#did kevin find out they were gonna try and *lose his damn shit*?

[kariachi]

#i think u were the person that said once that its possible kevins mom was a rooter right?#i think *that* wouldve been an interesting thing to explore#and i know that they also had thoughts about explaining how aggregor was part of it#talking abt him being some like. genetically modified clone of kevin that was quickly aged#and like i *love* the shit that happened with argit i think its great that we got such a good luck at his character#but like... he almost feels like the only one that really had anything happen to him#like u were saying what the FUCK was the point of ragnarok if kevins dad wasnt even real#why do so many ppl know osmosians if they were all fake#assuming kevins mom isnt a rooter then how is SHE affected by her husband not being real??#its so fucking sad and so fucking FRUSTRATING that it couldve been SO interesting#but it was just. shoehorned in and had no consequences and affected absolutely nothing before OR after it happened#ben 10 (via @expired-blueberries)

I was! Her existence doesn't really make sense with the Rooters arc- we already know they would have to be able to get access to her to have fucked with her head enough to make Devin a thing, so why not just go to her to grab the information of where Kevin went rather than start shit with the local Plumbers? And if she was a Rooter then why not just fucking ask her? What happened between Absolute Power and Rooters of All Evil that neither of these were apparently options? We'll never know, because they only cared about retconning. And the whole thing with Harvey is... I did a whole post that touched on it I can't remember if I tagged, but Kevin's side of the story in UA aligns more both with what we know of what Kevin was capable of in OS, what he's like as a person even when he's gone around the bend, what's normal for young runaways, and what we get confirmed of his backstory by the Reboot. What Harvey's story lines up well with is Servantis's brand of gaslighting and guilt tripping to manipulate people, especially when one considers this is probably the closest Kevin came to trying to off Ben again and Harvey's appearance and argument did nothing but rile him up even further.

Add in that Ragnarok was supposedly supposed to be a Rooter and... I kinda have a headcanon, when it comes to Rooters-compliant stuff, that Kev's supposed mom was in truth his handler- since he was a sleeper agent- and that the whole Ragnarok deal was Servantis 1) getting rid of a Rooter who either gained a moral or tried to start shit, and 2) checking to see if Kevin was still, ya know, murdery, given it'd been over six months and he still had only even tried to really go at Ben once. It would certainly explain why she had no real reaction to her house getting wrecked, and why she just suddenly decided then was the time to exposition dump about how Devin died.

And that would have been such a fucking storyline! Kevin comes back to town to see his mom except, nope! Was never his mom, he's been a sleeper agent, she's his handler, and now that it's certain he's failed in his 'get close then snap and murder Ben' mission here's the Rooters to bring him back to the Null Void so they can work on the next plan. He manages to escape, memories repaired, and knowing Ben is the big first target sends the Tennysons on a wild goose chase as far as finding him goes while he goes to get Argit, only coming clean to some degree about what's going on-as in canon- when he realizes that he's not going to be able to get to Manny and Helen himself.

You could have the arc otherwise go the way it did, and it still wouldn't be great, but it would fill the 'okay but what about his parents' plothole and give the Rooters more background since viewers can look back and go 'oh holy shit' as far as fucking AF.

Meanwhile, if you don't want her to be a Rooter then that just means that, like you said, the question of 'okay but what about her, what about the fact somebody came in and implanted a whole fake husband into her head' still exists and, as with everything else, is never even hinted at.

Even fucking Kevin, who's the focus of the damn arc, only gets so much. He certainly didn't get any lasting effects we get to see. And like, there is Kevin stuff in the arc, there's good Kevin stuff, but so much is focused on the Tennysons and Argit and giving the backstory that we hardly get to see it. Kevin is so smart in this arc, and he runs a fucking double agent job like a dream against Servantis, his biggest hindrance is literally the Tennysons. And yet. Alas. Can't risk taking away from the two big goals of the arc- retconning everything we know about him and the hybrid Plumbers Helpers, and go 'look look we remember Ken 10 we remember that flashforward do you remember that flashforward'.

Even before we get into everything else, it was a fucking waste.

Annoying thing with the Rooters arc is that we never do find out what the fuck the Rooters had planned in the long run. Because the first-and-foremost matter is destroying Ben, yes, but Servantis may as well be holding up a big glowing neon sign saying "this is step three in a greater, larger plan". He grabs Kevin in the first episode of the arc and is talking about using him to make more amalgams, when discussing Kevin seemingly coming back into the fold he describes him as 'coming along nicely' like this is just a step in his training, when he sends the kids out after him in the flashback he refers to the Rooters 'subtle manipulations' and how Ben can't fuck them up, he's literally forming a group of hybrid child soldiers as if he couldn't just snipe the fucking 10-yo as he walks out of his elementary school, or fucking recruit him like the Plumbers already end up doing.

This is not shit you get from someone whose entire deal is 'this one child is too dangerous to live'! You don't see 'child has superweapon' and go 'well then I'll have to transform myself, my staff, and a host of children into hybrids through painful experiments and then train and damn near mindcontrol the children into going and killing the kid'. You don't talk about plans for making more, you don't talk like when the chips are down the big problem is the kid might get in your way, or like the kids you've sent out to kill him are still in training.

These fuckers had Intentions and Plots and they got completely dismantled before we could get an actual answer on what they were longterm.

[tedturneriscrazy]

🎶Knock, Knock, Knockin' On Hooty's Door🎵

I wonder if anything will happen in this episode.🙂

(I say as if I didn't watch the episode twice before going to bed and writing this post)

I don't think I'll ever not be amused by the way Hooty just...does things with his face

Seems like he found a thesaurus at some point

Okay so it's canonically spelled "Hootsifer," good to know

Also, this is really all we get of Lilith, huh?

His little hoot/coo at Lilith's letter❤❤❤

To borrow a meme format: If I had a nickel for every time Alex Hirsch was involved in a show where one of the characters was experiencing pubescent voice cracks, I'd have two nickels, which isn't very much but it's weird that it happened twice

Eda's face🤣

As much as this bit is played for laughs, Eda's clearly still shaken by what happened last episode

Jeez, Luz, priorities /j

Pictured: Hooty

The way King talks about being pelleted implies this is something Hooty does on the regular

Hooty's plan to help King is literally a Buzzfeed quiz? Okay then

Betcha never expected lore from Hooty, eh?

"DO NOT INTERRUPT"

Officially a "type of worm"

The dance being a grievous insult wasn't exactly from nowhere, but still funny nonetheless

WE DON'T TALK ABOUT THE FUCKING COCCOON

Tiny Nose playing Switch definitely seems to be drawing from Dana's real life experiences

Wait, Hooty and Tiny Nose are friends?

Well shit, turns out she could use magic this whole time. Guess her going Super Saiyan wasn't just the power glyph.

I am extremely skeptical of your medical credentials, TN

I have so many questions about the methodology they used for the blood test(s)

I think Hooty may have misinterpreted what King was looking for

I'm still amazed at how King has had, and continues to have, moments in the show with some of the greatest emotional weight

Ooh, sound powers!

"IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A CRUMBLE!!!"

It just occurred to me that that segment consisted mostly of Alex Hirsch talking to himself

Hello not-at-all obvious setup

Today I learned that Hooty is the baker of the house. Maybe he'd critique Amity's fairy pie.

Aaaaand there's the sleep inducing

Oh shit

In hindsight the Owl Beast being part of a dream sequence is rather obvious

Wow, Eda, tell us how you really feel about the Owl Beast

Oh we're just gonna ride aboard the Trauma Express today, huh?

Oh, I guess Lilith did make an appearance, after all

Damn, Gwen, not even looking

Oh shit dad issues

Sandy Cohen?! (To anyone who gets that reference, hi. How are your 30s treating you?)

Well, I know who Peter Gallagher voices now, anyway

Oh dear...

(Also, bright flashing lights triggering the curse? There's an epilepsy allegory in here somwhere)

Blood and eye injury? Gotta stretch that Y7 rating

Now we have some context for that look on Eda's face when Lilith mentioned their dad: good old fashioned guilt!

I desparately want to make a "Dude, you're getting a Dell!" joke, but I'm better than that

New memory! Raine!

Oh no...

I get the feeling I'll hate this part, too

They were exes!😢 Guess the fandom called that one

The reasoning for them being exes is understandable, all too real, and goddamn heartbreaking

That said, the fact they never stopped loving each other🥺😢😭

I do hope we can see Raine again under less...traumatic circumstances. Maybe that wedding that was mentioned?

Oh shit, are we getting into the Owl Beast's memories?!?! What a tweest!

Bet nobody expected Cloaked Moonface to show up in the frickin Hooty episode

(Also, holy shit I briefly forgot this was the Hooty episode)

Who is this mysterious cloaked figure? And why are they so tall and long?

So the curse was a sealed beast this whole time. Damn.

And it was just picked up as beach junk to sell as a trinket. So much for it being connected to Belos. (Not that people will stop trying to do so)

Who had "experiencing sympathy for the Owl Beast" on their Bingo cards for this episode? Yeah, me neither.

And here we have the necessary Eda coming to terms with her curse segment. More accurately, Eda and the curse coming to terms with each other.

Goddamnit why does it have to be cute

"It's like sandpaper" IT'S LIKE A CAT I FUCKING CAN'T

Insert Steamed Hams reference here to kill the mood

New transformation!

Oh no she's hot!

No, Hooty, you made it surprisingly much, much better!

She might have a problem pushing people away and holding onto guilt, but Eda always knows that she looks damn good

Oh right, Luz having girl problems. Fuck, so much is happening in this episode!

"Cotton-candy-haired Goddess" LUZ! 🤣

Attuned to other people's emotions = being a fucking creeper

Oh Luz, what happened to you back home?

Also, 99.999% certain Amity would love your cheesiness

That's...rather morbid, Hooty

So much lore development, including the fact the Owl House has a basement

Classic inanimate object silhouette fakeout gag. Subversion in 3...2...1...

There it is!

I can't imagine being pelleted is a fun experience.

Honestly I have so many questions about how Hooty got Amity there in the first place, but I'm not so sure I actually want to know the answers to any of them...

Cue much panicking

Wow, I'm really getting some Into the Bunker flashbacks

Oh this is gonna be amazing isn't it

I commend Luz for not actually dropping dead of embarrassment

Seriously, how can Hooty set all this up so fast yet not hold a pen?!?!?!

Poor Luz, she thinks this is destroying her chances

Meanwhile Amity is just "Oh, Titan, is this actually happening?!"

The way she's fixing her hair!❤

Goddamnit Luz let this play out, she's so clearly into this!

"Again?!" Okay who do I have to kill?

Luz is luzing it

Nooooooo....

JUST TALK FOR FUCK'S SAKE (aka how like 95% of issues in literally any plot could be solved)

Noooo Amity's so heartbroken right now💔

This isn't what either of them wanted!

To be fair, Hooty, Luz had a part in this too. Not that she can be blamed entirely. Poor thing clearly had some awful experiences back home...

Now Hooty is McFucking losing it

Why did I think he was gonna say "Looks like I'm gonna have to JUMP!" I think I've watched too much Homestar Runner (jk there's no such thing)

Those pulsating organs are still gross

Eda swooping in to save her son (No, really, he actually is now)

I'll say things get weird when Hooty gets upset!

Yes, King! Save them with your voice powers!

Damn that is some romantic lighting, and Luz is enjoying the eye candy (cotton candy, if you will)

Luz's reaction to Harpy!Eda is the family-friendly summation of how the fandom has reacted.

Hooty really just tearing up the landscape in remorse

Mother-daughter moment about love life!

I appreciate not just Eda's encouragement but her actually asking Luz what she wanted

God, Eda is best mom

Also, OH FUCK IS THIS HAPPENING?!

OH SHIT

THESE ADORABLY AWKWARD NERDS❤💜💙

"I'm not as cool as you think" could be interpreted as self-deprecating, but here it seems...oddly reassuring?

The way Luz eloquently says how she wants Amity in her future...beautiful❤

Luz making some good faces

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

YOU CUTE DORKS I LOVE YOU SO MUCH

THERE IT IS AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

LOOK HOW HAPPY SHE IS

WE WERE LOSING OUR SHIT OVER A PECK ON THE CHEEK THREE WEEKS AGO AND NOW LOOK WHERE WE ARE HOLY FUCK

Awkwardness is still there, but that's to be expected

BET Y'ALL DIDN'T EXPECT THAT TRAILER SHOT TO BE IN THE HOOTY EPISODE HUH

THE WAY LUZ RUBS AMITY'S HAND😭😭😭😭😭

(And yeah, it's gonna still be scary, but only because it promises to be so wonderful)

Let's give it up for Hootsifer, goddamn!

Let'a also appreciate just how fucking funny it is that Lumity becomes official in the Hooty episode

Fus ro WEH!

Hooty actually saying "Luz's new GF" out loud...

In just about any other show the love interests getting together would be a climax/culmination of the entire plot. Here? It's actually used to advance the plot, and that is brilliant!

Dana Terrace and the crew really just knocking it out of the park again and again, huh

"They're adorable, and deserve all the happiness!" Well said, Hootsifer. Well said.

Probably for the best they had Hooty promise that. As much as what happened/progressed, there was a lot of property damage.

OH SHIT ONCE AGAIN

King's dad/relative! And he's voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson!

GODDAMNIT HOOTY

Wow. Just...wow. This episode.

King has voice powers! Harpy!Eda! Lumity are girlfriends for real!!!!

How do you pack so much into a single episode?! And so expertly?!

I had my suspicions before, but this confirms it: The Owl House is the greatest show of all time.

And we have two episodes left until the hiatus! And 11 episodes in the season after that! What are we in for?!?!?!

I, for one, can't wait to find out!

[eyesfixedonthesun22]

Devour Me

Pairing: Bucky x Female Reader Warning(s): Drug Use (Marijuana), Smut 18+ (sorta...as I edited this it actually isn’t that bad) Word Count: 1,373 Prompt: “Every Other Freckle” by Alt-J Oh, devour me - if you think that you can handle me. Beta Reader: @supersoldiersruined-me​ Notes: This is the first time I’ve failed and been this late for a challenge. Sorry everyone! But congrats to @heli0s-writes for 2k (probs waaaay more by now). Here some poorly translated Russian 

Пиздец = Damn it, Ты умеешь стучать? = Can you knock?!, Я собираюсь убить ее! = I’m going to kill her!

“Why don’t you just come over after your date?”

“Oh honey, that would be too late. I wouldn’t want to wake you.” The warmth in Natasha’s voice on the other end of the phone is a poor substitute for your best friend’s presence.

“You know I hate Valentine’s day. Everyone’s gone. Tony and Pepper are on some huge week long trip. Steve and Sharon left an hour ago and now you’re gone too. I’m just gonna end up getting stoned in my room.”

“That doesn’t sound too bad.”

“So come do it with me when your date is done boring you,” you try to goad her once more.

“Babe, I was lying. I won’t be home late. I won’t be home at all. My ass is getting laid tonight. Even if the date is boring.”

“Lucky bitch. Well have fun with boring Kevin or whatever his name is, for me.”

“Don’t be so jealous. It’s not a good look on you. Take some hits for me, hun. I’ll see you in the morning and we can get brunch or something.”

You let the phone click off the speakerphone and remain plopped on your sternum before taking a hit off your vape. She did say to take a hit for her after all. Besides, how else were you going to kick off this Valentine’s pity party if you weren't sufficiently stoned?

If you were being honest with yourself it wasn’t until recently that you started hating the holiday. It wasn’t even really Valentine’s Day that was so bad but more what it reminded you of. You were newer to the Avengers Team and were still adjusting. It seemed like everyone had managed to master the attention that came with the role. All it seemed to grant you with was newfound anxiety piled atop the bit you already had. Any chance at dating seemed shattered. Good luck finding someone with “shared life experiences” as Steve had once put it.

Natasha had encouraged you to be more guarded with your identity and go out with anyone you wanted; like she did. Then again, she wasn’t really the relationship type. More the one night stand with no attachments sorta girl. Sam had suggested you be more candid and use your newfound attention to your advantage. Neither advice had really helped and now you were just stuck. Valentine’s Day was the perfect magnifying glass to an issue that you weren’t really sure how to address.

The current more pressing problem at hand however, was your lack of chocolate chip cookies. Chocolate chip cookies with milk. You take another hit from your pen before sliding it into the pocket of your lounge shorts and make your way to the kitchen.

“Cookies, cookies. Gonna stuff my face with some cookies,” you singsong to yourself. You pop the cookies into the toaster oven for a couple seconds to warm up while pouring your milk. The chocolate morsels need a tad longer to really have that molten goo that you’re craving so you put them back in. You feel yourself salivating as you sing your cookie song once more; staring into the toaster oven with impatience and no doubt a mildly glazed over expression.

“What the fuck are you doing?”

The yelp that explodes out of you is some inhumane sound. Your heart stutters in your chest attempting to regain its normal rhythm.

“Bucky?!” You manage to drag some ragged breaths into your lungs staring at your teammate. He’s wandered in from the living room attached to the kitchen. From the looks of his sweatpants he was having a similar night in until you’d startled one another. “What are you doing here?”

“Having a chill night in. Thought I was alone. What are you- holy shit you’re baked!” The brunette can barely contain his fit of laughter. “That explains the cookies...and the song.”

“Just for that I’m not sharing my cookies or my bud.”

He doesn’t respond but instead points over his shoulder to the coffee table in the living room. It’s covered with a variety of snacks as well as what looks like a beautiful bong.

“Looks like we had the same idea for plans tonight.” He chuckles softly to himself. “I’ll trade you some chips or pizza for some cookies?”

“Looks like you got yourself a deal, Barnes. But I wanna try a hit off that bong.”

***

The night hadn't passed how you originally intended but you found yourself content laying on the couch. Bucky and you had settled in head to feet. Perhaps it was your buzzed state or just his closeness, but each press of his left arm against the bare skin of your legs was something you were acutely aware of. The cool metal had warmed from the prolonged contact and he rested the length of his arm down the expanse of your leg. The flat of his palm landed just shy of your knee and would occasionally rub small circles that were setting you on fire.

At this point you weren’t vollying questions back and forth. You were both content to sit and listen to the music. You and Bucky had quickly found you both enjoyed Alt-J and had set the playlist to random for their songs. You recognize the mellow beats and patterns as “Tessellate” coming from the speakers.

“Do you get lonely?”

You had no idea what possessed you to ask the question so open and honestly but you found yourself truly needing to know if someone else felt the way you did.

“All the time,” he says without missing a beat. “This sounds a little dramatic but sometimes I feel lonely in a crowded room. Like I just want to find someone who gets me. I mean, I have Steve. But he’s my best friend. I just don’t have… I don’t know.”

“I get it.”

You squeeze his calf gently in response to try to drive home how much you really empathize; hoping you could transmit all your emotions you were feeling in that one touch. Your heart drops into your stomach when he pulls his leg away from you and sits up; completely disrupting the bubble of comfort you two had shared. You can’t help but clamp your eyes shut to hold back tears you know will make their showing soon.

A warm weight settles down atop your body. Bucky had shifted on the couch to now be flush to you. He used his arms to brace himself waiting for your permission. Not trusting your words you nod and he settles deeper into the couch. The weight of his body is comforting in a way you’d never experienced.

“Doll, I really wanna kiss you right now.”

A moment passes where your brain short circuits. You can’t form words. The voice croons from the speaker “Oh, devour me - if you think that you can handle me.Oh, devour me - if you think that you can handle me.” Not trusting your voice to answer with any further conviction, you snake your hand behind his neck and pull him down.

Kissing Bucky is languid and honey sweet. You’d never imagined feeling so warm. He seemed to evelop you everywhere  You felt as though your lungs might burst. You couldn’t get enough air but simply didn’t want to stop tasting his lips against your own. You lose track of how long the two of you lay there kissing back and forth. The pace ebbs and flows naturally with each wave up reaching a crest higher than the one before.

You feel the firm pressure of Bucky’s cock pressing against your surely soaked core. He makes no move to pressure you to go further but instead continues to suck gently at a soft spot on your neck drawing out a whine you don’t recognize as your own.

***

“Пиздец Natalia! Ты умеешь стучать?!”

Your blissful high is shattered by Bucky’s bellowing from between your legs at the redhead in the entrance to the living room.

“Sorry babe. Told you we could get brunch.” Instead of cursing Bucky has resorted to throwing pillows at her. “The offer is still on the table. Bucky is also welcome...even though it looks like he already ate!”

“Я собираюсь убить ее!”

[docstark]

Ignite (Avengers/Bucky Barnes Fanfiction) Chapter 2 - He Would Have Liked You

<<Previous Chapter

So this chapter is jumping staying in Doctor Stark's story and will slowly move into the more of a Bucky fanfiction. It's kind of my running story.

Warnings: Language, violence, mentions of 18+ activities lol

----------

I managed to get control of my power and I made gauntlets so that I wasn’t getting massive internal arm injuries from the vibrations (Agent Coulson said that I probably used the last bit of vibranium that SHIELD had but as Fury didn’t want me to have broken arms…)

Long story short, my brother is Iron Man, I have powers, Captain America was found, and now after some thawing, a freak out in New York where he was taken to wake up in, Steve Rogers himself is now my patient….kind of. (I’m not a practicing doctor)

“I feel like we’ve met,” he said after a long silence.

“In a way we have,” I said as I looked over his blood work, “You knew my father.” His forehead wrinkled as he was looking at me like he was trying to place me with all the people that he once knew. “Of course, if you were to see my brother you would really see the young Howard Stark in him.”

“Stark? You’re Stark’s daughter?”

“Yep.”

“Is...Is he gone? Like everyone else?” He questioned looking at his feet.

“Both he and my mother died in ‘91,” I replied quietly, “Car crash, I was 15.”

“I’m-“

“It’s okay...it was a long time ago.”

“That doesn’t make it any easier,” he said. I remembered hearing from Aunt Peggy how Steve had lost both of his parents as well and it wasn’t something that you want to have in common with someone, but at least he could understand what I went through. “Anyway, are you doing more tests today doc?”

“No, you’ve got as clean of a bill as a super soldier that has been frozen in the ice for nearly 70 years,” I replied, “Got some interesting data on myself as well…”

“On yourself?”

“Oh...it’s nothing,” I said, not meaning to have said that last part out loud. As a scientist it made me curious to see what my own altered gene sequence looked like to that of Captain America’s since both our serums came from the same doctor and the same time period. I honestly wasn’t expecting any huge similarities, but I was surprised that what had been altered in me had also been altered in him, but because of the way that the serum was meant to activate within my body it didn’t turn me into a super soldier, but a weapon.

“And Bucky used to call me a bad liar,” Steve said, crossing his arms and sitting back in his chair, “What’s going on doc?”

I sighed. He was going to find out sooner or later because of The Avengers Initiative that Fury was putting together, so I just told him everything.

“All for that fact that your brother was kidnapped?” he questioned, “You are a tough one and got heart doc…”

“Yeah, well my brother damn near killed me when he found out what I did,” I replied, “But I’m good with my choices. But this isn’t about me…I brought these from the old SSR storage…” I went to go grab the couple of boxes that I brought with me that morning but he beat me to them.

“Let me get those for you,” he said as he carried them over to the table.

“Thank you,” I said, “These boxes have some of your belongings that were stored away after you went missing.”

He opened the box and looked in, there were some old photos, a signed baseball, his father’s dog tags, his mother’s wedding ring. Small things that were squirrelled away from his Brooklyn apartment for if he were to be found again. “These were in storage this whole time?”

“Yeah, I’m going to guess that either my father or Agent Carter had this done,” I said as I reached into the box and pulled out a picture that caught my eye.

“It wouldn’t surprise me at all if Peggy had it done,” he said, looking at the compass that was sitting on the table by where he had been sitting.

“There are other things that belonged to you that aren't as personal that you can find in the Smithsonian,” I said, captivated by the man in the photo.

“He would have liked you,” Steve said looking over my shoulder.

“What?”

“Bucky…he would have liked you,” he said pointing to the picture.

“This is a much better picture than the memorial one that they have in the museum,” I said as Steve and I sat down, “He has playful eyes…”

He snorted. “Oh you have no idea...he knew just how to make everyone feel happy even on the worst days, but when he was around others...oh and women could not get enough of him. Though thinking about it now he was actually quite picky.”

“Man, romance did die in the 40s,” I said lulling my head back as I put the picture back in the box.

He chuckled. “Guys today not what you wish they were?”

“I get more satisfaction from my hand then men nowadays…” There was a silence in the room and I looked at Steve whose ears were now a bright shade of red. “Sorry…”

“It’s fine…”

A FEW DAYS LATER

“You didn’t,” Natasha said as she blocked my punch.

“As you well know, don’t ask me questions you don’t want an honest answer to,” I replied as we continued to spar. As we did so I managed to grab her arm, twist it and use her own leg to give me a little extra leverage to jump and get my legs around her neck and flip her over.

“Good god, woman…” she said, landing with an oomph.

“I’ve been getting some tips from Agent May,” I said with a cheeky grin, “You are the one that told me not to always rely on my powers.”

She sat up and looked up at me. “Want to play it that way huh?”

“Oh shit…”

After getting my ass thoroughly handed to me (though Nat did say that I did quite well), we hit the showers and after returned to our previous conversation...thanks to her.

“So what did he say after you said what you did?” she questioned as we stood at one of the Triskelion’s coffee stands.

“Who say about what?” I asked at first not catching on to what she was talking about.

“Steve….what did he say?”

“Oh, nothing...his ears turned bright red and I apologised, I forgot that in the 1940s they weren’t exactly open about that kind of stuff.”

She let out a snort. “Oh if only the 1940s could see us now!” she said sliding down the zipper of her jacket with a wink.

“You’re horrible,” I said nudging her with my elbow.

“Anyway, what about that guy that you just broke up with?”

“Kevin?” I asked, wrinkling my nose, “For starters, he broke up with me.”

“Excuse me?”

I just shrugged. “He wasn’t worth the time anyway. He only cared about what I could do for his dick, and not what his dick could do for me. No satisfaction what-so-ever...always ended up sneaking off to the bathroom to get off.”

“I hate that...he’s losing out though,” she said as we grabbed our coffee and headed down the hall.

“I don’t need a guy who leaves me feeling unsatisfied or that tells me that I work too much, or that-”

“He does know that you have 3 Phds and are the co-owner of a billion dollar company...right?”

“Must’ve slipped his mind…” I said shrugging.

“Ladies,” we looked and saw Fury as he walked over to us, arms tucked behind his back.

“Doctor, I saw your final report...is Rogers ready when if we need him,” he questioned.

“I think he is, whether or not he thinks he is will come down to what he does when a challenge is put in front of him,” I replied.

“Very well, are you leaving tonight or tomorrow?” he questioned.

“Tonight sir, I believe that Nat is leaving tonight as well, I finished my work with Captain Rogers, got my training in, and now I need to get back to Stark Tower so that Tony and Pepper don’t completely steal my thunder with the sustainable energy for the tower.”

“Very well...a Quinjet will be available for you to take whenever you are ready,” he said with a nod of his head, “Agent Romanoff...good luck on your mission.”

“Thank you sir,” she said.

He left us standing there and I just looked at her. “Did I just get debriefed?”

“In a subtle way, yes.”

“Agent Doctor Stark or Doctor Agent Stark?”

“None of the above….”

“Party-pooper.”

That evening I did find myself back at Stark Tower, at the very top in Tony’s “Home Away From Home”.

“You know Y/N, technically...you could live here,” Tony said as me, him, and Pepper sat on the couch putting making sure we had all our plans put together for when Tony when to connect the Arc Reactor to Stark Tower.

“So generous, but I like my garden,” I replied, “And I like feeling like a normal human being first thing in the morning.”

“Your house is so small,” he said.

“I’m sorry my 3,000 square ft house bothers you so,” I said, “But it’s my ‘small’ house and has all the upgrades that I need. If I ever need a bigger house I’ll just buy the house next door and evict the neighbors and build over onto that plot of land.” I thought Pepper’s head was gonna snap off her neck with as fast as she turned it when I said this. “I’m kidding Pep...cool your jets.”

“The two of you have deep enough pockets, forgive me if I get concerned sometimes,” she said with a chuckled.

“Nah, I like my neighbors...guy across the street is kind of creepy but-“

“Big brother need to step in and take care of him for you?” Tony teased earning an eyeroll.

“When I moved in there, Nancy, the neighbor to the right of me said he’s been the head of the neighborhood watch for 20 years or something like that,” I replied knowing that though he was teasing me, part of him was also serious, “He apparently didn’t like all the people that came in and out of the neighborhood when I was having the house upgraded with Stark Tech, the lab put in the basement, and then the security around the perimeter...I disrupted the peace.”

“Look at you, turning suburbia on its head,” he said.

“Alright you two, enough...let’s get this finished,” Pepper laughed.

Two nights later project clean Sustainability was a go.

“How’s it look big bro?” I asked as Tony flew back to the Tower as it lit up the New York skyline.

“Like Christmas, only more...us,” he replied.

As he landed I turned to Pepper. “I will leave you two to celebrate, I have other work that needs to be felt with.”

“What? N/N, stay and have some champagne,” Pepper said.

“No, you two celebrate. Date night for you two...enjoy.” I headed to the elevator and to my office where I was greeted by my Artificially Intelligent Digital Assistant or AIDA for short.

“Good evening, Doctor Stark. I would like to congratulate you on making Stark tower the first fully clean and sustainable building in the United States,” she said as I sat at my desk, “Also I am being informed by JARVIS that Agent Coulson is trying to get a hold of both you and Mr. Stark, should I put him through?”

I sighed. “If I don’t, he’ll probably just hack his way-“

*DING*

“Agent Coulson…”

"Doctor Stark, I'm sorry to interupt your evening but there is something urgent that we need dealt with," he said holding out a file to me. Opening the file I saw a picture of a familiar blue cube paperclipped to the top. "What do you know about the Tesseract?"

"Only what was in my father's files," I replied. By now there were five people that knew about the files that were given to my by Aunt Peggy. I knew I couldn't keep them a secret forever so I kept it down to:

Fury Coulson Nat Tony Pepper

Thanks to Pepper and her due dillagence, most of the files were now store electronically on an encrypted harddrive. Though there were somethings that were secret to only me.

"Good, in five minutes send what you have up to Mr. Stark," he replied, "The Tessaract was stolen by an Asgardian by the name of Loki. We will need your help on this....time for you to suit up."

As Coulson headed back to the elevator I went over to my computer and pulled up my files. 'Why my father ever fished that thing out of the ocean instead of throwing it back I will never understand....'

TO BE CONTINUED....

Chapter 3>>

[benjisnothere]

Moths and Spiders | Call Me Kevin

rating || pg paring || call me kevin/Male!reader warnings || none

---

Kevin huffed a bit trying to shoo a moth out his window with a towel, attempting not to fall off his office chair. The damn thing had gotten in when he left his windows open for some fresh air and wouldn't leave him alone while recording, normally he just left them be, they would find there own way out, but the little guy kept bumping into his lights, and monitor.

"Come on buddy I'm trying to help you here" he spoke to the moth which at this point seemed to be fighting against leaving his house "you don't pay rent sir, you have leave!" he was begging at this point.

"What are you doing?"

The voice behind him scared him making him lose his balance and fall of the chair, he smacked his head on his office desk on the way down, groaning as he placed his hand over where he was hit. Kevin looked up to see a blurry y/n, his roommate and friend.

"Shit, sorry dude, are you okay?" the boy was kneeling by him.

"Yeah, just a little bump... fuck it hurt though" he rubbed the back of his head sitting up.

Kevin glanced to see the moth had landed on his microphone and he sighed in defeated. Y/n glanced over at the moth and carefully scooped the little guy up with his hands, he was so calm while doing it, Kevin would be too squeamish to do something like that, feeling the things wings and feet on you... yuck.

"Come on little guy, enough bothering Kevin for one day" y/n spoke to the moth before leaving the room.

Kevin rubbed the back of his head once more as he stood up, he didn't feel dizzy or anything and his sight clear up, so he was sure that he was fine. He sat down in his chair as y/n came back, moth free.

"You okay?" y/n moved closer brushing his hand over where Kevin made contact with his desk, the contact sent a shiver down his back, along with making his wince.

"Yeah I'm good" Kevin said moving away from the touch.

Y/n looked like he was doubtful of that, but nodded slowly, and put his hand in his pockets "what were you doing on the chair anyway, you're six foot" he said.

"I couldn't get my arms high enough, so I improvised" Kevin said his cheeks now dusted a lovely rose color.

Y/n chuckled and nodded "I'll let you film in peace" he smile before leaving the room, closing the door behind him. Kevin had to take a moment for his face to go back to normal before starting up the recording.

·ï¡÷¡ï··ï¡÷¡ï· ·ï¡÷¡ï··ï¡÷¡ï· ·ï¡÷¡ï··ï¡÷¡ï·

Kevin wrapped a towel around his waist, he looked in the mirror only to let out a yell when he saw a big spider behind him in the reflection, he scrambled getting on top off the counter and staring at it. From the looks of it, the spider was a daddy long leg, slowly moving along the wall. too big... too creepy... too crawly... fuck that. He found himself hoping that his roommate heard him and would come to his rescue. Moths weren't so bad, spiders on the other hand were a big NOPE from him. They had to many legs... NOTHING needs that many legs.

"Kevin are you okay?" his roommates voice came from outside the door.

"Get in here!" Kevin called curling as close to the opposite wall as he could.

The door opened and y/n looked at him with a raised brow, before noticing the spider on the wall. He laughed a bit.

"You're such a baby" he said walking over to the spider "you're a big boy, aren't ya?" y/n ushered the spider into his hands before looking at Kevin once more.

Kevin seemed to just now remember he was naked, he made sure he towel stayed closed as he sat on the counter once again today feeling his face go red. Y/n rolled his eyes at him and walked out of the bathroom, leaving Kevin to be able to get some cloth on. A shiver ran up his spine, he felt like the spider was still in the room.

The male walked into the kitchen where y/n was sitting on the counter, his legs crossed as he looked at a recipe book they had. Kevin walked closer making his roommate look up at him, he froze for a second, having those eyes on him. Sometimes having a roommate was bother some, but honestly y/n always kept to himself, unless Kevin needed him for bug evacuation. They became friends eventually but it took awhile to break through to the boy. Kevin was forever grateful to have him around, not just for bugs, but for everything, he helped with filming, and editing sometimes, he didn't seemed to mind doing most of the house work -- not that Kevin expected it, but he got busy sometimes and it seemed like y/n was more then willing to take on the stuff he should be doing -- over all he had made the best choice going with y/n when he decided on getting a roommate.

"The spiders outside, probably got in by accident" he said.

"We'll yeah..." Kevin nodded, he leaned against the stove, looking up at y/n "what you thinking about?"

"Maybe grilled chicken..." he mumbled while looked at the book

Kevin stared at him, it had gotten harder through out there month together to pretend he attracted to his roommate. Y/n made it hard, he got into the habit of touching Kevin, nothing extreme, usually just maneuvering the clumsy tree out of the way, touching the small of his back to have Kevin know he was there. He had also started bringing Kevin something to drink, and some food if he had been streaming to long with people.

"We could order in... I don't wanna make you cook" Kevin said.

"I don't mind... I like taking care of you" it was so matter of fact... almost said as if Kevin should know that already.

Kevin opened his mouth to say something but the thoughts seem to have left his head, he nodded and left the kitchen, sitting on the couch and turning on the tv to watch something while he waited for y/n to get done... best not disturb him while cooking, never turns out well.

·ï¡÷¡ï··ï¡÷¡ï· ·ï¡÷¡ï··ï¡÷¡ï· ·ï¡÷¡ï··ï¡÷¡ï·

Watching movies was probably Y/n and Kevin's biggest past time, some 'so bad there good movies' other's just plain good movies... or plain bad ones. That night was some documentary y/n had been waiting to come on, Kevin didn't like documentaries, or at least these types, it was some sort of serial killer, it just ended up making him feel creepy... he didn't know how y/n could watch them.

Kevin didn't remember closing his eyes and falling asleep, but when he opened them he was in y/n arms, being carried bridal style down to his bedroom. He felt himself turn red, except this time he was pretty sure his whole body turned red, he felt warm... but maybe that was just their body heat being mixed together. He couldn't help but curl closer to him.

"Hey sleepy head" y/n smiled softly down at her.

Kevin groaned a bit, he was still sleepy. He felt himself leave y/n arms and grabbed the boys hand to stop him from leaving him, part of him didn't want to be left alone, the thought of someone possibly killing him was still fresh in his head, he was surprised that he passed out in the first place.

"Stay" he mumbled.

"Why?" y/n furrowed his eyebrows.

"You made me watch... murder" he mumbled fighting sleep off.

Y/n chuckled "murders dead"

"Get in bed you have to protect me" Kevin pulled the covers on top of him self.

Y/n sighed and crawled into bed with him, Kevin cuddled into him, laying his head on the boys chest. Y/n froze a bit before wrapping his arms around Kevin and trying to get comfortable, the male in his arms clocking out almost right away. Eventually y/n was able to find sleep.

·ï¡÷¡ï··ï¡÷¡ï· ·ï¡÷¡ï··ï¡÷¡ï· ·ï¡÷¡ï··ï¡÷¡ï·

Kevin woke warmer then he usually was, he opened his eyes to see he was laying on someone... oh... he lifted his head a little to see y/n sleeping with him. He he had been 99% sure that was all a dream. He yawned a bit, slipping out of the boys arms, only to have him stir, Kevin froze looking down at the peaceful boy as he opened his eyes.

"Mmm- Morning" y/n mumbled.

"I... Uh... Morning..." Kevin fought out, if he wasn't embarrassed before, he was now "sorry... uh you know" he said sheepishly.

Y/n sat up, now their faces were inches away, too close "its fine"

Kevin was frozen, he didn't know what to say, or do, he was just sat up on his bed with a man he had been ridiculously attracted to for way to long and he didn't see a natural way out of this situation.

"Kev?"

He didn't know what to say, he leaned in a bit closer and y/n moved away for a moment before moving back. Shit was he actually gonna do this? he leaned in a bit closer. He didn't know if he could move any closer, he felt like if he closed the little distance between then it would end horribly. However he didn't have to close the distance, because y/n put his hand behind his head pulling him the rest of the way, pressing there lips together.

It was easier then Kevin thought it would be... kissing y/n whenever he imagined it he always imagined he'd fuck it up some how but he didn't, maybe it was because he allowed y/n to lead. Y/n pulled away looking at him.

"Pancakes?" he asked.

"I... what?" Kevin asked flustered.

"Do you want pancakes?"

Kevin stared at him for a moment before nodded, y/n nodded back before getting out of bed. The male watched after him and for a second Kevin was sure maybe he hallucinated the whole thing, couldn't of, he still felt the tingles where y/n touched. He got up and grabbed some new cloths to change into, as he put on his shirt it hit him... maybe y/n wasn't worried about the kiss because they practically acted like they were married anyway... maybe they were kinda dating all along.

He walked out to the kitchen "move your stuff into my room" it wasn't really a question.

Y/n looked at him "why?"

"Because it's long over due... like everything"

Y/n stared at him, a small smile spread across in face, he nodded and Kevin nodded back, he turned to go to the living room like he always did when y/n was cooking.

"Babe?"

Kevin turned to look at y/n, a simple pet name he had been called by many people and yet he made it sound the sweetest.

"Blue berry's or chocolate chips?"

"... Chocolate chips"

[fuckyeahcharmcaster]

Pot, Meet Kettle

So, was looking for more Charmcaster content and came upon these comments related to the reboot episode “What Rhymes With Omnitrix?”  And...wow. I won’t name names out of respect for privacy and will put this all under a cut so that only those interested can read it, but the hypocrisy here is just so mind-numbing that I needed to comment on it.

Kevin stans unwilling to admit to his faults, do not engage.

What she did to Kevin was not conning in any way, that was clearly and blatantly magical enslavement complete with chains, torture, and mindcontrol. You can’t just downplay that shit like this and expect me to go along with it, not when the sequel series already tended to pull that, especially with regards to Charmcaster doing that sorta shit. You do not get to blatantly show Kevin being forced to do things against his will, being tortured for fighting back, and then try to pass it off as him having been tricked into working with her. What the fuck is with this franchise with having Charm do horribly evil shit and then just waving it off?

Remind me: how much horribly evil shit did Kevin commit, even in the sequel series themselves where he was a good guy, that got downplayed, justified, waved off or swept under the rug? Murder, war profiteering, aiding other criminals when it suited his interests, letting his friends take the rap for his crimes, etc?  

Sequel series Charm was incredibly shitty, there’s no denying that, probably shittier than sequel series Kevin honestly given the sheer lack of consistency in her character and over-the-top extremes they had her go to. But guess what, that doesn’t make sequel series Kevin un-shitty. If you’re not holding the same standard to how they’re written, your argument loses credibility because it is intellectually dishonest.

More to the point, what about all of the crap that reboot Kevin has pulled? Does none of it bother you? Is him walking free sensible given the stuff he’s done? Ex: he enslaved Glitch, who is a sentient being, against his will twice. He wasn’t taken to task for it afterward, even though he felt no remorse and went on to do more evil deeds. Before getting controlled by Charm, he was about to beat Ben to death. And even before he got his Antitrix he was a vicious bully who traumatized Ben to the point of being scared of public bathrooms. So why is all of that excusable and you can “go along with it” when the show doesn’t dwell on any of it afterward, but you draw a line in the sand when Charm, a villain, does something bad to Kevin, another fucking villain? That’s like hating on Kevin for manipulating the Weatherheads or Steam Smythe and expecting the show to make a bigger deal out of that, or hating on Zombozo for screwing Vilgax over or hypnotizing Kevin and expecting the show to make a bigger deal out of that; it makes no logical sense. Villains are gonna villain, it’s what they do.

With Charmcaster, it was a case of Kevin trying to puff himself up and seem big and bad and Charm responding with ‘great, let me have your brain for my own’, followed by an episode of him fighting viciously against her control until she took 100% over. But he was ‘working with her’, the writers say. And given how much the sequel series were into brushing the awful shit she did under the rug, I really don’t have patience for it here.

Again, I ask if you’ve checked under Kevin’s rug from the sequel series lately. Lot of awful shit there. And if you had the patience for all of that, you can have the patience for this.

And as for what sparked this whole outburst, the ‘working with her’ thing was in reference to that in his puffing Kevin outright said that she ought to take control of him. She told him upfront that she wanted to control Ben against his will to have him attack Gwen, and told him to be on his way because he wasn’t Ben. Kevin could have gotten out unscathed. But, not thinking straight because of jealousy, he protested and said that she should want to control him because he’s more powerful. Charm’s response (basically “OK, if you insist!”) made him realize all too late what he had just said and what it actually meant would happen to him.

It’s not trying to excuse what Charm did as right or justifiable or undermine it in any way, it’s just acknowledging that Kevin also played a willful part in making it happen too due to his hate-boner for Ben, just as Charm did due to her hate-boner for Gwen.  He wasn’t just minding his own business until Charm up and took control of him for no reason: he was about to murder Ben and got accidentally pulled over to Charm who mistook him for Ben, she told him to leave when she realized her mistake, and then Kevin insisted that her plan to control Ben was dumb because Ben was weak; she should want him because he’s stronger. His claim of Charm “conning” him into getting controlled is him lying to himself about what happened, acting as though Charm deliberately manipulated his jealousy to make him say what he did, rather than admit that he had been a stupid, jealous kid who badly fucked up.

It’s not even that they don’t treat her as being in the wrong, it’s that they want her to both be redeemable and also to do things that may or may not be irredeemable. It’s a theme of every sequel series and now the reboot as well.

Except that Charmcaster hasn’t done anything remotely irredeemable in the reboot series. And if you think that she did, then you’re being intellectually dishonest because, again, Kevin has done literally the exact same things and usually for the exact same reasons. He’s not against controlling, enslaving, manipulating or relishing in inflicting pain on people either. He may not be a psychopath, but he still is written as lacking in basic empathy, just like Charm.

It was also absolutely a theme for him as well in the sequel series, probably even moreso since they did a whole fucking arc about it w/ Ultimate Kevin, where he did horrific things that were irredeemable and yet he’s still redeemed and those actions are swept under the rug with the whole “it wasn’t his fault, it was the energy he absorbed that made him do it!” excuse, which is the same kind of cop-out as the Alpha Rune was for sequel series Charmcaster. If you can buy wholesale into that excuse but can’t for the Alpha Rune, you are operating under a double standard. Either both are cases of awful character writing that exist purely for the writers to avoid having to write actual redemption arcs, or neither of them are. Pick one.

SO they have her do these things and then either sweep them under the rug, downplay the shit out of them, or tell us that we should feel sorry for her that she felt the need to do that.

....I...I really can’t right now.  I just can’t.

This literally describes Kevin too. Swap names and gender pronouns, and it’s the same.

And yet every time Kevin does something horrible, your reaction seems to be “oh, my son!”, sweeping it under the rug or downplaying it, and you feel sorry for him that he felt the need to do it; you still understand and sympathize with his troubled mental state regardless of what inexcusable acts of villainy it drives him to do. But when it’s Charmcaster? Fuck that bitch and cue violent fantasies of what Kevin should do to her for revenge just because he happened to be the victim of her actions (oh yeah, and about those: what the actual fuck!? Honestly, the hypocritical bitching about Charm being some kind of writers’ pet wouldn’t bug me half as much without this totally uncalled-for shit accompanying it.)

It sounds to me that this has nothing to do with morality: it has everything to do with a bias toward your fave and anger that he got hurt.  It sounds to me that Kevin can hurt Ben, Gwen, Grandpa Max, Glitch, or anyone else and you’re fine with it - heck, he can hurt Charm and you’re fine with it given the aforementioned fantasies. But when Kevin is hurt, the one who did it MUST be held accountable at every turn and suffer the painful consequences!

He’s your fave, I get it, but the emotions involved with that should not rule out objectivity. Nor should it fuel torture porn fantasies toward another character, especially a female child one who already has being physically abused by a boy as part of her goddamn backstory. (Humiliating slapstick like the show itself uses is fine though, she definitely deserves it.)

The way you are going about it, you come off as a pitiful MRA-type always bitching about how them damn women get away with everything and men get screwed as a result, even when it’s not at all reflective of reality. If you really think the writers of the Ben 10 franchise have historically held some kind of bias toward Charm and didn’t toward Kevin, then just look at Kevin’s screentime throughout the franchise compared to Charm and then come back at me with that shit (same goes for Gwen for that matter; stack her up against Ben and Kevin in terms of significant arcs, actions and development, and you’ll find she falls woefully short.)

And the thing is, for the reboot at least, she’s young enough I’m willing to give her some leeway, but the tempering damages that by making it feel like the writers don’t see what she does as an issue.

It’s not that the writers don’t see what she does as an issue. It’s that you see it as way too big of an issue while also not seeing the same thing happening with Kevin as an issue at all. It’s a double standard, pure and simple: Kevin is your fave and so he can get away with anything in your eyes and you don’t consider it to be troubling writing if he gets let off with a slap on the wrist for it. But you can’t do the same for Charm because she’s not your fave and - more importantly - Kevin is negatively impacted by what she does. If he wasn’t, then I’m pretty damn sure that no evil deed she commits would actually bother you at all. You want the show to fixate on how evil what she did was not because you hold some standard against magical mental enslavement in general, but because you’re angry that she did it to Kevin. This is all about you taking offense on behalf of your fave, not about the writers messing up in any way.

And before anyone gets on my case for bashing Kevin, I’m not! I love reboot Kevin! None of what I described above about him bothers me in any way because I can look at him objectively and enjoy him as the troubled but undeniably nasty little shit that he is, just as I do with reboot Charm. They’re both villains who do villainous things, and the show’s lax attitude toward it is due to its light-hearted tone and the fact that they’re both children (ditto for the likes of Billy Billions and Simon Sez). But more to the point, they’re supposed to be hypocrites in regards to each other, because what they hate about each other is actually the worst of themselves reflected right back at them. They are the same kind of person and they project like crazy, this is a certified fact per Word of God. Their FANS, however, shouldn’t be following their example because they ought to be smarter and more mature than that.

It goes all the way back to this post, and what I said there still applies: Why are male characters allowed to be bitter, angry, hateful, vengeful, insolent, insulting, anti-social, violent and manipulative without reproach while female characters always get demonized for it?  Why does such behavior in a male character get the “my precious son!” reaction, while the exact same behavior in a female character get the “that horrible bitch!” reaction? Why are bad things a female character does to a male character considered irredeemably awful, but what bad things that male character might do to her for revenge considered an appealing fantasy and totally justified? Why can a male character be allowed nuance despite their deplorable acts of villainy, and yet when it’s done with a female character it’s proof that “the writers don’t get that what she did was wrong because otherwise why try to make her appealing or sympathetic in any way?” Why this double standard?

I don’t know, but I do know that it’s wrong and I am not here for it.

Tl;dr: don’t hate on Charm for things your fave is equally guilty of or things that a witch-themed supervillain is gonna naturally do just because it’s your fave who gets hurt by it.

[amnachil]

The College Society Chapter 3 Part 12

Here’s the next part ! One part left after this one for Chapter 3 !

Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey Monday March 4, in France

"Dude, it's fucking okay. You're out of the water for god sake. Calm down"

They were almost at the hotel. Fuck this cruise. Fuck this trip. Fuck these guys. How the hell the fatty roommate managed to fall in the Seine exactly ? Well, to fall. This moron probably didn't go there all by himself. He looked dumb, but not that dumb. Anyway, the real question was : why he, Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey, decided to bring him back to the hotel once they had pull him out of the water ? Why he, Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey, the god among the hunters, was nice to the baboon's friends ? I hate my life. But I'm also so eager to see my fuckin' boyfriend. Damnit.

"I'm sorry." muttered the fatty roommate (what was is name again ?). "I ruined the day."

"Don't open this stupid mouth of yours to talk nonsense." replied the Dean's grandson. "You fell into the water, you had the fucking right to lose your shit. And these filthy assholes who laughed can go eat dicks in their mother's pussy."

The freshman looked at him with amazement.

"You sure are swearing a lot when Liam isn't around." he noted.

Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey did not answer. It wasn't worth it. To be clear, yes he had spent a good weekend with his baboon's friends. Yes, they were good people. But who cared ? Yeah, this damned Nate had some sense of humor after all. Yes, Colton was a pure good heart built like a gigolo. And yeah, Nick (now he remembered his name) was a freakin' genius. But seriously, the best hunter wasn't here to make friend. Definitely not. They arrived at the hotel at that moment.

"Thank you." says the dark-haired lad. "I'll take a shower and I'll work with Liam on our group project. What are you going to do during this time ?"

"Don't know. Don't care."

He hadn't planned anything. He just went in France for the baboon, and he did not know what to do without him. I can't even believe I thought this. Am I really dependent on him now ? Quite pissed by is own stupidity, Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey just left.

For a while, he just wandered in the streets, at least to calm down. I need to bang someone. He was tore apart between two opposed feelings. A rational part of him only needed sex. Another, stupid and weak, desesperatly wanted Liam. I'm like a fuckin' teenager. I hate it. Finally, he went in a nightclub with the hope to pick up a chick or two. French people knew how to make a good party. It was loud and noisy, but also very sexual. They had their own way to dance, more sensual, more appealing. At first, Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey had great fun. And he found a guy more than eager to please him. They ended up in his apartment for sex. Trust me, you won't wake up after that. They banged in every corner of the flat. The Dean's grandson was so demading. Only he pictured Liam with him, and not this random dude. For god sake. The more he was thinking about the baboon, the hornier he was. He could feel his sweet and wide hands cuddling his body. He could imagine the contact of his strong chest. He wanted to stroke his soft belly. To squeeze his ass.

"Je suis rentré." shouted someone.

It stopped this stupid asshole who obviously wasn't Liam to continue. C'mon. You would not let me so horny, would you ? The idiot who interrupted them arrived in the living room. When he noticed them, he opened his mouth wide, like a big and really dumb carp. I saw him somewhere.

"You... You were with Liam last night." he said.

Now I recall. It was this bloody hell ex-boyfriend. Kevin, Kilian or whatever. Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey understood he wasn't gonna get laid anymore tonight. He put his pants back, annoyed.

"Wait, before you leave... Can you tell me how is Liam ?" asked this blonde guy. "I mean, we didn't have the time to discuss yesterday."

The Dean's grandson scrutinized him. He was very tall, at least 1m90 (6'3"), and rather imposing. Well, I fucked almost the whole football team of my university, and some of them were bigger.

"Look, whatever you want from Liam, just forget it. He doesn't need any extra problem right now."

His bestfriend's situation plus his family, it was enough.

"It was just a question." mumbled the other.

"A stupid question."

Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey didn't wait for an answer. He left this brat and went back to the hotel.

When he arrived, the baboon had already fallen asleep. Same for the fatty roommate. But Nate was waiting in the corridor, looking a bit weird. What more ? I'm done being the fuckin' shrink of everyone for today. But when he came closer, he realised the dwarf wasn't just a bit weird, he was literally crying.

"Bud'. What's wrong ?" he asked with a more gentle tone than he intended to.

"I... Sorry..."

Nate took a moment to calm down. He sniffed loudly.

"You weren't supposed to see me like this." he mumbled.

"Dude. I saw the worst part of you, this is nothing."

Honestly, Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey did not care at all about this short guy. Am I, really ? He was just fooling himself, right ? I hate all these feelings which cross my mind. He never felt the need to help anyone, well maybe except Archie and Zack, and now here he was.

"It's harder than I thought." confessed Nate. "To be normal again I mean. I truly need a talk with Archie right now."

The junior sat down next to his friend (let's call him that way and fuck it) in silent.

"Thank you for having introduced him to me by the way. Archie helps a lot."

"Well he's experienced some rough stuff too." replied Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey. "And you shouldn't try to act normal after what happened. Whatever happened. You seems smart enough to know this wasn't a random accident."

A blank followed. Of course, Nate did not want to remember this dreadful night. Me neither.

"Look midget, I need to ask." grumbled the Dean's grandson. "I already know what we're talking about, but I wonder... Am I fuckin' protecting a criminal who did a truly stupid and horrible mistake ?"

Better that than a sociopath with very good acting skills... Nate remained quiet for a while. His eyes showed all his suffering.

"No." he finally responded miserably. "You're helping a weak, pathetic and unworthy person. An idiot as you say, who can't even protect himself. Who can't even take care of himself."

He started to cry again. Fuck this wicked world. Fuck these assholes who thinks they can do whatever they want without the consent of the others. I hate them so much. Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey hugged the midget. It reawakened bad memories of a miserable Archie.

"You're not unworthy." he whispered. "And I will find all the help you need."

He dialed Archie's number. Thankfully, it was dawn back home and the quaterback replied. The blond lad gave him to Nate, and only when he was sure the boy was okay, he left silently. I'll have to talk with D.R about this one day or another...

Liam Tuesday March 5, in France

In other circumstances, the young lad would have enjoyed this visit of the economics departement. After all, he had a wonderful breakfast before, and he was feeling nice. But he sensed the force of evil everywhere. This morning, Nate wasn't feeling great, and he had stayed at the hotel with Dami. In the meantime, Liam and his group were supposed to work on their project. But it's like the Cold War. Nick was sulking. He still resented Rebecca, but he also seemed to dislike Barbara. The two girls were mean and they often mocked the poor major of their promotion. As for Colton, he tried his best to apease the tension, without any success yet. So Liam did what he did the best. He let his mind ramble. He imagined himself in a paradise. There were living pancakes everywhere. They begged him to eat them. (Liam is a nice guy, you all know that. So he kindly agreed to ate them.) (Ate them ALL). Nick brought him back into reality with a nudge.

"Now, you'll split into your groups." was saying their professor. "Students from the Economic College of Paris will guide you."

Liam followed his roommate towards a group of students, but he froze when he saw them. Tell me it's not happening. Why ? Am I cursed ? Kilian was right here, looking straight at him.

"My god. Kilian is that you ?" asked Barbara. "You have grown so much. My lord, you're so impressive !"

Their old classmate thanked her.

"It's nice to see you again Barb'." he said. "Liam."

Send help. Send help. Send help. (Liam knew his internal screams weren't helping at all.) (But maybe Dami would hear him ? His boyfriend could read minds, right ?).

"Okay, this is weird." intervened Nick. "Can we start the tour ?"

Kilian smiled.

"Of course. Follow me."

It was a true nightmare. An impossible situation. Liam was running right into his death. (Maybe not, but he always loved a bit of drama). What should I say ? What can I say ? He knew Kilian had left the United States after the... incident to go back to France. But what were the odds they would meet again here, in Paris ? I'm convinced this is an international scheme to destroy me and the unicorns.

"Dude, you're so tensed." murmured Nick. "What's the deal with your ex anyway ?"

Liam did not answer. He was truly panicing. Without Nate or Dami to support him, he was completely lost. And what if his new boyfriend discovered the story ? He'll hate me. He'll realise how unwrothy I am.

"I need to go. Far far far away. Right now."

He didn't wait for an answer. He wanted to avoid a panic attack.

Because he wasn't thinking clearly, Liam finally got lost in the building. A bit relieved to be alone, he sat on a bench and got his breath back. What am I supposed to do ? His mother never prepared him for a moment like that ! (He wasn't blaming her, but she could have anticipated right ?) (Educate your children to face their exes ! It's crucial !).

"Why did you run away ?" asked suddenly a voice he recognized (much for his displeasure).

Kilian looked curiously at him. (How he managed to find him ? Did a witch lead him here ?) His ex-boyfriend smiled softly.

"You know, I'm very surprised to see you here, but it's nice."

"What do you mean, it's nice ?" asked Liam, surprised.

"Well, we never spoke since... the middle of 12th grade. Since what happened. I never had the chance to thank you."

"To thank me."

Right, Kilian had lose his mind. The french food must have turned him crazy.

"I almost killed you with my stupid plan." recalled Liam. "I... I have been selfish, reckless and stupid. How come you want to thank me ?"

"You kiddin' right ? My parents blame you, but I don't. It wasn't your idea, but ours. And it was the first and only time someone wanted to take so much risk for me. I owe you Liam, for real."

It was too much for the chestnut lad. He wasn't able to come to terms with all that stuff.

"I thought..." he mumbled. "I thought you resented me. It's what your parents said."

"They lied to you obvious... Wait... you blamed yourself for what happened ? Oh man I didn't know you were putting so much on yourself. I'm sorry Liam, it must have been hard for you."

Hard for me ? He had been through hell with this story. The freshman couldn't think clearly. Everything he thought about Kilian was... false ?

"The others are here." whispered his ex-boyfriend. "Look, once this tour is over, I think it would be nice to talk. I can't tonight but maybe tomorrow night ?"

Liam only nodded, completely lost. Does that mean... I blamed myself for months for nothing ?

Barbara Tuesday March 5, in France

It was better than everything she had planned so far. Way better. She never expected Kilian to be here, in Paris. But this is a godsend. I will make the most of it. Catch Liam would be hard for her, but for his ex ? All she needed to do was to bring back them together for one night. One night and she would dethrone Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey. Afterwards, it would be chaos, and she would appear as a savior for the university. This is perfect.

"Your smile is so creepy. I kind of like it."

Barbara turned towards Matthew. He was almost living in their bedroom with the two girls. I'm glad they didn't have sex while I was here.

"I just came up with a good plan for my next move." she explained. "Soon enough, you'll be proud to be close with the queen."

He snorted.

"You mean, all of this was to be the queen of the university ? Oh man, that's funny."

"Why ?"

"It's nothing." he mysteriously replied. "Good luck girl."

She left one hour later. The short girl had done some research before. Apparently, Kilian  had moved in France approximately one year ago, in the middle of 12th grade. Well, after this sad incident with Liam. He was living with his uncle, and was studying this year as a freshman at the local university. He had multiple friends, but no boyfriend in sight. Which meant he was avaible. Barbara also managed to find his adress, so she came right at his home. When he openned the door, she felt again surprised by his height. He is so tall now.

"Barbara ? What brings you here ?" he asked.

"Hey Kilian. I wanted to talk, in memory of old times."

And at first, they did. They lengthly shared memories. He was nicer, more talkative than she remembered. Well, his parents were beating the crap out of him, and the whole highschool bullied him. No wonder he feels better now. Eventually, she led the subject towards her main concern.

"It's nice to see you." she laughed. "I mean, I was already surprised when I met Liam at my university."

She glimpsed a shining light in Kilian's eyes. He wanted to talk about him. Nice. Maybe the story she heard from Jessy wasn't completly right.

"Yeah, it was quite a surprise for me too..."

A little blank followed. She sensed he wanted to add something. He was so predictable.

"I never wanted things to end like this." he whispered. "I would love to... come back in time. I missed him, you know ?"

"He missed you too." she revealed. "He told me."

A little lie can't hurt. Kilian didn't know she wasn't her friend anymore. He would trust her.

"Really ? It doesn't seem like that..." he mumbled. "I mean, he looks so paniced everytime I'm around. We barely had a normal conversation. He was so stressed."

You sure have confidence now. He was way more assertive than before, and it was kind of attractive. Liam can fall for that.

"Well, it's... Look, I'm not supposed to say this but... Liam fell into the wrongs hands. There's a guy who uses him for sex."

Kilian frowned. Please, believe it. It was the hardest part of the plan. She needed him to trust this.

"Is this by the aggressive guy ? The one with scary eyes ?"

"Yes. How do you know ?" she wondered, surprised.

"He was here last night." explained Kilian with a bit of rancor. "He was having sex with my cousin all over the place."

Oh man. Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey was playing against himself. That was so ironic.

"I think... the best way to help Liam would be to reveal what you're feeling." she stated. "You want him right ? As your boyfriend ? I'm sure you two will work together. Just tell him."

Kilian barely hesitated.

"Okay. I'll give it a try. I don't like him being exploited by this bad guy anyway."

And now, this is the fall of the king.

To be continued

Well things are escalating. Kilian’s in the place and it changes everything. What will happen to Liam and Dami now uh ? Will they escape the dangerous plan of Barbara ? We’ll see that soon :)

[trilliastra]

no one else can fix me (only you)

Some people don't know what a library is for. He closes his book and takes a deep breath as two blonde girls continue to gossip loudly at the table next to their.

Scott sees his reaction and snickers. He knows Stiles is very particular about the library, especially when he's studying. And it's not his fault really, when one has ADD, silence is essential.

“He said no?” Blonde #1 asks. “Again?”

“Yep.” Blonde #2 says, looking at her nails. “I even said we could go to a baseball game!” Stiles looks up just in time to catch her rolling her eyes. “He still said no.”

“Jess asked him out last week, too. She even offered him a blowjob.” Blonde #1 emphasizes. “Hale just walked away.”

Stiles catches Scott's eye and shakes his head. People used to find adorable how Derek never goes out, despite many people asking. 'He's waiting for the right person', they'd used to say, cooing annoyingly. Apparently, the novelty wore off.

“Maybe he's gay?” Blonde #1 continues.

“Kevin asked him out last month.” #2 answers. “Still no. And Kevin is hot.”

“Damn.” #1 sighs. “Maybe he's just a virgin then. Or he has like, some sexual dysfunction.”

“Shame.” #2 agrees. “Those arms,” she sighs, dreamy, “and I bet his dick is just –”

“Okay!” Stiles slams his hands on the table as he stands up and turns to the girls. “Some of us are trying to study here! Would you two take your dick talk somewhere else?” The two look at him with wide eyes before fleeing the room, faces flushing red.

Scott goes for a high five as soon as Stiles sits again. “Nice one.”

“Thanks.” Stiles mumbles, trying not to feel ashamed himself. He wishes he could say those girls are the only ones who think about Derek's dick, but differently from them, Stiles is never going to admit that out loud.

Or in the middle of the library.

–

“Hey,” Stiles touches Derek's shoulder as the class scurries out of the room before Harris decides they need more homework for the weekend. It's their last class, but Derek has lacrosse practice and Stiles meets with the chess club every Friday, “do you mind giving me a ride home?”

His Jeep is acting out again and his dad has forbidden Stiles from ever riding on Scott's motorcycle, so he doesn't really have a choice here.

“Sure.” Derek shrugs, smiling at him. “I have to pick up Cora before going home, though. You don't mind?” His younger sister is still in Elementary School and since Laura headed to College, Derek is the one who has to drive her around. It's pretty cute, especially because Cora loves Derek and Derek loves her just as much. They are usually late going home because she insists on having ice cream and Derek can't say no to her. Stiles hears everything about it from Mrs. Hale when he gets home and she's watering the roses she keeps in her garden along with the ones Stiles' mom kept in hers.

When the Hales moved to the house next to theirs, Stiles' mom had just been diagnosed so she couldn't take care of her garden anymore. Stiles tried to do it for her but failed miserably, and then Mrs. Hale happened. She took one look at Stiles trying to water the plants and immediately joined him, smiling kindly. Stiles had a crush on her for about five minutes and then Derek stepped in and he was a goner.

Ten-year-old Derek was adorable with bunny teeth and a big smile, who loved tending to the roses with his mom. Eighteen-year old Derek is still adorable and he still helps his mom with the flowers, but now his smile is more confident and his arms fill his shirts in a way that makes Stiles groan.

“Nah, it's fine.” Stiles smiles too and waves at him when they reach the room the chess club always meet. “See ya.”

“Meet you outside.” Derek waves back.

Stiles has to stop himself from watching his ass as he walks away, instead turns around and smiles awkwardly at Lydia when she smirks at him.

“Hey!” He says, dropping his bag on the chair next to hers.

“You're pathetic.” She says, setting the chess board. “Now pay attention. You're the only real competition I have here.”

Stiles shakes his head. “Ready to lose again?”

“Shut up.” She grits out and Stiles forgets about Derek in favor of beating Lydia Martin's ass for the second week in a row.

–

“That's 13.” Lydia announces, taking Stiles' king in her hand and dropping it on his lap with a flourish. “Against 5.”

Stiles groans. “I hate you.” He says and they both know he doesn't mean it. “Next week, you'll see.” He promises, watching as Lydia's eyes begin to shine with the promise of another match. She's competitive like that.

“Bring it on.” She smiles, kissing his cheek when they leave the room. “Bye.” She cleans the lipstick off his face and walks away like the queen she is.

Stiles shakes his head fondly and begins walking towards the parking lot when someone pulls his arm. “Oh shit.” He jumps, heart racing as he turns around to catch his lab partner staring at him with wide eyes.

“Sorry!” Lucy rushes to say. “Oh my God, I'm so sorry.”

“It's fine.” Stiles waves her off. “I was distracted.”

She smiles shyly and nods. “I just –” she begins, “I was wondering –”

Stiles arches an eyebrow, waiting for her to finish. Girls aren't usually this shy around him. Expect for those who have a crush on him, the poor unfortunate souls. Stiles still doesn't know how that happens.

“I was wondering if Derek has a prom date?”

Oh.

So that's what this is about.

“I don't know?” Stiles arches an eyebrow. “We are not that close.”

“But you are neighbors!” She insists.

“Yeah, neighbors.” Stiles repeats. “Not exactly friends. We don't hold up signs and talk through our bedroom windows.”

“I know.” Lucy says. “I just – I was wondering if you could check? With him? Maybe?”

Stiles narrows his eyes at her and finally sighs. “Fine.” He agrees. “But only because it's you. Don't go telling your friends about this.” Stiles warns. He's not gonna be one of those guys who keeps pestering his neighbor about his love life. This is not a Taylor Swift music video. “And I can't promise you anything.” He adds when Lucy smiles brightly. “You know how he is. He said no to two girls just yesterday.”

“I know. But maybe he's just waiting for the right person?” She still says, smiling hopefully. “Thank you!” She kisses his cheek before walking away happily.

–

“So –” he begins while they are parked outside Cora's school, “do you have a prom date?” He's been dropping hints about prom and Lucy being the nicest girl ever and 'woah, her hair is nice, isn't it?', but Derek didn't connect things. “Because some girls don't. Like Lucy.”

Derek's eyes widen immediately and Stiles flinches. Shit, did he go too far? Is this some kind of forbidden topic for Derek? Is Cora going to punch Stiles for breaking her favorite brother?

“I –” Derek finally says, smiling, “I don't.” He answers. “Do you?”

“Nope.” Stiles says and it seems like Derek's smile gets bigger. Oh no, that's adorable. Stiles and Scott are going to prom together because they promised each other when they were like five, but Stiles really wishes he could have the balls to ask Derek.

He imagines Derek in the suit, imagines being able to slow dance to some 80s song and then make out under the bleachers. And now he's gonna do that with Lucy.

“I know you don't go out,” he starts and Derek gives him weird look, “but do you maybe wanna go with –”

“Yes.” Derek says immediately, smiling brightly. “Of course.”

“Really?” Stiles can't help but ask. That was way too easy. “I had prepared a whole speech.”

“Of course I'd accept.” Derek snorts, reaching out for Stiles' hand with a soft smile. Stiles' heart flutters inside his chest even though he's feeling very confused. “I was waiting for this.”

“For – Lucy?” Stiles arches an eyebrow. “Like, I'm pretty sure you could've just asked her and she would've said yes.”

“Lucy?” It's Derek's turn to arch his eyebrow. “Who's Lucy?”

“The girl you just agreed to go to prom with.” Stiles explains, slowly. Was Derek always this slow?

“Are you fucking with me?” Derek asks, face changing from confused to angry.

“No, dude, I –”

“Because that's just low.” Derek continues. “I thought you were better than this.”

Stiles blinks, surprised. “Derek,” he tries to explain, “she just asked me to ask you. I don't know what you're talking about.”

Derek huffs out a humorless laugh. “Yeah, you never do.” He says just as Cora reaches the car.

“Ice cream?” She asks as soon as Derek drives off.

“Not today.” He says and Cora looks at Stiles angrily. 'What did you do to him?' her face seems to ask, and Stiles really has no answer.

–

When they get home Stiles waits for Cora to run inside before taking Derek's arm and pulling him towards his own front lawn. “Dude, I'm sorry. I don't know what I did, okay? I was just doing her a favor.”

“It's fine.” Derek says, but it's clear he doesn't mean it.

“No, seriously. Can you please –”

“I get it, okay?” Derek growls. “You don't feel the same, whatever. Just don't try to set me up – that's just – I don't like it.”

Stiles lets go of Derek's arm, stunned. “Feel what exactly? Because I'm –”

Derek drops his bag on the grass with another growl. “You keep rejecting me! And I got the message, okay? You don't like me, fine. I'm never asking you out again, just don't try to set me up.” He blurts out angrily, before grabbing his bag and stalking towards his own house. “Just leave me the fuck alone.” He calls out, slamming the door shut behind him.

Stiles blinks, more confused than before. “What.”

–

“What was that about?” Stiles' dad asks when he walks inside.

“I have no idea.” Stiles answers, climbing the stairs to his bedroom.

That made literally no sense. Since when has Stiles rejected Derek? And when was he asked out? Because he's pretty sure he would have known and answered with a very enthusiastic yes.

Stiles wasn't lying to Lucy – he and Derek aren't exactly friends. They usually just talk while tending to their gardens, especially when Mrs. Hale is out of town – 'Derek's dad is a mean cooker but the last time he tried to water my plants, he almost drowned them', she'd told him once.

They are sometimes joined by Mr. Hale and Stiles' dad, some days even Laura comes to coo at her brother and annoy the heck out of Stiles about the Mets. But mostly it's just the two of them and Mrs. Hale talking about school and flowers and her job as a lawyer.

In the end, he doesn't know much Derek. Only that he likes Batgirl and Wonder Woman, thinks the Green Lantern movie was a joke and that he finds Stiles' theories about Captain America and Iron Man having an affair hilarious.

Stiles collapses on his bed, muffling a scream on his pillow. What is he missing here? Derek never asked him out – the most he did was invite Stiles to the movies when the last Avengers movie came out and – and Stiles said he couldn't go because he had a test.

“Oh my God.” Stiles sits up immediately, heart hammering inside his chest. Derek is not a social butterfly and Mrs. Hale herself is always commenting on Derek's lack of social skills, but that? That was ridiculous even for him. Cora was just there with them.

Except – that wasn't the only time was it? “Oh my god.” Stiles yells. The time with the cookies? When Derek baked Stiles' favorite cookies and offered it to him on Christmas Day saying 'I hope you like it, these are especially for you'.

“Stiles, what the hell?” His dad comes into him room.

“I fucked up, dad.” Stiles yells again.

“What do you –”

“Once Mrs. Hale asked Derek why he didn't have a girlfriend and you know what he said?” Stiles continues on a rant, angry at himself for being so fucking stupid.

“I don't –”

“He said he already liked someone but was just waiting for that person to catch on!”

“And –”

“And he was looking at me!”

–

“Hi, Mrs. Hale. Good to see you.” He blurts out as soon as she opens the door. “Is Derek here?”

“In his room.” She answers, smiling knowingly. “You understand it now?” Mrs. Hale asks, eying the bouquet in Stiles' hand. “How much did that cost?”

“A lot.” Stiles answers. “Can I –”

“Climb the stairs, first room on the left.” She winks at him.

Stiles all but runs up the stairs, opening Derek's door with a bang. He'll apologize for that later. “I didn't know!” He yells, shoving the flowers on Derek's face. “Please accept these flowers as an apology, I like you too!”

Derek drops the book he was reading on his bad – Orwell, fuck, Stiles loves him – and looks at the flowers, confusedly. “I – those are tulips*.”

“I know.” Stiles says, he was there when Mrs. Hale explained the meaning of flowers too. “That's what I'm saying. I like you, too.”

Derek's brain starts working again as he takes the bouquet from Stiles' hand and places it on his bed carefully, almost adoring. “Yeah?” He asks, small and unsure. His ears are red and his eyes are shining and Stiles really wants to kiss him right now.

“Yeah.” Stiles nods. “I didn't notice before and I'm so sorry, but I'll take you to every Avenger movie you want and I'll even bake your favorite cookies.”

Derek smiles, stepping closer. “Just kiss me and we'll call it even.”

Stiles smiles back. “Okay.” And so he does.

–

Lucy tears up when Derek tells her he can't be her prom date. “Can I ask why?”

“I'm dating someone.” Derek answers, and Stiles sees people all around the room stopping to listen.

“Really? But you don't –”

“I know.” Derek interrupts, turning to Stiles with a smile. “But I found the right person.”

-

*tulips: declaration of love. Fame or perfect love.

[madam-lit-nerd]

The Apocalypse AU, pt 2.

Previous | Next

The next couple weeks, Cas fell into an easy schedule. Wake up, bathe, get the kids ready if it was his day, breakfast. Once he was in the playroom with Rachel and Hanna, his schedule was just as it had been before, complete with snack time and group naps. After, he’d help his six wash up then herd them all down to dinner where he’d eat with Dean and a few others, like Dean’s brother Sam and his mate Eileen, or sometimes Jo and Ruby. 

Castiel grew so used to his routine that, when the day finally arrived that Dean wasn’t waiting at the usual table, Castiel actually felt disoriented. 

Once he had his six settled and eating, Castiel walked over to where Sam at another table to ask about the alpha. 

“Supplies trip!” The tall beta explained. “He’ll be back in a couple days.” He smiled kindly. “Did you need something?” 

Cas shook his head profusely. “No, I’d just gotten used to seeing him, I suppose.” 

Sam’s smile grew, as if that news pleased him somehow. “He’ll be back soon, don’t worry.” 

Castiel offered his own timid smile then returned to his usual table to eat with the children. 

After dinner, Castiel led the children back to their rooms for some downtime. Usually he was too busy answering inane questions and lending a guiding hand to notice his surroundings, yet he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being watched...studied. 

He looked over his shoulder once, twice, but saw no one there. With an uneasy hum, he hurried the children along. 

—

Once Castiel had gotten the children safely tucked in for the night, he wandered down to the bathroom to brush his teeth before bed. He’d just barely turned the corner when he felt it again, that inescapable certainty that he was being watched. 

After only a moment’s thought, he spun around to face whoever was there, only to find the hallway empty. 

“You really are awful at this game, aren’t you?” 

Castiel froze at the low voice right next to his ear. He didn’t recognize it, whoever it was. Instead, he shook his head. 

“I didn’t know we were playing a game.” 

“Little tease like you?” Suddenly there was a nose pressed to his neck. The omega jumped away with a yelp, finally spinning around to see the alpha who’d been staring at him in the dining hall. 

“What do you want?” 

“I just want to get to know you,” the alpha said, leering at Castiel knowingly. “Pretty little pregnant thing like you probably knows lots of tricks.” 

Castiel shook his head. “I don’t know anything?”The alpha chuckled at the tremble in his voice, and Castiel knew with absolute certainty that there would be no mercy. This alpha...he enjoyed the scent of an omega when it was afraid. 

“I don’t know who you are, or who you think I am, but I’m not that,” Castiel tried to keep his voice firm. “Your games aren’t interesting.” 

“Oh Castiel,” the alpha rumbled, leaning over Castiel, trapping him. “I know exactly who you are. I know what you want, and I’m gonna give it to—“

Just then a door opened down the hall, and a young Asian man stepped out of his room. 

Gordon sneered at the young man then shot one final heavy look toward Castiel. “We’ll finish this later, omega.” Then he spun and walked away. 

The young man, Castiel’s savior, came to stand next to him. “Are you okay, you don’t look so good...”

“Who was that?” Castiel whispered. 

“That’s Gordon. He’s kind of a dick.” 

Now that the alpha, Gordon, had gone, Castiel couldn’t stop the trembling. He reached out to grab the young man’s arm and squeezed tightly. 

“I need to see Sam.”

—

Dean strolled back into the compound, whistling merrily as he nodded at different people he passed. It had been a damn successful trip, and now they had rations to last them a long while.

He spotted Sam standing near the stairs and strode up to greet him, slapping him on the shoulder genially. 

“Sammy!” 

“Dean,” Sam’s expression was tense, guarded. “Everything go well?”

“Yeah,” Dean’s good mood faltered. “What happened here?” 

“It’s Gordon...” 

Dean let out a long sigh. Of course it was. 

“What was it this time?” 

Sam grimaced and shook his head. “Apparently he took a liking to the new omega.” 

“Cas?” Dean blanched as Sam nodded. “Shit...”

“I guess he tried to make a move on him after dinner the other night...luckily Kevin came along, stopped him from doing anything.”

Dean was breathing deep and slow, trying to keep his temper under control. That bastard had no problem attacking a helpless omega? In Cas’s condition? 

Sam gripped his shoulder, tried to keep him present in the conversation. “I shuffled some things around, moved him to the night crew downstairs. He’ll have different meal times, different sleep times.” 

Dean growled lowly in his throat. When he looked back to Sam, he could see that his brother was taken aback. 

“Dean, your eyes...” 

So they’d gone red, then. Dean didn’t care, he had other priorities at the moment. 

With a snarl, he spun on his heel and stormed away. 

“Where are you going?” Sam called, tailing after him uncertainly. 

“I’m gonna go have a little chat with Gordon.”

He found the alpha in the basement, just finishing up his night shift. There was no warning, no preamble. Dean simply grabbed him by the collar and shoved him against the nearest wall. 

“You been harassing omegas?” He shook Gordon roughly. “In my compound! I brought that omega here, promised him safety, and you attacked him?” 

Gordon bared his teeth in a savage grin. “He was asking for it.” 

“He wasn’t asking for shit, not from you,” Dean seethed. He leaned in close, just enough for Gordon to hear him whisper. “I oughta throw you outside the walls right now.”

“Dean,” Sam warned from behind him. “He’s got the message.” 

Dean slowly released Gordon’s collar, took one step back, then another. 

“If you so much as step within twenty feet of him again,” Dean paused, let his words resonate. “I’ll push you out the front gate myself.”

—

Dean waited until his alpha had settled and his eyes had bled back to their usual green before he tracked Castiel down. The poor thing had already had one bad scare from an overbearing alpha; he didn’t need another so soon. 

He stood just outside the doorway, peeking in to watch as Cas sat in the middle of a circle on the floor, laughing with the children as they sang a song about teeth. 

When they finished singing, he turned to a young boy. “See, Tyler? It’s normal to lose teeth.” 

The boy grinned, his tongue swiping to play with a loose tooth. 

“Do you think the tooth fairy will be able to find us here?” Another child asked. 

Castiel shrugged. “That sounds like a good question for your mom. I bet she knows all about the tooth fairy!” 

Castiel turned to the children on the opposite side of the circle. “I think it’s your turn to start the snack line. Why don’t you go get lined up so Rachel can give you snacks?” 

As the children started to walk toward the table at the far end of the room, Castiel slowly pushed himself to his feet and meandered toward the door. Dean smiled at the way Cas threw one final glance over his shoulder before slipping out into the hall to join the alpha. 

“You’re back!” 

“Yep, just got in a few minutes ago,” Dean hedged. “How are the kiddos?” 

“They’re doing great! A few of them are still unsure of what’s happening, but that might be for the best...” 

“Yeah,” Dean ran a hand over the back of his neck. “Look, Cas...” 

Castiel sighed and shook his head. “Don’t worry about it, Dean.”

Dean’s mouth turned down at the edges. “Of course I���m gonna worry about it! I promised you a safe space, and instead...” 

“Sam took care of it,” Castiel assured him, his tone that same soothing level he used with the children at nap time. “And I haven’t seen him since.”

Dean shook his head. “It shouldn’t have happened in the first place.”

With a gentle smile, Castiel laid a hand on Dean’s arm. “You can’t control what everyone does. I know it’s the alpha in you, but you just can’t.” 

After studying him for a long moment, Dean nodded. “I suppose you’re right. Just...I can’t have anything happening to you.”

Castiel’s heart stuttered in his chest at the vulnerability in the alpha’s tone. 

“To me?” 

Dean’s eyes widened, and he cleared his throat. “I can’t afford for anyone to feel unsafe!” 

“Of course,” Castiel murmured, desperately trying to ignore the blush staining his cheeks. “I just...I understand.” 

“Good, good,” Dean muttered. “So, uh, see you at dinner?” 

Cas nodded hastily and turned to head back into the playroom, listening as Dean’s footsteps faded in the opposite direction. 

—

“So you’re headed out again?” Castiel asked, his hand smoothing back and forth over his tummy. He didn’t let himself think about the fact that it was a soothing gesture, didn’t want to think about what that meant, that he only really did it when Dean was going out on supply runs and scouting trips. 

“Yeah,” Dean sighed. “Some punks were causing trouble for this latest group we got.” 

Cas glanced past him to where Benny and a few other guys were gearing up with a variety of firearms and blades. 

“I wish...” he trailed off with a sigh. It was no good to wish; Dean felt this was part of his duty as the leader. He’d always do his duty. 

“Hey,” Dean ducked his head to catch Castiel’s eye. “We’ll be back in just a couple days. And if Gordon gives you any trouble, Sam will handle him.” 

Yes, that must be it. Castiel was just worried about what Gordon might do when Dean had left again. That’s why he was so upset. 

He offered Dean a timid smile. “Please be safe?” 

Dean winked. “Don’t worry. I always am.” 

—

Four days later, when Dean still hadn’t returned, Castiel let himself worry. 

—

When the group of bedraggled men stumbled into the compound after another three days—a full week after they’d left—Castiel almost burst into tears. Dean was back, alive and safe. It was Benny whose leg had gotten hurt, holding up the group’s return, but even he seemed fine, aside from needing to be supported between two other men for his leg. 

Castiel stepped forward to go greet Dean, welcome him back, but before he could get very far, Cassie was there, throwing herself onto Dean with a loud cry of, “I was so worried about you!” 

Castiel turned and headed back toward the stairs. He had to get back to the playroom... The children would want to hear the good news about Dean’s return.

—

With a groan, Cas heaved himself from the floor where they’d been seated for story circle. At six months along, he was getting too big to sit down there with the children. His body ached and protested more and more these days. 

“Let’s go wash up for snack time. Everybody find your buddy!” 

He watched as smaller children grabbed onto older children, thrilled at the prospect of being “buddies” with a big kid. The older children, having already been given a talk about helping out and doing their part, loved that they were old enough to have such an important responsibility to help Cas. 

The system also took some of the hectic responsibility off the busy workers, which they were all grateful for. 

“Now march!” 

As the children fake-marched down the hall with Hanna at the head and Rachel at the middle, Castiel brought up the rear. They were just turning into the main hall when Castiel heard the now familiar, “Hey, Cas!” 

Even though Dean’s greeting was familiar now, Castiel still tensed for the briefest of seconds before he recognized the voice. Even though it had been weeks since Gordon had cornered him, he still flinched at every unexpected noise.

“Dean,” Cas smiled as he turned to face the approaching alpha. “How was the supplies run?” 

“Awesome!” The alpha declared. His eyes seemed tight around the edges. “Better than we hoped. Listen,” here he faltered with a bit of uncertainty, but Castiel smiled encouragingly and nodded for him to continue. Dean cleared his throat. “I noticed, the last time I stopped by the playroom, that you’re having a little more trouble getting up and down from the floor. So, uh...” he ran a hand over the back of his neck, “well, we found this really nice rocking chair.“

Castiel’s face broke into a wide smile. “Really?” 

Dean seemed surprise by his reaction but nodded. “Uh, yeah. Jo’s scrubbing it down right now, but I can bring it up to the play room later?”

“Thank you!” Castiel enthused, squeezing the alpha’s forearm excitedly. “I was just thinking today that I’d need to figure something else out besides the floor.” 

“Awesome. So I’ll see you in a bit?”

“See you soon,” Castiel responded, watched as Dean walked back the way he’d come. He ignored the little flip his heart gave at the realization that Dean had thought about him, had brought him back a rocking chair, of all things. 

—

Dean knew that Jo wouldn’t be finished with the rocking chair for a few minutes yet, so instead he detoured down to the basement. He found the work crew, made up entirely of engineers and construction workers, at the back of the room, planning the underground expansion the compound desperately needed.

“Gordon,” Dean called, his tone brooking no argument. The tall lanky alpha broke away from the others and stepped up to Dean. 

“Dean,” he responded easily, but his eyes were wary. 

“Have you been going up by the playroom?” 

Gordon snorted. “Don’t worry, I haven’t gone near your precious omega. You can ask these guys,” he gestured back toward the other men on the crew who were all pretending not to listen. 

Dean glanced at Victor, the crew chief, who gave a brief nod of affirmation. 

“Good,” Dean murmured. “Don’t forget my warning.” 

I’ll push you out the front gate myself. “I never do,” Gordon replied lowly. 

—

When Dean set the rocking chair down in the corner of the playroom, Castiel actually giggled. 

“Thank you so much, Dean!” 

Dean smiled at his enthusiasm and gestured toward it, “Why don’t you give it a spin?” 

With a nod, Castiel slowly levered himself down into the chair. As soon as his weight had settled and his feet were relieved of their burden, Cas let out a long, happy sigh. 

“It’s perfect!” He declared even as his eyes slipped shut. “Just what I needed.” 

“I’m glad you like it,” Dean murmured. 

Cas’s eyes fluttered open, his stomach flip-flopping again at the fond smile Dean wore. 

Oh, Castiel was really in trouble now. 

—

Long after Dean had moved on to deal with business in other parts of the compound, Castiel sat in his rocking chair, thinking things over. He smiled at the thought of those kind, green eyes and that ready smile. Those broad shoulders and that tight—

With an internal groan, Castiel wrenched his thoughts away from the alpha’s physique. Not the time or place... 

Dean had enough on his plate with running the sanctuary, keeping everyone safe and fed. He didn’t need some sappy omega who’d caught feelings pining after him, especially an omega who was pregnant with another alpha’s pup. 

When Cas had first arrived, with Michael’s death a fresh wound in his heart that reopened every night, he never would have thought of even looking at another alpha, much less wanting one. But now, as weeks and months had passed, Castiel knew he couldn’t keep ignoring those little things about Dean—how he was kind to everyone, always helpful, always ready with a smile, even in the midst of stress

Cas had recently begun to realize that he looked forward to those warm smiles and bright eyes a little too much. When Dean went out on patrols with others, it was Dean that Cas worried about the most. And he always felt a little too giddy when Dean stopped by the playroom to check in. 

And wasn’t that a terrifying realization, that not only was Castiel moving on after Michael, but that his heart had actually found someone new...

He considered, for the briefest of seconds, ignoring Dean, giving himself room to figure out the emotions, adapt and hide them. But almost as soon as the thought crossed Castiel’s mind, he dismissed it. With their tight quarters here, ignoring Dean just wasn’t feasible. 

So if Cas couldn’t ignore Dean, he’d just ignore his feelings for the alpha. Easy peasy, right?

Plus, if Dean were inclined to take a mate right now, he’d probably choose from the multiplicity of unmated omegas they had here, several of which regularly sought Dean’s attentions, like Anna or Cassie. 

No, Castiel would do well to remember his situation and just keep those pesky feelings far away beneath the surface. 

Next chapter

Still more to come! Part 1 is over here. 

[savedpeople]

💨 / our muses are trapped inside a cabin during a snow storm .

Christmas/Winter Themed Meme | Not Accepting | @hilltopguard

Their trek from one community to the other didn’t go as planned. The group had hoped to beat the impending winter storm but sure it enough it had caught up, and the dry roads and clear skies were suddenly bombarded by a blizzard from hell. Visibility dropped to damn near nothing and before they knew it they were losing each other within the whiteout.

Negan can hear their voices and he squints, trying to find someone, fucking anybody but they’re coming from everywhere and it’s clear they’re getting split up. “Fuck,” he curses under his breath, looking around in a slight panic when he spots a figure heading off in one direction. “Hey!” It’s one he can’t quite make out but he calls out, and there’s no answer, so he grips the strap of the backpack over his shoulder tighter and follows after them.

After some struggling through the piling snow he sees them approaching a... a goddamn cabin? Oh, thank fuck. “Hey! Wait up!” He calls out again, able to make out the back of their head now, which soon disappears as they successfully make it inside. “Shit...” A few moments later and Negan catches up, rushing inside and hurriedly shutting the door behind him.

Chucking his bag to the floor beside him, Negan rests his back against the door, covered in snow as he catches his breath. “Jesus Christ, thank fuck we’re finally out of that shit huh?” Looking up, that’s when he sees just who he’s sharing the room with. “Oh, shit,” he chuckles weakly, “you’re the fuck I was following this whole damn time? The hell’s your name again? Kevin?”

He grins at Kal before pushing himself off the door, taking a look around the cabin before moving to a window to peer out. “Well, looks like we’re gonna be stuck in here a while. It is whiter than my ass out there. Did you know about this place?” Negan casts a brief glance over his shoulder at the man, then back out the window again. “’Cause you sure as hell looked like you knew where you were goin’. Think anyone else might head this way too? Be good if we’re not all split up--- though I am sure you’re just dying for some one-on-one time with me.”

[kariachi]

Been looking forward ot this one y’all- The Greatest Lake, which supposedly contains not just Hex (easily one of the funnest of the reboot’s villains) but also Kevin (who is, of course, the perfect being)! It’s bound to be wonderful, with a combo like that, and we’ll finally get an answer to the age-old question-

Does Hex go in the fucking pit

Another Kelly Turnbull episode! Which, again, means this is gonna be a good episode for story and visuals! I swear this woman is a fucking goddess.

You should’ve known better to cannonball around Ben, Gwen, we had a whole episode about this

Max has rented a speedboat for the sake of aquatic athletics

Attack of the killer lake. And here I thought you only had to worry about that if you were a Saturday

Erie’s gotten more handsy since I was last out there

Ben: Some bad guy must be trying to make me look bad at kneeboarding! Gwen: Yeah, that’s why you suck

Hi Hex

He’s not even paying attention, he’s busy reading

Hex: Stop bothering the beachgoers, we’ve got work to do Water Spirits: Sure boss

The Sword of MacGuffin. Of course. Of course that’s what he’s looking for. I love this show so much you guys.

Hex: *sees Ben* I see not even the sanctity of the Canadian border can stop your incessant pestering!

Just jumping straight to annihilation today

Welp, Hex having to choose between having an elemental army or blasting the Tennysons into the stratosphere

Hex: Fuck it, I got work to do and elemental armies to lead, my apprentice can handle this

Ben: “What kind of loser would actually wanna work with Hex?“ Kevin: “Hey!”

My son, y’all

Look at him

He’s got a matching hood and everything

And floaties

Floaties my son can’t even float

Dear gods save me this is too adorable

I mean he has a hood to match Hex’s that’s so fucking cute!

Even the Forever Dipshit didn’t even fucking bother to get him into the aesthetic! Of course I suppose Hex and Kevin’s aesthetics are easier to make work together

I swear Hex if you fuck this up I will have your head on a pike as a warning to any other adults that might run into Kevin, even if we’re mostly out of them

My booooyyyyy

Have I mentioned one of the floaties is a fucking giraffe one I mean my god

When you have to mute the show otherwise you will be overwhelmed because your son is on the screen and you are dying

Oh my fuck Kevin accusing Ben of being jealous that Hex took him under his wing lords preserve me

The thing is it’s not even like there’s nothing for Hex to build off with him I mean we all saw what Charmcaster was able to do with his poetry, if he can learn to make that shit work for himself he’ll be a true fucking terror.

Hex: “Not ‘intern’, apprentice. We’re sorcerers, not cubicle dwellers.”

How did these two even meet? How did this happen? How long has it been happening? Inquiring minds need to know

Oh look, a vaguely greek temple in Lake Erie.

Hex: “I haven’t had a plan work this seamlessly all summer. I’d be moved to tears if this eyeliner were waterproof.”

“Mr. Goth Wizard, sir?” my fucking god this child is too precious. Don’t fuck this up, Hex, for all our sakes!

Hex, leaving Kevin, quote, ‘in charge of destroying the Tennyson whelps’ while he heads for the temple so he can get this sword

Kevin is actually listening to what he’s told without the need for putdowns or belittling or any mouthiness on his part so far. This either a bad sign for how he’s taking the way these adults have been treating him so far or a good sign of how his time with Hex has been going

Hex: Have them destroyed by the time I get back Kevin: Don’t you wanna test the sword out in them? Hex: No, I want you to do as you’re told

And there we go, I’ve been here long enough it’s all a spiral from this point.

Kevin: *grumbles about how he better be learning some damn good magic to be putting up with this shit*

1) Ben picking Rath to fight in a lake. Because this child. 2) My son has spells. This is either going to be awesome or sad

Oh thanks show, cut to Hex why don’t you

The spell on the door takes so much mana to take out that the damn thing tried to eat Hex

And Max and Gwen have taken advantage of Kevin being distracted with Ben to take out Hex’s elementals

Hex is, how you say, not pleased

I really don’t know what he expected, given he can’t handle the Tennysons, but sure, your apprentice is gonna do better

Kevin is just having too much fun messing with Ben

I cannot help but feel, Hex, that you could’ve handled this whole mess smarter. Step one: I’m fairly certain apprentices aren’t supposed to be thrown out as a distraction while you go around doing magic without them

Kevin pls do not call your teacher a loser while he is in the area, given your track record...

Oh gods, he’s claiming Hex promised him the sword if this all works out and just, it ain’t

“You know he doesn’t care about you right?” Ben, honeybunch, I hate to have to actually say it, but so far with Kevin? Nobody fucking does. Like, that’s not even an armor-piercing question, that’s like stepping out and going “you know the sky’s still blue, right?” The closest we came to a non-Tennyson giving a rats ass about Kevin was Vin, and then he turned out to give more of a damn about having the approval of other adults than the did any child. Fucking Max is the most stable adult figure in his life by far and it’s not exactly a high bar to reach. Every other adult didn’t care about him, every single one, and if you’re gonna be trying to get through to Kevin with revelations then you may wanna figure that out!

*deep breath* I’m calm. I’m chill. I’m calm.

Kevin throws Ben into Hex on accident, not gonna end well

Oh lords Kevin’s not even using spells he was taught, he’s testing new material on Ben because of course he is

Although can we discuss the fact that he was doing well with it? Which means either he’s been practicing it on his own time or he’s got a natural talent for this shit, and given what his poetry did it could go either way

Oh lords ‘The Ancient Magi Code’ and talk of how he’s supposed to fucking follow it includes being expected to follow Hex’s instructions to the letter. Because we’ve all seen how well Kevin takes orders. I mean lords he was already getting aggravated about it earlier, even as he did it. He’s been positively behaving by his own standards.

And lo, arguing breaks out between the teacher who’s really not that good at it and who is very tradition focused, and the student who is very much an independent soul who doesn’t take orders well and needs a more... positive approach.

Welp.

Can we just discuss the growth, the difference between Kevin here and Kevin when he was working with the Forever Dipshit? There’s actual concern about having fucked up here, for one, which he never showed with regards to FD despite the fact that one tried to kill him at one point for not following orders exactly. Just, if nothing else it’s a good indicator of the difference between his relationships with the two, where one is a teacher and semi-reasonable at least while the other was just, a complete piece of shit. I mean Hex taught Kevin magic and practiced it with him, promised him a fucking sword, while FD just gave him a tv dinner and a bad attitude

“-unabashed, unrepentant incompetence!” Goddamn, Hex, breathe! Also the boy ain’t incompetent he’s just fucking 11. That’s at the low end for apprenticing, even historically, and you’ve also got the fact that he’s an independent little sod and that you’ve been treating him more like a minion than an apprentice today (it’s a big difference). This is a fuck-up, and the arguing back is annoying, but still the situation with him is manageable.

My poor son did not expect major consequences, such as being dropped as an apprentice and losing the fucking shit that was helping him use magic period

Hex, fucking done, is getting that fucking sword if it kills him so he can have one fucking success this summer

Kevin, as always, does not take such insults lightly. Cue ‘out for blood’ face

Ben: “I can’t stand you, and even I thought Hex was being a real jerk back there” Kevin: “Yeah, I was doing a pretty good job kicking your butt before he distracted me”

All said while the Tennysons are picking up a Kevin out of the lake. I swear this is just the only way this boy knows to interact with people

Okay I paused after Hex fucking unveiled the temple again sent the whole groups crashing to the bottom of the lake as an offhand consequence and y’all the look on my boy’s face when he hears Hex growling about needing that damn sword. The fucking sad puppy eyes!

Look at that face!! My poor baby! He is so sad and so hurt!

Ben and Kevin, working together to kick Hex’s giant water elemental’s butt

Oh my fuck mutual transformation sequence. wtf is this Sailor Moon?

Kevin, noticing Ben has armored aliens now: Bitch!

The problem, is that much as I try I can’t mention everything. There’s so much good

Kevin, as Bootleg: Get out the boat, I’m hijacking it Gwen: No Kevin: Okay *hijacks it with them inside*

Gwen: *incredible excited to now have a boat with a canon because Kevin is awesome like that* Max: *concerned about whether Boatleg meets safety standards*

“Useless child. I can retrieve the Sword of MacGuffin without his assistance.” I don’t believe anyone was claiming otherwise, Hex. Although I think you’re going to find it difficult to do with him actively working against you. I’m afraid they’re his only settings

Max, on the giant water elemental: Maybe it just needs a friend and a big hug Kevin: Unlikely

Gwen, coming in with the plan to save the day

Even as a boat Kevin is a very agile little thing

Here lies Hex, dead of lake

Oh my gods dark magic is against the rules of the lake

Kevin: That was probably my only chance to use a cool cursed sword. Thanks a lot, Tennyson. Ben: Bitch!

Ben making the valid point that Kevin was at real risk of having to suck up to Hex for the next several millennia

The fucking cop telling Hex to get with the century and invest in some waterproof eyeliner

This just in, both boys are equally shit at kneeboarding.

10/11, Hex doesn’t go in the pit, but he may wanna be careful the next time he shares an episode with Kevin

[justanotherdumbfanfictionbl-blog]

Sadness

It was just supposed to be another shitty day at Riverdale High but your world is turned upside down when the schools bad boy and the captain of the football team both take an interest in you. What will you do? Go after the loner you’ve liked your whole life or will the captain steal your attention?

Sadness - Chapter 3 // C1 // C2

After Party

I really need to learn how to say no, you think to yourself, scanning the living room full of sweaty teenagers, beer spilling out of red plastic cups as music blares throughout the house, Kevin nowhere to be seen. Within seconds of you turning up to the already roaring party he vanished into the crowd, clocking one of the football players, leaving you to lean against the wall alone, cheap beer in hand. Occasionally glancing at the door, you consider making a break for freedom, nobody would notice and Kevin’s gone anyway so there isn’t really any point in you being there. 

Right as you’re about to head for the exit you hear a voice calling your name, you sigh, letting out a quiet “shit” as you close your eyes for a second before turning in the direction of the voice, it’s Archie, smiling as he weaves through the crowd to get to you. Taking a step forward you give him a small smile back, “you’re here!” he declares whilst approaching you, matching red cup in hand, you nod “that I am, as are you” Archie lets out a nervous laugh before sipping some of his beer, looking around with eyebrows raised, scanning his brain for a conversation starter. “That final score was pretty good and very close” you spoke after a moment of silence, putting enthesis on very, “Yeah, I was terrified I was gonna fuck up” he chuckles and nods as you do the same “it was a good game though, even if I didn’t exactly know what was going on” you admit, looking to the ground as embarrassment settled in, “most people don’t, they just follow the crowd” he shrugs, attempting to make you feel better and it works. 

The two of you continue to talk, smiling and laughing as you occasionally take sips of beer, the stale bitter taste stinging the back of your throat. “Hey I was wondering” the red-head pipes up but before he could finish the front door swings open, a tall slim figure stands in the doorway, covered by the darkness. Everyone stops and stares, wondering who it was making such an entrance, they take a step forward, letting the light of the hallway reveal there soft fair skin. It was Jughead Jones. You couldn’t help but crack a smile, he finally came, you thought as you bit your lip in an attempt to hold back the enthusiasm, both he and Archie noticed the smile. Jug smirked, sending a wink your way as Archie scowled, pissed off that another guy has your attention. You quickly look to the floor, your face heating up again as eyes began to burn holes in your head, after a few seconds you look back up at Archie, as his eyes follow Jug towards the kitchen, a pissed off expression spread across his face. 

“Excuse me, everyone. SHUT UP!” Cheryl screeched as she stood on the coffee table, demanding everyone’s attention, the music went quiet as she smiled, happy to have all eyes on her. “Welcome to my home and as always iconic after party, now that we’re all here and have had time to get to know each other” she sneers, blatantly staring at you and Archie, causing others to look, “let's play a game of truth or dare” she smirks as the crowd of tipsy teens cheer around her. You roll your eyes, wanting no part in this, as if you had a choice. “Let's start with...” she trails off looking around the room before making direct eye contact with you, don’t you fucking dare you think as she grins, raising a perfectly plucked brow, “Y/N, truth or dare?” You let out a sigh, mumbling a small “fuck” as everyone around you eagerly awaits your response, you hesitate for a moment, “dare” immediate regret floods your body as your classmates stare, stunned at your bold choice. “I dare you...” she thinks for a moment, the plump red lips flattening as her eyes wander off to the corner of the room, anxiety filling your body as seconds feel like hours, “I dare you to spend 7 minutes in heaven with the hobo” she declares, the grin re-appearing on her face as everyone around you, Archie included, stare at you, wide-eyed and mouths agape. You scowl, brows scrunched together this fucking bitch you think as Jughead slowly re-emerges for the kitchen, a shit-eating grin smeared across his smug little face as he waits for your response, just like the rest of them. 

With a sigh you admit defeat, knowing you don’t have much of a choice, you make your way towards the coat closet, Jug not far behind. The crowd of teens chanting, you roll your eyes and wish the world would swallow you hole, sure you’ve had a crush on him for as long as you remember but this isn’t exactly what you had planned for the first time you were ever alone with the bad boy. Stepping into the small room you turn to find Jug inches away, smiling down at you, “I’m starting the timer, don’t get too dirty will you” Cheryl coo’s, closing the door as the crowd behind her cheers again and you’re left alone with the raven-haired boy. 

Time slowly ticks by as you both stand there silently, avoiding eye contact, unsure of what to do for the next eternity. “I knew Cheryl was a bitch but this is next level” Jug speaks, in an attempt to break the tension, you nod, not sure what to say, you’ve never actually spoken to him before and now that you’ve got the chance, you’re tongue-tied. “She does love a bit of chaos” you manage to say, glancing around the room at old board games on the shelves and expensive coats hanging from hooks, he chuckles, the sound fills your stomach with butterflies. 

“I see you around the school and I see you looking at me but we’ve never properly met, I’m Jughead” he introduces himself, you stand there, stunned for a moment. “Yeah, I know, you’re the schools designated bad boy” you tease, taken back by your sudden burst of confidence, “oh really?” he asks with a grin, taking a step forward as you take one back, you nod sheepishly before taking another step back, he follows, pressing you up again the wall. Fur coats begin to cover your body as you take a quick glance at his shiny lips, he notices, the grin growing, you swallow the lump in your throat, not sure what the fuck you’re supposed to do. He can see you’re nervous, licking his lips as you hold your breath, unable to move, think or even speak. “Do I make you nervous?” he teased knowing damn well he does, “no, fuck no!” you bite back, taking a step forward, forcing him to take one back. Raising an eyebrow, he tilts his head to the left, leaning in close “oh, really?” he asks, his hot breath brushing your face as your knee’s turn to jelly, “er, well, er” you mumble, panic riddled in your voice, confirming his suspicions. 

Before you have time to react his soft sweet lips come crashing into yours, his hand wraps around your waist, pulling you closer as your tounges dance in each other's mouths, the soft sound of moans erupting from both your lips as you wrap your hands around the back of his neck, pulling him closer to you. This is was heaven feels like you think to yourself as you wish this moment could last forever, but, all good things must come to an end. “That’s enough love birds, I’ll give you 10 seconds to put your clothes back on” Cheryl yells through the door, sending fear through your body, you quickly push Jug away, wiping your mouth and straightening your clothes, ready to face the party once again. He looked hurt by your sudden disinterest in him. “Jug-” before you could finish the door swings open, Cheryl stood in the doorway, smirk smeared across her face, Jugs eyes never left you. The sound of howling filled the air as your face began to burn, you quickly look down and make a b-line for the door, not even noticing Archie had left, you didn’t care at that moment, you just wanted to leave. Thankfully nobody tried to stop you. 

As you make your way to the front door you notice a figure standing in the corner, you glance over out of instinct but freeze with fear as you recognise them, it was the stranger from earlier on that night, the one that tried to kidnap you. It didn’t take him long to realise you knew it was him, turning around he tries to escape, attempting to lose you through the see of teens all cheering you on for getting with Jug. You brush them off, focused on your kidnapper, pushing and shoving your way through the crowd you both make it outside, alone. “Who are you and why the fuck did you try to kidnap me?” you yell across the garden, attempting to keep some distance as they do the same, silence, you ask again, they look around trying to find a way out but before you could ask a third time Jughead comes out, an angry look spread across his face, “WHAT THE FUCK SWEET PEA?” he raws at the boy, scaring you both for a moment. You stand there looking up at the bad boy confused, how does he know him? You question “you told us to get her!” he shouts back, both boys starting to get angry, only confusing you more, “NO!” he yells, was he trying to have me kidnapped? “I told you to keep an eye on her, not try to fucking take her you dumbass!” Jug quietened down, frustrated, he pinched the bridge of his nose as you consider to stand there, bewildered by the idea of Jughead’s friends trying to stalk and kidnap you. Before anything else can be said you turn around, heading back into the house and to the front door, ignoring Jug’s attempts to calls your name, begging for you to hear him out, you’ve had enough. 

Stepping out into the front garden you begin to stomp home, Jug not far behind, “please Y/N, hear me out, it’s not, it's not what you think” he pleaded, taking large steps in an attempt to catch up with you, you shake your head and continue walking, refusing to look back or listen. He manages to lightly take your hand, you stop and turn, yanking it back immediately, an apologetic look on his face. “Just leave me alone and stop stalking me” you mutter, refusing to make eye contact “your friends too” you add, glancing over to Sweetpea standing in the front yard, Jugs eyes stay on you. Before he can say anything else you turn and walk away, heading straight home, done with this bullshit as Jug continues to stand there, watching you leave, knowing he fucked up royally and you may have too. 

[staliasjeronica]

Riverdale 3.13 Thoughts *Spoilers*

- Jughead sleeping through the aroma of food? Mmhmmm I don’t buy it.

- If you have to get baptized, at least make sure it’s for a CHURCH. Otherwise… Issa cult, Alice…

- VERONICA MY BABY!!! But didn’t she fucking move out of the Pembrooke? When the FUCK did she move back in?

- Honestly this Hiram shit needs to end. It’s so annoying and it’s been going on for so long that it’s getting so fucking boring. Like, give V another fucking storyline. Like, I don’t know, EXPLORING HER BISEXUALITY. EXPLORING HER CAREER AS FUCKING ANYTHING. She wanted to stick up to her father by not becoming a mob crime boss like him but now… fUCK JUST LET MY GIRL LIVE LIKE SHE WANTS TO.

- ARCHOSIE ❤️❤️❤️

-  “You are sweeter than a strawberry milkshake, Arch, but—” B I T C H THEY FUCKING OWN ME.

- What makes me sad though is we’ve never really seen Archie THIS happy? Like yeah he’s really really happy when he’s with Betty (and vise versa, she’s never as happy as she is with Archie) but like… he just radiates love and I just—my Barchie heart is cONFUSED

-  “Well, almost everything else.” Hi, yes, again… THEY OWN ME. “Yeah, well, don’t go messing up that pretty face, Andrews. It’s growing on me.”

- Although I feel so bad for Sweet Pea because Swosie broke up because Josie wanted to focus on her career and now she’s about to get into a relationship with Archie.

- Poor Betty, she sees her mother slipping into the cult more and more and she can’t do anything about it. But, to be fair, Betty, you have cut her out a lot too so hopefully after this stupid boring cult shit is over, you can actually get close with your mom again.

- Why are Swangs surprised they lost eight more to the Pretty Poisons? The South Side Serpents, until recently, made the women pole dance for ugly, disgusting old men to get in so like… I would have left, too.

- FANGS NEVER CALL JUGHEAD BOSS AGAIN EW

- Ignoring the fact of Jughead trying to use Toni to get his numbers back… Sweet Pea looks hella fucking good in that yellow shirt.

- I like how Archie and Tom are boxing together, it’s so sweet! But that boy needs to listen to him because he has more boxing knowledge but I know he ends up getting into a fight so what the fuck do I know 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

- I love Tom Keller and he needs more screen time goodbye

- If Veronica is against what her stupid father is doing… why not just give Gladys information on what he’s doing? Gladys is an annoying bitch too but she does have you and your mom under her command so like…

- fUCKING ELIO. HE’S SO ANNOYING GO AWAY.

- Archie… I try to protect you from the “Archie is so stupid” posts but you’re going up against this guy without realizing that there’s ulterior motives just because you want to feel powerful again. Please for the love of GOD find another way 😩😩😩

- Have to admit though, Elio’s good at manipulating… and his voice is kinda hot. And the actor is cute. BUT STILL ELIO CAN GO FUCK A DUCK

- But we all know Archie isn’t gonna let himself lose the fight lmao someone’s gonna tell him they’re excited to see him fight and he’ll wanna make them proud so now he’s going to get into trouble… did he just ask to get the money first? BABY THAT’S NOT HOW THAT SHIT WORKS.

- Veronica I love you, and I’m glad helping your family is still your goal, but last time you told him that he literally told you “no” and was being a big bitch about it.

- Oh poor Veronica… the look she gave her father when she realized he’d rather do illegal shit than legal, she looked so sad!!!

- “Make me queen” YES TONI TELL HIM. Betty does NOTHING for the Serpents, and this is Toni’s BIRTHRIGHT. She has always tried to get the Serpent dance outlawed because it’s sexist and stupid, but she never really needed a reason to lead—Jughead wasn’t a stupid little bitch, but now he’s ruining all that the Serpent’s are about so now she has every reason to becoming the leader of the Serpents.

- “You’re Cheryl’s vanity project, you mean” Jughead says as if he didn’t call out Betty in season one for viewing him as that as well lmaooooooooooooo

- She’s right though about the Serpents being a family. Jughead has ruined every good thing about it, and he NEEDS to give her her rightful place because he is a scrawny, annoying white little bitch and she is literally directly from the Uktena bloodline.

- It’s so obvious when Betty isn’t interested in something. She even did it with Jughead when he was complaining about the drive in being shut down. I don’t know how nobody seems to catch it but oh well nothing about Riverdale is realistic so what the fuck ever

- Cheryl teaching the Poisons to shoot a bow I’m—YES BITCH

- CHONI MY LOVESSS! I can’t tell whether I’m happy or sad about how Cheryl can immediately tell if Toni is off after kissing her. ALSO CHERYL CALLED TONI HER TREASURE GOODBYE

-  oh no I’m getting closer to the scene I’m going to despise with every fiber of my being… but also I know Cheryl is new to relationships and conversing with other people (I don’t know how to word it okay) but how does she get doing THAT out of Toni saying “I’M gonna put Jughead in his place” like??? CHERYL LET HER DO IT HERSELF :(((

- UGH OKAY HERE WE FUCKING GO.

- First of all… SWEET PEA NOR FANGS ARE SEXIST. I mean, of course right there in this scene they’re acting like it but we all know they aren’t? RAS and the writers were on major fucking crack apparently and just erased everything we know about these two sweet boys. Even Alex said that it was ooc! I’m so fucking pissed about it.

- But, also, Cheryl wasn’t doing that because they were being sexist. She went there because she was already planning on beating them up, which is an even bigger no and so ooc. Cheryl is more into fire, so instead she could have like burned down Jughead’s trailer instead of attacking Jughead’s lapdogs.

- THEY WERE SO HAPPY AND SHIT AND THEN MY POOR BOYS WERE ATTACKED. FANGS SAYING “HEY, WE DON’T WANT ANY TROUBLE” MAKES ME EVEN MORE MAD AND SAD

- But I gotta laugh at the nickname Peabrain… I’M SORRY OKAY ALL OF CHERYL’S DEMEANING NICKNAMES FOR OTHERS ARE SO FUNNY LEAVE ME ALONE

- DID GLADYS CALL MY BOYS JOKES BECAUSE THEY DIDN’T FIGHT BACK? This bitch…

- OHHH NOW I SEE WHY JUGHEAD WAS STUPID ENOUGH TO GRAB UP THE GHOULIES… HIS FUCKING MOTHER!!! But really do you expect SP and Fangs and the Ghoulies to get alone? MMMHMMMM OKAY AHAHA

- LIKE WHAT CHERYL DID WAS WRONG AND TONI’S VOICE WAS SO SEXY WITH THE “IS THAT CLEAR” BUT I JUST REALIZED THAT CHERYL IS ABOUT TO CRY I HATE REFLECTIONS

- FUCK YEAH JOSIE TELL HIM. I’m still peeved at what she did to Veronica for like no reason but like… I love her. I love her and Archie. They’re HEALTHY AND CUTE AND JUST—UGH!!!! My Barchie heart is once again screaming and confused

- “You’re worth more than that” It’s sad that we KNOW Betty would tell him this too but they never interact anymore :( I miss the cute window scenes that proved they were endgame sIGH

-  LMAO WAIT SO YOU’RE TELLING ME YOU’RE JUST NOW TELLING YOUR “BEST FRIEND” ABOUT YOUR MOTHER BEING IN A CULT, ABOUT THE FARM BEING A CULT? Bitch… this is why we all know Betty has no friends anymore. She’s too close to Jughead and has pretty much pushed everyone else away. Toxic relationships do that… just saying.

- Why did Betty have no emotion when she asked Kevin why he wasn’t going to help her? Like, when you get sad your eyebrows tend to either go down and in, or like slant up (I know I’m not making sense okay but just google pictures of sad people and you’ll see what I’m talking about) and your lip kinda puffs out but she just ._. ???

- It’s really really bad that he’s about to join the farm but he does have a point though she does see the bad in everybody…

-  The Ghoulies are crazy and you guys KNOW THIS. The G&G bitches are just wannabe cunts who are probably brainwashed or some shit. Stop changing what you know for your crooked mother you beanie baby

- “They just need someone to lead them—I can be that!” JUGHEAD YOU CAN BARELY RUN “YOUR” OWN GANG SKSKSKSKKSS WHAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU CAN RUN THE GHOULIES TOO (also where the fuck is Malachai???) THE GHOULIES WOULD LEGIT TEAR YOU APART. Now that I think about it… let them come. They destroy Jughead and Sweet Pea and Fangs will leave. PERFECT

- FP KNOWS SHE’S STIRRING SHIT. Jughead has missed her, and doesn’t know her as well as FP does, so he’s more vulnerable to manipulation (even though he’s a dumbass in the first place), so hopefully FP stops this shit before its too late (but knowing Riverdale it’ll be too late)

- You know you COULD just give Toni her rightful place as Serpent Queen and everybody will come back and the Poisons in join as well, but you’re a stupid dumbass. Actually, I know Archie does stupid shit but at least he does it out of the good of his previously innocent heart… can Jughead take the dumbass title now?

- Lol The Lodge’s get to have dinner with their daughter’s future mother in law!

- SEE I TOLD YOU SOMEONE WOULD TELL ARCHIE IT WAS WRONG AND HE’D WANT TO TAKE IT BACK BUT HE FUCKING CAN’T. AND THEN HE’S GOING TO NOT DO WHAT HE WAS SUPPOSED TO ANYWAYS AND THEN BE ON THE RUN AGAIN UGH

- Verne? I thought most of the Ghoulies despite Malachai were like ugly and shit but uhh…

- WHERE THE FUCK DID MALACHAI GO? WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM?

- Damn well there goes my hope that that one clip from the trailer that looked like it was in a sewer was Joaquin who Swangs had actually helped save :(

-  I wanna know what fucking costume shop is selling those on-point gargoyle masks like—

- LMAO ONE LEADER TO ANOTHER oKaY jUgHeAd

- WAIT BITCH THAT’S JONATHAN WHITESELL I FUCKING LOVE HIM!!!! He’s so cute uGH FUCK. Next ep he drops my boy Fangs tho :(

- DID ANYONE NOTICE THAT JOAQUIN’S NAME IS CROSSED OUT IN THE BACK I’M—

- So since every word that seems to come out of Jughead’s mouth makes me want to fucking slap the shit out of him… how has nobody fucking went at him or even killed him like it’s just not realistic lmaoo

-  “You were right” mmhm Tom is going to be like “fuck… you’re so stupid but I like you so I’m going to help you” isn’t he

- YUP! We love a good father. Even tho his son is joining a cult because his second boyfriend left him.

-  HIRAM HAS NEVER WANTED VERONICA’S HELP HE’S JUST WANTED CONTROL OVER HER. I fucking hate this. I just want this crime boss shit OVER WITH. SEND HIRAM AND GLADYS AND EVERYBODY ELSE TO FUCKING JAIL

- That smile Hiram did… he so fucking knows Veronica and Gladys are working together lol

- Would the farm really bug phone calls? They’re not that big and cool are they? Like damn… okay…

-  Wow Jughead is actually shaken from that encounter… that struck me for some reason holy fuck

- I LEGIT JUST GOT SHIVERS AS BETTY WAS REALIZING HER MOM WAS ABOUT TO DO HER “BAPTISM” AND GOT UP OH MY GOD

- I feel so bad for Betty.

- Josie singing in the background while Archie fights? CINEMATIC EXCELLENCE!

-  But hasn’t Betty never been to the farm? How does she know where it is?

- ALSO TRACK QUEEN

- I know this isn’t the greatest time to say this while all of this is going on but the episodes are much better when Bughead isn’t together twenty four seven… just saying. Like this episode still was ehhh but like… it would have been much worse if Betty and Jughead were joined at the hip like always

- Josie showed up my hEART

- Alice Smith? THEY’RE REALLY STRIPPING HER AWAY FROM THE COOPER NAME HUH

- So like where are Polly’s babies tho lol

- So… Polly can help drag her out of the tub but not help or care that she just killed her mother? Okay. Makes total sense…

- THE WAY ARCHIE PICKED JOSIE UP I’M—

- Also people saying that it was all Veronica who wanted to fuck when they were hurt or whatever (at bad times)… Archie wanted this so now people can stop blaming Veronica thank you and goodbye

- Wow I actually feel really bad for Betty…

- BUT NO YOU CAN’T SELL THE HOUSE THEN WHERE WILL WE GET THE BEAUTIFUL BARCHIE WINDOW SCENES. Just marry FP already and have them move in oKAY

[royallyprincesslilly]

Title: Lovers Can’t Be Friends (1)

Chadwick Boseman X Black Reader

Warnings: Angst, Fluff, Cursing, sweet smut

Note: While writing this I had Deborah Cox and R.L’s “We Can’t be Friends” on repeate. All chapters were inspired by that song. Trying something different, the cloud/think bubble emoji symbolizes a dream or a memory.

**Tell me what y’all think. Should I continue? If you like please reblog. Thank you guys so much for reading. ❤️

*************************************************

💭

“I love you.” You said.

“I love you.” He repeated.

“How much?” You questioned.

“I love you so much that if you’re a fish and I’m a bird I’d die just to be reincarnated as the fish you swim with forever.” He responded. You smiled.

“Why I gotta be a fish though?” You complained.

“How much you love me?” He asked in return.

I love you so much that I’d let you take a shit if I’m in the shower and won’t whine about it.” You joked.

“Aw babe, a shit really?” He sarcastically chimed.

“And you know your shit stank.” You exaggerated.

You both laughed loudly before he pressed his lips to yours forcefully. The kiss was intense, passionate and so tender. He cupped the back of your head before he backed you back to lie on the bed. He continued to kiss you as he positioned himself between your legs. Your hands softly caressed his back enjoying the softness of his skin and the strength of his muscles. He pulled back and looked you in your eyes. His brown eyes piercing into yours.

“What is it?” You asked. He traced the back of his hand across your cheek to your jaw.

“I’ll love you forever Twinkie.” You smiled slowly as the nickname he used for you sunk in.

“Forever and a day Bear.” You said to him using your nickname for him. He smiled and kissed you gently before sliding into you.

You released a breathy sigh as he began making love to you. You were surprised how gentle he was being. You hadn’t seen each other for a week and fully expected his dominant side to be in full effect. Instead he took his time kissing every inch of your body, and pumping into you slowly, deeply, so deep it almost felt as if he touched your heart with each stroke.

“I love you, you’re perfect, I’m so lucky.” Were the words he repeated over and over. You could feel his love wrapping around you, making you feel so warm and protected. Every move you made to take control to give him pleasure he rebuked and instead pillaged your body more precisely. You screamed and shouted his name over and over losing control of your want to respect anyone in the neighborhood’s peace. He made sweet love to you for hours and by the time he found his release you’d found 4. You fell asleep wrapped in each other’s arms in perfect bliss. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Y/N.” You didn’t answer.

“Y/N.” Still no response.

“Y/N, come on now.” Your name was said again this time with a shake to your ass. You moaned and groaned loudly rolling around the bed some.

“What’s going on?” You sleepily asked through a yawn as you stretched.

He was sitting on the other side of your bed with nothing but a sheet thrown across his lap. You looked over his back and saw the crack of his ass and the top of one sculpted butt cheek. You smirked to yourself as you remembered the night before. Yeah last night was a good night. You reached your hand out and gently rested it on his back right below his shoulder blade.

“Good morning.” You said.

“Who’s Chadwick?” He boldly asked. Your entire body froze and so did your brain. He looked back at you and took in your expression. After a few moments your recovered.

“What? Who? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” You stammered trying to brush off his question.

“So you just randomly moan other niggas names while you’re sleeping?” He accused.

“Shit I might.” You joked. He kissed his teeth and moved from your hand. It dropped to the soft king size mattress.

“Nah don’t play with me Y/N. I’m not a dumb nigga.” He said standing from the bed, the sheet dropped to the bed leaving him bare before your eyes. Of their own volition your eyes traveled down his abs to the pleasure trail to his semi-limp but still impressive package.

“Hello!” He shouted, irritation clear in his voice. You sighed out and sat up straighter in the bed firmly securing the sheet around your breasts.

“This isn’t the first time I’ve heard you say his name either. We’re been together for 8 months now Y/N and you’ve said it at least once a month. I wasn’t going to bring it up but after last night I thought we were on a different level, I thought you were finally opening up more and here you go with the bullshit.”

You rubbed your head and cursed yourself out when you realize you’d fallen asleep without your head tie, your hair would be hell today.

“Are you cheating on me?” He asked. You rolled your eyes at the trivial question.

“No.” You answered.

“Then who is this Chadwick nigga and why the fuck are you moaning his name with me right next to you?”

You didn’t want to talk about it so you dropped the sheet instead. His eyes automatically went to your breasts.

“He’s no one baby. Come here.” You said crawling to the other side of the bed. You sat at the edge and reached your hand out to touch his abs. He was chiseled to perfection. You felt up to his chest before placing a kiss on his abs. He groaned momentarily getting lost in your manipulations. Before your hand could grip his hardening length he moved back out of your reach.

“You think I’m stupid don’t you?” He asked. You sighed out dropping your head. It was at this moment you knew things were over.

“Fuck this. I don’t know who you think you are but you got me all fucked up.” He said grabbing his clothes. You sat there quietly, expressionless, emotionless. You watched him get dressed but didn’t move a muscle to stop him.

“You’re not even gonna say anything, try to stop me?” He asked. You sighed again and shook your head your annoyance seeping to the surface.

“Would I be able to stop you Kevin? Let’s say I was able to stop you then you’d be salty and we’d get back in this bed I’d ride your face until I came 2 times at least, then I’d ride you until your toes curled and making you come in record time. I’d do all this to distract you about this until it happened again, it’s a circle and honestly I don’t have the energy.” You explained.

He stood there looking shocked and dumbfounded. You knew what you said was harsh but it was the truth, you could either own up to it or keep pretending. Pretending was exhausting as fuck. Just like that without another word he took up his wallet and walked out the door. You sat there listening to his footsteps throughout your home. You listened and waited for the slamming of the door. When you finally heard it you rubbed your face with both your hands and groaned. Yes, last night was a good night, this morning…eh. You dropped back onto the bed staring up at your ceiling commemorating the end of your relationship.

“Another one bites the dust.” You said to the mural on the ceiling that he had painted.

💭

“Where did you find him at?” You aunt Ida asked you. You smiled as all eyes went to him across the yard. He was involved in an animate conversation with 2 of your brothers and your uncle Eddie.

“Um, we just bumped into each other one day.” You summed up.

“Girl, he is fine with a capital F, he is perfect with the tongue roll on the R.” Your sister Nahlia said. Everyone laughed loudly as they got her meaning. You shook your head she was always so extra. You looked back over to him and admired his physique. He was built like a black Michelangelo, perfectly sculpted biceps, and rounded shoulders. His waist was trim but it wasn’t from malnourishment, the man was made of muscle. You licked your lip thinking of his naked body.

“Eh-em.” Nahila said in another exaggerated manner. Just then he looked over to you and smiled his crooked smile. A smile you couldn’t help but return. Damn you were a fool for this man.

“He is head over heels for you.” Your mother said. You smiled and bite your bottom lip. You felt like a shy catholic school girl, he always made you feel like that. It had been almost 2 years and you still felt everything you did when you first laid eyes on him.

“He’s the one Y/N, mark my words, that man is your future.” Your grandmother wholeheartedly exclaimed. You smiled and everything in you willed it to be true.

You didn’t say it but you thought it, you felt it, you prayed on it.

Please God allow it, please will it to be so. Let this man be for me, let this man be the one you meant, I lay it at your feet.

To Be Continued...

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If you’d like to be tagged to this let me know. Thank you guys for reading.

[nickireadstfc]

The King’s Men, Chapter 16 – A Team Of Particularly Good Finders

In which I find a new favourite team, Kevin’s angrier half makes an entrance, I find a new favourite team, keys are distributed, faceclaims are suggested, and I find a new favourite team.

Sounds good? Then it’s time for Nicki to read The King’s Men.

             Saturday morning Wymack stopped by Fox Tower with a guest. (…)

             “Thea,” Kevin finally said, and scrambled to his feet. “What are you doing here?”

Oh HECK YES.

I’ve been waiting for this gal ever since she was first mentioned, and my dudes my pals my homies, let me tell you – her presence does not disappoint.

Thea Muldani is big and buff and bench-presses male egos for breakfast, but also wears pastel makeup, braids and dresses like Beyoncé herself gave her fashion advice.

A certified Boss Ass Bitch, you say? Absolutely.

A definite, definite Venus Williams faceclaim, you say?

Alternatively also Serena Williams?

Absolutely.

Like Kevin, Thea also left the Ravens, but she seems to have quite a different relationship to them than he does.

             Even though Thea graduated from Edgar Allan almost three years ago she still wore her Raven jersey number on a pendant around her throat.

Interesting.

Neil then wonders how ex-Ravens fare out there in the Real World, and he voices my thoughts precisely: Do they recover? Do they hang on? And if they do, is it because they’re broken, or out of choice?

This is Interesting Shit that I am very, very much intrigued to know more about. Since I’m not sure we’ll have quite enough time to get into this in what’s left of this book, if anyone has any fic recs dealing with this (= post-Raven recovery), hit me the hell up.

However sadly, Thea is not here to answer my deep psychological musings, and is instead very much here to tear Kevin a new one.

Or five.

             “I always wanted to talk, but it was complicated.”

             “’Complicated’,” Thea echoed. The air quotes she threw him were angry and mocking. “’Complicated’ is having to find out from a press conference that you broke your hand and left the line-up. ‘Complicated’ is finding out the hard way you disconnected your old number and having to hear from Jean that you didn’t want anything to do with any of us effective immediately. Don’t you dare use ‘complicated’ against me. I deserve better than that.”

OH SHIT.

Exy Venus Williams is mad, y’all – and completely in the right, because Kevin, you done fucked up.

Anyone who figuratively leaves his girlfriend on ‘read’ for two years deserves to have the shit bitched out of them publicly.

However, Kevin has a magic trick to at least somewhat calm his angrier half down:

Fellow ex-Raven and resident human ground beef Jean Valjean Moreau.

They go see him, but like puppies left out in the rain we don’t get to go with, which is a damn shame because I’m getting increasingly interested in how our favourite baguette is going to continue his trauma-filled existence.

             “You assume [Nicky] will survive until summer [because he’s annoying the hell out of Andrew with his Andreil shipping],” Andrew said.

             “You break him, you owe me a new defenseman,” Wymack said.

Bahahahaha.

Found this chapter’s #dicksoutforwymack, that line was gold, small as it was.

             “You have one at Abby’s house.”

DAMN RIGHT. Anyone up for some Fox!Jean? Yes? Yes?

Apparently, not Kevin and Jean, who have irreparably damages their athletic compatibility at the Batcave of Extra, so Fox!Jean is a thing we may have to keep to fanfic.

Again – a damn shame.

What is decidedly not a damn shame is that Wymack has a lil something for Andrew, and when I found out what it was I may or may not have shed a lil tear of pride.

             Keys jangled as they hit the carpet, and Neil stared in disbelief. He couldn’t be right, except last summer Wymack had given Neil three new keys, too: a set for all the important doors at the Foxhole Court. (…) “Kevin said to give you those.”

KEVIN IS TRUSTING ANDREW WITH STADIUM KEYS.

KEVIN IS EXPLICITLY INVITING ANDREW TO COME PRACTICE WHENEVER AND UNSUPERVISED.

KEVIN IS STARTING TO BELIEVE IN ANDREW’S FUTURE AS A PROFESSIONAL SPORTSBALL PLAYER EVEN IF ANDREW MAY NOT BE.

KEVIN IS TRUSTING ANDREW WITH STADIUM KEYS.

KEYS!!!!!!!!!!

This has got to be the fourth or fifth time this series has made me emotional about fucking keys, what in the absolute fuck.

             [Neil’s] heart was pounding. (…) He thought about fighting for a spot on the US Court and facing the best the world had to offer, Kevin at his side and Andrew at his back.

When will the Kandreil feels end, my money is on fucking never.

With this preliminary banter done, we move on to what’s really important in this chapter:

The first NCAA Exy championship semi-final; University of Southern California Trojans vs Palmetto State University Foxes.

Or, as I like to call it – USC Hufflepuffs vs Kevin Day’s Boner.

So much has been promised about this team, their human sunshine of a captain and their infamous Too Good For This World cinnamon roll-ness, I was buzzing in my seat waiting to get to know them.

             “[Think] about what you’re going to say in pre-game.” (…)

             “How about ‘We’re gonna own these lowers’?” Nicky suggested.

             “And that’s why you’re not allowed to talk to the press,” Matt said dryly.

Bahahahaha.

Nicky, my boy, never change. <3

However, I immediately opposed any ‘loser’ insults as I finally, finally met –

The one, the only, captain of Trojans, idol of Kevin Days everywhere, the OG Cinnamon Roll™ – Jeremy Fucking Knox.

             “Kevin, you crazy fool,” he said, less formally, and clapped Kevin’s shoulder in a cheery greeting. “You never cease to amaze. You’ve got a thing for controversial teams, I think, but I like this one much better than the last one.”

Hi, marry me.

Again with the characterizations through first lines in this book, aye? Pretty sure this guy is the only one in the entire world who could bro-hug Kevin, call him a crazy fool to his face, and come away with his nose unbroken.

(He says a little bit towards Wymack before that, but we’re gonna ignore that for the meme.)

But apparently, Jeremy is not the only one who gets to say unexpected things right now.

             [Kevin] only said, “I have a backliner for you. Do you have room on next year’s line-up?”

… Does this mean what I think it means.

I THINK IT DOES.

I THINK IT FUCKING DOES.

My dudes, let me tell you, my ass is HERE for Trojan!Jean. Trojean. TROJEAN.

Seriously, if you want someone with a trauma caused by abusive competitive toxic teammates to recover, a team that’s known for being the friendliest, kindest and fairest motherfuckers on the planet is pretty much the absolute Way To Go.

Operation Trojean is the best rehab anyone has ever thought of, ever, and I will hear no other opinions on this.

I was already enjoying this tremendously, good things all around, how much better could it be – when Sunshine Boy decided to pull something so spectacularly Hufflepuff that I swear to fuck I heard badgers singing.

Y’all are not ready.

I was not ready.

             “Our line-up,” Jeremy explained. “It’s late to be getting it to you, I know, but we were trying to avoid as much of the backlash as possible.”

Why, what’s happ–

             “Two goalies, three backliners, two dealers, two strikers,” Jeremy said. “You’ve made it this far with those numbers. It’s time to see how we’d fare in that situation.”

WHAT

THE

FUCK.

You have got to be kidding me, Sunshine Boy.

You are giving up your gigantic team, your sure-as-life win, your One Big Strength – just because it’s fair? And because you want to learn from your opponents more than you want to win?

I’m out. This is too much. This team is TOO FUCKING MUCH.

             “You’ll lose tonight if you play like this.”

             “Maybe,” Jeremy agreed, unconcerned. “Maybe not. Should be fun either way, right? I don’t remember the last time I was this psyched for a game.”

There is no way in hell I’m not faceclaiming this guy as known Puff Champion Cedric Diggory now.

No. Way. In. Hell.

             Neil finally understood how the USC Trojans had won the Day Spirit Award eight consecutive years.

Bitch, me too, the fuck.

             “I take back what I said about earthquakes,” Nicky said weakly. “I have a new favourite team.”

BITCH, ME TOO, THE FUCK.

And with that, the game is on, and I can’t remember the last time I was so pumped for a good ol’ match of Orange Murder Sportsball.

Despite their Line-Up of Dreams, the Trojans pretty much wipe the floor with the Foxes in the first half, as was to be expected.

But in second half – well, let’s just say I ain’t never seen a badger run a marathon.*

             USC could have taken control of the game in a heartbeat if only they’d rethink their strategy. If they pulled their three subs from the sidelined players the Foxes’ night was over. But the Trojans had made up their mind and they weren’t backing down.

HELL YES.

BECAUSE THEY’RE THE FUCKING FAIREST BEST FUCKING SPORTS IN THIS ENTIRE DAMNED LEAGUE.

(*For the record: Foxes don’t exactly run marathons either – according to the mighty Internet, foxes can run up to 55 km/h and badgers up to 30 km/h, but both only over short distances. A human Trojan would definitely outrun a fox (or a badger) over a long distance. So much for brand accuracy.)

But then! Oh, who would have thought! This is so completely surprising! The Foxes catch their wind on the second half! Amazing, they start to dominate the game! And – and – and it’s a win! Win for the Foxes! WIN FOR THE FOXES!

Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy and excited for them and all, but as if we didn’t absolutely see this coming.

             “Is this what dying feels like?” [Alvarez] asked, and called over her shoulder, “Babe, I think I’m dying. Do I still have legs?”

Things like these make my sports-ignorant ass realize just how hardcore the Foxes playing full halves actually is.

No subs, we die like men.

Also, Alvarez’ “babe” turns out to be Laila Dermott, which makes me love the Trojans even more – and I truly did not think this was possible – because Exy Lesbians.

             “That was fantastic. (…) I want to do it again. Next year, maybe, when my legs grow back.”

             “Stop being such a baby,” Laila said.

This banter is giving me life.

If anyone has any fanart of these two buff buttercups, please send it my way pronto.

             Neil didn’t care how many hearts they broke that night. They’d beaten USC. (…) The Foxes were going to finals, and that was the only thing that mattered.

HEEEEEEEECK YEEEEEEEEES.

Before we move on to post-semi-final celebrations, allow me to gush about the Trojans one last time, and then I promise I’m done melting into a puddle every time one of them so much as speaks.

             “[Jean] will be back in the fall. He just won’t be back in black.” Jeremy flashed his toothy grin. (…) “He’s transferring to USC for his senior year.”

This is one of the best ideas anyone has had in this entire book. Four for you, Trojean, you go, Trojean.

(And none for Riko Moriyama, bye.)

             “We’ll have to get him some sun this summer, though! He’s a little pale to pull of red and gold right now,” Jean laughed.

[To the tune of California Girls] California puffs they’re unforgettable…

Also, in which Jean is #me in summer, all day err’day.

Tanning is for weak people, we sunburn like true Germans.

             Nicky (…) cut the TV off. “I’ve got a theory that Renee and Jeremy are long-lost siblings. What do you think would happen if they ever joined force?”

             “They’d get murdered,” Aaron said. (…) “War’s profitable; no one wants their world-peace nonsense.”

Gee, thanks, you absolute walnut.

For the record, I agree with Nicky, and I’m also counting this as the reason I immediately fell in love with Jeremy.

What can I say – in a world full of Angst, Drama, Angst, Infighting and More Angst, ya girl loves herself some good sunshiney optimists.

As for post-semi-final celebrations, the gang makes good on an old tradition and goes into town for another Fun Night of Debauchery for what I’m assuming is the last time in this series.

To think that a year ago the prospect of this would have made me break out in protective Neil feels, and now I’m actually looking forward to it.

Man, we’ve come far.

Speaking of – Andrew now apparently has no need for cracker dust anymore(!!!), has nothing against being touched in public (!!!!) and doesn’t seem to mind his Bartender Pal Roland calling him out on his Very Much Gay, Very Much Official Relationship (!!!!!).

Man, we’ve come fucking far.

             “How’d you know [about Andrew being gay]?”, [Nicky said.] “Is your gaydar more advanced than mine is or – “ Nicky’s jaw dropped as he clued in. “Wait. No way. No way! Did you two –?”

BAHAHAHA.

LAUGHTER.

BIG FAT LAUGHTER.

Andrew hooked up with Big Intimidating Bartender Pal, this is glorious.

             Neil’s clock was still ticking down, but his numbered days followed a different schedule now. Neil had all the time in the world, and that left a heat in his gut stronger than any whiskey could.

Fuck yes.

Fuck YES.

A very good ending to a very good second to last chapter.

...Oh shit.

Second. To. Last. Chapter.

EVER.

Next chapter will almost conclude this series (I’m told there is a short epilogue, so we’re not quite done). Next chapter will almost conclude this blog, holy shit.

We’ve been following the Orange Hellride that is this series for over a year now (thanks to my giant hiatuses in between, oops). This is insane.

I’ll get all emotional and grateful and weepy in the last chapter and final book recap, so dry eyes over here for now, but y’all – get ready.

This ride is about to end, and knowing this series, we’re about to go out with a fucking bang.

Oh dear.

Before I go - a quick note on the update situation for the last few uploads (meaning chapter 17, epilogue, book recap). This feels almost redundant to say after my schedule has been very loose (soz) these past few chapters anyways, but I will be taking some liberties for the finish line.

This blog has been one of my greatest pride and joys over the last year, and I really wanna stick the landing. This means I'd rather spend an extra day refining than update by hook and by crook. As a loose time estimate – expect the last chapter by the end of the week, possibly earlier.

Let me make this good for you guys. I'm way excited (and scared), and I hope you are too.

Peace and love, y'all.

[thesportssoundoff]

“Ugh, well I guess so” UFC TUF 28 Finale Preview

Joey

November 25th, 2018

Take a big long deep breath folks because we're about to delve ass deep into four major shows PLUS big time boxing all on the same week. UFC fans and Bellator fans will get to feast on events while Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury lurks as the big boy HW boxing clash we've been waiting some time for. The UFC's latest finale for its latest edition of TUF is up first on Friday and it's...well I don't know how to put it necessarily. I feel like it says a lot about THEIR confidence in the talent amassed that this TUF has 11 fights announced with one finale to go. The fights are UFC talents and not a lot of TUF talent so I think they may be aware that FWs and HWs were a stinky pairing. Beyond the two finales though, the proven name fights aren't that bad. RDA vs Kamaru Usman is your main event and I'm all smiles about that one as it's a competent solid headliner between two fighters who are top 10 at the very worst in their division. Joe Benavidez vs Alex Perez is a tremendous veteran vs prospect fight at 125 lbs (since that division still exists for a month or so) plus Bryan Caraway vs Pedro Munhoz is a "fun"-ish veteran vs veteran clash at 135 lbs. At the very least, we can have another long discussion about Pedro Munhoz's fight IQ. Some DWTCS prospects like Roosevelt Roberts, Antonina Shevchenko and Edmen Shabazyan take fights and the rest? Well the rest is the rest I guess.

Fights: 12 (?)

Debuts: Kevin Aguilar, Roosevelt Roberts, Edmen Shahbazyan, Antonina Shevchenko, Boston Salmon, Chris Guiterrez

Fight Changes/Injury Cancellations: 3 (Gilbert Melendez OUT, Rick Glenn IN vs Arnold Allen/Arnold Allen OUT, Kevin Aguilar IN vs Rick Glenn/Ashlee Evans Smith OUT, Ji Yeon Kim IN vs Antonina Shevchenko)

Headliners (fighters who have either main evented or co-main evented shows in the UFC): 4 (Joe Benavidez, Kamaru Usman, Rafael Dos Anjos, Bryan Caraway)

Fighters On Losing Streaks in the UFC: (Tim Means)

Fighters On Winning Streaks in the UFC: (Kamaru Usman, Ji Yeon Kim, Alex Perez, Darren Stewart)

Main Card Record Since Jan 1st 2016 (in the UFC):  19-10-1

Kamaru Usman- 6-0 Rafael Dos Anjos- 3-3 Bryan Caraway- 1-1 Pedro Munhoz- 5-1 Ji Yeon Kim- 2-2 Antonina Shevchenko- 0-0 Edmen Shahbazyan- 0-0 Darren Stewart- 2-3-1

Since this card has two finale fights on it, I went by the top four fights on Wiki, MMAJunkie AND the new UFC site.

Divisional Breakdown:

Bantamweight- 3 Middleweight- 2 Welterweight- 2 Lightweight- 1 Women's flyweight- 1 Flyweight- 1 Heavyweight- 1 Women's featherweight- 1

Too High Up- The TUF Finales

I know I know. The TUF finales have to be on the main card (otherwise why have the fucking finales, right?) but DO they? Are feelings going to get hurt if they're not on here? Is anybody going to write to their congressmen if the main card, likely to push the three hour range, has 30 minutes plus shedded off with the prelims having the finales? You're asking me to watch bad MMA (sorry but it is!) at like midnight. That hurts my feelings. It hurts everybody's feelings.

Too Low- Joseph Benavidez vs Alex Perez

If things stands as they are (and I'm betting they will change) then Alex Perez vs Joe Benavidez will be smack dab in the MIDDLE of the FS1 prelims. Not a prelim headliner mind you but in the middle of the prelims. That's too low. I understand the importance behind pushing fighters in divisions that are NOT falling apart (the Stewart/Shabaz fight and the TUF Finale fights) but this fight being in the middle of nowhere is just disrespectful to the highest degree. Alex Perez will probably do just fine at 135 lbs and Joe Benavidez, even if he's on a long slope decline, is still damn good. Let's not try to ruin this.

Stat Monitor for 2018:

Debuting Fighters (Current number: 32-40-1): Kevin Aguilar, Roosevelt Roberts, Edmen Shahbazyan, Antonina Shevchenko, Boston Salmon, Chris Guiterrez

Short Notice Fighters (Current number: 31-30):  Kevin Aguilar, Ji Yeon Kim

Second Fight (Current number: 39- 33-1):  Raoni Barcelos, Ricky Rainey, Khalid Taha

Cage Corrosion (Current number: 22-37):  0

Undefeated Fighters (Current number: 31-23-1):  Antonina Shevchenko, Roosevelt Roberts, Edmen Shahbazyan

Keeping An Eye On But Not Really; Fighters with at least four fights in the UFC with 0 wins over competition still in the organization:

Twelve Precarious Ponderings

1- It's a little wacky and dare I say gutsy that the UFC's big push on this TUF Finale card would be the three prospects (Roosevelt Roberts, Antonina Shevchenko and Edmen Shahbazyan) who were found off of DWTCS. The Contenders Series has basically become the TUF replacement of sorts; the spot where the real top unsigned talent heads off to find entry into the UFC. TUF is on his 28th US season with over 33 worldwide (three in Latin America, three in Brazil and one in China off the top of my head) so it's not a surprise it's lost some steam at this point. It just is a stark reminder of the power of a new idea in MMA; the TUF dudes who kill themselves for weeks to make weight and fight in an intense tournament style of a lesser interest than the Contender Series guys who exist to get the big thumbs up from Dana White. That's tough to consider but probably where things stand in MMA and will stand going forward.

2- So what happens with the next season of TUF? It was leaked that the new UFC production building will hold the Contender Series, live boxing and kickboxing (as well as other sports like Wushu and amateur wrestling)---but will also be the home for TUF. That is also the case apparently for the China PI as well. At this point the question becomes where TUF will air and not whether or not it'll continue. TUF 29 is coming in some form or fashion and all I hope is that they find a way to shake this format up a smidge. I'm basically dead to the idea that it won't happen and am accepting it. Just try to do SOMETHING with it besides "Here's the content, take it!"

3- I really really really really hope they just abandon the whole "Coaches fight each other!" set up and roll with using the spot as a way for old names to get a payday without fighting. There are plenty of legends out there they're on good terms with who can do some coaching. Use that power for good, man.

4- How badly does Kamaru Usman need a finish? Usman was the back up for Till vs Woodley and figures to be the sort of dude who lives in an eternal state of being just "One fight away" from a title shot. I like Usman a lot----but in some ways he's a victim of his own success more than anything else. He has one finish since the TUF finale that brought him into the UFC and while dominant wins over Demian Maia, Sergio Moraes, Emil Meek and  Warlley Alves are absolutely impressive; he's in a division where either big finishers or big talkers are ahead of him. Colby Covington vs Tyron Woodley probably stalls him up his chances of an immediate title shot while Usman has to be cognizant of the fact that Ben Askren lurks in the background assuming Woodley loses to Covington AND Santiago Ponzinibbio is streaking up the rankings. There's also a gooey middle of the pack featuring every action fighter under the sun putting on big finishes and scary performances. That's not counting some Nick Diaz/GSP/Conor McGregor fuckery. RDA is a tough out for any fighter but Usman needs to make a big time statement or risk being the next Tony Ferguson type who was always "One fight away" from the title, requiring a borderline act of God to sneak in and snag an interim title.

5- Did RDA basically burn his last renaissance run? After bad weight cuts and a genuine improvement in talent at 155 lbs, Dos Anjos found hay at 170 lbs with wins over Robbie Lawler, Neil Magny and Tarec Saffiedine. He had a good fight vs Colby Covington but got outworked and outhustled for the most part. Covington jabbed him with frequent regularity, kept RDA reaching on his strikes, gave him no space to breathe and just outhustled him in the clinch and on the feet. Usman is very similar to Colby except his striking is a lot better and his cardio is better too. This is a tough matchup to RDA and you gotta wonder if he's about to go from potential money fight recipient vs Conor McGregor to high level gatekeeper at 170 lbs.

6- The fight between Edmen Shahbazyan and Darren Stewart is an intriguing one. Darren Stewart was one of the better prospects out of Cage Warriors; a fun as shit action fighter who could brawl with the best of them, hit crazy hard and seemed to have the rare ever elusive "upside at 205 lbs" label. He struggled with four straight fights without a win in the UFC but basically saved his job with a FOTN loss to Julian Marquez. Since then he's gone 2-0 including knocking off Charles Byrd in a pretty big fight for him in September. Stewart might be rounding into form and even if his form is just "the guy at 185 lbs who has fun fights and scores the occasional nasty finish" then that's all fine and good to me. The UFC needs that as 185 lbs takes a turnaround. Edmen is a Ronda represented Edmund trained fighter who the UFC signed off a super quick knock out on Dana White's Tuesday Night Contenders Series. It was in many ways the sort of performance that catches the eyes of the UFC but his signing was obviously assisted by Dana's ties to Ronda. The fact he seems to be on the main card is only going to up the pressure.

7- Is Rick Glenn the worst 'good" featherweight on the roster? He's got a positive record in the UFC and has wins over Dennis Bermudez and Gavin Tucker.  He's facing short notice fighter Kevin Aguilar who is a really interesting signing. Few dudes bring the violence the way Aguilar has on repeated performances. The problem is Aguilar is up a weight class and has struggled at times with dudes like Glenn.

8- Gonna call Ji Yeon Kim upsetting Antonina Shevchenko. Might look stupid but you gotta call your shots in life!

9- Roosevelt Roberts vs Darrel Horcher feels like a set up for Roberts but I felt the same way about Madge vs Edwards so no chickens shall be counted before they hatch.

10- The bantamweight division is obviously loaded with talent on all levels but this figures to be a very intriguing step forward as two superb talents walk into the division. It took Raoni Barcelos a lot of time to get here but the 31 year old Brazilian made his UFC debut in July with a blow out win over Kurt Holobaugh. He's dropping down to 135 lbs where he'll draw debutante Chris Guiterrez on the prelims. The other big talent is Boston Salmon who will FINALLY make his UFC debut after being signed in July and then just sort of disappearing. Salmon is one of the rare talents to earn a deal despite not getting a finish and it has a lot to do with him just being an uber elite talent that the UFC had been scouting while he developed in LFA/RFA. He was supposed to face Khalid Taha who pulled out although wiki, the UFC site and MMAJunkie.com still has the fight up soooo....who knows?

11- Will any fighters besides the finalists appear on this card? Remember we're at 10 fights now with the finals getting added on Wednesday. Will this be the rare 14 fight card with both semi final fights?

12- Does this show end before 1:30 AM on the East Coast?