#Queued: Calling Card Left for You~

[trickyxkisses]

@wildxcardrebel: "Akiraaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!" Bear hugs

"W-Wait Ren! AHHHH-!?"

She wasn't ready for the hug at all. Thief reflexes be damned because she's regretting not bracing for impact and falling from his hug.

[trickyxkisses]

"It was a sacrifice."

She chuckles, easing into his touch without missing a beat. Her eyes closing as she leans closer, arms wrapping around his torso to pull him into a hug. At the mention of how he was glad they had these little arguments, she squeezes him a little tighter.

"I'm happy we have silly things like this, and we make up."

The memories of her parents' own arguments and blown up fights emerged back up in her mind. However the pain no longer stung, it was a faint numbing feeling because she had been in a relationship with Ren where they spoke to each other. Understood and talked things over, worked things out instead of letting things only blow over without any resolve.

"...I'm thankful for that."

trickyxkisses​:

“You underestimate me…I’m also a thief too dear. We both have fast reflexes to do what we need to do.” Also, this is just a little tease to him. Her lips are fighting to not form into a grin at how he reacted.

Akira only kisses him on the cheek in reassurance.

“I’ll have to keep that in mind. Though, you making decaf messed with you as much as it did with me.” His hand moves and strokes the side of her hair, his grey eyes gazing at her, so full of love. “I love that we can just have these silly little arguments instead of blowing up at each other. I never...I never want that.”

[lavenderspence]

silly poker night reveals | A.H.

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x fem!reader | Word Count: 1.8K

Content warning: basically just funny, or crack, alcohol mention, gambling addiction mention

Summary: A poker night with the silly crime men gets disrupted when a certain someone decides to prove he's not a psychic.

Characters: Aaron Hotchner, Spencer Reid, Patrick Jane, Richard Castle, Seeley Booth, Harvey Specter

A/N: One day, I just really wanted to write a fic with all my favorite silly crime men and have them be snarky to each other, and that’s what I did. This was literally written for the fun, for the vibes, for the hell of it, and then I just could not, not make it about my husband too. So, even if you’ve only watched one of the shows, give this a read, I think it's fun. enjoy🤭

and thank you to @reidsstargirl for beta reading this 🥺💕

masterlist

“You’re late.” You said after you pulled the door open. A rumpled blond was sitting in front of you - a white dress shirt, a black vest, and a gray suit jacket thrown over his shoulder. 

He flashed you a lazy smile, all teeth, “Yeah, well, when have you known me to be punctual?” He pushed past you, stepping into the apartment, with no care in the world.

His eyes ran around the room, finding it empty of any other presence, “You little minx, you lied to me.” He turned around, eyes running through your body. 

You smiled, eyes sparkling, “Yeah, well, I had to get creative if I wanted you to be on time, Jane. You have just enough time for a power nap, go enjoy the couch.” You threw his words back at him, and then waved a hand around, gusting to the emerald couch. 

You made your way to the kitchen, picking up a half-full glass of champagne. Walking around for a second, you looked at the man on the couch and waited for the 15 minutes until 7:30 to pass, so you could welcome your other guests too. 

You were waiting on Aaron and Spencer - they were coming straight from work, deciding to stay around an extra hour after you to finish up. Harvey was flying in from New York, Castle was driving down, and Jane was already snoring on your couch, and Booth was coming after closing a case. 

You arranged these poker games once every two months, depending on how all your schedules aligned. You’d worked with all of these silly assholes at one point in your life. Sometimes, they needed some time to just goof around and play some games, nothing serious. 

A few other of your colleagues joined occasionally - Rossi and Morgan loved the snark, and Emily was a fan of disturbing the testosterone with you from time to time. But all of them were busy, so it was just you and the usuals tonight. 

12 minutes later, you were welcoming everyone in, and Jane was rousing from his nap, looking even more rumpled than before. 

Spencer and Booth took their usual places in front of the TV, where you’d already queued a baseball game, and left them some snacks. The others each took a place at the table. 

You usually played just one game, so you took your place as the dealer and shuffled the cards. 

The conversation was sparse for a few minutes while you dealt the cards. 

“Why’s Clark Kent not playing?” Rick asked all of a sudden, gusting to Booth with his head. Booth usually joined the gathering every few games, still not entirely comfortable coming every time. His addiction wasn’t something that you’d brought up or were looking to bring up during a night like this. He usually stayed away from the table, engrossed in a game of baseball on tv, or bothering Reid for any useless facts and calling him a squint. 

“Let him be Rick, he needs the night out even if he isn’t playing.” Your answer was vague and it would stay that way as long as Booth wanted to be there and stay away from the game. 

“And the kid?” It was Jane’s voice, and he raised a hand and pointed at Spencer. He was usually sitting the games out too, since the last time you and Hotch had played with him he’d hustled you. 

“Go on, tell him.” You prompted Spencer, as he bookmarked the page he was reading. 

“I’m good at poker.” It wasn’t convincing and it wasn’t the truth. 

You shook your head with a laugh, “Nooo, Jane’s good at poker, Castle is good at poker. What are you good at?” You asked, your eyes meeting Aaron’s for a second. 

“I'm good at counting the cards, and banned from several casinos in Las Vegas, Laughlin, and Pahrump.” Aaron’s lips twitched, a barely there grin appearing for just a second before it disappeared again. 

“Can I borrow him for a poker night with my author buddies? Maybe even Kate? I really need a win.” Castle asked. 

“He’s not winning against Kate, Rick. She will sniff him out before he even sits at the table. Now, Ryan and Esposito, on the other hand, you can easily steal some money from.” You told him as you took a sip from your drink. 

Everyone else was having a drink - whiskey was the preferred drink at your table, Booth was having a beer and Spencer was sticking to water. 

“Anything to drink Jane?” You asked again. 

“Chamomile tea, two sugars please.” 

“You do realize this is a poker game, and not an afternoon tea with Her Majesty, right?” Harvey’s usual snark was making a comeback for the first time tonight. 

“But her Majesty’s sitting right there.” Jane's chin jutted towards Rick. It was no secret that out of every man currently in the room, Rick was probably the most pretentious one, closely followed by Harvey.

“Haha, very funny.”

“I didn't lie, did I? I highly doubt that the Ferrari parked downstairs can be bought on a government salary.” Quipped Jane.

“How do you know it's not Harvey's?”

“Because I'm not a pussy driving a bright red Ferrari around New York City, thank you very much.” Harvey threw a few chips in the center of the table. 

“Well, said Ferrari costs anywhere between 70K and 120K. A Special Agent’s salary is around 135K, and 170K a year for Supervisory Special Agents. So realistically, yeah, we can’t afford it.” Spencer shrugged, turning a page in his book, not even phased by the looks everyone was throwing at him.

“I like this kid, he’s such a squint.” Booth laughed and gave Reid’s shoulder a little pat. Spencer tensed for a second but quickly relaxed again. 

“Dammed it, I overpaid 30K for this one.” Castle scoffed, shaking his head. 

Harvey produced a business card from somewhere and slid it toward Rick. 

“In case you need it. Fair warning though, get on my nerves, and I’m giving you to Louis.”

“Aww he has a heart.” Rick pouted.

“Never repeat that, never.” The brunette warned.

“And a lot of snark.” You smiled, looking around. They all might have serious jobs during the day, but they were all extremely silly when they were off of work.

The game continued on for another 15 minutes, conversion flying by until Booth’s voice rang around you.

“Okay Jane, no offense, but I need to know. What’s your shtick? What made the FBI want to hire you as a consultant?” Seeley asked, turning a sobriety chip in his hand. 

“Ugh, offense.” 

“Oh come on,” Booth waved a hand around, “I’m one of the best sharpshooters out there,” you rolled your eyes and so did Rick, “Hotchner’s an ex-ADA, Y/N’s a weapons expert and a linguist. Reid over here is basically Einstein.” 

“Well, actually, Einstein’s IQ is believed to be somewhere between 160 and 180, and mine’s 187, so technically, I surpass Albert Einstein.” Seeley wasn’t happy being interrupted again, but he let it slide, used to being interrupted by his own team.

“So Jane, what makes you such a special asset to the FBI? You're not still pulling the psychic card, are you?” To anyone, it might seem judgmental, the way he asked, but you knew it was anything but. He was curious, but he also valued his job too much not to ask. 

Jane leaned back in his chair, laying his cards face down and his hands on top of them. He looked on over you, head to toe, and then his eyes focused on your left - to Aaron. 

You saw his eyes shine for a second, and shook your head at him, already knowing what was going to come out of his mouth. 

“There is no such thing as psychics. Just a very good eye for reading people. Like for example, all night Hotchner’s been a broody, quiet bastard, safe for any time Y/N talks. His eyes light up and he relaxes back into his chair.” You watched Aaron’s posture too tight and reached a hand under the table to lay over his leg.

You were glaring daggers in Jane's direction, but once he was on a roll, there was no stopping him. “Earlier, when she put his glass down, his fingers on the hand closest to her body, twitched. His cologne is expensive, freshly applied - he probably has a spear bottle in his office.  He's been checking his watch, waiting for the night to end, so we'd all go home. Not him though, he's staying over.”

He played with the edge of his cards as he watched all eyes turn in your direction. 

“Oh, and the murderous look he's been giving Harvey every time he catches him looking at Y/N a bit too closely. Also, the clenching of the jaw - seriously knock it off, you won't have teeth forever.” Jane warned before he leaned back into his chair, looking just a tad too proud of himself.

The silence was defeating for a few moments, no one dared to utter a word.

“I don't think they wanted that to be shared just yet.” Rick muttered

“No shit.” Aaron's fingers wrapped around your own as he gritted out.

“And I didn't want to be lied to, but alas…” Jane added, flashing you a grin.

“Oh, you petty asshole.” A grin was making its way onto your face and you didn't know why.

“Oh, I'm about to become even more of an asshole - full house.” He threw his card in the middle of the table, close to the chips.

“Awww, you really are an asshole.” Rick leaned back in his chair, defeated and pouting.

“Takes one to know one, Dicky.” He smirked.

“Are you okay with this?” You turned around and asked Aaron quietly, for a moment forgetting the room full of men you’d worked with over the years.

“I'm good, although being profiled wasn't my idea of fun for the night.” He admitted just as quietly, reaching to push your hair away.

“I'm sorry.” He went to close the space between you before you heard the scraping of chairs.

“Okay kiddos, mom and dad need us to empty the apartment. Go on, out the door.” Seeley announced. You rolled your eyes at his bullshit before you started giving goodbye hugs. 

“If Hotchner's the dad, who's the daddy?” Harvey asked jokingly as he pulled you into a hug.

“Ask Louis tomorrow.”

“I didn't need the mental picture, thank you.” He shuddered and walked towards the door with the rest.

“Don't ask dumb questions then.” You called out, before you turned towards the good Doctor, “Oh and Spence? Keep this on the down-low, would you?” You asked, still not exactly ready to share this with your team, even after having the whole thing come out this way.

He smiled sheepishly and scratched at the back of his neck, “Yeah…too late.” and just then both your and Aaron's phones went off. 

There was no question about it, there was a fun morning waiting for you tomorrow. 

Comments and reblogs are greatly appreciated!

[telleroftime]

Coffee ||| Gavin Reed x Reader

You've always had a crush on the unapproachable detective, and finally it seems he's returning the interest.

———————————————

Request - Anonymous : Can I request a Gavin Reed x Reader. I don't really care what, but can it be fluff? :)

Pairing: Gavin Reed x Gender Neutral ! Reader

Relationship: Romantic

Tone: Fluff

Word Count: 1.3k

Oneshot Masterlist

A/N: I’m finally getting to answering requests. University has been... something alright. I'm sorry for the wait. There will be more Gavin fluff to come in the future too, if this wasn’t fluffy enough. Plus the other requests I'm yet to write! (Reposting this because I had to fix the tag issue)

———————————————

It was nearing midday when you arrived at the Detroit Police Station to start your shift, two cups of steaming coffee in your left hand, carried neatly in a cardboard holder. The bright light of the high sun was enough to fuel the smile on your face. The gentle breeze of late spring pushed you forward. Simply put, you were lucky today. 

The altered hours meant you didn't have to wake up at the crack of dawn, instead sleeping in for a little while longer. You could take your morning routine slow and steady, and finish writing and preparing the documents for the day to come. Your apartment was cleaned before you could so much as dirty it, and you were practically ready to return home from the job you were yet to begin.

It also meant that when you left your home you had just missed the initial wave of customers and usuals you always saw queuing up inside of your favourite café. It was empty when you entered – your ride parked outside – and it was empty when you left the building, satisfied with your order. Now, you were scanning your DPD identification card on the staff entry after greeting the receptionists. There was a very obvious bounce of eagerness in your step that caused the small heels of your work shoes to clack against the dark, tiled floor.

Clack clack clack as you walked through the small plastic gates that marked the border of one large room from the other.

To your surprise, as you walked along the windowed wall, the bullring was primarily empty. There were no heads peeking from past the plexiglass that functioned as dividers. No laughter of the detectives that worked diligently at their decorated desks. And other than the quiet voices of policemen coming from the break room and the Captain's muffled responses to a phone call coming from inside his office, the overall room was uncharacteristically quiet. Even as you moved to where your eyes kept flickering, constantly glancing at the empty desk of a particular detective, the silence persevered for long enough to etch a childish pout onto your lips. Like most other seats, Gavin’s was empty.

Gavin Reed. Through the weeks you've got to know him, and even since just starting your job as a forensic pathologist at the station, you started to recognise your blooming crush for the detective. And ever since you have, your actions were quite the opposite of 'subtle'. In your eyes, there was no reason to pretend they weren't there. You liked the guy, and you weren't going to hide from those emotions.

You've left him chocolates; small snacks; little trinkets you believed he would like. Well, trinkets that disappeared from his near-empty desk the very next day, but no matter. You even started leaving some cheesy pick up lines that made you chuckle, written neatly on cream sticky notes you carried in your coat pocket out of a forced habit. You tried suggesting outings, yet he always ignored your suggestions. Brushed you off for the lack of a better word.

And now, with the steadily cooling coffee cups in hand, it wasn’t much different.

Slowly, you stepped around the short wall and towards the empty desk, glancing around in hopes of catching his eye. You knew he was here, if the slight blue glow of the power switch on the monitor was anything to go by. His jacket was draped on the back of his chair, and a small drop of a dark drink was splashed next to a ring of moisture. There were papers on the desk too, placed a little ways away from where a mug had obviously been placed, paired with blurry images of undisclosed origin. A new case he was working on you assumed. 

Nevertheless, with another look around, your right hand gingerly pushed the documents to the side, not bothering to neaten them into an even stack. You prioritised removing the paper coffee cup from the holder, politely labelled 'Hot Stuff' as per your request, and placing it down in the now clear centre of the surface. You just hoped he wasn't too full or caffeinated from whatever he had beforehand.

Quickly reaching into your pocket, you pulled out your trusty sticky notes and reached for the ballpoint pen that sat in the breast pocket of your work issued shirt. Tapping the butt end of the pen against your chin, you blinked in thought before your lips twitched up and you scribbled down a little message on the small square of paper, a terrible pun you hoped would make his day. You didn't hesitate sticking it on the white plastic of the cup.

“Words cannot espresso how much you bean to me.”

You practically flinched at the sound of the deep voice that appeared out of nowhere, your right hand darting for the remaining cup of coffee in the holder to keep it steady as you spun around, sucking in a sharp breath at the proximity you had to Gavin. A breath that caused the man to take a step back with a slight cock of his head. Detective Reed was standing in front of you, his body weight resting on his hip as his arms crossed in front of his chest, eyebrows raised in what you assumed was humour.

And yet neither of you spoke until the silence began to threaten to thicken in the layer of awkwardness.

"Sorry detective," you began, averting your eyes and looking anywhere but at him, "I didn't see you at your desk so I thought I'd just leave the coffee here. It's still hot."

What was hot was the heat in your face, your cheeks and ears no doubt a shade darker than before. Your lips had contorted into a mix of a wonky smirk and the visible effort of you trying to straighten them. Your jaw was clenched, your breathing forced down to a steady pace on your will alone. Refusing to look back, finding the uneven flicker of a distant light quite entertaining, your eyes moved to him when a short puff of hair escaped him.

You could see a sparkle in his dark eyes, the very same you fell in love with. The very same you bought coffee for. Yet this was the first time he willingly confronted you instead of keeping his distance. This-

“What are you doing this weekend?”

What?

With the way his brows furrowed, causing his scar to crease against his skin in the process, you were certain that your bewildered expression was caught by the man. However, other than actively avoiding your wondrous gaze, he didn’t take any action to move or to clarify his words and the meaning behind them. The most he did was readjust his crossed arms and scratch the stubble at the base of his jaw.

“Nothing. I should be free.”

A beat of silence passed, your heart fluttering with hope. Then he nodded.

“Meet me at the café down the street at two in the afternoon. Saturday.”

Did he…?

“Okay!”

You felt your spirit physically lift your body, eagerness blooming in your mind at Gavin's words. Genuine joy made your eyes no doubt shine, feeling them grow wetter as more of his words processed and your vision grew slightly blurry because of the saline. He just asked you out on a date. You couldn't believe it. The grin on your lips couldn’t have been bigger as you nodded, feeling your body grow in energy with the increasing serotonin. Your cheeks stung at the intensity of your smile. You were so happy.

However, before you could add to the conversation, your lips frozen ajar, you heard your name be called from the other side of the room, forcing you to excuse yourself and officially start your shift.

“I’ll see you then, Detective!”

Gavin Reed has asked you out on a date.

———————————————

Oneshot Masterlist

[murfeelee]

Sweet beginnings tag

Thanks for tagging me here, @descendantdragfi! <3

Rules:

This tag is all about looking at your past. All you need to do is to find one of the first screenshots you ever took (preferably also published), and post it beside the recent one! And tell everybody when you took that first picture! Oh, and don’t forget to tag your posts! #sweet beginnings tag

I rummaged around my accounts at TSR & on the officials to see if I had anything super old still up--and yep, some things never change.

My oldest screenie at the officials (5/3/2010): Sakura's very first home.

And I know it's Sakura's and not Ryuu's, because she left her calling card: 😅

I can't actually share my latest pics of Sakura or her home, cuz I've been working on CC for her that's not ready to be shown just yet.

My oldest screenie at TSR (10/25/2010): The Tepes Family

Cuz OF COURSE it's Dracula/Castlevania gameplay, omfg. 🤦😂

My latest screenie (queued on Tumblr 11/4/2023): The WWDITS Vampire Roommates

ISTG I didn't plan this. 🤣

I tag anyone interested!

[trickyxkisses]

"....Got it."

She held her tongue in remarking that she wasn't surprised, Akira wasn't truly very trusting to adults upon any first meeting. The only exceptions of course her confidants back home who were very much aware of her status as a Phantom Thief after helping them and gaining trust on both their ends. Akira lightly cleared her throat before staring at the offered hand in front of her.

The ravenette slowly lifted her hand and slowly wrapped her fingers around the others gently before firmly shaking it with a slight nod. Akira took note that her hands weren't bruised or felt achy anymore, in fact her whole body lacked any pain from the lingering effects she had many hours earlier.

She would have to look more into it later when she had a chance...

"Nice to meet you too...Yuu," she offered a small smile before releasing the other's hand, "My full name is Akira Kurusu."

The distant cry of a horse reaching her ears was one of the few things Yuu could actually remember and then her world seemed to fall completely into darkness until eventually she awoke within the confines of a coffin no less. Fear had gripped her heart in those moments; where was she, why was she in a coffin, why were there more coffins floating about? Then of course came the continued fear when Grim made his presence known, a talking weasel that shot flames from his mouth were the things of stories and in her haste of not knowing what to do and the flight reaction hitting her first Yuu took off until she eventually ran into Crowley who had in basic terms dragged her back to where she first awoke.

Glancing to the other mysterious girl that appeared Yuu could see much of the same questions driving through her mind and though the fear wasn't nearly as evident as Yuu's was she was still left wondering if the other girl felt afraid at all. It wasn't everyday one woke up in a coffin after all.

"Crowley...just don't expect too much from him." Was it snarky of her to say such a thing, probably, but it wasn't as though he'd given her much reason to have any faith in him during her time. All she was, was the man's lackey. He'd give some false delusion of he was too busy to do tasks he deemed simple when really she was pretty sure the man did nothing more than fool around. At the very least she would give him the benefit of the doubt for giving her the task of recording everything that happened at the school with the ghost camera she'd found amongst the ruble in Ramshackle; it was one of the few actually fun things she'd looked forward to.

"To be honest I've kind of lost track, less than a year but longer than a couple months unfortunately I've needed to deal with a few problems here that have left me in a comatose state for a few days." Nothing too terribly awful yet, though the tear across her upper arm still stung as though Leona had just recently done it.

"No need to worry about such things though, we should get you comfortable above all else." Extending a hand to the other girl Yuu gives her the warmest and likely most genuine smiles the girl would ever receive here. "I'm happy to meet you, my name is Yuuna but you can just call me Yuu or prefect. What should I call you?"

[ohkate]

Thanks to @gallawitchxx for tagging me!

name: Kate

your... uhm.. scAaAary age: I'm in it right now. 45. I feel like 44 was the last age where you could be a single woman and not get looked at like you're sad and you're going to die a tragic lonely death.

🎥🔪🩸 do you like scary movies? I'm OBSESSED with horror movies. I'm a horror movie snob. I can and have written essays about my annoyance with how many films are listed as horror when they aren't so. I also think it's a crime that the Exorcist is still the movie listed as the scariest of all time on just about every scary movie list and we haven't been able to top that in 51 fucking years.

if so, what's your favorite scary movie? I just...I couldn't choose. My favorite scary movie right now is a Polish movie called Hellhole. You can watch it dubbed on Netflix. The movie appears at first to be super low budget. It's gruesome and gross at times but I just loved it! It's not jump-scare scary. But it's ominous and the end is just ::chef's kiss::. Religious scary movies are the best kind. It's the last real unknown. I'm not afraid of a clown or an evil doll. I'm afraid of the mailman bringing bills an bad news. Religious stuff is the only thing left that still scares me a little.

if you were trapped in a slasher film, would you survive? if not; how & when would you die? I would absolutely survive any scenario unless it involved running. I cannot run. I would just have to go ahead and die.

now that we got the scary questions out of the way. let's get a little more light hearted! 💕

what is your greatest fear? Wasting time. I'm the person who, the second I'm done with work, I'm out the door. I don't want to 'hang out or 'chill'. I'm not chill. I want to know what we're doing because if it's not better than being by myself then I don't want to do it. Also... I love the ocean, but I'm petrified of being in it higher than my knees. I'm afraid of little creatures biting me. I can hold snakes, mice and any kind of bug without freaking out. I don't panic if a spider lands in front of me. As long as I know it's there and I can see it ahead of time I'm fine. But not in the water.

what is your favorite supernatural creature? Not sure if this counts but Johnny 5 from Short Circuit. Just wanted input. Could have taken over the world but only wanted to make friends and be alive. When he learned all he could, he just wanted to dance and listen to music. The meanest he got was to tell someone 'your mother was a snowblower!' Imbued with a soul from some mystical accident and of course everyone wanted to kill him.

ever had a paranormal encounter? Not sure if it counts but in my whole life, I've been in 3 car accidents- all minor and always as a passenger- and I've had dreams the night before about getting into a random car accident for all of them. Call that whatever you want. I literally called out sick to work one day after I had a bad car accident dream the night before. I always wonder if I avoided some horrific death by not going that day.

in a high stress situation; do you fight or are you more of a flight person? I'm a fighter with my mouth. I can argue my way out of anything. That being said, a few years ago I got to the point where arguing with stupid just became tedious. If you think the Earth is flat...fine. Congrats. I'm not going to argue with your stupid ass. So now I'm a little more flight than fight.

what is your favorite part about halloween? That it pisses of religious zealots.

bonus question: what is your credit card number?

(I watch Lost Boys every Halloween.)

tagging the last few people who commented on my shit: @badassfetish @atthedugouts @lookiloveyou @guinguin1984 @arcadia-wildfire @iandarling @energievie @suzy-queued @catgrassplantdad

[sylvia-forest]

[CN] Shaw's 6th Anniversary event - Day 4

⚡ Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for an Event which hasn't been released in EN yet!⚡

[Day 4]

MC: Why did you suddenly buy a suitcase? MC: We've been traveling in the RV this whole time, so we shouldn't need it, right? Shaw: Did you forget about all the things you've collected from various small shops along the way? Shaw: A pile of odds and ends needs a box when you take it home. MC: Oh, right! But is the graffiti on it is the masterpiece of Mr. Shaw? Shaw: Obviously, that's correct. Shaw: But if you want to praise me, put it on hold for now. Shaw: Come over, grab a spray can, and let's finish it together.

MC: You left a spot for me? I'm coming~ Shaw: Of course, doing graffiti together is more fun. MC: Shaw, I think I have a rough idea of what the "thing" you hid during our trip is. MC: Based on my understanding of you and my extensive search efforts… MC: Firstly, it's probably not a physical object, right? Shaw: Seeing that you've analyzed it to this level, I'll make an exception and give you a hint. Shaw: Indeed, it's not a physical object. MC: Oh~ I think I have a good idea now. MC: Let me observe the rest!

—

MC: Wow, this vast sea of flowers is too beautiful and splendid! Shaw: Big producer, can you enrich your vocabulary a bit? Shaw: Everywhere we go is full of beauty, and I'm getting aesthetically tired from it. MC: Then you show me how it's done? Shaw: There's a barbecue restaurant ahead, and the food they grill is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Shaw: Pair that with spicy sauce, and I guarantee it'll make some people drool. MC: Very well, although what you said is ordinary, it still made my mouth water. Let's go!

—

In winter, the surroundings here are full of the lively atmosphere of spring. Bees dance among the flowers, and Shaw and I stroll through this floral town, as if enjoying a colorful oil painting.

MC: Such a beautiful place. What should we do here?

I hinted, and Shaw shrugged with a knowing smile.

Shaw: To be honest, I haven't planned anything. After all, we've been well-prepared throughout this journey, and I'm getting a bit tired of it.

He took a step back, covering my eyes from behind.

Shaw: So, let's just go with a random itinerary. You get to decide where we go. MC: Haha, can we really play like this? Shaw: Of course, aren't you the one claiming to be a lucky charm? It's time to test your luck.

After Shaw spun me around in place, I pointed forward casually.

He promptly released his hand, and following my fingertip, I found it happened to point to a shop.

The storefront displayed various heart-shaped items, and the signboard above had a pink and white name—Love Challenge.

Shaw: Your luck in choosing places is quite something, picking one I'm least interested in. MC: Do you already know what the shop is about? Shaw: No idea, but just by the name, it seems to have an intentionally created atmosphere, quite artificial.

Seeing a hint of disdain on his face, I mischievously pushed him into the shop.

MC: You set the rules yourself, so just follow them.

Inside, the shop was lively. Besides numerous couples, many harmonious families were also queuing up in front of the long corridor.

A staff member dressed in a mascot costume approached us, handing over a card with instructions.

Staff member: Welcome! This is a love-themed pop-up shop, focusing on a game called "You Guess More Than I Do." Staff member: Based on drawing lots, each person is assigned a "role," and the one in charge of gesturing comes up with a question for the other to guess.

After a brief introduction, I carefully read the instructions on the card and nudged Shaw with my elbow.

MC: It looks simple enough. With our skills, we should be able to win a plush toy reward. Want to give it a try?

Shaw raised an eyebrow, signifying his agreement.

After drawing lots, I became the guesser.

After Shaw finished writing the "question," we were led into a room with a floor-to-ceiling glass separating us at both ends, even blocking our voices.

Watching the countdown clock start ticking, I gestured to Shaw to start gesturing.

However, he seemed in no hurry, nonchalantly making two "thumbs up" gestures next to his ear.

MC: Rabbit...? Rabbit! What's next?

He then pointed to himself and drew a circle, finishing with a thumbs-up.

MC: …..??

I checked the time and gestured for him to repeat it. After he did, I was still puzzled.

Rabbit, Shaw, circle, thumbs up?

What does it mean?

Seemingly sensing my confusion, he sighed deeply with his hands on his hips.

I pursed my lips, decided to break the deadlock by playing defensively, and raised my hand to make the "1" gesture, planning to go one by one.

MC: The first word is rabbit, right?

I made a gesture resembling rabbit ears, tilting my head to confirm with him.

Seeing Shaw nod, I clenched both fists, mimicking the shape of red panda ears.

Worried he might not understand, I also drew the shape of a chubby tail behind me and shook it left and right.

Shaw: .......!

Perhaps I acted too enthusiastically, he chuckled, immediately took out his phone, and aimed it at me for a moment.

Then, he swiftly swiped and drew on the screen until he stopped, then beckoned me with his finger.

I seemed to understand something and quickly looked around, only to find no cameras here. I chuckled.

Unexpectedly, this person would "go easy" on me.

So I walked briskly to the glass, and he also turned his phone screen toward me—

The expected answer wasn't there, but instead, it captured a moment where he "parodied" me.

In addition to my pouting appearance, he drew reddish-brown red panda ears on my head and a long chubby tail behind me.

It was exactly the mimicry I had just done, but he added a touch of humor to it.

MC: ………

Watching the remaining time, I anxiously knocked on the glass, signaling him to be serious.

But he just shrugged carelessly and then flicked my forehead across the barrier.

Shaw: "......."

Although I didn't hear anything, that familiar mouth shape automatically filled in the voice of him teasing me, "Really stupid."

At that moment, the ending signal sounded.

I could only pout, grab a paper and pen, and replayed his actions in my mind repeatedly.

Firstly, the rabbit was undoubtedly correct. As for the red panda... he did point to himself, so it should be right?

I wrote down the phrase "Rabbits and red pandas are the best!" and showed it to him, thinking I got it right.

Shaw leaned over to look at the answer I wrote, and then his eyes slowly filled with laughter.

Just when I thought I guessed correctly, he made a crossing gesture in front of his chest.

MC: Shaw, you made me lose the plush toy reward for nothing! No, I need to see what you wrote!

Wrong answer.

—

After leaving the shop, the more I thought about it, the more unwilling I became. I reached out to grab the note from his pocket, but he skillfully dodged. As I continued to stomp toward him...

A chubby little pink rabbit pendant swung in front of my eyes.

Shaw: The prize plushies they offer aren't cute at all. Don't you think this one suits you better? Shaw: Consider it compensation from me.

The rabbit, nibbling on a carrot in the sunlight, looked adorable, and I instantly calmed down by half.

MC: When did you buy it?

Shaw: While you were touching up your makeup in the bathroom, I wandered around nearby. MC: You have a little conscience, but don't think you can divert my attention. Quickly, tell me what you wrote!

Shaw: You couldn't guess something so simple; it's your fault. So, you have to accept the consequences. MC: You! Shaw: Alright, it's time to add a finishing touch. This time, I'll treat you to hot pot, and you'll foot the bill. How about that?

Seeing that he was determined not to tell me, I glared at him with widened eyes.

MC: You didn't plan anything at all. I don't want any finishing touch. Shaw: Is that so? Then, I'll just confiscate this rabbit.

I quickly reached for the little rabbit, but he lifted it high.

Thinking about how to get it back, I first noticed the note hanging precariously at the edge of his pocket.

Humph, he was careless.

While pretending to reach for the rabbit, my other hand swiftly grabbed the crumpled note.

Shaw: ...Hey, don't be unfair. Give it back quickly. MC: I won't. Clearly, someone else is being unfair~

I grinned and quickly turned around to open the note. The words on it were vividly revealed—

"With you silly rabbit by my side, everything goes well."

I couldn't help but hum happily. Just as I was about to say something, my vision was suddenly blocked by someone.

MC: Humph, I've seen it already. MC: Although you call me stupid, I understand the meaning of this sentence because I am considerate.

I crouched down to escape his restraint while triumphantly waved the note in my hand.

MC: Since it's an expression of feelings, why hide it?

Shaw: Who said it's hidden? I just don't want to see certain people being smug.

Seeing him stubborn, a thought flashed through my mind, and I slowly started to smile.

MC: Shaw, didn't you say you hid a "something" before? MC: It wouldn't happen to be your feelings, right?

He glanced at me, and interest sparked in his eyes.

Shaw: If you're trying to probe me, I advise you to give up. MC: Why would I be probing? You clearly said we could find it before the end of the journey. Now, we're at the last stop. MC: Moreover, you mentioned it's not a physical item, meaning...

I paused, my gaze softening.

MC: It could be a sentence, a message you want to convey, or the understanding between us. MC: And after these days of little moments, I am convinced that the "answer" you hid is actually—

Before I could finish my sentence, he gently covered my mouth with the rabbit pendant.

Shaw: Stop. When did I say this is the last stop? Shaw: The organizers designed it as the final destination, not me.

Shaw smirked triumphantly, pulled me along without another word.

MC: Wait, where are we going?

Shaw: Wherever we walk is where we end up. Since it's not the last stop yet, there's no reason to stop.

—

🚐 Finale

[zmediaoutlet]

fandom boost bingo!!!

starting my card for accountability purposes! I'll update as I think of things and share as I go. (A good strategy to the buds who are thinking of doing this -- that way you don't have to scramble to do it all at once, lol.)

Since April 17:

rb an edit: shared @horrorshow's absolutely faaaaaaaantastic edit on what I call the perennial problem of John Winchester -- just a gorgeous piece, really creative and thought-provoking. Admire it!

interact with a meta post: shared and added agreement-y tags to this nice thoughtful lil post about Dean's torture in hell by @quietwingsinthesky

rb an art post: shared this sweeeeeeet lil set of Sam doodles by @ricecookerice. Look at his lil face <3

left kudos AND commented on six blade knife by @sweetscotchbonnets, a bud who's new to this space but is coming out swinging and I'm so so glad <3

make a rec post: recced the excellent @ficwip community!

rb a fic post: re-queued Bird Feed by @egipci, which is just one of the best things I've read in months -- beautiful musing on John as a character.

message a creator: love duly sent out into the world :)

All done, @thehighfiveproject!

[trickyxkisses]

The spilt water from the watering can slowly began to form a puddle, sinking into the tilts before eventually Akira walks over it. She pauses two steps in before advancing a few steps forward towards him.

It takes her ten steps total to be in front of her him, her hands reaching up to gently take his and lift them away from his red face. She can see the red spilling, turning darker in his cheeks after he admitted his real feelings to her. Her own face wasn't faring any better, from her cheeks to her ears and neck...She was completely red.

However instead of stuttering, she's silent.

Her heart beating so hard against her chest as she swallows the lump in her throat as she looks at him.

"I...I like you. So much, I like you a lot," the ravenette tells him before urging him to lower his hands so she could see his face, "I'm not taking that back." A part of her wants to pull him closer, wrap her arms tight around him.

But she doesn't and instead she leans until her forehead brushes against his, "I like you so much Leon."

@trickyxkisses

(continued from here)

Visiting back home was always....Strange, sure Tokyo was where they all lived, but coming back home to her mother's flower shop was just as welcoming as coming back to Leblanc from a long day. Akira was busy watering the flowers when Leon said those exact words. Her eyes widening and her face turning red as she realized exactly what he meant.

With their faint memories of their childhood to the present, Akira had always felt close to Leon. It took them years to find each other again and...She could feel herself get...Nervous, a fluttery feeling in her chest as she stared at him. Waiting for him to stutter, blush and take back his words. But there's none of that. He's blushing and so is she, but he doesn't take it back. Her fingers loosening on the watering can a little before it eventually drops to the floor. "....You....Mean it?"

The realization just struck after he said these words, causing him to blush heavily, looking at Akira bewilderedly. It honestly came from his mind, out of impulse.

For a few seconds, he was lost for words, not knowing what he should say next.

But his last words were sincere, this was how he really felt about her. From being childhood friends until right now, the two, including his little sister, went through a lot, but also wonderful times with each other. And this was why his feelings towards her also grew stronger.

"I-I do, I mean, I d-do really like y-you!" The brunet felt so ashamed for being this flustered, thinking he was saying nonsense to her. "Y-you m-mean so m-much to m-me...!" At this point, he was covering his flustered face.

[trickyxkisses]

@fctedivided: Leon vc: What training…? *slight confused leon noises*

"Don't you know that Wild Cards sometimes just go off training! It's so we come back stronger than ever before! But I'm back so all is fine!"

[instantpay]

From Pay-Checks to Salary Cards: A Modern Approach to Earnings

In the heart of a bustling city, there lived a small, unassuming bookstore called "Wise Pages." Tucked away between towering skyscrapers, it was a haven for bookworms and seekers of knowledge. The owner, Mr. Tirupati, was known for his love of antique books and his quirkiness. But he had one peculiar habit that intrigued the neighborhood even more—he paid his employees with a magical wand.

Yes, you read that right—a wand.

This enchanted payroll wand had been passed down through generations in Mr. Tirupati's family, and it had the uncanny ability to conjure the exact amount of money each employee was owed every payday. No paper checks, no bank transfers—just a wave of the wand, and voilà! The employees' salaries appeared in their wallets like clockwork.

Naturally, this whimsical approach to payroll garnered quite a bit of attention. People whispered about it in the streets and exchanged stories over their morning coffee. Wise Pages became a subject of fascination for the local business community, and even competitors couldn't help but wonder: "Could this enchanted payroll wand be the future of earnings?"

One day, Mr. Amrish Kadam, the owner of a neighboring art supply store, couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. He decided to visit Wise Pages and get a glimpse of this magical wand in action. As he watched Mr. Tirupati effortlessly distribute salaries with a flick of the wrist, he realized that there was something truly captivating about this approach. It wasn't just the magic; it was the seamless, efficient, and employee-friendly process that left an indelible mark on Mr. Tirupati's mind.

Intrigued, Mr. Amrish Kadam returned to his store and began researching modern payroll solutions. He soon discovered the concept of salary cards—a real-world equivalent to Mr. Tirupati's enchanted wand. These cards offered businesses a practical and efficient way to pay their employees, eliminating the need for paper checks and streamlining the entire process.

As Mr. Tirupati embraced this modern approach to his own business, he couldn't help but marvel at the transformation it brought. The time saved on manual payroll tasks allowed him to focus on growing his business and nurturing his employees' satisfaction.

Now, as we embark on this blog journey, we won't promise you any magic wands, but we will unveil the enchantment of modern payroll solutions. Join us as we explore the transition from traditional paychecks to salary cards and uncover the very real benefits and opportunities it holds for businesses today.

Traditional paychecks have been a staple in employee compensation for decades. In the ever-evolving world of finance, where every transaction is scrutinized, and every penny counts, there's a silent revolution happening.

The age-old employee compensation has begun to fade into the pages of history. As we delve into the financial transformation, you may find yourself wondering: What is this game-changing force that's turning the tide for business owners and employees alike?

Allow us to introduce: the Salary Card. Future of payroll, wrapped in convenience and security.  It's a vision that not only benefits employees by improving their financial well-being but also empowers employers to streamline their operations.

But what exactly is the new way to pay?

Salary cards are convenient and secure for receiving and managing payments.

The intrigue doesn't stop there. Salary cards come loaded with benefits for both employees and employers, turning the conventional paycheck into a relic of the past. For employees, it's all about convenience, immediate access to funds, and heightened safety and security. No more waiting for paper checks to arrive or queuing up at the bank. With salary cards, the money is at your fingertips, ready to tackle your financial needs.

For employers, the benefits are equally compelling. The one-time cost of salary cards trumps the administrative hassle and expenses associated with traditional paychecks. Convenience takes center stage as funds can be transferred with ease, while tight control over office expenses is an added perk.

But here's the fascinating twist – salary cards are not confined to one industry; they're the chameleons of the financial world, adapting to the needs of various sectors. From service to transportation and logistics, from hospitality to manufacturing, and even the gig economy and freelancing, salary cards are shaping the future of compensation.

Since we’ve been talking about salary cards so much, you must be wondering about Salary Cards? Right?

A Salary card is almost like a prepaid debit card, loaded with an employee's net salary on salary day. Employees can use their salary cards to access their earnings, make purchases, withdraw cash, and pay bills, providing them with a convenient and secure method of receiving and managing their pay.

Salary cards offer a number of BENEFITS TO EMPLOYEES, including:

Now, not just employees

Salary cards also offer a number of BENEFITS TO EMPLOYERS , including:

Let’s explore key points and insights that might help you to understand the salary card even better.

Traditional Significance: The Symbol of Financial Security - For generations, the paper paycheck has held a revered place in the world of earnings. Beyond being a mere piece of paper, it has been a symbol of financial security and stability. To understand the significance of paychecks, we must journey back in time to an era when the tangible paycheck was more than just a mode of payment—it was a testament to an individual's labor and dedication.

a) The Historical Significance - In the early days of wage labor, employees often received their earnings in cash, which they had to physically count and safeguard. The transition from cash to paper checks marked a pivotal moment in the history of payroll. Paper checks represented a more secure and convenient way for employers to compensate their workforce.

b) The Symbol of Financial Security - Receiving a paper paycheck wasn't just about the amount printed on the check; it symbolized financial security and the promise of a stable income. It provided a tangible representation of one's hard work and commitment to their job. Employees eagerly awaited the arrival of their paycheck as it signified the assurance that their earnings were secure and accessible. It was a source of pride, confirming their role in the workforce and their place in the economy.

c) The Role in Building Trust - Furthermore, the paper paycheck played a pivotal role in building trust between employers and employees. It was a physical document that demonstrated an employer's commitment to fulfilling their financial obligations. The act of receiving a paycheck fostered a sense of trust and loyalty, reinforcing the bond between the two parties.

2. Drawbacks of Tradition: The Limitations and Inconveniences - While the traditional paper paycheck held great significance, it was not without its limitations and inconveniences. As cherished as this tradition was, it carried drawbacks that both employers and employees had to contend with.

a) Delays in Payment - One of the primary drawbacks of paper paychecks was the potential for delays in payment. The manual process of preparing, printing, and distributing paper checks could introduce several bottlenecks. Postal delays, holidays, or errors in check preparation could disrupt the timely distribution of earnings. As a result, employees occasionally found themselves waiting longer than expected to access their hard-earned money.

b) Administrative Burden - Employers faced a considerable administrative burden associated with paper paychecks. The process of check printing, envelope stuffing, and physical distribution required dedicated time and resources. HR departments often found themselves preoccupied with these manual tasks, diverting their attention from more strategic human resources activities. The administrative overhead was not only time-consuming but also costly.

c) Risk of Loss or Theft - Perhaps one of the most significant drawbacks of paper paychecks was the inherent risk of loss or theft. Physical checks were susceptible to being misplaced, stolen, or damaged. When employees encountered such issues, it not only caused stress but also necessitated additional administrative efforts to reissue lost or stolen checks. The risks associated with paper checks created a level of uncertainty and insecurity for both employers and employees.

3. Efficiency and Speed: The Transition to Electronic Payments - In today's fast-paced world, efficiency and speed are paramount, and nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of payroll. The transition from traditional paper checks to electronic payments has revolutionized the payroll process, offering businesses and employees alike a more efficient and rapid method for managing earnings.

a) The Traditional Payroll Landscape:In the era of paper checks, the payroll process was marked by a series of manual tasks. Employers would meticulously prepare individual checks for each employee, print them, and then distribute them either in person or through the mail. This process was not only time-consuming but also susceptible to delays due to various factors, including postal issues, holidays, or errors in check preparation.

b) Efficiency Unleashed: The adoption of electronic payments, such as direct deposits and salary cards, marked a turning point in payroll efficiency. Here's how:

 Elimination of Manual Tasks: With electronic payments, the need for printing, stuffing envelopes, and distributing physical checks becomes obsolete. The entire process is automated, reducing the administrative burden on HR departments.

Rapid Fund Transfer: Electronic payments facilitate the rapid transfer of funds from the employer's account to the employee's account. This means that employees can access their earnings without delay, even if they are geographically distant from the employer's location.

Streamlined Processing: The digital nature of electronic payments allows for seamless and error-free processing. Financial institutions and payroll providers ensure that transactions are processed swiftly and accurately.

Automation of Record-Keeping: Electronic payments are complemented by automated record-keeping systems, reducing the need for manual record maintenance and minimizing the risk of errors associated with traditional methods.

c) Reduced Error Rates: The Quest for Accuracy - Inaccuracies in payroll can lead to not only financial discrepancies but also employee dissatisfaction and compliance issues. The transition to electronic payments addresses these concerns by minimizing error rates.

Precision and Consistency: Electronic payment systems operate with precision and consistency. The use of digital tools ensures that calculations are accurate, eliminating the risk of human errors that may occur when manually preparing and distributing paper checks.

Automated Validation: Electronic payment systems often include built-in validation checks to verify employee information and ensure that payments are directed to the correct accounts. This reduces the likelihood of erroneous payments.

Real-time Reporting: Electronic payment platforms provide real-time reporting, allowing employers to review and verify payroll data before initiating payments. This feature enables timely detection and correction of any discrepancies.

Audit Trails: Electronic payment systems maintain detailed audit trails, making it easier to track and investigate any payment irregularities. This level of transparency enhances the overall accuracy of payroll management.

4. Security Features & Fraud Prevention: Safeguarding Earnings in the Digital Age - In an era characterized by technological advancements, the security of financial transactions has become a paramount concern. The adoption of electronic payment methods, such as salary cards, has introduced a new frontier in ensuring the safety and integrity of earnings. These methods come equipped with robust security features and innovative fraud prevention measures to safeguard both employers and employees from potential financial risks.

a) The Digital Landscape: The shift from traditional paper checks to electronic payment methods has introduced a myriad of benefits, including efficiency and accessibility. However, this transition has also highlighted the need for comprehensive security measures to protect sensitive financial information and prevent fraudulent activities.

            Key Security Features: Electronic payment methods, particularly salary cards, are designed with a range of security features to fortify the protection of earnings:

Encryption: Data encryption is a fundamental security feature that ensures that all communication between the employer, the financial institution, and the employee's salary card is encrypted and secure. This encryption makes it extremely difficult for unauthorized parties to intercept or decipher sensitive financial data.

Personal Identification Numbers (PINs): Salary cards typically require employees to set up a unique Personal Identification Number (PIN). This PIN serves as an additional layer of security, preventing unauthorized access to funds even if the card is lost or stolen.

Biometric Authentication: Some salary cards incorporate biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, to enhance security. These biometric markers are unique to each individual, making it nearly impossible for anyone else to access the card.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA is a security feature that requires users to provide multiple forms of verification before accessing their accounts. This could include a combination of something they know (like a PIN), something they have (the physical card), and something they are (biometric data).

      b) Fraud Prevention Measures: In addition to security features, electronic payment methods employ sophisticated fraud prevention measures:

Transaction Monitoring: Financial institutions and payment processors continuously monitor salary card transactions in real-time. Any suspicious or out-of-pattern transactions trigger alerts for further investigation.

Usage Limits: Employers can set transaction limits on salary cards to restrict the amount that can be spent or withdrawn within a specified time frame. This limits the potential losses in case of card theft or misuse.

Geographic Restrictions: Salary card providers often allow employers to define geographic usage restrictions. Transactions originating from specific regions or countries can be flagged for review, preventing unauthorized access.

Fraud Detection Systems: Advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence are employed to detect unusual spending patterns, unusual locations, or any activity that deviates from normal behavior. When such anomalies are detected, the system can temporarily freeze the card and notify the cardholder.

Customer Education: Employers often provide employees with educational materials and guidelines on safe card usage and how to recognize phishing attempts and scams, empowering them to protect their earnings.

5. Tailored Approach and Flexibility in Payment: Empowering Employees in Earnings Management - In today's workforce, individuality and customization have become essential aspects of job satisfaction. Recognizing the diverse financial preferences and needs of employees, employers are increasingly offering a tailored approach and flexibility in payment methods, allowing individuals to choose how they receive their earnings. This empowers employees, enhances their job satisfaction, and promotes a more harmonious employer-employee relationship.

a) The Changing Landscape of Employee Compensation: Traditionally, employees received their earnings through a standard method, often paper checks or direct deposits. While these methods offer efficiency and reliability, they lack the flexibility to cater to individual financial needs. The advent of electronic payment methods, such as salary cards, has paved the way for a more personalized approach to earnings management.

Salary cards are utilized across various industries to facilitate the disbursement of employee salaries, streamline financial transactions, and enhance overall efficiency within organizations. 

Here's how salary cards are used in different industries: 

‘

Now, let’s understand how salary cards can be used by employees or general audience:-

Since we are well-informed about the benefits and the usage of salary cards, you must be thinking about switching to salary cards: 

Determine if switching to salary cards is a beneficial option for your business.

Research providers that offer salary card services. 

Work with your chosen provider to set up the salary card for employees. 

Train your employees on how to use their salary cards. 

Integrate the salary card system with your current payroll process.

In the realm of salary cards is Instantpay is a notable choice for salary card solutions

Instantpay is a financial technology company that provides solutions for payroll and salary disbursement. They offer various services that can simplify and streamline the payroll process for both employers and employees. 

Here's a closer look at some of the ways Instantpay can transform the way you handle payroll. 

In the fast-paced world of modern business, managing payroll efficiently and securely is paramount. Enter Instantpay - the game-changer that can revolutionize your approach to payroll management. With its cutting-edge features and user-friendly interface, Instantpay.in empowers organizations to streamline and enhance their payroll processes like never before.

Wrapping Up !

Picture a world where employees no longer wait anxiously for a monthly envelope but instead receive their hard-earned money on a card accepted anywhere and everywhere. Imagine the freedom of managing your finances with ease and precision, all at the swipe of a card. It's a vision that not only benefits employees by improving their financial well-being but also empowers employers to streamline their operations.

As we journey through different industries, from retail and service to the gig economy, we witness the adaptability and versatility of salary cards holding relevance, transforming businesses to compensate their workforce.

Additionally, The use of salary cards reduces the need for paper checks and the associated environmental impact. Paper checks require resources to produce and distribute, and they often end up in landfills. Salary cards are a more sustainable way to receive wages.

In the quest for financial efficiency and employee satisfaction, the right salary card provider is paramount. Providers like Instantpay exemplify a cost-effective and comprehensive approach to managing payroll. 

In this dynamic era of financial innovation, salary cards have undoubtedly taken center stage, offering a glimpse into a future where financial transactions are seamless, secure, and customized to meet the diverse needs of both employees and employers. The evolution of compensation methods is underway, and salary cards are at the forefront of this exciting transformation.

[iyeonjuni]

bus 304 // chapter 9: 304

prev / masterlist / next

word count: 0.6k

a/n: this was like proofread once so apologies if it isn't great ,,

queued.

-

it’s like her art teacher didn’t care that she was injured, all they wanted was her students to be on top with all their work and to avoid hearing her teachers scoldings, y/n agreed to stay in.

using their left hand for support, y/n tucked her hand under her right arm in order to lift the pencil in her hand to the paper, with minimal strength she softly dragged the lead across the canvas. slowly started to feel frustrated that she couldn’t draw what she had in mind.

at the same time, kai was currently rehearsing his final scene for his teacher's play. his arms exaggerate his gestures and voicing out his lines with perfect intonation. there was a reason he was a star student of his class and how his teacher would always convince him to be the lead for his plays.

“good job kai, one more one through and you can go home.” his teacher pats him on the back.

“yes sir.” he smiles brightly.

-

y/n slowly feeling her hands and arms getting tired, she puts down her pencil and stares at the clock.

“7..i should probably go home now.” she thought and started packing her art supplies into her backpack, using her left hand to swing the strap over her shoulders.

scrolling on her phone, she finds herself standing at the bus stop occasionally looking up to see whether her bus would arrive.

and just as her head looks up, she sees the bus she usually takes. bus 304.

finding herself sitting at the back of the bus, she leans her head against the window and slowly closes her eyes.

before succumbing to her deep slumber, she hears a faint voice calling at the front of the bus.

-

kai pants as he runs to the bus stop. he can see the bright bus lights approaching the bus stop and the glowing sign of ‘304’ on the top of the bus. he picks himself faster and just in time, he catches up to the bus.

“sorry sir! thank you so much for waiting!” he bows as he taps his bus card before looking around the bus for a seat.

kai was lucky. not only did he manage to catch the bus, but also managed to find one last seat at the back of the bus. he puts his bag on his lap and takes his phone out, scrolling at his feed. that is until he felt some weight on his shoulders, he looks beside him and sees the person sitting next to him had fallen asleep on his shoulders.

“should I wake her up?” kai thought, but seeing as the girl next to him was sleeping so soundly, he smiled and continued to scroll through his phone.

kai finds his phone boring now and puts it back in his pocket, now looking at the girl who’s head is now rocking back and forth, he couldn’t help but hold in a laugh. he thought it was adorable, his focus going from their face now to the cast on their arm and he couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to her.

then a sudden thought popped into his head, he unzipped his bag and pulled out a marker. he leans closer to the girl and starts writing on her cast.

“hey i hope you get lots of rest and don’t overwork yourself ^^” he writes out and in the smallest font, he puts his number.

just as he finishes, he hears the name of his stop through the bus speakers, he presses the bell on the handle and gets up, leaving the bus.

-

y/n slowly opens her eyes and looks at the screen on the bus to check whether she had missed her stop.

a sigh of relief, when she had realised that she only had one more stop to go, she rubbed her eyes and started making her way to the bus doors.

unbeknownst to her, a little message left on her cast.

taglist [open]: @beomjundiaries @fairybinie @luvrbin @berrychyuu @odxrilove @bubblejunnies @xysthe @tinyyblue @beomgyuanti @groovybiscuitdiplomatpeach @mellowhumandonkeyprune @erosoobin @snowfalltxt @sulkii @echo-of-a-writer @day6andetcetera @msxflower @odetoyeonjun @pr0dbeomgyu @prettygirlchae @beomsun @gorechoi @purplelady85 @liarainzz @you-njinhwang @maichiverse @paralumanniluna @solarswonderland

[sunmoonandsandsoundtracks]

happy birthday, gaara!

i can't believe i almost forgot today! and i call myself a gaara fangirl! shame on me! thank you to the gaara blogs i follow for reminding me. i still feel bad. i had naruto's queued up a whole day before his. oh well. i'm getting this out, right?

heads up, like with my gaara december drabble (not really a drabble), you get to see what it's like to be my character, chii (may become more often than not, because she has a story already, so it's easier than coming up with a new character backstory every time). this is set in a time during the blank period, so there won't be a whole lot about her backstory, just a little reference to how her and gaara's relationship grew. i'm going to specify that she's a little on the paler side, so blushing will be mentioned, and she's a tiny thing, so there will be mentions that make gaara sound taller than he would be to the average woman. i think that's everything. don't like, don't read.

happy birthday to my first major naruto crush and my number one anime man!

masterlist

spotify/youtube

word count: 2846

enjoy!

It was just another day to him... That was putting it optimistically. No matter how celebrated he was, how many people wished him well, how many times Kankuro and Temari told him he shouldn't think of it, it would always be the anniversary of the day the mother he never knew died giving birth to him.

None of them would understand just what that day brought him, and he would never wish that they did.

So, he threw himself into his work even more aggressively than usual, insistent on not being disturbed. After his twentieth birthday, no one even tried to throw him a party, in case it was used as another way to hide an attempt on the lives of the council and himself. That night could have ended much worse than it did, but it left many shaken. Not him. It was just another drop in the ocean. If he didn't care about those who could have gotten hurt, it would have been a net positive, really. Nothing lost on his end, and no one was eager to do it again.

A knock on the door interrupted his focus on signing off documents, and a glance at the clock told him he'd been at it for hours.

"Yes?" He called in his low voice, permitting them to enter.

"Uh, Lord Kazekage," one of his secretaries said as he poked his head in. "I know you said you weren't to be disturbed, but we have some rather enthusiastic well wishers who would like to see you and present you with something."

Gaara was puzzled. Enthusiastic? Who on earth would be eager to see him and give him anything? He was a little wary, and figured it was best he go investigate. He followed the young man out, and as he neared the public area, he heard a clamoring, and through all of it, he managed to pick up a familiar voice.

"Kimi, Anari!" You said, warning in your tone. "Remember what I said if you came along?"

When he reached the open area, he found you trying to corral what must have been ten children, with no more than four of them being above the age of six, trying to help contain the younger ones. You had what appeared to be a very clingy toddler in your arms.

"There he is! Lord Kazekage!" A boy announced.

You looked over, eyes meeting his, and smiled sheepishly. "I'm so sorry, but they were adamant. They heard what day it is, and even these little ones couldn't be distracted."

He chuckled as he looked over each child. He was no expert with children, and it took him years to be comfortable around them, but it did bring him happiness to see them so happy, especially given where they came from.

"Okay, what did we come here to say?" You spoke to them all. "One, two, three!"

"Happy birthday, Lord Kazekage!" rang out, more in unison than one could expect from so many little voices. You smiled proudly. "Good, now give him what we brought, then let's get out of his hair."

Two of the older children walked forward with a few of the younger, two of whom were holding a card, and a little cellophane bag of cookies tied off with ribbons. They handed them to him with smiles that quickly turned shy.

"Thank you," he said, smiling warmly. Looking at the card, he realized every child in the orphanage must have signed it, around 'Happy Birthday, Lord Gaara' written in calligraphy. In the upper left hand corner was your signature. Then he observed the cookies, and he could tell they were still warm.

"Miss Chii made them!" The child that had handed them to him declared.

"Hey, I had help!" You protested. "I almost ended up just supervising!"

His eyes met yours again, making your face heat. "Then I know they'll be good."

So much control was required to avoid shying away. You knew if you did, there'd be trouble-

"Miss Chii, are you-" One of the girls started to ask, but an older girl covered her mouth.

"Thank you so much, Miya," you sighed. "Okay, come on. We've got a little time at the park before we have to head back for naptime. Say goodbye!"

"Goodbye!" They chorused, waving at him.

"Goodbye," he chuckled once more. "Be good for Miss Chii, okay?"

You smiled at him, then managed to usher them out.

He looked over the card once more with a small smile.

"Well, wasn't that just too sweet?" Kankuro said from behind his little brother, having been attracted by the noise. "Seriously, I'm getting a cavity, and I'm not even the one with the cookies."

"Kankuro, shut up," Gaara said, shaking his head as he tucked the cookies and card in the oversized pocket of his robe.

"Whatever you say, Gaara, but I'm telling Temari you like kids more than you let on. Just don't let the council know."

"I'm not stupid," he grumbled.

"Oh, and it'll be just between us that you have a soft spot for her."

"So? We've been friends for years."

"Yeah, sure. All I'm saying is that everyone who saw you just now might be suspicious that you invited her here for more reasons than to just help out with the orphanage."

"Kankuro," he said, shooting him a look in warning as he headed back to his office.

That night, after you got the younger children to bed, you stepped outside for some fresh air. You still couldn't stop comparing it to Konoha, despite having been there for around a year, but it was still beautiful. You made your way to the deserted park, where you sat on a swing and looked up at the dark sky. The night was so silent, it was easy to detect the shifting of sand that announced his arrival.

"Good evening," you greeted, turning your head to view him.

He nodded. "I wanted to thank you for today."

You shook your head. "Don't thank me. I just took them there and helped make the cookies. They were the ones who wanted to do it. I knew you probably didn't want any attention, but you try telling those faces no."

"It was... nice. Nicer than I expected," he confessed.

You smiled and looked down at the sand at your feet. "Good. I'm glad it could make you happy. I'm really glad they came up with the idea when they heard it was your birthday. I wanted to do something, but I couldn't think of a way to do it without upsetting you."

He took the swing beside you. "You wouldn't have upset me."

"Even if I didn't, I wanted to do something that would make you feel good about today, and I really didn't think I could. I couldn't bring myself to even try. Today is really special to me, and you're a big part of it. I couldn't risk bringing you down."

He looked you over, trying to thing about exactly why you would cherish his birthday so much, but he couldn't understand.

"Did you forget?" You questioned. "I guess I understand. It wasn't anything that would stand out to you."

"What is it?" He pressed.

"It was because it was your birthday that I got to see you again, and that has changed my life. Kankuro hiring the troupe for the celebration was the catalyst for everything. I was terrified when I heard that we were staying an extra night to perform, and it just had to be the first time they gave me the solo. I barely kept calm enough to go through with it by telling myself that the odds of you recognizing me were slim to none, if you remembered me at all in the time we'd be in the same room. When I realized you knew who I was, I couldn't breathe. I was sure you'd think poorly of me."

"Why would you think that?"

"Because I went from a chuunin to a traveling dancer. Everyone else either told me not to go outright, or looked at me like they knew I'd come to regret it. Then there was the memories of our previous encounters when you'd been so encouraging, I felt like I wasted everything you'd done for me."

He shook his head. "I never meant for you to make a certain decision."

"Even when Naruto whined to you that I was going to quit in the middle of the chuunin exams where I ended up getting promoted? The only reason we met is because you wanted to cheer him up. You had a specific outcome in mind, which isn't a bad thing, but that's part of the reason I felt bad when I saw you again. Then there was the war, where you checked in on the medic tent I was in, and your encouragement then helped get me back on the battlefield. After the war, when you couldn't have found me at a sorrier moment, you listened to me gripe-"

"It wasn't griping," he snapped, catching you off guard. "You'd just lost two important people."

"That was only half of it. I was doubting nearly everything in my life, and that whole meltdown was brought on because I saw your sister in the position I would have given almost anything of what little I had left to be in- comforting Shikamaru. I have never felt more pathetic than I did when I told you that."

"There was no reason you should have felt that way... I may not understand what you felt at that time, but that doesn't mean you should feel like it was insignificant."

"But that's exactly how I felt," you sighed. "Before you even found me in that alley. You came after me, for whatever reason-"

"You were crying so hard when you were running down the street, you crashed into Naruto, then ran off when he asked you what was wrong."

"Thanks for reminding me," you muttered. "And the feeling is back... Still, you came after me, you listened to me, then you told me that I'm stronger than I give myself credit for. I guess that one was more ambiguous, but I took it to mean that I should still keep trying to be a shinobi. I had retired just a few months later, and it was so hard when I felt like I was letting people down, but I just couldn't keep forcing myself when I didn't feel like I was enough anymore. When I first walked through the gates the day before your birthday two years ago, I could only hope I wouldn't see you. I had disappointed everyone else, I couldn't handle seeing it in you too."

"I was never disappointed. I was shocked to see you, especially like that, but I wasn't disappointed," he stated, fixing you with a firm stare.

You just smiled sadly. "That was on me. I avoided looking at you as much as possible, so I couldn't confirm one way or another. I thought I was in the clear when I got back to the caravan, but then I heard you were there to check on us after the attack."

"I had to see if it was you, even though I was pretty sure," he muttered.

"Right. My troupe was all over me when you left. Someone figured out in the two minutes we spoke that we knew each other and that you weren't just enchanted by my dance." You rolled your eyes. "They were ridiculous. I got teased for a week about how coincidental it was. The younger girls couldn't get enough of it. They'd heard way too many love stories about the leads meeting again by chance."

He gave a low chuckle. "That must have been annoying."

"Let's just say I was glad that no one asked me about the people I knew that were at Naruto and Hinata's wedding when I went back. However, Ino wouldn't let me sleep that night until I gave her all the details about what we talked about, since I hardly spoke to anyone. If it hadn't been for Sai, she would have been there beside us to hear it herself."

"She does have a strong personality, doesn't she?" He remarked.

"To say the very least. She's one of my heroes, but she is not the easiest person to be around. Anyway, when we spoke at the wedding, I could tell you didn't see me any differently than before, which meant more than you'll ever know. I felt truly comfortable for the first time since I'd gotten there. Everyone was still a little awkward about me being gone. They'd wanted me to come home sooner, but I told them I still needed to figure out what I'm good for in this world. I was still searching when I went back for Shikamaru and Temari's wedding, as I'd kind of told you. You inviting me to come here has been one of the best things to ever happen to me. I don't think I would have been comfortable enough to talk to you at the weddings if I didn't know you already knew about what I did. It isn't this huge thing, but I put a lot of value in today because a friend I cherish was born, and it just feels like it's the day that led to me finding a purpose I don't think I would have realized anywhere else."

Silence fell over the two of you as he processed what you said. As it stretched out, anxiety filled you. Had you said something wrong? You were afraid something might have made him uncomfortable. You side eyed him, but his face gave nothing away. With a soft sigh, you looked back up at the sky, watching the few stars that you could see twinkle against the darkness.

"I never thought it could mean anything to anyone," he finally said. "Even Temari and Kankuro have a hard time because it's the day our mother died."

"I know. It's still the day their little brother was born. A little brother they love very much, and are very proud to have. Your birthday comes with a lot of negative strings attached, none of which are your fault. They're the fault of others, and they're attached to the past. Who you are right now is someone that should be celebrated, and someone many people want to celebrate. That's who you are, regardless of the circumstances surrounding your birth. The children understand what you've done for this village, and they wanted to celebrate you because of that. Many of them idolize you. When they asked me why I came to the village, I dropped your name, and they think I have some sort of in with you."

"Is that so?" He gave another chuckle.

"Mhm," you hummed, using your legs to shift you back and forth. "It scored me some points early on. I have no idea what they expected from me, just for being your friend."

"I see," he said with a soft smile. "Maybe I'll stop by more often."

"They'd love that, and depending on the time, you can get more cookies out of it, if you liked the ones from today."

"I did. I couldn't eat a lot at once, but I wouldn't mind a couple at least once a week."

"Good. We'll keep some on hand when we can," you softly laughed.

Glancing at your watch, you noticed how late it was. "I better get back."

"I'll walk with you."

"I would appreciate that," you agreed, getting to your feet. The two of you made your way in amicable silence. Just as you reached the orphanage, you turned to him. "I hope you'll remember what I said. I'll get you next year."

He smiled as he gazed back at you. "I look forward to it."

You returned it with a grin. "Happy birthday, Gaara. I really hope it was a good one this year."

"It was, thank you."

There was something left unsaid, you both knew, but you really didn't think you had the courage to say it.

"Well, goodnight." You turned back to the door and took a step toward it, but sand blocked your way. You glanced back at him.

"Would you like to meet again tomorrow night?" He asked, earning a shy smile.

"Same place, same time?" You replied, receiving a nod. "I'll be there as soon as we put the younger ones to bed."

You hesitated, not wanting to leave him with nothing. Quickly, you stepped back and reached up to kiss his cheek.

"Happy birthday, see you tomorrow!" You said as you darted inside, heart beating like a war drum.

You left him stunned for a second. before his lips formed an amused smile. He saw the children gaping at the window and waved, then went on his way, musing about how much better the day had been than he expected, and he was actually looking forward to next year.

[catboyroycebracket]

ohhhhh a post ive queued links to clear uncommentated footage of the 2013 e3 demo *v* quick messy writeup of all the fun details:

completely different opening sequence thats the empty set flashback and intro as one

refers to the transistor as “an incredible weapon”

looks like the in-engine lighting effects hadnt been fully implemented yet/werent set up for this

mansistors dialogue seems rougher writing-wise but his tone is really close to final (compare the really old version of the post-separation cutscene found in the files where he sounds incredibly frustrated)

no panicking on being separated from red THOUGH it makes sense for something like that to have been quickly edited out just for this demo

he outright namedrops the transistor for a title drop and seems to know a LOT about it

the “thats not me” sequence is presented at the start rather than the end...

“im safe in here. safer than you” <- AGH

“more than a hundred missing persons cases in twelve months” 👀?? MUCH higher than the cameratas final kill count (that we know of at least) + firmly establishes the fact he had been investigating things himself rather than leaving it up in the air

the “gross” line is a reaction to hostile process being defeated rather than the “flowers” during the flourish button reveal

says “dont let go” rather than “dont let me go” ...

reds older bouncy run animation!!!

the turn gauge and current equipped functions bar look much different !

theres an early icon for jaunt

no passive nor upgrade slots in sight, nor is there a configuration screen (setup utility) ever shown

the white blocks are outright listed as “process” (in final its more like theyre processed parts of town)

opening track is vanishing point, then switches to old friends once red goes up onto the overpass; the final game opens with old friends then switches to vanishing point upon rising up

both tracks feature much earlier, rougher versions of the humming stems(!!!!) these versions are not in the final files at all

the old friends humming follows the instrumentation MUCH closer

the mixing overall both in and out of turn feels a bit different

a foot status effect icons show up above process that have been struck with crash. badcells can inflict it upon red as well. not sure why its a foot as it seems to indicate “slowed/stopped”..?? this icon as well as a few others in the same style are still in the texture files i believe

no xp screen upon leaving a combat area

the break point is called a “barrier” and features an early camerata logo rather than an sd card/thumbdrive shape with a red cloudbank logo atop it

when struck/activated it changes to what looks like an older version of the cloudbank logo..

lots of sound effects are quite different from final. a lot of it sounds more laser-y

pink dress lillian! mr moyle has different clothes!

no ovc terminals

theres a observation spot by the poster right where the fashion week terminal is in final, complete with dialogue incredibly similar to the finals post-terminal dialogue 🤔

the traces seen on the overworld use the same art assets as flood (!!)

lillians trace lists “temperament” rather than “disposition”

junction jans appears WAY earlier on and doesnt have its logo nor unique building asset

the spines vocal stem for the younglady encounter seems to only play in left speaker

red slips into a “process pocket” in the courtyard that introduces the access points in final. here she finds the transistors root access which kicks her out, hurts her, and makes her lose all active functions.. then levels her up

this is the teal “inside the transistor” area seen in the trailers!!!!!!!!!!!!

mansistor calls this “their home” ...

^ this hurt/fall animation doesnt exist in final

dormant and forecast still play in these fights, but their humming stems sound remarkably close to final

different graphics for the first motorcycle cutscene!!!!!

completely different backdrop (or at least, the lighting is dramatically different in the final so that its not immediately apparent the telescope view art is reused here)

early transistor placement and art that looks more like a mockup. its a 3d model pasted on to the bike in a way that honestly looks like hes about to fall off. red isnt holding him at all

early camerata graphics featuring their prototype designs 🥰 but only 4 members! “grant” has a little ponytail

the camerata and the process are being equated as the same force MUCH harder

title fades in after the cutscene, prompting a reboot of the demo:

[norabrice1701]

Swordplay - Ch. 3

A Fencer!Zemo x Fem!Reader AU Series

Series Master List

Chapter Warnings: Explicit language, masturbation

Word Count: 1.3k

Chapter 3: Presentation - Offering one's blade for engagement by the opponent

You tried to reign in your curiosity. You did.

Alright, maybe you didn’t try that hard.

Curled up on your couch with a glass of wine, it hadn’t even taken five minutes of Netflix scrolling before you navigated to the YouTube app and searched 'Baron of Fencing'.

Countless videos filled your screen. Competitions on Sokovian national stages, European stages, the World Fencing Championships, and of course, the Olympics. A few videos even looked hastily shot on a phone camera in a practice room similar to the one you were in today.

You queued up the most viewed video – his first place victory bout at the 2015 World Fencing Championship – and found yourself unable to look away.

Such composed grace. Such unassuming strength. Such lethal precision. He struck like a viper, always sharp and controlled. His economy of motion left you breathless, never wasting a stroke of his blade or movement of his feet. Even his lunge made you squirm in your seat – watching him keep low and push forward with lightning-quick accuracy. As point after point accumulated for H. Zemo of Sokovia, he didn’t let the success go to his head. No showboating, no celebrations of victory. He kept his head down, ready for the next engagement.

Only at the end – when the bout was indisputably his, did he peel off his face mask and you were lost. He didn't look much younger than you’d see him today, but his hair hung shorter and loose over his brow, damp with sweat from the exertion. His eyes burned from the thrill of the fight, alive with adrenaline-fueled focus. The corners of his mouth lifted in a grin of victorious excitement as he saluted his blade to the applauding crowd.

How could one man be so breathlessly stunning?

You exhaled shakily, fumbling for your wine and advancing to the next video.

It didn’t take long for you to get addicted to watching the baron fence.

Helmut Zemo, so-called the Baron of Fencing. And apparently, that title wasn’t just media bestowed, either. The man was actually Sokovian royalty by birth. Somehow, that didn’t surprise you. Fencing certainly struck you as a sport for rich nobility, and from the look of the baron this afternoon, the man certainly projected aristocratic wealth.

You hit play on another video. The gold medal bout at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. You’d never even known that it was USA vs. Sokovia for the top honors until just now. You didn't even know who won, but you were about to find out.

As you watched, the baron had to be part mind-reader. He made swift agility look effortless, as if he knew when USA’s Tony Stark would advance and retreat even before Tony did. The baron's sabre blade sliced invisibly through the air, matched by the speed of his opponent, and the score gradually started to increase. Stark kept it close, but in the end, it wasn’t enough to outmatch the baron. For the final point, the baron stayed low, his attack carefully coiled and carefully aimed. The crowd went wild for Sokovia’s first fencing gold medalist. Even your heart raced and a smile brightened your face from the excitement of the bout.

The baron removed his face mask and, fuck - he wasn’t even breathing hard. Talk about stamina. Heat bolted down your spine to settle between your legs as you watched him take the podium, running a hand through his wet hair. God, how would his hair feel carding through your fingers? Fine and silky? Thick and lush? Your hand clenched around the stem of your wineglass as your body continued to heat up at the thought.

Fuck, this was not what you needed. You didn’t need a thirsty infatuation for your fencing instructor’s fellow instructor. Thank god you would at least be spared the indignity of having the baron suffer to instruct you.

You exhaled, shifting your legs against the couch, blushing to feel the warm slick that had dampened your underwear. Seriously, were you really that desperate? Were you really considering getting yourself off to images of the baron’s sweat-soaked hair, his sharp eyes, and the precise movements of his body?

You took a gulp of wine, frowning at the next video title. Rio Olympics Fencing Scandal. Of course, you had to watch.

The anchorwoman stared at the camera. “It’s been another exciting day of action here at the Rio 2016 Games, but none so exciting as the exhilarating finish of the Men’s Fencing Gold Medal Bout. Sokovia’s Baron Helmut Zemo narrowly defeated USA’s Tony Stark to claim the nation’s first fencing gold medal, but the victory may be short lived. Our own Joe Walsh inside the arena has more information. Joe?”

The camera cut to the familiar scene from the gold medal bout, the fencing strip empty and dimly lit behind the anchorman. “Thanks, Kelly. Shortly after descending the podium with Sokovia’s first gold medal in fencing, Baron Helmut Zemo retired backstage and met with Tony Stark presumably under the guise of good sportsmanship. However, witnesses outside the locker room say that it didn’t take long for the situation to escalate."

The camera cut away, showing official portraits of both Stark and Zemo as the anchorman continued. "The details are still unfolding, but we do know that blood was drawn from one of the athletes, and both men’s sabres have been confiscated for investigation. The IOC and local authorities are investigating the incident, but already the early word is that Baron Zemo’s gold medal may not be the only thing in jeopardy, but also his ability to participate in future Olympic Games.”

You grabbed your phone, letting the clip play out as you pulled up subsequent news articles. Apparently, the blood had been Tony Stark’s. Apparently, it had been found on the tip of the baron’s blade. Apparently, there were lingering, unsubstantiated accusations that perhaps the baron’s blade was sharper than regulations allowed.

All of it had been more than enough to revoke his gold medal and earn him a lifelong ban from the Olympic Games. But curiously, it wasn't enough for the International Fencing Federation to ban him from the sport.

Fucking hell.

What could Stark have possibly said to the baron to provoke such a reaction? Just what kind of man would actually stab another man after defeating him? The baron only stood to lose everything, and it sounded like he absolutely had.

Why the hell would Bucky and Sam want to go into business with a man like that? Did they lose sleep at night wondering if they were just one outburst - or whatever caused the locker room fracas - away from being stabbed?

The newsclip ended on a portrait of Baron Zemo and it filled your TV screen. Of course the news station used a purposefully dramatic shot - a portrait in black and white, his face the picture of steely determination under lowered brows that lent a dark, dangerous edge. His hair was neatly swept back from his forehead, and he wore a crisp shirt and tie knotted at his throat under a stand-up collar jacket to complete the image.

He looked like such an elegant rogue, and despite your initial revulsion at learning the man had actually caused an international scandal by stabbing another man, there was something about him that you couldn’t deny. He was absolutely, most definitely your type.

And you were absolutely, most definitely in trouble.

Another wave of heat rolled through you, settling with insistent need between your thighs. You set your wine down and let your hand wander between your legs. Your hips rocked against the couch cushions as your fingers curled and rubbed around your slick folds, shamelessly indulging all the images you'd seen tonight. Your moans pitched higher as you played your body towards the blissful precipice. When you met the sharp, dark eyes on the screen, you cried out as orgasmic relief consumed you.

Series Master List

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