#adam white solo leveling

[pain-suffering-even]

them :)

Thomas set up the Scavenger Guild on the west coast and continued to stay there because his mom lives in California still, and he wants to stay close to her, even if that means he has to put up with the aftermath of Kamish being visible around him all the time

Laura makes a lot of good smoothies, coffee recipes, etc because she used to work at Starbucks for about three years while in community college

Christoper really likes the ocean, and was nearly a marine biologist. He loves looking in tide pools

Zhigang had a part time job at a bakery and makes really good bread rolls. This is why they sometimes go to China to celebrate Thanksgiving

Whenever people bring up the fact that Laura is technically not qualified for her position because she only has an associates degree Thomas just gives them his most menacing smile until they either shut up for mysteriously disappear the next day

(Laura doesn't care what people say - she knows she's qualified, and as long as Thomas avoids showing up on the news, she doesn't mind what he does)

When Christopher left the Scavenger Guild, he moved back up to Oregon, where he used to live. He also owns a house along the east coast in Virginia, where he spends most of his time (because its as far away from the west coast as possible, so he doesn't have to remember Kamish)

Lennart isn't allowed to drive whenever he visits the US since he's too used to driving on the left and has caused Thomas and Christopher too many heart attacks

Zhigang isn't allowed to drive anywhere, no matter where they are

Their road rage is so severe that their mana spikes can cause people to pass out, and it definitely scares Christopher and Lennart and just makes Thomas want to fight

Laura and Adam White became friends after she finally got Thomas to stop teasing him and causing him to worry if he pissed off the World's Strongest Hunter

Thomas got to decide where to host the Annual Guild Conference and of course chose Las Vegas. Even though everyone loved it, he was never allowed to choose where to host it ever again

Most commonly, the Annual Guild Conference is in Washington DC and lasts about two or three days, but most Hunters are in town for a week to attend other business in the States, whether it deals with Christopher, Thomas, or Kamish

Usually, Christopher sits out Guild Conferences, since Thomas goes to represent the United States most times. But, sometimes, if he's feeling petty, he goes just to irritate Thomas and steal the spotlight a bit, especially if its after one of their arguments. Christopher tends to always leave early anyways, because he only ever went to cause drama

Thomas has a side business growing and selling weed as well as custom bongs (he does glassblowing, since his body transformation gives him immunity to fire). The business is doing surprisingly well and Laura lets him get away with it since he's not doing it under the Scavenger Guild's name

The name of his little store? Sleepy Dragon - a little nod towards Kamish. It irritates Christopher so much, but Zhigang found it so funny they broke a table

Christopher has a huge fish tank in his house, with real coral growing as well. He's always getting more fish or sea creatures, it's becoming a bit of a problem. The size of his basement just keeps growing... Lennart is always impressed by the sheer size of it

He may or may not have caught some of the octopuses and other sea creatures by hand - Christopher gets bored in retirement, ok?

Thomas always donates to animal charities during Christmas time, since Laura would always bring home stray cats when they were kids

alright. that's all i can come up with for now. i do love this little band of insanely strong people just being humans and having strange little quirks and moments lmao.

also sorry for being on hiatus for so long - i'm not entirely back but i decided to at least clear out my drafts a little to give y'all something :')

various headcanons that i forgot aren't actually canon pt. 2

the americans (thomas, christopher, and laura), plus china (zhigang) and germany (lennart)

Thomas, Christopher, and Laura are childhood/middle school friends

Laura would always bring home stray cats and dogs

Lennart and Thomas become friends when Lennart asks for help with an S rank gate that spawned in Germany

Lennart isn't super close with Christopher, since him and Thomas tend to swing between being best friends or mortal enemies every week, but Lennart thinks he's nice

Christopher visits Europe a lot, since he's partially retired, so they get closer then as Lennart shows him around

Zhigang is usually too busy to hangout with Thomas or Christopher, but whenever the Annual Guild Conference is around, they tend to dedicate that week to hanging out

Christopher hates any mention of Kamish. Thomas doesn't care and thinks Christopher needs to get over himself. Hence their strained relationship

Zhigang is most definitely traumatized but works too hard to notice

Lennart wasn't part of Kamish, but did participate in the cleanup team. That's where he first met Zhigang and Christopher. Thomas was too busy recovering, so he never got to meet him

Hwang Dongsu gets on Laura's nerves, but Thomas usually steps in if he's eyeing her a little too creepily that day

After becoming friends, the group decided to attend the Annual Guild Conference dressed up with a theme. They've done pink (Barbie-esque), Aloha Shirts (wonder who came up with that one), emo/punk/goth, and the latest, Disney Princesses (Lennart loves Disney movies). There isn't much anyone can do to stop them. Even Laura participates

Thomas disregards a lot of his guild leader duties to steal Christopher and Laura and go on roadtrips. Sometimes, they go visit Europe to see Lennart

Zhigang basically never leaves China, being a hardcore workaholic, so they always have to plan to go see them on their birthday and for the holidays, etc

Thomas has a custom aloha shirt, except it's made to withstand S rank attacks. He used the Scavenger Guild budget money on it. As a tax write off. Laura wishes she could be mad but she's impressed he thought of such a thing

Christopher is scarred from Kamish due to seeing Thomas almost die from tanking attack after attack for him. He almost died. It sparks an argument, where Christopher leaves the Scavenger Guild, and their frenemies relationship begins

Once, Thomas sneaks up on Christopher and scares the ever loving shit out of him. Christopher accidentally sets the room on fire and sets off the fire alarm and emergency sprinklers. The entire building has to be evacuated

Thomas does the same thing (sneaking up on someone) to Lennart and his screech is priceless

They joke about putting a bell on Thomas, like they do with cats, just to be aware of where they are in the room. Laura is really, seriously considering it, because despite Thomas being 10 feet tall and built like a fridge, he can be quiet when he wants to be

Lennart casually mentions he has four sisters, and his first job was being a hairdresser in his village in Germany. This leads to him finally dealing with the mess that is Thomas' curly and knotted up hair

Zhigang got into university on a baseball scholarship, before all the awakenings happened. This is why they tend to swing their sword... like a baseball bat. And instinctively swing whenever they see an object flying at them. Thomas has recreated the game fruit ninja in real life using this information

Lennart started learning Chinese, because despite him knowing about three other languages, Chinese isn't one of them. This leads to the two of them having conversations that Thomas can't listen to, and it drives him insane (it's usually Lennart complimenting Zhigang, and then Zhigang compliments Lennart, etc etc)

Laura threatens to retire early whenever Thomas gets on her nerves a little too much and it always worries the entire Scavenger Guild, because she's kind of the only reason they're functioning. Thomas would solo too many gates on his own if it weren't for her

Lennart is one of the most put-together and polite hunters out there, but even he struggles not decking Dongsu in the face when he drops casual comments about his and Laura's physique in front of his face

Thomas has a lot of other S rankers in his guild from various other countries. He isn't very well liked, since he's "stolen" so many of them, like with Dongsu, but he doesn't mind (the trend started after Christopher left, when he no longer had a vice, or a sparring partner that could withstand his attacks. He's looking for a replacement, in a way, but it never feels right)

[thecosmickight]

We all know Jinwoo is currently looking through Beru and Igris just needs to let it happen.

(Yes I had to put him in that dress.)

[piglet26]

Reylo Scenes: TFA

The day after the Force Awakens Ren and Rey were christened Reylo. I always laugh when Lucasfilm and JJ Adams tried to keep this pairing neutral and "suggestive" like seriously. The seeds were laid in the first film for FinnRey and Reylo, but really Reylo was always going to reign supreme not only because of the chemistry between Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver but the writing, art direction, acting and even costuming leaned Reylo heavily.

Reylo are introduced as Ying Yang right off the bat. Ren arriving in Jakku by night in black with a black mask. Rey meet on Jakku by day in white with a white mask.

The first time Ren hears about Rey or "the girl" he reaches out towards the camera and Rey reaches back towards him.

It's stated that Ren and Rey had similar visions of one another without understanding who the other was. In Rey's lightsaber vision she sees Ren very clearly setting up that he, bringing him back to the light, is her future.

On Takodana, it's canon that the production team wanted Ren's arrival to be like a prince arriving at a castle to meet a princess. "In this scene she is drawn to this place almost like Cinderella." FYI Ben Solo is an actual Prince. You know the twisted Star Wars version.

Then there is their first scene in Takodana. In the novelization this moment is more intense than the already intense movie scene. Kylo Ren recognizes that this is the girl that created a ripple in the force. He's fascinated with her. The standby stormtroopers actually are noted to having a reaction to his odd interaction with her. Despite the fact that he probably could've taken the information from her then, he bridal carries her out.

Having circled her, he moved even close peering into her face, her eyes

"It is you," he murmured.

The interrogation scene - the moment the Reylo fandom was born. Does it bother me that she's strapped to a BDSM stand? No. It's actually very clear that she's a peer. He doesn't approach her like he did with Poe Dameron. He's kneeling down as he observes her. She's a powerful force user and he does respect her on that level. He also does want her to be comfortable hence taking his mask off and girl....

I know you were not expecting this fine ass man to be behind that mask.

Believe me, I would've had all kinds of images in my head he would've picked up on.

He also checks her out physically. He's focused on the information he needs but overall he is attracted to her and very interested.

Rey surprised him but not being the simply girl she was in the forest. She is actually powerful in the force "untrained but stronger than she knows."

"Don't be afraid. I feel it"

Reylos "Feel what exactly. The minds want to know."

It's also canon in this scene that their force bond starts in this moment. She actually learns how to get in his brain from him getting into here's.

Force bonds between masters and apprentices aren't new. It used for defense/offence and it makes it so skills are easy to translate to apprentices.

Now their fight scene which was filled with sexual tension that everyone noted. It's still complex. Rey's instinct is to defend herself and Finn. She also just saw him murder someone. Ren is fleshing her out and testing her. It's like sparring. Where it's get's interesting is when they spiritually connect.

Daisy Ridley "Finding the force together"

Ren "You need a teacher. I can show you the ways of the force"

Many people read the moment as Rey finding the force on her own but it's actually the both of the moving through the force together. Kylo Ren actually finds a powerful ally/kinship with her and reaches out for that connection. Considering he rejects most of his connections this is actually a big deal. Is looking for a girlfriend? No, but he is looking for somebody.

Rey has such a conflicted view of him and an off kilter one.

Rey beating Ren is stupid. Even if he is injured, emotional damaged and surprised. It's stupid. It should've been a draw.

His stunned "Just Marry Me" face is also really great.

It's a great start and a unique relationship especially in the Star Wars universe. It's ridiculous that adults who grew up on Han/Leia find romance something purely feminine now and so unlike Star Wars hahaha either way Reylos stay winning.

[todd-machine]

on one hand I really wish we had a solo Blake song at some point but on the other hand she’s been set up as part of a duality or pair since the Black trailer

Every single Blake song we’ve had (From Shadows, Like Morning Follows Night, This Time, Nevermore) is a duet. She’s both Beauty and Beast and human and cat. Her original designs were all black and white working together. She uses a dual blade weapon. At first she was partners with Adam but ended up being partners with Yang (on top of that she’s been set up as part of a Sun/Moon and light vs dark pairing a couple of times, both with Yang and Sun). She’s the one to help Nora realise that her whole existence doesn’t mean Ren, and that he’s only a part of her that she can balance out and exist as herself within. Hell her and Yang are set up to contrast each other with their Haven and Atlas designs (yellow and purple being complimentary colours). Belladonna (nightshade) is known for both its beauty and deadliness. She’s her own character but also part of a duality on quite a few levels and it’s pretty much inseparable from her.

[catholic-character-tournament]

Round 1 - Side A

Propaganda below ⬇️

Enrico propaganda

He grew up in the church and became a priest. so devoted to his faith he ended the UNIVERSE to achieve the perfect world aka heaven

Hes Catholic but also so gay for this one vampire that he ended the world for him

He is LITERALLY one big metaphor for the catholic church as a villain. He’s a guy who believes himself to be a martyr on a fundamentally altruistic quest that will better humanity and the world, but in truth hes a destructive force blind to his faults and hypocritical of the atrocities he commits. Even his altruisim is just a lie (that he does believe himself though) because it all just stems from a deep rooted desire he has to alliviate the guilt he feels. Also hes obsessed with ”the world to come” to the point that hes downright nihilistic towards the current world he actually lives in, as well as the other people in it. which i mean. lol. Ultimately hes an insane delusional queen and he should win this because he is just That catholic. also he is a catholic priest :)

his names pussy bc he served cunt (in a catholic god honoring way)

I want my bestie’s guy in bere

No one could feel guilt to this level if not catholic

Religious Allegory mostly woth how his power(white snake) is contradictory it has white to make you think of good things but it contrast with snake a creature that tempted adam and eve. Although he is a Man of faith his stand's design is far from it being incredibly intimidating and lined with the genetic of dna whihc is scientific compared to faith.

Bro tries to kill a child

serial killer priest bro

HE IS INSANE He spent his whole life believing in fate and when his world turned around Shakespeare tragedy style he made it his mission to bring 「HEAVEN TO EARTH」, which means TEARING AWAY THE FABRIC OF REALITY SO THAT EVERYONE IS AWARE OF THEIR OWN FATE. How does he get there? Simple! By using a half-baked horse to SPEED UP TIME UNTIL THE UNIVERSE RESETS AND LAUNCHES EVERYONE INTO A NEW WORLD. How did he GET this horse??? Oh, as one does - his (dead) best friend's toe bone grew into a baby made of leaves that vored him, but he survived and grew even more eyebrows than he already had. And that's without getting into the STUFF that makes him a phenomenal, S-tier, fine wine that EXPLODES and causes you to see VISIONS type of character. That's just the surface. But, ah, that's Catholics for ya. Vote Enrico Pucci for king of the Catholic tournament. 👍🏻

Flayn Propaganda

she's honestly so much more interesting than people give her credit for. like she often gets written off as "funny little girl who likes fish" but like,,, she is so strong?? after you save her in chapter 6 and seteths first instinct is to hide themselves away from the world again and shes like fuck that shit! she has so much more of a connection to humanity than the others of her kind and that shows in her solo ending vs her paired ending w seteth, wherein she emerges from hiding as soon as she can when on her own but she and seteth emerge to a fódlan thats changed a lot technologically, so far far later. and i love her supports with everyone and shes so genuine and sweet and kind. flayns great i love her.

Patron Saint of Fish 🐟

[dragonkingabc123]

People I want to get to know better

Thank you so much for the tag @pocket-lin. I'll relish any chance to share music.

LAST SONG: Anyone who knows me knows I love music. So Imma give my last 5 instead.

Back to You - Illenium, All Time Low (This song is so good. I missed Illenium in my city and I heard All Time Low opened for them which is crazy because the month prior I saw All Time Low)

Crying in the Shower (Reimagined) - Letdown. (Sad AF, but worth the listen personally prefer this version to the original)

HELLO LØNELINESS - Ekøh, Lø Spirit (another sad one, but also makes the happy chemicals in my brain 🤷‍♂️)

Euclid - Sleep Token (if you haven't heard this masterpiece, please treat yourself)

Tangerine - Glass Animals (this was my favorite from the Dreamland album)

[Honorable mentions because they came on while typing this: The Black and White - The Band Camino, Salt - Sueco, Somebody - Memphis May Fire, ALLADAT - PLVTINUM]

Favorite Color: I've got three. Black, Lime Green, and Cerulean. I like them alone but love all three of them together so much.

Last Film/Show: I've been re-watching Jujutsu Kaisen but, something new I've been watching as it releases is Solo Leveling.

Sweet/Savory/Spicy: I love sweets. I do like savory too though especially when I overdo the sweet. Capsaicin is NOT my friend.

Relationship Status: Single/Pringle

Last thing I googled:

Current Obsession: Hm, probably Diablo 4. I be farmin.

Last Book: I actually dont know the last one I read, which is sad to me. In its stead I will give one of my favorite podcasts. Sayer by Adam Bash. Its really interesting and kinda horrific if you're not desensitized.

Looking Forward to: There is an eclipse on April 8th that I'm so hype for!!!! Its been a big thing on my bucket list to see totality again after the last one I saw. The day after there is a Charlotte Sands concert I'm thinking I wanna go see if I can make it back from the totality line in time.

I dont really know who to tag because my interactions with people on here are usually a bit limited. Dont feel pressure to do this but....

@isick198, @laughconfetti, @scornedmedea, @themustachewizard (Katelyn, you are required)

[mermaidsirennikita]

I mean yeah it all comes back to her being a reylo, the way people still talk about them shocks me. Idk if i've ever seen shippers from such a mainstream popular ship get treated this way when honestly....reylo isn't even that problematic. I would argue something like darklina is more problematic and those shippers don't get 1/3 of the shit reylos get. Hell I could name you other more problematic ships where the shippers don't get nearly as much hate as reylos.

Well, to be very fair a lot of reylos said a lot of out of pocket, racist (and specifically antiblack) shit about John Boyega and Finn. I don't want to downplay the shit John Boyega went through making those movies.

And in turn, a lot of finnreys said some really fucked up, racist (specifically anti-Asian) shit about Kelly Marie Tran and Rose... and I do think that gets downplayed a LOT. Like, if we're going to talk about racist fandom antics in SW, and there are a lot of them, then let's talk about all of it. Obviously, all of this goes beyond shipping, but the interesting phenomenon that did happen with the reylo stuff is that because they didn't want Rey with Finn, many of them did support Finnrose (and by the way, lol--I'm not into Finnrey because in general I don't like Rey outside of TLJ and I frankly though Finn deserved better on every level, and I wouldn't consider myself a Reylo, but I AM into Finnrose, and to a lesser extent Finnpoe). For some, I do think that was a "get Finn out of Rey's path" thing, for sure--but also, setting Finn up with a cool pretty girl to get him away from Rey is... not the worst thing lol. And I would also say that many did seem to genuinely like that ship, and a lot of the reylo fic authors I saw back in the day used to write some good Finnrose shit.

(Also: Roselo? Let's get into it. I would kill for Rian to cast Adam and Kelly in a Benoit Blanc movie, the chances that Adam would do it are MIDDLING but still.)

I think the main reason why the reylo thing got much bigger, tbh, is that it's Star Wars. Darklina is in theory more problematic (though to me it's very much a draw because while I personally do not find Kylo Ren as like, threatening as the Darkling, he's still a prominent cog in a dictatorial fascist-aligned regime and he did kill a lot of innocent people, so, you know, fair) but S&B is NOTHING compared to SW. I think in general shippers are loathed by a lot of old school SW die-hards because Shipping = Kissing and Kissing is Gross, and Bad People Bad, except for Vader because Vader Cool. They make exceptions for Han and Leia because they still jerk it to Leia to this day and it's a part of the old lore, and a lot of them just want to be Han Solo in a way I don't think a lot of them wanted to be Kylo Ren.

And then you combine that with the morality police who really just like. Didn't like reylo for whatever reason, but decided to take on the idea that it's HORRRRRIIIIIBLEEEE to ship a bad guy with someone (when like--I personally cannot STAND Anidala, but you would have no SW if a bad guy hadn't fucked someone back in the day... tepidly, I imagine, but it happened). The idea of using moral righteousness to justify your ship has always been a thing, right? (If we're keeping it real here: while I do think that a lot of reylo antis were genuinely concerned about racism with that ship, I also think that many of the white antis.... were only concerned with racism when it suited them. I mean, where were they when Kelly was getting death threats? Care about it for everyone, you know?) But I think it became a much bigger thing when it was reylo.

Then in turn, the reylos reacted by becoming more cultlike, because that's what happens when you vilify people for wanting to ship something. And they became wackier, and the lore became more kNOWN. Like, again--I don't personally ship reylo. I find the dynamic compelling in TLJ; I think Adam and Daisy have great chemistry in that movie; I think that he and Rian pulled her best work in the trilogy out of her; and I think that that movie is the only one where Rey feels like an actual human being, versus a girlboss cypher. She's human, she idolizes Luke and then realizes he's only human, she experiences disappointment, she experiences DOUBT about morality, she is, I believe, genuinely pretty horny for Kylo Ren in that movie (imo, Rey probably has like, zero sexual experience lol, but I also doubt that he has much either), and the idea of her wanting to be SOMETHING only to find out she's NOT THAT is really interesting. I find the idea of her being tempted to become his Dark Empress or whatever, and the idea of him being both an incredibly weird, dark, amoral person who's all about assuaging his own Feelings because mommy and daddy didn't love him the way he wanted them to... and someone who else wants this girl to bounce on it as his Dark Empress.... really interests me.

I didn't want to see them have babies. I didn't want to see them be happily ever after. I wanted to see her kill him while kissing him or something. Which I don't think was what a lot of reylos wanted, right? So it kind of made that ship inaccessible to me, and I imagine a lot of people who might've otherwise been into it. And I think things like "grey force babies" or whatever naturally made it seem more ridic, which of course happens with any ship (BOATBABY.......) but the size of the fandom and the ship made it seem bigger.

But because that ship was so archetypal (big bad man, girl onto which you could project whatever you wanted because she has like zero personality in 2/3 movies) it was easier for allll of these fic writers to do whatever they wanted with the dynamic, to pass the fic around, to do weird shit with it. And I think that tends to happen with bad/good ships. The fic writers have something very iconic to cling to, and they can do more with it, and therefore the fic is better, and that makes the ship bigger. The ship evolves into the fanon version, and then everyone who hates it hates it more because that ship is getting what they want. It reminds me of Darklina, Dramione (and for the record Dramione is something like... Go with God, but I do nOT. GET. THE DRAMIONE RENAISSANCE LOL.), Haladriel. Because reylo was again, so big though, there were more writers and more types of fic and it just got More More More.

So yeah, I think it's all kind of a snake eating its own tail thing. And now everyone who hated reylo anyway hates it even more because of all these reylo authors getting book deals, and often having solid success (or better). You can make a lot of critiques about why that's happening with a white ship versus a ship featuring poc, but that's beyond reylo and gets into fandom racism and racism in publishing AT LARGE. It's a bigger thing than just "the reylos did this".

But yeah, I personally don't really find Reylo all that shocking or perverse a ship. I've shipped worse lol. I just think there are a lot of really complicated things that have less to do with the SHIP than the shipping culture. Some of those things are super valid. However, I also think that this narrative occurred wherein it was like "the only toxic ones are the reylos" and... Yeah dude, there were plenty of toxic reylos. However... The Kelly Marie Tran of it all is where I really start getting bugged, because what happened to her and her character was one of the grossest things that happened in that franchise, and LET US BE REAL, the driving force behind that was not the reylos. (Nor do I want to imply that it was all finnreys--a lot of the SW fandom in general is super fucked re: basically any people of color in prominent roles.)

[thesinglesjukebox]

TEDDY SWIMS - "LOSE CONTROL"

Harkening back to a time when music made you shake, rattle, and roll...

[3.79]

Will Adams: Must be love on the brain. Or maybe just water in my ear. [4]

Ian Mathers: When will The Black Keys be held accountable for what they have unleashed upon the world? [3]

Jacob Satter: "He began playing instruments including piano and ukulele, and watched YouTube videos of singers to help develop his vocal technique. [4][5]" -- Wikipedia [4]

Thomas Inskeep: Oh, yay: another big-bearded, face-tatted white boy who thinks he's somehow "soulful" because he heard a Stax record once. And much like Post Malone and Jelly Roll before him, throw him on the burn pile. [1]

Scott Mildenhall: A great audition: four chair turns and a message from Rag'n'Bone Man. All theatrics are plausibly deniable, but the vocal capabilities are conspicuous, with there never being enough of a song to intrude on them. A strong message to the detractors of treading water in the natatorial world. [5]

Nortey Dowuona: The history of soulful white boys is long and strained. The Righteous Brothers are one example, but they never got more than one big immortal hit (only one did: Bill Medley). There's Michael McDonald, Bobby Caldwell, Tom Jones, and, of course, Fucking Drake. Each time a soulful white boy appears, he does appear acceptable, but only up to a point. Once that point has been breached, his existence becomes an anchor -- not a boon -- receiving enmity and bitterness for both his success and his inability to possess the skill demanded from truly soulful singers. As time has gone on, the five-alarm church runs that once ran R&B have gone out of style with the youngsters, unless coated in patiently brush-stroked Autotune. Even though live performances are a crapshoot with many of them, their excellent songwriting kept them aloft. Sometimes, their voices were so pretty that their lack of range didn't bother us. Now, another soulful white boy who possesses the runs (with scalpel-level Melodyne on them) has risen to the top. The worst part is that his song is well-produced: done by Ammo and Julian Bunetta, a trained jazz drummer whose heavy-handed soul drums anchor the thin mix. The plaintive keys shuffle against the tambourines gently, as Bunetta's bass lopes below and follows the key of the keys. But the songwriting from Mikky Ekko drags down this fantastic effort, leaving a held-back guitar solo by Bunetta bashing its neck against the withholding mix of Serban Ghenea. If only Brent Faiyaz was writing this... [6]

Tara Hillegeist: Oh, this is a very passably lovelorn piece of uptempo romantic angst, the kind that sounds like it could just as easily have dropped off the back of Cee-Lo Green's tour bus, circa "Fuck You." But it's not so passable that I can't help but have my main response to it all be "Wow, your man's such a tatted-up white lad, looks like he belongs on the set of a Guy Ritchie film, innit?" And now I've had that thought, I have to ask myself: when's the last time I heard something like this from someone who didn't, whose name wasn't T-Pain? And now I've asked myself that question, I have to wonder: should that question still matter? [6]

Joshua Minsoo Kim: This is a good time to admit that I always thought Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” was a terrible, plodding song. This sounds like a mellower, simplfied version of that. I find the almost-rapped verse kind of sweet, reminiscent of Ed Sheeran if he had a bit more soul, but then the guitar solo arrives and makes me feel disgust. It is not lost on me that this isn’t so far from Portishead’s “Glory Box.” The difference is that it all feels so rote, the elements already pre-packaged with an understanding of their meaning and import, and they don’t ever come together to bring the track to a greater whole. [4]

Hannah Jocelyn: Does nothing new in this type of song (except for the weird keyboard warble, which I'm not convinced is a good innovation because it sounds like "Dance Monkey (slowed + reverb)"), but the production from Julian Bunetta is phenomenal -- incredibly warm, but with enough muscle that what's probably just a drum loop from Splice sounds massive. Teddy Swims is very much in the Rag'n'Bone Man/Jelly Roll vein of gruff belters, but there's a warmth in his voice that prevents him from coming across like Mr. Roll or, worse, Oliver Anthony. [6]

Jacob Sujin Kuppermann: I get no enjoyment at all from listening to this. Every pained vocalization, every flanged guitar stab and demonstrative snare hit feels empty to me; whatever feelings Swims has do not survive transit. And yet, I feel a certain perverse respect for "Lose Control" despite all this. Perhaps it reminds me too much of the soul revival tracks that my high school pop ensemble teacher favored, the Fitz & The Tantrums-alikes that I dutifully jammed out to for four years. It's not a style that moves me at all anymore, but as I listen to "Lose Control," I can almost conjure bass tabs and keyboard charts to memorize and devote myself to (and can imagine the students of a semester from now who will be playing along to teenage takes on Teddy Swims' adult melodrama). [4]

Alfred Soto: The echo, horn blasts, and Soulful White Man vocal evoke a pop climate at least a decade past obsolescence, a reminder that a certain overstatement will always serve as a crutch. [4]

Wayne Weizhen Zhang: This song makes perfect sense if you just picture the woman he’s singing about standing next to him the entire time.  [3]

Leah Isobel: This man said "problematic" like he's on the Tumblr dash in 2011. [1]

Katherine St. Asaph: Thoughts and prayers for anyone persuaded to fuck to this song. [2]

[Read, comment and vote on The Singles Jukebox ]

[cosmic0dust]

Intro Post / About Me

Call me Cosmic !! ⭐️

19

Any pronouns (she/her pref!)

Non-binary

Furry

Artist

Neurodivergent

Silly

Interests !!

Special Interests ~

Pokémon!! Cards, plushies, and games. My favorite games are Omega Ruby, White, and Violet

Jujutsu Kaisen (anime and manga!)

Solo leveling (anime and manwha!)

Cats <3

Current Hyperfixations~

Pokémon Violet

Jujutsu Kaisen

General Likes!!

Video games (Minecraft, terraria, Zelda games, animal crossing, Pokemon ofc, class 09, Mario sunshine, stardew valley)

Wendigoon, creepcast, jacksepticeye, Adam McIntyre

Drawing

Anime (Besides jjk and SL I like ouran highschool host club, angel beats, sasaki and miyano, and toradora)

Sanrio

Stuffed animals

DNI

Please do not follow me or comment if you are 13 or younger <3

Absolutely DNI if you are racist homophobic transphobic the general DNI :3

I sometimes make bots on Janitor AI come follow me!! (18+ only DNI with j ai if you are a minor!)

[jacobsclass]

April Bey

April Bey 

https://www.april-bey.com/ 

April Bey was born in 1987 and grew up in the Bahamas, but now lives and works out of Los Angeles. She is a visual artist and an art educator. A lot of her work focuses on her culture, feminism, AfroFuturism, AfroSurrealism, post-colonialism, and redefines blackness out of the context of white supremacy. 

Her style and materials are a diverse array of printmaking, painting, collage, video, and immersive installations. I think her use of textiles and patterns is what makes her work so unique. She has a beautiful way of incorporating both her Bahamian and American cultures, is executed so well and portrays them in such a colorful and uplifting way. I love the stitching and fabrication of her work under “Atlantica” on her website. The colors used throughout this collection are so bold and full of life. The use of fabric and textures brings a new level of flamboyance and glamour. I enjoyed the fact that for the arrangements and installations for this collection, the pieces are not hung on a plain white wall, but rather textured, vibrant and colorful backgrounds. It definitely sets a tone for the viewing of her work and the theme of the exhibition.

Currently, Bey is a professor at Glendale College and is represented by Gavlak Gallery Los Angeles. Along with that she has launched seven solo exhibitions; Picky Head at Liquid Courage Gallery in Nassau, Bahamas, COMPLY at Coagula Curatorial in Chinatown, Los Angeles, MADE IN SPACE at Band of Vices Gallery in West Adams, a large survey of work spanning several years, Welcome to Atlantica at Fullerton College Art gallery, Atlantica: The Gilda Region at The California African American Museum and When You’re on Another Planet and They Just Fly at Gavlak Gallery Los Angeles. She also has her work exhibited internationally in Italy, Spain and West Africa. 

Isabella Della Fave (March 30, 2023)

[laryna6]

Jin-Woo having absolutely no interest in taking the time to tell people he’s human fits what’s established at the beginning at the first novel.

Which is that people who look down on him (for weakest e-rank, thinking he got possessed) aren’t entitled to know jack about what’s up with him. So he tells someone ‘I am totally just a risk-taking idiot’ to get them to drop it. So letting people keep assuming he isn’t human fits ‘you are not a high enough level friend to unlock my tragic backstory’

But I was like ‘AU where Kamish’s shadow didn’t fall apart and Jin-Woo got to keep the tailwaggy dragon’ during the conference. He didn’t summon him when fighting Thomas Andre because Jin-Woo knows trauma from the effing Cartenon Temple statues.

When Thomas goes to apologize, Jin-Woo goes, ‘The US gave me an opportunity to get a new summon’ and they go out to a huge field and Thomas gets to pose for photos where he’s heroically vanquishing Kamish, and the Scavenger guild taking a photo standing him on while he’s in a dramatic death position. And there is throwing of a massive tree trunk, and more people seeing Sung Jin-Woo speak monster language.

So the conference people go, hey, since you can talk to monsters would you be willing to do a presentation on any info about WTF is up with the gates that you might know (from being a monster boss). And he thinks and then sighs and admits he’s still trying to figure out who he needs to fight to stop the gates but there’s no reason not to tell people what he does know since it actually is their business for once. And asks the conference organize to ask the American bureau thing if Ms. Selner is willing to come up.

So like, the hunters seeing inhuman stoic (except when he’s smiling at apocalyptic dragons apparently) badass Sung Jun-Woo expose his Complete Inability To Communicate. He actually tries to tell people things for once in his life! And probably sprains something. He got Ms. Selner up to ask her like, what she could learn from sensing people but a lot of it is her going. ‘that one-sentence answer made no sense, wtf is a system please elaborate.’ But like, politely since if this guy doesn’t help humanity is doomed.

So you get Sung Jin-Woo getting to reveal all this badass stuff he’s done that no one knew about, but also people going ‘this is an orphan with negative EQ who uses flat affect and ignoring people not bc arrogance but because talking to people is exhausting so the answer to ‘do I care enough to try to correct this misunderstanding’ is almost always no.’

He is a Good Kid who like, isn’t possessed yet but was definitely being groomed for possession, who is basically trying to deal with all this alone bc what happened to his parents made him like Harry Potter in that like, the idea that going to adults for help is an option is completely foreign to him.

People going ‘uh why didn’t you?’ and he’s just blinking ‘oh yeah... in hindsight that was a thing I could have done...’ and the juxtaposition of terrifying strategist hunter and ‘no thoughts head empty’ communicator

[sienku]

(・_・ヾ … jinwoo icons ★% pls like or reblog

[thepermanentrainpress]

CONCERT REVIEW: FLORENCE + THE MACHINE W/ JAPANESE BREAKFAST AT ROGERS ARENA - OCTOBER 4TH, 2022

Anyone who says rock and roll is a dying art clearly didn’t attend the Dance Fever tour. On Tuesday night, Florence Welch and Michelle Zauner – along with their bands – rocked Rogers Arena at a level that could compete with any legendary rock star in their prime. If Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac are the past, Florence and the Machine and Japanese Breakfast are the future, and it’s in good hands.

Japanese Breakfast have been around since 2014 – in fact, Michelle informed us that it happened to be their eight-year anniversary as a band. Originally from Oregon and now based in Philadelphia, they’ve established themselves as premium and mesmerizing artists. They’ve embarked on several tours, headlining and supporting acts like Belle and Sebastian, The National, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. However, Michelle told us this was the group’s very first time performing in an arena, a special moment for audience and band alike. 

Much of their music is sorrowful and low tempo – dream pop mixed with complex time signatures and reverb. A colourful assortment of stage lights accompanied hypnotic saxophone solos and synth beats. Wearing a gorgeous and bright yellow dress, Michelle impressed us all by switching between singing in an ethereal and distinct voice, shredding the guitar, and doing her thing on the keyboards. She even banged a large gong on stage several times. The whole thing was just extremely cool. Michelle finished the final song of the set – 2017′s “Diving Woman” – with an extended guitar solo.

Although Michelle was the centre of attention, Peter Bradley on guitar, Craig Hendrix on drums, Deven Craige on bass, and especially Adam Schatz on sax all contributed to this one-of-a-kind psychedelic warm-up experience. The audience reaction could be summed up by Michelle herself: “Some audiences can be sterile, but you guys disproved that. So thank you for such a warm welcome, this has been so fun.”

(My one complaint is that I was hoping to hear “Jane Cum” from her first album on the setlist. She simply had too many great songs to choose from.) 

There was thunderous roars and cheers as Florence and the Machine took the stage. It’s hard to put into words how much this woman absolutely commands and focuses the audience in an arena. Watching her perform, it doesn’t feel like you’re with 15,000 other people. It feels closer to 150, or even just 15. All eyes are on her and you can feel the energy shift. She absolutely bedazzled in a red and white flowing dress – and as with almost all her shows, she was barefoot. A crystal-like structure adorned her as a backdrop, with the pieces moving to create a chandelier for some of the show. She also performed a bit beyond a thin transparent curtain, creating really cool effects with shadows. Although there were no visuals in the traditional sense, this stage decor really captured our attention. 

A few songs in, Florence greeted Vancouver. She asked for whom this was the first time. “You might be wondering what’s going on here. Is it Miss Havisham the Musical? Is it a British pagan dance ceremony? Am I safe? There seem to be a lot of vampire brides here. Is it a cult? Are they gonna eat me? Anyone brought along or chaperoned, all I can say to you is that it’s so much easier if you really give into it and you’ll be absolutely fine… if you just do every single thing that I say.”

She encouraged us to put our phones away and to just share a moment, and to tell our neighbours to do the same either politely or with some more salty British language. Although I have no problem with some phones and pictures, it’s always nice to see a united arena connected to the music and no electronics. 

She played a wide variety of songs from her decade-long career. There was a good order to the setlist, mixing up old and new, slow and fast. Her dancing is especially something to be admired; Florence flows gracefully, almost gliding around the stage, never letting her energy down throughout. Between her belting out “What Kind of Man,” singing an upbeat song with volatile lyrics (“Kiss With a Fist”) or just letting us dance it out in an encore to “Shake It Out,” there was never a dull moment.

Before “Morning Elvis” – off her latest album, Dance Fever – she explained to us that it was written during the height of the pandemic, “when I wasn’t sure if we could do this again.” Florence’s performance and stage presence are arguably just as important to her career as her studio music is, and it was obvious she felt as happy to be there as we did. There’s something genuinely special and heartwarming about seeing artists play again, to be back up there. It’s really a privilege too many of us took for granted before 2020, and a reminder of what has been sacrificed to continue enjoying live entertainment today. 

There were several points in the show when Florence came down to the barrier to hug, hold, and sing to lucky fans just inches away. She even walked through the floor area to come to the other side and sing in the middle of the crowd. All eyes were on her, and it only served to make the show feel more intimate and special. 

I feel it was an honour and privilege to be in the audience. But Florence makes you feel special and appreciated in return. “Look out and witness so much beauty everywhere, and the creativity. I’m so grateful for what you put in every night.” She also thanked us for supporting live music, since it continues to be a hard time for so many artists.

Whether you’re young or old, a longtime or new fan, a Florence and the Machine concert is one of the most passionate and beautiful shows you can go to. I saw Florence once before at a festival and was totally engaged and blown away by her performance. Seeing her headline an arena with a full set only further proved to me she’s one of the best touring artists around right now. Literally nobody is doing it like her; she’s one of a kind and an international treasure. I’m so happy she exists and that I got to share that night with her.

Written by: Cazzy Lewchuk

[fettsvette]

Never Worn White (Part One)

Cloud City, Bespin. Boba Fett is on the hunt for a casual fuck before he cashes in on Han Solo’s bounty. You’re a naïve virgin, saving yourself for an adolescent fantasy… and it just so happens that he’s in town. Upon encountering the object of your infatuation though, you didn’t expect he’d be so willing to help you out.

Pairing: Boba Fett x Reader Words: 2.1k Rating: Explicit Warnings: Loss of virginity and unprotected sex

Can be found on Archive of Our Own here.

Boba Fett was in town.

 There had been rumblings around the city for the past several days. Something big was happening, but nobody seemed to be sure of exactly what. You’d overheard people at the Shadow Market saying there was a beautiful woman who matched the description of Princess Leia Organa of Alderaan - well, formerly of Alderaan, now - staying in the guest quarters of the Administrator’s Palace, with a motley crew of attendants that included, of all creatures, a Wookiee. There were whispers of the famous spice smuggler, Han Solo, having been sighted as well, and even quieter mumblings concerning something called a ‘Skywalker’ (whatever that meant). An Imperial Garrison had been installed earlier in the week with no sign of leaving anytime soon, and the Baron Administrator himself, Lando Calrissian, had allegedly been seen meeting with Darth Vader himself. 

  Or so your roommate claimed.

  “That big scary guy who works for the Emperor? The one with the magic powers who sounds like he breathes through a gas-processing vane?” You had asked skeptically when they’d burst into your shared flat with the news, the normally relaxed Aruzan acting infuriatingly bubbly at finally having gotten hold of the hot gossip in the neighborhood before you had.

  The very same, they insisted; and the Baron hadn’t looked too pleased to be hosting such a powerful representative of the Empire, either.

  They hadn’t seen anything themself, no - they’d heard it from one of their coworkers at Pair O’ Dice, who’d claimed their cousin’s friend’s uncle had seen them together, walking across the Apex Overlook with a squadron of armed stormtroopers trailing behind them… the amount of parties involved in this city-wide game of Comlink Operator seemed to go on and on and on. You couldn’t decipher what was true, and what was just garbled rumors and hearsay. And you couldn’t make sense why such a varied amalgamation of the galaxy’s most well-known creatures would choose to congregate at a mining colony so far away in the Outer Rim.

  There was one thing you were absolutely certain of, however.

  Boba Fett was here, in Cloud City.  

  You’d never been so sure of anything in your life. You knew it was true. 

  Because you’d seen his ship yourself.

  It had been two days ago. You hadn’t been able to sleep, even after a long night waiting tables at K’cri’s Café, and you’d decided to take a walk down by the landing platforms in the wee hours of the morning, dawn still only a pinkish-orange smudge barely visible above the thick clouds. Whatever the time of day or night, there was always some action going on there - ships arriving constantly, bringing tourists from all over the galaxy looking to try their luck at one of Cloud City’s various casinos. You enjoyed watching the multitudes of different creatures disembarking off their various means of transportation - sub-aquatic Mon Calamari, blue-hued Chiss, reptilian Trandoshans; you’d even seen some gargantuan Hutts a few months ago, with their retinues of slaves and hangers-on, making their sluggish way across the concourse towards Yarith Bespin. It sometimes seemed that this city never truly slept.

  You’d been about to finally call it a night, still not particularly tired but knowing that you should attempt to go home, draw your curtains against the burgeoning light of the sun, and get some shut-eye before your next shift the following evening, when a bizarre sound from above snapped you out of your reverie. 

  You’d heard the Slave I long before you’d seen it. 

  The ship’s engine gave out a strange whining noise, unlike anything you’d ever heard in a transport. It reminded you of a gigantic buzz-bug, and you resisted the urge to swat at the air around your ears out of habit, squinting your eyes against the hazy morning light to see what kind of damned contraption could be making such a racket. 

  The ship came into view as it banked around the clouds, beginning a slow descent towards one of the nearby docks, and you felt your heart give a walloping jolt from the shock of what you were witnessing.

  ‘No… it can’t be… not here…’

  The ship was an ugly, mottled thing - a retired Firespray model of Old Republic make, the paint faded red and greenish-grey, much of it scraped away and adorned with deep gouges and obvious carbon scoring from firefights over the years. It had seemed to glide almost effortlessly through the air as it swept towards the docks, and as the transport grew closer and its image became more clear, your eyes widened, your blood screaming in your ears, your heart threatening to jump up out of your throat and flee from your frozen form. Its strangely vertical craft had suddenly rotated horizontally in the air, hanging momentarily as if suspended by a fine thread, and sank down to settle on one of the nearby landing pads, steam from the thrusters billowing around its now motionless form.

  You knew the ship well, although you’d never actually seen it in real life. It was all over the HoloNet almost every time a huge sum of credits were posted on a well-known fugitive’s head, their eventual capture usually accompanied by footage of that very same transport leaving the scene. It was called the Slave I , and was owned by a man who wore a ragged suit of Mandalorian armor, and who made his living by hunting down and - sometimes killing - those who found themselves on the wrong end of a particularly influential creature’s business dealings.

  Rooted to the spot, trembling from excitement, you’d stood on your toes and craned your neck, trying to catch a glimpse of the pilot as they exited the durasteel behemoth. When the boarding ramp had finally extended, however, you’d turned and ran back to your apartment, a wave of anxiety at possibly seeing the owner - and them seeing you - having overcome your senses. And there you’d hid for the rest of the day, pacing the floor of your living quarters and periodically peeking out the window, expecting to see the old Firespray taking off into open space from the vicinity of the dockyards across the city. But as far as you knew, it was still there. You could feel in your guts that it was.

  That was how you’d discovered that Boba Fett had come to Cloud City.

  The deadliest and most effective bounty hunter in the entire galaxy, in your town.

  And you wanted to meet him. You needed to meet him.

  It sounded almost dirty, to acknowledge that maybe you had a bit of a crush on Boba Fett. Although merely calling it a ‘crush’ was quite an understatement. 

  You were infatuated with him. 

  You’d followed his career almost obsessively since your early teenage years, when he’d first erupted onto the bounty hunting scene and began making headlines thanks to the clean, efficient work he’d make of marks who’d been unfortunate enough to cross his path. He was highly dangerous and had a nasty reputation for being a ruthless killer, focused only on bringing pain to the creatures that could earn him as many credits as possible. On top of that, he had exclusive hunting contracts with both the Empire and the Hutts, which didn’t garner much support from communities sympathetic to the Alliance to Restore the Republic, such as your own. Much of the galaxy considered bounty hunters to be the lowest of scum, on the same level as the criminals and other dregs and vestiges of the civilized universe that they were famous for capturing. It was difficult to admit that it wasn’t the gorgeous Falleen who lived down the hall that you fantasized about sweeping off your feet and charming the Corellian hells out of you, but Boba Fett. 

  You couldn’t fully explain it, even to yourself let alone your exasperated and befuddled friends, but there was just something downright sexy about him. You felt weak in the knees whenever you saw his visage broadcast on the holocaster in the café, and your ears always tingled and burned when you caught his name being mentioned in a snatch of overheard conversation. You spent hours scrolling and typing on your holopad, searching for any and all information you could discover on this enigmatic figure who wore the regalia of an ancient warrior race. You’d made it a point to haunt the local nightclubs and bars on your nights off, always seeking out information on Boba Fett’s whereabouts in the galaxy, his latest jobs, encounters that the creatures constantly flowing in and out of the local entertainment establishments may have had with him during their travels. You’d heard how good of a lay - and a generous tipper - he supposedly was from several of the go-go dancers who worked at the Zero-G Club, and the idea of Boba Fett himself getting a lap dance in a seedy topless bar always sent liquid heat pooling to your core. One of your most prized sources of intelligence concerning Boba Fett was Rystáll Sant , the half-Theelian backup singer for the Max Rebo Band, whose frequent sets at the Blue Petal Bar you never missed for this express reason. Lyn Me and Greeata Jendowanian had their own Fett stories, but Sant in particular became very talkative about her famous conquests while touring the galaxy - always after a couple spotchkas, which you were more than happy to share with her.

  Rystáll Sant was adamant that she’d had a casual physical relationship with Fett for years, and that he was, without question, the best fuck of her life. She hadn’t seen, let alone hooked up with him, in several months, no, but the band had a long-term residency at Jabba the Hutt’s palace on Tatooine coming up, and she was looking forward to finally reuniting with him there. He was one of Jabba’s favorite hired guns, after all. You always came away from your conversations with Rystáll feeling flushed and woozy, in a way that had nothing to do with the copious amounts of alcohol you both consumed while chatting. You’d always been too shy to grill her on any of the specifics of her dalliance with Fett, even though you knew she’d be happy to give them to you - what kind of a lover he was, if he was gentle or rough or a delicious mixture of the two, what he sounded like when he moaned, what he looked like both underneath his Mandalorian helmet and that mysteriously dented codpiece - but those unasked questions haunted you endlessly. You wanted to learn the answers yourself, somehow.

  In short, you were helplessly drawn to Boba Fett, and found everything about him to be intoxicating - from the danger associated with his chosen career, to the mystery of what dashing good looks he had to be hiding behind that black-visored helmet… and the fact that he was experienced. 

  Because you’d never been with a man before.

  Ever.

  You were a virgin in every sense of the word.

  You didn’t consider yourself a prude, or anything close - you just felt you’d never met the right person who you’d want to share that part of yourself with. Your virginity was something sacred in your eyes, something you wanted to give to someone special, not to just waste on a drunken, spiced out tryst after a night partying. Your prospective admirers on Bespin bored you to tears, and you found yourself constantly daydreaming of being whisked away off-world by a masked man in a shining suit of armor; one who would take you on exciting adventures and carry you bridal-style back to his ship afterwards for a romantic, passionate night together.

  You’d never admit it to anyone, knew you’d be laughed out of the social circles you’d managed to cultivate during your years living and working in Cloud City, but Boba Fett’s was the only name that ever came to your lips as you laid in bed, your hands between your legs, bringing yourself to climax twice, sometimes three times during one of your nightly sessions. Just the mere thought of him drove you wild in a way that no other person ever had, and you constantly fantasized about him claiming your innocence for his own, leaving you trembling and mewling underneath him.

  And now, like a bolt out of the blue, he was actually here , located in Cloud City on some unknown business, possibly entangled in whatever Imperial affairs that’d had the entire colony holding its collective breath over the previous days.

  It almost seemed as if it were meant to happen, that you were supposed to seduce and sleep with him, despite your initial panic at his unprecedented arrival. You knew how it sounded. If anyone found out about what you were planning, discovered the details of your deepest fantasy, the one thing you truly wanted above all else, they’d have you admitted to the psychiatric medcenter at Cloud City Central.

  It was true.

  You were saving yourself for Boba Fett.

  You were on a mission to fulfill that adolescent promise to yourself, consequences be damned, and you had no idea what you were getting yourself into.

[fighterkimburgess]

Second Chances Chapter 10 - Undercover

Summary: When Adam goes undercover and is nearly made, he has to weigh his loyalty to his unit and his family. Kim reveals their secret to a friend. Series Masterlist Here

Words: 3.5k

Warnings: semi-graphic mentions of violence (no actual description of it happening, but the aftermath), mentions of sex work.

Wanna join my taglist?

--

Getting the call to a high end hotel wasn’t normal for Intelligence, but when Kim and Al were let into the hotel room she could see why they were the ones called out. She’d never get the image of the teenager sprawled on the bed out of her head, her internal organs ripped open. It was a classic drug mule gone wrong case, and Kim wanted to cry even looking at the girl. She should have been in college, learning how to be an adult and making dumb decisions like dating the wrong person. Instead she was dead on the previously white sheeted bed of a four star hotel in Chicago.

They found an ID, which led to a tape of the teen coming off a flight from Mexico at O’Hare the previous day. Kim got the ASA to get them a warrant for the flight manifest and details, discovering that their vic had had her plane ticket paid for by her seat mate. The search for David Cortez came up empty, Cortez in the morgue before Cristiana had been found. The levels of cocaine in her body helped narrow the search, and Cortez’s known associates gave them a link to go on. One bartender in a creepy strip club that she was convinced would be a bust. But Hailey’s solo op went off perfectly, confirming the drugs were there and real. It was go time.

They tracked the drugs, and she watched as Hailey and Adam got ready to go undercover. She wasn’t jealous. No, not at all. She knew why Hailey was picked, she’s the detective. And Jay was too well known, Al didn’t fit the stereotype of a coke dealer. But she could admit she was jealous seeing Hailey on Adam’s arm as they went in.

“Someone’s got the green eyed monster.” Kev nudged her, and Kim just smiled.

“Shush. I’m fine, they’re gonna be great.” They sat and listened, Jay making sure everything was recorded as they did. But the wire went dead, and she felt that clench of fear in her chest. He had to be ok. He and Hailey would be fine. They had to be.

And they were out, and everything seemed fine. The van was returned, the tech checked back in and they went home to sleep and get ready for whatever was going to come barrelling down the pipeline the next day.

They were getting ready for bed, going through the routine of making sure the door was locked, everything was ready for the next morning when Adam spoke. Kim was sitting in front of the vanity, wiping away her makeup.

“I nearly got made tonight.” She turned her head, one eyebrow wiped off as she watched him. “Spiro has a cop on the books who recognised me. I nearly got made.”

“Who is it? You need to report it, Adam. If you don’t and he makes you you’re in trouble.” She kept cleaning her face, waiting for him to speak up about it. It wasn’t until Kim was in bed that he actually did.

“It’s my dad.” The words hung in the air between them for a moment before he spoke again. “He was wearin’ his badge in there, acting like security…I don’t even know. If I say he’s there then he’s gonna be brought in front of IAB. And I know your feelings about him, I know you’re not a fan of his. But he’s my pops, you know?”

Kim turned around, wrapping her arms around him instead of how they usually slept with him cradling her. “I know. And I know he’s your dad, and you’ve got that loyalty to him. But you need to talk to Voight about it. Not just for him being there, but if he says something by accident and makes you? Or if something goes wrong and he’s injured? If they find out you knew he was working there and said nothing, it’s you on the line then. I can’t make the decision for you, but I think you should mention it.” She kissed his jaw, feeling the tension melt away from him. “I’m here no matter what you decide.”

The next morning was tense, Adam going into work late that day. She kissed him goodbye and got to work researching the case, researching Spiro and the club and tracking down the financials. Every single thing she saw worried her more and more. She didn’t want to think Bob was dirty - he was a shitty cop and a shitty father, but she’d never have thought he was dirty - but the signs all pointed to it. And she couldn’t tell anyone anything about it, because it wasn’t her place to tell. It was Adam’s, and she had to wait for him to come in.

He looked tense when he arrived, and all she wanted to do was hold him and let him know it was ok. Instead she stood and gave the information about the club, the crappy financials that had magically turned around. They were digging deeper in and the worry in her stomach grew. But Kim bit her tongue, putting the information up on the board as they watched and worked it out.

She left for lunch, Adam saying he’d go with her to bring food back for everyone, and they were sent out with a nod.

“He’s lying to me.” They were just in the car with the doors closed when Adam spoke, and Kim turned to him.

“What do you mean? Adam, tell me you didn’t…” her voice trailed off, and he shook his head.

“He knows nothing about the case. I wouldn’t do that. He figured I was UC, he says he didn’t make me. But with how dirty Spiro is, I can’t see him being totally clean in this. He’s my pops, Kim. What am I supposed to do? He’s my dad.” She reached over and squeezed his hand.

“After we eat, you go talk to Voight and tell him what you know. And you make it very, very clear that you haven’t told him anything about the case or what’s going on. That the only thing he knows is that you were UC and he didn’t make you. Adam we need to get Spiro. And you know we’ll do what we can to make sure Bob’s ok.”

They were silent for the rest of the drive to the deli, and on the way back to the precinct. Kim watched as he went into Voight’s office, focusing on her work rather than what Adam was doing. For the first time she was so glad she was in the background on the case, not dealing with everything. Instead she and Al were running plates, making crappy jokes and listening in on the wire tapes to hear what was happening.

She was in the precinct, getting updates from Adam and Kev about having Spiro’s girlfriend wired up. That knot in her stomach was back, and she ignored it, thinking it was worry for Adam. It’d be fine. She could hear them pull Rita out, make sure she was ok. Once the op was over and Hailey was out she stretched, picking up her coat to go home.

“You doing ok, Kid?” Al asked as they walked down the stairs, and she smiled at him.

“Yeah. I think so. It’s been a long week, you know? Plus I always worry when someone’s undercover. I won’t be fine until Hailey and Adam are finished this.” She could hear her mentor’s inhale, waiting for his words.

“I’m impressed at how you two are. I figured there’d be drama, but you’ve kept it out of here. Good job.” Al’s words were rushed, and Kim appreciated the praise. She took a moment to pick her words carefully.

“He’s my best friend. No matter what happened before, I know I can count on him, and he can count on me. It’s good, y’know?” They waved goodbye at their cars, Kim making her way home.

The next morning came too early, the stress of everything not helping either of them sleep. When she woke several times during the night, she could tell he was either awake or only just dozing, his breathing shallow and the tiny snores he’d let out when he was fast asleep not there. She wanted to take away his pain, make him feel better, but there was nothing she could do for this.

When they were getting ready for work Adam was clingy, holding onto her. It didn’t bother Kim in the slightest, wanting to hold onto him and make sure he could feel her love. She kissed him goodbye, holding onto him and doing everything she could to remind him she was there and she loved him and there was nothing more she wanted than to make sure he was ok.

She made it to work second, waving at Platt as she went upstairs. She started building a timeline of the case to keep the ASAs happy, making sure that once they could do the arrests it would be good to go. And then the call came over the radio.

“50-21 Ida, we got a DOA at our location. Notify forensics.”

The four in the bullpen looked up at each other, the realisation of what Adam had said hitting them. Rita was dead, and it was their fault. If they hadn’t pulled her in she’d be alive and a child would have a mother. She ran her fingers through her hair before digging back into work. Every few moments she watched Kev put surveillance photos of Spiro and his associates on the board. It wasn’t until she stared at one that she realised Bob was in it. He was at the back, looking like security, but he was there. And if she could recognise him, Al definitely would. Probably not Jay or Kev, they’d only met him once, but she could see the house of cards Adam had created about to tumble down.

She stayed on the periphery for the case, watching Adam worry about his dad, worry about what was going on. She watched him go into that final meet, the terrifying moment wondering if his dad would make them, listening to the wire. And then hearing the bullets go wild, running in with Al and holding pressure on her father in law’s shoulder so he didn’t bleed out in front of his son. Watching Adam get into the ambulance with Bob, going to Med to make sure he was going to be ok.

They started wrapping up the case, filling out the final paperwork and watching it all happen. She had to get through this one end of day and tomorrow she was on a plane to New York to see Erin. She could get through it. They had to. Her phone buzzed and she opened the text from Adam, smiling at it.

Pops will be ok. Through and through, didn’t hit anything serious. Probably out tomorrow. Love you.

“Bob will be ok. Through and through, looks like he’ll be out in the next day or two,” she announced to the bullpen, relief flooding through. He may not have been a part of their unit, but a cop is a cop and they were all worried.

She left the bullpen with Adam still there, nodding at each other. They were the last two apart from Voight, and she wanted to wrap her fingers around his, pull him home and let him talk it out. But he wasn’t ok and he wouldn’t be ok, the thoughts of his dad’s IAB case over his head. She gave him a soft smile as she left.

Kim cooked that night, having fried rice nearly ready for dinner when Adam arrived. They sat and ate, a calm quiet between them.

“You packed for tomorrow?” He asked, and Kim shook her head.

“I was gonna pack after dinner. It’s only three nights, and it’ll probably be Erin and I sitting on her couch drinking wine. I was going to wear my rings while I’m there? It’d be nice to let her know, and it’s not going to get back to anyone in work if I tell her. What do you think?” Her words had the desired effect, a grin on his face at the thought of someone knowing.

“Yeah? She’ll be pissed we didn’t tell her, she kept telling me I had puppy dog eyes looking at you and it was unfair to my girlfriend.” Kim laughed at that, nodding.

“She told me that too.”

After eating Adam started the dishes while Kim pulled out her overnight bag to start packing. It was going to be the first few nights in nearly two years they hadn’t spent together, and she’d be lying if she didn’t admit that she didn’t know how she’d sleep without her human pillow. She was zipping up the bag after stealing one of Adam’s shirts when her husband walked in and sat on the bed.

“My dad’s in the clear as far as CPD is concerned.” Kim’s head shot up.

“Seriously?”

“Voight did the paperwork to put him undercover as part of the case, backdating it. IAB are being told he was doing it for Intelligence, we needed an older patrol cop to do it, and because he was my dad it was the right move.” He didn’t seem happy at the words, running his fingers through his hair.

“There feels like there’s a but there, Adam,” Kim said lowly, waiting for him to speak.

“He had some bad investments, he’s nearly gonna lose the house. He stayed working for Spiro to make sure he could keep it. And he didn’t tell me because he doesn’t want to burden me. Cause he was officially undercover now the money should cover the shortfall. How did I not know? How did I not ask?” Her husband lay back, staring up at the ceiling.

“Because he’s your dad, and we all want to believe our parents are perfect and can’t make a mistake. And it’s ok to feel that way.” She took the bag off the bed, crawling up and holding onto him as he lay there. “I love you. And when we decide to have kids, we’ll know what not to do. You’re not your dad, Adam. You can’t make his choices for him. He’s stubborn enough that he won’t tell you anything he doesn’t have to.”

They lay there for a few moments, just holding onto each other and soaking up the comfort. Kim started running her fingers through Adam’s hair, feeling him shiver as her nails scratched against his head.

“I love you.” He said, before turning and looking straight into her eyes. “I know we say it every morning, but Kim, I’m so incredibly in love with you. There’s nobody else I’d want to do this with. I mean it.” She smiled at him, kissing him gently.

“I’m totally in love with you too, Adam. And this is my last night here for three nights, give me some memories for when we’re sleeping apart?”

The next morning when she was wrapped in his arms the last thing she wanted to do was get up. But her alarm was blaring, and Adam was dropping her to O’Hare so she could see Erin. It’d be worth it to see her friend, to get a proper catch up and see her. But she didn’t want to move.

She kissed her husband goodbye in the car, watching as he smiled at her rings on her finger. Kim was so proud to get to wear them, to get to spend time publicly married. It felt so special. When she got her boarding pass she took a photo of it to send to Adam, her married name printed for all to see. Getting through the TSA check was fine, and she sat at a cafe drinking an iced latte and eating a bagel before getting on the plane. She was so excited to get there, texting Erin to confirm that she was on the plane and when she’d arrive in LaGuardia.

She got off the flight and went looking for the exit, when she spotted Erin waving to her. The two women hugged, separating with a smile.

“They told me there was no Kim Burgess on the plane. You hiding yourself on it? Usually FBI credentials get them to tell you everything.” Kim thought she’d have more time, but she started walking with Erin to hopefully get them away from everyone before she revealed the news.

“That’s because legally I’m not Kim Burgess anymore. If you’d asked, they’d have told you Kimberly Ruzek was on the flight. Adam and I got married.” She watched Erin stop walking, her jaw slack. Erin’s eyes travelled to Kim’s hand, lifting it up and looking at the rings there.

“When did this happen? This looks like the ring he proposed with. How come you didn’t tell me? I would have been there!” They started walking again, Kim grinning.

“You’re one of three people who knows about it. It’s you, Kev and Platt. We didn’t want anything to happen that could affect my career, so we kept it secret. We’ve been married for seventeen months.” That was the moment Kim could see Erin.exe had stopped working, just looking at her.

“All those double dates? The times you told me you were so in love? The times I warned both of you about the heart eyes? You’re telling me that you were married the entire time? You’ve been his wife?” Kim laughed, grinning.

“Yeah, we were. We originally were going to announce after we’d been married a year. But we were married for five months and Voight pulled me up to Intelligence. We were worried he’d bump me down if he found out we were together, so we’ve just kept it quiet since then. Platt knows because the HR forms had to go through her, and Kev knows because he turned up at the apartment one night and was wondering why all my stuff was there. And now you know because I trust you not to tell anyone.”

“I promise. But I want the details, Ruzek. As many of them as you can give me.” They got into Erin’s car, driving to the Brooklyn brownstone she’d rented an apartment in. They sat there getting day drunk on wine, laughing and Kim spilling everything about her marriage - when they got back together, how they decided after Platt’s wedding to get married, the trip to Aurora and their wedding ceremony on their own.

“I can’t believe you kept this from everyone. I had no idea. I knew that he was protective over you, he once nearly punched a suspect when he made a comment about your ass. But I thought it was Ruzek being Ruzek, not him being a protective husband.” They clinked glasses.

“Kev and I have more than once had to tell him to back off. But you know, protective Adam after a case is pretty great.” They devolved into giggles at that, laughing about the ridiculousness now they could talk about it.

The long weekend with Erin was exactly what she didn’t know she needed. Erin was still new to the city, and the two did the big tourist things - Staten Island Ferry, the Statue of Liberty, even going up on the High Line and wandering. They didn’t talk about Erin leaving Chicago, or about anyone from the unit except Adam. It was an unwritten rule that Erin didn’t need to hear, and instead they just relaxed and hung out.

Erin drove her to the airport to fly home, the two women hugging each other before letting go. With their jobs they knew it was unlikely this would be more than once a year, but it was so needed.

Once Kim got off the plane in Chicago her phone buzzed multiple times, texts from Adam and Voight telling her to get to the precinct. The final one was from Adam, warning her that Al was picking her up at the airport and she’d need to take off her rings. She slid them off, grabbing her badge out of her purse and sliding it onto her belt. She didn’t have her service weapon, that was locked at home, but at least if she had her badge she was ok. Her rings were firmly in the pocket of her purse, and she waved at Al who was waiting for her.

“Ruzek texted, said we have a case. What’s going on?” She could feel vacation mode leaving her as she got caught up, nodding and following Al to the car.

Chapter 11>>

Taglist: @aruzlover @amandarrollins @morganupstead @adamruz @fullwattpadmusictree @redpoodlern @everythingaddictxx @write4life13 @lizlouisebrown @jeanjacketjesus @tuxieboy101-blog @thelittlepterophyllum @planecrazylex @sophiatellerrhodes @eternal-olicity @ossypooh @dissociation-writes @kimburgess-ruzek @thestarrynightslover @reidskitty13 @etamne @torreshalstead @itsnotpersonalbut @leymr @multicouple-lover

[jauneda1]

RWBY

The New War

Jaune's First solo Mission

One year after the initial attacks

War changed Remnant after the attacks one year ago. The kingdoms are all against each other Vacuo in a constant battle with Vale due to the leaders of Vacuo being taken out by the terrorist group know as the Black mask. They instilled a system in there kingdoms laws that makes it impossible for people to go against the military. Innocent men, women, and children are forced to live in poverty. While the men and women who took their nation get to live without a worry. Until the combined forces of Vale and Atlas military tried to invade and save the once beautiful kingdom. The only problem is that there are Grimm new kinds of Grimm no one has ever seen. Not to mention the White Fang are and still are a threat to both sides. They're force had grown exponentially due to their attacking and ultimate destruction of Mistral and the Huntsman Academy of Haven. Even with all this change and destruction of the peace our heros burst forward in hopes of finally ending this conflict.

Desert's of Vacuo

Jaune had just to touched down on a mountain range, from where the two where standing he could see the inner city, all the way up to around the capital. He wouldn't be able to do much just sitting here. Jaune's mission was simple sneak behind enemy lines and escort and evacuate a defecting White Fang lieutenant, her name is Ilia Amitola and she served directly under commander Adam Taurus. She is a valuable asset to say the least.

In Jaune's ear piece he can hear Raven checking in. She being his main mentor for the past year she would be kind of walking him through this mission of his.

Raven: How is it on your end?

Jaune: Clear. How everyone doing up there?

Raven: Don't worry about that you have a mission. Hop to it reminder you have a limited time window.

Raven: Not to mention this is your first solo mission so stay hidden and try not to cause a scene.

Jaune: You know your to serious about this I'll get in get out and be done. By the way what do we call this mission?

Raven: Jaune you have to be serious if your captured that's it. We can't come and save you. You'll be treated as if your acting on your own terms.

Raven: Ruby and Yang are gonna be heart broken if there best friend doesn't come back. Plus Summer will blame me for the rest of my days.

Jaune: Okay okay. Serious

Jaune took this short moment to remember everything he has learned in the past year. Then the people who are counting on him right now. Blake was the one who begged Ozpin to send someone in. He volunteered he was gonna keep his promises to his friend. It's what Arc's do, they'll never go back on there word.

Jaune: (Inhales) (Exhales)

Jaune: Commencing Virtuous mission now.

The Grimm in the surrounding area of Vacuo where a lot different from any of the ones Jaune is used to seeing. But they are still easy to sneak past especially with the gear Jaune has on.

Jaune: I gotta hand it to the tech guys this is supposed to hide my body heat and give me a near invisible camouflage.

Raven: Well not a hundred percent. It's more to give you the look of transparency but really your suit uses the surrounding area to automatically change and conceal you.

Raven: So don't thinking it'll get you out of trouble all the time.

Raven: Again try not to be seen. The target is supposed to meet you on the south west side of the city.

Jaune: Yeah and that means I need to go through the capitol. Should I plant bugs around or just stick to my main objective?

Raven: Stick to the main objective your on a 2 hour time window.

...

...

Raven: Jaune?

Everyone in the observation room back at HQ where shocked Jaune had encountered plain of some type of burial site but some of the people hung up on poles are still breathing they are just dehydrated and starved. There were soldiers, civilians, and children. What shocked everyone even Jaune as he can hear Blake shout out over the mic.

Blake: ILIA!

Jaune looked up to one of the poles to see a naked dehydrated and beaten women Jaune could tell she was alive but he wouldn't be able to fulton extract her, not in this condition. So mission complete he'll just call in a chopper and put her on it and do what needs to be done. Jaune wasn't obligated to do what he has intentions on, but if someone doesn't do something to weaken the Forces of Black Mask and White Fang here in Vacuo then the war to reclaim the kingdom will never come.

Jaune: Send in a chopper and make sure medical is on it.

Raven: You got it, Jaune I know what your thinking. Please don't do what your gonna do. Everyone saw your vitals spike.

Raven: But I've known you since you where a boy. I've been like your second mother please be on that chopper when it arrives back at HQ.

Jaune stayed silent and continue to stay silent as he climbed up the pole to cut down and carry Ilia she wasn't making the trip unless he did so. But the reason Jaune kept quiet wasn't because he was worried about what Raven said. It was because if Ilia was secretly defecting from the Fang why was she out here and for how long who knew she was a mole and was trying to defect.

But the answer was a red laser that pointed at Ilia's head. Jaune instinctively got in front of her and a loud shot rang out as it hit Jaune in the back. Jaune at this point was able to jump down and bring Ilia with him to keep her out of harm's way. This was a trap and Jaune had just been caught in it.

Raven: Jaune! Are you okay?

Jaune: Going dark until I can take out this sniper.

Raven: Jaune no your mission is complete you just need to get out of there.

Ruby: No that sniper could bring down the evac chopper.

Yang: So he's forced to deal with the sniper.

Yang: You've got this Jaune.

Jaune: Mhhm.

Two Minutes later.

The sniper was beginning to feel bored. Questions like how long is he gonna sit behind that rock, or is he still there and if so what is his angle. He's stuck and can't move. She then she had an sudden urge to check behind herself as if something that was life threatening to her was right there about to strike. When she looked there was nothing. But then her semblance hit her hard as she was nearly cut in half, she jumped back with a lot of force because she got hit but her gun took the damage.

Looking now it was the man she thinks was behind the rock. But how could that be he was more then 150 meters away he wouldn't have been able to have got this close to her this fast unless he knew where she was the second the bullet went off. It makes sense now the second the laser of the rifle tagged the traitor he glanced back eyes widen and scanning. Remembering it because it was odd he sensed danger evaluated it and reacted in under a second. Not to mention he took a bullet for her. He has aura does that mean he's a Huntsman.

The sniper had little time to think as Jaune's eyes focused and he rushed forward and was now behind her and chopped her in the back of the head knocking her out. Jaune wasn't going to let her live at first but he wants to send a message. After calling for a chopper. Jaune set the female sniper up on the same pole Ilia was left on. Jaune didn't strip her like they did Ilia but he was sure the Vacuen heat would do enough. If she doesn't return they'll come and find her later.

(Jaune's Mind)

"Make better choices next time cutie."

(Ricky)

"She is a liability, can't just let her go."

Jaune: Huh, Raven did you say something?

Raven: No all's quiet on our end.

Jaune had no idea what that was but he gave it little thought as Ilia's condition was worsening. It's a good thing to chopper 31 showed up right then and there. Jaune was gonna be honest Ilia was cute but he needed to make sure she was safe at HQ.

HQ Time 8PM

Ozpin had spoke to Jaune alone about his mission and the two of them where unreachable for an hour. All the while the rest of JNPR and all of team RWBY where bed side of where Ilia was recovering Blake had her friends hand clutched and hoping begging she would fight through this. Jaune had came into the room and seeing the mood of the room. He was sure that Ilia was fighting for her life. But the Arc had other plans he took a bullet to the back of the head for her. She wasn't gonna just die on him after all this work he put into saving her.

Jaune: Yeah no this mood is just not doing it for me.

Jaune: I didn't go through all that for you to just die infront of me.

Jaune put his hand gently against the side of her face giving her some of his kinetic energy. It was enough to boost her aura levels.

Jaune: So sorry but not sorry, your not dying today.

Everyone looked to Jaune everyone except Blake looked to him as the only thing keeping them all going. Jaune just brings light to the darkness wherever he goes. As Ilia's heart beat grew stronger everyone could hear the faint sobbing from Blake till she jumped up and wrapped her arms around Jaune's neck and cried into his shoulder.

(Yang's mind)

"He may be the reason we all keep fighting, but what is his reason. But what is your reason for fighting on Jaune, I know this all has to be effecting you. You don't even come to me anymore. Maybe Lady Killer doesn't need his Dragon anymore? Yeah no that changes tonight."

Jaune was not aware of how much trouble he is in later on tonight.😁

End of part 6

Teams and they're roles

RWBY: Alpha Team

JNPR: Bravo Team

Spies: Blake, Ren, Jaune, and Yang

Spies are top 4 who have high covert ops training, master's at close range and trained directly under Raven and Qrow Branwen. They're main objective is to be ghost in the shadows gathering info and all around espionage tactics.

Solo ops: Jaune, Yang, Blake, and Ren

Solo ops are simply the same as spies but they have been cleared for solo operation. These ops are espionage and covert only. If they are caught on solo ops they will not be given help from any outside options everything is on them.

Omega: Jaune, Yang, Pyrrha, and Ruby

This team is comprised of High-grades only of given orders to take out an entire compound this team makes sure of it. No matter the difficulty they get shit done. Not even they're friends know there mission details only Ozpin and Ironwood know.