#led signs sydney

[jasonmorgan779]

A Guide to Choosing the Right Exterior Signs for Your Business

Exterior signs play an essential role in attracting customers to a business and creating a strong first impression. Whether it's a small retail store or a large corporate office, the signage outside is often the first thing people see. The right exterior signs for a business can make all the difference in promoting visibility, enhancing brand recognition, and guiding visitors to the correct location.

When considering exterior signs for your business, there are several factors to keep in mind, including design, materials, and placement. In addition, integrating options like LED signs can offer enhanced visibility, particularly in cities like Sydney, where businesses are often vying for attention.

Types of Exterior Signs for Businesses

There are many types of exterior signs available, depending on the business’s needs and location. Common options include:

Channel Letter Signs: These 3D letters, often illuminated, provide a bold, professional look. Channel letters are versatile and can be customized to fit the branding style of any business.

Pylon Signs: Large freestanding signs, typically seen near roadways, are perfect for businesses that need to grab attention from a distance. Pylon signs are ideal for shopping centers, restaurants, and gas stations.

Blade Signs: Mounted perpendicular to the building, blade signs are useful for businesses on busy pedestrian streets where visibility from the sidewalk is crucial.

Window Graphics: Ideal for offices, window graphics can showcase important information like business hours or promotions while utilizing existing space.

Monument Signs: These ground-level signs create a lasting impression, commonly used for corporate offices, schools, and medical centers. They’re typically made of materials like stone, brick, or metal for a durable and elegant look.

Benefits of LED Signs

For businesses looking to stand out in competitive markets, LED signs are an excellent choice. In Sydney, where businesses often compete for attention in busy urban areas, LED signs are highly visible both day and night, offering flexibility in displaying different messages and promotions. LED signs can be customized with various colors, brightness levels, and animations, helping businesses attract more foot traffic.

Another advantage of LED signs is their energy efficiency. Compared to traditional neon or fluorescent signs, LED technology consumes less energy, which can reduce electricity costs while still providing brilliant, eye-catching visuals. Durability is also a key benefit, as LED signs tend to have a longer lifespan than many other types of exterior signage.

Office Signs in Sydney

For businesses that operate in office settings, office signs in Sydney play an important role in both functionality and branding. Office signs are typically used for wayfinding, directing clients and visitors to the correct entrances or departments. In high-rise buildings or office parks, clear, professional signage is essential for making a positive impression.

Office signs can range from simple door plaques to more elaborate wall-mounted displays featuring company logos or branding elements. Whether it's a law firm, a healthcare provider, or a corporate headquarters, office signs should be consistent with the business’s overall brand identity and provide essential information in a clear and legible way.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Exterior Signs

When selecting exterior signs for your business, there are a few key factors to consider:

Visibility: The sign should be easy to read from the street or sidewalk, with legible fonts and high-contrast colors that stand out.

Durability: Outdoor signs need to withstand weather conditions like rain, wind, and sunlight. Choosing high-quality materials ensures the longevity of the sign.

Brand Consistency: Your exterior sign should align with your overall branding strategy, using the same colors, fonts, and style as your business’s other marketing materials.

Local Regulations: Be sure to check with local authorities in Sydney regarding sign ordinances, such as size restrictions, illumination rules, and placement guidelines.

Conclusion

Choosing the right exterior signs for your business is crucial for building visibility and ensuring that customers can easily find your location. Whether you opt for channel letters, pylon signs, or LED signs in Sydney, investing in high-quality, well-designed signage can enhance the overall customer experience and boost your business’s presence. Additionally, office signs in Sydney help guide visitors within your building and reinforce your brand identity in professional settings. With thoughtful planning and attention to detail, the right exterior signage can leave a lasting impression on everyone who passes by.

[glowmyparty]

Brighten up your event with stunning Glow Letters from Glow My Party! Perfect for weddings, birthdays, corporate events, and parties, these illuminated letters add a personalized touch and vibrant atmosphere to any venue. Fully customizable with various sizes and LED color options, they’re ideal for showcasing names, initials, or event themes. Durable and energy-efficient, Glow Letters are the perfect décor choice to impress your guests. Explore more at Glow My Party.

[onehoplessromantic]

B. Bradshaw | Masterlist

Top Gun - Maverick

Updated: 12/18/2024 [link check]

!!authors!! if u want something removed plz pm me 💕 ily

Hi!!! So? This is it! I've been continuously cringing at myself for even making the first search for this the other day but I did. I ended up falling down a rabbit hole full of incredible fics written by some incredible people so I hope you give it a look. No need to judge me, I'm already judging myself T-T.

peace!

PSA: if you want to be kept up to date with the happenings of this list you can sign up for my tag list here so you will be notified when i add fics or chapters and you can choose to keep up with bigger announcements as well

fluff-> 🤍 | smut -> 🍋 | angst -> 🌧️ | major tw -> ‼️

Series

☆ ALTITUDE | @tongue-like-a-razor

13 chapters | on hold | 🌧️🤍

Sydney is not a pilot. But she knows all their tricks. That's why, when she meets the smooth-talking Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw, she's not falling for any of them. She's not falling for him, either.

☆ ARE WE STILL FRIENDS? | @perpetuallydaydreaming

12 chapters | complete | 🤍🌧️🍋

Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw and you have been friends since you can remember, just friends (unfortunately) but when you are called back to Top Gun everything changes...

☆ JEALOUSY, JEALOUSY | @feralforfrank

3 chapters | complete | 🌧️🤍🍋

Rooster and you have never liked each other. One night at the Hard Deck is enough to change the dynamic between you.

☆ IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY | @bloatedandalone04

4 chapters | complete | 🌧️🤍🍋

The one where you give Bradley your heart and he breaks it.

☆ FAKING IT | @tongue-like-a-razor

8 chapters | complete | 🌧️🤍

Fake dating your friend, Bradley Bradshaw - what could possibly go wrong? Your sister is getting married and you need a date. You enlist Bradley's help and the rest is history.

☆ AT LEAST I LET THE LIGHT IN | @heartsofminds

1 chapter | on hold (?) | 🌧️‼️

Bradley is on a downward spiral and Natasha doesn't know how much more she can take - unofficial sequel to 'cause no one breaks my heart like you (linked here)

☆ DRUNK IN LOVE / DRUNK IN LOVE | @feralforfrank

2 chapters | complete | 🌧️🤍

Rooster brings a drunk!reader to his house. What happens when you wake up in bed with Rooster, your sworn rival?

☆ THIS LOVE CAME BACK TO ME | @beyondthesefourwalls

13 chapters | complete | 🌧️‼️‼️

You and Bradley hadn’t ended on bad terms; really, you stopped before the two of you could ever truly begin. Still, in the last seven months, you had never completely left his mind. So when you suddenly appeared in front of him at the bar, asking for a favor and pulling him in for a kiss, he thought maybe it was a perfect opportunity to see if this time, things could be different. But what neither of realized was that there’s more going on than just rekindling a lost romance, and it might not be as easy as simply wanting it.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE read the warnings carefully before reading this story!!

☆ REMEMBER YOU EVEN WHEN I DON'T | @beyondthesefourwalls

10 chapters | complete | 🤍🍋🌧️

A training accident, the doctor had told him. A nasty one that led him here, laying in a hospital bed with a splitting headache and an inability to remember the woman sitting right beside him. What he did know, though, was that you were the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and you felt important to him. That, as it turns out, would become an understatement

☆ HOTTER THAN TEXAS | @tongue-like-a-razor

3 chapters | ongoing | 🤍

Bradley Bradshaw is tasked with transporting a not-so-delicate package in the form of Jake Seresin's baby sister, who turns out to be Bradley's dream girl worst nightmare.

Oneshots

☆ BRAD BRAD | @peterparkersnose

wc: 1.9k | 🤍🌧️

teasing, intimidation, situationship coming to a close, ANGST, mentions of death and dealing with death, rooster is in denial of looove, fluff at the end

Rooster gets upset when a harmless joke crosses the line.

☆ "YOU TOLD ME NOT TO WORRY ABOUT THEM" | @katsu28

wc: 1.3k | request | 🌧️🤍

bradley "rooster" bradshaw x aviator!reader, callsign casper (like the ghost hehe), some swearing

Rooster gets upset when pilot hazing goes too far

☆ LOVE IN THE DARK | @bloatedandalone04

wc: 2.8k | 🌧️

swearing, angst, sad boy bradley, lowkey depressed reader, more angst bc im sick and unhappy about it, new theme

The one where the deployments become too much.

☆ WHEN I PICTURE MYSELF HAPPY, I SEE YOU | @feralforfrank

wc: idk loll | prompt | 🌧️🤍

angst with a happy ending, miscommunication trope (?), nondescriptive reader

Rooster and reader fight, but they make up in their own way.

☆ "THATS NOT WHAT I MEANT AND YOU KNOW IT" | @katsu28

wc: 1.7k | request | 🌧️

bradley "rooster" bradshaw x reader, some swearing, angst

You miss Bradley so much while he's away, in trying to communicate this to him, lines get crossed and emotions rise.

☆ CRUMBLE | @daddy-bradley

wc: idk | 🌧️🤍

angst, cursing, mentions of parental insecurity, depression, anxiety, has a happy ending

You and Bradley are having your first fight after your baby is born. How will you both come to a solution and learn to cope through this together.

☆ 'CAUSE NO ONE BREAKS MY HEART LIKE YOU | @heartsofminds

wc: 19k | 🌧️‼️

heavy angst, miscommunication, heartbreak, right person wrong universe type shit, slow burn angst, disrespect towards women, drinking, bradley is a dick

Bradley Bradshaw is terrified of commitment and he decides to stop being selfish (even though its hard to see)

☆ MIDNIGHT RAIN | @bloatedandalone04

wc: 3.6k | 🤍🍋🌧️‼️

fluff, smut, angst, oral (f receiving), mentions/descriptions of bad past relationships, mentions of abuse, past abuse, toxic ex, trauma?, bad coping habits, arguments, crying, swearing

The one where Bradley is the best boyfriend you could ever ask for, but even he cant fully erase the bad memories of your last relationship.

☆ THINGS UNSEEN AND HEARD | @bloatedandalone04

wc: 4.1k | 🍋🌧️🤍

smut, angst, fluff, obvious bradley insecurities, self-deprecating thoughts, unprotected sex, swearing, alcohol consumption, maybe more

The one where you overhear Bradley talk about you to Jake and decide to give him the space he apparently wanted.

☆ THE STACHE INCIDENT | @feralforfrank

wc: no clue | drabble | 🤍

tooth rotting fluff, its honestly tragic

the title says all you need to know

☆ WHO DID THIS TO YOU? | @feralforfrank

wc: i dunno | 🌧️🤍

accidental injury (reader got hit in the face), crying, nondescript reader

It’s a drabble, I cant say much…

☆ THE ZIPPER INCIDENT | @tongue-like-a-razor

wc: i honestly, truly, don’t know | request | 🌧️🤍

fluff, angst, swearing, a pinch of smut, you stand up your date, which is shitty of you, but it’s probably worth it

You’re running late and you need help zipping up your dress. After recovering from the initial shock of seeing you all dolled up, Rooster is more than happy to assist.

☆ SLEEPYHEAD | @roosterbruiser

wc: *shrugs* | blurb | 🤍

tooth-rotting fluff, sleepy bradley

just read it goddamnit 🥹

☆ PERMANENT STATE OF OBLIVION | @topgun-imagines

wc: 3.2k | request | 🌧️🤍

drinking, arguments, angsty feelings

Despite all the times you have tried to make your feelings for the mustached pilot obvious, he still hasn't caught on. You make things clear one night at the hard deck.

taglist sign up

ⓒ onehopelessromantic, December 2024

[ilongfor-the-arts]

Hi! Can I request a Carmy fic? I would love a confident reader who is maybe Sydney’s friend who comes to visit her at the restaurant. Asks her “who’s that?” when she sees Carmy in the background and tells Syd she has a hot boss (and Carmy overhears and likes her too). You can take it from there (with hopefully some smut)….I think Carmy would be emboldened if he knew that someone clearly liked him

More Than Friends

Pairing: Carmen Berzatto x fem! Reader

Warnings: language, talking about sex, smut, oral (m! Receiving), office sex

Summary: *in req*

Word Count: 2.8k

When I heard Sydney had gotten a job at "the best restaurant in the world," I imagined something a little more refined than The Original Beef of Chicagoland. Standing in front of the filthy sign, cluttered windows, and peeling facade made me question my decision to meet Sydney's "friends." I can only imagine the types of people who would gladly work here.

“Alright, I know it doesn’t look like much. But I promise, once you taste the food, you’ll never wanna eat anywhere else.”

I dragged my gaze across the unassuming appearance of "the best restaurant in the world." I'm not one to pass judgment based on appearance, but a dirty facade is not something you want to see in a place where food is being prepared for your consumption.

"Alright, Syd,” I say with a sigh, “I’m choosing to trust you on this one.”

Syd grasped my hand, tugging me through the threshold.

“Great! You won’t regret this Y/N.”

I permit Sydney to lead me into the restaurant. My nose was immediately filled with wonder. Considering the facade, the smell was impeccable.

“Woah.”

I said, staring aimlessly at the unkempt kitchen because the smell didn't match the appearance.

“What?”

Syd asked, worried something was not to my liking.

“I just- wow, it smells unbelievable in here.”

Sydney’s face broke into a pearly white smile.

“I know right! God, I was so worried you were gonna hate it!”

I looked all around the restaurant. It was shabby, dirty, and a little stuffy. In the corners of the room, the paint was beginning to peel. On the counter, a thin film of dust had accumulated. However, there was something that was quite adorable. For instance, it seemed as if this would be a great place for a first date. It appeared to be a location where many happy memories were stored.

“Hm.”

I hummed, crossing my arms over my chest.

“I don’t wanna speak too soon, but this certainly feels promising.”

“Oh my God just wait until you meet the crew! They are gonna love-”

“Sydney?!”

A moving figure that appeared behind the counter caught my attention.

Oh my God.

“Who is this?”

He pointed towards me.

“This is Y/N, the friend I was telling you about?”

His eyes landed on mine. He was gorgeous, God. I was almost angry at Sydney for failing to inform me about her sexy coworker.

“Oh, this is Y/N?”

Alright, now was the time to take command.

“Hey, I’m Y/N.”

I strolled over and optimistically extended a hand for him to take. His shocked gaze lingered over my friendly gesture.

“Oh- Um, hi Y/N, I’m Carmen…”

As Carmen clasped my hand in his, his voice drifted off. He had a powerful handshake. We were off to a fantastic start.

“But, um-my friends just call me Carmy.”

I grinned, shoving my hands in the pockets of my jeans.

“So, is it alright if I call you Carmy?”

He raised his eyebrows in surpirse.

“Well, I mean-um-that depends? Do you think were gonna be friends?”

I scoffed, my grin morphing into a subtle smirk.

“Y’know, I don’t know if I wanna be friends.”

It took a minute for him to get it, but once he did, the reaction was instnat. Carmen’s lips parted, a faint shade of pink creeping onto his cheekbones.

“Well, um-”

He looked to Sydney for solitude. She chimed in.

“Hey, um, Y/N, we only have about an hour until we open.”

She came around to my side, wrapped her arm around my shoulder, and led me to the kitchen. She was directing my attention away from Carmen.

“How ‘bout we take a look around and then I can make you some food to take home?”

I nodded.

“Sounds like a plan to me.”

I removed myself from the uncomfortable blanket of awkwardness once we were in the kitchen and a considerable distance away from Carmen.

“Okay, what the hell Syd? Why didn’t you tell me you had a hot coworker!”

Sydney pressed her finger to my lips, hushing me. Her face was filled with fear. Was my flirtation really that petrifying?

“Sh! Y/N, he’s not just a coworker he’s my boss!”

My jaw dropped to the floor, my eyes widening.

“No way in hell! He’s your boss?! The man I just talked to is your fucking boss?!”

“The man you just flirted with is my fucking boss!”

I scoffed loudly, my tone creeping well above a whisper.

“Sydney you have a hot boss!”

“Y/N!”

She exclaimed sternly.

“Please! I beg of you! Try to keep the flirting to a minimum!”

I rolled my eyes.

“Jesus Sydney why don’t you just cut off my leg while you’re at it!”

I flung myself atop a kitchen coutner playfully, dangling my legs.

“I mean, you have this absolute hunk of a man bossing you around and hanging over your shoulder 24/7. You are lucky!”

Sydney crossed her arms over her chest, her lips pursed.

“Please, can you just not flirt with my boss.”

I groaned.

“You are no fun.”

I gnawed on my lower lip, staring into the nothingness past Sydney, letting my mind drift. When a burning question popped into my head, I quickly jerked back into reality.

“Alright, but, can I just ask one thing?”

Sydney sighed.

“What?”

She inquired, exasperated.

“Have you ever tried to-”

She waved her hands through the air, hastily dismissing my question.

“Oh my God please no more of that! No! The answer is no!”

I held my hands up in defense.

“Hey! Don’t attack me! I was just asking!”

Sydney rolled her eyes, her annoynace bubbling within her.

“Look Y/N, Carmen is a really lonely guy. He isn’t like one of those jocks you’re used to flirting with-”

Sydney's tone was tinged with judgment. I had to chime in.

“Woah, okay, when did this turn into criticizing my romantic choices?”

Sydney shook her head, restarting her thought process.

“That’s not what I’m saying. I’m just saying you are a confident girl and he is very much so a not confident guy. And, I know you’re just screwing around, and even though you might think he knows you're screwing around, I promise you he does not.”

I stared off into space, appearing to carefully consider my next ideas even though I was only messing with Sydney. I mean, really? Don't flirt with her hot boss? Was she for real?

“Alright, so what you’re saying is make it obvious I’m not screwing around before I fuck him?”

Sydney groaned, her eyes virtually rolling to the back of her head.

“That’s absolutely not what I’m saying!”

“Sydney! Get your ass over here I need your help with something!”

Another voice, not Carmen's, reverberated around the kitchen walls. Sydney raced over to me, her voice barely above a whisper. I recoiled, surprised at her sudden closeness.

“I’m saying don’t fuck him! Please!”

She took a step back, placing distance between us. Sydney took a deep breath, steadying herself.

“Now, I gotta go. Are you okay hanging here for a second?”

I nodded, trying to conceal my annoyance.

“Sure. I’ll be okay.”

“Hands to yourself!”

Sydney exclaimed before vanishing from sight. I assumed she'd only take a few minutes, but after about ten minutes of waiting, I decided to go exploring. I stumbled upon an appealing door that was closed off from the rest of the restaurant. I glanced from side to side, ensuring no one was around to witness my snooping.

I flung open the door, eager to discover the secrets of the hidden room. What I didn't expect to find was Carmen hunched over a desk, scribbling on a scrap of paper. When he noticed I was in his office, a look of shock wafted over his features. He blushed.

“Oh! Um, Y/N, what are you doing here?”

I shut the door behind me. Now, it was just me and him, in his office, alone.

Perfect.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you, I was just exploring and this door was closed so it excited me.”

I motioned to the door behind me.

“Huh. Do-um, do things that are off limits entice you?”

I strolled over to his desk, trying not to overwhelm him with my seductive attempts.

“Yes. When someone tells me I can’t have something, it makes me want it real bad.”

“Yes. When someone tells me I can’t have something, it makes me want it real bad.”

Carmen scoffed.

“What? Like your friend's hot boss?”

Oh my God.

He heard that?

His cheeks flushed an even brighter shade of pink. He was taken aback by his own self-assurance.

“I mean, um, I didn’t-uh, I-I wasn’t eavesdropping I promise.”

He averted his gaze, suddenly becoming preoccupied with the numerous bills on his desk. I shrugged casually.

“It’s alright. Honestly, I don’t really care. It’s your restaurant after all. You have a right to know what’s going on.”

Carmen scoffed.

“What? Like your friend's hot boss?”

Oh my God.

He heard that?

His cheeks flushed an even brighter shade of pink. He was taken aback by his own self-assurance.

“I mean, um, I didn’t-uh, I-I wasn’t eavesdropping I promise.”

He averted his gaze, suddenly becoming preoccupied with the numerous bills on his desk. I shrugged casually.

“It’s alright. Honestly, I don’t really care. It’s your restaurant after all. You have a right to know what’s going on.”

Through his lashes, he looked up at me. Except for the soothing hum of the air conditioner, there was complete silence. The dim lighting created an intriguing ambience in the space.

“Uh-well, I’m still sorry.”

I grinned, his awkwardness was incredibly adorable.

“Did you happen to hear what Sydney said? Yknow, about the whole…”

I waved my hand through the stuffy air, hoping he'd finish the sentence for me. If Carmen was as unaccustomed to female interaction as Sydney suggested, I would not bring up the subject of sex.

Carmen raised his eyebrows.

“Uh-yeah, I-um, I heard most of it.”

He laughed awkwardly.

“Please don’t fuck my boss.”

He tried to mimic Sydney's tone of voice. I laughed, delighted by his attempts at humor. I trailed my finger down the uneven wood of the desk, attempting to appear nonchalant as I entered unfamiliar terrain.

“Yknow, we can still have fun and not fuck.”

Carmen shifted in his seat, tightening his grasp on the armrests. His knuckles had turned a pale white.

“We don't-y’know-we don’t have to do anything.”

I nodded.

“We don’t have to do anything you don’t wanna do. But, honestly, do you think I’m attractive?”

The breath hitched in Carmen’s throat.

“Yeah, I do.”

He said, voice cracking slightly. I smirked, fluttering my lashes suggestively.

“Good, cause I think you’re attractive.”

I moved my gaze down his body, enjoying the sight of his toned torso being softly hugged by a white shirt. God, his hands, what I’d give to have them around my neck.

Baby steps.

Baby steps.

Carmen shifted once more in his seat, the bulge in his jeans becoming increasingly more difficult to conceal.

“And, if you’ll let me, I’d love to take care of that for you.”

Carmen’s eyes widened.

“Oh-um, you don’t have to-“

“Well, I’m aware I don’t have to. But, yknow, usually when two people are attracted to each other they act on it.”

I slowly dropped to my knees in front of him, staring at him through my lashes. I shuffled closer, settling myself between his spread legs. The gentle smell of sweat and smoke wafted through the air.

“I mean, what’s the point of being attracted to someone if all you do is beat around the bush?”

God, this angle made me want to fuck him even more. He looked extra sexy when he was all hot and bothered.

“Yeah-um, I guess.”

I reached for his jeans, slowly unbuttoning his fly.

“Is this okay?”

Carmen gulped, his lips falling open as his breathing became audible.

“Yeah, this is okay.”

I tugged his jeans down his thighs, exposing his black boxers. Carmen’s erection was growing with every subtle touch.

Jesus, he was big.

I hooked a finger in the waistband of his boxers, pulling them down to join his jeans in a pool on the floor. His cock sprang free, beads of precum already collecting on the swollen tip.

“Oh Jesus.”

Carmen murmured under his breath. His knuckles were white. I playfully cast a glance upwards as I wrapped my hand around his length. Carmen shuddered. His entire body convulsed as I began to pump his erection. A few stray curls fell onto his forehead, and his chest heaved with each strangled breath.

“Try to be quiet, alright? We don’t want Sydney to think I’m fucking her hot boss.”

With that comment, I slipped the tip of his cock into my mouth. Carmen grit his teeth, suppressing the noises that threatened to spill past his lips.

“Does that feel good?”

I asked before hastily resuming my previous actions. Bit by bit, I took Carmen’s thick cock into my mouth. But he couldn’t help himself. Carmen thrusted his hips forward, his tip slamming into the back of my throat. I gagged, his visceral reaction was incredibly unexpected.

“Shit,” he whispered, “I’m sorry. Uh-yeah, yeah, that feels really good. Please, please don’t stop.”

Oh, I was not stopping.

Carmen's tanned body was covered in a thin mist of sweat. Moisture had adhered to the loose curls on his forehead. His pupils had been blown, and his dreamy blue eyes had turned nearly entirely black with passion.

Carmen's chest continued to heave as he attempted to recover control over his own body. He threw his head back, his Adam's apple now exposed.

God, he was sexy. I wanted nothing more than to place a hickey on that lovely neck of his.

The sound of footsteps hurried past the office door. Carmen's eyes widened in disbelief. He placed his fist in his mouth and bit down hard to conceal his desire.

Oh God, the thought of Sydney bursting through the door to find me on my knees with Carmen’s cock in my mouth frightened me. So, I gently took Carmen’s free fist and placed it in my hair, hoping he would take the hint and manipulate me to his liking.

Thankfully, his desire was so prominent that he pushed away his apprehension. He quickened my pace, moving me along his cock more rapidly. I relaxed my body, allowing myself to become a tool to help him achieve his release.

Carmen gripped my roots with such force that I feared my scalp would be pulled from my skull. Nevertheless, I pushed past the pain and discomfort in my knees and worked to bring him to an orgasm.

Carmen instinctively bucked his hips into my mouth, his cock twitching on my tongue. His salty precum coated my taste buds. I dragged my tongue over his swollen tip, his length now twitching more rapidly.

“Fuck! Jesus, I’m gonna-“

Carmen’s voice morphed into a pornographic moan as his hot cum coated my throat. He released his death grip on my roots, taking a few loose strands of hair with him. I gently dragged my lips along his cock a few more times in order to bring him down from his high. When he grew completely soft in my mouth, I removed my mouth from his length with a subtle pop.

I stood, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand.

“You alright?”

Carmen hastily shoved his cock back into his boxers.

“I’m uh-I’m great.”

He threw his jeans over his hips, tattooed biceps rippling as he redid his fly.

He has nice arms.

I bet he could throw me around really easily.

“I just-um-we open really soon and I-um-I need to get ready there’s still a lot of work to be done.”

Carmen pushed past me. Before he could throw open the door, I placed my palm atop his hand, halting his movements.

“Would you wanna get dinner with me sometime?”

His eyes had returned to their lovely blue.

“Sure, um… I’m super busy but I think I can make something work.”

He grinned softly. He had a beautiful smile. God, this guy needs to get laid.

“Sounds good.”

Carmen and I crossed the threshold into the now-busy front of the restaurant. Employees rushed back and forth. A crowd had gathered around the front door. Carmen tapped my shoulder to attract my attention.

“Could I, um, maybe get your number?”

He asked, chuckling. I crossed my arms over my chest. I grinned devilishly.

“Sorry, I don’t have my phone on me right now,” I began, “oh! But, Y’know who does have my number who you could ask?”

Carmen tilted his head to the side, intrigued.

“Who?”

My eyes crinkled as I grinned sincerely.

Oh, this was gonna be fun.

“Sydney.”

[ciaomarie]

Waiting on my AO3 invite. Here's a one shot Sydcarmy story. Canon compliant. Post season 2. Please excuse the grammar/spelling mistakes. I need season 3 to get here quickly!

Title: Won't You Be My Neighbor

It was her break and for the 89th time in the last three days Sydney reassessed the apartments within 15 minutes walking distance from The Bear. As CDC she no longer wanted to depend on the train should there be some kind of accident, strike, or weather event. There were three that she could afford on her own and many more options if she were willing to become a roommate. She wasn't. If inspiration for a recipe struck her at 2am she wanted to get up and cook if she wanted. She loved the freedom of walking around naked after a shower, picking out her clothes or getting a snack. Most of all she missed turning up her music and dancing like an inflatable tube man in private.

She had sent a message to each leasing office to schedule an appointment next Monday and two of the three had confirmed a 10a and 11a showing. It had been more than 48 hours since she messaged the third so she called. The leasing agent informed her that the specific unit she wanted was no longer available, but they had a gorgeous 2 bedroom for $3800 a month if she was interested. "Okay, now that's just two options" Sydney muttered after getting off the phone.

"Hey mija, what you looking at?" Tina asked sitting down to eat lunch.

"Just apartments. I finally have the funds to move" Sydney answered with a sigh.

"What's wrong? Aren't you happy to be getting out on your own?"

"Oh, yeah for sure. It's just I'm really picky"

"Well, it doesn't have to be forever. Just make sure to read the reviews. You don't want roaches or bed bugs".

"Oh, I can't stand bugs! My dad still has to kill them for me, but I better get a fly swatter and spray now that I'll be on my own soon."

Break was over and Sydney stood up to resume her duties. First she needed to talk to Natalie about the upcoming private party. A celebrity had reserved the entire restaurant next Thursday evening. The names of all staff members on duty that night had to be submitted ahead of time with signed NDAs. It was all happening so fast and The Bear's debt was likely to be paid less than a year after opening. First there had been a Grio article about her being a rising black chef. That led to Keith Lee, the TikTok restaurant reviewer, raving about his to-go order that included the T-Bone and the Michael cannoli. It went viral and suddenly, they were booked for the next three months with a waiting list. She was working harder than ever, getting paid pretty well, and she deserved a place of her own.

After talking to Natalie, she found Carmy working on her prep.

"Hey, thanks! I can take over that now if you want"

"Actually….it's done. I wanted to take you somewhere for like 30 minutes" he said finishing up and cleaning the station.

Sydney folded her arms, her eyebrows raised high.

"Okay, where are we going?"

"I know you've been looking for a place and I think know the perfect apartment for you. Just a 10 minute walk from here. The landlord gave me the key so I could show you today" Carmy said trying to sound casual, but a deep pink flush rose in his cheeks.

"Why is he being weird?" Sydney thought but simply said "Okay, that's dope."

The Chicago air was soft and warm, the clean sunlight making everything look new. Summer afternoons like this made you forgive the brutal winters here. Carmy directed Sydney when to turn left and right, but refused to tell her where exactly they were going. Soon they were standing in front of his building.

The reason for his weirdness was now perfectly clear to Sydney and she felt so flattered that she had to avoid looking at Carmy when she said "So, there's an open unit in your building?"

"Uh, yeah. The people who lived just above me moved and I, uh, thought you might want to see it".

The apartment was on the fourth floor. Carmy unlocked the door and let Sydney go in first. The walls were freshly painted in "Cloud White" and the oak hardwood floors creaked comfortably under their feet. The layout was the same as Carmy's apartment with plenty of windows to let in natural light and a shockingly large kitchen for a 1 bedroom place in Chicago. As Sydney inspected the appliances and bathroom, she decided that if the rent was going to eat up even half of her check it was worth it. She had always admired Carmy's spacious apartment and with her sense of style she could make hers, a cozy bohemian oasis filled with plants, wall art, and actual furniture (eventually).

Carmy had let her roam around in silence for a few minutes, muttering and emitting tiny sounds of joy to herself. When she met him in the living room again, he said trying not to grin too widely, "If you like it, it's already yours."

"How? I know places like this are snatched up fast" Sydney said her eyes finally able to meet his again.

"The landlords, they're a couple, and their 20th wedding anniversary is coming up. They want reservations at The Bear." Carmy explained, desperately hoping to sound nonchalant about it.

"Oh, that's nice work, Carmy."

Then Sydney squealed and cried "This is just what I wanted!!" and she flung her arms around his shoulders in a wild hug. Carmy commanded his body not to shudder as he hugged her back. She was just wearing a t-shirt and without her usual layers of clothing he felt her delicate frame, her slim shoulder blades imprinting on his fingers.

In a moment Sydney pulled back shly and let her arms fall to her sides, her face burning. She made a mental note: Hugging Carmy. Not a safe activity for those who want to cook along side him using sharp objects or sleep peacefully at night dreaming innocent thoughts.

"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!" Sydney said taking another step back and making another turn around the room.

Carmy nodded and concentrated on not melting into the floorboards.

"You're okay with this? We already spend 60+ hours together at the restaurant every week and now I'd be in your building! And literally living on top of you."

"Yeah, well, I want you to. You deserve everything you want, Syd."

"Then I'll take it! Just a warning though. If you hear someone belting out Kpop and an occasional thud, that's just my weekly one woman concert, which will be over no later than 10pm. I'm not being murdered."

Carm was no longer unable to contain the width of his smile. This girl is so cute, his body physically ached. How would he get through service tonight?

With a happy shake of his head, he replied, "Thank you, for the heads up!"

With that Sydney marched towards the door and exclaimed "Take me to your landlord!"

Carmy floated behind her.

Cue: Maxwell's "Whenever, Wherever, Whatever"

[ultralightpoe]

Can you do something with eddie and someone from scream? That don't really make sense but like the reader is a survivor of ghostface and kind celebrity for it. Like Sydney through the movies? There would be a time change but like that? That would be so amazing. I would give my left nut for that tbh. I don't have a left nut. But i gove one if I could.

Final Girl - Eddie Munson

Authors Note: This was from march, and I am cleaning out my drafts for y'all

Warnings: Slasher, wounds, eddie being a confused lil bug.

Word Count: 3813

Description: Eddie meets a final girl, and apparently trauma bonds

Enjoy!

College life sucked. 

This wasn’t an actual shock to Eddie Munson, since he had never been great at school in the first place. Come on, he had been a super senior. Eddie Munson, who normally spent his life in fantasy could at least be realistic about ONE thing, he was not really meant for school. 

But…. not many people got a second chance at life and not many people were given a full ride scholarship from the government. 

Jason Carver, the ‘King of Hawkins High’, had taken the fall for Chrissy Cunningham. Eddie was released of any and all convictions, and the government had ‘thanked’ him. But he didn’t stop there, Eddie demanded something in return since he nearly died from the bats. So, Eddie Munson the super senior graduated with the help of his friends and Eddie Munson got a full ride scholarship from the government. 

Wayne was able to open up his own contracting business and Eddie was able to move to his new college knowing that he would not die in Hawkins. 

But that meant actually attending classes in college, something that Eddie found himself despising. More grumpy than not in the mornings he found himself ignoring the life around him, grumbling to himself as he trudged through the autumn leaves, his converse beginning to soak through from the rain that drenched the earth. 

There was one good thing about mornings though, and that was who he sat by in his intro to Shakespeare class….You. 

You were everything. Or at least Eddie thought so. 

You always had a book with you in class, mostly fantasy which drew him in. You always looked angelic, even on days where you definitely just woke up, and most importantly you never talked to him like he was stupid which most people at this school had done. But most importantly he liked that you seemed to be fine on your own, whereas most of the class was desperate for friends. You were just fine sitting in the back like you didn’t care.

But that led to his next problem, he desperately wanted to get to know you. 

He had tried to make conversation in the past, but the words never came out right and class was always packed with work so he never really got the chance to break the ice with you, but everyday he told himself that ‘Today is the day I’m going to talk to her’.

So he talked himself up on the way to class, fixing his rings as he tried not to focus on how cold his feet were before he was sitting beside you, the chain on his pants scraping in the chair as everyone bustled to their seats around him. 

He waits patiently for you to join the class, taking a moment to survey the room of all your other shared classmates. 

The front row held a cheerleader that reminded him of Chrissy, the sweet angelic smile and the same ponytail, the only problem was he had heard this version say a few icy things to her classmates and Eddie liked to think that Chrissy would have never. 

There was a kid named Paul that sat just a row below him, three seats to the right. Whereas Eddie was more of a leather jacket rock and roll type Paul was all about the punk, mohawk dyed neon colors and piercings decking out his face. He always gave Eddie a rock on sign whenever they made eye contact and Eddie liked the minor alliance. 

Before he could recognize anyone else you were pulling into your seat, rubbing your arm as if you were in pain as Eddie whips to smile at you. He gets nervous when you raise an eyebrow before giving him a tight lipped smile like he was crazy, then he realizes that his smile was a little too wide and he was the one sending crazy vibes so he simply clears his throat and taps his pencil on the tiny desk. 

The seats on this campus were all made of cheap plastic that had bus cushions on the butt of the seat, and little desks that you could flip to the right to escape. He liked to think of it like he was buckling himself into a rollercoaster each time. 

“Did you do the homework?” He blurts, trying to act cool as you stare at him. 

“We had homework?” You ask, eyes snapping to the daily checklist before turning back to him. “Are you sure?”

“No, that’s why I was asking you.” He blushes, pushing some hair back behind his ear. “Because I didn’t remember if we had an assignment or not.”

“Well normally you can see when we do because our professor writes it down.” You whisper, using your pencil to point at the board the assignments usually are. You were leaning in like you were telling him a secret and Eddie couldn’t help but bask in your scent for a moment. 

“Right….. I knew that.” He blushes, leaning in himself. “But if we are being totally honest here I might need some help with-”

“Alright settle down students! Let’s begin!” The professor calls and Eddie tries not to kick himself as he draws back to pay attention. So so close. 

- 

College life sucked. 

You had talked yourself into going to college after the horrific events you survived, seeing it as a chance to make yourself a new person. Leave the bloody history behind and live your life. 

It wasn’t everyday people got a second chance at life after all. 

It had taken you months to convince your parents to let you go, and it had been a rough time to say goodbye to your close knit group of friends or as your hometown liked to call them ‘The survivors’. Tear stained goodbyes and tons of promises to stay in touch before you left and at the time you had thought it was for the best, but now that you were here you realized what a mistake you had made. 

You had always thought that being away from the place where it happened might help you heal, but it only seemed to make it worse. 

The winter cold made your wounds ache, which made it hard to move. You couldn’t seem to make a friend to save your life and whenever you get close you can never get over the fact that they might stab you just as he had. The nightmares grew worse since you didn’t know this place well and you didn’t really have a security set up which meant your roommate hated you and often whispered about you with other girls living in your dorm hall. 

But the worst part was you saw them everywhere. 

You saw Maya sitting with the cheerleaders at lunch, giggling and being the life of the party, no longer dead. You saw Dylan drumming on a desk rather than paying attention, and when he turned back to smile at you he didn’t have his throat slit. 

You saw all your friends, or what could have been your friends, making themselves known in the world and each time you just felt like a huge imposter. You were wasting your life, it should have been you. 

But the worst was when you saw them. Standing outside your window in the masks, watching from the doorway of your classes or trailing behind you at night. 

You saw them everywhere, you saw flashes of that final fight every time you close your eyes. An ironic feat considering the news articles always read how lucky you were to ‘escape with your life’. 

But there was no escaping them. You were trapped in an endless cycle of fear. You could trust no one and hurt no one. 

That’s what made the chocolate eyed boy next to you so confusing. He had been seated next to you since the beginning of the year and you often caught him staring as if he was trying to think of things to say, and whereas you tensed around most people you never did with him. 

Maybe that’s because you could feel the nervousness coming off him every time. 

You were actually shocked that he spoke to you this morning, and you were even more shocked to find that his voice was a raw sort of calm that drew you in, which made you ashamed to admit you were a little upset that your professor interrupted because you were desperate to hear him talk forever. 

But that spell broke as you watched the board up front, taking the next 40 minutes to regain your composure and think of all the things that could go wrong. He could know who you are and be an obsessed freak, wouldn’t be the first time. He could be a copycat, he could stab you. He could be worse and actually succeed this time. 

What are the chances? You tried to remind yourself, taking a deep breath in only to stop when you see Stu standing in the doorway with his shirt covered in blood, smiling from ear to ear. You cough loudly, choking on your own hair as tears spring from your eyes, drawing attention from everyone in the class as the boy next to you reaches to hand you his water bottle. 

You take it, chugging quickly as the soft bell goes off, setting the bottle back down with a quick thanks and bolting from your seat. You hear him yell out a ‘wait’ before he rushes to stand, hitting the desk harshly since he hadn’t put it up and cursing at the pain. 

You use this as a chance to escape, dashing out the doors and barely turning back to see if Stu would follow. 

He’s not real. 

But he could be, and he could come back and he could-

“Wait wait wait, Jesus you are fast.” The stranger calls, panting as he catches up, a ringed hand flying to his right side as if he were in pain while staring at you. “You okay? Had a bit of a coughing attack in there.”

“Yeah, I just choked on air.” You half lied, not making eye contact. “Thanks for the bottle by the way…”

“Eddie. Well Edward but everyone calls me Eddie. Munson. Eddie Munson.” He blushes, holding out the hand that wasn’t holding his side. 

“I’m-”

“Y/n. I know.” He smiles and you draw your hand back quickly, panic clawing at you as the fall wind hits your spine. Of course he knows, everyone knows. They are laughing at you. 

“You know?”

“Yeah. You introduced yourself on the first day of class? You told everyone your favorite book was Frankenstein?” He chuckles, pink singing at his ears and cheeks as you nod. Jesus you paranoid freak, he’s just trying to be nice. 

“Right. Yeah.” You smile, fixing your bag and moving to walk away before he walks with you slowly. 

“I was actually going to ask for your help.”

“With?”

“Homework. Or well, just classwork in general. You see I am more of a fantasy kinda guy. Elves and goblins and dwarves but this whole classic literature is kicking my ass. And you seem to devour it like no other so I was hoping maybe you could help out.”

“Like do your homework?”

“No!” He laughs, moving to scratch the back of his neck. You notice then that his hand is still on his side, and when he catches you looking he snaps it back down and fixes the leather jacket to cover himself even with the shirt. “Maybe just tutoring sessions? I’ll get dinner or something.” 

“Oh…” You think back to all the things you could say to get out of it, maybe that you just didn’t want to but then you see Maya walking by with a laugh and remember why you were here in the first place. 

A second chance at life, right?

“I… okay.” You agree, something in your stomach easing at his smile. 

- 

You both agree to meet up Sunday night at a pizza place right off campus, which gives Saturday free of any and all obligation. With no classes and waiting to do homework tomorrow you find yourself with a free day, so you use it to call home. 

Not your parents since you just know they will pick up on the slightest hint of sadness in your tone and demand you come home. Instead you call Randy, one of the other survivors from that night, and eagerly listen to all his news in bed. 

He catches you up on everything back home, from the gym being redecorated to the radio station he works at, but it was only a matter of time before you both had to talk about it.

“They knocked the house down, there were too many break-ins lately.” He explains and you hear a slight shuffle on the other side, knowing him that meant he was pacing. “Nothing gets people hornier than death.”

“Figures.” You try to laugh, your throat tight as tears spring to your eyes. 

“Actually Y/n, I am glad I got ahold of you. I wanted you to hear it from one of us rather than the world…” He starts and you take a deep breath as you try to control your panic. 

“What’s up?”

“Kelvin…. He uhm, he sold the story.” Your heart lurches in your chest at the words, the tears falling freely now.

“He what?”

“A movie company reached out, bought the rights to the story-”

“But we all agreed we wouldn’t!” You snap.

“He said they offered him a lot-”

“I won’t sign off, they can’t use-”

“They won’t use your name. Trust me I’ve already tried on my end.” Randy sighs. “It’s being released soon, called ‘Slashed’ and-”

The second he says the name you recognize it. You had seen a poster for it on a walk through campus but hadn’t actually stopped to look at it. Oh my god. 

“Randy, I have to go.” You rush out, a sob slipping past your lips as you hang up the phone right as your roommate comes back, glaring and rolling her eyes at the scene before her. You don’t hear what she mumbles under her breath, too lost in your own world.

- 

“Yes Dustin, I heard you.” Eddie sighs, searching his mess of a dorm room for his leather jacket as Dustin lectures him over the phone. 

“My flight lands in two weeks at 3, do you hear me Munson? You better have the couch clean enough for me to sleep on-”

“Dustin, dude, you need to have more trust. The room is all set up for your arrival.” Lie. “And I have so many fun things planned for you when you get out here.” Double lie. 

“Are you sure?” 

“Yeah.” No. “And we’ll go see that movie you have been prattling on about-”

“Slashed is going to be so epic. Think Halloween but better Eddie-”

“Nothing is better than Halloweeen.” Eddie snaps, eyes finally landing on the leather jacket where he actually hung it up and snagging it, throwing it on and giving himself one last look in the mirror before he rushes a goodbye to his friend.”I’m running late and have togobye!” 

Before he knows it he is on his way to meet you, books in hand as he walks across the street and towards the pizza place that sits right off campus. When he gets there he finds you already seated in a booth, your own books already open in front of you and he tries his best to remain cool when he walks up. 

“Hey, how was your day off yesterday?” He asks, sliding into the seat across from you with an easy smile. 

“Busy.” You smile, and he tries not to notice the way it doesn’t meet your eyes. “You?”

“Promised myself I would clean my room…..didn’t.” He jokes, and that finally cracks an actual smile out of you which makes his heart skip a beat. “Now I am ready to read shakespine and shove my face with pizza.” 

“Speare.”

“Huh? Is that a type of pizza?”

“No. You said shakespine, it’s shakespeare.” You laugh and his eyes widen. 

“I think I know why I failed the last assignment then.” How is he supposed to fight off that feeling of pride when you let out a loud laugh?

- 

You had only expected to spend an hour with Eddie, but ended up spending four and closing the place down, to which he kindly offered to walk you back to your dorm.  You said yes, partly because it was way too dark outside and partly because you wanted to spend just a little longer with him. More than you wanted to admit. 

So you walked side by side, listening to him tell you about the funniest thing that had ever happened to his band ‘Corroded Coffin’ in detail before the conversation came to an easy lull. “Do you miss them?”

He looks over at you with a curious expression, waiting for you to explain. “Since you are here now, do you miss all your friends and family?”

“Well family wise it’s just my uncle Wayne and I, and I miss him greatly. I went from spending every day seeing him and never realized just how much I relied on him. He raised me and now I’m living in a world where I can’t dash to him with every bloody nose or black eye. And I just miss him a lot. My friends? I find that I miss some more than others. I miss my band, I grew up with them and they have known me since middle school, playing guitar doesn’t feel the same without them. But the Vecna crew? Jesus, I miss them all the time. Just thinking about them makes me feel like I’m lonely and ready to go back home.”

You knew that feeling all too well. 

You spot the entrance to your building, taking the lead in walking up the steps until you get to the door, turning to smile at him softly. He is looking at you with the softest look you had ever seen, and you begin to get butterflies in your stomach. 

“How about you?”

“My family and friends are….. Complicated.” You blush, the sound of Maya’s scream tearing through your mind. 

“How so?”

“I wanted to escape them, but they are the only ones that know me.” You whisper and he nods in understanding, something flashing in the brown of his eyes. Like a scarred memory. He knows he knows he knows. 

“I…. well I can’t say I know you as well as them, but I can say even knowing a quarter of you is a gift. And I would love to get to know more.” He says lowly, leaning in slightly and you find yourself leaning up yourself before the groan of the metal door behind you sounds out. 

“Look who's back.” Someone snickers and you take a quick step back from Eddie who shoots you a curious look, only for you to wish him goodnight and rush inside the building as the two girls leave. 

Your cheeks are pumping from your heartbeat, all the blood rushing to your face as you make a quick dash to your room. 

This cannot happen. You can’t be so stupid again. 

- 

The next morning Eddie doesn't grumble to himself, and he doesn’t complain about having to wake up so early. Today he walks with a pep in his step as he makes his way to class, eager to see you. 

As per usual he arrives first, sending a rock signal to Paul as he takes his seat, flipping the desk down and pulling out his writing tablet as his side begins stinging in pain. Taking a hand and rubbing at his side slowly to help ease the soreness of the scars when he feels you come near, eyes already planted on him rubbing his side in pain. 

“Morning.” He greets, bringing his hand back down and giving you a smile. 

“Good morning.” You smile back, taking a seat, your eyes casting to the door for a moment before your face blanches out quickly and you turn to him. “I had a lot of fun last night.”

“Me too, we should do it again sometime. Not to mention it will really help my grades.” He teases, smiling at you like a conspirator. 

“We could always study for the test tonight?” You offer and Eddie feels like his body is on fire. 

“I would love that.”

- 

Dinners and study dates become a nightly thing with Eddie, and you find that you love them. You also find that each night he walks you home you are absolutely desperate for him to kiss you, and you keep getting closer and closer. 

Like tonight, your shoulders had been bumping each other the entire time, laughing gently as you recalled the jokes you made at dinner, your pinky grazing his own as he stared at you before you made it to your building. 

“Once again this is goodnight.” You blush, reaching a hand out to fix his leather jacket. “Same thing tomorrow?”

“Sadly not, I have plans with my friend Dustin.” 

“Right, you guys were going to go watch a movie together on his first night back.” You smile, before your mind is brought back to the posters of the screaming face all over town. “Do you know what movie you’re seeing?”

“Sealand or something?” Eddie shrugs, eyes hooded a bit as he steps closer. “You okay?”

“Me? Of course.” You smile, pressing your nose against his as you lean up to trace your lips against his own. He hesitates for a moment before leaning and taking your lips on his own, his hands flying to your hips softly as he kisses you deeply. Butterflies erupt in your stomach and you make the mistake of opening your eyes, only to find Billy standing behind Eddie’s shoulder with a smile. 

Drawing back with a sharp gasp that has Eddie staring wide eyed. “You okay?”

“Yes!” You rush out, kissing his cheek before moving to rush inside. 

“What?” Billy laughs from behind you, following you into the building. “You didn’t forget about me did you? You didn’t wanna tell your boyfriend about me?”

“Go away.” You whisper. 

“Didn’t want to admit how you killed me?”He laughs bitterly as you slam your bedroom door. Hesnotrealhesnotreal. He. Is. Not. Real.

- 

Dustin is a big ball of excitement as Eddie leads him through the movie theater, watching people come out with shocked and excited faces. 

“This movie has to be good.” Dustin rushes out. “Did you know it’s inspired by a true story?” 

“What are we watching again?”

“Slashed.” Dustin smiles. “And it’s going to be so awesome.”

(Part 2 soon)

[anti-homophobia-cheese]

the dreams i had last night had the BEST content and narratives. like i was hooked. so MANY cool stories in my head. but most importantly it had a LOT OF tzp for which I'm exceptionally glad.

i dreamt that i was at some brunch with a friend. i hadn't noticed him (which- boooo) but i was talking about him. loudly. (which- fork found in the kitchen). and so he came up to me!! and asked if i wanted him to sign anything. i think i gave him my menu to sign (which- look there are some loopholes in the narrative what do you want from me???).

and then i asked him for a picture. which for some reason he took to mean i wanted him to take MY picture. :3

anyway. he told me he knows a spot and took me to the opera house (at this point i realise we're in sydney). he was very handsy with me and positioned me this way and that until he was happy with the pictures. and then i finally told tzp i also wanted a picture with him. we got that.

and then we went back to my airbnb. there were some strangers in the house and a blonde anne hathaway for some reason.

but tzp led me straight to my room and started describing to me— unprompted and in great detail— about his favourite dildo and his favourite position. he got on my bed on all fours about to demonstrate.

AND THAT'S WHEN I WOKE UP.

i feel so betrayed by my REM cycle :((

[abrandnewshadow]

hii you're the biggest frank fan i know so i thought i'd ask you for help!

i've been trying to find the date and venue for an event frank did back in 2014, which from what i can tell was a signing but also he was getting tattooed in front of a crowd, probably answering questions (?

i made a board even: https://pin.it/3cZx9EzcP alternatively: pinterest (dot com) /angel_blue_heart/frank/

of course only reply if you want! and thank you sm in advance if you find it!!! (love your blog <3 )

thank you so much I consider that a huge compliment! I love him and appreciate you thinking I could find it.

kerrang! # 1605 from 09/10/2016

utopia records event 01/28/2016 AND eureka tattoo 1/29/2016

sydney australia

ok so this is definitely lesser known and google/tineye/yandex image searches only led to more pinterest. I looked all over his instagram and twitter and nothing

so I looked at the frank scans on mcrhollywood and found one that matched your pinterest photo's venue and frank.

his ramones shirt with yellow text inside out and the exposed brick and wood wall of art at the venue.

there's also a 2016 music feed interview video here from that day. and a video of the performance 01/28/2016

the zine doesn't say much about the event. but has a couple pictures and provides a little more context. shot of him during the interview here:

ty for asking me I love these kind of puzzles!!!

[jasonmorgan779]

High-Quality LED Signs in Sydney for Enhanced Visibility

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[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from The Guardian:

When scientists demonstrated a small tropical fish – the cleaner wrasse – could recognise itself in a mirror, Prof Culum Brown’s first thought was: “This is the coolest thing ever.”

Brown, an ecologist who researches fish behaviour and intelligence at Sydney’s Macquarie University, says the mirror self-recognition test – developed in the 1970s – is considered the gold standard for evidence of visual self-awareness in animals.

In the Osaka City University study, a small number of fish had a mark placed under their throats while under anaesthesia. When given a mirror, the fish oriented their bodies to see the mark, and tried to rub it off by scraping themselves on rocks.

Primates, elephants and dolphins previously passed the test. But the results in fish proved so controversial it took five years for the paper to be published.

Even then, many scientists refused to accept the results.

Brown says the response “shows beautifully” the bias against the idea of fish being intelligent – particularly when parts of the scientific community instead thought, “Shit! The mirror self-recognition test is broken.”

Globally, fish are the most eaten animal (an estimated 1.1-2.2tn are caught annually). They are also the most common pet, and one of the main animals used in science and medical research. Yet Brown says most of the public barely even consider them to be animals.

In recent decades, researchers have demonstrated that along with visual self-awareness, certain species have the capacity to learn, remember, experience pain and form relationships. Many of these qualities imply sentience, the capacity to feel positive and negative experiences.

“Science is so far in front of society that it’s going to take a monumental shift in human behaviour to catch up,” he says.

For instance, Brown says the popular misconception that fish have short memories has “absolutely no foundation”. His research on sharks found them to be intelligent and inquisitive creatures with long memories.

He is among a group of scientists and philosophers to sign the New York declaration on animal consciousness earlier this year, which attempts to bridge the gap between science and society. Drawing on evidence, the declaration says there is “at least a realistic possibility of conscious experience in all vertebrates (including reptiles, amphibians, and fishes)”.

The scrutiny of the mirror test led to more studies, including one published this week showing cleaner wrasse will use a mirror to check their size before deciding whether to attack another fish. Fish now have the best supported evidence of any animal for mirror self-recognition, Brown says, yet “people still don’t believe it”.

[prettyboybillyhargrove]

Dacre Montgomery is ready to work

There’s a famous audition tape of Dacre Montgomery’s online. Maybe you’ve seen it; some 18 million people have. And it’s captivating to watch, not just because of Montgomery’s intensity, but because of the clear control that he has at such a young age. That steady ferocity cuts right through the screen, even though he’s just ‘running lines’ against a plain blue backdrop. It also cut through the sea of other actors gunning for a role in Stranger Things and made him Billy Hargrove, the resident bad guy on the sci-fi drama that broke Netflix viewership records on its way to becoming one of the biggest shows in TV history.

It’s been almost six years since that audition made Montgomery a global star, but the man sitting in front of me has lost none of that vigour. Reclining in a side room at a studio in Sydney before the photoshoot accompanying this article, the now 28-year-old looks casual. He’s wearing a plain black T-shirt, white shorts and one of those non-descript navy caps movie stars wear when they want to be incognito. The outfit is a simple one, designed to avoid attention—a far cry from the red carpet fashion that Montgomery favours. But as he starts talking about the thing he loves most—movies and the process of making them—that same intensity takes over; a passion that has him on the edge of his seat.

“When I was in my early teens, all I did was stay in my room and watch movies. And I fell in love with everything,” he says. The reverence, the obsession, is what drives Montgomery, and not just when it comes to acting. On set for today’s shoot, Montgomery—who was recently named the face of Politix’s new autumn/winter “The Gentle Man” campaign—is completely locked in. Unlike some who see an ambassador role as an opportunity to make a quick buck, Montgomery has signed on because he’s excited about the brand’s refreshed look and new chapter. “I don't just rock up on time. I rock up 10 minutes early,” he told me, “I don't just give one idea, I give 10 ideas because I don't engage with anything unless I'm authentically interested in it.”

He’s not kidding. After each burst of shots, he pores over them like he’s the creative director, rather than the subject—not out of vanity, but to see if the images are challenging enough. At one point, he grabs a mirror from the corner of the room. “Let’s just try it”, he tells the crew, and proceeds to work it straight into the shoot.

This dedication to perfection hasn’t always been easy for him or the people around him. After Stranger Things, the search for the next perfect role was almost paralysing. “Before I felt like, ‘look, I'm not going to take anything unless I'm 150 per cent invested’,” he says, and eventually, that attitude led to Montgomery parting ways with his team—his management, agents, everyone.

During that period, which he describes as a creative hole, Montgomery tried anything and everything. He wrote poetry (which was released as a book by publisher Andrews McMeel under the title DKMH and turned into a spoken word podcast of the same name), made short films, and dedicated himself to learning the arts of cinematography and screenwriting—at some points, he was watching three films a day, “morning, noon, night”, just like he did as a teenager.

Part of the fear that drove him into that lull was the looming presence of being typecast. When there are roles being offered to you left, right and centre, which one is the ‘perfect’ next step to take? This year, he has started climbing out of that hole, engaging more filmmakers as well as taking on roles like the one with Politix. But, there is still a sense of wariness.

For example, as news broke that Hugh Jackman wouldn’t be returning as Wolverine—a decision that he has since reversed—rumours swirled that Montgomery might step into the role. But for him, it’s about the filmmakers rather than any big-name character. “It’s just finding filmmakers that I'm really interested in working with and going from there as opposed to it being like, ‘oh, I've always wantedto play Wolverine or Bane’,” he says, “but also, I’m feeling a little bit of Marvel fatigue. I’m not really interested in it in the same way that I was.”

Montgomery isn’t alone in his ‘Marvel fatigue’, plenty of moviegoers aren’t as interested as they once were—just look at the recent box office figures—but it’s another example of how he’s a film fan first, and an actor second. He can thank his parents for that.

“My dad started taking me to films that I shouldn't have been seeing when I was a kid,” Montgomery says, “but he worked in the film industry and he would explain to me the process of everything.” From the very beginning, he was exposed to not just the definitive films of the time, but also how they were made. His mother and father would take him to the sets they were working on and show him the ins and outs. “It was like, ‘here’s the unadulterated version of the world and the industry and here are all the ins and the outs of how movies are made.”

For some actors, fame, as much as the films that inspire them, is a driver. And it’s only if they reach a level of success that they really see how the sausage is made—which is not always pretty, especially if they aren’t backed by a huge studio. Thanks to his parents, Montgomery is a rare actor who has always known about the gritty reality of making low-budget films—the long days, the repetition, the egos—but that’s what he fell in love with. “I'm not here for money or notoriety or anything like that,” he says, “I really care about the work and that's what I'm there for.”

But it’s that moment when he actually steps in front of the camera and it’s time to perform that has always had Montgomery hooked. “When you’re on set, I don't try to take up too much space and I wait until it’s my time to go in front of the camera and do my little thing. But when I do that… It's ecstasy. There’s nothing but that moment, do you know what I mean?”

Though it’s been a few years since Montgomery has had those moments and shared them with the world—Elvis, in which he was a scene-stealer, was largely filmed in 2020—he’s getting back to work. “I am climbing out of that [hole] and what that looks like is me engaging with more filmmakers,” he says. Of the three filmmakers he has agreed to work with—at least publicly—one thing is clear: they aren’t interested in making simple, sugar-coated work.

The first film we are likely to see in Montgomery’s next chapter is Spider & Jesse, directed by Dan Kay, which dives into the far-reaching consequences of addiction. “It’s about two girls that find their mother dead in the first scene and they bury her in the backyard so they don't have to go into the foster care system,” Montgomery explains, “I play the mum’s ex-boyfriend that was dealing her the drugs.”

It’s an unglamorous role with limited screen time, but that didn’t bother Montgomery because it was clear the film, and the people behind it, had something vital to say. “I realised they were on a mission to give insight into the people that are affected by addiction—family, friends, and people they're associated with rather than shedding light on the addicts themselves.”

Filming on Spider & Jesse, which took place in Florida, has already wrapped, but Montgomery’s other two projects are yet to begin production. Both are ambitious, and both defy simple explanation. The first, titled Went Up That Hill, comes from Samuel Van Grinsven, a New Zealand-born, Sydney-based director who became a festival circuit favourite with his feature debut Sequin in a Blue Room.

In essence, Montgomery says the film is an assessment of abuse and how trauma lingers from our childhoods. Beyond the message of the film though, it’s the challenging acting work—he’s heading to Berlin to work with co-star Vicky Krieps (Phantom Thread, Old), Van Grinsven and a movement coach to prepare for the complex role—that has attracted him.

The same goes for Faces of Death, the other project Montgomery has been linked to, which is a remake of a 1978 American mondo horror film notoriously banned for years in countries across the world, including Australia, due to its graphic depictions of death. “I have a really interesting co-star [Euphoria’s Barbie Ferreira] who I love, and the character is a serial killer, and for me, it was like, ‘what’s the thing that’s going to scare me so much about creating this character?’” he says of the film, “So I rang the director and I was like, ‘I want to go visit a serial killer in a state penitentiary in the state of California when I'm back because it scares the shit out of me’.”

After these films wrap up, Montgomery plans to start his journey into directing. “I want to direct my first movie and right now I'm in the process of working on the script with my writer and then I'm going to go on the process of trying to put the movie together,” he says, and he won’t give much more than that away, but if there’s anything we’d wager on, it’s that the movie will be challenging—both to make and in concept.

If these types of films don’t sound like they’ll be box office smashes or Oscar bait, Montgomery isn’t worried. “To me, the success of the movie is in the making of the movie,” he says. “And the outcome of the movie looks like a cathartic experience making [it], as opposed to some other thing like, ‘Oh, I want to get into this film festival and I want the film to have a 4.0 on Letterboxd.’ That's not what I'm doing it for.”

The same attitude goes for his partnership with Politix. Beyond filmmaking, Montgomery is passionate about the way that fashion allows him to control his direct experience. “I suffer from incredibly bad OCD,” he shares, “And I have always found comfort in controlling my surroundings, and that is fabric. My mood is very affected by what I have on my skin and what I have in my space and what I can smell and all that sort of stuff bleeds into my personal life aside from fashion.”

As with his project selection in cinema, the aesthetics are one thing, but for Montgomery to come on board he has to believe in the direction of the project.

“I'm interested in [Politix’s] reworking of the company and what they’re doing to reshape it for 2023 and onwards. But what I was genuinely interested in is that sensitivity of masculinity because that really is me. I am a very sensitive person. I'm very sensitive to my space and to interactions in my life. And I think this whole campaign is really about unpacking what is that.”

Once Montgomery signed on with Politix to become its new face, as with his films, he was all in. From the campaign direction to the execution of the advertising, Montgomery has been instrumental. He’s not just arriving, taking some photos and leaving—as with the photoshoot accompanying this shoot, he’s trying to make it the best he can.

“I want the product to be good, just as good as they want the product to be and not hopefully from a narcissistic point of view, from a point of view of I want it to be good,” he says, “That's more important to me than the paycheck or how many people see it or how successful the campaign is. That's the through line for me.”

It’s this sheer dedication to craft and passion for the work that has seen Montgomery through to where he is today. It’s what made that Stranger Things audition tape so arresting and, if he pulls off his big swings, may just make him one of the most memorable actors Australia has produced. Whether those ambitious punches land or not, there’s no doubt about one thing: Montgomery is ready to do the work.

PRODUCTION CREDITS:

Words by Charlie Calver

Photography by Jesse Lizotte

Styling by Miguel Urbina Tan

Fashion assisting by Isabella Mamas

Grooming by Joel Foreman

Production by Jade Carp

Dacre Montgomery wears Politix throughout; politix.com.au

[fluentmoviequoter]

Better Off Without You

Part 2 of Better Off Without Me

Pairing: Victor Vale x fem!reader

Summary: Ten years after Victor pushed you away, you meet again. Your roles have been reversed, and Victor must work to show you that he wants you. First, he must deal with your reluctance to be near him.

Warnings: spoilers for Vicious, mentions/depictions of insecurity, angst, fluff

Word Count: 2.9k+ words

A/N: Title from better of without me by Matt Hansen (Spotify link).

Picture from Pinterest

“Victor,” you coo. “C’mon, we have stuff to do. Wake up, sleepy head.”

“No.”

Victor reaches out and takes your hand as he answers, though he doesn’t move from your shared bed. His answer is precisely what you expect, and the peaceful look on his face seems… completely out of character and slightly concerning.

You wake quickly and sit up with a gasp. The darkness is your only constant, and the empty space beside you serves only as a reminder of what you have lost. Textbooks and diplomas line the bookshelf across the room yet your college memories only remind you of what could have been different.

Less than twenty miles away, Lockland stands sentinel, where gothic architecture meets country club. The idea saddens you because once, you sat in Lockland trying your hardest to get close to Victor Vale. And then he pushed you away.

You want to forget Victor. The promise that you made to stay close is one that you could easily break, that you should break. It would only take a moment to pack up what truly matters and leave it all behind. But the 22-year-old Victor in your mind makes you stay; the Victor that leaned in close in the library and wanted your attention is the one you try to remember. The questions you had the night he let you go – although he let you go the moment he met Angie – continue to plague your mind. Looking back, Victor gave you every sign you needed to see that he wasn’t interested, he would never pick you, and that the dream life you wanted was just that: a dream.

You must get out of bed and escape your memories, so you get dressed and leave. As your mind races, you don’t notice which direction you are walking.

✯✯✯✯✯

Ten years have changed a lot of things. Victor Vale is nothing like the kid he left behind a decade ago. Now that he is free from the chains of Eli Ever, and from prison, and in a position to get everything he has ever wanted, Victor finds himself stuck. Every night in prison, Victor thought of the things he would get when he got out: a shiny, materialistic reward waiting in his future. Even as his mind wavered between which would be more rewarding, a comfortable bed or a room of his own, there was one constant. Victor craved someone more than any of the things he thought of.

“Hey, didn’t you go to school at Lockland?” Sydney asks from the backseat.

Victor clears his mind of his daydream, of a past that led him to a different future, and hums.

“It’s, like, ten miles from here,” she adds. 

“Too dangerous,” Victor answers quickly.

“Oh, yeah,” Sydney agrees sarcastically. “I’m sure the exact same security guards from the night you died are just waiting for you to show your face again.”

“Why the sudden interest in Lockland?”

“The kid has been in hotel rooms since we picked her up,” Mitch points out. “Surely a driveby in the middle of the night won’t hurt.”

Victor rolls his eyes; he is used to Sydney and Mitch teaming up against him (even Dol, when he’s around). He sighs but nods, and Mitch slows to turn toward Victor’s past.

✯✯✯✯✯

The only thing that has changed is the addition of one streetlight. In the minimal light, the stretch of sidewalk where you last saw Victor looks just as dismal as in your memories. A girl laughs on the other side of the tree, and you turn to walk away. Someone is blocking the path, and you freeze, unsure if you’re dreaming, time traveling, or incredibly unlucky.

Victor says your name and takes a step toward you. You match his step as you move back, keeping distance between you. The distance was his decision, he forced you back, yet he seems surprised by your movement.

“Vic, we…” Sydney begins, but she trails off when she sees Victor.

“You stayed close,” Victor says softly. “I thought that was just-“

“A trick to convince you to pick me instead of someone else?” you suggest as you remind him of what he said the last time you spoke. “But it doesn’t matter, right? If I don’t matter, which we both know I don’t, then where I live doesn’t matter either.”

“I-“ 

Victor can’t form a sentence and feels inadequate for once in his life. He looks at you and remembers what you used to be like. You were bright and open, and whatever light you used to have that you were kind enough to show Victor has been thoroughly put out. By him.

“I went to prison,” Victor says.

“I know,” you answer. You cross your arms as an added layer of defense, but your fight-or-flight responses are kicking in. You hate that you remember Victor knows all about those adrenal triggers.

“You said you’d stay close for me. If you meant that, my friends over there could use a safe place to stay, to lay low while everything blows over.”

Sydney and Mitch wave when you look over, and you fight the urge to ask Victor why he let other people trail along with him but was so against letting you in when he needed someone most.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” you respond. “You don’t like me, Vic, so let’s just do what we do best and walk away from each other.”

As you and Victor continue staring at one another, you’re both feeling the same thing: reluctance. You want to be there for Victor, but he left once, and you know he will do it again; you invited him to get close once and have regretted it ever since. Victor, however, is only reluctant to stay with you for your safety. He has feelings for you, and they hit him with full force as he looks at the sadness in your eyes. The sadness and loneliness that he caused.

“Bye, Vic.”

You turn to leave, and Victor refuses to let you walk away once more. He has to do something before you are too far to reach. Again.

“I love you!” Victor calls.

The statement catches you, Victor, Sydney, and Mitch by surprise. You stop with your back to him and wonder if you really are dreaming. Victor doesn’t know where it came from, but he knows that it’s true. He may not even know what love truly is, but if he is going to find out with someone it is going to be you.

“I tried not to,” he adds. “I had to deal with Eli, and you were so close that it scared me. But don’t make me watch you walk away again, not without giving me a chance.”

“Stop,” you demand as you turn toward him. “You don’t get to walk back into my life after ten years and tell me that you love me. You broke me, Vic! I let you get close, I was desperate to keep you close, and you shattered everything I thought we had. I can’t do this again. I won’t do this again. You may think you love me, but I know you well enough to know that you don’t. Using me to get to the point that you need is not worth it, Vic. If you need help, say that, but don’t lie to me.”

“I lied to you once. And it wasn’t tonight.”

“Stop,” you repeat.

“I need you. You are the only thing I have ever needed.”

“Prison will make you think you need a lot of things.”

“Can you just, for a second, consider giving me a chance to show you that I am not the same as I was ten years ago.”

You chuckle, but there is nothing funny about losing Victor a second time. “I have no doubt about that… You have a week, and then, like it or not, one of us is walking away.”

Victor takes the chance, and as he follows you home, he decides to be selfish for once. He wants you, and he is going to get you. Of all the mistakes Victor has made in his life, two of them haunt him: not telling Angie how he felt, and letting you go. Now that he can admit that he loves you like he’s never loved anyone before, he wants you to be with him. A week isn’t much time, but Victor is going to use every moment to convince you and get what he wants.

✯✯✯✯✯

When you wake the following morning, you assume that running into Victor at Lockland was a dream. However, the noise that can only be described as chaotic coming from your kitchen makes you think differently. Mitch and Sydney are in your kitchen, and Mitch’s efforts to stay quiet are canceled out by Sydney’s excitement to be out of a hotel room (if only for a week).

“Sorry,” Victor mumbles as he walks behind you. “She doesn’t get out much.”

“Thanks to you,” Sydney adds quickly.

“It’s no problem,” you say softly. “I, uh- Do I want to know why you need to lay low?”

“Probably not,” Victor answers. “But if you ask, I’ll tell you.”

You move to the left to increase space between you and Victor as you shake your head. The reluctance from last night has strengthened, and you briefly consider locking yourself in your room until they leave.

Victor places a mug before you. “You still like it the same way?”

You nod and pull your favorite drink closer to you. Victor's actions and words align, but the stark contrast between the current Victor and the Victor that forced you to walk away years ago makes you hesitate. 

“Most people say, ‘thank you.’ Since you’re cute, I’ll assume you thought it,” Victor says.

Hearing the exact words you said to him in Lockland makes you look up quickly. Victor has that look, the one that looks like he might smile, and you smile at him before looking back to your mug.

“I’ll assume it’s still a hard pass on the hugs, too,” you whisper.

“Maybe you’d be surprised.”

You decide not to ask, and as you focus on ignoring him (as much as you can sharing a living space, at least), Victor realizes that your roles have completely reversed. You and Victor have traded words, actions, and responsibilities down to the smallest detail of your relationship. It’s like a dance, and Victor is already confident in his new position, but he has to convince you to trust him to lead.

After Sydney and Mitch leave to get Dol from the hotel, you and Victor are left alone.

“Why’d you disappear?” Victor asks.

He breaks the silence, and your brows furrow at his question.

“I asked you in the library, before everything happened, and you never really answered.”

“It doesn’t matter, Vic.”

“You do matter,” Victor promises. He leans forward to look into your eyes; his are serious as he holds your attention and repeats, “You matter.”

“At some point, though, you have to admit that your life was probably better. That you were, I don’t know, better off without me,” you reply.

Eye contact with Victor has never been easy, and you used to have to work relentlessly for it. Now, he holds your eyes with conviction and something else you can’t place.

“You disappeared because you thought I didn’t need you? How did that-“

“Vic.” You stand and tear your eyes from his as you add, “We’ve got a few days until we go our separate ways. Don’t make this harder than it needs to be.”

“Why can’t you see-“

“No!” you interrupt. “I saw ten years ago, and you blindsided me. I’m smarter now, Vic, and I am not losing you again. I gave you space once, and maybe I never should have stopped.”

Dol barks at your front door, and you return to your room. It was a mistake letting Victor this close, and you don’t know if you can trust anything he says.

✯✯✯✯✯

Something happens during Victor’s fourth day with you. When you exit your bedroom for breakfast, he catches your eyes over the table and gestures toward your back door. Despite your doubts, you follow him. In the privacy of your backyard, you wrap your arms around yourself and wait for Victor to speak.

“Do you want to talk about it?” he asks.

You shake your head, and Victor looks away.

“I didn’t want to disappear,” you admit. “I came to see you in the cafeteria one day, but Angie was there. You looked so happy that I couldn’t- didn’t want to interrupt. All I ever wanted was for you to be happy, Vic, and I gave you the room to do that.”

“I-“

“You loved Angie. I could see it. So, when I heard she died, I thought you might need a friend. I was wrong.”

“Look at me,” Victor requests. “I am not giving up on you again, but if you want us to leave, we will.”

“I don’t know what I want.”

You wipe your hands across your cheeks as Victor watches. He wants to reach out and offer the soft touches you used to give him, but your reluctance to let him in is something he can easily see. 

“I have been hurting for ten years,” you whisper. “But I want it. I still want you, so badly, and I think I can trust you. I’ve been wrong before.”

Victor steps toward you, and when you don’t move back, he takes another step. When there are only inches between you, he holds your eyes with his again.

“I want you to be mine,” he murmurs as he raises his hand toward your shoulder. “Selfishly, thoughtlessly, mine.”

Sydney clears her throat in the doorway, and you and Victor look over simultaneously.

“Are you okay?” she asks Victor.

“I was better before you interrupted,” he replies. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Are you dying again? Do you have a fever or something? Because-“

“Syd, what is wrong with you?”

“You’re being… gross.”

“She sounds like you,” you murmur.

Victor takes a deep breath before asking Sydney to give him a minute.

“You have two days, Vale,” you say when he turns to you. “If you are willing to work as hard as I did, we’ll see where things go from there.”

“Tell me you can see it,” Victor asks.

“You’re not giving up on me again and unless I ask, you’re not walking away,” you reply. “I know. But I spent years fighting to get close to you. Besides, Sydney clearly thinks you have a parasite or something, so how am I supposed to know this is really you?”

Victor rolls his eyes and opens the back door. He follows you in, and when he sees your smile is back, he is glad he wasn’t dreaming when he saw you at Lockland a few nights ago.

✯✯✯✯✯

“I’m going to miss that mattress,” Mitch says as he packs his bag.

“Dol likes the yard,” Sydney agrees. “Back to hotels, I assume?”

Victor is still in the guest room, and you knock on the door before entering. He zips his bag and sits on the edge of the bed as you approach him.

“Did you mean what you said at Lockland?” you ask.

“Which time?”

“This one.”

“That I love you? Yeah. You’re one of the only things I needed- craved in prison.”

“Really?” you ask with a smile. “Because Mitch said you talked about getting a bed and a better toothbrush all the time.”

“In college, when you would talk to me, there was this light in your eyes,” Victor says. “I haven’t seen it in a long time.”

You reach out and smooth your hand over the shoulder of his trench coat. When he doesn’t move or comment on the touch, you step closer.

“Prison give you all the time and space you need?” you murmur.

“Something like that.”

 “Have you reconsidered my offer?” 

Victor looks up, and his almost smile returns. He clearly understands what you are referring to and moves his arms out.

“Test away.”

You step forward and hug him, and when Victor’s arms wrap around you, you believe him. Not what he said when Angie died, but everything he has said this week.

“Now that I’ve had one, we can’t stop,” you say against him. “So, I guess that means your hugs are addictive. We’ll have to test this further.”

Victor mumbles something, and you squeeze him. The initial reluctance you felt, the fear of being pushed away again, brought you closer to Victor than ever.

“You really love me?” you ask.

“I do. But-“

“You’re not perfect. I know; I’m not either. I don’t expect this to be easy, Vic. Surely you remember how hard I worked in college.”

“Seems like you’d get tired.”

“As if I could get tired of you,” you tease.

Victor pulls you into another hug and doesn’t move when the door opens. You push him away gently and see Sydney staring at Victor.

“Does this mean we’re staying?” she asks.

“It means I’m staying,” he answers with a shrug.

“You’re welcome to stay as long as you want, Syd,” you offer.

Sydney thanks you before watching Victor with her head cocked. “You’re weird,” she decides before she leaves.

“I didn’t want you to leave,” Victor admits. “The night that Angie died, I had unfinished business with Eli. After dealing with that, though… I’m ready to get what I want.”

“That’s me?” you ask. Your faux surprise makes Victor groan until you add, “Does that mean you’re selfishly, thoughtlessly mine, too?”

Victor looks into your eyes and smiles. “Forever.”

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Alix Breeden at Daily Kos:

Rep. Nancy Mace is taking her bathroom ban tirade to Delaware—the home of Congresswoman Sarah McBride.  Mace will take the stage Friday at the behest of Delaware Republicans, who extended the invitation back in December.  Per Delaware Online, the event page cited the South Carolina Republican as “one of Congress’ boldest conservative voices.” However, the page boasting Mace’s accomplishments has since been replaced with a 404 error.  As Daily Kos previously reported, Mace’s seemingly nonstop X barrage of attacks against transgender people had a goal behind it—to ban McBride, the one trans individual in Congress, from using the bathroom that aligned with their gender identity.  While Speaker Mike Johnson originally supported this idea and announced a rule to follow suit, the ban was noticeably absent from the Republicans’ House Rules Package when it was voted on last week. Mace—who had previously said Johnson told her it would be included in the package—has not publicly commented on its absence.  With that being said, Mace’s spokesperson Sydney Long told Axios that Mace still intends to beat the dead horse that is her anti-trans bathroom ban during her speech on Friday. According to the outlet, Mace will address her transphobic pet project "along with other key women's issues, including her Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act.”

[...] Mace’s anti-trans bathroom ban is a piece of a bigger picture overlooking the anti-trans efforts in the Republican-led Congress and incoming administration.   While her personal vendetta didn’t make the cut on the House Rules Package, Republicans managed to tee up a bill that would require student athletes to compete in sports that align with their gender assigned at birth.  Other attacks targeting the transgender community looming over the country include the Supreme Court case of U.S. v. Skrmetti, which challenges a widely debated Tennessee law banning medical care for transgender youth.  [...] Transgender minors were also targeted in the defense spending bill—noticeably signed off on by President Joe Biden. 

South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace (R)’s Transphobia On Parade act will make a stop in Delaware this Friday, the state where trans Rep. Sarah McBride (D) recently got elected to Congress in.

See Also:

LGBTQ Nation: Nancy Mace will visit Sarah McBride’s district to speak on bathroom bans

[psalm22-6]

So since I have yet to find any free and digital archives of newspapers from the UK, I haven't really been able to dive into any sources there, but every once in a while I'll find an article from an English newspaper reprinted elsewhere, such as this article about the Les Mis Bruxelles banquet from the Spectator which was reprinted in the Sydney Empire. Although the article (signed "A. Freeman") is about attending the banquet, I can't find any mention of an A. Freeman or any correspondent from the Spectator attending the event. However, it was apparently common enough to use a pseudonym in the English press at the time so with a bit more digging it could be possible to find out who M. Freeman was (for example, the author identifies himself as French so there's a clue.) Anyways, the article, which I will share in full below for those of you who are interested, doesn't add much to our knowledge of the event in question (although I do appreciate the description of Hugo) but it does link two events which I had noticed took place at the same time but which I haven't seen linked before: the Bruxelles banquet (where Hugo spoke out in support of Garibaldi and Italian unification) and Pierre Joseph Proudhon's untimely departure from said city (due to his opposition to Garibaldi and Italian unification).

I send you this letter from Brussels, having been invited there to attend a banquet which the publishers of Les Miserables have thought of offering to my illustrious countryman and friend Victor Hugo. His last book has been so ably commented upon and so rightly appreciated in the Spectator, that I need not dwell upon its unparalleled merit. Suffice it to say, that there is no literary success on record which can approximate to the success of Les Miserables. Never in France did purchasers scramble for a book with so much eagerness. In fact, it has been downright frenzy. That many, on this occasion, looked upon a triumphant welcome given to a novel from the pen of the author of Napoleon le Petit, as the surest and safest way of protesting in favour of the human intellect, pressed down by the Imperial rule, may easily be conceived; and I, for one, think that such has, to a certain extent, been the case. But the unmistakable stamp and all-absorbing splendour of genius is there, and nothing more is, after all, required to explain the prodigious sensation created by Les Miserables. This is what the above-mentioned banquet is intended to commemorate. It will take place tonight, and I will tell you something more of it, if I be in time to post my letter.

I have found the intellectual portion of the Belgian community all in a flutter, on account of an article by which the celebrated M. Proudhon has been pleased, of late, to grace the columns of the office de publicité. It is in the shape of an epistle addressed to the Emperor of the French. “Sire,” says M. Prondhon to the Emperor, “Dare! Do what Mazzini, some time ago, advised Victor Emmanuel to do. Dare! Dare! and you may depend upon it that Teutonic France, the old inheritance of Charlemagne, the Rhine, Belgium, Holland, are yours. To all this you have a claim, being an Emperor; all this you are entitled to demand as a compensation for what you have just accomplished in Italy, at the request of Europe. Who could withstand you? The Rhine, since the time of Boileau, has ceased to be inimical to the French. Both the policy of Prussia and the discussions of German confederation are matters perfectly unintelligible to the German Rhine. Belgium, we are led to believe, expects you. In Belgium, as in France, and still more than in France, the people fast and dream; the middle classes digest their food and snore; the youths smoke and make love; the soldiers gape; there is nothing but emptiness in public opinion, and political life is no more. Tradespeople are already alive to the profits they are likely to derive from the annexation; the workman looks forward to an increase of wages; the clergy will be delighted to get rid, through you, of the idle clamours of the liberal party; the representatives —is there any energetic resolution to be expected from men who spend as many as six weeks in disputing about an infidel buried in holy ground? The walls of Anvers will crumble down at the very sound of your trumpets, and to Orangist Flanders such a trick played off on the government will be found most acceptable." The indignation aroused in Belgiam by this tirade you will be more able to realise than I am to describe. Anathemas have been actually thundered in almost all the Belgian papers. The self-appointed correspondent and adviser of Napoleon has been, from all quarters, unsparingly charged with having violated the duties attached to the enjoyment of the right of asylum; he has been rudely reminded of the kind hospitality which was bestowed upon him by the country he now tries to hold out to the contempt of mankind, and to which he points as an easy prey. Well worthy of tempting the appetite of an imperial Pantagruel; in fine, a regular avalanche of abuse has been poured over the unlucky head of the man who had already endeavoured to ravish fame, by saying, "La propriete, c'est le vol." With all due deference to the Belgian press, I beg to declare that it has fallen into an egregious error by thus indulging, a propos of M. Proudhon, a feeling of national anger, natural and honourable as a feeling of this kind certainly is. For this outburst of mighty irritation was just what M. Proudhon wanted; nor had he any other object in view when he took up the pen. It is very strange, indeed, that M. Proudhon, who has now lived so long in Brussels, should not be better known in Belgium.

Compared to him, Erostratus was a sensible man. M. Proudhon would unhesitatingly set on fire, not a beautiful temple only, but this world of ours, had he any fair chance of being seen by the light of its blazing ruins. M. Pelletan has described him as a man who is constantly firing a pistol in the street for the sake of attracting the attention of the passers by. Here you have M. Proudhon drawn from nature. With him it has always been customary to mistake unmanly language for energy, high-sounding expressions for sound arguments, and bustle for fame. The English word "cap-trap" is the only one by which both his talent and his style can be fitly characterized. He professes to be a socialist; still there was never a more artful, dangerous, and bitter enemy of socialism, which he has distorted and undermined in every possible way. He professes to be a democrat; still no one ever so well succeeded in making democracy odious. He professes to entertain liberal opinions; still he is deadly against the unification of Italy. He professes to be a free-thinker; still, he is just now employed in advocating per fas et nefas the cause of the maintenance of the papacy, and M. de la Guerronniere would be at a loss to find a more useful supporter. Not that he is in the slightest degree open to the charge of harbouring treacherous designs, or of being prompted by anything like sordid covetousness; no: in all money matters he is as disinterested as a man can be; his integrity stands above suspicion, and his private life is pronounced spotless by all those who know him well. But the itching to make himself the subject of the town-talk is in him a sort of incurable disease. He must startle his readers, cost what it will. Hence his books, which might be thus defined: either a startling chaos or nothing. The Belgian press, having to deal with a man who labours under such a mania, had evidently no better course to take than to ignore his letter to Napoleon. It did just the reverse; and so M. Proudhon hit the mark-being assailed and plated with small shot to his heart's content. The most curious part of it is, that he has made a reply, in which he turns the Belgian papers into ridicule, roundly declaring that they have, all of them, committed a blunder of the most amusing description; that he never meant to recommend the invasion of their country; that his appeal to the conquering propensities of the French Emperor were merely intended to bring into strong relief the folly of the Belgian liberal party, who side, one and all, with the King of Piedmont— and stand against the Pope —without perceiving how sadly the unification of Italy, if carried out, would tell upon the autonomy of Belgium. In other words, the opinion of M. Proudhon, as expressed by him in his reply, is that if the unity of Italy were realised, a compensation ought to be granted to France; a circumstance calculated to imperil the existence of Belgium as a separate kingdom. So, according to his explanation, when he called upon the Emperor of the French to lay hold of Belgium, and showed him how easily this could be accomplished, his sole object was to set the Belgians against the unification of Italy, to deter them from giving their moral support to the cause which made Victor Emmanuel a real king and Garibaldi a martyr, to reconcile them to the idea of the Pope firmly seated on his throne! and thus to pay the debt of gratitude he owes to the country that shelters him. But why not have said this plainly? Why not have said his at once? Because it was first necessary to startle men's minds— a mere rhetorical process, a mere matter for literary wonder!

P.S.— The banquet to which I alluded at the beginning of this letter took place yesterday evening, the 16th, in the house of M. Lacroix, the enterprising and intelligent Belgian editor, to whom the world is indebted for the publication of Les Miserables. A most brilliant assembly it was, indeed. There met the most distinguished members of the press and the bar, both in France and Belgium, together with many a man who had, either in art and literature, or in politics, risen to proud eminence. The French press was represented more especially by M. Nefftzer, editor of Le Temps, and by M. Eugene Pelletan; the Belgian press, by M. Berardi, the editor of the Independance Belge; and M. Madoux, the editor of the Etoile Belge. The burgomaster of Brussels, M. Fontaynas, and the President of the Belgian House of Commons were both present. When Victor Hugo, accompanied by his two sons, Charles and Francois Victor Hugo, entered the banquet room, there was a burst of enthusiastic applause. I had not seen him for more than ten years, and I could not but be struck with his appearance He looked as if he had not grown a bit older. I did not remark that the fatigue of thinking which, more than age, has a wasting power, had wrinkled in any unusual way his large, commanding brow. His face was radiant with health and glee. The guests were sumptuously entertained. Towards the close of the dinner, several speeches were delivered and warmly applauded. Upon the whole, the feast may be said to have been one of a literary character; but the political topics of the day were, now and then, lightly touched upon. In a most eloquent discourse, such as might be expected from a consummate master of language, Victor Hugo advocated the liberty of the press, and concluded by the following toast, which elicited a thunder of applause:— "To the liberty of the press in Belgium, in England, in Switzerland, in Italy, in America, and to the deliverance of the press elsewhere!" A. Freeman

[gingergofastboatsmojito]

I beg to differ

As per usual.

I read a theory yesterday on here, maybe it was the day before, IDK... sorry don’t remember bc I knew right off the bat that I didn't agree with it, so I just read it like I read the news, not paying attention... LOL. Anyway, it was about Carmy supposedly drawing Syd in his sketchbook. MY FAVEST SCENE MONTAGE OF THE SEASON, btw. And I was like: I wish! But what they showed was that he drew a dish and that the page had a coffee stain on it. No sign of Syd at all.

This is what he drew:

As I mentioned in previous posts my theories are that:

1- Every time he thinks of the menu, he’s subliminally thinking about Syd:

2- Every time meat is brought up on the show in a Sydcarmy context (either by Syd or by Carmy or by both together) that is a metaphor for sex.

Especially if that meat is literally a cut that includes flesh and bone, like ribs, which is what he was actually sketching indeed:

So my theory is that he was thinking about the menu = Syd = Star because of this:

And because that dish he was drawing as Syd was by the water, thinking about him and their star AT THE SAME TIME

Is most likely the dish they will win the star with.

Bonus track: I anticipated that WATER was one of the elements they were gonna symbolically play with, this past season (check RB notes):

Water symbolizes emotions in Eastern philosophy and S3 was all about that:

And when Carmy was looking for inspo for the menu (MENU=SYD) in his books, and then sketching away the dishes he came up with, he looked at a landscape in a book that resembled the place where Syd was at that same time, across town.

They were both "by the water". They were both in touch with their emotions simultaneously. When that "emotional flow" was interrupted, Carmy's mind took over and that's how that scene ended.

And just like that Carmy was back in his head, as usual. Turning off emotions, which led to 3X10 where his dam finally gave in↓

Remember to follow my tag #Gingerpovs 💋

[bruisedloverr]

Oath

◾ Summary: Sydney wanted to show you how much he adored you, in his own way. ◾ Relationship: Player/Sydney ◾ Tags: Blood play, Wax play, Alternative Universe, Drugged sex ◾ Notes: I tagged drugged sex in case the Prayer Room's incense counts, lol. This is for my AU, the horror movie one! You can find more information on it here. The AO3 link is here. Uuu enjoy. :)

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

Of course, Sydney had to pick three in the morning the perfect hour to make this ritual. Not like you exactly minded, despite your current exhaustion. Maybe the prayer room’s incense will make it so you feel less like it and more lightweight. Your worries will melt away, as they always do in that room. Specially, when your beloved is by your side.

You made him this way. You corrupted him, perhaps for your own amusement or something else entirely, and without planning to, you made him lust for blood. Not only in the murder sense. He didn’t care about some poor chaste temple initiate’s spilled guts in a Full Moon ritual, after he basically sold them to their own death by tricking them into believing he was still the pure boy they always knew. However, he did desire to see your blood, taste it. That would make your bond stronger, if possible, having the privilege of savoring such an intimate part of you. Bound by the flesh, bones, blood, and every part of your bodies.

You two sat in front of each other, hearts racing with anticipation, illuminated by just some red candles. The incense swirled around, making the air heady with its sweet scent. Your gaze locked onto his. His excitement was palpable, and you couldn’t deny the fact your mind was finding the idea more alluring with each second. This felt right, and even inevitable. Almost as if you owed him this, after you changed his worldview entirely.

Each time a temple member goes missing two weeks before a Blood Moon, you remind yourself this is your fault, too. If you just left him on his own, he wouldn’t be helping those weird cultists in an attempt to rebel against the oppressive Temple he used to dearly adore. The corruption has been slowly seeping into both of your lives, it seems. It led to this moment, sacred for you two, profane for the rest.

Sydney took a deep breath, picking the ornate dagger he brought from outside and got from… somewhere. That “where”, was a mystery. The blade gleaned wickedly in the candlelight, and he smiled softly. “I’ll go first,” he said, his voice a whisper.

He drew the blade across his palm, gasping at the pain. A gasp that almost sounded like a moan. Blood welled up, dark and rich in the dim light. Without hesitation, he took your hand, making a matching cut. The sting was sharp but fleeting, overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment. He leaned in and kissed your palm, licking a bit of the coppery liquid. He looked at you, as if expecting something, and you kissed his hand, your tongue reaching to taste a bit of his blood, too. The intimacy of it all felt intoxicating.

With a familiar tenderness, he presses your bleeding palms together, intertwining your fingers.

“With this blood,” Sydney said, his smile wide now, “I bind myself to you. In life, in death, in the spaces between. My body is yours, my soul is yours, my very essence belongs to you.” He can barely contain his excitement, and you felt a tingling sensation coursing through you as well.

You don’t know how or when it happened, but both of your clothes had been shed at some point. Your bare skin was shown, and signs of arousal were becoming way too apparent.

The words seemed to hang in the air, vibrating with love. You repeated them, feeling each syllable resonating through your being. Sydney freed his hand from yours, cupped your face, and drew you in for a searing kiss. It's like nothing you've experienced before – raw, primal, tinged with the intimacy of it all. Your cheek got stained with his blood.

When you finally broke apart, gasping for air, Sydney's eyes were wild with a mixture of lust and something darker. The incense was doing its number on him, again, and he looked like he would pin you down and fuck you raw at any moment. He reached for one of the tall, red candles burning around you two.

With an urgency that bordered on violence, he grabbed you by the arm, keeping you close. He tilted the candle, allowing a drop of hot wax fall onto your collarbone. With your senses altered, what should have been painful felt like a pleasant, yet intense, heat burning right through your veins, shooting directly to your crotch. You couldn’t hold back the moan that escaped through your lips.

Satisfied and encouraged by your reaction, Sydney traced a path down your chest with the wax, each drop eliciting gasps and shudders of pleasure. He almost shoved the candle to you, and you happily returned the favor. You dripped wax onto his sternum, fascinated by the way it rolled down his chest. Another drop. And another. Sydney's eyes fluttered closed, a low moan escaping his lips. The sound ignited a fire in your heart, and you couldn't help but being enraptured by the view.

Soon, you were both adorned with intricate patterns of cooled wax, skin flushed and breathing ragged. The blood on your palms had dried, but the connection between you felt stronger than ever.

You barely managed to set the candle aside when he jumped on top of you, his lips crashing against yours again with an utmost ferocity. You tasted blood yet again – whether from the oath or your frenzied kissing, you're not sure. Not like it mattered at this point.

The world seemed to spin around you two. Right now, no one else existed but you two. You could hear the murmurs of some prayers coming from Sydney’s lips, your name on them, being worshipped. His mouth latched onto your neck, sucking hard enough to leave marks. You arched into him, fingernails raking down his back. The sensations, whether pleasure or pain, seemed to spur him on, his hips grinding against yours with increased urgency.

Sydney's hand slipped between your legs, finding your most sensitive spots with practiced ease. His touch was electric, sending shockwaves of fire through your body. You writhed beneath him, desperate for more friction.

"Please," you gasp, the word barely audible.

He didn’t need to be told twice. Sydney positions himself, then enters you in one swift motion. The stretch burned deliciously, teetering on the edge of too much. You feel his foreskin separate from his glands, forever robbing him of his purity. Or at least, until you get out of the room.

As soon as he started to move, forming coherent thoughts became impossible. His thrusts were deep, relentless, each one hitting that perfect spot inside you. He appeared drunk on the sensations, and you too do. As always, when you defile the most sacred space in town.

Your legs wrapped around his waist, urging him deeper. Sydney's hands gripped your hips hard enough to bruise, using the leverage to drive into you with increased force. The room was full with the obscene sounds of flesh meeting flesh.

"Mine," Sydney growled, almost as if he was just thinking out loud, his pace becoming erratic. "We’re bound forever. More than ever.”

You didn’t reply. Instead, you let out pants and moans, teetering on the edge of orgasm.

He captured your mouth yet another kiss, swallowing your cries as you came undone beneath him. Your body clenched around him, allowed yourself to get engulfed by your sinful adoration.

Sydney follows soon after, burying himself deep inside as he finds his release. His body shuddered against yours, a string of profanities mixed with your name falling from his lips.

It continued, neither of you knowing or caring enough to think how much time passed, how many orgasms you had, before the incense ran low, knocking you back into your senses.

You laid tangled together in the aftermath, sweat cooling on your flushed skin, the weight of the oath settling over you both. You were bound by blood, lust, and love. And for Sydney, after this, you were now his one, and only, being he wanted to worship. The only one worth it all.