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ghostofhyuck · 8 months ago

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NCT Dream and how they will court you.

AN: To the filo-czennie who requested this, thank you! <3 to give more context. Courting is a tradition that Filipinos do wherein they do gestures, actions, and such to prove to a girl that they're worthy to be their significant other. (think of it as someone swooning a girl in order to win their heart.) I'm pretty sure some other countries also have courting tradition but it's common here in the Philippines! <3 (I wrote a filipino version for this one. this is for the filo-czennies hehe.)

Mark Lee

Let's be REAL. He'll do any music-related when it comes to courting you. He'll be the type to write lyrics or maybe compose a song that is dedicated only for you. If he's feeling it, he'll write a whole mixtape about you because that's just how he can show his love for you! If not, I feel like Mark would be the type to give you a playlist full of songs that reminds him of you!! He's also a family man so I bet that he'll also need to win your family's vote when he's courting you. And your family likes him because he's such a gentleman to begin with. <3

Huang Renjun

I feel like Renjun would be the type to give you gifts and what-nots if he's courting you. He's the type to spoil you because you deserve it and he loves your reactions whenever you open his gifts. It can be either expensive type of gifts like jewelries or cute trinkets that reminds him of you! Either way, you appreciate his efforts. Also! I think that Renjun's other love language is food, so I bet that he's the type to bring you to a lot of food dates, (hotpot of course!) or would send you food whenever you're craving food! It could be as simple like a cup of coffee when you're in the middle of your study, or a batch of cookies because you were craving for it!

Lee Jeno

Oh definitely a quality time type of man. Jeno wants to know you better and vice versa, so he makes sure that you two spend much time together! It can be either going out for a date, any type of date! (amusement park, food date, and maybe a mall date) or just you two staying indoor, doing mundane things, (watching movies, playing games, or just cuddling.) Even though you two are still in the courting stage, it already feels domestic whenever you two stay indoors. Also Jeno would be the type to use words, probably loves comforting you and gives you tons of compliments.

Lee Donghyuck

I believe in clingy Haechan so I feel like even during the courting stage, he's already clingy to you but not too much! He's just the type to hold hands with you, hug you before you two separate ways, and kisses you if you let him be. Just anything where he can hold onto you will be enough for him. He also loves endless calls too since he's talkative, I feel like if you two haven't seen each other in a while, calls will be his way to know what happened to you, and vice versa. He'll ask you how's your day and he'll be so into the dramas that's happening to you, probably knows your best friend's cheating boyfriend at some point that he wants to fight him.

Na Jaemin

BLUSHING RN but I'm sorry, Jaemin has to be the sweetest out of all Dreamies. He has too! He just knows how to swoon you and he's such a gentleman! He's an act of service guy, so I bet when he was still courting you, he'll be the type to pick you up from your place and walk you to school and vice versa. He never missed unless it's an emergency! He loves this mundane things, holding your hands, and also carries your bag on the way lol. Jaemin probably knows what you want and you don't like, so he takes notes of it everytime you two go out on a date. So you'll be surprise that he remembers while he'll be smug about it.

Zhong Chenle

Chenle thinks that courting you means taking you out to multiple dates and giving you gifts. It can be the former or the latter, and sometimes it can be both! You swear that Chenle's spoiling you too much but that's just how he show to you that he likes you and wants to be your boyfriend. Whenever you two go on a date, he take notes of what you want, like when you two are at the amusement park gift shop and he saw you staring at this cute capybara plushie, you'll be surprise that at the end of the date, he gives you a plastic bag that contains the plushie. He'll probably loves teasing you too but that's because he thinks you're cute when you're annoyed.

Park Jisung

Another guy who loves giving you gifts when he was courting you. Flowers. Mostly flowers, he'll be the type who thinks careful of what flowers to give you, and would be so happy explaining to you that the flowers that he gave you symbolizes love and happiness. You find his efforts sweet and cute. Aside from that, I feel like Jisung is good with words. He's VERY flirty with you that sometimes it caught you off-guard, knowing that he has a shy demeanor when he first started courting you. He'll probably cringe when he's all alone, remembering all the things he said to you. He'll curl up in a corner and thinks that you find him cringe but the truth is, you were very flustered!

#nct dream #nct imagines #nct dream fic #nct fic #nct x reader #nct #nct dream imagine #nct fluff #nct scenarios #nct dream reactions #nct dream imagines #nct drabbles #nct mark #nct jeno #nct renjun #nct haechan #nct jaemin #nct chenle #nct jisung

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kamotecue · 1 year ago

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first meeting ✯ a. bonmati

pairing: mallory pugh x reader (formerly), aitana bonmati x reader

summary: you didn’t know that a certain midfielder had their eyes on you, little did you know it was the start of your happy ending. pwnt!reader, arsenal!reader

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ⋆✦⋆ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

if anything, you were harsh on yourself. when you found out that mal was already with dansby, you felt crestfallen and a bit angry at the world. she was your first love after all, you first met her at a game against ucla.

you played for the tar heels, with now world class footballers like lotte wubben-moy and alessia russo. she had caught your attention, and you had befriended her. little did you know, it was going to be your downfall.

the moment you found out by a friend, you had distance yourself from the world. staying away from social media, hardly interacting with new people, and you focused during training.

you had pushed yourself to the limit that you had gotten injured. it was a minor one, an overstretched calf making you skip a few games. your parents were in disbelief in the way, mal had treated you because you had introduced her as the one you’re courting.

courtship was quite traditional in the philippines, it is usually know as manligaw. in which a manliligaw or suitor would express their feelings for a person through harana (singing of romantic love songs), they would also recite poems, write letters and as usual gift giving.

you would often prove your worth to the person’s family, if you’re good enough for their daughter. courting can take a few years, and the one being courted can have many suitors. it’s not often that the one being courted says yes, to the suitor. but this is the proper rules and standards in traditional filipino courtship are set by the philippine society.

but you had gotten over her throughout your college years, you focused on yourself. you didn’t want to sit there and sob about it. now here you were playing for one of the greatest clubs in the women’s super league.

you had been signed by arsenal after you had graduated with a double major in physiotherapy and education. lotte had put in a good word for you, it also helped that arsenal had kept an eye on you during your college years.

yet here you are, a game against barcelona femini. one of the top female football clubs in the world, they dominated the liga f as they have the most championships.

“nervous, l/n?” kim, the team’s skipper asked as you walked alongside her. the match was about to start, and you were part of the starting line up.

“it’s against barca, who wouldn’t be nervous.” you said, as you took your place in the line. kim chuckled at your behavior before going in front of the team’s goalkeeper.

you didn’t know that a certain spanish midfielder watched your interaction, nor did you notice that she caught a glimpse at you. you were too busy talking to your mascot, swinging her hand back and forth softly. the kick off had started, and the game went exactly how you thought it would go.

in the first half, both teams have gotten a yellow card. more specifically beth mead, katie mccabe and irene paredes. there were also three goals scored by barcelona, caldentey, alexia putellas who scored an absolute banger of a goal in the 42nd minute and lastly, oshoala who scored just a few minutes after alexia.

you were walking to the tunnel, a water bottle filled with electrolytes was in your hand, as you occasionally took a few sips.

“as expected from barcelona.” you whispered, causing lia to laugh at your comment. the lovely bun that you did was a bit untidy after the first half.

“they are a top team n/n, but you’ve been playing well.” lia said, ruffling your hair as she entered the locker room first.

during the half time break, you were told the tactics to change the game. and that’s exactly what you did, in the 63rd minute, you sent a great cross to caitlin who managed to get a tap on the ball, sending it into the top right corner where paños wasn’t able to save.

you watched as caitlin did her celebration, the rest of the team had joined her in the huddle while you stayed in the back. in the 74th minute, frida had scored an absolute goal but it wasn’t enough to win the game.

the whistle had blew signaling the game had ended. you sighed in frustration, as you lifted the end of your shirt to wipe the sweat on your face. not knowing how a certain midfielder beelined her way towards you.

she caught a glanced at your exposed stomach, as she felt a bit flustered. you had dropped down your shirt, only to see the midfielder had averted her gaze to your eyes.

“i’m aitana, you played really well.” she said, as she held her hand out for you to grab.

“i’m y/n, thanks—you also played really well.” you said, as you grabbed her hand at a leisurely pace.

“want to swap shirts?” you gave her a soft nod, before tugging off your shirt. you had handed her yours, the number #17 with the last name, l/n on the back.

[there’s def a part 2]

#aitana bonmati #aitana bonmati imagine #aitana bonmati x reader #espwnt x reader #woso imagine #woso x reader #woso one shot #arsenal wfc imagine #mallory pugh #mallory pugh x reader #mallory pugh imagine

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fatehbaz · 1 year ago

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all the time, gotta walk away, for a moment, take a break, infuriated, when reading about European implementation of forced labour, particularly and especially thinking about nineteenth and early twentieth centuries plantations, whether it's sugarcane or rubber or tea or banana, whether it's British plantations in Assam or Malaya; Belgian plantations in Congo; French plantations in West Africa; Dutch plantations in Java; de facto United States-controlled plantations in Haiti or Guatemala or Cuba or Colombia. and the story is always: "and then the government tried to find a way to reimpose slavery under a different name. and then the government destroyed vast regions of forest for monoculture plantations. and then the government forced thousands to become homeless and then criminalized poverty to force people into plantation work or prison labor." like the plantation industries are central (entangled with every commodity and every infrastructure project) and their directors are influencing each other despite spatial distance between London and the Caribbean and the Philippines.

and so the same few dozen administrators and companies and institutions keep making appearances everywhere, like they have outsized influence in history. like they are important nodes in a network. and they all cite each other, and write letters to each other, and send plant collection gifts to each other, and attend each other's lectures, and inspire other companies and colonial powers to adapt their policies/techniques.

but. important that we ought not characterize some systems and forces (surveillance apparatuses, industrial might, capitalism itself) as willful or always conscious. this is a critical addendum. a lot of those forces are self-perpetuating, or at least not, like, a sentient monster. we ought to avoid imagining a hypothetical boardroom full of be-suited businessmen smoking cigars and plotting schemes. this runs the risk of misunderstanding the forces that kill us, runs the risk of attributing qualities to those forces that they don't actually possess. but sometimes, in some cases, there really are, like, a few particular assholes with a disproportionate amount of influence making problems for everyone else.

not to over-simplify, but sometimes it's like the same prominent people, and a few key well-placed connections and enablers in research institutions or infrastructure companies. they're prison wardens and lietuenant governors and medical doctors and engineers and military commanders and botanists and bankers, and they all co-ordinate these multi-faceted plans to dispossess the locals, build the roads, occupy the local government, co-erce the labour, tend the plants, ship the products.

so you'll be reading the story of like a decade in British Singapore and you're like "oh, i bet that one ambitious British surgeon who is into 'economics' and is obsessed with tigers and has the big nutmeg garden in his backyard is gonna show up again" and sure enough he does. but also sometimes you're reading about another situation halfway across the planet and then they surprise you (because so many of them are wealthy and influential and friends with each other) and it'll be like "oh you're reading about a British officer displacing local people to construct a new building in Nigeria? surprise cameo! he just got a letter from the dude at the university back in London or the agriculturalist in Jamaica or the urban planner from Bombay, they all went to school together and they're also all investors in the same rubber plantation in Malaya". so you'll see repeated references to the same names like "the British governor of Bengal" or "[a financial institution or bank from Paris or New York City]" or "[a specific colonial doctor/laboratory that does unethical experiments or eugenics stuff]" or "lead tropical agriculture adviser to [major corporation]" or "the United Fruit Company" and it's like "not you again"

#tidalectics #my writing i guess #archipelagic thinking #multispecies #plantations and plantationocene #ecologies

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vintagelacerosette · 5 months ago

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Tag game💖

Late but who's surprised 😅 Thank you sweetlings for the tag

Macy @heymacy Deanna @deedala Vey @look-i-love-u

Pie @gallapiech Michelle @michellemisfit Face @burninface

Sarah @sleepyheadgallavich Tee @mickeym4ndy

Jen @wehangout Lyle @kiinard Georgia @iansw0rld

Evie @energievie Bri @y0itsbri

Name: Myn said like main ✨️

Age: 27 & 28 on the 31st! 😮

Location: Sydnaaay

Top sheet, yes or no? What's that??

How many stuffed animals do you own? Too many to count bc my friends like to gift them to me & also anime plushies have been such a siren to my wallet 🙃

The names of your pets (and the explanations behind them): Roxy for my dog. I came up with it bc she was such a spunky lil jumping pup. 🥰 The was a kitten we cared for & dad called them Gato which is cat in spanish. My mum doesn't like cats so I wasn't able to keep them 🥲 I'm going to have cats of my own day. You can count on that 🐈‍⬛️🐈

Favourite colour: Pink 🩷🌸🎀

Any tattoos? None but I sooo want a gallavich one & fairy wings with angel numbers

How you transport your belongings (purse, tote, hands, pockets, etc.): Small pink cross body that I got in Philippines from a Japanese brand. It's lightweight but can carry a lot! I could carry a small umbrella & powerbank inside!

The last movie you watched: Knives out: Glass Onion

How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? For can't be bothered for work 10/15 minutes or if I'm serving a lewk with rainbow eyeshadow & glitters could take 30 min to an hour 🌈

Favourite weather: Sunny blue skies with some fluffy clouds. Warm with breeze.

Relationship status: Single & yearing. But to put effort in with dating apps scares me 😅

Ice cream flavour of choice: Anything with cookie dough. This ice-cream shop I go to has one called cookie monster & it's blue with cookie chunks 😋

First fandom: First one I kinda was active on was Violet x Tate from American Horror story lol

How many books have you read this year? Ummm maybe 4 & 2 I haven't finished yet lol

first 4 words of your last notes app entry: It's the names of my friends who are coming to my birthday party hehe

and finally, if you had to change your URL tomorrow, what would you change it to? I would love to something related to gallavich they own my heart & soul but I've had this blog name for such a long time out of habit. Anyone got any suggestions pls send them my way! 🫶🏼

Tagging these honey pies if they wanna play 💕 @jademickian @bekkachaos @lingy910y @mybrainismelted @svltburn @sweetbee78 @crossmydna @mickittotheman @whatwouldmickeydo @st4rrymick3y @samantitheos @ian-galagher @xninetiestrendx @sleepyfacetoughguy @spookygingerr @jrooc @stocious

#tag game

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arthenaa · 2 years ago

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Courting the MC more specifically with a music. Both or our beloved Slytherins helping each other out. Can we do a Hufflepuff character cause I love the challenge of it. Thank you and good luck!

harana - sebastian x hufflepuff!reader x ominis

definition: means to serenade. an old courtship tradition in the Philippines that men do to formally meet and court women. Usually done by singing.

summary: After seeing the sudden rise of suitors after saving Hogwarts, Sebastian and Ominis go out of their comfort zones to top the other men in courting you. Even if it means getting to sing a little.

note: ahhh tysm for requesting !! not sure if this is what you meant but i immediately thought of my culture's old courting tradition so why not <3 i also love writing ominis and seb as two idiots in love who love vying for ur attention. the song below sets the mood and its opm (filipino music) and its v good ahhhh its optional tho! the song's abt a person falling in love w someone and finding them as their muse.

tags: reader is gender neutral despite the definition, fluff fluff, seb and omi are jealous fucks and being the slytherins that they are they get competitive, the end slowly descends to a crack fic cause its 3 in the morning, mentions of breaking kneecaps and homicide but its just ominis joking around, reader acting like a slytherin for a few seconds, reader is hinted to grow up in filipino culture but its just mentioning harana, other than that everythings by ur choice, seb and ominis insulting gryffindors BUT ITS NOT SRS ,,, ily my gryffindor readers, i love writing imelda as a menace, seb and ominis duet, im so fucking in love w them.

"That's the twelfth fucking letter I've seen today." Imelda eyes the letter on your desk in transfiguration class as the three of you enter the room. Poppy sends a harsh glare at the Slytherin as you busy yourself with examining the letter.

Do you think that saving Hogwarts and the fate of the wizarding world would lead you to this type of situation? Not at all. Sure you expected some type of attention— If anything, you wish you didn't receive any unnecessary ones at all but certainly Merlin has other plans for you. The result of being in Hogwarts' main spotlight has caused numerous heads to turn. At first, it was out of respect but then that same respect suddenly turned into something more.

You could hear whispers of attraction from your yearmates and the giggles from 3rd years as you roam the halls of the castle. It felt good for the first few days but now with the number of gifts and letters you're receiving, you wished you were once the 5th year who people regarded as a late bloomer and not worthy of their time.

You sigh as you read the letter, raising your eyebrows in amusement as it contained quite explicit details regarding you. You close the letter fast before shoving it in your satchel. "Hopefully, that's the last one."

"Ha!" Imelda scoffs as she sits down beside you. Poppy sits on your other side. "After that whole fiasco at the Great Hall, you think their fragile egos would allow that to top their chance with you?"

You let out a groan at the mention. For some reason, one of your suitors decided to send a howler to top the other gifts sent to you. Apparently the thought was the louder it is, the more it'll get your attention. He took it quite literally and you spent most of your lunch wallowing in misery as Poppy comforted you.

"I just pray there wouldn't be any more howlers screaming at Y/N's face. A bit of an overreaction must I say. Who would want to date that?" Poppy sends you a pitiful look. You pinch her cheek at her concern.

"These things are overwhelming— You think if I asked Leander to drink a polyjuice potion of me in exchange for blackmail on Sebastian, would he agree?" You turn to Imelda with a hopeful gaze. The Slytherin girl chuckled.

"I'd drink a polyjuice potion of you if you gave me blackmail of Sebastian." Imelda leans close with a mischievous gaze before backtracking with hesitance. "On second thought, I might just be bombarded with love letters and that goo goo eyes from Sallow and Gaunt so no I take it back."

"Goo goo eyes?" You let out a confused laugh. "Since when do they do that?"

"All the time." Poppy chimes in as she watches students slowly pile in the classroom. "It's quite fun to watch actually."

"No, they don't?" You incredulously reply as you glance back and forth at your seatmates.

"Yes, they do." Imelda retorts

"No, they don't."

"Yes, they do." Poppy puts a hand on your shoulder, whispering it slowly. You playfully shove her hand away.

"On a third thought actually, let me drink the polyjuice potion. I'd like to mess with the two and see their fucking reactions when I tell them I'm in love with Garreth Weasley." Imelda jokes as she nudges you with her arm. It might've been the best time for the subjects of the conversation to enter. You stop yourself from laughing as Sebastian winks playfully at you, walking towards your table and propping a leg on the elevated platform. Ominis follows behind him, smiling at the sense of your presence.

"You're in love with Weasley?" Sebastian gasps dramatically. Imelda spins around in surprise before scowling at the entrance of Sebastian.

"As Y/N." Imelda responds. Sebastian turns now to you with a raised eyebrow.

"Y/N's in love with Weasley?" Ominis adds more to the confusion. You roll your eyes at them. Poppy watches as the two men tense at the thought, waiting for your explanation. She thinks Imelda is right. This is quite amusing.

"No, I'm not. Stop twisting things." You correct them. Ominis and Sebastian visibly relax and it almost makes Poppy cackle.

"Then who's in love with the Gryffindork?" Sebastian seats on the seat in front of you, Ominis sitting beside him. "Oh yeah, before I forgot."

Sebastian turns around to you, placing a bag of chocolate frogs on your desk. You fall silent at the gift before smiling at him. Sebastian nonchalantly licks his lips before continuing. "It's from both of us."

"Both of you?" Imelda leans over to send a knowing gaze at Sebastian who flips her off.

"Thank you. I was supposed to get some on my trip to Hogsmeade later. You're heaven-sent." You giggle as you lean forward to pinch Sebastian's cheeks before ruffling Ominis's hair. The two only grumble in thanks, ears flushed red. Of course, you wouldn't notice, Imelda thinks as she watches Ominis fix his hair without even snapping at you for ruining it.

"No one's in love with Garreth. Y/N was just asking Imelda if she'd drink a polyjuice potion of them in exchange for blackmail on Sebastian, would she agree." Poppy explains as she leans back against her chair. Sebastian turns with furrowed eyebrows.

"You'd offer me over that?" Sebastian gasps, betrayed. You chuckle at his expression before glancing at Ominis who shrugs at the thought.

"It's quite a tempting offer." Ominis jests before Sebastian smacks his arm in retaliation.

"I mean if you spend a day like Y/N, won't it be so entertaining with the number of love letters they're getting?" Imelda places an arm on your chair behind you, sighing as she drums her fingertips against the wooden surface of the back of the chair. This catches Sebastian and Ominis's attention.

"What letters?" Ominis's voice is quiet but firm. You sit up, tense as if you've been caught doing something you shouldn't be doing.

"You don't know?" Poppy unawarely responds. "Y/N's the center of attention. Tons of suitors are asking for their hand. The gifts are horrendous so far though. Especially, that howler."

"Is that the same fucking howler I heard people talking about in the greenhouse?" Sebastian looks at you for confirmation to which you sheepishly nod.

"That's quite aggressive." Ominis huffs in annoyance. "Can't believe they would resort to unnecessary means of conveying feelings rather than just doing it properly."

"It's fine guys." You try to reassure them. "It'll die down."

"Do you take that as proper?" Imelda raises her eyebrows, eyes subtly glancing down at the bag of chocolate frogs on your desk. Sebastian squints his eyes to a glare at her.

"You ought to learn how to keep your mouth shut, Reyes," Ominis replies as he pulls out his quill. Reyes leans back to catch Poppy's eye before quietly mocking Ominis, repeating his words. The Hufflepuff laughs at her antics before sitting up at the entrace of Professor Weasley.

You catch Sebastian's hand moving back up and resting on your desk, palm facing up. You furrow your eyebrows in confusion as he seems to focus on Professor Weasley's discussion but the twitch of his fingers as he motions for you to give him something says otherwise. You try to give an extra quill at first but he shakes it off, then the chocolates, then a handkerchief but none fits what he's blindly requesting. So as a joke, you place your hand in his palm and surprisingly he curls his fingers to hold yours. It was an odd position but you smile at his cheekiness. He tilts his head to the side, smirking at you from the side of his eye.

The moment was short-lived however.

"Mr. Sallow, I advise you to focus in class and have your hand hold your quill instead." Professor Weasley shoots a pointed look at Sebastian and then at you. You smile sheepishly, hesitantly pulling your hand away.

The Slytherin boy only smiles innocently. "Apologies, Professor."

Ominis grumbles beside him, hitting the side of his thigh with his knee. The Sallow boy makes a show of holding his quill toward Professor Weasley who shakes her head in amusement. His eyes then look up to assess the room, finding multiple stares at him. Most of them were filled with jealousy.

Definitely worth it.

"You're a moron. An idiot." Ominis hisses as he pinches Sebastian on the way out of class. Sebastian yelps in pain as they stop in a secluded corner to allow Ominis to chastise him for his little act back at class.

"What? It was worth it!" Sebastian reasons as he rubs his abused arm. "The look on their face was hilarious. You should've seen them."

Ominis raises an eyebrow at him to which he chuckles. Before the two could ask you to hang out with them in the Undercroft, Poppy had immediately whisked you away, claiming that you two had plans for something back at the Hufflepuff common room. If being nice was a person, Sebastian thinks it's you as you allow yourself to be dragged away by the energetic girl. Imelda however was a pain in the ass as she gives the both of them with a knowing look and a wiggle of her eyebrows before moving along to wherever she's going— probably to fly her stupid fucking broom.

"I didn't know we had competition." Sebastian says as he leans back against the stone walls. His head turns to Ominis who does the same as him, fiddling with his wand.

"I mean why wouldn't we." Ominis blows a raspberry. It almost makes Sebastian laugh at how uncharacteristic it is but he knows better. Ominis is worried. "It's more understandable that they'd have more admirers now."

Sebastian nods in understanding as he now turns to face the almost empty corridor. The soft breeze from outside blew softly against their robes, tousling Sebastian's curls.

"Doesn't change the fact we're first, though." He smiles, nudging Ominis's shoulder with his own. Anyone who probably wasn't Leander Prewett would immediately guess the budding attraction these two had for you. Samantha Dale was the first one to point it out, and if she weren't Sebastian's dearest friend, he probably would cast an oscausi on her for being so loud with her teasing. The two kept it from each other at first before they both noticed things at the same time. How different the other acted around you. All it took was a hushed conversation in the Undercroft and your sudden presence as you entered the secret room with an excited smile as you gushed about your adventure with Natty and the Hippogriffs, that the boys had a silent agreement.

That they'd pursue you together.

Of course, it didn't hinder the fact that you might choose only one of them. So they agreed to not disturb each other's alone time with you or their individual efforts in pursuing you. After all, they were best friends first before you.

It didn't also help the fact that they haven't formally courted you yet.

"I heard from Poppy someone had given them a bouquet of roses in their common room. It caused quite a commotion yesterday." Sebastian scoffs. "Why are we now only knowing this?"

Well it was probably because they were deemed to be the rivals to have the best chance on winning you over. They had been with you right from the start and we're considered to be your dearest friends. Of course people would keep things from them.

"Anyways, did you get the thing?" Ominis tilts his head toward Sebastian's direction. "I still can't believe this is how we'll do it."

"It's romantic! Also, yes." Sebastian grins as he leans his body against Ominis. The blonde stumbles a bit to the side at the sudden pressure on his side.

"Get off me."

"No."

"I'm sorry I wasn't able to agree to our hangout a while ago. Poppy insisted her situation was too dire to ignore." You smiled sheepishly as you open the doors to the room of requirement. Ominis smiles in understanding while Sebastian whistles as he admires the place.

"Will never get used to this at all." Sebastian sighs dreamily, tucking his hands in his pockets as he stands at the center of the room. You promised to make it up to them before Poppy rudely dragged you away to your common room and when Imelda grudgingly approached them in the Slytherin common room with a message from you, they were quite ecstatic. The two made haste in gathering their things to meet you at the assigned place (Ominis made sure that Sebastian had the thing they needed before leaving).

They had been here a couple of times before. Once after that whole scriptorium escapade, You had said that it was only fair that you show them your secret hideout after they had entrusted theirs with you. Ominis tried to argue that it wasn't necessary, not realizing that you were actually leading them to the place but you had already pulled them in and shown the wonders of your vivarium before they could even have the chance to say no.

"Same." You breathed out before turning to them with a smile. With a skip on your step, you grab Ominis first and guide him to suit down at the lounge area located at the center of the room. It faced the vivariums quite nicely, allowing a glimpse of the happy creatures fluttering around in their dens. You then moved to the brunette who lets himself be dragged to the chair beside Ominis. "Wait here, I'll just feed them. Highwing's got herself a new offspring and Godiva's handling triplets. I'll be right back."

You spoke of your Hippogriff and Niffler with love and affection that it almost makes Ominis jealous but he only nods in understanding. 'Really, over a niffler?' Ominis thinks, pinching himself on the thigh as he hears your footsteps fade away inside the vivarium.

There's a moment of silence before Sebastian reaches over to slap Ominis's arm. The blonde yelps in pain. "What the fuck?"

"Are we supposed to y'know..."

"What?"

"To..." Sebastian makes hand gestures to which Ominis makes a deadpan face.

"To?"

"Y'know..."

"You do know I can't see you right?" Ominis grunts, annoyed. He could just sense Sebastian making weird movements with his hands from the way his robes ruffled against each other.

"Right, forgot. Silly me!" Sebastian laughs. He's been trying to piss off Ominis since this morning from making tasteless pun jokes to borderline harassing the poor blonde. Ominis has only had enough before he decides to result to homicide (jokingly).

"Keep making jokes like that and I'll break your fucking kneecaps off."

"Damn, you don't have to go that far." Sebastian moves his chair slightly to the right in fear of what Ominis might do.

"Keep your eyes peeled, Sallow," Ominis threatens like a fucking menace in society. "Disability is never a choice unless I inflict it."

"I'm sorry."

"Got that right."

"I'll be there in a moment!" You had emerged from one of the vivariums on the second floor. Sebastian and Ominis awkwardly smile at you, the brunette going for a wave as well. You smile at them before heading back in. The room had given you a way to easily travel between vivariums, giving you fast access to tend to your beasts.

Sebastian turns to Ominis and huffs before a determined look flashes on his face. "It's now or never, Ominis."

"Now wait a fucking minute—"

"You can do it," Sebastian grumbles under his breath as he apparates a guitar in his lap. He adjusts the instrument as he glances up at where you had disappeared. "Any moment Y/N walks through those doors and we don't do this now, we lose to fucking Leander Prewett. Would you allow yourself to lose to a fucking Gryffindor of all people?"

"No," Ominis replies as he grips his knees in nervousness. "That would be degrading... I don't like being degraded... Actually.... I change my mind, it depends."

"Depends on what?"

"... Nothing, just forget about it. Anyways, I would rather be stomped on by a troll than let Leander Prewett get a chance."

"Exactly! It's like getting stupefied in the ass." He furrows his eyebrows in determination as he reaches one hand to grip Ominis on the shoulder.

"You speak as though you've experienced it."

"... Things are better left unsaid, my friend." Sebastian smiles before they hear your voice again, this time coming from left vivarium. Sebastian smacks Ominis's arm before placing his hands back on the guitar.

"On three." Sebastian whispers before counting down.

The soft strumming of the guitar catches your attention. You had been trying to get Neo, Highwing's son, to stop following you back into the room after you had tried to tend to your patient guests below but now, you just wanted to investigate the sudden music filling your ears. You quickly make your way out of the vivarium, stepping into their vision as you gasp in marvel at the sight of Sebastian playing the guitar beautifully. You lean against the balcony railing, biting your lip as you pointlessly fail to prevent a smile from coming out.

It's Ominis's voice that even shocks you further.

Georgia, wrap me up in all your

I want you in my arms

His voice is magical and melodious. Like raindrops softly tapping against the window or the sound of a piano on a sustain pedal. Continuous and ethereal. You stare at him in awe as he continues to sing.

Oh, let me hold you

I'll never let you go again like I did

Oh, I used to say

As Ominis sings, your eyes catch Sebastian's eyes, never leaving yours as he expertly plucks the strings of the guitar. Your breath hitches as his eye never seem to leave you as you descend the stairs, slowly making your way towards them before stopping a few meters away from where they're seated. Then you hear Sebastian's voice.

I would never fall in love again until I found them

I said, "I would never fall unless it's you I fall into"

It's beautiful. The way Ominis's ethereal voice blends with Sebastian's smooth one. While Ominis reminds you of magic itself, Sebastian gives you the feeling of reality. The concept of it all. It sounds quite ironic with two concepts unimaginably relating to one another but in your world, it coincides perfectly. Two unintangible concepts make sense together. Just like you three. Vast differences and yet you had formed a bond like no other.

Your smile reaches to your eyes as you listen to their song.

I was lost within the darkness, but then I found her

I found you.

The strumming softly ends as the both of them lick their lips in nervousness. There was a moment of pause before you let out a soft giggle and clap joyously at their performance.

"That was wonderful!" You walk towards them, sitting on the coffee table in front of their seats. Sebastian and Ominis blush at your compliments.

"Do— Do you know what it means?" Ominis hesitantly asks.

You stare softly at the two. "It's harana, isn't it? You're both serenading me?"

Sebastian breathes out a shaky breath before nodding. "We've felt for you for quite some time now. We decided to pursue you together. Apologies if that made you feel overwhelmed."

"No. No! It's quite alright." You reassure them. "I'm happy that you've resorted to this method. It certainly brings back a lot of memories from home. The streets are always filled with music because of it. I wondered if I would ever get to receive one."

You bite your lip as you reminisce, your hands fiddling with each other. You let out a sigh before reaching out to hold one of their hands in yours. "Thank you. I'm glad you did."

Sebastian eyes furrow in confusion. "Are— Are you allowing us to court you?"

"Mhm."

"Is it me or?"

"Together." You nod as you glance back and forth at their surprised faces.

"Together?" Ominis whispers.

"Together." You repeat.

It takes a moment to process before both of them surge from their seats to hug you. You almost fall off but the Ominis's hand on your waist catches you. The three of you laugh.

"Well I mean, three is better than two, right?" Sebastian giggles like a schoolgirl as both he and Ominis lean back enough to be close to you and not hog your space with his weight. "I can't fucking believe this."

"Well, you have to." You smile before you smugly cross your arms over your chest "I was gonna let you two court me either way, I was just waiting for you two to ask."

"What if we hadn't agreed to pursue you together?" Ominis raises his eyebrow in suspicion. Your eyes playfully look away as you purse your lips.

"You have to." You shrug with a smile. "I'll make you. Besides, it's no secret that you two like each other as well. I have eyes you know."

The two blush once again at your observation to which you two laugh.

"Well, green has always looked better with yellow." Sebastian coughs as an attempt to recollect himself before smugly smiling.

"Unfortunately, I have to disagree." You sadly smile. "Imelda says we'll look like puke together. She's decided to call us that if we do in fact get together."

"Well, fuck Imelda." Ominis snorts. You giggle at his reply as Sebastian nods, agreeing with him in badmouthing your friend.

"Fuck Imelda indeed."

You decide to let this pass and fly over your head. Surely Imelda won't mind.

She doesn't need to know.

A/N: This took quite long HAHAHA but I had fun hehe hope this satisfied you anon <3 will be editing this in the morning gnight

#ominis gaunt #hogwarts legacy #hogwarts legacy x reader #sebastian sallow #sebastian sallow x reader #ominis gaunt x reader #imelda reyes #poppy sweeting

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she-wolf09231982 · 10 months ago

Text

Chapter 1-Dynamite

Summary: Growing up in Chicago, Kate hasn’t seen much outside the city limits, except maybe Wisconsin or Indiana. After the Pearl Harbor attacks, WWII was announced across the country. Not long after she found herself with her brothers resisting temptations after they stumble upon two military recruiters encouraging them to join the Army or Marines to make a difference.

A/N: Character Intro, Mature audience, BillHoosierSmithx!FemMedic, WW2, OCIntroduction/Kate Danaher, Female Pronouns, Cursing/Swearing, Derogatory Slurs, Womanizing Comments, Military and Medical Terminology, Inappropriate Nicknames, HBO The Pacific References, Mentions of Weaponry, Smoking.

Story takes begins Episode 1/Chapters 1-4 Guadalcanal/Leckie

*These stories may not fall entirely in accordance with the TV series timeline. I do not know the real Marines the actors portray in this series, so please understand I show no disrespect. Some or most of historical events and character interactions in my fanfics are fabricated purely for the sake of the enjoyment of fiction*

~~~~~~~

December 7th, 1941

Chicago, IL

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, I am speaking to you tonight at a very serious moment in our history. The Cabinet is convening and the leaders in Congress are meeting with the President-”

Kate listens intensely to the radio one evening with her family in the parlor.

“-In fact, the Japanese ambassador was talking to the president at the very time that Japan's airships were bombing our citizens in Hawaii and the Philippines and sinking one of our transports loaded with lumber on its way to Hawaii.”

Kate's mother obviously in shock sitting next to her father on the loveseat, reached for his hand as her other hand slowly rests over her mouth.

“In the meantime, we the people are already prepared for action....Preparation to meet an enemy no matter where he struck. That is all over now and there is no more uncertainty. We know what we have to face and we know that we are ready to face it.”

When the announcement ended and the regular scheduled program continued, her father walked over to the radio and turned the volume dial down. Kate, her two brothers and mother waited for him to speak.

“Well, all we can do is wait.” he said with finality.

The following day, newspapers all over the U.S. had “WAR DECLARED!!” across every headline.

So, this was it. World War II has begun.

~~~~~~~

Kate and her two older brothers, Peter and Tommy, walk through Sears, Roebuck & Co retail store trying to find Christmas gift ideas for their mother.

“I heard they’re sending guys all over! Britian, Australia, Philippine's, Italy, Germany-” Tommy said excitedly.

“Yeah, that’s what I heard, too.” Peter confirmed.

Her brothers walking ahead gossiped about war details between them, not bothering to even look around for a gift.

Kate huffed irritably, “Why did you guys even come with me if you’re not going to help me find something for mom?”

They looked back and chuckled, “Ah come on, Ace, ma will love anything we get her.” Pete dissolved with a wave of his hand.

Kate rolled her eyes then continued to search for something worthwhile.

As her eyes scan the decorated windows of each shop, two uniformed men were standing in a storefront entrance each next to a military recruiting poster. One bearing “I WANT YOU FOR THE US ARMY” and another “WANT ACTION? JOIN THE U.S. MARINE CORPS!”

“Hey, get a load of this!” Pete nudged Tommy when he saw the two posters.

The uniformed men saw that her brothers’ interests were peaked.

“What do you think, gents, wanna do your part for your country?” The Marine asked.

Pete and Tommy shot eager glances at each other while walking closer to the two men.

“Your country needs you, boys, we’re always looking for good, strong men.” The soldier added.

“See the world and get paid for it!”

“-an extra $50 if you join the 101st Airborne!”

Kate's brothers’ eyes lit up, so she decided to intervene.

“Excuse me, gentlemen, I think these two-” she began.

Each recruiter redirected their attention to her as she approached.

“Ma’am, we’re looking for abled women as well.” the soldier interrupted.

All of Kate's thoughts dissipated at this statement, stopping her dead in her tracks.

“Ever thought about becoming a nurse?” the Marine asked.

“That’s actually what she’s always wanted to do!” Tommy verified for you.

“Shut up, Tommy!” she snapped.

“Well then-” the soldier began, “-sounds to me we have three new U.S. Army recruits!”

“More like three Marine Corps recruits.” the Marine countered with a sly grin.

~~~~~~~

Kate convinced her brothers to revisit the idea later when more was known about where the war was heading. It’s only been a week since the start of the war was announced, and they were already jumping into the snake pit feet first without looking.

But she had internally thought about it herself. Was it really such a hasty idea? The military would pay for all her training to become a nurse. And it’s not like she’d be on the front lines, right? So, she’d be safe.

Kate wasn’t sure who she would be trying to sell the idea to more: herself or her parents. They’d be more against the idea of her joining than Pete and Tommy. The more she considered it, the more she was inclined to join. But which branch?

Tommy and Pete were already dead set on becoming paratroopers for the Army. The idea of $50 more per check was more than enough to motivate them.

Kate discussed the idea with her best friend, Blanche.

“I mean, financially it makes sense.” Blanche agreed.

“They’d pay for me to become a nurse AND pay me while I go. Other than being away from my family, I can’t see why I shouldn’t do it.” Kate reasoned.

“Well, you would be without your best friend.” Blanche eluded.

Kate laughed, “That’s right.” she agreed with a slight look of disappointment.

“You know what, I’ll do it with you!”

A look of surprise appeared across Kate's face.

“Do what?” she queried.

“I’ll join with you and we’ll both become nurses in the military.”

She studied her best friend, “Really? You'd join because I’m going to?”

“Of course! We made a pact, remember?” Blanche reminded.

They each had promised eachother as children they’d always stick together and be best friends forever.

Kate smiled, “Ok! But let’s wait til after the holidays to go see a recruiter. I don’t want to ruin my parents’ Christmas and New Years.”

“Good call.” Blanche concurred.

~~~~~~~

The holidays came and went, and before Kate knew it, her, her brothers, and Blanche had enlisted as service members of the U.S. military. Tommy and Pete signed up as paratroopers for the Army, while Kate and Blanche decided on the U.S. Marine Corps. Needless to say, this news didn’t go over well with any of the parents. Especially for Kate and Blanche being women.

Kate and her brothers sat at the kitchen table across from their mother, Elaine, who was weeping, while their father, Mortimer, paced behind her.

“So,” Mortimer began, “-all three of you signed your lives away.”

They all remained silent with only the muffled bawls of their mother filling the room.

“You see what you’re doing to your mother!?” their father scolded, gesturing towards his wife.

“Pops, we just-” Pete began.

“Do you understand what you just did? The government owns you now. You’re just a number to them. They don’t care if you live or die over there. Who know what will happen to you!” their dad continued as he ran his hand through his disheveled hair.

Tommy, Pete, and Kate looked towards the floor with the weight of guilt weighing upon their backs.

Their mother finally straightened up and composed herself.

“Mortimer, what’s done is done. Shaming the children won’t do any good. Only thing we can do is support them now.” she defended.

Their children exchanged confused glances. Their father turned to her with a look of shock painted across his face.

“Elaine?” he questioned.

“Mortimer, they’re grown enough to make their own decisions. The least we can do is be there for them every step of the way.” she responded.

Their mother looked each of them over with a weak yet genuine smile.

“You will all be outstanding. I am proud of you all.” she added.

~~~~~~~

August 7th, 1942

After Kate and Blanche completed basic training, they surprisingly found themselves aboard a battle cruiser heading for Guadalcanal with well over 1,000 some male Marines. The Corps decided to assign two medics to each platoon, regardless of gender. When they ran out of men to assign, they resorted to placing females.

Kate was just thankful to be paired with Blanche, so she wasn't alone with all these unfamiliar faces. She wasn't one to enjoy too much attention in big crowds. Blanche, however, relished the spotlight. Especially when most of the attention were from men.

“Just look at them! So many handsome ones.” Blanche whispered as she nudged Kate.

“Mmhm.” Kate hummed unamused, looking around the mess hall below the main deck of the ship.

The kitchen prepared a special meal for the Marines today, so the men were buzzing, quite eager to eat something tasty for once. Kate and Blanche (being the only women within hundreds of miles) were usually allowed to get their meals beforehand to avoid unnecessary interactions with the males. Usually, they were able to finish their meals and leave before the guys would get there, but today seats filled up rather quickly upon hearing about the exclusive meal that was prepared.

The only encounters they usually had with the men were when they visited the aid station in one's and two's within the ship to receive medical attention as needed. So, to see them all at once in the chow hall was very overwhelming...specifically for Kate since most of them watched her and Blanche’s every move.

They were pushing through the crowd, trying to get back to their sleeping quarters when a Marine accidentally bumped into Kate with his arms cradling a bunch of oranges, causing him to drop a few.

“Oh! I’m sorry ma’am!” the boyish blonde Marine offered.

Kate crouched down and picked up the two oranges that fell to the ground.

“It’s ok, Private, no harm done.” she assured trying to place the two oranges strategically back on the pile in his arms.

“Oh no, please take them. A gift for two pretty ladies.” he added winking at Blanche.

“Why thank you, Private..?” Blanche began waiting for him to introduce himself.

“-Phillips. But call me Sid.” he insisted.

Blanche and Sid shared a brief moment of staring until it became too painful for Kate.

“Thank you again, Private Phillips. Try not to drop anymore, it would be a shame to waste those.” Kate said as she pulled Blanche in the opposite direction.

“See you around, Sid!” Blanche called out as she waved at him.

Sid made it to his table with the rest of the fruit unscathed.

“Dessert!” he announced to the guys seated as he distributed the oranges onto the table in front of them, “Make sure you save one of those for me!” he added.

“I just wanna get off this goddam rust bucket, I can’t hear myself think!” PFC Wilbur Runner complained.

“Yeah, at least they give you a good meal before your send-off" PFC Lew Chuckler justified.

“Yeah, like the electric chair.” PFC Bill ‘Hoosier’ Smith interjected sarcastically before continuing, “But you, Runner,” placing a hand on the seated man’s shoulder, “-you have won a trip to a tropical paradise called Guadal-Kenel...Guada...ken...I still can’t pronounce it.” He dismissed with a laugh.

The table laughed collectively.

“Hey Sid, who was that doll you were chattin’ up?” Chuckler asked.

“Her name is Blanche.” Sid replied.

“Weren’t there two of ‘em?” Runner questioned.

“Yeah, but I didn’t get the other one’s name. She was a looker, too. She didn’t seem interested, though.” Sid proclaimed.

“Maybe you ain’t her type, Phillips.” Hoosier teased.

“Oh yeah, and you think you are?” Sid shot back with a snicker.

“Guess we’ll see, won’t we?” Hoosier returned with a confident smile.

“Not if I get to her first!” Chuckler chimed in.

“Ok, you’re on.” Hoosier said shaking Chuckler’s hand officiating the bet.

~~~~~~~

Kate sat on her bunk trying to concentrate on reading her anatomy and physiology research journal while Blanche drummed on and on about Sid Phillips.

“Blanche, please. That was an hour ago.” Kate resounded.

Blanche rolled her eyes at her, “You’re such a book bug!”

“Excuse me?” Kate chuckled back at her.

“We’re surrounded by strapping handsome Marines and you got your nose stuck in that book.” Blanche teased as she snatched Kate's book from her hands.

“Blanche! Be careful with that! It’s old-”

“Please, quit being sucha crumb. You’re always reading or studying.”

“Well, my brothers don’t call me ‘Ace’ for nothin’.” Kate explained.

“Just live a little, ok!? Look beyond the hard covers and enjoy the boys.” Blanche insisted.

“I’d say you’re a little slack happy, Blanche. I’m here to make sure these boys make it through the war alive. Not to find a boyfriend.” Kate clarified.

Blanche laughed, “Well, some things are out of your control. Because let me tell you something, you may not have been noticing all the hot bodies on this ship, but they absolutely been noticing you.”

Kate flashed her a bored and surly glance then snapped the book back from Blanche's hands.

“I’m not the least bit interested.” Kate finalized, flipping back to the page she was previously on.

“Not yet,” Blanche purred, “but you will.”

Kate ignored her comment and continue reading.

~~~~~~~

“Wrap it up now! Get your gear! Everybody topside for the pre-landing briefing! Let’s move!”

Kate heard the officers calling out in the slim hallways of the ship.

Kate and Blanche began collecting their medical supplies and duffels.

“Don’t forget your brassard.” Kate reminded her best friend as she pinned her own white armband donning the red cross to her left arm of her own uniform.

Soon, they stood on the deck with the rest of the Marines as an officer projected his voice as far as he can to brief everyone.

“Forget all the horseshit you’ve heard about the Japs. They had their turn, now it’s our turn!”

Kate and Blanche side eye each other with wide eyes.

He proceeded, “They may have started this war, but I promise you, we will finish it!”

“YES SIR.” The men responded outloud in unison.

“Hit the beach. Keep moving to your rendevous and primary objectives. When you see the enemy, kill ‘em all!” he ended.

“YEAH!” the men collectively roared together.

“Go! Let’s go get ‘em!”

All the men started to stir, each either tightening their helmet straps or adjusting their web belts.

Kate looked to Blanche to ask her if she has everything but discovered she had wandered off somewhere leaving her alone. Kate tried to look over the swarm of Marines then saw her talking to Sid. Kate shook her head and started to push through the crowd to get to her.

It was like swimming against a current walking through the sea of men.

“Excuse me.” Kate called out to no avail.

She suddenly felt a shoulder deliberately check her, knocking the strap of her duffel off her own shoulder.

“Hey, asshole, watch it!” Kate snapped.

A rather tall and broad Marine turned around staring her down.

“What the fuck did you just say to me?” he dared.

“I said watch it.” She repeated emphasizing the last two words without flinching.

He started to approach her as a devilish grin started to stretch across his face.

“I like ‘em feisty.” he whispered inches from Kate's face.

She stood her ground, not giving him the satisfaction he can intimidate her.

“You’re not getting anyone with that breath.” she replied with a grimace.

The large man fisted the front of her uniform practically lifting her off the ground.

“Hey, Bennetti! That’s enough!” a voice barked out from the crowd.

He doesn’t let Kate go but does allow her feet to touch the ground again. She looked to the side and saw another Marine pushing past the others with a few members of his squad close behind him.

“What’s it to you, Hoosier?” Bennetti retaliated.

“Well, that there is our medic, so get your meat hooks off her. Do you not know how to treat a lady?” Hoosier asked smoothly.

“I can think of a few ways to treat her.” Bennetti stated winking at Kate. She strained to get out of his grip as anger started to boil over from within her.

“Let her go. Now.” Hoosier warned as Chuckler, Runner, Sid, and Private Bob Leckie line up ready to square off in case Bennetti decided not to comply.

Bennetti sized up his competition, then let her blouse top go with a bit of a shove, slightly projecting her into opposite direction. With her chest heaving, Kate spat at Bennetti’s boots, then turned on her heel to walk away.

Hoosier and the rest of the boys “oooo-ed” then laughed impressed by her gumption.

“She is feisty, isn’t she?” Leckie acknowledged.

“Yeah, like a firecracker.” Chuckler added.

“More like a stick of dynamite...I think I’m in love.” Hoosier confessed while his eyes were glued on Kate disappearing into the mass of men.

~~~~~~~

Kate and Blanche boarded a Higgins boat with H Company. Almost forty people were packed like sardines in the floating metal box, not allowing for much personal space. Blanche conveniently sat herself next to Sid for the ride to the island, once again leaving you to fend for yourself. Fortunately, Kate found herself in better company next to the Marine that defended her earlier from the brute, Bennetti.

She side-eyed him awkwardly, knowing she hadn’t properly thanked him for helping her yet. Hoosier sensed her apprehension to speak first so he took initiative.

“You alright?” Hoosier asked.

Kate's breath caught in her throat before she spoke, “Oh, uh, yes. I’m fine.”

He smiled, “That’s good.”

She looked down at her boots, swallowing hard before she spoke again, “Thank you. You know, for before.” she muttered.

Hoosier’s smile increased, “Don’t mention it.” he replied admiring her shyness.

Another moment of silence passed.

“I’m Bill Smith. But my friends call me Hoosier.” he said extending his right hand.

Kate coyly smiled at him then grab his hand to shake, “Mary Kate Danaher. Call me Kate.”

Hoosier raised his eyebrows, “Irish?”

“How did you know?” she asked mockingly.

He chuckled, “Just a hunch, I guess.”

They remained quiet for the rest of the journey to shore while explosions tore through the air, as hundreds of C47’s soared over them in flocks. The water was choppy and rough, causing a lot of the men seasickness and lose the meals they had just eaten. Kate wished she could help them, but they could only just push through until they all reached land.

She began to hear indistinct shouting.

“Standby!” The driver shouted.

“Hoof it up to the beach! Spread out! GO! GO! GO!”

The hatch of the boat drops and Marines hit the beach running forward each yelling profanities as they find themselves knee deep in water trudging to get through the sandbar. Many suddenly slow down to take in the scene before them.

“What took you so long?” a random Marine called from the beach, leaning against a palm tree relaxing in front of what can only be described as a campfire.

“Welcome to Guadalcanal.” another added sarcastically seeing the confused looks on the new arrival’s faces.

Leckie, Chuckler, Hoosier, Sid, and Runner collectively laugh, amused by the laid-back atmosphere that they weren’t expecting to experience.

~~~~~~~

Kate sat close to where H Company settled on the beach. Blanche checked in with her before rejoining Sid on a makeshift bench made from beached driftwood. Kate decided to make use of this time by reorganizing her medical supplies.

Kate was startled when she heard Chuckler repeatedly beating a coconut against a stone. She laughed to herself imagining him as a caveman. As he successfully breaks through the shell of the coconut, he becomes disgruntled to find there’s another solid layer.

He shows Leckie, “Hey, now what do I do?” he asked.

“I think the islanders us a machete or a rock.” Leckie responded with a smile.

“Try using your head, Chuckler, it’s big and rocklike.” Runner added.

Chuckler grabbed his machete.

“If you do get that open, you might not want to drink too much of the juice right away.” Kate advised Chuckler.

He looked over at her and smirked, “Oh yeah? Why's that?” he asked flirtatiously.

“Coconut water has mild laxative effects if you consume too much at once.” she clarified.

Chuckler tilted his head eyebrows drawn together confused.

“You’ll get the shits if you drink too much of the stuff inside.” Leckie simplified.

“Ah ok...” Chuckler comprehended while looking disappointedly at the fruit on his lap.

“But the coconut meat is very good for you, so you can eat that.” Kate expanded to cheer him up.

Chuckler smiled at her, “When I get in this son of a bitch, I’ll bring you some.” he offered with a wink.

She only smiled and return to packing her supplies.

Leckie walked over to Kate, “Yeah, you kinda have to dumb it down for him. He’s a great guy. Great Marine, just not that bright when it comes to big words.”

She looked at Leckie and snickered.

“Bob Leckie.” he offered his right hand.

“Kate Danaher.” she took his hand firmly.

“Strong Irish name! Good to meet you. So, you’re assigned to H Company?”

“I am. And I already have a good feeling about it.” she stated.

“Yeah? How’s that?”

“Well, you all came to my rescue when that bum had me dangling a foot from the ground. You guys didn’t even know me, and you stood up for me anyway. Speaks volumes about you guys.” she illustrated.

“Oh, we knew you long before that happened.” Leckie confessed.

Kate looked at him befuddled.

“Yeah! You and your friend, um, Blanche, is it? Yeah, you two have had these guys’ heads spinning since you boarded that carrier to get here. Of course, we all had to asked around about you.” he explained with a dismissive shrug.

Kate's eyes widened, “Weren’t there more important things to worry about?” she questioned.

“Uh, like?” Leckie returned.

“Oh, I don’t know. Battle plans perhaps? Maps of the beach and the rest of the areas we’re about to trek through?” she listed.

“I don’t know about the rest of these guys, but I write more than I read. Would’ve brought my typewriter if I could.”

“Leckie, you’re going to bore her to death.” Hoosier teased sitting on a fallen palm tree right next to Kate.

She beamed at Bill.

“Well, Bob Leckie, since I love to read, and you love to write, perhaps we can exchange some literature sometime. I’m always looking for new material to read.”

Leckie looked at Hoosier with a cocky, triumphant smile.

“Absolutely, Kate Danaher.” Leckie replied with a slight bow.

She nodded and occupied herself with the project at hand.

Leckie raised his eyebrows at Hoosier.

Bill presented Leckie his middle finger then waved him away mouthing, “Get lost.”

Leckie trotted off laughing to himself.

“So, what do you like to read?” Hoosier started.

“Mostly medical journals. Medicinal studies, anatomy and physiology, physician dissertations-” Kate glanced at Hoosier noticing his furrowed eyebrows, “-um, sorry, I’m what Blanche refers to as a ‘book bug.’”

She winced looking down at her medic satchel embarrassed.

Hoosier chuckled as he scooted closer to her, “No need to be sorry. Only thing I read is the newspaper or Dick Tracy comics. Not exactly a disser-uh-dissrat-”

“Dissertations.” Kate corrected him with a nervous giggle.

He laughed, “Yeah, that.” He started to rub the back of his neck.

Chuckler abruptly walked over to Kate handing her a half-gutted coconut filled with sliced coconut meat.

“As promised, doll.”

“Oh my, thanks Chuckler.” she praised as she accepted the coconut.

“Anything for you. And call me Lew.” he implored with a proud grin.

Hoosier rolled his eyes at Chuckler’s intrusion and sickening attempt to seduce her. The moment was short lived as the meek voice of Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Lewis chimed in.

“Hey, for what it’s worth, Col Dobson said the Japs might’ve poisoned the coconuts.” he announced nervously.

The group looked at him perplexed.

“They poisoned…a billion coconuts?” Runner asked him.

Lewis shrugged his shoulders, taking a second to think about how silly that sounded until he heard a man cry out in pain behind him.

“Excuse me!” Lewis pardoned himself from the conversation to run towards the injured man.

The group exchanged amused glances, enjoying a good laugh together.

Lieutenant Corrigan appeared, stomping through the camp.

“Intelligence has it the Japs moved back into the jungle. Clean the sand out of your weapons. We move in three minutes. Let’s go find some Japs.” he bellowed.

Hoosier stood up and walked past Kate to where his gear was.

“See you around, Bill.” she called after him.

Hoosier met Kate's gaze with a gleam of excitement behind his own.

“You bet you will.” he called back.

She smiled then redirect her attention to packing up.

Blanche came skipping over.

“See?? I told you!”

“Ugh! Told me what, Blanche?”

“You got yourself a beau!” she tittered poking Kate's ribs.

“Unlikely. I was just gettin’ to know the guys we’ll be taking care of, that’s it.”

“I saw how you looked at him. You can’t fool me.”

“Can we focus on getting our gear and supplies together before the LT snaps his cap?” Kate warned.

“Sure thing, Ace.” Blanche squeaked as she walked off.

Kate shook her head, “She’s going to kill me.” she huffed to herself.

~~~~~~~

#the pacific #hbo war #bill hoosier smith #Hoosier #jacob pitts #bob leckie #chuckler juergens #sid phillips #wilbur runner conley #james badge dale #josh helman #ashton holmes #keith nobbs #ww2 #us marines

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bengiyo · 1 year ago

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Gav and Cai Hira and Kiyoi Teh and Oh

aka my top 3 and TanBun or KornKnock for the grown and sexy

Absolutely zero chill. Four pairs?? I think you're just gonna get me firing from the hip.

Gavreel and Cairo

When it comes to BL, the Philippines won when it came to tackling how the pandemic affected connection and romance. I really like presentation of developing a crush on a streamer and just going for it with these two. I'm still waiting for my proper gamers BL, but this is a good first outing.

I think what I like so much about what we got from these two is how temporary so much of their lives feels. They want to be together. They want to commit. However, life won't let them. Gav can't stay here and be okay because he's running out of money and honestly isn't that well right now. Cairo is still grieving his dad, and he has a lot of growing up to do.

They're one of the rare pairs that I want to be together in the future who I am glad are forced to take a break when we see them part.

Hira and Kiyoi

I think the best thing about this show and this pairing was the reveal that Kiyoi was also obsessed with Hira from the moment their eyes first locked. I also really like that Kiyoi is a bottom who wants it.

We've been lucky with these two that we got to see them three times, and I like how much stronger Yagi has gotten as an actor each time, and how Hagiwara has grown as a creator and storyteller. These two seem to really understand that they have two characters who struggle to say what's necessary to each other in a way that reaches the other.

I loved in Season 2 when Kiyoi realized that Hira was still worshiping him as a god and freaked the fuck out about it, storming out of the house. That he was in the living room the next morning waiting for Hira to come and talk to him, only to get annoyed again was perfect. We get fairly decent payoff for Hira finally facing his own ego when it comes to Kiyoi in the movie, and these two remain among my favorites.

Also, Yagi Yusei really is that beautiful.

Teh and Oh

I just know if I was part of MoRaoYuLok I would have a side chat where we just bitched about these two.

Teh is such an asshole sometimes, and Oh is really so patient with his nonsense. I always lament that Teh is so unsociable that he struggles to maintain a lot of friendships, and it's why that snake Jai was able to get in there and fuck up his life. Still, Teh isn't off the hook for his own shit. He's always struggled with jealousy when it comes to Oh, and he's always worried about falling behind him.

Oh is just so naturally gifted and has an irresistible natural charm. He knows he's beautiful, and he knows how people see yet, and yet he's only ever looking at Teh. We should all be so lucky.

I think about that translation scene in episode 3 of ITSAY regularly, and how that is probably one of the best moments we've ever had in BL. These two really captured a love that feels bigger than their bodies can contain.

Tan and Bun

I'll talk about Tan and Bun since it's been too long since I watched Together With Me and cannot remember them that clearly anymore.

Tan was so ridiculous this entire show, and I'll never get over Bun being ACAB as fuck the whole time. Bun never forgot that he was trying to solve this case for his bestie who they murdered, but he knew she would want him to get some ass along the way.

Tan said absolutely insane shit to Bun literally every episode. He even shot that man off a cliff. Somehow he still won. Incredible.

Send Me a Ship and I'll Share My Thoughts

#answered #ask game #manner of death #i told sunset about you #gameboys the series #my beautiful man #utsukushii kare

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brezzegiftsseo · 2 months ago

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Send a Fruit Bouquet to the Philippines: Make Someone’s Day Brighter

Sending a thoughtful gift is a wonderful way to show someone that you care. When words fall short, the perfect gift can communicate your emotions, brighten someone’s day, and make them feel truly special. One such unique and thoughtful gift is a fruit bouquet. Fresh, healthy, and beautiful, fruit bouquets are a creative twist on the traditional floral arrangement, offering both aesthetic beauty and delicious taste.

If you’re looking to send a vibrant and healthy gift to your loved ones in the Philippines, look no further than Breeze Gifts, the trusted name for fruit bouquet delivery. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, get well soon wish, or just because, a fruit bouquet is a versatile gift that’s perfect for any occasion. This article will explore the numerous reasons why you should Send Fruit Bouquets To Philippines, how to Order Fruit Gift Basket Online Philippines, and the convenience of Same Day Fruit Bouquets Delivery Philippines with Breeze Gifts.

The Joy of Sending Fruit Bouquets: A Healthier, Happier Gift

Fruit bouquets are quickly becoming a popular alternative to traditional gifts like flowers or chocolates. But what makes them so special?

1. A Healthy and Delicious Gift

While flowers are beautiful and chocolates are indulgent, fruit bouquets offer a delightful combination of both beauty and health. Made from fresh, juicy fruits like strawberries, pineapples, melons, grapes, and apples, a fruit bouquet provides a nutritious and guilt-free treat for the recipient. Not only do fruit bouquets look stunning, but they are also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making them a perfect gift for health-conscious individuals.

2. Suitable for Any Occasion

Whether you want to celebrate a birthday, send a congratulatory message, or simply show your appreciation, fruit bouquets are an excellent choice. They are suitable for all types of celebrations and events, including anniversaries, housewarmings, corporate events, and even as a thoughtful "get well soon" gesture. Plus, with Breeze Gifts, you can easily customize your bouquet to match the occasion, adding extras like balloons, chocolates, or personalized messages.

3. A Visual Delight

Fruit bouquets are not just delicious; they are also a feast for the eyes. Crafted by skilled artisans, these arrangements are often designed to resemble floral bouquets, but instead of flowers, they feature beautifully cut and arranged fresh fruits. The vibrant colors of the fruits make these bouquets a striking centerpiece for any celebration.

4. A Thoughtful Gift

When you send a fruit bouquet, you’re showing the recipient that you’ve put thought and effort into choosing a gift that’s both unique and meaningful. It’s a refreshing change from the more common gifts and demonstrates care for their health and happiness. Plus, the freshness of the fruit conveys your wish for their well-being and prosperity.

5. Perfect for Sharing

Fruit bouquets are large enough to be shared with family, friends, or colleagues. Whether it's a small gathering or a large celebration, fruit bouquets bring people together. Sharing healthy, delicious fruit is a great way to promote happiness and positivity among the people you care about.

Why Choose Breeze Gifts for Fruit Bouquet Delivery?

When it comes to gifting, the experience matters just as much as the gift itself. This is why Breeze Gifts is the go-to choice for those looking to Send Fruit Bouquets To Philippines. With years of experience in the gift delivery industry, Breeze Gifts has earned a reputation for excellence, offering top-quality products and exceptional customer service.

1. Wide Variety of Fruit Bouquets

Breeze Gifts offers an extensive selection of fruit bouquets, with options to suit all tastes and preferences. Whether you want a classic arrangement featuring strawberries and pineapples or a more exotic mix of fruits like mangoes and kiwis, Breeze Gifts has something for everyone. You can also choose themed fruit bouquets for specific occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, or corporate events.

2. Customizable Gift Options

At Breeze Gifts, you can personalize your fruit bouquet to make it even more special. Add-ons like balloons, chocolates, or a personalized card allow you to tailor the gift to suit the recipient’s tastes. You can even select specific fruits if you know your loved one has a favorite.

3. Easy Online Ordering

One of the best things about Breeze Gifts is the convenience of being able to Order Fruit Gift Basket Online Philippines. The website is user-friendly and makes it easy to browse through the various fruit bouquets available, select your desired arrangement, and schedule delivery. Whether you’re ordering from within the Philippines or from abroad, Breeze Gifts makes the process seamless.

4. Same-Day Delivery for Last-Minute Surprises

Sometimes, life gets busy, and you may find yourself needing a last-minute gift. With Breeze Gifts, you don’t have to worry about missing the opportunity to surprise your loved one. The option for Same Day Fruit Bouquets Delivery Philippines ensures that your gift arrives on time, even when you’re short on time. Simply place your order before the cutoff time, and Breeze Gifts will deliver the fruit bouquet fresh and ready to brighten someone’s day.

5. Guaranteed Freshness and Quality

When sending a fruit bouquet, freshness is key. Breeze Gifts takes great pride in using only the freshest and highest-quality fruits for their arrangements. Each fruit is carefully selected and arranged to ensure that your bouquet not only looks beautiful but tastes delicious as well. With Breeze Gifts, you can rest assured that your gift will arrive in perfect condition.

How to Send Fruit Bouquets to the Philippines

Ready to make someone’s day brighter with a fruit bouquet? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to Order Fruit Gift Basket Online with Breeze Gifts and have it delivered to the Philippines.

Step 1: Choose the Perfect Fruit Bouquet

Visit the Breeze Gifts website and browse through the selection of fruit bouquets. Whether you’re looking for a classic arrangement or something more unique, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from. Take your time to explore the different designs and fruit combinations, and select the one that best suits the occasion and the recipient’s preferences.

Step 2: Personalize Your Gift

Once you’ve chosen your fruit bouquet, you can customize it with extras like chocolates, balloons, or a personalized card. This allows you to add a special touch to your gift and make it even more meaningful for the recipient.

Step 3: Select Delivery Date and Time

After personalizing your bouquet, choose your desired delivery date and time. Breeze Gifts offers flexible delivery options, including same-day delivery for those last-minute surprises. If you want to make sure your fruit bouquet arrives on a specific day, such as for a birthday or anniversary, you can schedule it in advance.

Step 4: Enter Delivery Details

Provide the recipient’s delivery address and contact information. Make sure to double-check the details to ensure that the gift is delivered to the correct location.

Step 5: Complete Your Order

Review your order, add any final touches, and proceed to checkout. Once your payment is complete, Breeze Gifts will take care of the rest. You’ll receive a confirmation email with the details of your order, and the recipient will soon be enjoying their beautiful and delicious fruit bouquet.

Occasions to Send a Fruit Bouquet to the Philippines

Wondering when the perfect time is to send a fruit bouquet? The truth is, fruit bouquets are a versatile gift that can be given for a wide range of occasions. Here are some of the best times to Send Fruit Bouquets To Philippines:

1. Birthdays

A birthday is a time for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with a fresh and vibrant fruit bouquet? Whether you’re sending a gift to a family member, friend, or colleague, a fruit bouquet is a unique and thoughtful way to wish them a happy birthday. You can even personalize the bouquet with a “Happy Birthday” message or add-on balloons for an extra festive touch.

2. Anniversaries

Anniversaries are all about celebrating love and commitment, and a fruit bouquet is a romantic and healthy gift that shows you care. For a special twist, consider choosing a bouquet that includes chocolate-dipped strawberries, combining the sweetness of fruit with the indulgence of chocolate. It’s the perfect way to show your partner that they’re cherished.

3. Get Well Soon

When someone is feeling under the weather, sending flowers or chocolates might not always be the best choice. A fruit bouquet, on the other hand, is a healthy and uplifting gift that can help boost their spirits and provide essential vitamins to aid in their recovery. The fresh, juicy fruits will not only brighten their day but also offer a nourishing treat that’s easy on the stomach.

4. Corporate Events

Looking for a unique gift to send to clients, colleagues, or employees? Fruit bouquets are a great way to show appreciation in the corporate world. Whether it’s to celebrate a promotion, thank a client, or recognize an employee’s hard work, a fruit bouquet offers a healthy and professional way to express gratitude.

5. Congratulations

Celebrating a new job, graduation, or any other milestone? A fruit bouquet is a thoughtful way to say “Congratulations” and share in their happiness. The vibrant colors and delicious fruits make it a gift that’s both celebratory and healthy, showing that you’re proud of their achievements.

6. Holidays

Holidays are the perfect time to show your loved ones how much you care, and fruit bouquets make for a festive and unique gift. Whether it’s Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or any other special holiday, a fruit bouquet from Breeze Gifts is a thoughtful way to spread joy and love.

The Convenience of Same-Day Fruit Bouquet Delivery in the Philippines

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is key. That’s why Breeze Gifts offers Same Day Fruit Bouquets Delivery Philippines, ensuring that even last-minute gifts can be delivered fresh and on time.

Why Choose Same-Day Delivery?

Life can be unpredictable, and there are times when you may need a gift at the last minute. Whether you forgot an important birthday or need to send a “get well soon” message right away, Breeze Gifts has you covered with their same-day delivery service. With just a few clicks, you can have a fresh fruit bouquet delivered to your loved one’s doorstep on the very same day.

How Does Same-Day Delivery Work?

To take advantage of Same Day Fruit Bouquets Delivery Philippines, simply place your order before the cutoff time (usually in the morning). Once your order is confirmed, Breeze Gifts will prepare your fruit bouquet and ensure it’s delivered fresh and on time. Whether you’re in the Philippines or ordering from abroad, you can trust that Breeze Gifts will deliver your gift promptly and with care.

Make Someone’s Day Brighter with Breeze Gifts

When it comes to thoughtful gifting, few things are as delightful as a fresh and vibrant fruit bouquet. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to make someone’s day a little brighter, a fruit bouquet is a healthy, beautiful, and delicious way to show you care.

With Breeze Gifts, sending a fruit bouquet to the Philippines has never been easier. From a wide variety of customizable options to the convenience of Same Day Fruit Bouquets Delivery Philippines, Breeze Gifts ensures that your gift will arrive fresh, on time, and ready to bring joy to the recipient.

So why wait? Order Fruit Gift Basket Online Philippines today and let Breeze Gifts help you make someone’s day brighter, healthier, and more joyful with a stunning fruit bouquet!

#Send Cake To Philippines #Order Cakes Online for Delivery #Order Cake Online Philippines #Send Chocolate To Philippines #Send Chocolates Bouquet #Order Chocolate Online Philippines #Send Flowers To Philippines #Flower Delivery Online Philippines #Order Flowers Online Philippines #Send Fruit Bouquets To Philippines #Order Fruit Gift Basket Online #Order Fruit Gift Basket Online Philippines #Send Giftbaskets To Philippines #Order Gift Basket Online #Online Gift Basket Delivery Philippines #Online Wine Basket Delivery Philippines #Send Wine Hampers #Wine for Occasion Philippines

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unichrome · 1 year ago

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The biggest heist that almost was

Let me tell you about the most insane bank heist that is going to sound like I'm just leaking the script for the next American hacking movie. The goal? Steal one billion USD. And it all began with an email and a printer, which as we all know is where problems usually start. Another weapon in this heist was... Weekends and time zones.

As usual, no prior computer science education needed.

What happened?

On the morning of February 5th 2016, a printer had stopped working in the central bank of Bangladesh (Bangladesh Bank). But it wasn't just any printer, it was the printer responsible for printing all the records of the multimillion transfers going in and out of the bank. When the poor employees finally won the printer battle and had it resume normal operation, they saw a very concerning account transfer in the records that was coming out. The bank had an USD account in the USA, at Federal Reserve Bank, with approximately 1 billlion Dollars in it, and the Federal Reserve Bank had received instructions to drain almost the entire amount. In the records that came out in the printer, the American bank had attempted to urgently message the Bangladesh bank regarding this transfer, but couldn't get through to them. This was because the hack had actually started the day before, Thursday 4th, at around 20:00 Bangladesh time, when the bank was closed. However, USA had just started their day, giving the American bank plenty of time to follow through with the instructions from the Bangladesh bank to drain their entire account while they were closed. And that wasn't the end of it, as weekends are from Friday to Saturday in Bangladesh, meaning that the Bangladesh bank headquarters in Dhaka wouldn't discover this withdrawal until Sunday morning. That's when they immediately tried to reach the American bank, which of course didn't work as over there it was Saturday evening, and the American weekend is from Saturday to Sunday, meaning that they wouldn't be reachable until Monday.

You see what I mean by the hackers using time zones and weekends, finding the perfect time for the American bank to execute their orders while Bangladesh discovers the withdrawal several days too late, and again several days too late for Americans to be reachable. But it didn't stop there with their timehacking.

The money had to go somewhere from the American bank, and it would be stupid to send it directly to the hackers own account without laundering the money first. So they had set up four different bank accounts in the Philippines, using fake names and credentials. Why the Philippines? Because the Lunar new year was on Monday the 8th, which is a holiday and holiday means no bank activities in either Bangladesh or the Philippines, buying the hackers even more time. As a final act, they messed with the printer responsible for printing transaction records, adding another few hours to their schedule. Moon and stars really aligned perfectly for this plan.

But how did they do it?

It all began one year prior, in January 2015, with an email sent to several employees at the Bangladesh Bank. The email seemingly contained a job application from a person who didn't actually exist, but who was very polite in his request for a position at the bank, with a link to his CV and cover letter. Naturally this link led to a document with a little surprise gift - malware. Since the heist happened, at least one of the recipients must have clicked the link, and successfully deployed a RAT - Remote Access Trojan, malware that lets you control a computer from the comfort of your own home, as well as a toolkit with various malware to move from computer to computer, avoiding discovery, and covering their tracks.

From there, the hackers slowly made their way through the bank offices network, one step at a time to avoid setting off alarms, looking for any computer that had control of the banks SWIFT setup. SWIFT lets banks transfer large amounts of money between themselves and other banks connected to SWIFT. And as soon as they found one of those computers, they stopped. They didn't need to hack SWIFT in the traditional sense of the word - since they operated in a bank computer, the SWIFT-software assumed they naturally had to be bank employees. However, one of the parts of the malware used in the heist was for manipulating the SWIFT system, as the hackers weren't physically there to press anything. Additionally, since they were laying dormant for the time to strike, they needed to keep an eye out for SWIFT updates that could detect any tampering with the system, and adapt accordingly.

Then they waited many months for the stars to align on February 4th, 2016.

There were 35 transfers made by the hackers from the American bank account, totaling almost 1 billion USD, but there were two of these tiny little seemingly insignificant details that prevented this from becoming the worlds largest bank heist in history. The hackers biggest enemy became this concept known as “words”.

The Philippine bank accounts were all located in the same RCBC Bank office on Jupiter Street in Manila. And this would be the hackers downfall, as USA had sanctions put on an Iranian cargo ship called Jupiter. Since the transactions went to a recipient that contained the word “Jupiter”, it created a security alert in the Federal Reserve Bank that the employees needed to investigate. When they saw what was going on, they managed to stop all but five of the initial 35 transactions, thus “only” roughly 100 million USD made it to the Philippines. The Bangladesh bank requested to reverse the transactions, but since the money was in the Philippines, they would need bureaucracy in form of a court order to reclaim the money, and we all know that's not a 5 minute project. It was when Bangladesh filed the court order in late February that the case became public (since court orders are public documents) and the news broke to the country.

Once in the RCBC bank accounts, the money arrived on Friday the 5th and was immediately moved again. First the 100 million was converted to local currency, and some of it was withdrawn in cash, while the rest was sent off to other hacker-controlled locations. And this is where the second tiny little detail cut off even more of the hackers precious payday. 20 million USD had been sent to Shalika Foundation, a charity organisation in Sri Lanka. But, once again the hackers worst enemy - words - decided to strike again. A typo was made in their transaction, sending the money to “Shalika Fundation”, and a bank employee who must have had their morning coffee spotted this typo and rejected the transfer and kept the funds frozen. This left the hackers with 80 million USD.

✨Now comes the money laundering!✨

There was a second reason for choosing the Philippines as deposit zone; gambling is legal and the casinos had no money laundering regulations imposed. The accomplices of the heist booked private rooms in two casinos located in Manila - Solaire and Midas - and proceeded to purchase tokens to gamble for with the stolen money. Since they played with a room consisting of their fellow accomplices, winning was not really much of a challenge. Then the tokens could be exchanged back to money that would now be clean. To avoid suspicion, they didn't gamble all of the money at once, but over the course of several weeks gambled away the dirty money to clean money.

Who was behind it?

It's normally difficult to pinpoint where the more sophisticated hacking groups come from. Oftentimes, they will leave false clues behind that points to another group so they will face more trouble instead of the group that did it. They may even place clues from several different groups, just to mess with the analysts. It's also quite common to simply “steal” a way of working from another group, or use a leaked/stolen tool from another group (criminals aren't safe from other criminals, especially not in this business) - there are new malware coming out all the time with code that is just a slight modification of a well-known malware actor that had their source code leaked or simply had hired the same programmer. Or they may leave no clues as to who was behind it. Attribution to the guilty part is usually the single most difficult mission in IT-security - often it's just pure guesswork with little to no solid evidence to back it up, if you're lucky there's circumstantial evidence.

This case was no different. The first clue came from the IP the bad guys used to connect to the Bangladesh bank from. It was located in Pyongyang, North Korea. But, as I mentioned, this is not a conclusive verdict, as the IP may simply be planted false evidence to throw the analysts off their track. After the heist, the hackers used a data-wiper to scrub as much of their malware off the bank systems, but they didn't succeed in deleting all of it, some of the tools were still present, including the wiper.

Due to the scale of this operation, it caught the attention of every single IT-security person and IT-security company worldwide, who all of course wanted to know who and how they did it. With the remaining malware, a joint effort was made, comparing malware code to other malware code for similarities. Some was found in Poland, after an analyst noted the similarities from another suspected North Korean hack. Some was found in another infamous North Korean hack targeting Sony Pictures. More and more signs pointed towards the same actor. Some were false leads, the hackers seemed to be wanting to implicate the Russians did it, but failed quite miserably at that, just sprinkling random Russian words into the malware and making it way too obvious it was a ruse.

You may not believe this, but the North Korean government has one of the most notorious hacking groups in the world, known as the Lazarus Group. Some of its more well-known adventures include an extremely data-destructive hack of Sony Pictures (as punishment for releasing “The Interview”), creation of the ransomware WannaCry which was used against many targets worldwide (including hospitals), and various attempts at gathering information from governments and government-affiliated corporations all over the world. And, of course, this heist.

Eventually, after months of collaboration all over the world, the final verdict fell on North Korea, and specifically one of their programmers. His name is Park Jin Hyok, and worked for Chosun Expo - a front company for the North Korean government, located in Dalian (China) who used the funds of the fake corporation gained from legitimate programming jobs from customers worldwide to create the malware and plan the heist with all of its expenses. Of course he wasn't the sole person involved in this project, but it's the only person we know was in it.

This particular heist had been meticulously planned for several years, and Park Jin Hyok had moved to Dalian, set up fake IDs and built a network of contacts there to avoid suspicion. However, he didn't manage to delete all of his online footprints, and became the number one suspect when his internet activities suddenly came from Pyongyang, North Korea.

Additionally, several Chinese business men - many associated with the casino industry in China's Macau territory - were also charged and arrested for assisting with setting up the gambling rooms and coordinating the money laundering process. One unknown Chinese business man managed to get away with 31 million USD of the 80 million that remained after the heist, and as you would expect, he was never to be seen again.

With the middlemen from China paid off, not much remained of the original 1 billion to North Korea. But the heist has fascinated the whole IT-security world nonetheless.

I remember when the news of this case dropped to the IT-security world, who all wanted to take part in the hunt. It was a very fun time, we were all sitting at the edge of our seats waiting for the next update. I hope it was at least somewhat exciting for you too to read about, and thank you for reading this long post! If you liked it, please consider reblogging as it motivates me to write more. You may also like malware stuff I've written about before, such as Stuxnet or just plain evil malware that is a threat to our daily lives.

As always my inbox is open if you have any questions.

#datatag #bangladesh #heist #lazarus #north korea #malware #security #Bank #Hacking #Cybersecurity

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