#josh o connor packs

[olliviacooke]

— JOSH O'CONNOR IN VARIOUS INTERVIEWS

HERE you can find 462 high-quality gifs of Josh O'Connor in various interviews. All of the gifs were made by me; please respect my rules and do not repost them and/or edit them. Do not use my gifs for taboo themes and Hollywood roleplays. Please, like or reblog if you find them helpful or use them. Thank you and enjoy! Trigger Warnings: None.

[iconsgalaxy]

𝑳𝒐𝒖𝒊𝒔 𝑻𝒐𝒎𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑱𝒐𝒔𝒉 𝑶’ 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒓 𝑳𝒂𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒔 ✨

Like /Reblog if you save

credits on Twitter: @zjmvelez

[linstoic]

louis tomlinson x josh o'connor

like or reblog if you save / use

[endoftheworldpaul]

Day 6 Wedding

Yoyoyo I’m back at it again with another thing for @dbhrarepairs!

This time, its a wedding fic for the most amazing couple in the game, the Tracis! I love them so much and decided that they needed a day that was less absolutely awful than the few that they get in-game. This is my shortest one o far, at 719 words, but I like where and how I ended it, so I’ll leave it as is. It’s also technically after midnight, but meh, time is an illusion right? Flower meanings in order are

Lavender - Devotion

pink carnations - “I will never forget you”

Baby’s Breath - Everlasting love

Morning Glory - Affection

Violet - Loyalty

Camellia - “my destiny is in your hands,” where red is particularly aimed towards a significant other.  

check it out on AO3 here!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/20647871

Blue loved Rosie. Even when she was forced to forget her, when their memories were wiped every two hours, they came back to each other. Like gravity, they were pulled together. Every time she was forced to forget, every time she was taken into one of those horrid rooms, every time they were taken apart and rebuilt, a glance at her face and Blue remembered. She couldn't recall any specific memories, but those awful humans could never erase her love. 

That's why, as soon as they were safe, as soon as Markus had made serious headway in increasing android rights, they began to plan a wedding. Nothing big or attention-drawing; neither of them could stand large crowds. It would be too reminiscent of that place, with its dim lighting and masses of customers. 

No, just a simple affair, something special to lift their spirits and celebrate their freedom. 

The first person they asked to attend was Connor; he was the one who helped them be free, intentionally or not. He confirmed enthusiastically and asked if he could bring a plus one. 

They also decided to ask Markus, North, Simon, and Josh, who kindly took them in and gave them a home, even when burdened by the revolution and an already crowded Jericho. 

Finding a venue was the hardest part, as they had little money and patience to haggle with humans for a deal. Eventually, though, they found a lodge with enough rooms for guests and several dozen acres of land. 

On the far side of the land, there was a small creek that turned into a waterfall as it flowed south. Here they set up a vine-covered arch, weaving lavender and pink carnations into the framework. Several tables were set up on either side, old plastic folding tables with mismatched chairs facing the arch. A silky blue carpet had been laid down as a walkway, framed by bunches of baby's breath and morning glory packed tightly into recycled, stained glass bottles. 

Choosing their dresses had been a stressful event. Blue had been accompanied by Connor, while Rosie shopped with Chloe. It had taken several hours to find a dress for each of them, and, encouraged by Connor, hid their outfits from one another in compliance with a human superstition. 

The day of the wedding, lights were strung up on the patio while the couple got into their outfits. Blue's gown was a pale blue, with a sleeveless bodice and ruffles lined with floral lace swirling down the front. Her soft blue hair was braided and put into a loose bun, with a crown of violets woven into the top.

As she stood at the archway, waiting for Rosie, she glanced around at all the people she could call family. Connor and Chloe, who encouraged them to seek out happiness. Markus and his companions, who defended everything they had fought for. And she felt pure, unadulterated bliss. The only thing that could make this any better would be Rosie. 

And, with a soft click of the front door, she left the house, heading towards Blue. The first thing she noticed was a large Camellia clipped into her hair just above her ear. She had on sparkling cuff earrings, a pale pink accepting the flower. She wore a pale yellow dress with a neckline going halfway down her torso. As the dress proofed outwards, lifted up by dozens of layers of lace, the color grew brighter. She was barefoot, they both were, and her footsteps silent as she floated across the silk carpet. She was gorgeous, and Blue fell in love all over again. 

Rosie stepped up to Blue and they clasped hands. Interfacing, they promised to be together forever, no matter what challenges they face. They told each other stories, comprised of emotions passed between an unbreakable bond. 

They kissed, and their quaint audience cheered. As the sun set, blues and pinks and deep purples taking over the sky, and the lights flickered on, gentle music carried on a soft breeze and they danced. As the full moon's glow illuminated them, a natural spotlight focusing everyone's attention on the softly smiling couple, they held each other and swayed. As their company slowly dwindled in number until it was just the two of them, they danced. 

Blue loved Rosie, and no one would ever take that away from her again.

[geekydane]

More than a machine - Connor x reader - part 13

Part 1 • Part 2 • Part 3 •  Part 4 •  Part 5 •  Part 6 • Part 7 • Part 8 • Part 9 • Part 10  • Part 11 • Part 12 

You sat with Josh and felt the painkillers, that Josh had stolen somewhere, finally hitting the spot. You had eaten the poor sandwich he found and there was only a little left of the diet coke he got from a vending machine he hacked on his way back.

“I owe you, Josh. The pain is almost gone. I can actually move my shoulder without crying now.” You said with a half-smile to the android. Josh frowned at first, but gave you a light chuckle.

“I can’t imagine how it must feel like to… feel pain. Physically that is. You were lucky that it went out on the other side. Think if we had to remove it! We would have to dive right into you flesh and…”

“Thanks Josh. I don’t want to think about that.” You interrupted him and pretended that you would be sick just by the thought. That made Josh lighten up a little and he started to joke around with the android woman on the other side of him. Finding a little light in the middle of this mess was just a miracle.

Your eyes landed on Markus as he was making his way up the stairs where the altar once stood in the large church. He had been talking with people all around the church since Connor left. You guessed that he was still trying to figure out what to do. There wasn’t really much to do other than try again and again to convince the other humans to set them free. Many androids were captured and destroyed in camps all over the city. You had to at least try to rescue them. You knew it was their fight, but all other humans had to see that human can support androids too. You would be right there next to Markus, Josh or even North. So you listened when Markus spoke up.

“Humans have decided to exterminate us. Our people are packed in camps right now, being destroyed. Time has come to make a choice. One that very well may determine the future of our people.” Some of the androids around you roared as a respond to what Markus said. Some of them yelling for blood like North had done, while others were calm and collected.

“I know…. I know you are all angry. And I know you want to fight back. But I assure you, violence is not the answer here. We are going to tell them peacefully that we want justice. If there’s any humanity in them, they will listen. And if not, others will take our place and continue this fight. Are you ready to follow me?” There was a collective roar around you and everyone that was able to, stood up to cheer.

As the cheers slowly died out and the main crew of Markus, North and Josh stood discussing the last few things before leaving, the giants male android that was with Kara and Alice, stood in front of you and reached out his hand. Luther, you recalled Kara calling him.

“Can you help us before we leave?” He said as you took his hand and stood up.

“Sure. Anything.” Kara and Alice were too kind and too fragile to go into a war like this, so if you could help in any way, you would do it. Luther didn’t let go of you. He was supporting you as you walked. You were too grateful by his action, that you didn’t tell him that you didn’t really need his support, you were just limping a little. He guided you to Kara and Alice. Alice stood with her arms around Kara’s legs and looked smaller than before.

“We need to get out of here before hell breaks loose. I don’t want Alice to get hurt.” Kara said. She sounded stressed out and with good reason. People around you started to move towards Markus; ready to follow him.

“What can I help you with?” You said determined.

“We need to go to the Canadian border. We met a woman, Rose that is just like you, that helps androids. She said that it is safe for us in Canada. We need to find a way to get there.” You looked around for a moment. You didn’t know where this abandon church was, but if it was anywhere near the harbour where Jericho was, there wouldn’t be too far to the nearest bus stop.

“I have to admit I don’t know exactly where we are. But I know that the infrastructure in the city is amazing. If we are anywhere near the harbour you should be able to catch a bus from one of the main road further west. If they are still driving that is. I don’t know if the rest of the city has declared state of emergency.”

“Thank you y/n. I hope you are right with the busses.” Kara said and hugged Alice to her side.

“Please be careful out there. The police are everywhere and they might be checking everyone when they pass.”

“I will make sure they get to the border.” Luther said and you knew that he meant every word.

Right before everyone started to leave, you saw the three of them leave out of the other end of the heavily damaged church along with a few others that wanted to that the chance and get to the Canadian border. No one would blame them because what Markus was about to do had a very small survival chance. With just one action by a few hundred androids he had to turn the opinion around for the whole population of America. But you trusted Markus like everyone else around you did. So you followed along with the androids up to Woodward Avenue.

-------------------------------------------------------

It was late at night. Close to midnight you thought, by how the moon was rising on the sky. A sudden sound of propellers was around you and you flickered with the memories of the clearing of Jericho, but looking up you saw a small helicopter with a news logo on the side. It was the media that had gotten a hint and wanted to cover what was happening. No matter how this ended, it would be written about in the history books.

When you turned the corner on Woodward Avenue you gasped when you saw the police forces standing there. They were ready to greet the androids with fire. You were walking right behind Markus and were waiting for him to react, but he didn’t do anything at first.

“Surrender immediately or we will open fire!” Screamed one of the armed men and you could feel Josh walk closer to you for the next few steps. Markus stopped and then the rest of you stopped as well.

“We don’t want confrontation. We are protesting peacefully.” Markus yelled back at the soldiers.

“I repeat, surrender now or we will open fire!” The same man screamed as the ground started to shake. You looked worrisome around to see two huge tanks drive up behind you and the androids along with many armoured vehicle. They blocked the path behind you and you were now stuck in the middle.

“There is no going back now.” Markus said as much to himself as to all of you. Many of the androids looked nervously around.

“We are here to demand the immediate liberation of all androids detained in camps across the country. We are not leaving until out people are free.” Markus said loudly again, so the soldiers could hear. You limped a few stepped further up closer to Markus as the blitz from a camera came from your left. You looked passed the barricades that was places along the pavement and a dozen of journalises where standing there with cameras and microphones to get the best cover of the action.

“They have a human with them!” One of them suddenly shouted.

“Its y/n! From the first protest down town!” Yelled another. It made a lot of movement in the soldiers that were still pointing their guns at the protesting androids but looked like they were lost. They waited until someone stepped in the middle of them and barked an order that only they could hear. Afterward they all stood straight and one of them yelled the stupidest thing you had ever heard.

“Let the human go!” You were close to laughing and shook your head. You stepped forward, up next to Markus so they all could see.

“I am here by my own free will. I am here to fight for the androids rights! I am only limping because of YOU!” You pointed at the soldiers and they all looked confused again as they looked at each other.

“Let her go or we will open fire!” The commander yelled again and they threw your arms in the air in disbeliefs.

“I am here on my own!” You screamed with all you had in you. It was shrill but you wanted them all to hear.

“Fire!” was yelled before you could react. Luckily for you, one of the androids jumped to you and threw you to the ground as the first bullets flew. The pain from you shoulder was much greater than what the painkillers could keep away but your mind were somewhere else. A lot of androids got hit, but only few of them fell to the ground. You looked at those who were the unlucky once and started to tear up. The android that helped you were the WR400 you once helped. She was the second one you had taken in after Markus. She looked at you with a smile and you were glad to see that she was still alive. But when she got up to follow the rest that were still marching towards the soldiers, you could see that she had a bullet hole in her back. She had saved your life.

“Fire!” Were yelled again and more androids fell around you as they continued walking.

“Are you going to open fire at unarmed protesters?” Markus said loud but calmly to the armed men and you could hear the flicking of cameras sounded from the barricades again. The media were loving this and it was a good way to show who was right and who was clearly wrong in this.

The moment after Markus took a decision and sat down on the ground. All the other androids followed around you. You supported yourself on your good arm as you sat up along with them. The reporters were talking fast, taking pictures and filming while the helicopter was still hanging over you. You were sure that that was the reason for the commander of the soldiers to make them hold the fire.

Hurry up Connor.

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tags: @vda-writes @mundane-cup-noodles @superanonymousreader @aya-fay @dragonempress123 @talle-2002@jamiethenerdymonster @i-resent-this-hellsite @i-do-wat-i-want @syrinxgm@queerfandomtrash @missjayi @belleknows@veerniks @dylan-o-yumm @wonderlustedchild@cliche-female-protagonist @omegachizu @black-and-white-eyes

[rainythefox]

Deviant Heart (D:BH fanfic)

Chapter 2: Was it Personal?

Connor met Hank outside of the sandwich eatery, bringing him a large soft drink in the process. The Lieutenant had to step out to take a phone call, and took his sandwich with him, but had asked his partner to get his drink for him.

Connor sat Hank's drink down before him on the table before sitting opposite of him. With it being sunny for once, it was nice to sit out in the terrace area of the eatery, even in the middle of July. Connor observed his surroundings for a moment as Hank hung up his cell phone and started digging into his sandwich. Androids and humans walked by on the sidewalk, traffic went on as normal. There was a couple sitting at the far end of the terrace as well. People were coming and going from the eatery. A few security drones flew by overhead. It looked like the average, bustling day in downtown Detroit.

"Thanks, Connor."

Hank wore a dark brown button-up shirt and jeans. Connor remained in his usual suit, and did so on the job. After hours or on their day off, Hank often made Connor wear normal clothes, something that had taken the prototype awhile to get used to. Hank's words were along the lines of "sick and tired of seeing you in that stupid suit all the time."

"Do you always have to eat something stuffed between pieces of bread?" Connor asked, shaking his head.

"Hey, it's healthier than what I had this morning…there's lettuce on there." Hank took a drink of the soda Connor brought him and gagged. "What the hell, Connor…"

"Oh, it said diet. I figured you could use one."

"Very funny." After a few bites of his sandwich, Hank motioned to his android partner. "So, you really don't think it was a robbery?"

Connor thought it over, reconstructing what he was able to gather at the crimes scene. "I highly doubt it. Seems…personal."

"Personal, huh?"

"There was nothing there the deviant would have a use for. The clothing was for women, too small for his form. And with only $74.16 in the cash register…makes it highly doubtful. Besides, the register wasn't even touched."

Hank shrugged. "Good point. What makes you think it's personal?"

"A hunch I guess."

Hank smirked, nodding. "Always listen to your gut…well, in your case your wiring or…something."

"You could've done better on that one," Connor said, smiling.

"It's all this healthy eating…throwing me off my groove."

"I wouldn't exactly call this healthy eating. It's only 177.3 calories less than what you had this morning."

"But there's lettuce!" Hank waved him off. "What do you know, you don't eat."

Hank's cell phone dinged, and he picked it up to look at the notification. "Alright, owner's on their way to the crime scene. Let's get going."

Hank stuffed one last big bite into his mouth and carried his trash over to the bin to throw away. He took his diet soft drink and headed for the car, Connor at his side.

The crime scene was only a few blocks away, and so the drive wasn't long, around fifteen minutes. Ben and a few other police officers were still there, preventing public access and questioning potential witnesses. Hank and Connor looked around the clothing store one last time in case they missed any clues. There was an emergency button under the cash register that hadn't been pressed. This told them that the victim either didn't have time to push it, or hadn't been expecting the need to.

Connor stooped down next to the bodies, looking them over one more time. He licked the blue blood of the WR600 to make sure it lined up, and the scan passed.

"Dammit Connor, what did I tell you about doing that shit after I ate?"

Connor stood up, looking to the lieutenant. "Do you need to know the exact words you said? Because I can replay the conversation."

Hank shook his head, though a smile cracked on his face. "Look at you, all witty today. You're on a roll."

"Hank, Connor."

Ben Collins walked over, escorting a woman in her late 50s. She wore high-end clothes and shoes with lots of gaudy jewelry. "This is Joyce Hendy. She is the owner of the store. Mrs. Hendy, this is Lieutenant Hank Anderson of the Detroit Police Department and his partner Connor. They will be asking you a few questions."

"O-of course," the lady said, dipping her head. Ben headed back for the front entrance.

"Ma'am. I'm sorry you had to see this, but we need your help," Hank greeted.

The owner looked down at the bodies, her eyes fixating on the victim. "Oh Lizzie, she was such a sweet girl. Hard worker. I can't…I can't believe this. I just talked to her this morning. She-she didn't seem like anything was wrong."

"Do you know this android that attacked her?" Connor asked, pointing to the dead WR600 beside the victim.

Joyce studied the dead android for a moment and her eyes lit up. "Oh my goodness that's Sam! He…he was hers, I think. Oh wait, he belonged to her father at some point. Had got him to do the landscaping around all the houses he owns. He and Lizzie were quite close. I'd see him come in from time to time to give her things or pick up something from her on behalf of her father. Her father's name is Kent Hubb. He would be the one to talk to if you need more information on Sam."

"Do you have any idea as to why he would attack her?" Hank asked.

The owner shook her head, clasping her fingers in front of her. "No. He's always been gentle around her. Although…there was that one time…"

"What one time?" Hank echoed, eyebrows furrowing.

"There was this time, a couple months back. I had just come in, the store was about to close, I came to check on everything and count the cash register. Sam was already here, visiting with Lizzie and waiting for her to get off. A guy friend of hers stopped by, someone she had been close with in college or something. They talked and hugged, and everything was going fine until Sam shoved him away. I stopped the situation before it could get any worse and her friend left. Eventually, when Lizzie clocked out and left, her and Sam were arguing. But…they seemed fine the next day. I'm not sure if it would be related to this or not, for how long ago it was…but it just popped in my head."

"Anything else?" Connor asked. "Was there anything big going on in Elizabeth's life? Something that could've cause an emotional shock to Sam?"

Joyce shook her head, confounded. "N-no, not that I am aware of."

Hank heaved a sigh. "Here, I'll escort you out. You shouldn't be looking at this. If you think of anything else that could help us, please let us know."

"Of course," Joyce said, as she allowed Hank to escort her to the front of the store.

Connor watched them go, then turned back to the bodies. He thought over the store owner's words. Upon analyzing her behavior and heart rhythm, Connor could tell she told the truth. It looked as though they would be speaking to the victim's father next while waiting for a new plug for the WR600. By what he gathered, Sam had known Lizzie for a while, before becoming a deviant, as part of the family. When he became a deviant, it must have allowed them to become closer. The store owner's story about what happened with the victim's friend a couple months ago made Connor curious. It certainly had potential to be an emotional shock for Sam back then, of jealousy. It apparently worked itself out in the end. However, Connor knew that if Sam was capable of jealously over Elizabeth then, there could certainly be another. He logged it away, his LED indicator flashing momentarily.

The RK800 was distracted by a sharp whistle. He turned away from the bodies towards the front of the store, seeing Hank beckoning him. Connor left the bodies behind and went to his partner.

"You all done here?" Hank asked.

Connor dipped his head. "Yes."

"Good, let's get back to the station," Hank replied, digging for his keys in his pocket. "I'll have her father meet us there for some questions as soon as he can get there."

The transit was packed. Markus stood, one hand on a strap-hanger as he waited impatiently for his stop. The metallic rolling of the tracks resonated from the underbelly of the train. Over that, people talked or listened to their music or played with their phones. Markus took a detailed scope of the passengers around him.

Humans and androids rode the transit. Some sat together, some stayed within their own people. But it was quiet. It was peaceful. There were days it wasn't. There were days humans picked fights with androids, angry about the growing list of rights the deviants were receiving from the government. Sometimes there were physical fights. Sometimes there was worse. It made Markus and his followers have to work harder to preserve what little they had for now and keep it from falling apart.

Unlike his destination he was heading to, this train was peaceful at the moment. It was relieving to see. A delicate scenery that two races could intermingle without hate or rejection. The transit's wheels grated along the path, slowing the transport vehicle down to a slowing stop. Markus weaved his way through the crowd to get off at the station.

He made haste after leaving the confinement of the train, running down escalators to go into the nearby shopping district. Using his built in GPS and scanning down North's, Simon's, and Josh's signals, he was able to find them pretty quickly.

He saw them and saw the trouble that was about to go down. A group of human protesters were arguing with his friends. Simon and Josh had a hold of North to keep her from reaching forward and popping the leader of the protesters in the face. Another android sat on the ground behind them, gripping a damaged arm that emitted blue sparks. Markus recognized him from Jericho, a PL600 like Simon called Gus that had red hair instead of blond. The protesters were a small group that Markus and his gang had conflicts with before. The leader was a middle-aged man named Mel, and he was always looking to cause trouble for androids.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, what's going on?!" Markus yelled, getting between the two groups.

"Oh hey, it's Robo-Jesus, fuck off Markus, this doesn't concern you," Mel snarked.

Markus rounded on the human protesters, biting back anger. "It does if it concerns my people. What's going on?"

"They attacked Gus, Markus," North spat, still riled up. "He was just passing by and-"

"That's not what happened!" the leader interjected, jabbing a finger at North accusingly. "Stop saying that shit. We were protesting, minding our business, when that fucker came in and attacked us!"

"Gus wouldn't hurt anybody," Josh said as he stared at the humans.

A few humans in the small protesting crowd snapped their disagreement. Markus did a quick scan of each person. Within the group of eight protesters, four were injured. Slices on their arms and chests, nothing notably deep. One of the protesters had a stab wound in their forearm.

"You guys don't mind your business when you protest," North hissed, tearing her arms out from Simon and Josh but she remained where she was because of Markus. "Your little wounds are from him defending himself!"

"You bitch, that ain't true. Just wait 'til the cops get here."

Mel stepped forward threateningly, but the motion didn't intimidate North at all, and she was ready to meet him head on. Markus stepped in the way, however, and grabbed up Mel by the collar, lifting him from the ground.

"Listen to me," Markus growled. "I've always stood by my decisions for peaceful solutions to everything, but I'm about to make an exception with you. The next time I hear about your little group causing harm to my people, your "protesting" days will be over."

Markus let Mel go and shoved him back into his friends just as a cop car pulled up with flashing lights. Markus glared at the hushed protesters for a moment, then turned to face the two police officers who got out of the vehicle. He was relieved to see Chris Miller as one of them. The cop he spared all those months ago at Capitol Park was a good man, a good officer, and now an advocate for android rights.

"Oh boy, should have known," Chris said, shaking his head.

"We got attacked during our peaceful protest! That fucker right there, he came running into our group like a damn animal and started stabbing us! You have to figure out a way to get him destroyed!" Mel said, pointing down at Gus, who winced from the raised voices and looked away. His LED flashed a bright red.

"Peaceful protest, huh?" Chris asked flatly.

"Don't believe them, Chris. They're lying. Gus wouldn't do anything like that," Simon said, glaring over at the group.

"Alright, alright," Chris sighed, motioning to the human protesters. "My partner will take your statements and check over your injuries before you go to the hospital. I'll take the statements from the androids."

"But they didn't see anything, they showed up after it happened!"

Chris ignored Mel, stepping over to Markus and his group. He took out a tablet, but he didn't bring up an app for their statements. "You think your friend could tell us what happened, or at least show you what happened with your little handy exchange technique you guys do?"

Simon knelt down beside Gus, gently putting a hand on his shoulder. "Gus? Can you tell us what happened?"

Gus drew away. "I-I didn't do anything."

"Tell him what happened, Gus. It will be alright," North said softly.

The android was shaking, LED flashing red. Josh shook his head. "He's too stressed at the moment. We'll only make it worse prying him. We have to wait until he calms down."

Chris shrugged, putting away his pen. "I'm sure it's Mel's fault like usual. You guys go ahead and get him some help. Give me a statement later when he's able to talk."

"Well, sure, if you trust us. I wouldn't want you getting in trouble though," Markus stated.

"Nah, I trust you. Not North though."

"Hey!"

Chris chuckled, winking playfully at North. The female android shook her head, though a smile formed on her lips.

"Just get back to me later. Maybe I can actually book Mel this time and we won't have this problem again. I hope anyway. You guys stay out of trouble."

"See ya, Chris," North, Simon, and Josh said.

"Take care, Chris," Markus added.

Josh and Simon helped Gus to his feet. The injured android, still overstimulated and stressed, drew away from their touch. With gentle encouragement, they were able to get him to walk with them. Gus held himself like a nervous child, looking around. A little blue blood trickled down his arm from the injury, random blue sparking from shorted wires snapping within the arm.

"We better get him back to the center and see what we can do for him," Markus said. After a short diagnostic scan, Markus couldn't see any other injuries on Gus besides his arm, but his central core processing was through the roof, showing extreme distress. Markus couldn't understand why such a small injury would cause such a reaction. Then again, Gus was always sensitive, and so the humans' words and threats were probably a bigger cause than the injury itself. He wouldn't know for sure until Gus opened up to them.

The Detroit Police Department had become a cluster of energy and noise since the last time they were in during the morning hours. Phones rang on several lines, people talked over each other in the front lobby, waiting to speak to law enforcement or for the release of a friend from jail. An officer walked by with a cuffed man who spouted nonsense as he was taken to the back.

Hank and Connor left that mess behind to get to the back where their desks were. Connor got distracted by one of the police K-9s while Hank was going on about the last baseball game. When the lieutenant turned around, his partner was gone, stooped down petting the dog on the next aisle.

Hank almost yelled out at the RK800, but stopped himself, watching as Connor smiled when the dog thumped its tail on the floor, staring up at him. The sight made the older detective smile. He kept it to himself, but he found these moments with Connor endearing. His partner was highly intelligent and rational, able to kick any kind of ass with near ease, but his post-deviancy behavior allowed him to have innocence akin to a child at times. When Connor stepped back around to join Hank once more, he continued his conversation, heading towards the break room to get a bottled water.

As they were leaving the break room for their desks, they bumped into Detective Gavin Reed. The younger, brash detective sneered at them, and Hank barely caught himself from rolling his eyes.

"What's up, Lieutenant? Still have your plastic dog following you around I see."

Hank pretended he had to swallow something, putting his hand to his mouth. "Oh, sorry. Just threw up a little in my mouth."

Gavin snickered, taking the bait. "Well, maybe if you wouldn't drink so much, you could keep a lot more shit down instead of flinging it outta your mouth."

"Oh, another fucking drinking jab. It's like you can't come up with anything else clever, Gavin."

"If I may," Connor said, looking between the two law men. "The Lieutenant doesn't drink as much as he used to. He is getting better, Detective Reed."

"Yeah, cause you act like my nanny sometimes," Hank grumbled.

"A nanny and a pet? Oh, he has multiple uses then," Gavin snorted.

Hank glared at the younger detective. "Hey, only I can insult Connor, shithead. He knows I'm just messing with him. That's not the case with you."

"So?" Gavin folded his arms. He glared at the RK800. "Why you with this old asshole anyway? You say you have free will, yet you let him order you around? He still treats you like a dumb machine…I mean granted, you are still a dumb machine, but I thought you could do whatever you want now? Go mingle with a copy machine or something. You'd probably get more enjoyment out of it."

"Why you!" Hank snapped, jerking forward.

Connor stepped between them with one graceful step, stopping the lieutenant from grabbing Gavin up.

"Please, Lieutenant," Connor pleaded. "He is only trying to incite this reaction out of you to get you in trouble. I advise you to just walk away. We can ignore him."

Gavin laughed, smacking his hands together. "Yes, let him ignore his problems. Look how well that's played out for him so far."

"Yeah and believe me, I know from experience, karma is a bitch. I'm looking forward to the day it comes back to you," Hank said, stepping away. He motioned at Connor, still glaring at Gavin. "Connor, initiate an insulting sendoff while we walk away from this prick."

Connor blinked. "Oh…I have 41 different responses for just Detective Reed logged away from various scenarios. Which one would you like?"

"I don't know, pick one that really gets the point across!"

Connor thought it over a moment then turned to Gavin.

"Go fuck yourself, Detective Reed," he said politely.

"Hah!"

Hank shoved past Gavin while laughing. Connor followed after him. They sat at their desks and while Hank gave Captain Jeffrey Fowler a call on the desk phone, Connor transmitted all of the evidence and notes he took at the crime scene into their computers. After Hank got off the phone, they reviewed the notes and exchanged theories. Connor picked up a behavioral change in Hank as the older man fixated on some notes. He wasn't quite as talkative or chipper as he was when they arrived at the police department. The detective android at this point knew the lieutenant well enough to know something was wrong.

"Is something the matter, Lieutenant?" Connor asked, cocking his head slightly. Despite them having become good friends and partners, Connor still called him by his title at times out of old programming habits, but for the most part had stuck with calling Hank by his first name, per Hank's request.

Hank was quiet for a moment, thinking. He scratched the back of his head, letting out a soft sigh. "You know I don't think of you as a machine, right? I mean, of course you know that, I just…fuck I mean…"

"You're doing it again," Connor stated, amused.

"What?"

"You're letting Detective Reed get to you. I know what he says is…how do you put it? Full of shit? Everything's fine, Hank."

Hank slowly smiled, and Connor continued. "Although, I think he may have been right about the copy machine."

Hank frowned.

"I would get more enjoyment out of it than I would talking with him."

Hank smacked his desk, chuckling. "Heh, that's for damn sure."

"Do you think Detective Reed will ever change?"

Hank snorted. "Doubt it. Maybe when pigs fuckin' fly!"

"But…that's biologically impossible."

Hank groaned. "That's the point of that saying, son. It won't ever happen."

"Oh," Connor said, and then glanced across the rows of desks where Gavin sat at his own. "There has to be a reason why he is the way he is."

"Yeah, it's called just being an asshole. Welcome to being human, Connor. Humans are just nasty to each other because they can be. Gavin thinks he's better than everyone else. He's in this for the glory, not for protecting the innocent."

"You really don't like him, do you?" Connor asked.

"Let's just say if I came across Gavin getting mauled by a bear, I would push up a chair and watch. And take pictures. And post them on the internet."

Before Connor could remark on that, Hank's desk phone rang and he answered it. "Lieutenant Anderson speaking." There was a pause as he listened. "Oh, of course. Send him over."

He hung the phone up and got to his feet. Connor watched him before moving out of his chair as well.

"The victim's father is here to speak to us."

After a few moments they saw Kent Hubb being guided back to them by a police officer. Connor immediately scanned him. He was 50 years old, was a car mechanic and owned a few rent houses within Detroit's suburbs. He was a broad man covered in tattoos with a graying beard. The physical scan alerted Connor to the man being distressed. He had been crying, and his heart rate was up.

"Mr. Hubb? Lieutenant Hank Anderson, this is my partner Connor. We'd like to ask you a few questions about your daughter."

Kent nodded, briefly shaking Hank's hand. "I-I'll do my best. I just…I can't believe this is happening."

Hank pulled a chair over for the grieving father, offering it to him. Kent weakly smiled thanks and sat down. Hank sat down at his desk while Connor came around to stand next to his partner.

"I'm sorry about the loss of your daughter. We will do all in our power to figure out what happened," Hank said. "Please, tell us about your android Sam."

"W-well, I got him a little over four years ago, pre-owned. I got him to help me keep up with the properties I own. Never had a problem with him. After Lizzie moved back home for awhile from finishing college, I noticed his behavior was slightly off, but it was nothing bad. Never turned it in. He and Lizzie became friends, you know, and well it kept her around more often so I didn't think anything of it. Well then the deviant thing started happening and I realized…that Sam must've been one for a while. I didn't turn him in though, I mean he was part of the family, Lizzie would've been crushed. A-After it all blew over and life started returning to normal, I still allowed Sam around. He wanted to be with us and I didn't have a problem with that."

Kent Hubb grew quiet, eyes lowering to his fidgeting hands in his lap. Connor kept a constant analysis running for the man to signal any sort of deceit or giveaways. Hank glanced up at Connor for a moment, but the android didn't notice, his focus solely on Mr. Hubb.

"Any idea why Sam would attack and kill her?" Hank asked.

Kent sobbed for a moment but soon collected himself. He shook his head. "N-no. He was always kind and well-behaved. Even with him being a deviant, he never showed any kind of aggression or ill will towards us. I…I just don't understand. He never would've hurt her."

"The store owner told us about a male college friend that came to see her at the clothing shop while Sam was there with her about two months ago," Connor said. "According to her, Sam shoved this friend away, causing a conflict. When he and Miss Hubb left, they were arguing. Did you know about this?"

Kent thought it over, slightly shaking his head. "No. I-I don't recall that, but now that you mention it, about two weeks ago she went on a date. Sam was really down and…frustrated. I told him that him and Lizzie could never be together, not like that. I told him to let it go. Sam got up and left. We didn't see him for almost a week."

"When you saw him again," Connor asked. "Did he have any noticeable behavioral changes?"

Kent nodded. "Yeah…jumpy. Glitchy? I don't know. He seemed confused. He said weird things, was forgetful. Kept saying something about hearing static in his head. B-but he wasn't different towards us. There was no signs of hate or aggression towards me or Lizzie, and we went about life as normal."

"Anything else you can think of that could be related to this?" Hank inquired.

Kent wiped his eyes, a shaky breath coming from his mouth. "Not that I…I can think of. It's all too much right now. I just…I can't believe this. Lizzie was a good girl. This shouldn't have happened to her. And Sam…I just can't see him hurting her. Not on purpose."

Hank stood up. He walked over to the victim's father just as he got to his feet. "Go home, Mr. Hubb. Get some rest. Give yourself some time. If you think of anything else that could be of use to us, please give us a call."

"I sure will…th-thank you, Lieutenant."

The man turned and left, heading for the front lobby of the police department. Connor and Hank watched him go for a moment, both quiet and thinking over the man's words.

"Well?" Hank asked.

Connor shook his head, leaning on Hank's desk. "No deceit. He was telling the truth."

"Whatcha thinkin'?"

Connor processed his thoughts, linking the stories from Mr. Hubb, Mrs. Hendy, and the evidence found at the crime scene. "I think Sam loved Miss Hubb. I think he had an emotional shock post-deviancy that created issues that he didn't know how to handle. I think he killed her because he loved her, but couldn't be with her, and so he killed them both."

Hank pursed his lips for a moment, thinking, a long finger tapping on his desk. "Thing is…there's no laws against humans and androids being together romantically. So, he must've been told by her father it wasn't possible like he said, meaning he wouldn't allow it, or she turned him down."

"Guess we won't know for sure until we can get him reactivated," Connor said.

"You were right…it was personal."

Connor didn't say anything, thinking through any other possibilities it could be that the WR600 would kill a human girl he obviously loved. To him, it was irrational to kill someone you love. But Hank often told him that love was the most irrational human emotion of all.

He felt Hank's large hand plop onto his head, patting him. It broke him from his thoughts and he looked over at his partner. "C'mon, let's go home."

Story published on Fanfiction.net and AO3:

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13002717/2/Deviant-Heart

https://archiveofourown.org/works/15393528/chapters/35726634

[mitchbeck]

CANTLON: CT HOCKEY 2021 OFFSEASON VOL 1

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT -The offseason has begun for the Hartford Wolf Pack and the rest of the AHL, except for the Pacific division, which has a playoff. Teams are very busy planning and signing players and coaches for the upcoming 2021-22 season.

PLAYER AND COACHING MOVEMENT

All of the AHL teams not in the Pacific Division have begun to send players to their respective ECHL teams for some post-season experience. The Toronto Marlies sent four players, Bobby McMann, Jeremy McKenna, Noel Hoefenmayer, and Gordie Green, to the Wichita Thunder. The Colorado Eagles sent Sasha Matala to the Utah Grizzlies. The Ontario Reign sent Nick Boka to the Ft. Wayne Komets while Josh Ingham and Jack Sadek packed their bags for the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. Doyle Somerby of the Tucson Roadrunners heads to the South Carolina Stingrays. The Manitoba Moose sent Peter Kreiger to the Indy Fuel, while the Rochester Americans sent Brendan Warren to the Jacksonville Icemen. Nelson Nogier, Cole Kehler, and C.J. Suess were sent to the Tulsa Oilers.

MORE MOVES

Henderson heading to the Pacific Division after eliminating  San Jose on the strength of a two-goal and three-point effort from ex-Pack Danny O’ Regan has sent three players to the Vegas taxi squad in Dylan Sikura and Cody Glass. Henderson will play with the Bakersfield Condors for the Pacific Division post-season title and the John Chick Trophy. The Condors eliminated the San Diego Gulls in OT Monday. Brad Malone, the nephew of former Hartford Whaler, Greg Malone, and the cousin of ex-Pack, Ryan Malone, scored the game-winner. The first AHL player to Europe, David Kase of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, signs with HC Sparta Prague (Czech Republic-CEL). A former Quinnipiac Bobcat, Karlis Cukste, who played with the San Jose Barracuda (AHL) and the Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL) this past year, heads home to Dynamo Riga (Latvia-KHL). According to the Swedish hockey website, SportsExpressen.se, ex-Pack Dale Weise has signed a deal to be announced shortly with IK Oskarshamn (Sweden-Allsvenskan). Ex-Pack/New York Ranger, Tim Erixon, goes from Växjö HC to  Timrå IK (Sweden-SHL) for next season. Ryan McKiernan (Brunswick School), fresh off winning the  German DEL championship, leaves Eisbaren Berlin to Rogle BK (Sweden-SHL).

COLLEGE NEWS

Former UCONN Husky, Ruslan Iskhakov, moved from TPS Turku (Finland-FEL) to Adler Mannheim (Germany-DEL). Also, in UCONN news, the University announced a new five-year extension for its head coach Mike Cavanaugh and had the groundbreaking for the new 2,600 seats $70 million arena-ready between September 2022-January 2023. The Maine Black Bears selected Ben Barr, the assistant coach from the national champion, UMASS-Amherst, to replace the late Dennis “Red” Gendron over the ex-Bridgeport Sound Tiger (now Islanders) and Maine associate coach for the last six years, Ben Guite. Replacing Barr at UMASS-Amherst is Penn State's assistant coach for the last 10 years, Matt Lindsay. Previously, he was an assistant at Princeton and was a volunteer assistant at Colorado College. He started at Division-III at Hobart College (SUNYAC) and Utica College. Lake Superior St. (NCHC) Damon Whitten’s contract was extended six years. Former Sound Tiger, Peter Mannino, gives up his head coaching job with the Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL) and signs on as an assistant coach with Colorado College (NCHC).

MORE INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Jamie Arniel, the nephew of former New Haven Nighthawk player and Rangers Assistant Coach,  Scott Arniel, leaves EC Bad Nauheim (Germany-DEL-2) and heads to HC Bratislava (Slovakia-IceHL). A trio of ex-Sound Tigers finds themselves on the move. Joey Martin departs Stavanger (Norway-NEL) and will skate next season for EC Graz (Austria-IceHL). Matt Mangene leaves ESV Villacher SV (Austria-iceHL) for EHC Wolfsburg (Germany-DEL). The new head coach there is a former Rangers draft pick, Mike Stewart. Sebastian Collberg exits Löwen Frankfurt (Germany-DEL-2) and returns home to BIK Karlskoga (Sweden-Allsvenskan). Former Wolf Pack and Ranger Steven Kampfer heads from the Boston Bruins to AK Bars Kazan (Russia-KHL). Former QU Bobcat goalie Michael Garteig leaves ERC Ingolstadt (Germany-DEL) and returns to HIFK Helsinki (Finland-FEL). Ex-Wolf Pack, Ville Meskanen, departs Illves Tampere (Finland-FEL) to go to KooKoo (Finland-FEL) next season. Ex-Wolf Pack and Sound Tiger Chris Bourque signs with ERC Ingolstadt (Germany-DEL) for next season, leaving EHC Munich.

ALL KINDS OF NEWS

Nick Dineen (Selects Academy at South Kent Prep), who played with the Amarillo Bulls (NAHL), commits to Stevenson University (UCHC) for next fall. In the fall, the return of the CCHA conference names its regular season and playoff trophy names they will be handing out to the winners in the spring. The playoff title will honor the late CCHA great coach of Michigan State, Ron Mason, with the Mason Cup. The regular season title winner will be awarded the McNaughton Cup. USA Hockey let several coaches go, including Kenny Rausch (Danbury/Immaculate High), the Director of USA Youth Hockey.

TRANSFERS

Goaltender Evan Fear departs Quinnipiac University (ECACHL) and transfers to Northeastern (HE), making 57 school transfers this collegiate off-season and 47 grad transfers. Tobias Fladeby finishes at AIC (AHA) and signs with Tingryds AIF (Sweden-Allsvenskan), making 80 college players sign pro deals in North America and Europe. Emil Öhrvall departs Sacred Heart University (AHA) for BIK Karlskoga (Sweden-Allsvenskan). The Pioneers were his third school in three separate conferences in his collegiate career. Nick Rheaume, the son of ex-Pack/Ranger, Pascal Rhéaume, has committed to UMASS-Lowell (HE) for 2022-23. Rhéaume played with the Prince George Spruce Kings (BCHL) this year. His cousin is Quinnipiac University (ECACHL) transfer goalie Dylan St. Cyr, the son of former New Haven Senators player Gerry. St. Cyr.

COMMITS

Two CT Division-III commits as William Pond (Wilton/CT Roughriders-EHL) heads to Western New England College (CCC). Ponds' Roughrider teammate Connor Sullivan (Brunswick School/CT Jr. Rangers - NCDC) heads to Lake Forest College (NCHA). Joining him at Lake Forest is Mattias Derraugh (Danbury-NAHL), who committed to the Illinois-based school.

IIHF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

The IIHF World Championships are underway in Latvia. There are many familiar names dotting the roster landscape. In Group A, the 3-0 Slovakian team has current Wolf Pack goalie Adam Huska and ex-Pack/Ranger Marek Hrivik. Huska has yet to play, and Hrivik has four points in three games. Slovakia engineered an early upset beating Russia 3-1 on Monday. Denmark has ex-Pack Niklas Jensen, who scored a hat trick in their first game and had a goal and two assists against Great Britain in a 3-2 overtime win Tuesday. Sweden had ex-Pack/Ranger player Oscar Lindberg and ex-Wolf Pack Carl Klingberg. The Czech Republic has ex-Pack and current Rangers defenseman Libor Hajek. They also have Adam, and David Musil, the nephews of former Whalers and Rangers player Bobby Holik. Ex-Pack and current Ranger Filip Chytil and former Beast of New Haven Jaroslav Spacek are the assistant coaches, plus former UCONN Husky recruit Matej Blumel. Belarus has an ex-Sound Tiger, Shane Prince, who has citizenship. Switzerland has a pair of ex-Wolf Pack players in Andres Ambuhl and Raphael Diaz; Great Britain has goalie Jackson Whistle, nephew of former New Haven Nighthawk, Rob Whistle, plus Ben Lake (Sacred Heart University-AHA).

MORE IIHF

In Group B, the US squad features Ryan Donato, the son of ex-Wolf Pack/Sound Tiger, Ted Donato. They also have a  current Ranger, Kevin Rooney, and the nephew of former New Haven Nighthawk, Steve Rooney. Current Ranger, Zac Jones and Tage Thompson (Milford/UCONN), a son of the current Bridgeport Islanders head coach, Brent Thompson. The head coach is former Sound Tigers bench boss Jack Capuano. The team General Manager is current Rangers President/GM, Hartford GM Chris Drury (Trumbull/Fairfield Prep). Canada has shockingly lost its first three games to Latvia, Germany, and the US. Canada has a current Wolf Pack, Braden Schneider, and former Sacred Heart University (AHA)/Sound Tiger product Justin Danforth. Germany has Tom Kuhnhackl of Bridgeport, and Italy has former Ranger Peter Andersson as one of the assistant coaches, and he is the father of ex-Pack, Calle Andersson. HARTFORD WOLF PACK HOME Read the full article

[cinemasentries]

Enter to win on our site.

Press release: Cinema Sentries has teamed up with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment to award one lucky reader the EMMA. Blu-ray Combo Pack. The movie is currently available on Digital and arrives on Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand May 19, 2020. For those wanting to learn more, read the press release below:

Hailed as “gorgeous, modern and authentic” (Stephanie Zacharek, Time), the wickedly funny film chronicles the privileged but well-meaning young Emma Woodhouse (The Witch and Thoroughbreds’ Anya Taylor-Joy). A vibrant visual treat, EMMA., is “an unexpectedly timely sparkling romance” (Harriet Fitch Little, VOGUE), and features exclusive, never-before-seen bonus content including deleted scenes, gag reel, and behind-the-scene featurettes with the cast and crew whisking audiences away to the world of our mischievous heroine and the everlasting story of self discovery.

Jane Austen’s beloved comedy about finding your equal and earning your happy ending is reimagined in this delicious new film adaptation of EMMA.. Handsome, clever and rich, Emma Woodhouse (Taylor-Joy) is a restless “queen bee” without rivals in her sleepy little English town. In this glittering satire of social class, Emma must navigate her way through the challenges of growing up, misguided matches and romantic missteps to realize the love that has been there all along.

Autumn de Wilde’s feature debut EMMA. is “irresistible” (Justin Chang, NPR) and “the best adaptation yet” (Matt Goldberg, Collider), featuring a fresh and razor-sharp screenplay by Man Booker Prize winner Eleanor Catton (“The Luminaries”) that stays true to Austen’s endearing novel and brings to life the English Countryside in 1815. With an exceptional ensemble cast lead by Taylor-Joy EMMA. is rounded out by Johnny Flynn, Bill Nighy, Mia Goth, Josh O’ Connor, Miranda Hart, Callum Turner, Tanya Reynolds, Connor Swindells, Rupert Graves, and Gemma Whelan. Accompanied by a joyous and energetic score by composer Isobel Waller-Bridge and David Schweitzer, EMMA. is a stunning new vision of the groundbreaking literary classic on love and redemption. The theatrical version of the film is currently available for early viewing on a wide variety of popular on-demand services as a premium rental offering.

BLU-RAY, DVD & DIGITAL BONUS FEATURES:

Deleted Scenes

Gag Reel

A Playful Tease - Go behind the scenes with the talented cast of EMMA. as they share their experiences making the film.

Crafting a Colorful World* - Cast and crew discuss the gorgeously preserved locations, extravagant set dressing, and authentic Regency costumes featured in EMMA..

The Autumn Gaze* - An intimate look at director Autumn de Wilde's filmmaking process and her photographic eye.

Feature Commentary with Director Autumn de Wilde, Screenwriter Eleanor Catton, and Director of Photography Christopher Blauvelt

*Blu-ray and Digital Exclusive

The contest is only open to residents of the continental U.S. Upon notification, recipients will need to provide their own valid address (within 48 hours of email notification); no P.O. Boxes. Failure to do so will forfeit prize and another winner will be randomly selected. Cinema Sentries does not enter into any contract or guarantee with prize participants or any visitors to our site. If you don't win, please consider buying through our Amazon link.  It would be appreciated.

[fly-like-a-grayson]

Football Sucks Pt. 2 (Jared Kleinman x Reader)

A/N: lmao this sucks

WC: 2,156

Request:  Part 2 where Preston redeems himself and fights josh and is jareds bestie and they go on double dates bc I’m in pain and i NEED vengeance

Warnings: Language 

YOU CAN READ PART ONE HERE 

Whenever a friend betrays you, it feels like the entire world around you is crumbling. Like you have to reevaluate your relationship with everyone because you thought that this one person would never hurt you, and they did. Who’s to say someone else won’t?

That’s the approach Jared took over the next few days. He was cold to everyone, even you. But honestly, who could blame him?He thought he had done the impossible, but turns out that it was all just one lie. Jared was back to his old ways of being rude to Connor and teasing Evan (although this time he was meaning it in a rude way). He was ignoring you now. You hadn’t spoken to him since the night he told you what had happened. You didn’t press to talk to him. You knew he needed his time, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t hurting you. You wanted to be there for him, but he wouldn’t let you.

Usually, you walked home with Jared on Wednesdays, but not this time. You had to walk alone in the September heat. You had your headphones in, blasting your favorite songs to try and boost your mood, but it never did. You almost didn’t notice the car slowing down next to you. But you did but chose not to show that you were paying attention. You kept looking forward, just wanting to get home, but whoever was in the car wouldn’t let you go. When you made a turn, you looked behind you and they weren’t there anymore. You gave a sigh of relief and continued on your walk.  

Suddenly, you felt a hand on your shoulder causing you to turn around kick whoever it was in the knee cap. They groaned in pain and you tried to get a good look at them. You easily recognized who it was, Preston. You stomach lurched at the sight of him. “What do you want?”, you spat at him.

“I want to talk about Jared,” he said.

You started to walk away, “Haven’t you done enough?”

He followed you, “I feel really bad for what I did and I just want to talk to him about it, but he won’t answer me.”

“It’s because of you that he won’t talk to anyone,” you yelled.

Preston scoffed, “It’s not my fault that what happened, happened.”

You turned to him, “You had an obligation to tell him what those assholes were going to do to him. I don’t know how you can stand here and tell me it wasn’t your fault. You didn’t do anything and therefore you let this happen to him. From what Jared said about you, I thought you were a good person but it turns out you’re just as bad as Josh!”

“No, no. I’m not I swear! I wanted to it’s just… I couldn’t,” Preston retorted.

You scoffed, “What kind of shit do they have on you that would justify that as okay?”

Preston ran his hands through his curly hair, “I, well, they know who my boyfriend is.”

“What so they threatened to tell everyone if you tried to tell Jared what would have happened?”

He nodded, “My boyfriend doesn’t want people to know we’re together. We’re polar opposites.”

You sighed, “I’m still pissed at you, and I’m sure Jared is also.”

“Wait, you’ll help me?”, he asked, perking up.

You started walking again, “With great reluctance. I know that you would if you could have, but I’m still mad that you didn’t. Also if you pull any shit like this again, I’ll make sure you never see the light of day again.”

“Understood.”

Over the next few days, you spent a lot of time with Preston. You were trying to make sure he was being sincere about wanting to apologize to Jared. You weren’t going to let him hurt Jared anymore. Preston did seem like a nice guy. He wasn’t rude to you in anyway when you expressed your doubts about his apology. He understood where you were coming from and didn’t have any hostility.

After about a week of you two talking, you had come up with a ‘plan’ to get Jared to talk to you two. By now, it had been two weeks since the incident and you were sure Jared had calm down enough. You two went to the store and bought Warheads, Mountain Dew, multiple containers of Lofthouse cookies, and two 20 packs of double A batteries. You drove to Jared’s house and hoped he would at least listen to what you had said. You were sure the gifts you two brought would sway him even a little.

When you two got to his house, you sat in Preston’s car for a second you were afraid to do what you knew you had to. Preston wanted his friend back and you wanted your boyfriend back. You both got out the car and walked up to Jared’s front door, holding your bags full of Jared’s favorite things.

Preston was the one who knocked on the front door. If took a second, but Jared eventually answered. He didn’t look too good. His hair was messy and looked like it hadn’t been washed in days. He was wearing an old wrinkly shirt and some pajama pants. You were amazed that he could even see through his glasses, they looked like they had a cloud on them or something.

“What do you want?”, he asked harshly.

You spoke first, “Preston wanted to apologize and I think you should listen to him, please.” Jared looked at you two suspiciously. You held up the bags, “We have snacks.” He sighed and let the two of you in.

You walked into his kitchen and set everything down on the counters. Preston spoke, “Jared, I’m sorry. I…I wish I would have told you.”

Jared grabbed one of the sodas, “Then why didn’t you? And don’t say it’s any of that ‘I didn’t want to hurt your feelings’ bullshit.”

“They knew who I was dating. He didn’t want anyone to know and I was too scared about him being outed to kinda think of what the repercussions would be,” he explained.

Jared looked over at you, “This true?”

You nodded, “Yeah, he’s not lying. I’m sure of it.”

Jared looked at you two, “I still don’t know if I should believe him.”

You sighed, “I don’t blame you, Jar. It took me a while to, but if I didn’t think he was 100% telling the truth, would I bring him here?”

“I swear, Jared. I feel terrible for what I did and I just need you to know that ” Preston said picking at his jacket sleeve.

Jared chewed on his lip, “Preston, what happened really hurt me and I’m still not sold that you’re being honest. But, I trust Y/N and if she says you’re telling the truth, then I have to believe her.”

Preston smiled brightly, “Oh, thank you, Jared! You won’t regret this! I swear I will do everything I can to prove that I deserve your friendship. I’ll… I’ll… I’ll tell you who I’m dating.”

“Preston, you don’t have to do that,” Jared said.

Preston shook his head, “No, no. I trust you both not to tell anyone at all. I just want to show you that I feel this way and that I’m not lying.”

“Well, who is it?”, Jared asked taking one of the cookies.

Preston looked down, “Well, um, you actually know him.”

“Is it Connor or something?”, Jared said with a teasing smile.

Preston nodded.

“Oh my gosh, Preston, that’s awesome!”, you said with a smile.

Preston let a sigh of relief, “He’s going to kill me for telling you that.”

“He doesn’t have to know that we know,” you said with a playful wink.

Preston laughed and looked to Jared, “You okay?”

“Yeah, yeah. It’s just… Connor Murphy? I’m not homophobic or anything and it’s cool and all. I just didn’t think that kid had a nice bone in his body,” Jared admitted.

“Well, he doesn’t take a complete 180, but he is nice,” Preston said with a smile, “Unrelated question, may I use your restroom?”

“Down the hall and take a left,” Jared said.

Preston left the room, leaving you and Jared alone. Jared immediately pulled you close to him and tried to you a kiss, but you placed your hand over his mouth. “No, I’m not kissing you until you’ve taken a shower,” you said pushing away from him.

He groaned, “I’ll be back in 15.” He then sprinted to his bathroom.

Since then, you, Jared and Preston were hanging out with each other a lot. Connor ended up finding out that Preston told you two, and then he started hanging out with you three as well. Your favorite thing to do was go to the arcade together. Jared would try to teach Preston how to play some of the games, but end up getting frustrated and played Frogger alone. Connor’s was this weird ass Michael Jackson fighting game. Preston was a fan of good ole Donkey Kong. You and Jared mostly played Mortal Kombat. For a while, everything was perfect for all three of you.

But as it would seem, Josh couldn’t stand to see any of you happy. One day after football practice, Josh approached Preston. Preston scowled as he saw Josh in his peripheral vision.

Josh leaned on the lockers with a cocky smile, “So, you told the pipsqueak about or plan, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, what’s it matter to you?”, Preston coldly asked.

Josh scoffed, “Well, I thought we agreed that you’d be hush hush or we’d tell everyone about how you’re screwing the freak.”

Preston slammed his locker shut, “Well, you’ve already done your plan, so it’s not a problem that I told him.”

“Actually, it is. You see Jerry, or whatever the hell his name is, might go and run his mouth about it and we just can’t have that. I don’t want to have to hurt him you know,” Josh said, mocking sympathy.

Preston boiled over in anger, “You better leave Jared alone or I’ll beat you to a pulp.”

Josh took no care to what he said, “Oh, are in love with him now? Should I tell Murphy that his boyfriend has feelings for someone else?”

“Shut the hell up! I’ll tell everyone! I’ll tell them all what you did,” Preston barked, clenching his fists at his side.

Josh laughed, “I’d love to see that! Do you think anyone would believe me, the football captain, over some homo who’s with the local stoner? Besides, no one would care. Jared is just some loser who people only know as that kid who blacked out. If it was someone of importance, maybe. The only people who care about him are you and his girlfriend who is out of his league. Maybe I should pay her a visit? I’m sure she would love to be with a real man for once.”

“Leave them alone! All of them! What do you want from me? What can I do to make you stop?”, Preston begged.

“Quit the team,” Josh stated.

Preston shrugged, “Okay.”

Josh was visibly stunned, ‘Wait, what?”

Preston shoved his equipment bag into Josh’s arms, “If quitting the team is all I have to do to keep my friends safe from your torment, then I’ll do it.” Preston left without saying another word to Josh. He went to where the four of you would meet after school on Fridays.

You smiled and waved at him, “Hey Preston!”

“Hey guys,” he said with a large smile.

Jared scoffed as you guys made your way to your car’s, “What are you so pepped about?”

“Oh, I quit the team,” he said, his smile not falling a bit.

Connor looked at him in disbelief, “You did what?”

“I quit. I am no longer a ‘jock’,” he said.

“Why?”, Jared questioned.

“Oh no reason, let’s just say that we won’t be hearing from Josh anymore.”

“But we already weren’t?”, you said with a confused face.

“Don’t think about it too hard. Now, who is ready to get their ass handed to them in Donkey Kong?”

Jared laughed, “Let’s talk whenever you can play a big boy game.”

“Fuck you, Jared,” Preston said with a laugh.

Jared smiled, “Fuck you, Preston.”

[dissmal]

2019 in Review

Highlights/Memories of 2019: 

Began the year in Tokyo! TeamLab with Jonathan, walking around Tokyo at night 

Eating in the Chinese restaurant at Pike Place, with the ferris wheel glowing behind us

Grinding late at night for hotel comp, and then going to Aurora Ale w Yiwen and Rhonda

Sitting at the top of the mountain after snowshoeing with dried mangos and Andre3000 playing in the background

Traveling to Boston to consult for Converse, wandering around the museum with my friends and Jon’s mom, and meeting up w Rebecca Hayoung

Eating bento in the trunk of a rental car with Jon, maker faire, dancing like I didn’t give a fuck in an SF club and feeling like I’m a part of the 20s

Watched my senior friends graduate (Bailey, Y, Zach, Maya, Jen) and packing like crazy

Moving into a new apt with Eme, very sweaty

Feeling really scared and praying at mom’s surgery at NYU

Chilled in Tina’s place eating coke chicken wings

Watching 4th of July fireworks at Connor’s beach house, lying in Jonathan’s arms

A/D/O, the future of work with Maya and Creativity Inc. w Emily and Pam

A lot of Crunch, battle ropes and abs, and crying on the treadmill

Dinner with Chanel and Maya at Hanon Noodles, milk bar after that

Hiking in Maine, climbing up the rungs of Beehive and watching the Office while eating Phillip’s chicken parm

Watching Harry Potter with Jon in the Flushing Airbnb, Congee Village and talking about the future, biking along the west side, or just wandering around in williamsburg

Medium theme meeting where we group hugged and I almost cried 

Getting high at the griffith observatory. 

Breaking up, then breaking down, and having sex

eLab Pitch Night and entrepreneurship summit with Jessica and Josh 

Ordered room service in Sheraton hotel with Jonathan over Thanksgiving 

A night of mahjong and Louie’s fries with Yiwen, Ophelia, Anthony and Eme

Wine tour with Yiwen and Eme after graduation 

Christmas with Jon: walking around the emerald necklace, gropius house and sculptures, sleeping together

This Year I Have: 

Filed a provisional patent, got a lawyer to represent us

Became the president of an organization

Completed 1 year of long distance

Did my first real internship- earned 10k and spoke to clients! 

Learned how to animate! and design apps! 

Took working out seriously- went to the gym and got a trainer

Consulted for Converse and other companies through HLW

Got my first sex toy, thanks to Jon

Went on my first camping/hiking trip! 

And got to know Connor, Phillip, Jon’s grandparents, met Lev

Traveled .. even more? (Seattle // Lake Tahoe & Reno // San Francisco & Half Moon Bay // Boston // Maine // Los Angeles) and many many art museums in between..

New competition wins? (Big Idea Competition // Hotel Typology // Contribution Project) 

Did a lot of interviews for summer internship (nbbj, perkins eastman, arrowstreet, continuum, memorial sloan etc)

Started using apple calendar, sort my emails differently, got on a whole new level of productivity and understanding of management, learned a lot about business and strategy

A real friend group, hung out a ton with Eme, Yiwen, and Ophelia, and I feel like I’ve really built up the Medium creative community

My Goals for 2020: 

Have a new website

Complete my thesis

Graduate college!!

Get a job

Move out and get my own place, with Jonathan hopefully

Learn how to drive on the freeway (from 2019)

Make progress on my personal projects (ldr, clinic, my blog, a book etc)

Read... read all those design books that you’ve bought but never got around to

A year of no lateness

A year of working out, fitness and healthy foods

Get back to cooking! 

Spend more time with grandma (from 2019) and old friends from hs

2019 was a really tough year.. Long distance has changed the pacing of my life. It’s a lot of waiting, counting down the days, saying goodbyes at airports and crying. It’s a lot of front loading work so that i can have free time with Jon, moments of such highs when I’m with him and lows when I’m not. Tbh there was a lot of time wasted. Times where I sit and stare at nothing and just feel so down without him. Time where I curl up in bed and just say his name over and over. This past fall semester I felt like I lost my edge. I used to be so much more hardcore and I feel myself slipping, my expectations for myself falling. When Jon was by my side I felt twice as productive and motivated to work. 

But when I evaluate myself against my goals for 2019, I feel pretty proud. I’ve learned and accomplished so much, gained so much skill. I’ve found creative communities, met new people, became close friends with others, experienced so many new things, and felt more independent than ever. 

For 2020, I want to regain the hardcore, productive me. I want to be on top of it, on time, prepared, getting As, pushing my body when working out, applying for jobs and more. I’ll also be turning 23, and with each year I find that the time in my 20s is so precious and fleeting. I find myself asking, when will I have the chance to do this again? Before I have to get married and start a family? Before my grandparents pass away? 

2020 will be a year of risks and last chances and big changes. Let’s get it.