#THESE BITCHES SHOULD'VE TAKEN LITERALLY ANY OTHER CHARACTER

[shellyswirlz]

TW:: A LONG ASS RANT WITH MISSPELLED WORDS!

God Hollybis still making me extremely uncomfortable and it's been what.. 4 days already?

The fact she was all like “hEs My MaN@” about him and threatened to kill me over Shroomy OUT OF ALL THE CHARACTERS YOU COUKD DO THIS OVER

Like bro..

THERE'S A WHOLE DAMN PILE OF CHARACTERS TO CHOOSE FROM IN SMG4 YET SHE CHOOSEA TO DO THISSANS FANGIRL DEVIANTART SHIT WITH THE CHARACTER I KIN SO MUCH AND FEEL A HUGE DEEP PERSONAL CONNECTION WITH OUT OF THE WHOLE CAST..

WHO TF DOES THAT??

W H O TF JUST DOES THAT??

I AM WAKING UP SHAKING AND SAD AF REMEMBERING THIS FREAKING HAPPENED I KID YOU NOT..

LIKE..

LOOK AT THIS ADORABLE CUTIE PATOOTI BOY SCOUT HE DOESN'T DESERVE THIS “OH I HATE YOU- HERE'S A KNIFE CAUSE YOU'RE STEALING MY MAN-” BULLSHIT OMFG.. WHY TF DID HOLLY DECIDE TO CHOOSE THIS CHARACTER AND ACT LIKE A SHITTY BITCH OVER THIS CHARACTER SPECIFICALLY?? THERE HAS TO BE A REASON DUDE…… THIS FEELS SO FAKE TO ME., 😭😭

THE FACT DRAMA ON YOUTUBE HAPPENED BECAUSE OF THIS CHARACTER TOO I HATE EVERYTHING..

DRAMA OVER T H IS CHARACTER

AND OHMYGOD THE FACT ONE OF HOLLY’S FRIENDS WITH A CRINGE ASS GACHA PFP CAME IN MY REPLIES, SAYING TO MY FACE, “HOLLY IS HAPPY WITH HER BOYFRIEND! TO ME SHE'S NOT A FANGIRL! 😀”

HER B O Y F R I E N D??

HER FREAKING B O Y F R I E ND??

KILLIBG MYSELF..!?!???

THIS DUMBASS GACHA KID IS SAYING THIS SHIT TO MY FACE AS IF THEY DON'T RECOGNIZE I LOVE HIM, I AM OBSESSED AF WITH HIM, AND I'M ATTACHED TO HIM I REALLY HATE THESE STUPID GACHA KIDS SO MUCH OHMYFRAKING GOD..

LIKE OK YOU'RE ALLOWED TO SIMP FOR CHARACTERS BUT CALLING hIM SOME RANDOM ASS TOXIC PERSON ON YOUTUBE’S BOYFRIEND MAKES ME FEEL EXTREMELY SICK TO MY STOMACH AND REALLY REALLY ILL.. AGAIN THIS IS HAPPENING WITH SHROOMY OUT OF EVERY FRICKIN CHARACTER IN SMG4 TOO… THE GACHA KIDS CHOSE THIS CHARACTER OUT OF EVERY FRICKIN CHARACTER I HATE EVERYTHING...,

LIKE I FEEL LIKE CRYING EVERYTIME I THINK ABOUT THE FACT HER FRIEBNDS GENUINELY THINKING THAT SHROOMY IS HER BOYFRIEND I CAN'T DOTHUS.,,, ICSNTFREAKJNFDOTHIS..,

IT MAKES ME FEEL REALLY SORE… LIKE THATSNOT YOUR BOYFRIEND THAT'S MY KIN???? S T O P…,, STOPSTOPSTOPSTOPSTOPSTOPSTOPSTOODTOP.,,

LIKE THIS IS LITERALLY ME WTF? WTFWTFWTFWTFWTF?? 1!1!!1 YOU'VE GOTTA BE KIDDINF AND OUT OF EVERY SMG4 CHARACTER FOR THE LOVE OF HECKING GOD. DUDE WHAT???

AND SEEING HOLLY HAVE A WHOLW PLAYLIST DEDICATED TO HER BITCH ASS GACHA OC AND SHROOMY MAKES ME WANNQ ACTUALLY VOMIT.. IHWTE THESE TYPES OF PEOPLE..,, STOP SHIPPING YOUR UGLY ASS OC WITH ME!?!?!?!?!?? YOU'RE PROBABLY A KID BUT STILL OMFG KINDLY SHUT UP ABOUT YOUR STUPID ASS OC BEING SHIPPED WITH ME..

WHY TF DOES THIA DEVIANTART SHIT HAPPEN WITH ALL MY FAVORITE FRIFKIN CHARACTERA?? FIRST THERE'S RODNEY, THEN THERE'S HERMEY, AND NOW IT'S FRICKIN SHROOMY WHAT ArE THE FRWAKIN ODDS?? ARE Y'ALL DOING THIS ON PURPOSE??

IT GENUINELY FEELS LIKE HOLLT AND ALL THE OTHER DEVIANTART KIDS WERE CREATED IN A LAB JUST TO MAKE ME UNCOMFORTABLE SPECIFICALLY..

THIS DOESN'T JUST HAPPEN

THIS SHIT DOESN'T JUST FREAKING HAPPEN WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL

IS THIS HAPPENING FREQUENTLY CAUSE THE CHARACTERS ARE CONSIDERED CRINGE? 😭😭

AND DEVIANTART IS CONSIDERED THE CRINGE SITE?

THE WORLD MAY NEVER KNOW GOD I HQTE EVERYTHINGhehegegeheeexxxvvevevevevveveveveg

OUTOFEVERY FREWKING CHWEWCTER..,,,,,

ALSO HOLLY IS A RUDE ASS INSTAGRAM USER SOUNDING BITCH AS WELL.., CAUSE DUDE SAID “WTF 🤣” IN ONE OF MY CRUSH EXPOSURE POSTS..

I NEED HOLLY GONE /SRS

Oh AND I CAN'T FORGET THE FACT I CANNOT EVEN LISTEN TO MY FAVORITE SONG, MARIO PARTY 2: WESTERN LAND, WITHOUT THINKING OF HOLLY’S “NO SOTP- OH MY GOD I AM GONNA CUT YOU-” BITCH ASS TODDLER PERSONALITY AND THIS STUPID HOLLY DRAMA. HOLLY RUINED MY FAVORITE MARIO SONG FOR ME OMFG..,, I NEED THIS JACKASS G O N E. OUT OF MY LIFE. BITCH LITERALLY SPAWNED FROM DEVIANTART. THE HOME OF OVERLOOKED CHARACTERS AND BABIES.

PARDON THE LONG ASS RANT I'M JUST NOT IN THE BEST MOOD AT ALL RN.,,, I AM ANXIOUS AF, AND EXTREMELY FURIOUS.

Holly and her friends probably don't give a shit I feel like this as well.. THIS RUIJED MY MENTAL HEALTH SO BAD /SRS

God even the name 🤪Holly🤪 makes me wanna grab a shotgun and shoot a mannequin I'm being so fr..

Ok like I'd get it if Holly only liked Anti Shroomy ig.. People usually act this way to the bad boys, but bro it's probably Shroomy in general... The most unexpected character I'd not expect anyone to simp for like this..

But ig it kinda makes sense cause it's brainless Gacha kids..?? But still THERE WAS WHOLE DRAMA OVER THIS CHARACTER I KID YOU TF NOT.. IT MAKES ME FEEL SO SICK AND LIKE CRYING. I THINK I'VE CRIED SEVERAL TIMES THINKING OF THIS BUT IDK

[lord-squiggletits]

Something I keep seeing when I speak to others about MTMTE Megatron is basically the idea that he's going on a personal journey to become a better person, that the point isn't for him to be "redeemed" but for him to get a chance to do good and die as a person he can live with again. That MTMTE presents a unique take on this because being away from Cybertron gives Megatron a chance to be a person rather than a political figure and this is how it gives him more depth as a character. Or just generally pointing out in a narrative sense that Megatron being in MTMTE limits his story options so of course his story is going to be more focused on a personal journey than on politics of him dealing with the Decepticons/Earth/etc and that just because JRO made a choice to take that path with Megatron doesn't mean that it's inherently bad.

And I'm just, mmm like I understand all of those points and acknowledge that they all contributed to the MTMTE Megatron we got. I even think that without JRO writing Megatron we wouldn't have had his lore be as fleshed out and 3D as it ended up becoming.

(Post starts out as a sort of meta analysis or at least me giving a reasoned explanation for my interpretation of the story, ends up being petty bitching in the last 1-2 paragraphs)

I just..... I just personally don't agree with the "he's becoming a better person by getting a chance to relax and experience happiness and trust after a life of trauma" as being the best choice for his character? Because the problem is that maybe if he were a random Decepticon foot soldier that would be appropriate, but he was literally the leader of the Decepticons that made them Like That and has political/cultural/societal responsibility for why things are the way they are? To be completely frank, I don't care about him going on a personal journey for self-peace, I think that he should become a better person by helping to un-fuck all the things he actually screwed up???

Like idc about the debate of whether he can be "redeemed" or if he should've been killed/imprisoned/etc at the ending. It just comes down to the fact that for me personally, I feel that since Megatron's wrongdoings were at a social level, him "being a better person" would've been better shown by him engaging with those people who he wronged instead of just going on a frigging personal journey for his legacy and self-peace???

Especially since in other series (exRID, possibly Windblade) we literally got plots like "the neutrals hate Autobots but they hate Decepticons even more" and "the Decepticons have been taken over by Galvatron and are now invading earth 2 electric boogaloo" and "yeah the Decepticons are literally living in slums because people hate them so much and won't give them any work." It just leaves me wondering why in the hell people are like, "oh Megatron got to be happy and have a chance to be a normal person." I don't want him to be normal! I want him to repay his debts to the people he actually wronged! Like if you want to cast Megatron as a hero of the people so badly (which so many of his stans do as if he actually cared about the Cons) then how do you reconcile the fact that Megatron just fucked off and left the Decepticons to suffer on Cybertron? Including some of them attacking during his trial and getting killed and Megatron is basically like "sorry, I'm not coming with you and this isn't going to work." And then Megatron complains about "toxic Decepticon loyalty" as if he didn't literally make them that way? Like I get that MTMTE Megatron is still an asshole but if you've read something besides MTMTE and know what the Decepticons are going through, it just ends up being really grating.

I just don't see Megatron as being a particularly good hero or having a particularly fulfilling story if he's completely isolated from all the bad things he did on Cybertron/the way the Decepticons are suffering until LL#25 where it's like "ah damn I'm going to trial now, well this is what I deserve so it's fine." Why could we not have seen something like Megatron trying to deradicalize the Decepticons or change their public image so they could integrate into normal Cybertron again? They were living in SLUMS and getting gunned down by Starscream's badgeless enforcers!

The best we got was the Functionist Universe but like.... I'm sorry, but JRO inventing a whole alternate universe for Megatron to save doesn't do jack shit to save or fix the people he left behind in this one. It was especially grating to read because JRO literally wrote in someone saying "you saved billions of lives from the Functionists" as if he was trying really hard to show how good Megatron is because he saved people (and also if not for Megatron existing Cybertron would be even worse and half of your faves would be enslaved or dead, also the Functionist Council was going to genocide organics too so technically they're WORSE than Megatron since they hate organics AND want to enslave their own race).

I read Barber's, JRO's, and MScott's series concurrently using the omnibus + a release order list for phase 3, and after all that I'm kind of puzzled why the fandom seems to ardently love MTMTE Megatron and think he's so well written but then also shit on Optimus for things that he did during the same points in the story? Because, and I know this is a blazing hot take, I honestly think that Optimus makes a better hero of his story than Megatron does for his, and Optimus' personal journey combines his personal and political identities into a narrative that's a lot more gruelling and questioning of his goodness than we got for Megatron in MTMTE. Which is fucking saying something considering Megatron committed crimes against sapient species and Optimus is the guy who tried to stop him from doing that and has always been pro-equal rights for all beings. But people pretty much just cherrypick things like Optimus annexing Earth or beating up Prowl and go "he's bad" and I'm like no??? IDW OP isn't a bad person or a bad character??? It's just that unlike MTMTE Megatron he's placed in a narrative that actually suits the nature of his actions and has themes that match. To the point that IMO sometimes Barber's narrative shits on Optimus excessively or paints him mainly in the most unflattering ways.

But like. It's just funny to me because Optimus spent his entire part of the story doing things like trying to stop Earth from being invaded/colonized yet again. Grappling with his identity as Prime and dealing with the fact that people literally worship him vs. the fact that his upbringing made him see the Primacy as nothing more than a facade of authority/leadership. Having people get mad at him for prioritizing politics over friendship/relationships with other people. Even getting shit on for being a cop a decent amount so people can STFU about IDW OP being "copaganda" or "not held responsible for his actions". The problems that Optimus dealt with were personal because they had to do with his self-doubt, culpability for the war as a leader of one of the armies, distance from his soldiers, etc. But all of these are also POLITICAL struggles. Because Optimus gave up on the chance to just be a normal person having personal struggles when he chose to become a LEADER, which also means that he's held to extremely high standards that he regularly fails at in the eyes of others.

That's why, to me, MTMTE Megatron falls flat in comparison and really as a "hero" or heel-face character in general? Because he also made a decision to be a leader, and IMO once you do things like become the commander of an army and start your own galactic empire, you lose the right to prioritize your personal problems and instead are obligated by the power you've chosen to wield to focus on your POLITICAL problems. If Megatron's power, influence, and crimes are of a social-political nature, then his heel-face turn arc and ways of showing that he's a better person/helping to heal what little damage he possibly can should have been shown with actions that help on a social-political LEVEL. That's why I'm not particularly impressed with his character arc and feel as if it was overhyped by other people in this fandom: sure, the extra character depth and emotion is nice, but I'm not really going to see him as extraordinary or even particularly good when the extent of him "becoming a better person" happens entirely on a random road trip to fuck-off nowhere. Especially not when the ending of LL tried to sell me a "they lived happily ever after" ending while basically leaving the freaking MUTINY as just Rodimus going "oh it's okay you're forgiven, we're all together again" and I guess everyone was fine with Megatron and wanted to spend an eternity on a ship with him just because Getaway died.

This is why I like (the concept/themes of) exRID/OP and the way Optimus' character arc was handled a lot more. Because for Optimus, the personal and the political were as one. He was held accountable for his actions towards others and the disruptive effects they had on a social level, sometimes to a ridiculous extent (the fucking "oh Megatron is an Autobot so now that makes the Autobots colonizers" plot and that stupid colonist screaming about how Optimus is "literally fascist" my beloathed). Even his very personal issues like his relationship with Zeta were still cast in a wider lens of, yeah this is a personal struggle that Orion faced, but he was still part of a Society TM and his actions were sometimes ill-informed or harmful to others. Even if I had a lot of problems with the way Optimus' story was written by Barber (plot holes, little meaningful character interaction, forced conflicts), at least the BASELINE of it was way better than Megatron's in MTMTE. Especially since Optimus' struggle was explictly about things like struggling with responsibility and how he feels he HAS to intervene in political affairs because has to save people/make up for his past mistakes. That's something that a good leader/good person actually does, so I found Optimus to be a better hero (even if his actions weren't all "good") because he was trying to be a good person by actually getting involved with Cybertron/Earth and subjecting himself to something he hates (leadership, war) and dealing with a shitload of criticism instead of just going on a fuckin "personal journey" lksdlkfsd.

Which just makes me extra salty that people hold up MTMTE Megatron as the pinnacle of Megatrons and literally the best Transformers writing evar! while turning up their nose and ignoring or outright despising IDW Optimus. Like okay. I guess since Megatron got handled with silk gloves on while Optimus got put through the wringer of being shit on by every other person in the story, it's easier for you to pretend that Megatron is a poor uwu boy who just needs friendship and love while Optimus is literally the worst bastard to ever exist. Or maybe it's just that since Optimus' story involves him sometimes fucking up, being criticized, or making things worse, that makes him morally bad. As opposed to Megatron who disrupted a lot of other characters' stories in MTMTE, had to have an entire alternate universe invented so that he could "save lives," and got to sail off on a quantum Lost Light happily ever after, so since he's happy and the story says he saved people that means he's a good hero.

[08theverysmallhuman]

Absolutely annoyed whenever ppl ask why Kira got kicked out of blue lock so early when someone like Igaguri didn’t…. Like! The whole point is that yeah, Kira is the better player! But he’s not an egoist and that’s what got him out! Igaguri may not be the best player but he’s an egoist, and embodies those values(frankly as much if not more than anyone there). That’s what’s keeping him in. Blue lock is about skill, yes, but above all its about being a stone cold bitch!

The fact that they don't have any other justification for wanting him back other than Igaguri being "ugly" or "not as talented" is the main reason I don't look at bllktwt outside of spoilers anymore

Because despite Kira being exposed as a two-faced cunt motherfucker whose egoism extends to acting shiny and righteous to preserve the image he uses to put down players he deems lower than him, the face wins overall

Igaguri is not and has never been a player that is going to be showcased as someone to beat, someone who can lead a team, someone you want on your side going up against a tough team but he knows his worth as a great player. Not superhumanly good, not yet on par with the greats of the world that his teammates are slowly surpassing but he Has the talent and the drive to keep going regardless

What ticks me off other than the blatant bias against Igaguri is that they then bring up Isagi's choice to leave him be as a Mistake despite That Singular Choice being a pivotal moment in Isagi's development! It is the first time we see him break away from the pattern hammered into him by his old team and start valuing himself as Someone who could Become the World's Best! It is the Literal Moment that establishes him as the MAIN CHARACTER. AND THEY WANT TO THROW THAT AWAY FOR THE BLONDE PRETTY BOY BECAUSE EW EW WHY THE CHEATING BALD GUY

Not even mentioning Bachira's involvement and consequent development in it! It is the Second we see him really See Isagi as the One he's been waiting all his life to play with It is The Moment That Ties Them Together It is What initially drives him to start having fun playing soccer again It is what SETS ISAGI APART FROM THE REST OF THEM, WHO WOULD'VE LAUNCHED THAT BALL AT THE PLAYER DOWN AND WAITED DOWN THE SECONDS.

I've already written the hypothetical up there but You Know For A Fucking Fact. That even If Isagi HAD taken the easy route.

Bachira would've still taken that ball.

He's still going after the strongest player. He's still going to try and take him out and he'll hit Kira, who at the time was right By Isagi, and there'll be seconds left to score and either he'll blank out in those final seconds again, or he won't, and Isagi would be the one on the floor. And Bachira has no reason to look at him twice.

This isn't even about Igaguri to me anymore it's just blatant disregard for Isagi's choice despite it being a crucial point in the plot that shows off his ego as someone aiming for the Top. They're completely removing the reason he was chosen for blue lock to fit a guy into a team that would absolutely not work with Kira in there.

[heartshapedcreaturefromcriptoon]

Oh my god... Micheal.... You literal little whiny asshole pussy baby fuck boi bitch... Was garnering a small and obnoxious cult following for your discount Shaggy 'I am not a Negro' Rogers and The Reluctant Weresmurf looking ass and also meeting your girlfriend through your work on that pilot not actually goddamn fucking enough for you to just move on? Your involvement with Hazbin Hotel as a project is over with and you're clearly still bitter about that. Angel Dust is not your character anymore, nor was he ever Ashley's. Your relationship with this series and interaction with it's fanbase should've been long finished by now, you should not have been consuming any new media having to do with the series proper moving forward, and you certainly shouldn't be name searching yourself, goddamn fucking monitoring the comments on new releases for this character that you even admitted yourself that you no longer have anything to contribute to (nor should you want to) screen grabbing these opinions that you no longer get the right to have any opinion whatsoever on, that you shouldn't even be snooping around to see or care about (because you're no longer involved and have foregone all attachment for, allegedly) and start behaving out of nowhere as if you're a freaking reddit incel because your fangirls ostensibly gave their public opinion that was already kinda hidden in youtube comment or twitter replies or whatever, that you had absolutely no right to be looking at, of how this other man preforms better than you. Shaming these people who are most likely girls publicly, on twitter where people can see it.

"The Tweet" is still clearly visible via quote tweet and if you still felt any type of way about people constructively critiquing your performance for a character that you should nor longer have any say in or attachment to, you should've drank your baby bottle baja blast and been quiet, dummy.

Then maybe instead of publicly tweeting your feeling regarding a fandoms opinions about your [performance in a project you're no longer involved in Micheal, you should've taken a tip from Rob Paulsen and called PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE GET A LIFE FOUNDATION. Or at least find another legacy voice actor who's range you could try to be a little copy cat of so maybe people wouldn't be finding your little discarded animaniac schtick so annoying.

And this is what you get for ether naming searching yourself or your old characters, and then invasively screen capping other people's shit to whine about their constructive opinions about a project your no longer involved with and thus, should no longer be having any negative effects on you at all...

Now, if you're so asexual, why did you just make this poor fan publicly suck your dick and little blue balls, man? You really think you're Jared Leto ... 30 Seconds To Micheal. The parasocial manipulation here is so creepy. You're the one who's reaching by thinking others making constant disclaimers they loved you before stating their constructive opinion was apparently "tearing you down". 'The Cult of Kovach' is so real. 💀

It wouldn't be so "hurtful" if someone stopped making their eyes moist by crying over opinions on something they stopped working on a long damn time ago and since when when is making constant disclaimers of love before stating constructive criticism "objectively ripping into another person for no reason"?! The asexual blue smurfycat proved in his absolute shitpost of a "Closer" cover that he shouldn't be playing a Sex Worker because he can't take singing about fucking seriously for shit, while Blake Roman can. Maybe because Blake has actual Sex Appeal and is objectively pretty too. Now fuck this person for making me actually reference Doug Walker's content in 2024 and while we're at it? Fuck Lackadaisy for their disgrace of even having someone who actually still works at Channel Awesome on their payroll. Among other things. 💀

Again, how is making constant disclaimers about how much you love a pubic figure before stating a constructive critique "talking shit", Silva? People who work in animation are just as oversensitive and immature as their followers and Micheal was the only one here acting like a creepy little mouth breather by making his fan cult apologize to him and I don't give a fuck about actually saying that and I don't need to abbreviate it ether. 💀

The only one showing their actual face in their icon is the only one acting like a goddamn fucking professional here, of course of course, but I just want to ask, like, where was all this professional energy that Ashley and Micheal should've been exhibiting in defense of Medrano, whom they have to thank for their meet cute, once they both found out their new (and actually transphobic) employers, had rejected their old employers new studio's five thousand dollar donation? No quiet dignity or grace about anything in Furry Hell. Fuck Micheal. 💀

[chin07ming]

Spoilers❗❗❗❗❗

I can't remember the last time I've been su h a bundle of emotions omg so much happened in episode 9. From Raelle moving speech to Wade slapping a bitch, to a double wedding to chaos... Whew I'm a nervous wreck.

Going into episode 9 we knew from preview it was packed and the scenes literally felt like cut and paste go we had to fill in the blanks but it's obvious they're tying up all storylines and trying to reach a worthy conclusion.

President Wade walking in the way she did was everything I hoped and expected beating Silver at his own game on public tv which lead to the pardoning of core 4 (rightfully deserved) and a moment we all wanted... Badly.

I think I lost my voice when #Raylla finally got to the lighthouse my babies are so deserving of this moment it's what they've wanted for so long and to finally share it was so emotional but with our ship peace is a fleeting moment and chaos come knocking, I'm scared for the finale to be honest I wish we had more time to see them be wives to be at peace and find their way 🤷🏻‍♀️...

The wedding 😭😭😭. Edwin is such a beautiful human being he loves Scylla has his own and telling her to call him Dad and him dancing with his daughters 😭😭😭. When I tell you I bawled and been bawling whole episode this is not exaggeration

#Adigail 🗣️🗣️ deserve this too they've been a very solid couple from their inception and all through chaos they've been each other rock, I'm not a fan of shared weddings but in this case it felt like family sharing a special day together so I liked it both these couple deserve a MOMENT. A PAUSE. TO JUST BE. They've been through so much and they can't even enjoy their wedding night 😔

Listen here Sarah Alder you should've married Tally today too #Talder I get they aren't canon and yes, they were building Gregorio for Tally in S2 but after watching S3 and all that has taken place his presence and their romance just feels odd, out of character but it's neither the actor nor character fault its what's been giving to him.

Izadora... You beautiful brilliant woman I hope mother Mushroom take you into her blossom because it's where you belong, we will miss you

I'm not ready to say goodbye to this show or these characters especially #Raylla the finale is going to hurt me in more ways than one, I just hope it doesn't break my heart in taking any of them from me.

[ultimatetrashgoblin]

Everything I hate about every lovestruck series because voltage needs to get their shit together <3

Quick disclaimer cause some of y'all seem very keen on attacking people rn: My words are not the law of the land and you do not have to agree with anything I say here. This is just me ranting. I'm open to having a civil discussion about any of these opinions in my inbox, dms, or comments, but rude anons will be ignored.

TL;DR: Lovestruck is shit, go read Villainous Nights and Speakeasy Tonight and stop romanticizing toxic behaviors please.

Gangsters In Love

Chance Valentine

People who still believe Chance Valentine and MC's relationship was healthy (I'm also genuinely concerned for you please seek help because honey that is a very toxic relationship)

The fact that Chance Valentine was brought back when Irving, Yoyo, and Ash are right there

The fact that Aurora's original route was abandoned for so long (I know they said they're finishing it in 2022 but it should not have taken this long)

The fact that Irving only got 3 seasons (and fucking Chance Valentine got 9)

The original MC dressing like a toddler (I'm all for badass ultra fems but come on she looks like a child)

The "streetsmart" MC immediately trusting the gang and overall not being very street smart

Seymour not being in the new routes (I know he's the old MC's dog and it wouldn't make sense but I miss him and his interactions with the group and especially Ash were so cute)

Love & Legends

I'm sorry, but as cool as the concept of the Witch Queen was, it was dragged out for way too long in almost every route

Except for Alain's which deserved more seasons

Just like how he deserved to live in other routes other than his own

And how we should've gotten more interactions between him and Helena when they were on the same side in his route

Basically Alain just deserved better

Also will forever be bitter than we didn't get an Ishara route

Havenfall Is For Lovers

The number of gorgeous women who could've been lis but weren't is a CRIME

Also what was Mothman's design?

Like I love Mothman but when you think of the cool cryptic that is NOT it

Look at JD's cool design and how it fits with them being the Jersey Devil, (or Dracula, his design was in some way what you'd imagine him to look like) Mothman deserved something like that

Also kind of wish Grace would have a route where she wasn't playing some sort of damsel in distress role because that got kinda old after a while (Edit: I’ve been looking at the replies and y’all have pointed out that she doesn’t get kidnapped in Antonio’s route and is able to become an agent in Mac’s route and a hunter in Vanessa’s. Thank you for correcting me.)

Starship Promise

Despite having plenty of side characters who many would love to romance, you decide to recycle old lis

But I'll give a pass for Nova so long as they don't fuck up her ending again (because literally what the fuck?)

Also Nav deserved better

Sweet Enchantments

Runa Amberthorne literally forced a woman into a relationship against her will, taking away her right to consent to it, and yet there are still people sympathizing with her because "aw she feels bad" and "she didn't sleep with her" like BITCH THAT DOESN'T MAKE IT OKAY WHAT MADE LOVESTRUCK THINK THIS WAS A GOOD IDEA???

Roman deserved better

Also rip Milo I thought he was kinda boring but he didn't deserve to get dropped like that

Queen of Thieves

Jett and Remy only getting 4 seasons

Lovestruck not giving us a poly route with Jett and Remy

Lovestruck not giving us a poly route with Zoe and Vivienne

Lovestruck not giving us a route with Jace

The fact that if Lovestruck decided to reboot this series the recycled routes would be Nikolai and Vivienne instead of Jett and Zoe

Sin With Me

People simping for Vinca despite her being emotionally abusive to her twin sister and still begging for her route (I can semi sympathize with the people who just want routes for all seven sins but like that doesn't mean it should happen Vinca is still a piece of shit)

Ripley still not having a route despite being the most attractive woman on the entire app

Reigning Passions

Galen only getting 4 seasons (while Xenia is going on 10)

The fact that there isn't a Piama X Ruelle short

Lovestruck STILL NOT FUCKING ANNOUNCING THE NEW LI

Wicked Lawless Love

Once again, plenty of gorgeous women being abandoned as potential lis

Also I know I'm not the only one who found the MC to be annoying

And like the way she was so willing to trust this random ass stranger in Cecelia's route and has the audacity to be surprised when she's evil

Tales Of The Wild

WHAT THE FUCK IS THE WRITING?

LIKE IT IS INSULTING

Also the cgs?

No <3

Lovestruck should've just stopped at the Wild Vixens short

Nobody asked for this to be a full series, and nobody wanted it

I'm not sad to see it go

Ever After Academy

Only 4 seasons per route (and I'm not just saying that cause I love the series, EAA's story has so much potential)

I feel like the memory spell is sort of rushed in the new routes (especially Lavinia's)

Or maybe that's just cause Lovestruck was figuring out shit as they went along when the og 3 were being written

I hate how they made Abel so unlikable in his route

Sure, he was kind of rude when we first met him in Lucas's route, but when his own route premiered he was such a dick (which sucks cause I really liked his character and I was excited when his route was announced)

Also, are we ever actually getting a full route for Jo X Darla? It's been a while (knowing Lovestruck probably not)

Also Mouse and Jackie deserve routes (but it's Lovestruck so I wouldn't hold my breath)

Immortal Heart Society

Most negative opinions I have about the series can be found here, but regardless:

Alanna Mckenna.

The pacing felt super off in Cash and Alanna's routes (it got better when Emilio's route came out, as most things in the series did)

The way Cash's route got dropped right as his route was actually becoming pretty good

Rafe's route being with MMC (while I am upset that this means MMC is likely only getting 1 li, my main issue is that they showed Rafe having more chemistry with MMC which felt kind of like Lovestruck was queerbaiting us)

Kiran not having a route yet

Also some of the cgs are ugly ngl

Plus the historical inaccuracies bother me cause like you can't just say "homophobia? never knew her" and expect everyone to go along with it for the sake of your story (take it from a better series of yours that's able to incorporate these issues into the story to make it both realistic and heartwrenching)

My Siren Crush

This is an issue across the board but I tend to notice it more in this series so I'm putting it here: SPELLING CHECKS PEOPLE. SPELLING. CHECKS. (they say as they continue writing a post full of poor grammar)

MC's magic thing seems lowkey unnecessary but I'm willing to see how Lovestruck handles it

I'm sorry but Arianna is kind of boring

Dawn route when?

Edge Case Love's Pursuit

Thought it was dumb that they just recycled the one series from their new app that they never promoted but like I guess I get it?

This shouldn't need to be said but like let's ✨not✨ promote romancing a child

Overall not much of an opinion on it yet but that may change as it continues so stay tuned cause I might make a part 2 for this series

But seriously Lovestruck, please reconsider making Eko a love interest. Just don't. She's 14. Please.

Villainous Nights

Most of these routes deserved better

Zeke deserves his own route

Lovestruck if you're gonna reboot another series, I highly suggest this one

Astoria Fate's Kiss/Lost Kisses

Once again, most of these routes deserved better

Especially Astraeus because he was one of the best and he got did so dirty

Once again, plenty of wasted route potential (*cough cough* Persephone *cough cough*)

Castaway! Love's Adventure

Why the fuck is this series still listed as contemporary?

You know, the series with magical island spirits?

That one?

Anyway, TK and Joaquin are dicks

And the MC is annoying as fuck

But she's also stunning and I wish we saw her sprite more

To Love And Protect

Everything but the cat.

Speakeasy Tonight

The most underrated series on the app

Justice for Julius that man deserved more than 1 season

And basically all of them did

We need more ST content

If you haven't checked out this series yet I highly recommend you do it deserves more love

[sebstanseabass]

Afterglow (A Bucky Barnes AU fan fiction) - Chapter 18

Afterglow chapters

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader

NOTE: Third Person POV starts after this sign: " ✪ "

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

With Bucky, three short days felt like three months.

The next few days were spent oh-so-blisfully slow with Bucky constantly next to you, either naked or clothed. You were always at each other's skin and flesh the second you would close your laptop (you have been busy doing your end of the presentation you had to pitch in next week for Sam, after Steve gets you formally and officially fired). You’d be making out on the couch and soon afterwards, clothes flew around like money being tossed carelessly. No matter what the situation was, it always ended up with you naked, grasping each other's bodies, grazing each other's skin — in your bedroom, in the kitchen, in the shower, and on the living room floor. He wore you like a necklace, your thighs wrapped around his neck as you sat on the kitchen counter, him on his knees, devouring every bit of you. That time, you tried your best to stare at him as he ate you.

Tantalizing were his eyes, his mouth moving against your core. Legs shaking, you’d scream his name over and over again as you came all over his mouth, your screams clashing with the sounds of pots clanging against each other.

Then, you’d move to the shower where you had your thighs wrapped around his waist, your bare back against the bathroom's slippery walls as he thrusted inside you. His strong hands kept you steady the whole time as your legs trembled around him, making you weaker and weaker each second, like your knees had been struck by a wrecking ball.

He gave and he gave and he gave pleasure, riding you into your euphoria, into your oblivion. You were no longer the master of your body. You became his, as he was yours. You submitted fully to his godly control. The phrases "fuck, babydoll" and "you feel so fucking good" and "say my name, sweetheart" were forever etched in your brain. You kept the frustration of not being in control to yourself. You kept it all as he instructed you to say his name, say it louder until you could no longer remember yours, until you could no longer hear the dripping noise of the water droplets against the floor.

His face, the epitome of a god and a devil. A god that brought your voice and soul to heaven, so bright and glorious. And a devil that brought unholy things to your body.

As much as you had your thighs wrapped around him, you knew he had you wrapped around his finger. You knew it all too well.

Since then, you couldn't hear the clinking of utensils against each other or the faucet leaking or any kind of liquid dripping without seeing what Bucky looked like during those hours — knees on the ground, head between your thighs, body dripping with water along with your juices. And how he made you feel. God, the thought of him alone already brought you to heaven.

Afraid that you won't be able to get your mind (and body) off of Bucky, you texted Nat to meet you in a coffee shop a few blocks away from the apartment, hoping she could accompany you while working on the pitch deck. If you spent one more time with Bucky with your presentation undone you would be — well... Either way, you would be screwed.

This morning, you left a note on the nightstand, letting Bucky know you were with Nat. You planted a fleeting kiss on his forehead one last time, smiling at him, hating to leave his side, before heading out to meet with Nat who was almost an hour late, anyway. Still, you didn't get much done, missing Bucky's presence.

Then the hopes of getting your mind off my man went down the drain, hearing the clinking of glasses and the dripping liquid from espresso machines on the café counter. You bit your lip, staring at the laptop screen in front. Your screams echoed on the walls of your brain, together with morphed images of you and Bucky leaving your traces everywhere in the apartment, tainting lust everywhere. You bit your lower lip harder. A sudden rush of heat climbing on your body, from your toes, to your thighs, and your center.

Why didn't I just go to the public library?

"... Y/n? Hello? Earth to y/n?"

The images vanished like dust in the wind, and were replaced by Nat snapping her fingers on your face. Bucky's voice, together with yours that were echoing in your mind soon became faint street noise, along with the café's playlist. "Are you okay?" She asked. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

With your throat dry, you cleared your throat (which hurt even more). "Y-yeah." You finally managed to say. "Yeah, no, I was just having a tiny problem. You know what, I'm thirsty," You tapped a waitress' shoulder, "Hi, can I please have a glass of cold water? Thank you."

With that, she nodded and turned around, fetching what you needed. As soon as she handed you the glass, you immediately downed the whole thing but it still didn't quench your thirst.

"Is he riding you?"

You nearly choked on your water, hearing Nat's question. "W-what?"

"Sam Wilson. I mean, the work. With Sam?" Nat frowned, stirring her cup of coffee. "Is he?"

"Oh no, not at all! He's been really great and very appreciative." You replied. "But he has this assistant who's a complete total bitch. Even Bucky doesn't like her."

"Oohhh, interesting." she said. "Tell me all about it."

Thankfully, telling Nat about the meeting that happened three days ago did get your mind off Bucky. Highlighting the little banter you and Sharon had in line with the models and the whole marketing strategy was Nat's favorite. Of course, Nat lived for the drama. Especially if it were others'. To her, you were just characters on a television show. Now, all she needed was a bucket of popcorn.

"You should've seen the whole thing, Nat." You smirked. "The look on her face when Sam agreed with me? Priceless!"

"Wow, you ate her up." Nat chuckled. "Now, I'm sad I missed the show. If I were there, I would've taken a photo of her disappointed, sad ass and had it framed and had it hung on the bar. Steve would approve of it."

You raised your eyebrows, shaking your head. Even though that was pretty badass of you to do, Sharon was a woman living in a man's world and as you thought about that encounter, she was just doing her job. If she were a man, you would've still said the same thing. "Too harsh. A little cheer would suffice."

Nat rolled her eyes. "Like a woop, woop?"

"I mean not literally but sure. Whatever floats your little boat."

"Peter was right. You're a boring old hag." A sip of coffee. "Hey, how's the little skipper, anyway? I miss that little kid."

You fowned. She always had a nickname for Peter. If it's not skipper, it's slugger, or sport, or tiger, or any nickname for a kid you could think of. "You know he's just as young as I am, right?"

"The guy looks like a kid and sometimes acts like one." Nat pursed her lips, pointing it out. "So, when's he getting back from his corporate retreat?"

The last you heard from Peter was yesterday when he sent photos of him and the rest of his team somewhere by the lake. He looked a bit worn-out by the deep bags under his eyes but his wide smile said otherwise. Winston Schimdt was with him in all the photos, hair still perfectly gelled, spiking up in one direction. You wondered how much gel he always had to consume. And then felt sad for his sticky hair.

"Some time on Tuesday, I think." Then, you showed the photos to Nat who carelessly took the phone from your hands.

"Where on earth is this?"

You shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine. I couldn't even pin his location. It seems like he's literally off the radar."

"Maybe he's in a galaxy far, far away." Nat joked, remembering Peter's fondness for Star Wars. "What do you even do on a corporate retreat? Think about money?"

"I don't know but whatever it is, he says it'll help keep his mind off things." You said, leaving out the part that Peter was, dare you say, "lovesick." You honestly didn't mind telling it to her but you just knew that she'd ask you a bunch of questions you don't even know the answers to.

Nat nodded while scrolling mindlessly on your phone like it was her own. You tried to get it back but she gripped it tighter.

"Hope Bucky's taking care of you? Oh," she lifted her eyes back to yours, the light on your screen illuminating her smirking face, "he's taking care of you, alright. I heard you two haven't been able to keep your hands off each other. You're like... leeches."

"Ew. Think of another metaphor." You scrunched your nose up, cringing.

Nat took it way too seriously, thinking off into the far distance. "Barnacles on a boat?"

"No."

"Sorry, that's all I can think of."

You chuckled. "Where did you hear that, anyway?"

"I didn't."

"So, how did you — "

"Remember how you found out about me and Steve?" She cut you off.

You hid your face on your palms as soon as the realization dawned on you. "Oh no."

"Oh yes." She took another sip of her hot coffee, her eyes fixed on you. "Babydoll, you've been wearing him like a damn perfume since day one and you love it."

And just when you thought you had kept Bucky away from your mind, there he was again, slithering his way back. The images flashed back, like a montage in a romance film — however cliche that sounded.

"Well, I don't not love it." You shied away, looking down on your shoes which still had a tiny bit of mud from your previous running sessions.

"So, you two are dating now?"

You sheepishly nodded your head, avoiding her stare. You told her about that same day you had your meeting: Sam's confrontation and the conversation you and Bucky had that night. As much as you didn't want to put a label on things, and as much as you hated the god-awful "talk", you fat did it anyway, under the stars as you lied on your backs in that little tent of yours.

"Sometimes, I think," Bucky traced the stars in the pitch-black skies with his finger, "that the stars aligned for us." He finished by poking your nose which elicited a giggle from you. A weird sound you only used with Bucky, and for Bucky.

You turned around and wrapped your arm around his torso. "You're getting cheesier and cheesier each day, Mr. Barnes."

"You bring it out of me, doll." He chuckled.

"Hey, why do you call me doll?" You asked in a whisper. "I'm sure as hell do not look like one."

He looked at you and traced your jaw with his finger, the sensation sending shivers down your spine. "Dolls are sweet yet fun to play with. Remember when I made you that drink? You said it tasted fruity and minty — "

"Fruity and minty." You laughed, reminiscing.

"And I've never played with quite a doll before." Then, he met your eyes. "Then, you happened."

"When you say play, not like, playing with my feelings, right? 'Cause you know this doll can punch, James. I won't hesitate."

"Don't worry, y/n." he kissed the tip of your nose.

The word "dating" wasn't explicit at that moment, but you didn't need to, anyway. All you needed to hear from him was the next words he uttered:

"I won't give you any reason to."

"What have you guys been doing when you're not having sex, anyway?"

"Nat." You scolded but answered anyway. "We watch movies."

"Boring."

"Oh, you know what's a good movie?" You asked, ignoring Nat's little comment. "The Grand Budapest Hotel."

"It's Budapesht."

You tilted your head to the side, frowning. "I'm pretty sure it's Budapest. 'Cause y'know, Budapest is the Budabest."

"No. Budapesht." She insisted.

"Budapesht is the Budabesht?" She nodded. "Yeah, that doesn't sit right with me. I'm gonna stick with Budapest."

"Anyway... will you tell Peter about you two when he gets back from... wherever the hell he is?"

"Well, yeah of course. It's Parker." You replied, chewing your inner cheek. "But not right away." Bucky's words echoed in yours.

"Oh, you're gonna butter him up." Nat chuckled, finishing her cup of coffee. "I know how. Give him free drinks for life."

"Even if I wanted to, I can't 'cause last night was my last shift at the bar." You smiled proudly, thinking back to the last drink you ever made last night. Everyone was there to witness it — except Sam. When you sent the photos to Peter, you were bombarded with a series of questions that you promised to answer once he gets back.

"Oh, that reminds me!" Nat suddenly exclaimed, catching other people's attention, clearly annoyed with her. She stifled a giggle, looking away from them. "That reminds me." She said it quietly this time. "We're throwing you a little party tonight. Steve's idea."

"Like a surprise party?"

"Well, it's not a surprise anymore 'cause I blabbed. So, act surprised when you get there and finish up your presentation."

You posed no further questions, the idea of a surprise party warming your heart. You just smiled at Nat, and got back to the laptop screen. "Yes, ma'am."

Later that night, you did as you were instructed to do as you opened the door to the bar: act surprised. "Oh my god, you guys!" You exclaimed, putting on a wide smile on your face. The small party might have been a surprise but the decorations put up wasn't. Hanging from the ceiling on multiple threads were your photos which used to be on the walls.

Every single one of them.

Below were everyone waiting —Nat, Steve, Nick, Bucky and even Sam — and watching your reaction as you adored the whole set-up. Steve was the first one to approach you, enveloping you in a hug.

"Oh my god, Steve." You muttered, hugging him back.

"Surprised?"

"Not really." You pulled away. "A pretty little number may have told me." you said, looking over at Nat who already had a beer in her hand. She acknowledged you by winking.

"Natasha." Steve sighed, also looking at Nat. Caught, she turned around and took a big gulp of her beer.

You began to walk towards the little group; an odd combination of people, you might as well add. "This is amazing, Steve."

"The whole party was my idea but these photos?" He said, pushing you carefully towards Bucky's direction who took delight in your expression. "Was your man's."

You walked towards Bucky, wrapping your arms around his neck. "Hey, you."

"Hey, doll." He greeted, kissing your cheek. "Like the place?"

"Are you kidding me? I love it!" With your arm still around his neck, you admired the photos hanging from the ceiling once more. Bucky let you go, greeting the others as well.

Nick engulfed you in a hug, and whispered. "If he hurts you, I'll kick his ass."

You chuckled, ruffling his hair. "Nick, you can't even hurt a fly. But thanks, anyway. I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

"You better." He said. “We actually got acquainted while we were decorating the place. He's a good man, y/n. It's a good thing you didn't go out with me."

"If you want, I'll set you up with Parker." You joked.

"Ha-ha, you're a very funny girl."

With all the tables drawn towards one side of the bar, a big space on the center was in view, perfect for dancing or any kind of performance you could possibly think of. You all went towards one of the largest booths that could accommodate all of you. On the table were a bunch of American food — wings, fries, burger, you name it. And of course, cold beer.

While eating and finishing your first bottle of beer, you asked the group to settle a tiny debate, which Nat didn't like.

"It's Budapesht!" Nat exclaimed, insistent. A crack on her voice was evident.

"Budapest!" Nick boomed, downing his first bottle. "Don't you know how to spell? It's clearly Budapest!"

"I told you, it's not Budapesht! Budapesht is not the Budabest. Budapest is!" You argued with Nat, high-giving Nick. "Team Budapest for the win!"

"Take it easy there, honey." Bucky chuckled, grabbing you by the waist.

"Budapesht!"

"Budapest!" You and Nick exclaimed.

"I'm Russian, it's Budapesht!"

"Bup-bup-bup-bup." Sam butted in, one elbow on the table, a finger pointing up the ceiling. "If there's a swarm of termites in my house, do I call the pest control, or the pesht control?"

"Ha! Budapest wins!" You yelled which annoyed Nat to no end. She threw a stick of fries to your face. "Hey!"

"Come to Russia." She said in an accent. "I dare you."

You all broke out in a laugh.

After eating most of the food, Steve stood up, retrieving something from the back of the bar. When he came out, a big karaoke machine was wheeled in. "Rented this baby for a special occasion." Steve said proudly, slapping the top of the karaoke machine. On his other hand was "Who wants to go first?"

"Hell yeah, I'd go first!" Sam shouted.

You couldn't even begin to describe the first few hours of that night. Sam and Nick were the most wasted among all of us, quickly developing a weird friendship. They hogged the karaoke machine the most, singing duets, singing a LOT of Adele, and Lady Gaga. At one point, Sam even sang a Taylor Swift classic, We are Never Ever Getting Back Together, and made a weird "weeee" sound while singing the song which cracked you all up. Steve sang an old mellow song. Nat sang American Pie, her raspy voice blending all too well with the melody. The only people left who haven't got a chance to sing and dance on the floor were you and Bucky.

"Come on, you lovebirds!" Sam groaned, shoving the songbook in front of your faces.

The others joined in a chant, finally convincing you and Bucky. You stood up, hand in hand, and approached the machine. "Wait, before we start," Bucky said, holding up a bottle of beer, "let me raise a toast to the girl I like most — "

"Oh, Bucky."

"To y/n!" He said your name proudly, raising his bottle. The others did as well, saying your name.

"And to Steve!" You raised your own. "For having the guts to fire me."

"To Steve!"

"And to you," you turned towards Bucky, "for believing in me."

"Oh, cut the crap already!" Nat shouted, cupping her mouth with her hands. "Sing, bitches!"

And on cue, Bucky punched in some numbers. A familiar melody came out, which made you shake your head at Bucky. "Oh god no."

"You love this song!" Bucky said.

"No, you love this song!"

He started to sing the first verses and when he almost came to the chorus, he offered his hand. "Come on, doll. Sing it with me... Now, I've got you in my sights. With these..."

"Hungry eyes!" You finally gave him, letting him pull you towards his body so you can share the microphone.

"One look at you and I can't disguise!"

"I've got hungry eyes. I feel the magic between you and I!"

"I feel the magic between you and I!"

You continued to sing, your backs facing the door. Suddenly, another voice chimed in, making you and Bucky turn around.

"Hey, guys!" Peter closed the door behind him, dropping his bags on the floor. "What did I miss?"

✪

On a high-rise building in the Upper East Side, Tony Stark of Stark Industries sat on his office chair, looking over the never-sleeping New York City. He watched the cars and people go by, like watching ants do their work in an ant-farm. So tiny. He thought, happily sitting on his empire he had been building for decades. He watched in amusement as more and more car lights appeared. The hues of red and yellow looked like teeny little dots in his view, which reminded him of stars, making himself the glimmering moon which stood high up on the skies, unreachable yet adored by the many.

A knock on the door interrupted his high. "Come in." Tony said.

A tall figure walked in, with legs that could go for miles and with hair as golden as the sun. "Sir." He spoke.

Tony didn't turn around in his chair, rather he looked at the tall glass windows in front of him. The city lights became blurry. All Tony could see now was his reflection staring back at him, and Jarvis'. He glanced at Jarvis on his right, then back at his own. "Jarvis." He acknowledged. "You have something for me, I believe."

"Yes, sir." Jarvis replied, the English accent heavy on his tone. "But I'm afraid you're not going to like it."

A frown started to form on Tony's face. "James?"

"Yes, sir." The tall blonde replied.

Bucky had been missing quite some appointments with potential partners and investors. Not that he did most of the work, anyway. He would sit in on meetings on end, letting his assistant or Leonard, his concierge, deal with the negotiations. In the end, Bucky gets most of the profit "running" the hotel. He was merely a figure, a presence needed for signatures on piles of papers. But he would know if he was being undermined, if he was being scammed. He knew how to handle business but he just chooses not to. No one knew this, of course, not even Peter; except the parties involved on Bucky's side and Tony Stark. Tony lets it slide, only because the White Wolf had been improving the past years but God did he hate that name.

"I gave you that hotel and no way in hell are you changing the name." Tony sternly said. They were eating dinner at a fancy restaurant in the Upper East Side.

Bucky's treat to butter him up for his good news. Well, good news for Bucky but not so much for Tony.

"I knew you'd say that." Bucky replied. "That's why I went ahead and scrapped the old name and changed it into something new while the renovation was happening."

"Oh, James." Tony sighed, his knife stopping midway through the juicy steak. "What's the name?"

"White Wolf."

"Oh for fuck's sakes."

"Mr. Stark?" Jarvis repeated for the third time, finally grabbing Tony's attention.

"Sorry." He replied. "So, what is it? What did you find?"

"Mr. Barnes has been seeing a girl."

Tony rolled his eyes and finally turned around in his chair, looking at Jarvis. "He's always seeing girls."

"I'm afraid it's different this time, sir. It's why he's been missing a lot of meetings lately. And it's just not a girl." He said.

"Apparently, she's Peter's best friend."

"Huh, that's a twist. Around Peter's age?"

"Yes."

"That is new."

"But that's not all, sir. I'm afraid James is getting acquainted with Mr. Rogers once more."

Tony's body stiffened. Eyes unblinking. "Rogers? Steve Rogers? Are you sure?"

"A hundred percent. This girl James has been seeing is an employee of Mr. Rogers. Some kind of bar underneath an apartment building on the Upper West Side."

Tony frowned. "I thought Rogers had been taken care of."

"He was, sir. This was just some... big coincidence."

"It's a big mistake." He spoke. "I need you to keep an eye on James and pull out Rogers' files. Find anything — everything you can about this new life of his."

"Understood, sir. How about the girl?"

Tony frowned, not seeing anything wrong with it. "I won't worry about it too much. If he falls in love, then that's good." His eyes flickered to the photo of Peter's mom who passed away years ago. "I mean, I did before."

"Alright, sir. I'll be heading out now."

He nodded, watching Jarvis walk away from him. "Jarvis."

Jarvis stopped in his tracks and turned around to face his boss once more. "James can never know, Vis. He can never know."