tony is supportive of a break from the dangerous life of saving New York on the daily, despite Cap’s urging Peter to take on bigger baddies and hone his skills. But they both soon realize Peter’s interest in coffee is mainly tied to a cute customer who comes in on Peter’s every shift. Unbeknownst to Peter, this customer lives a double life. This will be a serial story, updated when I have time. There will be NSFW content, each section that includes NSFW content will be marked accordingly so the reader can choose to enjoy the story while skipping the lewd parts should the desire.

Everyone in this story is 18 or older.

Tl;Dr: Adult Tom Holland Spider-Man is working as a barista post-blip. He’s in a polyship with Tony, Steve, Rhodey, Pepper, and Nebula. He has a crush on one of his patrons and is neglecting his heroic duty. There’s NSFW stuff in here. 

Part One: “Pumpkin Spice Latte, Extra Whip”

Warm yellow sun pierced through the sepia tinted windows of the coffee shop. It was a nice clear day. The taxi cabs sat bumper-to-bumper, the people hurriedly walked the sidewalks like a fashion-show runway, carrying their coats over their shoulders on this uncharacteristically warm November afternoon. A flash of green dashed through the crowd of customers as Peter Parker raced round the back entrance of the counter to clock in. His apron whooshed around him as he stopped at the register, punched in his employee ID number, and jumped into the flow of things, watching the front door intensely as he worked the hot bar with lightning speed. 

Customers loved Peter. He was quick, he never messed up a drink, and he always served with a smile. Pete’s co-workers loved him because whenever he worked, everyone got higher tips. The manager liked him because he always showed up for every shift, but she felt he could be better at the cleaning part of the job; she made sure to mention that in his quarterly review. Right on time, five minutes after 2:00 p.m., Peter’s favorite customer walked in. He told all the customers they were his favorite, but this one in particular was actually his favorite. 

The bell chimed and a man walked in, brown coat draped over his arm, gray knit sweater hugging his broad shoulders and chest just tight enough to portray a hint of modelesque musculature. This was Jamie. Jamie always wore a steel-blue tie, pulled tight around his white collared button-up shirt. Today, he sported a pair of well-fitting khaki slacks, brown oxfords, argyle socks. Clothing tells you everything about a person in New York City. Jamie’s clothes told Peter this: that Jamie had a job in the city, a real job, the kind you do in an office that looks over the hustle and bustle of the commoner’s everyday lives. Or so Peter imagined. He looked like most New York businessmen, but to Peter he was the definition of heaven. He was also unattainable. Peter rarely worked the register, due to being what the manager called “too friendly.” All his chatting with the customers slowed up the line. Unfortunately, Pete’s normal position at the bar fixing drinks kept him behind a wall of glass and noisy machines. The barrier made it near impossible to communicate effectively with customers.

His only chance was at the passthrough area, where he would set each hand-crafted beverage and call out the name of the customer it belonged to. Jamie changed up his drink often, which both frustrated and intrigued Peter. He wanted to be able to make Jamie’s drink quick enough that he could have a second to drop him his number on a napkin, but by the time Peter learned Jamie’s drink (usually three or four shifts), it was usually too late. He’d switched it up again. But Peter liked that about him, too. Jamie clearly liked to try new things. It was a good sign. 

So, as Jamie placed his order, Peter rushed to fill it before the payment was even processed. Today, Jamie ordered a pumpkin spice latte with extra whipped cream. Pete lucked out. He could make that drink in his sleep! Since the seasonal drink made its yearly debut in September, he was making hundreds of these each day. As he steamed the milk, Jamie looked over and gave him an easy smile. The light danced off his brown skin, his eyes twinkled. Peter felt his cheeks tingle with blush as he returned the grin. Milk frothed and mixed with the pumpkin spice flavor, the drink was almost complete. The payment processor beeped its approval to Jamie, and Peter raced to put the extra whip and autumn seasonings on the drink, meeting Jamie at the passthrough counter and carefully putting the lid on the cup.

As Jamie reached for the drink, Peter slipped a napkin toward him. “Don’t forget your napkins, Mr. Jamie, sir.” He’d written his number on it this morning, in preparation for this very moment.

Jamie smiled again, “Thank you, Peter. I’d hate to get coffee all over my suit.”

“You’re welcome, sir.”

Jamie took the napkin and left without showing signs of having seen the number written on it. All Peter could do now was wait. Waiting was hard. The time ticked by slower than usual today, but finally it was closing time. Peter helped clean up the floor, sweeping, mopping, and wiping frantically. His co-workers joked about him having a hot date, but when Peter blushed they realized he might actually have a hot date! So they pushed him for answers as to who the mystery guy or girl could possibly be. 

“I don’t have a date, guys. It’s just that I - uh - I have school in the morning. You know, senior year and all. Gotta finish strong,” he said.

At this, Tammy the night shift manager, bursted out with her typical hyena-cackle laughter. “Okay, sure Pete, you have school on a Saturday. Dumbass, it’s Friday night. If you didn’t have a date tonight I would be worried. You need to loosen up, Peter. You can’t just stay single forever!”

Peter’s co-workers had no idea he was actually dating, like, five people, so he just grinned and laughed, “I guess you’re right! Well I have to go now, goodbye!” He clocked out and dashed out of the store as quickly as he came in. As he walked home, green apron hanging over his shoulder, visor flipped backwards, he turned on his phone and waited impatiently for the messages to load. One-by-one they came in.

Aunt May: “Just arrived at the port in Jamaica, having a lovely time on the cruise!”

Cap: “Peter, please remember to do your laundry tonight. Your room smells like feet.”

Mr. Stark: [sent you a picture message]

Ned: “LEGO building party tonight at Josh’s, are you coming? 10pm.”

Pepper: “Morgan says hi!”

MJ: “LOL You look so funny in that coffee uniform.”

But nothing from a mystery number that could possibly be Jamie’s. He responded to the messages somewhat halfheartedly, then descended the subway stairs to take the train home. Headphones in, he thought about Jamie’s smile as he was ordering. His chest felt tight again, blood pumping, music blasting. He daydreamed until his stop, then took the headphones out for his walk home. He entered the tall apartment building and took the elevator up to the top. Nothing but the best for Tony Stark and his family! The penthouse smelled of a home-cooked meal. It was Cap’s turn to cook, so they were bound to have a feast. Rhodey was setting the table and greeted him first.

“Peter! How was work?” He laid down the last fork at the big oval dining table.

“It was good, I made some tips today!” Peter put on an extra layer of cheer to compensate for the disappointment of not hearing from Jamie.

“That’s great, Pete.” Rhodey was Peter’s metamour, Tony being their shared partner. Occasionally there was tension between them. It wasn’t jealousy, but they were known for calling each other out on their bullshit, and Peter could tell Rhodey’s bullshit detector was going off.

But before Rhodes could say anything, Steve Rogers walked in carrying a turkey pot pie. His kiss-the-cook apron, denim cut-off booty-shorts, and crab-claw oven mitts really made for a unique kind of vibe far and away from the Captain America the rest of the world saw. The daisy dukes certainly showed off America’s Ass in the least wholesome of ways. Peter and Rhodey both gulped, eyeballing that thicc snack as Cap bent over the kitchen table and set it at the center. The pot-pie didn’t look too bad either. Both had been interested in Steve for quite some time, but were not sure how to approach that, since he was so newly out of the closet.

“Where’s Tony?” Steve asked, pulling the oven mitts off and reaching back to untie his apron.

“I don’t know, I just got home,” Peter shrugged, heading up the loft stairs.

Steve turned to Rhodey and asked, “What’s up with the kid? He seems off.”

Rhodey wrapped an arm around Steve’s waist and pulled him close, “Don’t you ever take that apron off.” He grinned, then released Steve and headed to the kitchen to grab the green beans and bread rolls. Steve stayed stuck there for a moment, trying to control the blush that spread across his face before going upstairs to check on Peter and find Tony.

Since Peter’s room was down the hall from Tony’s workshop, Steve decided to stop there first. He poked his head in and spotted Pete sulking at his desk, staring listlessly at his phone. Pete didn’t notice him, so he observed and admired for a minute before knocking and entering. “Hey Pete, don’t you have laundry to do?”

Startled, Peter jumped up and threw his phone under his bed. “Yes, that’s exactly what I came in here to do, laundry.” Frantically, he searched for the laundry basket. Unable to find it, he quickly picked up some of his dirty clothes and balled them up in a pile in his arms. Once his hands were full, he used his toes to pick up the boxers and socks that littered the floor.

“Pete…” Steve tried to get his attention.

“I know, Mr. Rogers it smells like feet in here…”

“Pete… well, I mean yes it does but Peter—” he stepped in front of the teen. “Peter, stop.”

“What?” Peter was clearly upset, though his face wasn’t visible behind the pile of clothing that filled his arms.

“Put the laundry down.”

“But my room smells like feet…”

“Peter.”

“Fine,” he dropped the laundry on the floor, then plopped defiantly on the bed. “What.”

Steve sat gently beside Peter. “Pete, you’re upset.”

“I am not upset, I’m fine.”

“Did you have a rough day at work?” Steve scooted closer, leaning into Peter. He smelled sweetly of coffee. Peter said nothing. “You can tell me, I’ll keep a secret.” He wrapped a reassuring arm around Peter’s shoulders.

The young man looked up at him, eyes red from both tiredness and emotions. “There’s a guy.”

“A guy?” Steve had only come out of the closet three months ago. He could feel the blush coming back to his cheeks. He glanced toward the door, secretly hoping Tony would come in and fix everything. Tony could always fix anything, especially Peter’s broken heart.

Pete sniffed. “He’s a customer. His name is Jamie.”

Suddenly suspicious, Steve perked up. “Is he the reason you turned off your police scanner and keep picking up extra shifts at the shop?”

Peter rolled his eyes and sighed. “You have no idea. How hot. He is. Like, he walks in the room and I can’t breathe. And he doesn’t even know I exist beyond that I am some guy in a green apron who works at a coffee shop.”

“I know what you mean, sport, but you so many of us here who adore you, you know?”

“I know, but…” Peter stopped and suddenly realized what Cap was insinuating, “Wait a second… Mr. Rogers are you saying you’re—?”

Just then Tony knocked on the door. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

Steve stiffened up and suddenly there was a whole 12 inches between him and Peter. “Hey Tony! Peter had a rough day at work. I told him he needs to do his laundry… ah… dinner is ready, bye!” Steve bolted out of the kid’s room and down the stairs before Tony or Peter had a chance to respond.

“What’s his deal?” Tony asked, sitting down in the warm spot where Steve’s butt just was.

“I think… actually I really don’t know, Mr. Stark.” Peter stood to pick up his clothes.

“Hey, kid, come here for a second.” Tony pulled Peter back onto the bed and pinned him down, his mechanical hand caressing Peter’s cheek. Peter had a momentary flashback to that day but shook it out of his head. He focused on Tony’s piercing eyes.

“You are clearly not okay. And from what I heard, because you know I hear everything that goes on in this house, it has to do with some boy at work?”

Peter rolled his eyes. “It’s nothing…”

“Yes, that’s absolutely right, it is nothing. Hey. Look at me, kid.” He waited until Peter turned his head and made eye contact. “Whoever this guy is, maybe he’s cute. Maybe you even gave him your number on that little napkin from breakfast, but in the end when you’re like us, like you and me and Cap and Bruce, you just can’t date civilians. It never works out. They don’t understand the pressures of the job... or worse: they get killed. Ask any super hero you’ve ever met.”

“But you and Pepper—”

“Yes, Pepper is a special lady who also does the super hero things from time to time. Pep and I have a kid together, but there were years of turmoil before Morgan was born. Stick with what you have, dating outside our kind will only make it hard for you in the end.”

Peter sighed. “I guess… you’re probably right. He’s just so handsome, I… there’s something about him.”

“Pete, I’m not saying don’t go knocking on that door, I’m just saying… be safe about it.”

***NSFW INCOMING. Look for the 3 asterisks at the end of this passage if you wish to skip the naughty stuff.***

Peter glanced up at Tony, feeling flush. Thinking about Jamie, feeling the weight of Tony pressing down against him, it had all started to become a little too much. His hard-on strained against the fabric of his black work pants. “Tony, I…”

“I know, kid,” Tony went in for a kiss. They were still eager and new, Peter only having turned 18 less than three months ago, but the kiss was so familiar and comforting. Tony pulled back and smiled, unbuttoning Peter’s pants. “I don’t want you thinking about that guy anymore. It’s just you and me in here, alright?” He pulled out Pete’s member and rubbed a finger at the base of the head.

“Yes, Mr. Stark, sir…”

“It’s Tony.” He palmed Peter’s cock, then slowly stroked.

Peter could only whimper in response.

“Good boy.” He released Peter. “Get naked for me, I have something I want you to try on.” Tony left the room to grab the skimpy maid outfit from his bedroom closet while Peter disrobed and hastily threw his dirty laundry in a pile in the closet. 

As Peter cleaned, he muttered to himself, “I really should have listened to Cap and done this last week… Where’s that fabreeze?”

Meanwhile, Tony bumped into Steve on his way to their shared bedroom at the other corner of the massive loft. “Steve, what’s up with you today?”

“What are you talking about?” Steve feigned coolness.

“Do you have a thing for Pete?”

“Who? Pete? The kid? Nah. Not me.” Steve sped up, walking quicker toward the bedroom, but Tony caught up with him easily.

At the doorframe, he stopped him, cornered him, pushed him back against the wall. “Steve, I want you to join us.” His lips were so close to Steve’s. Steve quivered.

“Join you?” Steve chuckled nervously, turning red again. “Tony, even if I liked him, how could I handle both of you at once?”

“Yep, that’s it you’re coming with me.” Tony gripped Steve’s forearm tight with his bionic hand and pulled the protesting Captain back toward Peter’s room. The maid outfit could wait for another day, but breaking Steve in with another young buck had to happen someday... and today was as good as any!

By the time they entered the room, Peter had made it spotless. Not a single smell of feet to be found. Tony and Steve both knew he had probably just shoved everything in his closet, but the bed was made and the desk was cleared and the room smelled nicely of linen fabreeze. Peter was nude, sitting on the bed, waiting patiently for Tony to return with some outfit or other. He was shocked to see Steve Rogers standing in the doorway beside Tony, looking shyly down, cheeks frosted rose.

“Mr. Stark… you said you wanted me to try something on… D-do you want me to try on Mr. Rogers?” His voice broke a bit.

Stark sighed. “Kid, how many times do we have to tell you? it’s Tony. And Steve. And... there was a change of plans. Remember how I said it would be only you and me in here?” Pete nodded, swallowing hard as he saw Steve’s growing erection through the tight daisy dukes he’d donned to prepare dinner. “Well, now it’s you and me. And Steve.”

“S-steve, sir, I would love that... it’s just…” Pete had never seen Captain America be so shy. “I think your dick might ruin me…”

Steve glanced at Peter. Tony glared at Steve. “Say it, Cap. Go on! Tell him.”

“Peter.” Steve was looking at him lustfully, passionately now. “I want you. I want you to take me. I need you... I need you inside of me.”

Peter gave a breathy sigh. Partly from the way Cap’s words made his own dick throb, and partly from relief that he wouldn’t have to try to take the horse-sized dong that seemed to be endlessly growing in Steve’s shorts. He stood, approached Steve, and smiled. “I would like that very much.” He glanced over at Tony, unable to hide his surprise and apparent elatedness that Steve was in fact a bottom, and also that his dick really was that huge.

*** End NSFW Section***

So, that’s it for now! What do you think of part one? Do you like the partition for the SFW vs. NSFW content? What do you think will happen next? Part 2 takes place the next day. It will be coming soon! Probably tomorrow, or next week, depending on when I find time between work and school.

[peaujeunecreamreviews]

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[once-and-future-alaskan]

It is 3am but I want some fucking ice cream so I'm putting on a hoodie and going. I don't care if it's only 73 degrees and not really hoodie weather, there is no way in hell I'm letting anyone see me in my shitty guy shirts even if it is 3am.

Edit: somehow my quick run down to the store has morphed into a full bike ride around town. I'm basically riding a mile in the opposite direction and circling back around to my destination. I'm hoping it makes my brain shut up.

Edit 2: instead of getting ice cream I instead did the reasonable thing and bought two sandwiches, two bags of chips I've never tried before, and a bottle of Gatorade. It is 5am and I intend to eat all of it because right now I can't be fucked to care about my waist line. So this post is now

TAKAS GAS STATION FOOD REVIEW.

Pictured: FÖÖD

I first ate the sub which was about what I expected solid 6 outta 10. I was much more interested in the chips however.

Pictured: BÆG & DÖGÈ

Opening it we find

Pictured: ÇHÏPẞ ÂÑD PÙBBY

It smells kinda like bar-b-que flavored chips oddly enough, as for the taste...

Pictured: my actual face when

Actually about how I imagined it would. It's got a nice spiciness to it but I wouldn't say it really taste like salsa. But on the positive it does do what I wanted which is taste good without requiring a dip. Overall high 7 maybe light 8 outta 10.

The club sandwich was actually pretty good, solid 8 outta 10 would eat again. Fruit Punch Gatorade is Gatorade so it's good 10 outta 10 need to remember to actually buy this stuff regularly it's nice to have around.

[elejah-wonderland]

An  Officer and A Gentleman/2

Fanfiction

Part 2

AU TVD/TO story- crossover with SealsTeam/Top Gun, the movie

Elijah Mikaelson x reader/Elena Gilbert

ft Angel and Buffy

Intro: Elijah Mikaelson is a Navy Seals operative, same as Angel S. Booth. They are sent to Top Gun, navy strike fighter tactics instructor program, for a special course called the Hybrid Seals Program (this is fanfiction, so all is invented!). There he will meet the aero-space engineer and instructor Y/N/Elena Gilbert. Having their heart broken due to life’s circumstance and such - they will try to learn to love again.

a/n: thanks so much for reading this most unusual crossover. But, Dg is so dashing in uniform, so I guess I had to write Elijah Mikaelson as an Officer, who is also a gentleman! lol. xoxo

tags

@rissyrapp20 @goddessofthunder112 @elejahforever @captainshurley @hides2000 @cassienoble2000

______________

Later that night, Angel and Elijah found themselves discussing Y/N/E and Buffy.

"When they said Code name Slayer, and your Buffy came in, I really thought wtf, but wow - the tactic and strategic plans she showed were genius." - Elijah said.

"She has a rype of logic I have always admired."- Angel said-"whenever we were given a task and she lead the team, we have always made it first, with no casulties. Sometimes it felt like she would go through plans like a computer or knew all the moves the enemy would do." - Angel explained.

"I know you two have history, but - she looks like an ice-queen. Did you see how she spoke to Lockwood."-Elijah said-"and when you addressed an issue, she kind of looked right through you."

"Yeah, she changed. And - ahm - there are things  I've never told you about her and me."

"Oh?"

Angel now told him about how he went to stop the wedding -

Flashback

New York, Years back

"What are you doing here?" - Buffy asked Angel extremely pissed off as he stepped out and said that he had something to say.

"I love you. I made a huge mistake when I let you go. I just had to come and - please - I know how it looks-"

Andrew, Buffy's fiance and a husband to be now punched Angel.

"Fuck" - Elijah said-"I would never think you'd do something like that. You are always so rational."

"When it comes to her I forget -my head- everything"

"What happened? I guess she still married the man!?" - Elijah said.

"Yes. She was three months pregnant. And -"

"What?"

"The baby was still born." - Angel said.

"Oh, damn."

"Please keep this to yourself." - Angel said.

"Of course. Hey, this is serious stuff."

"I heard that the marriage broke down and she - went to teach on West Point. Later got into Pentagon."- Angel said.

"Is she kind of the reason why you split with Brennan?" - Elijah now asked.

"No. Brennan wanted me back in FBI, start a family, but I just -"

"You run from it." - Elijah concluded.

"I can't settle. I tried and - just can't."- Angel admitted.

"You two never really had closure, did you?"

Angel sighed-

"Well, I didn't. And seeing her today, it felt like a boomerang hit me. I don't know if I can survive another class- but- hey, talking about surviving classes- you changed colours when  Sunny aka Y/N/E came in."

"Don't even start. Damn! Her of all women out there had to be an instructor.”- Elijah now smiled chucking -”I asked her to have coffee with me" - 

"You didn't?"

"I did. She wants to know about the Mig!" - Elijah raised his eyebrow.

"You told her about that?"

"It came out. But she has read the report already. She has got access to classified files." - Elijah replied.

"You used the Mig to go out with her. What are you doing? She is our instructor. You could get kicked out. And not to mention you are on a huge rebound." -Angel reminded his friend.

"Who says I am going to marry her. And I am very well aware that she is our instructor. So damn beautiful and brainy, though."-Elijah said with a smirk on his face.       

"You are playing with fire and I really hope you won’t get burnt.”

"I crushed and burnt already- twice. Who says we can't have fun?! No emotions. Just fun!"

"Well, it's good she is off limits in a way, cuz you are talking like a jerk." - Angel said.

"Maybe. She didn't brush me off."- Elijah said taking a swag of beer.

"I have a feeling she will."- Angel said.

"Let's wait and see."

🚫

In her aparment, Y/N/E thought about Elijah as well. It's been a long time she had taken notice of a guy and flirted with one. She agreed to have coffee with him. What was she thinking? Just cancel it, Y/N/E. There is nothing to it. It's just a harmless cup of coffee and you will get info on the Mig first hand. That's all. What else is there?

But, thinking of him and that smouldering look he gave her as he left make her feel all fuzzy inside.Y/N/E shook her head and now putting the take away on her plate she put some music on. Then pouring herself a glass of wine she went to the balcony to eat.

There she was. Eating alone. And it has been like this for years now. She would get her take away out. Get a glass of wine. Listen to some music. Work on the design. Maybe watch a movie. Go to bed. Get up. Go to work.

Flashback A year ago

"Hey" - Y/N/E said as she picked up her phone.

"Hey" - Caroline said-"I am coming over in a couple of days. Long weekend to be exact. And we are having fun."

"What?"

"I spoke to Damon and he said you are - you! You just work and work and work."

Y/N/E sighed-"Care, I really can't this weekend. I have to prepare for a conference and then I have to mark the finals when I get back, plus I am working on the new design for a fighter jet."

"Ok. I know Ms Smarty pants - next weekend then? They do give you time off. Well, it's actually you who loads herself with work and more work."- Caroline was not letting her friend off the hook so easily and Y/N/E knew that she wouldn't so she looked at the diary now and told the blonde-

"I - have some time off -last weekend in June."

"Good. I will be there and don't you dare find an excuse or cancel. Ok. Bye. Talk later." - Caroline said and hung up.

Two weeks later, Caroline was there, in Annapolis. And she had a full program of girly fun. They went for lunch and a guy flirted a bit with Y/N/E, making her get dismissive was tense. Later that evening, Caroline had to address the issue of Y/N/E completely burying herself into work, and the way she reacted to the man.

"Y/N/E, I know it hurt like hell when Stefan died, but, you are allowed to live - a little. More than a little.

" I can't do it, Caroline"-Y/N/E said.

"Stefan would want you to go out there and - have fun. It's been -more than a year."

"I don't care if it's been a year or thousand years - I just - can't. I don't think I ever will."- Y/N/E said annoyed a tad bit.

"Ok. Maybe not right now. But you are only 26. One day you might meet a guy and fall in love. And it's ok - to fall in love again"

"I am not interested. I will never fall in love again. My heart died with him"- Y/N/E now looked away as her eyes filled with tears.

"Hey - I’m sorry- I didn' t mean to be insensitive. Ok. let’s got out - ice cream or something- tell me about this new jet"

Y/N/E now gulped and tried to dismiss the butterflies rumbling inside of her stirred by the very thought of Elijah. She needed a distraction, and called Buffy now. The two instructors met a few days ago as they arrived and clicked on immediately.

"Do you want to go out for a drink?" - Y/N/E said-"My bff Damon is in the movies with his boyfriend. They asked me to go with them, but I don't want to be the third wheel."

"Yeah, ok. Ocean Mystic bar?" -Buffy said.

"Yes. See you in ten."- Y/N/E said.

And soon, the women met up there, greeted by the new bar owner, their friend Lorenzo St. John.

"Enzo- you're back? Caroline said you won't be back till end of the month?"- Y/N/E said as the two friends hugged.

"I came down  earlier cuz I need to finalize the paper work."- the man explained-"I have some news - also bought the Ocean Drive Diner."

"OMG! Seriously?" -Y/N/E said happy to hear the news.

"Yeah, Caroline convinced me that she will make it into a hip place. And we all loved hanging out there."

"You  so had enough of L. A., ha?" - Y/N/E continued.  

"Totally. It feels good to be back, O tell you that."- Enzo said.

"I say so, too."- Y/N/E said.

"Ok, the drinks are on the house, I will leave you two now."

"Oh, I completely forgot. This is Buffy, the new tactic/strategy instructor."- Y/N/E introduced the blonde.

"Nice to meet you."- Enzo said-"I hope you like it here."

"I see that you are a good happy clique. No one made so welcome ever." - Buffy said.

"That's how we roll here" - Enzo said, and with a little see you later went.

Y/N/E and Buffy went on to chat about Y/N/E and her friends and their lives as teenagers and how they remained still so close, even though life had set them apart at one point.

Buffy remembered her friends, but also how their friendship fell apart and they stopped calling one another.

All in all, the evening went to recalling good and sad moments.

Buffy now also shared to Y/N/E her story with Angel.

🚫

In the morning

Y/N/E played with her phone, as she parked in front of the Ocean Drive Diner where she agreed she would meet Elijah. 

     As she was about to call him, she saw him sit inside already waiting for her. 

      She gulped hard. Again the fuzzy, but now even butterfly-like feelings rushed back in right through her.

"Bite the bullet" - Y/N/E said to herself trying to steady herself, checking her make up in the review mirror unconsciously and then put the phone back in her bag and got out of her Porsche.

As she entered, she kind of straightened her shirt and with a very serious and semi-professional demeanour walked to where Elijah was sitting. 

Hearing her say hello to the waitress, Elijah looked up, giving her a little smile. 

"You are early" -  Y/N/E said as she sat down.

"I see you work on military precision." - Elijah said. 

“Always”- she replied and now turned to the waitress telling her what she would have-

"Coffee. Milk. No sugar. And bluberry pancakes."

"Bluberry pancakes?!" - Elijah said-"Me too."

The waitress went and Y/N/E went straight to the point, taking out the sheet of questions from her briefcase. 

"You are very efficient." - Elijah remarked taking the paper looking at the questions.

"I need specifics" - Y/N/E said-"it would be so great if you would be as precise as you can be."

"Right. I - must say that I am amazed at -"

Elena cut in before he could funish kind of knowing what he was getting at-

"How come a girly me is into something so- masculine?"

"I didn't mean to say that - I don't do stereotypes."- Elijah said defensively. One of our best Seals operatives was a woman, who got us out from a right jam."

"I'm sorry - I didn't mean to - cut in like that. But - I do get some of the stereotype comments. Anyway, I seriously will appreciate you doing this."

"Yeah, no problem. Still how come you love planes so much."

"My dad." - Y/N/E said-"He was a NASA pilot.”

 “Gilbert! John Gilbert? He is your dad? The one that - " - Elijah stopped there as he knew about John Gilbert's fatal crash.

"Yes. The one that died on the test flight in 1990. I was one years old."- Y/N/E resumed.

"Oh. Yes- I’m sorry”- Elijah said with a genuinely heartfelt voice.

Elena now lowered her defences and continued-

"Thanks. It’s all - because of him, I wanted to be an astronaut, but I ended up constructing planes, and teaching areo-space dynamics. But talking about great dads, yours is right up there, too."

"Well, I would not say that he is that brilliant. Well, maybe as an NCIS investigator, but lousy as a father."

Y/N/E could see that she inadvertently hit the nerve there. It was good that the pancakes came as she now gushed how much she missed the way they made them there, adding loads of cream, Elijah commented-

"You have -a real sweet tooth."

"The sweetest.This will cost me extra hours in the gym later." - Y/N/E now put a lot of cream on the pancakes.

"Who parties hard needs to work hard" - Elijah said as he tucked in his pancakes, putting the same amount of cream on.

And somehow the conversation swayed to food and the diner. She told him that her friend had bought the place. Not long after Enzo arrived and Y/N/E now introduced Elijah to her friend and the new owner. 

"Well, if you leave the old menu and maybe add something I will sure come here when I can. The military food is good enough, but this is very much like home cooking. Reminds me so much of home."

"And home is?" - Enzo asked.

"New Orleans." - Elijah replied.

"OMG. Love the Big Easy. Caroline, dreams of a Honeymoon there."-Enzo said.

Y/N/E now remembered it and  shot - "She is giving you hints again! It's time you proposed."

"I am."- Enzo now got the little box out now.

"Wow. You bought the ring?!" - Y/N/E said enthusiastically. 

"Yeah, and when she gets here. I will propose on her birthday. That’s the plan."

"Really? This is so great! But you know that she is having a themed disco birthday party. The 70s!"- Y/N/E reminded her friend.

"Yes, of course. I want to do it in front of all our friends cuz you all were going on about it for the last 10 years."

"More than ten years"- Y/N/E said-"You've been together since you were 16."

"And we got together on the 70s dance!" - Enzo remembered the night he finally plucked up courage to tell Caroline how he felt about her.

"Omg, yeah. I forgot. Oh, it's going to be perfect." - Y/N/E gushed. Her eye then caught Elijah sitting quietly sipping his coffee.

"I am sorry- I didn't mean to be rude- we haven't seen each other for a long time and - there is so much happening."

"Hey- no big. I can see. It's totally fine. Anyway, I have a class at 11:00 and need to get changed for it. Today is also our test flight at 14:00, so I will see you at the hanger, Sunny."- Elijah stood up-"I'll get these."

Elijah now turned to Enzo congratulating him on him proposing to his long standing girlfriend and wished him good luck. He then went, getting on his bike, driving away speedily.

Y/N/E felt bad because she lost herself chatting with Enzo. But it was the talk of proposal that cut Elijah and dampened his mood. 🚫

At the baracks, Angel met Elijah as they were about to go to the class asking him about the coffee.

"Good." - Elijah replied without any particular emotion, kind of absent-minded.

"I knew this would turn out bad."- Angel said-"she kicked you to the curb, right?"

"No. She was actually nice. It was really good."

"So,what's with the face then?"

"Nothing. We got to go to the class." - Elijah said and shut down.

Angel just shook his head.

Later, at the hanger, Y/N/E came to Elijah and apologized for leaving him kind of dry at the diner.

"Hey, don't sweat."

"Ok. Ahm, Enzo is having an official opening cuz he is the new owner of Mystic Ocean, too -and - I'd like to buy you a drink - to say sorry."

"Yeah, ok." - Elijah accepted a smile curling up at the end of his mouth.

"Saturday, 20:00, and it's a kareoke night." - Y/N/E said putting a little smile on.

Elijah now smiled back at Y/N/E understanding the hint. Suddenly, his heart perked up and the world had a sunny outlook. 

____

Later that evening Mystic Ocean bar

Damon, Kai, Y/N/E and Enzo sat down together and it nearly felt like a school reunion. Caroline was on facetime.

"Oh, I hate that I can't be there right now. But I am definitely there on Saturday, even though I have to get back to L. A. to wrap up things here. Can't wait to be with you guys. Oh, and prepare yourself for the craziest birthday party ever. It's not every day I turn 30. Ok. Got to go now. Don't have too much fun."

Everyone said in one voice that they won't, which was not true.

In L. A. Caroline now went to the bathroom and took another pregnancy test.

She looked at the stick, which was the fifth she took.

"And - you're pregnant, girl." - she muttered to herself. She smiled a bit. She was happy, but with her and Enzo having bought the new businesses, this was not the ideal time to have a baby. But, this was Caroline. Life and challenges were her speciality. She knew Enzo loved her to bits and they got through thick and thin, starting from zero, and worked hard to get where they were now.

She now sent Y/N/E a message to call her when she came home, writing -

Y/N/E saw the message and read-

"Code red."  That meant there was something serious to discuss.

Kai, Damon and Enzo were now discussing Care's coming birthday party and the 70s theme.

"Don't tell me she is going to make us wear glitter." - Kai said.

"Yes" - Enzo replied-"and if you don't come properly dressed, no free booze."

"Well, I know I will do a Billy Idol" - Damon said.

"She specifically said Disco!" - Enzo remarked-"and isn't Billy Idol 80s?"

"So 80s."- Y/N/E said-"remember Matt dying his hair blonde to be Billy Idol"

And from there on, it was remember this and remember that, which also brought loads of memories of Stefan back. But strangely, Y/N/E could speak about him and not feel her heart clump up as it would have done a year ago.

Later as they were leaving the bar, Damon said this-

"For the first time in a long time we talked about him and it felt - I don't know how to say it - good, but I was not feeling like my heart was going to burst that he was gone, and could not be here with us."

"He is always with us. We should talk about him. Because if we don't it's like he was never here, and - I don't that. He was everything to me."-Y/N/E said.

"Does that mean - ok- I am all for you starting to date someone else-"

"What? I am not dating anybody." - Y/N/E now said.

"It's ok, YN/E. Hey, You don't need my or anybody's permission to start dating again."

"Oh, Enzo told you" - Y/N/E now clicked where this was coming from.

"He just mentioned that you had coffee with one of the pilots. But don't get mad with Enzo now for - telling us."

"I just had coffee with him. And it was work related."- Y/N/E kind of defended herself-"and you guys are like High School revisited." 

Y/N/E went off at Damon, and he knew her so well as she would not be so defensive if there was not something going on.

"Omg. I think you've fallen for the guy. "- Damon said.

"Shut up, Damon."

Y/N/E was clearly not in the mood and Damon let it be.

In the car, Y/N/E, not wanting to think about what Damon voiced out, now called Caroline, who, of course had spoken to Enzo as well, and now brought up the coffee with the Lieutenant.

"I just had Damon on my case. Can I not just have a coffee with a guy?"

"Ah, you had a coffee with a guy! Nothing big?! Right!? You never have coffee with just a guy! This so means something." - Caroline now went on, letting it off.

Y/N/E now said that it was work related and that she could not talk about it, cause it was classified.

"Ok. But can you at least describe him. You know Enzo, he just said, a navy officer and that he owned a Norton Commander bike"

"Enzo is right. He is just a navy guy. I've seen hundreds of them and taught hundreds of them. Nothing special." - Y/N/E replied.

"Ugh! You can be so - ugh sometimes."

"Is that code red - wanting to know about my coffee?"

"Ahm, yeah and no. I - should've called it code blue. Cuz I'm pregnant!" - Caroline now shot out.

"You what? Omg!" - Y/N/E was bummed, but happily bummed - "This is so great."

"Talking about classified stuff. Enzo doesn't know yet. I want to tell him at my birthday. I want to surprise him."

"Right. Ok. Top secret it is."

Y/N/E now thought of Enzo having a surprise of her own prepared. Y/N/E now felt like a double agent.

The women now went gushing over the news.

This was the good news they all needed, as there was plenty of heartache for Caroline, as well having lost her mom to cancer when she graduated from High School. And having to fend through, working at the same diner, she part owned now, putting herself through business school.

⚠️

At the baracks

 Elijah was on the phone, talking to his sister Rebekah.

"I have 4 days off and I am flying down to see you."

"Wow, are you serious? It's a long flight from Australia. I won't be able to see you much. Only in the evening." - Elijah said.

"I don't care. Cuz I will have nothing free till Christmas and God knows where you will be sent next. And I want to hear what the hell happened with Hayley? What was this message that she got married?!" - Rebekah said.

Elijah sighed a little now saying - "Tell you about it when you get here. Though it's not worth it."

They now chatted a little bit about their mom and her new husband.

⚠️

The days that followed where all about work and their duties.

Both Elijah and Y/N/E, as well as Angel and Buffy were keeping it very professional. Whatever was going on inside of them was kept under wraps, and they solely concentrated on work.

For Angel, it was a great exercise to show restraint and keep it together. His heart was even more in love with Buffy than ever before. Elijah, who first claimed that he would not let any of his feeling be stirred again by any woman, was now day in and day out, completely shaken by Y/N/E. How she got under his skin so fast was mind-boggling. Angel still maintained the theory that this was  all about the rebound feelings, but Elijah was not sure. This woman moved him in ways not other had done before. 

Flashback

Angel came up to Elijah as he now said bye to Y/N/E after discussing the flight. He stood gazing at Y/N/E like he was lost in a dream.

“You’re gone.”- Angel said-”but you know now about her fiancé. Stefan Salvatore.”

“I know. Damn! She had one too many heartbreaks.”- Elijah sighed and said-”I wish I could - make it better.”

“You - you have fallen her”

“She is everything - beautiful, smart, funny - and she loves planes - engines - I can talk to her for hours about it and she will not be bored.”

“I know exactly how you feel.”- Angel said.

____

A few days later

 Y/N/E was still at her office working on the design ideas as Elijah knocked at the door.

"Hello" - Y/N/E looked up as he came in.

"How can I help you, Lt. Mikaelson?"

" I have completed the sheet with your questions, M'am. "- Elijah said now handing Y/N/E the paper.

" Ah, thank you."- Y/N/E took it.

"Working late?!"- Elijah remarked.

"Yes."- Y/N/E replied briefly just look at Elijah in a awkward kind of manner. It was like she lost the power of speech for a moment. Her eyes where like - is there something else you wanted? I am busy here.

Elijah got the strange vibe off of her and now nodded a little saying -

"I will see you."

Y/N/E nodded and Elijah left the office.

Y/N/E sat down to continue the work, but she could not concentrate. Slamming back at the chair she rubbed her face with her hands, exhaling deep. What the hell was that? All week she was fine around him. And now - she was like a teenager, from one moment to the next, she lost it. She closed the laptop and gathered all her things, and left the office.

And, then like a curse had set in on her, the Porsche now didn't want to start. She tried over and over, but it was not budging.

Frustrated, she now got out and put the hood up. She knew about plane engines, and all the supersonic stuff, and she soon could diagnose that the battery was flat.

Put the hood down, she nearly jumped seeing Elijah standing there-

"OMG- you scared the Hell out of me."- Y/N/E now said.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to. Just saw you with the hood up. Can I help?"

"No. Battery is dead. I will have to get it towed in the morning. I am going to get a taxi." - Y/N/E said.

"I can take you. If  - that's ok?" - Elijah offered.

"You're fine. I’ll get a taxi." - Y/N/E said feeling now again the fuzziness rise up in her.

"It takes forever for them to get put here. Really it is not a problem."

Y/N/E knew that this was the most sensible idea, and nodded now as a yes.

She now got her laptop and her bag out of the car.

Elijah now gave her his helmet, and he put his pilot one on.

"Ok? "- Elijah said as he got on the bike, and Elena as well.

"Yep."- Y/N/E answered as she now circled her arms around his waist.

A second later they drove off. 

                 Y/N/E tried so hard for her heart not to give her out as she now could not control it anymore. Her temperature was surely rising being so close to him.

��️I'm so into you, I can barely breathe And all I wanna do is to fall in deep

But close ain't close enough 'til we cross the line So name a game to play, and I'll roll the dice, hey

Having reached the destination, meaning the apartment block where Y/N/E lived, she now thanked the handsome Lieutenant for the ride.

"Any time." - Elijah said.

"Yeah. I - will see you - tomorrow. Good night."

"Good night." - Elijah said back and - they stood there looking at one another like enchanted, her trying desperately to calm her heart that was feeling a thousand butterflies swarm up.

Oh baby, look what you started The temperature's rising in here Is this gonna happen? Been waiting and waiting for you to make a move Before I make a move💖

[i-am-the-entertainer]

RevieWBY Volume 6, Chapter 5: “The Coming Storm”

Right off the bat I wanna say this is a very well-structured episode of RWBY. Besides some nitpicks with the pacing of certain scenes, we got a good amount of character interaction/development and intrigue to make things satisfying, although not gonna lie, the Cinder vs. Neo fight was a plus. So let’s take a look at this now, shall we?

Who Wants Ice Cream?

Okay, who called it?

Literally everyone, like even if we had confirmation that wasn’t her in the opening there was no way they would keep her off the show for any longer.

They definitely didn’t disappoint with the fight. I’ll admit, it was a little clunky: the pose physics weren’t quite as clean as they could have been, but overall it was better choreographed than the fight from the premiere and most of the fights in Volumes 4 and 5. It’s the kind of PvP fight that, dare I say it, Monty would have animated. Cinder and Neo’s actions made sense and weren’t awkwardly slow at all. There was room to breathe where we could take in what was happening in the fight, and it wasn’t just pathetic punches but legitimately awesome moves. However, the build-up to it was a little rushed: I think it could have run a little bit slower, that would have made a nice contrast to the sudden fighting frenzy and in turn build up anticipation.

Remember how I said Cinder being completely alone spelled interesting consequences for her this volume? Case in point this chapter: Neo posed a considerable threat, almost on par with Raven––and remember, Neo doesn’t have the powers of the Spring Maiden behind her, so the fact she was able to hold her own against Cinder for quite a while is impressive. It was only when Cinder was able to regain her focus that Neo saw she was outmatched and back down.

Hey Look! A Corpse!

And of course, with every fight we come to the slower part of the episode. Well, it would be slower if it weren’t

horrifying

The reveal of the dead bodies and the apparently horrible occurrence that happened at this farm was very well done. We get a sense of unease that permeates the rest of this episode (that cellar tho), a continued idea that no matter where they go, team RWBY isn’t safe. But at least this point, they have each other, and we get the team partners going off on their own for a healthy round of character development.

First off, we get some Blake and Yang moments, and the promised angst between them. The angst comes from Blake’s inclination to feel like she is obligated to “protect” Yang after what happened in Volume 3. This is a very good choice for Blake’s development, even if we know from the episode it’s the wrong choice: Volume 4 and 5 seems to have taught her that she can’t keep running away when her friends get hurt, but she now believes that means she has to protect her friends. Of course, Yang spent most of Volume 4 and 5 learning to trust that she can fend for herself even without her original arm, so it’s understandable that Yang finds Blake’s inclination to protect offensive. This is the beginning of the conversation that needs to happen between them, the one everyone hoped for, and I can’t wait for its eventual (hopeful) resolution.

And then we have Ruby and Weiss looking for food. It’s nice to see them interact in this way: Volume 5's reunion was a little more about Ruby and Yang meeting up. Here we get a little more about the fallout from Ozpin’s story in Chapter 3, which I appreciate because, like I said, that’s the kind of reveal that needs to affect the rest of the show. If Weiss wasn’t already unsure about returning to Atlas, she’s even more unsure now, knowing their efforts to defeat Salem are unlikely to take them anywhere.

Nitpicks/Observations

Lil Miss’s accent was a little all-over-the-place this episode. It felt like they established her accent as something like “southern belle” in Chapter 2, but here it sounded a lot more British at times. Probably could have been honed in a little more during recording sessions.

I seem to recall Gray said a while ago that Neo has a voice actor, but her gestures in this episode suggest she is simply mute. If that’s the case, I think it would have been more interesting if she can talk and just chooses not to. Then again, she could be saying “You want me to talk?”, sort of lampshading the fact she hasn’t spoken an actual line before, hence Cinder’s annoyed “Right.” So I’m curious how they’ll handle that communication barrier thing.

Someone noticed the fact that Neo looks significantly different outside the bar (tattered clothes and the hat and all that), whereas she has her original appearance right up until she shatters outside the window, suggesting that it was actually one of her mirror clones that fought Cinder in there. This is a nice touch, but I wish it had been a little clearer. It looks like there are a lot of little details CRWBY sticks in the episodes that you don’t notice, which should be the nature of all animation but it adds another dimension to Neo that I didn’t get at first viewing.

Someone else said Neo’s return is a plot hole because she has no reason for being here.

...okay first of all, that’s not what a plot hole is, and second of all they literally give you the reason in the episode. She’s there because she’s mad at Cinder for what happened with Roman.

I’ll be honest, her new model in the Maya engine didn’t look great when she appears in the bar: her hair color looks kind of dull, they could’ve made them stand out a little more. Also, the model doesn’t appear quite as detailed as the original, I’m not sure if it’s because they rushed the model to production or the amount of detail in the original model couldn’t be done in the Maya Engine. But the choreography of the fight was good enough that I didn’t particularly care.

We got an anime-like moment with Ruby darting to get the food. That’s good: I was hoping they would go for a more anime vibe this volume after mostly reserving those moments for premieres in the past.

Overall Thoughts

Good chapter story-wise, and a nicely choreographed fight at a moment when I was wondering “When are they gonna do another fight?” We also got some legitimate character development and interaction. So yeah, I’m happy. That said, I thought the animation was a bit subpar this week. Characters didn’t seem to walk around in a natural way, and some of their stationary poses looked weird. I wouldn’t be too surprised if the time spent on Chapter 3 affected production on the rest of the Volume (Miles did tweet that Chapter 3 was the most complicated episode they’ve ever done), but this was such a well-done episode otherwise I can’t say I actually care all that much.

(like, RWBY was never known for much besides the fight animation, the characters, and the story)

One last thing: I’ve been seeing reviews that are saying “these episodes are bad because these are cliches: they’ve been done before.” Look, if I’m being honest I’m not mad if RWBY makes a story choice that’s not particularly original, so long as it serves the overall show in a positive way. And since some folks are more inclined to think negatively of RWBY, I can’t say I agree with them when they say “Moan groan just one cliche means this show is bad.”