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atimeofyourlife · 1 year ago

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A family Thanksgiving

This was supposed to be up yesterday, but it took on a mind of its own and instead of the few hundred words it was supposed to be, its nearly 3k. Happy belated Thanksgiving to anyone who celebrates! rated: t | wc: 2847 | cw: period typical homophobia, Steve's asshole parents

The offers from everyone to have him over for Thanksgiving had been great, any other year he would have loved such a choice, but for the first time in a long time, he was spending the day with family.

"But you hate your family." Dustin pointed out when Steve had told everyone about his holiday plans.

"No, I hate my parents. It's my grandma that asked me to go, and I want to see her and my cousins that I haven't seen in like five years. I'm driving myself to Chicago, so I won't be stuck in a car with my parents for hours on end." Steve explained.

"But you're working a late the day before, and I'm not going to cover you so you can drive up early" Robin replied.

"I'm planning on leaving by six on Thanksgiving morning. It's less than four hours to drive, so I'll be there before ten, well nine because of the timezone change. I took the late shift the day before so I had an excuse to drive myself, and my parents wouldn't have any reason to come by Hawkins before. And I drive home either the Friday or the Saturday, ready for our Sunday shift."

Come Thanksgiving day, Steve was somewhat regretting his decision. It had been nearly midnight before he'd gotten home, after a number of people came in just before closing insistent on needing a selection of movies ready for the next day. Then hadn't been happy when the movies they wanted weren't in stock, so they left the place a total mess, causing Steve to stay late to tidy up ready for the opener the next day. Then having to get up around five, so he could get ready and be on track to leave as planned. In an attempt to wake up, he was mostly surviving on a large cup of incredibly strong coffee. He was just counting down the minutes until he could get there.

When he walked in the door, he was immediately wrapped up in a hug from his grandma. "Stevie, it's so good to see you."

"It's great to see you too, Grandma." He returned the hug, melting into it a little. Exactly what he needed after the year it had been.

"Let me take a look at you." She stepped back slightly, giving him a once over. Her hand came up to trace the scar still on his neck from where he had been strangled by the bats and vines. "What happened here?"

"I. It's nothing. It looks a lot worse than it is." Steve replied, trying to get out of the awkwardness of the conversation.

"Oh, if you're sure. If you want to help with dinner, you can join us in the kitchen. But if you just want to rest, anyone who's watching football is in the living room, and the Macy's parade is on in the den."

"It's been a long drive, and I had a late finish last night, so I think I'm going to take a bit of a break. I might come out and help a bit later." He offered.

"Oh, honey. If you don't feel up to it, you don't need to help at all. Take it easy, and we'll call you once everything is ready." She kissed Steve on the cheek, before going back to the kitchen.

Steve made his way through the house, glancing into the living room as he passed. He could see his dad in one of the recliners, and decided against joining them. Wanting to delay the inevitable "you're a disappointment" lecture. He knew his mom would likely be in the kitchen, not actually helping, just drinking wine and gossiping. He moved on to the den, where most of his cousins were. He hovered in the doorway for a second, unsure what to say. So much had changed since the last time he had seen any of them.

"Wait, Stevie?" One of them, Lizzie, said as she looked up to see him.

"Uh, hey?" Steve replied, a little unsure, before he was being swamped in a group hug.

"Jesus Christ, when did this happen? Last time I saw you, you were like a little kid. Now you're a whole grown adult." Another, Mark, said.

After a long catch up, bringing Steve up to date on everyone else's lives, and him giving an abridged highlights of his last few years, they then got into more serious topics.

"Was everything okay after the earthquakes? I tried calling a few times, but I don't know if I had the wrong number because it never went through." Alice, the oldest of his cousins, asked.

"The phones were down across the whole town for a while after, then it was patchy for weeks after that. It was hard to get five or ten minutes without it dropping out. It took me like two weeks before I was able to get hold of mom and dad to let them know that the house was still standing, and that I was still alive." Steve explained.

"Wait, they weren't in Hawkins for the earthquakes?" Harry cut in.

"No, they've not been in Hawkins since February? Like over a month before it happened."

"Oh. They were telling us last night about how awful and hard it had been during the earthquakes, and how they were scared for their lives." Alice replied.

"That's such bullshit. They weren't in the country when it happened, they were in London. They didn't even know that it was Hawkins that was affected until I called them, because all they'd seen on the news was a freak earthquake hitting the Midwest. It hadn't even specified the state. And then they didn't care how I was, if I was hurt or anything, all they were interested in was if there was damage to the house, and how the earthquake could affect the resale value."

"Okay, I call dibs about bringing that up over dinner. I just want to see what shade of purple Uncle Dick can turn." Becca, the closest cousin to Steve in age, piped up. "But were you hurt?"

"Uh, minor injuries. Nothing serious." Steve lied, not wanting to worry anyone. "I was able to start volunteering within a couple of days. You know, helping out at the relief center, helping search for missing people. And when everything calmed down I was helping rebuild and stuff. Just trying to do my bit. But I'm fine now."

"That's good. But thinking of Uncle Dick turning purple, who gets to bring up Fuck Reagan?" Mark asked.

"Stevie's been through the most, I think he should get the chance." Alice replied.

"Uh, I think that would go down about as well as if I told him that my best friend is a dyke and I've spent most of my free time in the last six months sucking off the local drug dealer, who was accused of being a cult leader and murdering three people." Steve said quickly, unsure if he wanted anyone else to pick up what he'd said.

"Was that for drugs, or for fun, or what? Like a hook up?" Harry asked.

"He's my boyfriend. I mean, it helps that I get free weed out of him, but I'd do it anyway." Steve admitted.

"That is something you missed out of your round up. But I love that all of us are some variation of queer."

Dinner was...interesting, to say the least. After saying Grace, they went round the table to say what they were thankful for that year. Steve had to bite his lip to keep himself from laughing as his parents waxed on and on about how they were thankful for their lives and being able to escape the earthquake unscathed. He couldn't keep from laughing when Becca spoke up against them.

"Really? Because Alice asked Steve how he found it after the earthquakes, and he said that he couldn't reach you for two weeks after it happened because the phones were down and you were in London. And you didn't even know that it had hit Hawkins until he called you."

"Steven, why are you telling lies about us?" His mother demanded.

"I wasn't? You weren't in Hawkins when the earthquake hit. You've not been there since February. When I was finally able to call you, you only cared about how the house was, not if I was hurt. And you were pissed that I hadn't called you sooner, despite the fact the phone lines were down for the whole town. I could have died or been injured in hospital, and you wouldn't have known."

"How dare-" His father started, only to be cut off by Steve's grandmother.

"Settle down. There's no need for arguing. I am inclined to believe Steve, because I do remember you telling me that you were going to be spending a few months in Europe at the start of this year."

Both of Steve's parents were visibly unhappy, but they didn't push it any further, allowing the rest of the family to talk about what they were thankful for.

Many small conversations broke out over the table, Steve loving the feeling of being surrounded by family for the first time in a long time. He got pulled into talking to different people, but he did his best to avoid his parents' eye. Not wanting to get trapped by them telling him all the ways he had bothered them since he'd last seen them. But he knew they were up to something, when his father got up before dessert was served.

"Before we have anything else, we do have a big announcement about the future of our family." He said, using the voice he always used when talking to the most important clients.

"You've sucked enough political dick to get what ever tax exemption you were after?" Lizzie asked, before anyone could take it too seriously.

Steve's dad just spluttered in anger as a call of "Elizabeth." Came from at least four different people around the table.

"Ignoring that horrible interruption. What I was going to tell everyone is about Steven's imminent engagement. He is going to be proposing to Melissa Downey, the daughter of my business partner, at Christmas, they've been seeing each other for nearly eighteen months now, and it is going to mean big things for our family."

Steve couldn't respond, processing what had just been said, as everyone started speaking, some offering congratulations, others in confusion.

"That's news to me." Steve said loudly, to get over everyone's voices, once he could form the words. "I'm not planning on proposing to anyone."

"Well, Arthur and I have been discussing it, and it is the only thing that makes sense now, the two of you have been together for long enough, the logical next step is engagement."

"I'm not dating Melissa. We went on one date over a year ago, just after I graduated. It was awful, all she was interested in was if I made enough money to bankroll her spending addiction. I made up a fake emergency to get out of it, and I would rather stick forks in my eyes than suffer through that again." Steve got to his feet, bracing his hands on the table. Knowing he'd been right not to be optimistic that the holiday could pass without incident.

"You will if you know what's good for you. If you don't, it could destroy our business. You wouldn't want to be the reason we go broke, would you? You could end up homeless. Where would you live?"

"First, I have plenty of friends who would be happy to take me in if I had nowhere else to go. It's something we talked about after the earthquake, because some people I know did have damage caused to their homes and I let them stay with me until they could move back in. Second, I don't really care about whether or not you go broke. You don't provide any money to me. You haven't since I started working at Scoops. I pay for all my food, gas, clothes. If you go broke, my financial position won't change at all. And third, I can't propose to her. I'm in a relationship, and we're both very happy."

"Is it that Buckley girl? Or did you somehow manage to convince that Wheeler girl that you're actually worth something? Because I can tell you now, you are going to break up with whatever little slut-"

"His name is Eddie." Steve shouted before he could think it through, and a silence fell across the room. "That's right. Your son is one of those awful queers that you keep campaigning against, to keep them illegal and get them locked up. And you know what? He's easily the best sex I've ever had. Especially when we get high first."

"Why you-" His father roared, his face turning a dark red in anger. "How dare you do this to us? After everything we have done for you. You'd better hope that those friends of yours would be willing to take you in, because you are not living under my roof any longer. You will have until the end of the weekend to collect your belongings, anything left will be burned."

"Except, it isn't your roof, is it Richard? If I remember correctly, I was the one who paid the mortgage. My name is the one on the deed to the property in Hawkins. I just allowed you to live there, rent-free might I add, because it made sense for you to live somewhere close to Indianapolis when your business was taking off. I had been planning to sell up. So I think maybe you should be the one to collect your belongings from that house, because I'm not sure if I want you living under my roof any longer. It sounds life you're almost never there, anyway." Steve's grandma replied.

"But, mother-" His father started.

"But nothing, Richard. I don't know where you learnt your hateful attitude, because I know I did not raise you to be the sort of man that would kick your own son out over something as minor as who he loves. I really thought you were a better man than that."

"It's disgusting." Steve's mother added. "So unnatural, and that disease."

"What is disgusting is your bigotry. I think I want you both out from under my roof, now. So, if you would both kindly leave. And I expect you to move your belongings from the house in Hawkins, as that is now Steve's house, not yours. And you better not touch anything that isn't yours, or cause any damage, because I will take legal advice." Steve's grandmother stood up, anger radiating from her tiny five foot frame. "And, unless you change and apologize for your outdated beliefs, you can forget any inheritance. I will not have any of my money going to support hatred."

"Mother,"

"Leave, Richard. Now. I'm not afraid to get the police involved here."

Steve's parents looked at him with their faces filled with utter disgust, before they turned and left. His grandmother escorting them off the property.

"Are you okay, Stevie?" His grandmother asked after the end of the meal.

"I. I think so. I think I need to make a couple of phone calls." He replied.

"Use any of the phones, dear. Maybe if you know someone who can keep an eye on the house."

"Yeah. I babysit for the chief of police sometimes, so I might call him. He'll make sure nothing happens."

"Good. And, if you're talking to that boy of yours, tell him that he's got to come up here for Christmas. I want to meet him, and make sure he's good enough for you."

"Grandma." Steve protested.

"I'm just saying." She replied before walking away.

Steve shut himself in one of the bedrooms, for a little privacy from the still crowded house while he made the calls. The call to Hopper was quick, just outlining what was going on, and Hopper agreed to keep a check on the house until Steve was back in Hawkins. Then it was the call to Eddie.

"Baby, I wasn't expecting you to call. How's your Thanksgiving?"

"Interesting. My parents decided to announce that I was going to propose to dad's business partner's daughter. They wouldn't accept that I wasn't interested in her so I accidentally came out."

"Shit, I hope that didn't go too bad?"

"Uh, it could have gone worse? Somehow me coming out got my parents removed from the will and kicked out of the house. Because my grandma wasn't happy with them being assholes about it."

"Oh, badass grandma. I kinda want to meet her now."

"I was hoping you would say something like that. Because she has told me that you have to come here for Christmas. She wants to make sure that you're good enough." Steve couldn't help smiling as he talked, somehow the day had gone so much better than he'd ever hoped.

#steve harrington #eddie munson #steddie #steve harrington has bad parents #steve x eddie #steve harrington x eddie munson #stranger things #atimeofyourwrites

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blenderfullasarcasm · 10 months ago

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For the ask game:

"You're not breathing. Breathe."

"You're not breathing, Mitsuhiko-kun. Breathe."

Mitsuhiko breathes.

"Good," Conan tells him. "Keep doing that." He rests one hand on Mitsuhiko's shoulder, a little awkwardly.

Mitsuhiko appreciates the attempt at comfort, even if he's frustrated at himself for needing it in the first place.

He's faced down kidnappers and murderers and terrorists.

He should not be this worried about public speaking.

"That's it," Conan encourages, exaggerating his own inhales so that Mitsuhiko is reminded that breathing is, in fact, necessary for his continuing consciousness.

...Maybe he can just allow himself to pass out briefly. They probably won't make him go on stage if he loses consciousness for a few minutes.

“It’s going to be fine,” Conan says confidently.

Mitsuhiko's jaw twitches. It's easy for Conan to say that. He's not the one who's about to give a speech in front of the entire high school, even though by all rights he really should be.

It's tradition for the highest scoring student to give a speech during the entrance ceremony, and although Mitsuhiko knows that he is intelligent and tests well on exams, Conan is on an entirely different level.

...This may be influencing his current state, Mitsuhiko acknowledges. He has no trouble talking to groups of twenty people or fewer, even if they're all adults and he needs to force them to take him seriously, but he only actually does that when he is confident in his own conclusions, or when Conan has explained the answer to him. In short, he can talk to groups of people when he knows and believes in what he’s saying.

Standing in front of hundreds of his peers with nothing but a single-spaced sheet of pristine paper with pithy words about doing their best together and being good representatives for the school is something entirely different.

Especially when the one standing on the stage should really be Conan.

But Conan had missed entrance exams last year, thanks to something he'd claimed was 'a really nasty cold' that had sent him to Haido Central Hospital for over a month. His illness had been so bad that Mitsuhiko hadn't even been allowed to visit him. When Conan had finally emerged, he’d looked pale, gaunt, and haunted, so Mitsuhiko hadn't pressed for further answers (even though he had really wanted to).

Conan had only been able to take the entrance exams later because his mysteriously absent but wealthy parents had purportedly pulled some strings, but it had apparently been too late to put him into the class rankings.

That's the only reason that Mitsuhiko is here, five steps from the stage and holding himself very, very still so that he doesn't accidentally crinkle his speech. His legs feel weak, like he'll collapse if he takes even a single step further. The stage is big and bright and incredibly intimidating, and he does not want to go out there.

"Mitsuhiko-kun, look at me."

Mitsuhiko's gaze snaps to Conan involuntarily. Conan's using the tone he uses when he needs to get adults to listen to him, the one that's firm and urgent but level. Looking at him when he sounds like that is second nature to Mitsuhiko.

Conan's eyes bore into him, like he can see every single miniscule insecurity that Mitsuhiko has ever had even as he disregards them as unfounded.

"You can do this," Conan tells him, like he really believes it.

Well.

If Conan believes he can do it...

Mitsuhiko takes a deep breath and steps out onto the stage.

#for some reason mitsuhiko brings out the alliteration in me #dcmk #fanfic #detective conan #meitantei conan #case closed #tsuburaya mitsuhiko #edogawa conan #kudou shinichi #tumblr ask game

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rederiswrites · 9 months ago

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I don't see how trump turning America into a christofacsist state is any different than the norm? like it's been like that for native and black people since it's creation like we inspired the nazis in the first place so like what the point? oh trumps gonna kill everyone who isn't a white cis male! and? that's what america's best quality since day one

Okay I'm actually going to respond to this Edgelord Supreme bullshit, because as absurd as it looks written out like this, I actually do think a lot of people are feeling some half-articulated version of this despair and cynicism. Let's kick that in the ass.

First, let's get one thing straight. History has been terrible awful bad always and forever. There have been a thousand genocides and a million wars and a billion brutal, inhuman war crimes. Back in the days of the earliest civilizations, wiping out entire cities when you defeated them was basically just how things were done for many societies. The fact that we have international laws and international bodies of justice, however obviously toothless they remain, is the result of thousands of years of extremely mixed progress.

So at this point, you pretty much have to say either that a) humans are an incurable blight and don't deserve to live, or b) that we've done amazing, beautiful things and experienced billions of moments of happiness and created art and fallen in love despite all this, so we're still worth working on. Personally, I am very strongly in camp b. I see things worth living for a hundred times a day. There's really no comparison.

Second, the USA is not uniquely bad. It is terribly damaging to people both within its borders and all over the world. It is build on genocide and slavery. Many of its foundational institutions are deeply corrupted by these things. And guess what, that's uh....pretty common. No, really. The US is currently a big fucking problem. It's our turn with the big stick, for sure. But even then, we're not alone.

So how the fuck is this encouraging? It isn't. I'm not encouraging you, I'm telling you to fucking GET GOOD, because when you say shit like the above, what I hear is "Oh I SEE, I'm a TERRIBLE PERSON I guess I should just kill myself to make your life easier." I hear someone who would rather give up and call their country morally bankrupt and irredeemable than to PUT IN SOME FUCKING WORK.

Cynicism is so comfortable. It doesn't ask anything of you. "It's always been like this," it says. "Nothing's going to change."

Except things do change, and things have changed, and your entire premise is in fact absolute dogshit. The two presidential candidates are not remotely the same, and we are not, yet, a Christofascist nation. I could, as many before me already have, enumerate the million concrete ways in which your premise is just not true, but honestly I won't bother, because it's not a premise in good faith. What I mean by that is that even a cursory examination of the actual facts would totally trash your expressed beliefs, so you're not really interested in the facts.

Change for the better can happen. Change for the better has happened. It's just not as EASY as you want it to be. There are more steps. For example, you can't have viable independent candidates until you have campaign finance and voting reform. So you have to push for those things. For years, probably decades. Many people have died without seeing the realization of things they fought for, and yet those things have come to pass. You may die fighting the good fight and not see the victory. I may too. Meanwhile, you make the choices that will hopefully get the fewest people killed.

So stop acting like we're all just too shitty to bother about, and put in some fucking work.

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got-into-worm-by-mistake · 6 months ago

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Gestation 1.2 Live Reactions

(This is me, writing reactions as I read, because why the fuck not. They're not complete, mature thoughts taken after I sit back and evaluate what I've read. Consider them as such)

My thoughts were on Emma on the bus ride home. For an outside observer, I think it’s easy to trivialize the importance of a ‘best friend’, but when you’re a kid, there’s nobody more important.

Yeah, that definitely feels like it hits/rings true for me.

Of course, what's weird about this phrasing here, are the 'when you're a kid' and 'for an outside observer' bits. Like, that's more self-aware than I think Taylor should be, and the latter part especially feels like something someone reflecting back on these events years later would say, rather than what someone in the moment would think?

But maybe that's just Taylor's voice.

A friendship that deep is intimate. Not in the rude way, but just in terms of a no-holds-barred sharing of every vulnerability and weakness.

"Not in the rude way"? I'm... I mean, contextually I think I guess this means like 'not in a sexually intimate' way, I guess, with the use of that phrasing, but that's got to be the weirdest way to put it I've seen, nor did it seem altogether necessary. I don't think anyone would have assumed it was meant that way. I certainly wouldn't have, but it's not like it ruins the work.

That notebook was – had been – my notes and journal for my hero career. The testing and training I’d done with my powers, pages of crossed out name ideas, even the measurements I was using for my costume in progress. After Emma, Madison and Sophia had stolen my last backpack and stuffed it in a wastebasket, I had realized how big a danger it was to have everything written down like that. I had copied everything over into a new notebook in a simple cipher and wrote it bottom to top. Now that notebook was spoiled, and I was looking at having to copy some two hundred pages of detailed writing into a new notebook if I wanted to preserve the information. If I could even remember what was on all of the ruined pages.

And so the history of the wormverse turns. Without this, without the kickstarting element, and having that kickstarting element destroy so many of her notes and ideas... she doesn't go out half-cocked like she does. Doesn't face Lung, doesn't meet the Undersiders... and so the wormverse turns.

Many worm fics, especially Altpower fics, do indeed start with the Locker, or even whatever the alternate trigger is, or somewhere similar, and that is understandable, but it also makes a great deal of sense for Wildbow to start here. Three months between the locker and Taylor actually doing anything would have been very dull to read, even if much of it was skipped over. And having Taylor immediately go a-heroing as soon as she was recovered (as much as one can be) from the Locker would have been indicating a very different sort of personality for Taylor. Taylor did got get the most immediately useful power - and she's already probably a pretty thoughtful person, based on what I indirectly know of her.

So it's another key establishing character element for her. I can certainly see why - if every character is established so well - so many of Worm's cast burrows themselves into various people's minds and won't let go. I can see why Worm would have grabbed readers once they started, with all these well-placed hints and details.

Okay, so it had been harder than that. Not just any spider worked, and the black widow spiders themselves were hard to find. They weren’t typically found in the northeastern states, where it was generally colder, but I was fortunate that that key element that made Brockton Bay a tourist destination and a hotspot for capes also made it a place where black widow spiders could live, if not thrive. Namely, it was warm. Thanks to the surrounding geography and the ocean bordering us on the east, Brockton Bay had some of the mildest winters you could find in the Northeastern States, and some of the most comfortably warm summers. Both the black widows and the people running around in skintight costumes were thankful for that.

Which came first? Brockton Bay being unusually warm for it's location and thus black widows? Or black widows and this Brockton Bay being unusually warm for it's location?

With my power, I had ensured the spiders could multiply. I’d kept them in safe locations and fattened them on prey I directed straight to them. I had flipped that mental switch that told them to breed and lay eggs as if it was summer, fed more prey to the hundreds of young that had resulted and had earned countless costume spinners for my trouble.

Honestly, this is a reason shard-granted powers are pure bullshit (affectionate), because sweet jesus, this level of control over the bugs, which should have minds humans can't understand? That should not be so simple, and yet.

Yeah, I needed a life.

Yet another cornerstone of a stable timeline. Taylor not having a fucking life.

It wasn’t a great looking costume, just yet. The fabric was a dirty yellow-gray. The armored sections had been made out of finely arranged and layered shells and exoskeletons I’d cannibalized from the local insect population and then reinforced with dragline silk. In the end, the armored parts had wound up dark mottled brown-gray. I was okay with that. When the entire thing was done, I planned to dye the fabric and paint the armor.

Knowing what Taylor will be experiencing shortly, it's kind of surprising she didn't realize how villainous her costume looked, but I do suppose I can understand a combination of a desperation to be a hero and being too close to it, and probably just... not wanting to think of it, etc, was a factor.

Also, and like - I've seen lots of very clear dates for various events, where do those come from? It's not in the text, is that something Wildbow provided later? did people run the numbers using the existing dates and just hope they weren't missing anything?

#Worm #Wormblr #Worm Web Serial #Worm Wildbow #Worm Parahumans #Kylia Reads Worm #Gestation 1.2.#Taylor Hebert

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sukunasun · 1 year ago

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I am OBSESSED with Spider-Man Suguru …. YOUR MIND

he's such an ominous figure when he's got the mask on but turns into a nerdy grump when he takes it off. kinda wanna see him in thick-rimmed glasses and sweatpants, lazing around and recuperating from his latest mission. sleep deprived and a little weary, the languid motion of him tossing and turning in a creaky bed made up of duvets and pillows he's stacked strategically, covers pulled over the bird nest atop his head. doesn't want to think about detangling on his off day.

but you like the suit. always had. in another life, you see him crouched on a rooftop, silhouette highlighted by a neon sign, rain pelting against him. how menacing. suguru's got angst brooding within him. withholding the chance to move on, or rather he doesn't intend to. so what if he's become obsessive, talking to screens and dreaming about you. modeling his holographic companions after your figure, your face, your voice. spent forever getting it just right. coding a line or two or a hundred and changing the input repeatedly. the first draft appears before him then. not too nice, not too mean. perfection glowing before him with the same smile you wear, flittering over his shoulder, snuggled up to his cheek, fitting in the crook of his palm as you give him updates on everything. "they're having a sale at the supermarket," says virtual assistant you, and he actually does make a trip there. buying himself a nice box of stock for dinner before he realizes that it's the first time he's actually made himself a meal. a year late but still, it's better than takeout or vending machine natto.

although, he would still prefer a tangible, physical you that isn't made up of glitching pixels. to caress skin and flesh, kiss the very breath from you and feel it graze his own lips. puffing out gasping cries and guttural moans, exhaling his name in exaltation, he'll swallow them up.

he's had a bad day. you can tell because he's abandoned the hot meal and even hotter shower for this. storming towards you with heavy steps and his heavy breaths puffing through his mask. why should you fear spiderman. hero, and saviour of the world. that he's been teasing you, taunting you. so what if he's got your wrists tied up around a tangle of webs. only after he's pulled from you a scream and the third orgasm of that night do you wonder.

spandex serves its purpose when it's hugging muscled arms so strong, bending and straining tight as he cages in, looms above you, his weight steady you can't help but to surrender to how good the pressure feels. the tilt of his head is condescending, enough to show you he isn't impressed, "you made a mess," suguru doesn't even try to be sympathetic. merely stating it as if it was all your fault for squirting all over his oh-so-precious suit. you'd question him on the occasion at hand, he'd been the one who wanted you to come undone on his dick.

legs locked tight behind him, his cock slides in just that bit further, deeper. a surprised squeal slipping past your lips. "easy now," you used to tease whenever he's gotten too eager, too hungry. but you're at a loss for words when the roles are reversed here. especially when the sharp point of his fangs skim over a patch of skin he's come to know as one of your most sensitive spots. right where it won't hurt you too much, he determines where they should sink in and leave behind no more than two perfectly formed puncture wounds, no bruising, no blood. well, maybe just a little, the iron tang he laps at is addictive. is alive.

#in a state of deep raging arousal and titillation #sunpiece #jujutsu kaisen #jjk fic #geto suguru #jjk geto #geto x reader #geto suguru x reader #geto fic #geto suguru fic #spiderman suguru #saturated

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transpat · 6 days ago

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realizing that the lilac betting convo was them having three different conversations at once.

yoon jiwon who's been unsettled the whole week bc of seok jiwon's reappearance was now just totally and utterly humiliated bc seok jiwon witnessed her rejection and breakdown (actually going to talk about that in a separate post). if it isn't entirely obv btw the reason she was crying is actually seok jiwon.

(her whole line is 'i'm crying because these days...')

and then,

'To laugh at me?' obv seok jiwon hasn't even thought of that and probably can't add 2 and 2 together. but to yoon jiwon who was an over achiever in high school, always better than seok jiwon the only person she cared about being better than, and is then dumped wordlessly and cruelly by him, her current living situation compared to his are. embarrassing. she normally doesn't care being not that well off financially but again, this is seok jiwon. everything matters when it comes to him.

anyway, her saying 'he's ruining everything her grandfather worked for' is the only valid excuse she has to shit on this man now. there's so many things she wants to complain about, to scream at him about, but he just abandoned her, left without a word, never picked up a single one of her hundred calls and admitting she's anxious bc he came back would only further add to her humiliation.

insisting the lilacs won't bloom again is like saying, 'anything u touch will be doomed'.

seok jiwon on the other hand, is talking about their romance.

unlike yoon jiwon who's had zero contact w this guy for years and thus believes it'd be both mortifying and insane to still harbor feelings for the dude, hence her vehement denial in the consecutive eps, seok jiwon's seen her at her most miserable and vulnerable. it's why he's never been able to move on no matter how painful this is for him, why he's never been able to love any one else even thou yoon jiwon no longer wants him. in fact, him refusing to come back was precisely bc he knew his presence would only upset her, esp involved in a project that is already destroying her grandfather.

it's only when he's told she possibly forgot about him, that he abandons all reason and runs back. and to his relief—initially—she has not forgotten about him at all. no, rather he's come back to hear her say all of this instead.

(he never said he hated her.)

the lilac is barren, the lilac hasn't bloomed in years, the lilac is probably dead—there are no feelings between us, it's been way too many years, after everything that happened there's no way we'd ever fall in love again. that's what he's hearing.

this is also the girl who dumped him over a tiny little fight and refused to ever see him again no matter how many times he tried to reach out to her. this is also the girl he's still in love w. and he just heard her admit to liking someone else and then spit at the idea of them being together.

his words: 'it's not withered or dead', he still has feelings for her and since she feels so strongly about him, he's dying to know if there truly isn't any love in her opinion; 'this is the 5th year not the 40th', even if it's been almost two decades, it wasn't enough for him to forget about her, after what she did to him, was it that easy for her to move on or did she ever think about him, did she ever regret.

insisting the lilacs will bloom, is him trying to convince himself she still loves or still can love him.

and so the bet conditions:

she wants him gone from her life so she can stop feeling so pathetic and embarrassed about herself and her situation and her somehow persisting feelings for him. she loved him for so, so many years, that even if she's in denial now and thinks she isn't in love with him, seok jiwon's long become a part of her self. and she's convinced the only way she can evict him from her heart, is to evict him from her town first.

he wants to know, once and for all, if yoon jiwon truly truly hates him and will never hold an ounce of emotion towards him again. he needs to see for himself if yoon jiwon doesn't regret their breakup at all, if she's never thought of him in all those 18 years, if she really doesn't love him for all. it's the only way he'll be able to move on.

tldr; the lilacs convo was yoon jiwon's metaphoric way of saying seok jiwon ruins everything (she talks about her grandfather but means her heart) and seok jiwon's way of saying a love as deep as there's was can't die no matter how many years have passed and will bloom again, and the rest of the room only now realizing how fucking insane these both are.

p.s. maeng sua spends a lot of time joking about how jiwon must be confusing her feelings of affection for him as hatred and how hate and love are two sides of the same coin and blah blah blah, but it's only now that she realizes her jokes were on point and she looks scandalized.

she's seen yoon jiwon screaming and kicking at the man but this is what made her jaw drop.

and this is where she realizes that yoon jiwon becoming animated and childish and talkative and lively over the past week was bc she'd finally met someone who matched her freak.

she's the only one excited about the bet lol. funnily, she also stops joking about seok jiwon being her type after this and once she snuffs out gong minsu's feelings for yoon jiwon, she turns her flirty jokes on him instead.

#love your enemy #kdrama watchers usually dont think too deeply about shows ik #i love my media analysis thou #and while i do think this script is pretty mid #(still misogynist)#its otherwise well thought out #hopes that lasts till the end omg #anyway jung yumi and ju jihoon are such fucking great actor their expressions and line delivery alone #gives me so much material to take apart and analyze #also love sua's actress so much she has really pretty eyes #like such pretty eyes #one of the prettiest eyes i've ever seen actually #thoughts.txt #im rewatching bc i miss them so bad im going to be yapping a lot sorry

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armpirate · 5 months ago

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Kalla | Choi San || Chapter 19

MASTERLIST Previous || Next

Pairings: CEO!San x fem!reader

Genre: smut, angst, fluff, strangers to lovers.

Warnings: dom!San, sub!reader, voyeourism, use of sex toys, bondage, dirty talk, BDSM, exhibitionism, rough sex.

Summary: She was surprised by how fast her life went from the perfect fairytale to the destructive mess it had turned into. Dealing with a cheater ex boyfriend, having to move out to a different place because the house she lived in belonged to that man she once dreamed of spending the rest of her life with, while continuously being underappreciated at work... It was as if life was telling her to stop dreaming big, to go back to her small town, Bibury, and help her parents run the small farm her family had owned for decades.

At least until she received a call from her friend.

A sudden vacancy as an assistant showed up on one of her friend's system, having her being encouraged to take that big step and apply for it. She had no hopes for it. Mainly because she didn't have any experience on the field, and she didn't comply with most of the requirements that were added on the offer -and which most of them sounded ridiculous and exaggerated for the position, making her wonder who was the freak who needed so many guidelines in order to hire someone to pick up the phone and schedule events.

Although that hotel she'd be working on was much more than anything she could've come up with.

Choi San wasn't someone easy to deal with. After his previous assistant presented his resignation letter on his desk, he felt forced to start the whole selection process again -after merely two months.

Sure that he was being way too strict, enough to find that anyone who applied for the position wasn't enough, he asked one of his friends to be in charge of the interviews and the selection of the most adequate candidate.

Little did he know Wooyoung would hire the imperfectly perfect candidate for him, sure that she'd help him in many ways other than just in dealing with the responsibilities of his position.

A new challenge will come their way as soon as she steps inside the hotel.

Y/n will have to learn how to mold onto him and deal with all his small habits and requirements, and San will find himself trying to open up and let out all those same things that turned him into the person he was.

The more she digs in Kalla and all of its secrets and exciting corners, the deeper she'll dive into San's heart and soul... Although, maybe, she won't be able to take it.

Kalla opens its doors to you, sharing the vast amount of filthy and erotic plans it offers, and that you can join with a partner... Or maybe just by yourself.

Hope you enjoy your stay.

Chapter duration: 22 minutes

His eyes opened slowly, fighting their own weight to be able to see his room barely lit by the weak light from outside. His fingers taped over his pillow, trying to think about what happened the previous day, and how real it actually was. And how good he felt.

It was the first time he had such a connection with someone. At times Y/n made him feel as if she were an extension of himself, reading his mind to follow his orders or adapt to his movements immediately after he gave a hint of them. It was obvious she was inexperienced in that area, but she had him burning with every gentle touch, every high-pitched and every desperate look.

That woman was indeed everything he had been waiting for as a sex partner.

San slid his feet inside his slippers, pushing himself up by pressing his palms over the edge of the bed inside the guests room -which had never been used. Actually, it had been used before. But the memory of his father giving him one hundred awful nights was something he'd rather forget.

When he stepped inside his room, he tried to be as silent and careful as possible when noticing the bulge in the middle of his bed under the blankets. It was obvious by how still she was that Y/n was still deep in her sleep.

Trying to keep it as silent and calm, he dressed himself inside his dresser -something he hardly ever did. He appreciated having as much space to walk over the shelves and hangers to choose what he was going to wear, but he always ended up taking it out to place it over his bed while he dressed himself.

Not that day, and not while Y/n was still sleeping.

The vest was hanging on his elbow, while he slowly surrounded the edge of his bed to place himself at the level of her head.

Her cheek was squished against the black fabric, while her arms cuddled to it, keeping the pillow close to her body. Some messy locks fell over her cheek, while the rest were spread all over the covers. His finger reached for a strand of hair, which was too close to be trapped between her slightly parted lips, moving it enough just so it wouldn't bother her later.

San was hesitating whether to wake her up, let her sleep and wait for her, or let her sleep and give her the freedom to go to work once she had finally recovered and after she had changed her clothes; but while he took a decision, he found himself tilting his head to appreciate her features half covered by the blankets, while his eyes wrinkled with a smile that was barely seen on his face.

His head shook, knocking back some common sense and rationality onto him while his hand tried to reach the small notebook he had on his nightstand.

It was a better idea for him to give her space to get ready and use whatever she needed in his house, without feeling intimidated by him. It was better that way.

He needed to deal with more important things that day, other than that sudden rush in his veins by just seeing her in her most comfortable state.

And all that unexpected frustration came out with a different shape and form as he stepped inside his hotel, walking through the big doors that were opened by the bellboy, who glanced at him with a friendly smile while bowing.

San strode into the hotel lobby, his face set with determination. The staff, sensing his mood, quickly stepped aside as he made his way to the manager's office. He always kept a sensible distance with all of his employees, but it never affected how he acknowledged them. At least until that morning.

Inside, the manager, Areum, was already waiting with a concerned look on her face. Seeing San's message first thing in the morning was enough for her to react and get everything to work before he showed up.

—Good morning —she got up from her seat, bowing to him—. I've gathered the reception staff as you requested.

—Thank you, Areum —he nodded curtly—. Let's get this over with.

They walked to the small conference room where the receptionists were gathered, all gathered around the big oval table with expressions being a mix of confusion and anxiety. While leading the table, San took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure.

—I'm sure you're all aware that there was a serious breach of privacy involving one of your colleagues recently —he informed, addressing the group of six people—. Someone gave a worker's private information, such as their personal address, because someone pretending to be her boyfriend asked for it. That information, which was leaked, could've led to some dangerous situation.

The room was silent, with the receptionists exchanging nervous glances while avoiding his eyes, which tried to scan each one of their faces, looking for any sign of guilt.

—I want to make it clear that such breaches will not be tolerated. We need to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality for our guests. If this breach happens with someone who works here, who assures me it won't happen to any of our guests?

But it wasn't one of his guests, nor one of his employees. It was Y/n. It was Y/n turning into a small ball of anxiety while hiding in his car so she wouldn't get caught, avoiding a conflict that someone else settled for her by being careless about such delicate information.

— So, I need to know who was responsible.

The receptionists remained silent, the tension in the room palpable. While San's eyes preyed on each one of them, looking for any sign of guilt, any sign of discomfort, until he found all of them in one person standing as far away from his place as possible.

Finally, one of them, a young girl, and one of the latest additions to the group, SookJa, shifted uncomfortably. San's eyes locked onto her.

—SookJa, do you have something to say? —he sharply questioned.

The short girl with a bob cut struggled to speak, muttering some sounds, but never getting to speak up before her chin started trembling uncontrollably.

—I... I didn't mean for anything bad to happen —her voice trembled with fear—. He said he was her boyfriend and that it was urgent. And I... I thought it wouldn't hurt to just tell him where she lived.

His breathing became irregular with that explanation, sure that it didn't make things better to know that he offered her money in exchange for compromising Y/n's security and privacy.

But even then, he didn't want to make a scene.

—Everyone out. I just want SookJa and Areum to stay —despite the anger, his voice sounded crontrolled.

He waited for each one of the receptionists to get out of that room, neither of them aiming an empathic look her way, before the door finally closed behind them.

—Do you realize the potential danger you put her in? This isn't just giving out information. This is about safety and trust.

—I'm so sorry, Mr. Choi —tears started swelling down her cheeks—. I didn't think it would lead to this. I just... He told me he traveled all the way from the UK to see her, and he told me Y/n was waiting for him, just that she didn't tell him where she lived because she forgot.

—Did he also offer you money? —Areum interrogated.

Her weeping became messier and louder after that question, nodding as she felt unable to form a single word.

San looked at her, moving his hands towards the edge of the table to support his weight on it, letting his head fall forwards tiredly while he sighed. He tried to temper his anger, but that last bit of information only made things worse.

—Areum, I want SookJa's employment terminated immediately —he informed, raising his head to look at a concerned Areum—. We can't afford to have someone who compromises our guests' safety.

—San —she called him, hesitation flashing her voice—, I understand your frustration, but we need to follow proper HR procedures. This will require a formal review.

His jaw clenched, knowing exactly where that demand was coming from.

—Fine. But SookJa is suspended without pay until the review is complete. And I want a full report on how we can prevent this from happening again.

—Understood —Areum bowed ninety degrees in her boss' direction—. We'll handle it.

When he stood back straight, he glanced one hard look at the young woman who kept shaking her head, as if that would make any change on his decision.

—I have nothing else to say.

San left the room with those six words falling heavy on SookJa's shoulders, while the weight of the situation pressed on him. He couldn't allow another scandal, and he couldn't allow anyone putting someone that was part of Kalla in danger.

Areum followed him right after, walking fast to catch him in the middle of the corridor and speak while keeping the speed of his long legs.

—I'm really sorry.

—It's not your fault —he sighed.

—I was the one who hired SookJa —she argued back—. Ever since you cut on the money spent on the hiring process, the quality of the new employees has decreased a bit.

His steps slowed down with that information, which he was already aware of. The difference between the oldest employees and the ones who started in the past year and a half was evident, the quality of their manners, their dedication and effort was completely different. Even their loyalty to Kalla. New employees didn't stay for longer than a few months, while the most veteran employees had been there almost since the hotel was founded.

That one last meeting with the investors, where they decided to reduce costs on something they found minimal, had him suffering sporadic headaches from situations like the one he lived the previous day.

And it needed a solution.

Y/n groaned while hugging tight onto the pillow, stretching her legs and back while she felt the mattress underneath her getting used to every single movement she made. It felt like she was sleeping on a big cloud.

When opening her eyes, and getting used to the weak light the cloudy day outside allowed to come in through the curtains, she managed to see one white note perfectly placed in the middle of the nightstand.

Hello, Y/n,

I'm feeling like writing this in Korean, because I know you'll understand (or you'll make the effort to understand).

I didn't want to wake you because it looked like you were sleeping well, and you needed it after last night. I have to head to the hotel early to handle an urgent issue, so I'll see you there when you come. Take your time.

Feel free to make yourself at home here. Take a shower if you please. There's coffee in the kitchen, and some snacks.

Thank you for your trust last night.

San

P.S. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me.

She wanted to keep that giggly smile to herself, but she couldn't help it after reading just the first line. She struggled to read the note, taking a bit more than a few minutes to make up what all the characters combined meant, but she felt so proud of herself after finding out the meaning. And she felt so nervous while reading the last part...

Putting on the same clothes she used the previous night, right after showering, felt like it made no sense. Yet she did it anyway.

While Y/n walked around his place to head to the kitchen again, she couldn't help but notice the lack of identity his house had. There was no indicator that the house belonged to him. No family pictures, no details that could give out his hobbies. She could bet that man was a mystery even for himself.

But maybe it was better like that.

The most impersonal sex was, the least she'd get attached to him or anything they lived together. She meant it when she told her friends she didn't want to fall for someone again in a long while. After four years in a failed relationship, she just wanted to have fun and live those things she wasn't able to live. She wanted to get wild, she wanted to try new things and break up with her past self. She wanted to break her own limits and learn things about herself she didn't know about. And San had been a Master on teaching her all of that.

Getting home at that time of the day, only to get changed again, was something that wouldn't have crossed her mind weeks back. And after Seonghwa ran over her as soon as she crossed the door, she could tell why.

—Where were you? Are you okay? —his hands moved over her arms, trying to check on her— Some weird dude showed up here last night, and confronted me because I wouldn't tell you where you were. I didn't know, but even if I had known, I wouldn't have told him.

—Andy was still here when you showed up? —Y/n interrupted, amazed by the lengths her ex boyfriend went.

—Yeah. He was so distasteful —the disgust on his face almost made her chuckle—. I guess he ended up leaving when you didn't come.

Seonghwa was finally aware of her wrinkled and messy clothes, along with her still humid hair. Checking the time, on the clock hung over the small couch, his concerned expression turned into a smirk.

—I can see why you're not affected at all —he playfully commented.

—What does that mean?

His manners and how delicate he actually was didn't allow him to do the gestures he wanted to do, to let her know he indeed knew of what she did the previous night, but the way his eyebrows arched and his lips puckered did give it out.

—Who was it? Was it with that man you didn't want to make things more difficult with?

—Oh my god, did you hear my conversations?

Y/n wanted to be upset at her friend being into gossip, yet that detail only made her like him even more.

—It could be —he admitted—. Was it with him?

—It could be —she imitated his answer—. I'll tell you more about it later, I need to go to work.

—You won't tell me anything later because you'll be going to sleep before I come home —he annoyingly called her out, letting his body fall over the couch.

Y/n dedicated him one sweet smile before she closed the door to her room behind her, giving herself the privacy she needed to get changed.

It was unbelievably crazy the big influence feeling wanted had in the way she viewed her life. It gave herself a serotonin boost, finding things funnier than they were, seeing the sun shining bright through the gray clouds. It even felt like that when she got to the hotel, finding everyone smiling more than usual.

It made no sense, although it wasn't bothering her.

Until someone spoke.

—Hey —Mingi walked to her with a friendly smile—. Are you okay? I heard about what happened yesterday.

Seonghwa had such a big mouth... The last thing she wanted was people in her workplace knowing of what happened in her private life.

—I don't get how that asshole had the balls to show up at your place —he clicked his tongue, placing his hands on his hips.

—It's alright. He wasn't there in the morning, so I guess he gave up —she shrugged.

Either that, or he was going to try his luck again in a matter of a few hours.

—San was so angry when he came in the morning. He made all the receptionists, even those who were on their day off, come here to attend an urgent meeting about it.

San wasn't the king of discretion either, wasn't he?

—I still don't know what happened though. I haven't seen Areum yet —he let her know, flying his eyes over Y/n's head.

—I guess he was affected by the privacy breach —she shrugged—. So it's confirmed it was someone here?

—Yeah, um...

—Hey, Y/n, how are you? —a middle-woman with a bun, who she hadn't spoken to before, walked to them— I heard the news.

—HyeYoung, what did we tell you? —Mingi called her out with a calm tone.

—She has been stalked, of course I'll ask her how she's doing —she rolled her almond eyes.

—It's not a big deal.

—Well, it seems to be for San. He's getting ready to fire the person who gave out your information —HyeYoung scoffed.

—How do you know? —Mingi turned to her.

—I was drinking a coffee with the guys in HR, and they said they're the busiest they've ever been since you gave up your position as his secretary, because they've been looking into SookJa's case after San was determined on firing her.

—I need to head to work —Y/n mumbled.

Not giving them time to speak and ask her to join them for a coffee, her heels started moving fast to that route she already knew so well.

And she wasn't surprised to see his door closed when she entered their shared office, managing to hear some muffled voices behind the door -one of them being of an altered San.

—You can't cut money from something so important —San sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose—. This hotel bases its quality on its security. How can I offer that when my employees don't believe in that themselves?

—And how can you expect them to believe in that if you fire them at the first chance you have? —Wonshik barked back from the other side of the screen.

—That receptionist leaked confidential information about one of my employees, which led to a serious safety issue. I believe terminating her employment is necessary to maintain our standards and ensure our guests' trust.

—You can't just fire people left and right without due process—Wonshik scoffed—! This isn't a dictatorship. We have procedures to follow. Besides, do you realize how hard it is to find good staff these days?

—Good staff don't compromise the safety of our guests for a bribe. What she did was unacceptable. If we don't take a stand now, it sets a dangerous precedent. Imagine the damage it could create to Kalla if this got to the general public. We'd be involved in another scandal.

—You're too quick to judge. Everyone makes mistakes. And this isn't just about one employee; it's about the entire workforce seeing that you care more about protocols than people.

—I do care about people—our guests and our staff. That's exactly why I'm doing this. I need my staff to feel as protected as guests in privacy matters. Part of caring is ensuring a safe environment. If our employees think they can get away with such breaches, it undermines everything we've worked for.

—And what about the impact on staff morale? Suspending her without pay will make everyone uneasy. We need to handle this delicately, not with an iron fist.

—Wonshik, I understand the need for due process, which is why I agreed to a formal review —he sighed heavily—. But we can't ignore the severity of what happened. She put a colleague in danger. How can we expect our guests and staff to feel safe if they know their information isn't secure? —he reiterated.

—You need to find a balance, San —Wonshik declared, still fuming—. You can't run this place like a military camp. Employees need to feel they can make mistakes without losing their jobs instantly."

—I agree that we need to balance firmness with compassion. That's why she's suspended pending review and not immediately fired. But I won't back down on this. Safety is non-negotiable.

—You're playing a dangerous game, San. Alienate the staff, and you'll have bigger problems than a leaking receptionist.

—I'm aware of the risks. But I'd rather face those risks than compromise our integrity and the safety of everyone involved in this. If that means making tough decisions, then so be it.

—Just remember, this hotel isn't just yours. There are many stakeholders involved. Handle it wisely.

And that sentence alone had him wanting to clench his jaw. Because of those stakeholders he had been unable to make the right decisions on his own.

Meanwhile, Y/n, on the other side of the door, dropped her hand and opened her fist when she realized the last thing San needed was her confronting him about a decision that he needed to make.

And the rest of the day she barely saw him. Only from afar. While they both were in the office, she accepted only hearing his voice while he kept going through one meeting after the other. And when she saw him outside, while she was leaving the restaurant, he was running from one spot to the other.

He needed a break, and she came up with the right plan after an advertisement popped up in her search.

—Y/n, it's not a good moment —San sighed as soon as she saw her opening the door after knocking on it.

—You didn't let me speak —she replied, lifting her eyebrow.

—I know the face you make when you're about to leave, and it's not that one.

Involuntarily, she touched her face, trying to understand what he meant by the face she made before she waved goodbye at him every day. But San had it pretty clear: the curve of her lips was perfectly marked, with her upper teeth showing in a bright smile, before she addressed him with a joyful tone. That day she was a bit more serious, and nervous even.

—The dom should make sure his sub's needs are met and to be sure she's taken care of —she attacked him.

—Related to sex.

—And this is part of my aftercare —she shrugged—. As a dom, that's your obligation with me.

—Almost a day after?

The way she puckered her lips and simply nodded at his question had him smiling stupidly, finally dropping the pen over his desk to stare at her. He also couldn't ignore the fact that she did look into it to be able to convince him to leave his office that day.

San just got up from his seat, grabbing his jacket and motioning her to the door.

—You aren't acting to be following me only to close the door behind me, right? —she questioned, squinting her eyes.

—No —he chuckled—. Lead the way.

To his car.

He could've just walked before her, leading the way to his vehicle. But he just liked the way he could tell how happy she was even from behind

With her lead, San drove to a hot pot restaurant Wooyoung had been trying to drag him to several times. Always failing on each attempt.

—A hot-pot? —he lifted his eyebrow, when he stopped the car in front of the entrance.

—Yep—the car roared again underneath them when he drove to the small parking lot that belonged to the establishment—! My roommate has been trying to take me here a few times, but I always ended up stuck at work. Well, him, too. But especially me.

—I wonder what you're trying to tell me —he playfully mentioned.

They were both led to a booth with a steaming pot of broth already simmering in the center of the table. Barely giving them any time to get used to the place, Y/n started picking out various ingredients from the menu, explaining each one to San after he mentioned it was his first time.

—Okay, so we have a choice of meats, vegetables, and noodles. I promise you, you're going to love it.

—It's good to see you're fluent with things that are convenient for you —he mumbled.

—Other people would just say "Wow, you improved so much. I'm impressed" and call it a day.

—I am impressed. And really proud —he nodded.

Her feet kicked one another under the table, while her face lowered to hide her smile and the blush on her cheeks as they started burning.

San raised the two long and thicker chopsticks in his fingers, picking one of the slices of meat to do one of those movements he had seen on people on the Internet doing -and the guy on the table next to theirs.

It was easy, a twist of wrist and the meat should roll around the chopsticks itself so he could dig it in the pot. Yet still, he managed to let the piece of meat slip away, falling a few meters from their table, with a loud dry sound that had him quickly turning to face her again.

She didn't know what was funnier: the sound of the meat against the floor or his face when he realized what had happened. But whatever the reason was, she cackled, while her mouth was still full, making her rush to cover her mouth with her hand to keep the food from coming out.

And that alone made him instantly relax, smirking while his head shook before he gave it a second try.

—This is actually pretty fun. And it smells amazing —he admitted after a while.

—Told you! Plus, it's nice to do something hands-on. Keeps your mind busy.

As they cooked and ate, they chatted about lighter topics—most of them related to food. The atmosphere was relaxed, and San found himself laughing more than he had in days.

Her concerned expression, when he slurped some more noodles along with the meat, had him cackling even more. And it wasn't unjustified, it had been a long while since Y/n put her chopsticks down.

—How can you still be eating?

—It's an all you can eat —he explained, cheeks filled with food—. You should make it worth it. It's something you learn when you struggle with money and have these chances.

She just nodded, agreeing with his comment, despite not having to go through something like that.

—Did you go through all the buffets in London to learn that? —she teased him.

—Something like it —he grimaced—. I did have money to eat though. But going out to eat two days in a row? That was insanity.

—How long did you live in London?

—A year or so —he squinted his eyes as he tried to remember.

And the only thing he could only come up with from that time was the frustration. Not the low life he lived -and to which he was already used to from Seoul-, or the difference in traditions and habits. It was the frustration of seeing the only reason he was there making no sense.

—Were you happy there?

—Hmm —he nodded—. After I got used to it, yes.

—Why did you come back, then?

Because his father was the most egotistical figure he had ever had to confront in his twenty six years of life, and had a lot of power over him which he abused.

—Family issues —Y/n nodded.

—I know of those —she intervened, trying to make the environment lighter again—. Some families are a black hole.

—I like that way of explaining it —he nodded, making her chuckle.

After he made sure they both were done, he let her lead the way to his car again, opening the door for her before he sat next to her seat in the driver's spot.

If he had learned something that night, it was that she made him feel more comfortable than he had been in years. And that he couldn't keep his hands to himself, when his fingers moved over the fabric of her pencil skirt to squeeze her thigh.

He followed her up close to the entrance of the two level house.

—Thank you for today —he mumbled.

—I know you had a difficult day —she admitted.

—Who told you?

—Mingi and HyeYoung.

Instead of denying it, he could only let out a heavy sigh.

—Don't fire her —she said next—. I know she messed up, but we all make mistakes. I'm sure how you scared her will be enough of a wake up call.

—Y/n, she put you in danger. She could've put someone else in danger, and make a big problem out of something smaller.

—Is this related to that other scandal you mentioned? —she questioned, with San's expression turning completely serious after.

—This is related to you having your ex boyfriend showing up at your place late in the night as a consequence of someone else's actions —he argued back—. Anything else related isn't relevant.

—Can you, at least, think about it? —she insisted.

It didn't matter how sure he was of a decision. Because, as soon as Y/n gave her insight, his thought on it changed completely.

—I will think about it —he nodded—. But give me a kiss first

Her fingers wrapped around his neck with a shy smile, getting him to bend himself lower to be able to reach her lips in a soft kiss which turned possessive and passionate in a matter of a few minutes.

Her back was pinned against the wall, one of his hands was firmly holding her by the wrist, and her hair was tangled on the digits of his other hand. It was just them and the imminent invitation of going up to her room.

—Oh my... I fucking knew it!

Taglist: @brown88

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erose-this-name · 16 days ago

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Hey, I really like your whole universe and how you set up your lore, and kinda want some tips.

I want to finally work on a story I have been fleshing out in my head for over half a decade, but I don't know where to start, or what information is needed, or even which character to follow.

Do I start at the basics of the multiverse, a multi paragraph info dump that is basically integral to understanding the system, do I start with the character, the setting, the themes?

I can't even choose which plotline to do because I have such a backlog of cool story ideas that I basically am stuck in decision paralysis. Same exact problem with characters too. Turns out, having around a hundred characters, each mostly fleshed out and with unique personalities, causes problems when you gotta focus on one

The first step is to not be worried or intimidated. Anyone can write. It's not a task of innate talent or current experience, but of passion and willpower. If you don't have those then idk, advice givers usually just assume you do. But they're the main thing.

Writing is as easy as bleeding.

You start with world building, but you probably already have enough to get started. World building is easy, just write shit down when you think of it and keep doing that. When you can't think of something, just plagiarize Tolkien or Dune. Everyone does it.

Btw, the world building is the least important part. Never exposit on it unless it's relevant to the story, and try to do so with show don't tell. Readers are only interested in relatable characters going through relatable character development. Not even hyperfixating autistic people will read your multi paragraph lore dumps without those relatable character arcs to draw them into the world.

This is very unfortunate if you are autistic like me and care most about world building.

Where you start depends on your writing style.

If you do an episodic shonen/journey to the west style format it's a lot easier to just do all the stories, but that's a lot harder and time consuming and might not be as impactful. (I do that because shorter plotlines helps with ADD, but it has it's downsides).

You can just write individual short stories for them all and never really have any central plot. This is a lot more difficult than writing a long story, though.

If you do want a single main plot, you might have to accept most of the characters and plotlines won't get any attention.

KILL YOUR DARLINGS.

Just look at Arcane. There are 168 champions in League of Legends lore, all with varying degrees of having their own character arcs, plotlines, and fleshed out-ness. Only like 9 or 10 of them appeared in season 1 of Arcane, and I imagine season 2 isn't going to introduce nearly as many new ones in addition to that cast.

Would Arcane have been better if there were 168 deuteroganists? Hekatonhexekontoktoganists? Of course not!

Don't worry about getting all the OCS. Just pick the one or two or five you like the best. Those are your primary cast. Then picking the rest is easy because you only need the ones that would best support that story line. If they come up, you can give a few others passing mentions to give the world a feeling of being big a fleshed out, but most you can just forget as they will serve no purpose.

Cut out the fat.

Think about identifying characters that would make good narrative foils to the main cast, or could logically be involved in the main plotline. Then give some of those guys their own character arcs / b plots. Then you're done!

Well, you still need to actually write the story. Some people just start writing without really planning it out, which is valid and lots of famous authors do this. These authors are cowards.

What I do is start with a rough plot outline. Decide on the basic narrative arc, what happens at the beginning, the climax, and the end. The consequences and how/if this furthers any character arcs.

Make a checklist of all the events that have to happen between those points (don't waste time on complete sentences here, no one but you and maybe a coauthor will see this). Then think of all the other stuff that will happen between those to make sure its actually a logically possible chain of events (you will really regret it if it isn't).

Now delete it and start again because you realize it will have poor pacing or have irresolvable plot holes or just isn't very clever. Do this several times until you're happy.

Perfection is when there is nothing more that can be removed.

The whole process should only take an hour or two at maximum. (For me, one page of plot list roughly translates to 5-10 pages of short story, unless there's combat or dialogue. Then idk, it just takes longer.)

Oh, and don't forget to kill your darlings! Like, literally kill them. You're not really writing unless it's physically and emotionally painful. Painful for who? Yes.

Then you just keep fleshing that list out until it becomes your book's first draft. (You will need lots of complete sentences for this step) (it will also take quite a bit longer than an hour or two) (it's very satisfying to mark off each point on the list)

Now delete your first draft because it's terrible and painful to look at. Restart this entire process several times until you become good at writing. This will take several years, so don't put it off!

NO PAIN, NO GAIN!

So now you've finally written a story you can say your proud of? Great! The last step is figuring out how to publish it. SURPRISE! That should have been your first step.

You now realize it's virtually impossible for you to ever publish because publishing agencies hate you as a person, and also they only publish romance and mystery authors who are already famous so they don't have to spend money on marketing. Realize this is why new authors suck this past decade.

Congratulations! You are now depressed and aimless in life. Just like every great author! Use this pain to fuel yet another book!

This will be your best work yet, as it is genuine and made for no one but yourself. You will never find such happiness anywhere else. 👍

(btw, this post is an example of how important character arcs are to maintaining interest. It has a story of me slowly losing my mind for EDUTAINMENT PURPOSES. Do this when world building ❤️‍🩹)

#writing #world building #asks #writing advice #vent post #the diluvian war

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enviedear · 1 year ago

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neighbor!ben solo fic coming your way soon <3 lmk what you think because i can't stop thinking about all the neighbor!ben hc's i've created in my mind.

snippet under the cut / warnings for drug usage (weed)

you take the joint from him, stealing another hit before replying, "you just have a lot of suits. i wonder if you own anything besides them. i've never seen you in anything but."

"is this one of your long-winded jokes?" he briefly closes his eyes, but you can see them roll through his lids, "because if so, i'll kick you out. i won't hesitate to send you back to your house, neighbor."

snorting, you take another hit of the joint, "i did see something i liked, actually." you confess, your drugged mind deciding to be just a bit genuine.

he hums, "really? i've never seen you in a suit."

the sentence sounds stupid coming out of ben's mouth, but you chalk it up to his tipsy state, "maybe one day you will."

your reply sounds equally as dumb, but you feel good, and you're actually having a conversation with ben. one that doesn't involve him undermining you or snickering at what you're saying.

"really? wanna try mine on?" ben is smirking, eyes narrow and burning red.

you give him a ditzy look, joint still dangling from your fingers, "whatever, solo."

ben lets out a genuine giggle at that and in your inebriated state, you let yourself smile at the sound. his dimples are on full display as he leans further into his cushioned headboard, eyes glazed and pointed at you, "i'll pay, if you do."

his face is gentle, almost inviting, but the words that tumble out of his mouth sound murky— riddled with a slight hint of hunger. for what exactly? you're not sure.

your lips contort into a frown before you reply, "you'll pay me to put on your clothes? god, ben how much did you smoke?"

you mean for your words to come off as a joke, easy and light. instead, it comes out as timid and shy. you'd normally feel a tinge of embarrassment but either the drug or ben's starved stare makes the would-be feeling detach from your mind.

"enough." he shrugs, answering your rhetorical question, "i've got five hundred in my wallet right now," he pauses, leaning over to you and grabbing the joint, fingers brushing against yours, "and i want a show."

#ben solo x reader #ben solo x y/n #ben solo #kylo ren x reader #kylo ren x y/n #kylo ren

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honey-minded-hivemind · 9 months ago

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What if (in the dark Dino squad Au) after they got this traumatized and sick and Victor is the only one who was actually able to help, Reader kind of falls into a sort of Stockholm syndrome(not-really-but-kinda) where they don’t want to leave Victor, like they still don’t want for all humans to die, but they’re now so scared and traumatized by what happened to them that they are actually rather happy/content staying with Victor who protects them, loves them and makes sure they’re always happy and healthy and taken care off. How would the others and Logan react? I’d assume Victor would be rather happy about that.

- 🐝 BeaBee

Okay! Good question, I haven't had anyone ask about Stockholm Syndrome-esque reaction from Reader! (I'm not sure if this is a path the au will take, but im happy to explore it here!)

The other teens woukd feel a bit weird. Let's explore their thoughts on it first:

Scott would feel a bit... guilty. Also a little freaked out. Because while yes, they teamed up with their enemy, who has only ever been worried over their health (obsessively enough that he feels freaked out being too close to him), this is still someone who hates humans, and plans to destroy them. He knows tbey agreed to this. He knows why they agreed to this. But it doesn't make him feel any less off about it... (He was the most reluctant to go to Victor for help)

Rogue would be similar, but she also realizes Reader is still having to recover, so it might not last... And even if this sense of gratefulness does last, they begrudingly owe him... She doesn't like most humans, and while she doesn't want them gone, she does want to get back at those who did this to Reader, so... if they're partnering with someone as mean as a tiger, then that's what they'll have to do (she was the second most reluctant, but less so than Scott)

Pietro doesn't like it. He really doesn't. But, facts are: Their new ally saved Reader's life, or at least is keeping them from dying; he's not torturing them or dissecting them or whatever evil scientists and doctors and geneticists do; he's feeding them while Logan is... not available...; and he plans to let them live. So technically speaking, this guy is okay. Look, he'll go along with what's going on until they have a reason not to. Plus, they get to figure out how some of this stuff woks, so if they want, they could try to at least mitigate some of the damage done in Victor's plans... or try to change things for the better... (He was in the middle on it, but leans more towards for their choice rather than against it)

Gambit... he doesn't like they had to make this choice, but... it was the lesser of two evils. And if this evil raptor can keep Reader alive and doesn't want them dead, then he's all for whatever plan he has. He doesn't want to change the environment to the prehistoric era one. He doesn't want to change certain animals or plants. He doesn't want to lose his friends, his family. And he won't. As long as they do this, then they have a say in what happens. It isn't easy, and it isn't pure, but it's what they have left. It was this, or let Reader die... And that simply wa.ant going to happen... (He is for the choice they made, albeit he discussed it with the others before they all decided on it)

Logan.. was against it. He only found out last minute, when the choice had already been made and the deal sealed. He thought it was a bad idea, because the last time he talked with brother, was hundreds, if not thousands, of years ago. And the brother he remembered hated humans with a passion. He was scared his brother would harm the kids if he ever found out they were human, or had been human... Then he wakes up, to find out he's being kept sedated, so he doesn't leave... He's not happy. But... when his brother is able to keep Reader from dying... He reluctantly accepts it. He doesn't like Reader liking his brother so much, but until they're fully healed or cured, they can't afford to leave...

And Victor has no complaints in the least. He has a nestling who is curled against him half the time, he has the other teens to care for, and he has his brother, all with him, alive, and as well as they can manage... So he's quite pleased with this new situation...

#honeycomb thoughts #platonic yandere marvel #yandere platonic marvel #platonic yandere xmen #yandere x-men #platonic yandere xmen evolution au #🦖dino squad🦕 au #dark 🦖dino squad🦕 au

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alessiathepirate · 1 year ago

Text

Now You See Me 2

MIDNIGHT ON THE THAMES: Dylan Rhodes/Shrike x fem!reader

Summary: The reveal happens at the stroke of midnight, in the middle of the Thames, on New Year's Eve - and she couldn't be happier. Or maybe she could, because Lula and Jack won't be the only ones kissing that night.

Notes: English isn't my first language. I apologize for any mistake I made while I wrote this short story.

This man is so underrated, it's a crime. He deserves some love - please love him.

Warnings: a bit of swearing, but nothing more

•••

No matter how many successful reveals they pull off, she still feels the same amount of excitement, happiness and slight nervousness at the end of every trick and show.

Yet, the strongest feeling out of all of them was the happiness. The happiness because everything turned out just fine in the end, because this tiring performance is close to being over and mostly because her friends are also smiling with honest, wide grins and letting out excited chuckles.

This one though, this one wasn't easy to pull off. It was possibly the hardest show they had to put together with the trouble and issues they had to overcome. It was tiring, stressful, but also kind of fun and thrilling.

After this they'll sleep through a day if not two, she smiled at the thought as she let go of Lula, who was the last to end the group hug.

As Walter, Tressler and Chase slowly, reluctantly left the plane, stepping into the light, not understanding what is happening around them; the last act was about to start -- and this, this will be her favourite.

Those three absolutely ruined her whole week, made her almost choke on tears and worry and made her hate their whole existence and the fact that if they wanted to fool them, they had to let them believe they won was hard to swallow. Now they will get those smirks off of their faces and make them realize how easy it was to fool them. They were greedy and arogant and now they are losers -- nothing more.

God, how much they had to go through to reveal their real faces to the world.

"No, no, you should feel pretty good about yourself man. You predicted it correctly." Atlas started to tease the three of them for her pleasure, as they looked around with nothing but pure shock on their faces. "The Thames, stroke of midnight. New Year's Eve. Happy New Year!"

The people, the hundreds of curious fans who decided to come and see the final act shouted in happiness and excitement. Before these people tonight, there'll be nothing they'll be able to hide. That thought alone made her smile wider.

"We would like to acknowledge not just our old friend, Arthur Tressler, but his young and brilliant son, Walter Mabry!" Daniel continued. "Who has performed one of the greatest feats of illusion even we have ever seen. He has, amazingly, brought himself back from the death!"

The audience roared again, but this time the happy laughter wasn't the thing what made her heartbeat unevenly fast. It was the presence of the person who could both calm her down and make her uneasy with butterflies. Dylan's hand landed on her arm, squeezing it gently, lovingly, making her mind into a mush and her tounge forgot how to function to speak - and it's soon her turn to say something. She didn't know what that meant, but it was a sign of something - something soft like a silent 'thank you' or 'congratulations'. Even if it was slightly confusing, it felt nice. Too nice.

"But before he did that, he revealed someone. And we think it only right to give him a proper introduction. He is our friend and he is our leader, Dylan Shrike!"

His hand slowly left her as he turned towards their audience and began to speak.

"So normally only the magician, his assistant, and a few trusted stage hands know the secret of a trick..."

His voice faded away as she looked at him, quietly admiring him from afar, letting him enjoy his place in the spotlight. Her mind was full of memories. Memories of him, memories of today. The day she thought she'll actually choke on stress and worry.

God, how thankful she is that he's okay. That he's alive and up here with them, not down there in the water.

They were close, so close she felt comfortable in his presence. He was a person she could trust with anything, a person who didn't tease her like Merritt or Danny did sometimes. They were play fights, she knew that, but still there was something special between her and Dylan, a different kind of honesty.

And knowing that he could die from the digusting 'magic trick' those three tried to pull off with him made her cry. Like actually cry, many tears with a dry and quiet voice.

After he climbed out of that damned safe, she followed him around like puppy, sitting next to him on the stairs as they discussed what to do next. She sat next to him, not daring to hug him, but craving it -- yet instead she just let their knees touch slightly. It was enough to give her some energy and acknowledge that now they are going to war.

A slight nudge made her let go of those memories, getting back to reality, to a moment she should enjoy. Jack was the one talking now, explaining the secret behind 'Find the Lady' and this time Merritt was the one standing next to her.

"Don't daydream yet, lover girl. We still got a show to run." he patted her back and then walked away with a knowing a smirk.

Damn mentalist, she thought just as Lula began to explain the secret behind the airplane. He knows everything he can use to tease people with.

"Basically, we showed them everything." she finally spoke up herself, still laughing a little as she watched how Merritt teased his brother, finally getting the upper hand. "The switch, the plane, the manipulation... Yet they were still too blind to see." she turned towards Walter, a smirk forming on her face. "And you kidnapped us to steal the very thing that is in your pocket."

Walter was about to reach into his coat's pocket, to see if their homemade special card is really there; but Atlas was quicker.

"Whoops!" he said as the card appeared in his hand, seemingly out of nowhere. "You know, this thing here, which you said you could use to adjust markets, manipulate goverments, and spy on whomever you choose."

"Also, you could, as you said, control the public from outside the grid." she continued as the public groaned in frustration, realizing what their words really meant.

That reaction filled her heart up with pride.

"These men destroy people's lives. Spying on the world, robbing you of your right to privacy." It was weird, how well she recognized Dylan's voice and how well her heart did as well - as it was beating faster. Their eyes met and even if he was speaking the harsh truth, his gaze was still soft. It was always soft with her. "And they do that by hiding in the dark. So in true Horsemen tradition, we are here to expose them."

"Tonight, they, like all of us, are finally stepping into the light." she was grinning as the people reacted, shouting, screaming happily, because the truth was finally out. "Thank you everybody!"

"We are the Horsemen and we will be back very soon!"

And the moment came - when the show ends, the tiredness appears. Her chest was heavy with pride and happiness, justice found those three men who ruined their lives for days without stopping. Now they got what they deserve.

And then the coundown began. The audience shouted, like if the wait until New Year was part of the show... They shouted as the sirens were turned on, meaning the FBI was on its way. It was time to leave -- and then finally rest.

And then she felt it, the push - the literal, physical push she knew she needed, which got her closer to Dylan, almost bumping into him. She didn't know who it was, although she could bet her right arm on one of her friends -- but it didn't really matter. Thoughts didn't really matter. She was there, close to him, their eyes met.

It was their moment.

"So fun's over, huh?" she tried to joke, but her throat was dry and she could feel that her cheeks were pink for sure.

And then it happened - the need in her was satisfied, they touched the other. That kind of closeness was new and intoxicating, but not at all uncomfortable. It was something what both of them longed for since forever - and now here they were.

Their lips touched. It was a quick and short kiss, but it was a very meaningful one. She felt it. She felt it in how warm his lips were, how he touched her cheeks and how he was slightly shaking just like her, because what they wanted finally happened. It was soft, but it was full of passion. All the unsaid feelings were pushed into that one, simple kiss.

"I love you." his words were simple, they were nothing special, but they still made her insides warm.

"Hey, we are on the clock here!"

Damn the clock!

They had to run, sure. But even that couldn't wash the lovesick smile off her face. It couldn't, because Dylan Shrike loved her. He said it himself and she knew it was true.

Dylan grabbed her arm, he held onto her firmly as they started to run - just in time, because the boats arrived and agents started to get out of them, running towards them.

"I love you too." she said as they hurried away. "I think I've loved you since you interrogated me."

"Ever since then, huh?" he chuckled.

"What can I say? I think it was the suit. You look really good in suits."

They both laughed even if they were a little bit out of breath.

Dylan suddenly stopped and so did she. She took a deep breath as she looked at the water of the Thames, which was only a few meters away. People shouted behind them, possibly the agents who were sent here, only to fail their mission once again. They never really learn.

He turned towards her and touched her cheeks once again, his thumbs drawing shapes gently into her skin.

"I need you to go, okay? I'll be right behind you, but there's one more thing I have to do."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his cheek and then she looked up at him with a shy smile.

"I'll see you soon."

And just like that she was gone. Gone, disappeared into the night like the magician she is, making a fool out of the FBI once again.

Dylan stayed there, waiting for an agent to turn up so he can finish what he started and give them the proof they need against Tressler and his son. He stayed there as the shouts came closer. He stayed there and looked after his lover, knowing that he'll adore the moments he'll spend with her once they finally get to a safe place where they can finally rest.

#now you see me #now you see me 2 #nysm #dylan rhodes x reader #dylan rhodes x fem!reader #dylan shrike x reader #dylan shrike x fem!reader #dylan shrike #dylan rhodes #daniel atlas #jack wilder #merritt mckinney #lula may

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azreactstowormtheserial · 1 year ago

Text

Overboard [8.1-11.8]

SORRY IN ADVANCE FOR THE SCROLL WHEN YOU HIT KEEP READING

--Yeah... Sorry for not keeping to that 'one arc at a time' promise. But whilst I'm in medical-recovery mode I have nothing better to do than Worm [The Serial] my afternoons away.

And look at that! I'm 1/3 through all of the main story. At least, by Arc-No. ? My friend said come the end of Arc 8, I'd graduated from 'Early Worm'. Should I be scared or happy to be gradually approaching 'Late Worm'?

Speaking of.

ARC 8 -- EXTERMINATION

Title Accurate.

ARC 9 -- SE

Okay, okay. I'll talk about Arc 8. It's a little weird to talk about as a whole. Way easier in the moment, reacting to things as they happen.

"1 in 4 of you (at least) will die."

Tattletale "down".

Aegis, Gallant, Iron Falcon, Mr. G,

Taylor -breaking her spine -- she could have died!

And I thought I couldn't handle the stress of the inter-group dynamic potentially crumbling at the end of Arc 7. Don't worry, we'll get to that.

The endbringers are a terrifying concept. Like, what do you do? Wear it down, hundreds dying to prevent hundreds of thousands from dying, only for it to recover for a few years, months, who knows-- before it attacks somewhere else, almost unprompted?

Almost. I have no idea what it was doing, edging slowly towards Coil's base like a fucking NGE Angel. That's almost as scary.

It just, picked people off. Indiscriminantly.

Kaiser. A powerful, influential-- horrible excuse for a human being, but still, a major player-- he's just dead! Just like that!

I'd started to like a few of The Wards towards the the end of Arc 6, I think. At first it was easy to group them into a 'haha these kids don't know any better, they're really snot-nosed about being heroes'-- which feels a lot nicer a label than what's actually happening.

They're just kids! 15, 16, Vista is 13. 13! Kids that've had a traumatic past, in one way or another. Up against, and dying to, an existential threat. Sentinel really helped put this into perspective.

I'd love to talk about individual moments that I thought were cool; Tattletale's analysis of Leviathan, The truce between heroes and villains, Clockblocker absolutely stepping the fuck up and pretty much clutching the entire fight. But I need to talk about Armsmaster.

(These few lines saved me.)

ARMSMASTER. You horrific excuse for a human being. Jeopardizing CHILDREN'S LIVES, YOUR COMRADES LIVES, PEOPLE'S LIVES-- AND FOR WHAT!?!?!?!?

WAIT NO STOP NO

I absolutely hate this fucking guy. How do you ruin everything in the middle of a natural(?) disaster killing thousands.

(Did I mention Shadow Stalker is Sophia. Huh. That's interesting! I'm sure it won't come up again.)

The arc ends really bittersweet.

I'm really sorry, Bitch. Showing up and saving Taylor was an amazing moment, but that's over half of your closest family, just gone.

But, I totally called it.

I know I wanted to take a break after all that, but I couldn't just leave it at "I told her my answer." -- I had to find out what it was!! So, after a few hours of psyching myself up, I got straight into the Interlude.

ARC 8 -- INTERLUDE [COIL]

How do you beat Coil? What -happened- to Coil to give him this power? Applied perfectly, his power makes him practically invulnerable. One of his only weak points being the immediacy after closing his second universe.

I still don't know how to feel about Coil. He's said in vague terms that his plan for Brockton Bay was to improve. Taylor, I think, took this to mean that people's livelihoods would be better. People would have food, shelter, water. But it's so difficult to tell, even with a direct view into his mind like this interlude gave. All I know is that this is a plan he's put a considerable amount of time and his life towards-- it has to mean a lot to him and he has to be strong in his ideals. I only hope that he isn't utterly insane.

Because if he is? If his motives are 'evil', unjust-- if you can even say they have the potential to be just, with how he operates-- I don't know if anyone can beat him.

...

Shit.

ARC 9 -- SENTINEL

This arc was nice. The breather I needed, and was worried I wouldn't get, after Arc 8's Interlude.

I mentioned that I'd started to like The Wards a little earlier in the story, so the emotional beats really worked here for me. And even if I didn't, this arc'd easily have been a turning point.

\=====

[Az.Interlude: Obligatory Wards (And Co.) Tier List]

Bold means #1 in each thing if there's more than 1.

S [Super :)] - Flechette, Glory Girl, ****Shadow Stalker****, Vista

A [A cool character] - *Clockblocker, Gallant, Kid Win, Panacea, ****Weld***

B [Baegis Tier] - Aegis

C [Cant Remember] - Browbeat

(Sorry Browbeat, who apparently died offscreen in Arc 8.)

\====

I say it's nice, but really we're just seeing a few kids grieve the deaths of their friends. Is that what 'nice' is, in Worm?

Sophia/Shadow Stalker is growing into a more and more interesting character. Though everyone got their fair share of attention, I found her scenes, like the one with Flechette in 9.2, quite interesting.

I* think something really awful happened to Shadow Stalker. *

A lot of my thoughts on Arc 9 I think are just snippets at characters I like. I really liked Weld, and felt 'kinda bad for him. He's trying his best! He's just walking into all this mess.

Vista's chapter made me cry. She's so strong for standing up to Shadow Stalker like that! And the story's tackling on trying to 'fill in' somebody's role after they've passed really hit me like a freight train.

\====

[Az.Interlude 2: Now Obligatory Protectorate (and Dragon) Tier List]

S [This is actually based off of the arc 10 interlude, wait for that.] - Dragon

A [Assault- Oh] - Miss Militia

B [Battery] - Battery

C [Cool? I think?] - Assault, Triumph, Velocity

D ['Dunno] - [Anyone who I haven't remembered. I don't know that many...]

F [Fucking Armsmaster] - Guess who

\====

9.3 was a nifty chapter, too. It's probably the only instance of a 'character are bored in an exposition-lecture' that I've actually thought was pretty well done?

Also, it's nice to get some Clockblocker characterisation. He gets a pass for his flaws because of his context. I do hope his dad ends up getting healed-- but the scenario as a whole really makes me feel for Amy/Panacea. There's so much suffering in the world, and it's -technically- preventable. Just through her. How much of a weight on her shoulders is that?

\====

[Az.Interlude 3: Favorite Arcs]

S - [Super Good Arc] [4. Shell] [8. Extermination] [9. Sentinel] [10. Parasite.]

A [A really good Arc] - [11. Infestation] [6. Tangle] [7. Buzz]

B [Breally good] - [1. Gestation] [2. Insinuation] [3. Agitation]

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(See what I'm doing there, by the way? Interlude Arc? Load of Interlude Tier lists? Whatever.) KID WIN ADHD TINKER REP!!!!

I think that's my cue to hop on over to

ARC 10 -- PARASITE

Okay, sure, sure-- Taylor's back, but on uneasy terms, swallowing her pride, sure--

ALEC. ALEC! I THOUGHT YOU JUST MADE PEOPLE TRIP! And I thought even how -that- power was utilized was a little horrifying. This is just... I mean. I'll talk about it some more in the interlude.

Hi Imp! It's nice to meet you! Where'd you come from? Or maybe she was here the whole time, and that's her power--

Imp's neat. I like her power, and I'm hoping we see more of her! She doesn't quite live up to the rest of the gang just yet, but, I mean-- they've been around 9 more arcs. I was wondering if The Undersiders were going to recruit some more members...

This Arc's short but sweet. An infiltration à la the bank robbery, some fights with some superheroes-- and, Dragon!!! Dragon is so cool!!! I love Dragon!!!! We'll get there!!!!

I expected Bitch and Taylor to have a proper confrontation about everything, but... She really just sabotaged her mid-mission? Taylor's beatdown of her was unfortunately deserved-- like, c'mon. You're hurt. More than any of the others, really. But you didn't even 'eye for an eye' her, you went ahead and 'eye for a head' or whatever the relevant saying'd be. I

*really

* hope she takes her up on that offer.

Everything was going alright, even if Dragon'd appeared and made the escape a little tricky. And, oh. A meeting with Coil. Maybe Taylor can hash things out, and come up with a deal that reflects her--

So. That's one way to make an impression of a new overarching villain group. What the actual fuck, Jack. The absolute balls of this reveal-- I have no idea what to make of it, and already Jack just in how he's been described in passing, and-- this-- already made me clock him as a huge threat. I can't wait to see how this goes. I'm sure it'll go great. I'm sure.

ARC 10 -- INTERLUDE [ALEC]

Alec, alecalecalec-- What the actual fuck. I really should have thought twice when Lisa clocked you as a sociopath on first sight. This chapter was scary. Even Sophia doesn't deserve that. The "breach of privacy" -- if you can even -call- it that, with how far it went, made me sick to my stomach.

It's 'kinda crazy that this is just something that continued word-for-word from an earlier chapter. What else has happened directly after Taylor's POV left a scene? What has she missed?

I'm sure this won't come back to bite Taylor in the ass.

Or that.

I think something really awful happened to Shadow Stalker. [2]

Even after all that. I still like Alec. I think. In his own, fucked up, twisted way, he's getting payback for Taylor. He just has no limit. And, I mean-- he is still a kid. That had a horrendous, abuse-ridden upbringing. I don't know. I'm allowed to have complicated feelings about the main cast!

ARC 10 -- INTERLUDE [DRAGON]

Dragon, on the other hand, is objectively fucking cool. She's not even human! What?! It's 2011! Or something like that. I'm a bit of a dork for the 'kinda stuff that the opening third of this chapter was. That it was layered with limitations, purposeful, intended ones that dig under Dragon's skin at all times-- that she's keeping this a secret from even her closest co-workers-- only made me root for her character even more. I'm hoping she's, uh. 'One of the good ones'? Is that how you'd put it? Weird considering she's a hero, but--

*Armsmaster. *Come on.

Oh, look. It came back to bite Taylor in the ass.

Taylor in Arc 11 ruminates on how she'd face losing her civillian identity. But I don't think she quite understands the ramification of it just yet. This is the beginning of the end, in that regard-- Dragon found her.

I'll try not to gush about an interlude too much just to get to Arc 11 and wrap up this post before the day's over, so I'll just leave it at:

*The conversation between Lung and Marquis was very interesting. ****I hope Amy is okay.***

Arc 11 -- INFESTATION (I haven't read the interludes yet! I thought the final base-11 was a good place to stop.)

The Merchants are pretty fucked up, huh? 'Might makes Right' as an actual group philosphy never works. And I don't think the leader's are -that- stupid. I wonder what their deal is?

And, yeah. I'll finally bring it up, Worm. You've got me. *I'm interested in whatever the fuck Case 53 is. *And so is Faultine, apparently. Let's hope they stay in touch with Lisa.

Skitter taking over her territory was rad. She'll make a great monarch! (Queen bee? Is there an insect joke you can make here?)

Whatever my views about how things should be handled, Taylor's helping people in the here and now, and keeping groups like The Merchants out. Helping families. I think what she's doing is right.

And, for once, it all works out! Not without a hitch. Or an underlying dread. Taylor being the arbiter of one of the more straight up 'bad' Merchant's fate is a little telling that her moral's have shifted, somewhat. She's more comfortable leaving someone to die than insisting they have the right to a fair trial, etc-- even if the situtation did totally call for it.

Faultline's crew showing up was neat. I don't think I've mentioned Labyrinth, actually. Her and Newter are my favorite of Faultline's crew. I might go back and re-read Gregor's interlude, just for another look at how Faultline runs things.

And, my god. Brian finally picked up some slack, after some nudging via Lisa. Good on her. The dynamic needs some work from the both of them to build up the trust they once had. But they'll be friends in no time. I hope. Everything's working out.

...

*Oh my god, No, Taylor you can't ****say it!***

Everything is going to go to shit, isn't it?

I don't want to read on anymore. Can't it stop right here? Taylor won, got her friends back? Please?

See you all on the other side. Promise it won't take as long.

#worm liveblog #worm spoilers #worm web serial #wormblr #liveblog

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