#long money vs. short money

[jbfly46]

If I had money I wouldn’t flaunt it, and I also wouldn’t let some random hoe on the internet know. Also long money runs deep in tangible assets set up in trusts and corporations, not something you can fit in your wallet.

[paperboy64]

I personally think a lot of the games industry layoffs coming from publicly traded companies is a shortcoming of capitalism. But like how can I even begin to explain that? The fact that it's illegal to run a company like that without doing everything in your power to maximize profits is killer. Because that means do everything in your power to make money now, within this quarter. Nevermind about long term. You have to do as much as you can right now. And I see layoffs as part of that. It's an immediate relief for a business to not have to pay as much out, but what about a year from now when you don't have those employees' labor anymore? What of the games they didn't make for you? Or the disruption to the employees who stayed?

For a game like destiny who switched to a fascinating live ops model with d2, surely you need to keep developing new things to keep the velocity high? You said the revenue follows from there? So why reduce your velocity so much so suddenly? Short term gain vs long term gain?

I'm sure things are more complicated than I'm making them out to be, but this keeps happening and I really just need to have something to believe as to why. I want there to be a reason so that there can theoretically be a solution.

[gwensy]

sorry for reblogging fugly trends from 2012 it's for my enrichment

[batboyblog]

Copy Right and Public Domain in 2024

Happy 2024 all! its also Public Domain Day! a magical holiday here in America where things enter the public domain. Works published in the year 1928 (or 95 years ago!) have entered the public domain, which means they belong to us, all of us, the public!

Mickey's Back!

Yes! I'm sure you've heard, but Mickey Mouse (and Minnie Mouse too) is entering the Public Domain today. This has been news for a few years and indeed Disney's lobbying in the late 1990s is why our copy right term is SO long. So what exactly is now public domain?

Most people know about Mickey's first appearance Steamboat Willie, but a second short film, Plane Crazy was also released in 1928 so will also be public domain. So what's public? well these two films first of all, you're allowed to play them, upload them to YouTube or whatever without paying Disney. In theory you'll be allowed to cut and sample them, have them playing in the background of your movie etc. Likewise in theory the image of Mickey and Minnie as they appear (thats important) in these films will be free to use as well as Mickey's character as he appears in these works will be free to use. Now Mickey's later and more famous appearance

will still be protected. Famously the Conan Doyle Estate claimed that Sherlock Holmes couldn't be nice, smile, or not hate women in works because they still held the copyright on the short stories where he first did those things even though 90% of Sherlock Holmes stories were public domain. It's very likely Disney will assert similar claims over Mickey, claiming much of his personality first appeared in works still copyrighted.

Finally there's copyright vs trademark. Copyright is total ownership of a piece of media and all the ideas that appear in it, copyright has a limited set term and expires. Trademark is more limited and only applies to things used to market and sell a product. You can have a Coke branded vending machine in your movie if you want, but it couldn't appear anywhere in the trailer for your movie as thats you marketing your movie.

Where trademark ends and copyright begins and how trademarked something in the public domain is allowed to be are all unsettled areas of law and clearly Disney in the last few years as been aggressively pushing its trademark not just to Mickey in general but Steamboat Willie Mickey in particular

Ultimately the legal rights and wrongs of this might not matter so much since few people have the money and legal resources of the Walt Disney corporation so they might manage to maintain a de facto copyright on Mickey through legal intimidation, but maybe not?

And Tigger Too!

All the talk about Mickey Mouse and Steamboat Willie has sadly overshadowed other MAJOR things entering the public domain today. Most people are aware Winnie the Pooh entered the public domain in 2022, but they might not realize his beloved friend Tigger didn't. Thats because Tigger didn't appear till A. A. Milne's second (and last) book of Pooh short stories, The House at Pooh Corner in 1928.

Much like Mickey Mouse only what appears in The House at Pooh Corner is public domain so the orange bouncy boy from the 1960s Disney cartoon is still on lock down. But the A. A. Milne original as illustrated by E. H. Shepard is free for you to use in fiction or art. His friend Winnie the Pooh has made a number of appearances since being freed, most notably in a horror movie, but also a Mint Mobile commercial so maybe Tigger too will have a lot of luck in the public domain.

Other works:

Peter Pan; or the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up

Peter Pan is a strange case, even though the play was first mounted in 1904, and the novelization (Peter and Wendy) was published in 1911, The script for the play was not published till 1928 (confusing!) meaning while the novel as been public domain for years the play (which came first) hasn't been, but now it is and people are welcome to mount productions of it.

Millions of Cats

The oldest picture book still in print, did you own a copy growing up? (I did)

Lady Chatterley's Lover

The iconic porn novel that was at the center of a number of groundbreaking obscenity cases in the 1960s and helped establish your right to free speech.

All Quiet on the Western Front and The Threepenny Opera in their original German (but you can translate them if you want), The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie, and Orlando by Virginia Woolf will also be joining us in the public domain along with any and all plays, novels, and books published in 1928

for Films we have The Man Who Laughs who's iconic image inspired the Joker

Charlie Chaplin's The Circus, Buster Keaton's The Cameraman, Should Married Men Go Home? the first Laurel and Hardy movie, Lights of New York the first "all talking" movie, The Passion of Joan of Arc, The Wind, as well as The Last Command and Street Angel the first films to win Oscars for Best Actor and Best Actress respectively will all be entering public domain

For Musical Compositions (more on that in a moment) we've got

Mack the Knife by Bertolt Brecht, Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love) by Cole Porter, Sonny Boy by George Gard DeSylva, Lew Brown & Ray Henderson, Empty Bed Blues by J. C. Johnson, and Makin’ Whoopee! by Gus Khan are some of the notables but any piece of music published in 1928 is covered

Any art work published in 1928, which might include works by Frida Kahlo, Georgia O'Keeffe, Alexej von Jawlensky, Edward Hopper, and André Kertész will enter the public domain, we are sure those that M. C. Escher's Tower of Babel will be in the public domain

Swan Song, Public Domain and recorded music

While most things are covered by the Copyright Act of 1976 as amended by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, none of the copyright acts covered recordings you see when American copyright law was first written recordings did not exist and so through its many amendings no one fixed this problem, movies were treated like plays and artwork, but recorded sound wasn't covered by any federal law. So all sound recordings from before 1972 were governed by a confusing mess of state level laws making it basically impossible to say what was public and what was under copyright. In 2017 Congress managed to do something right and passed the Music Modernization Act. Under the act all recordings from 1922 and before would enter the public domain in 2022. After taking a break for 2023, all sound recordings made in 1923 have entered the public domain today on January 1st 2024, these include.

Charleston by James P. Johnson

Yes! We Have No Bananas (recorded by a lot artists that year)

Who’s Sorry Now by Lewis James

Down Hearted Blues by Bessie Smith

Lawdy, Lawdy Blues by Ida Cox

Southern Blues and Moonshine Blues by Ma Rainey

That American Boy of Mine and Parade of the Wooden Soldiers by Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra

Dipper Mouth Blues and Froggie More by King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band, featuring Louis Armstrong

Bambalina by Ray Miller Orchestra

Swingin’ Down the Lane by Isham Jones Orchestra

Enjoy your public domain works!

[kc22invesmentsblog]

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Investments: Key Considerations for Differentiating Opportunities

Written by Delvin Investing in the market requires careful consideration of various factors, including investment goals, time horizon, risk tolerance, and market conditions. Distinguishing between short-term and long-term investment opportunities is crucial to align your investment strategy with your financial objectives. In this blog post, we will explore key considerations that can help you…

[what-marsha-eats]

Don't Stop Eating Healthy Even Tho Food Prices Are High

At last check, food prices were up 10.4% year over year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, so it is not surprising that rising grocery bills are a worry. While you may not be able to afford buying all organic groceries, you also don’t want to start eating a lot more processed food because it’s cheaper. That could have long-term negative impacts on your health, energy, ability to function, and mood. 

“It’s very common for people to change their eating habits for the worse because of inflation,” says Christopher Manske, a certified financial planner and president of Manske Wealth Management in Houston. “Just because eggs are more expensive doesn’t mean our bodies now require different levels of protein and nutrition. We still need to treat our bodies well.” 

[lady-raziel]

long reaction to the update

ok. so they put out an update video! since i've been commentating for the last three days i might as well subject you all to more of my thoughts today.

main takeaway: this was a good apology video. i mean it. short and to the point, no overproduction, heartfelt and honest (and not a ukelele to be seen. thank god.) they took ownership of the situation, apologized, and restated how much they value their relationship with the fandom.

their solution is to make the watcher tv platform into kind of an iteration of patreon where content is available for early access before it is released onto youtube later. this is clearly a better option than paywalling everything for everyone. i'm not sure what the relative breakdown of costs turns out to be when you compare how much they were making on patreon after the platform took their cut VS how much it costs in overhead to run and maintain their own platform (how much it costs annually to contract via Vimeo, essentially). but i'm sure that's part of the calculation.

all things considered, that does seem like the best option out of all the alternatives. it allows them to not completely abandon any of the pans they have simmering over the fire for the time being. i don't think i ever thought they were going to just say "oops, forget about the streaming thing! let's pretend that never happened!" because at this point they've invested quite a lot of time and money into it, and i don't disagree that keeping it in some iteration may help them make up some of the funds they're lacking.

i would say, it's fine to keep the streamer. this is one of the ok outcomes, all things considered-- but if they're going to do it, they've GOT to do it smart from this point forward. listen to both the fans and the consultants intimately. both are going to have valid points, and both are going to be right. listening to too much of either side will sink this thing because each has motives and expertise that the other doesn't. if the fans say $6 is too much, listen to them-- but have conversations with business consultants about how much you realistically need to charge to make things work.

also, i'd use this whole situation as a learning experience. watcher is a young company, and it's literally inevitable that mistakes will happen. what's different is that the watcher crew haven't really been in a position before where they've been on the receiving end of the internet-angry-justice-hammer to this extent. it's one thing to watch it happen to others, but it's a position of extreme privilege (and a bit of hubris) to think "but that won't happen to me, because i'm built different." naw, man-- two things in life are inevitable: death and fuckups. the callout posts get us all in the end.

what's really important is that they use this as a wakeup call that even the most loyal fandoms will only follow you so far to the cliff's edge, and you don't want to push that. you have to strike a balance between the passion projects that you think are worthy and the stuff that maybe doesn't excite you as much anymore but the people want to see. a little fanservice keeps the lights on, as unfair as that might seem. i'm gonna make 50 markiplier choccy milk memes just so i can make one niche political joke once and a while for 6 likes. it is what it is.

i'd also use this as a chance to take a very careful look at company structure and finances. it's not fun to do and nobody likes it. trust me-- this is hard whether you're a single adult trying to pay the bills or the freaking US government (speaking from experience on both-- i have to read the president's budget for work frequently). but you all have to ask hard questions about the ratio of creative staff you take on VS staff for administrative and other business roles, as well as the costs and benefits of everything you spend money on. how many staff members are essential to location shoots? can this video be shot with 2 cameras instead of 3 and thus you don't need another cameraperson? you might even have to come to the decision that instead of pitching a new show it makes more sense to use those funds to hire your essential non-creative roles or contract firms or freelancers.

paying staff a fair wage with benefits speaks highly of what watcher wants their values to be. it's hard to find such a position in a creative role and still actually get to work on things you care about. but it would be much worse if watcher didn't make realistic decisions about finances and it lead to the death of the company and everyone losing their jobs. the whole watcher company can work, in my opinion, but not without some sacrifices. they're going to have to run it more like a business and less like a youtube-channel-turned-business in the future if they want to survive.

last thing i'll add is that while i do think this was a good apology video, i still think they hurt themselves by not putting out some sort of statement on Friday or Saturday just to say that they were formulating a response. As i've said in other posts, it's ok and in fact beneficial to not make a kneejerk reaction, but it's also very important to communicate that you SEE what's happening. you SEE what people are saying and THAT'S why you need more time to respond. saying nothing and leaving the angry public to wonder if you dropped your phone off the Hoover Dam or just don't care? that's a fumble. it's a common mistake companies make in a crisis, but that doesn't mean it doesn't erode trust fast.

this could have been handled better in many ways. we see that, and i'm glad watcher says they see that too. crucial going forward is taking all this and patching the errors that caused all this to fall apart and learning from the experience.

tbh at this point what i'm most sad about is that the watcher crew have probably been too stressed out and upset to appreciate some of the absolute bangers people have been laying down to clown on them. i think if it wasn't about them they might be touched by the collective attitude and creative spirit. /j

[astrosky33]

𝐌𝐲 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬

Hello! I’m Skylar. I’m a Kepler College graduate and received my diploma from their school in 2022 but have been studying astrology for about a decade now

My mission is to inform people based on what I’ve learned and help others to gain some of the knowledge I’ve gained in order for them to use astrology as a resource for growth

There’s false stereotypes out there that can often create confusion for aspiring astrologers and I’d like to help people understand how to differentiate which sources are accurate vs which ones aren’t accurate as well

For more information about my account click here to see my masterlist

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐭

◈ Planets/Houses don’t just have “a few meanings” they have many more that many people don’t know about. Otherwise astrology would probably be very basic and boring -> beginner astro help

◈ Most astrology information on Tiktok is false. Be careful who you get your information from -> tiktok astrologers with reliable info

◈ Typically twin flames will have a lot of similar placements to one another

◈ Cusps are not a real thing. Only an astrological myth made recently -> more info here

◈ If you’re noticing you don’t really have many long term relationships only flings/short term relationships it could be caused by having Uranus in the 5th/7th house

◈ Jupiter in the 4th house can indicate being the most successful person in your family - money or wealth wise (Ex: Billie Eilish)

◈ Venus sextile Mars is the most flirtatious aspect. This is because sextile aspects can have sexual energy depending on the planets involved (in this case it would), Venus rules over charm/romance, and Mars rules over flirting/lust

◈ The Sun/MC both rule over fame itself. Other placements only indicate things such as attention, attraction, idealization, glamour, etc. but do not DIRECTLY indicate fame as those things can come with OR without fame (they can still be indications depending on the sign/house/degree though)

◈ Both your South Node and Saturn can give insight about your past lives. Chiron tells about karmic wounds made in past lives that were carried into your current one

◈ Aquarius Venus/Uranus in the 7th house can indicate marrying someone that you would’ve never expected to marry

◈ Aquarius venus’ become more romantically attracted to you whenever you get along really well with their friends

◈ People with mercury in the 8th house aren’t big on gossiping typically (depending on other placements)

◈ Many people with saturn or uranus in the 9th house don’t go to college

◈ I’ve noticed a lot of libra and gemini placements are successful dancers

◈ Having your venus conjunct, trine, or sextile neptune can make many people idealize being in a romantic relationship with you

◈ Venus conjunct/square/opposite chiron can indicate a challenging love life before settling down long term

◈ The 9th house mainly rules over religion (the 12th house is more about spirituality) however, since it rules over beliefs as well it can tell a little about your spirituality

𝐀𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐝𝐬

◈ Tantalus (2102) represents having a strong desire for something that’s very out of reach and remains so

◈ Desiderata (344) represents what one desires and desirability. It can give you deeper insight beyond mars

◈ Nyctimene (2150) in the 5th/7th house in Solar Return can indicate you need to leave a relationship that year in order to be happy

◈ Deidre (165574) in the 10th house can indicate being known by the public for your immense feminine beauty - many women who are praised for their beauty have this placement

Venus aspecting someone’s Deidre Asteroid can indicate the Venus person is in love with the Deidre persons immense feminine beauty/power

◈ Actor (12238) in the 6th/10th house can indicate being an actor for a living - ex: timothee chalamet

◈ Juno (3) in the 7th house can indicate a happy marriage (whether it be the first, second, etc it will eventually happen)

◈ Eros (433) at 6° can indicate getting into your first relationship later than most

◈ Reddish (2884) represents things we easily get embarrassed over/embarrassment in general

Asteroid Reddish in cancer can indicate your mom embarrassing you often

◈ Sinon (3391) represents persuasion/convincing someone to let their guard down

◈ Tripaxeptalis (2037) in gemini/sagittarius can indicate an interest in numerology

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲

◈ Your Sun conjunct someone’s Moon can indicate you having a really good/close friendship with the Moon person

◈ Moon conjunct/trine/sextile Moon can indicate having a strong understanding of one another’s emotions

◈ Mars in someone’s 6th/11th house can indicate the Mars person struggles to get along with the 11th house persons friends -> info about 6H friends here

◈ Mercury square Venus can indicate the Mercury person doesn’t have interest in the Venus person romantically. Mercury is something under-looked in Synastry and in general when it comes to love. Not only does it rule over communication but also interests

◈ Mars conjunct Mars can indicate being able to resolve conflict with one another very well

◈ Sun conjunct Ascendant can be a challenging aspect and cause you both to resent one another

◈ Your Sun in someone’s 7th house can indicate a romantic relationship occurring

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬

◈ 11th house stelliums can indicate you both have similar political views

◈ Saturn in the 11th house can indicate challenges in your relationship involving difference in desires or struggles involving friends/friend groups/socialization

◈ 9th house stelliums can indicate really good romantic chemistry with one another -> why

◈ Saturn at 0° can indicate a karmic relationship or being together long term. You likely knew one another in a past life as well

◈ If you have chiron in the 7th house you may stay together for a while out of fear of losing one another because you’re so comfortable with one another and thrive off of your partnership together

◈ Cancer ascendant can indicate meeting one another through your family or theirs

◈ Many think capricorn/aquarius stelliums are bad but they can indicate a long term relationship with one another

◈ Jupiter in the 5th house can indicate bringing one another lots of joy

◈ Uranus in the 8th house can indicate being close friends before dating

◈ Lots of 5°/14°/23° can indicate being a good looking couple together

◈ True Node at 11° is a strong indication of twin flames and experiencing multiple past lives together

◈ Mars in the 9th house can indicate having a passion for traveling together

𝗦𝗨𝗕 𝗧𝗢 𝗠𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗢𝗡

© 𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐤𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝

[wren-dy-flowergarden]

My precious treasures ✦ *.✧ *.✦

✦ *.✧.* Being childhood friends with Seishiro Nagi created a world just for you and him. Then Mikage Reo comes along with his energetic charm busting it all the pieces and you don't know what to do. Word Count: 2.9k / Nagi x f!reader x Reo Tags: childhood friends to high school love birds, sfw, character study, not that beta'd ───────────✧.*✦ *.✧.*✦ *.✧.*✦ ───────────── A/N: My first posted story here! ლ(◉‿◉ ლ) finally... pls interact if you want more, I don't usually write short stories so sorry this is so long. Grand ideas for nsfw later hehe. Let me know what you think!

──────────── ✦ *.✧.*✦ *.✧.* ────────────

At first it was more of a chore to be friends with Nagi Seishiro than have what you define as a functioning friendship.

He was lazy, lazy in a way that you needed to check up on him daily just to make sure he wasn't passed out in his house. Not only that he was stubborn, stubborn in the sense that if the building was burning down vs. a high score on the newest game you definitely be attending a funeral the next day. Lastly, he's honest, honest to a fault where you have seen him deny so many confessions because 'they weren't like (Y/N).'

That always made your heart beat a little faster than healthy, but a little abnormality made life interesting right?

Ever since you were little you looked after Nagi. Whether it was coming to his empty house after his parents business trip was taking longer than usual, or after school grabbing ice cream (for yourself) then heading to the local arcade (for him).

It wasn't perfect, but it was something you gotten used to.

It wasn't until high school that your world began to shift.

You both went to the same school. A prep school known for its rounded curriculum, national sport teams and most importantly its connections.

You could find anyone here; the daughter of the Tamayo hospitality known for their five star hotels, half of the directors on the school board are wealthy investors looking for their next big venture and the most popular find would be Reo Mikage, the heir of the Mikage corporation.

A world outside her own and Nagi's.

It was by luck that you got accepted into this high school (plus countless nights of studying and coffee overdrive). Nagi on the other hand is a "genius". At least that's what his parents call him, they congratulated him with a quick three minute phone call and enough money to buy the newest game on the market.

You have never called Nagi a genius. Not that you don't agree, but it felt cold to define him as one and not as Nagi. The one who would always cheer you up by knowing your favorite sweets, turn on your favorite TV show while you be cooking at his house.

Nagi is Nagi.

He is your treasure.

A couple weeks later, spring started to turn into summer and with that beginning shift of your life.

It started with Nagi coming home with dirty cleats hanging off his school backpack and a jersey stained with grass.

"You've joined a club?"

Nagi gives a nod before flopping on the couch, you frowned, "Hey take a bath first, you're filthy." With that comment all you see is a bed of silver hair roll onto the floor with a grunt.

A short dinner later, a couple rounds of the newest Tekken game and you were off to study back at your own house. Putting on your shoes Nagi shouts from upstairs

"Hey (Y/N), you don't need to come here after school everyday."

You stop fidgeting with your shoe ties before twisting back to meet Nagi leaning against the wall. Towel over his head and droplets of water dripping down his neck to a barely exposed collar bone.

Your head whips down to your shoelaces, ears turning red. You don't meet his eyes as multiple thoughts spiral in your head, "If I don't come over who is going to make sure you eat?"

You expect a laugh, a shrug of the shoulder what you don't expect is a name.

"Reo."

You freeze. Reo Mikage the most popular guy in school, not Reo-san or Reo-kun just Reo.

It was almost as if Nagi could read your thoughts because he slumps further against the wall, "Its a pain, and football is not as fun as playing games, but Reo is ok." He says as if that explained the whole picture.

You want to ask a million questions. Oh Nagi how did you meet the heir of the Mikage corporation that literal net worth is in the billions, or why do you call him without honorifics?

"That's- um, great?" You try to compliment, because you don't know if this is a 'great' thing or not. You have never seen Nagi even touch a football in your whole time knowing him, let alone make a friend on first name basis in a week.

Nagi walks up to you as you fiddle with the unclipped thread tearing at the bottom of your shirt. He gives a small pat on the head, hesitant, the same form of love he use when you both first were 'required' to hang out with each other during your childhood days. It meant "you're alright" or "you got this" used after a tumble at the local park or if Nagi didn't go easy on you with his video games leaving you in a teary mess.

Today, it felt different.

──────────── ✦ *.✧.*✦ *.✧.* ────────────

When you first met Mikage Reo you don't have good impression.

He has weird purple colored hair that you aren't sure is dyed or natural, a charismatic smile used by snakes of the business world and most importantly his refers to Nagi as "his treasure".

Now that just makes your blood boil.

Boil in a way that this sparkling water that you were barely sipping, out of a champagne flute while sitting on leather seats in a six person limo, would soon turn into boiling water that you "accidentally" drop (throw) into the heir of Mikage corporations lap.

Before thoughts come into reality, you see Nagi smoothly whisking your glass away before swallowing the bubbly mess in one gulp.

Mikage-san brightens as he pours another glass for Nagi before continuing his spew about becoming the best football star in the world or something like that.

Breaking away from Mikage-san's own world you stare at Nagi his brows twisted in concentration as he swirls a full glass clear bubbles.

You lean over, chin barely reaching his shoulder as you whisper, "You like bubbly water?"

He gives a pained expression, probably read as a blank expression from someone who did not grow up with Nagi.

"I hate the taste."

You tone becomes confused, "Then why drink mine?"

Nagi looks into the glass before taking another sip, lips frowning before turning towards the window instead of answering.

He didn't touch the rest of his glass the remainder of the car ride.

──────────── ✦ *.✧.*✦ *.✧.* ────────────

School continued as usual. You go to homeroom as the teacher talked about the latest events happening this week. You go through the classes in similar style, homework, correction, lecture, questions until you finally be released for lunch.

Lunch, a usual fixture of leftovers you and Nagi shared from the night before wrapped with a blue cloth with printed on bunnies for cuteness. You were about to go find Nagi until purple hair entered the classroom making his way to your desk.

If only you could be swallowed by the ground right now.

"(Y/N)-san! Im so glad I found you." Clear enthusiasm shone in his eyes, he had a presence that announced himself to the whole class room. Everybody was looking at you two.

Bloody murder that what you think but you give a smile before tilting your head, "Ah. Mikage-san is there a reason you need me?"

He sits down on the chair in front of you, legs split leaning close to your unopened bento, "I was wondering if you could tell me about Nagi."

Oh. He was on first name basis also.

He looks down before smiling bashfully, "Sorry! I know it's lunch right now please eat."

You frown wishing you could be anywhere but here, as you crack open the bento revealing small rolled eggs cut into triangles and half a hamburger steak placed next to seaweed rice along with a small amount of cut out vegetables.

The boy in front of you eyes widened as you take your first bite, "Woah that looks like the one Nagi brought to lunch." A second he blurts out, "You cook for him?"

He says it in a way that makes you feel like a maid, rather than a friend and it doesn't leave a good taste in your mouth.

"It's easier to cook for two instead of one." You interject taking a mouthful of egg, hopefully you could chew this one piece as long as the lunch break.

Reo hums before continuing, "Nagi likes hamburger steak?"

"He likes crab." And you choke because why did you feel the need to prove yourself against a boy Nagi met a week ago.

Reo grins like a cat before leaning backwards, "Crab is a good choice though I rather eat steak." He looks at your meal, "What about you (Y/N)-san?"

After taking a gulp of water you beat your chest, coughing, "Ice- cough Ice cream."

Purple iris blinked before he gives a laugh leaning his head back exposing the curve of his Adam's apple- which no you were not looking just observing- before ducking your head back into your meal. He wipes a tear away from his eye, "Ice cream isn't a meal you know."

You give a shrug not wanting to continue, "It taste good." A pause and a smaller voice, "especially salty cream flavor."

Mikage-san gives an all knowing nod before he talks all about his favorite type of he emphasizes "desserts" until the lunch bell rings.

A couple days later the heir invites both you and Nagi to lunch, where it is a spread of crab dishes and lastly to clean the palate is salty vanilla ice cream.

...He's not terrible you guess.

──────────── ✦ *.✧.*✦ *.✧.* ────────────

Things even get more confusing as football season went into full swing. The whole school was abuzz about Aomori Dadada High, one of the best high school team playing against a prep school during before Kanto tour was unheard of.

It wasn't until you heard Reo-san at the dinner table the other night, complain about how "easy" it was to stroke those "muscle head egos" and get them to play a game later in the week, getting the upper hand on his father or something like that.

Oh. How could you forget, Nagi started to invite Reo to dinner every night after football practice (which was every night). You stared at the two of them across the dinner table, currently munching on smoked mackerel spitting out bones.

"We could have had special grade tuna tonight if you just let Ba-ya drop by the market!" The purple head complained as he stuck a fin in his mouth to suck on. You've learned earlier that the comment wasn't more about your cooking but more about "living the fullest of life". Reo-san always had the most empty plate after dinner.

"It's fine- I be more worried if I ended up cooking it wrong and Nagi eat your carrots." You point to the carrots pushed to the side of his plate.

He gives a whine, pushing them back and forwards before looking over, "But you aren't eating your tomatoes..."

You put a hand over your miso soup, three cherry tomatoes bobbing lifelessly, covering it from scrutinizing eyes.

"I- they are sour today!"

Nagi lets out a non committal hum as Reo comments, "but tomatoes are good for your skin."

"My skin is fine Reo-san."

"She's already pretty Reo."

A pause before simultaneously all of you turned a different shade of red. Reo is the first to break the silence hands flailing, "He means you could be a model! You know the ones that are on the bulletin board promoting Calpico fresh!"

The red on your cheek darkens before you mumble, "I've only seen the ads with the girls in swimsuits." On the way to school there be smiling girl holding a bottle of Calico fresh as the showed just enough cleavage to the camera but not enough to distract you from the product itself. They all had flawless photoshopped skin tucked into a tight yellow bikini.

Reo, face as red as yours now (probably remembered the same ad), cries before ducking his face into his hands, "I mean the ad with the school uniform!" Before he gives a groan, "That sounds even worse."

You look at Nagi, the instigator as he stared at the curves of his fish bones a faint cherry red painted on the tip of his ears before he mutters, "Yellow is nice."

You kick both him and Reo underneath the table as you pop a cherry from your soup into your mouth urging them out of the kitchen so you could clean in peace.

.

.

.

It's game day, and you have not wanted (or did you) to continue that conversation at the dinner table. Instead you kept your head down sipping on now a mix of orange and cranberry juice in the Mikage's limo instead of that bubbly monstrosity people says is water.

Life has gone on rather normally other than the new friendship with Reo-san. What was more noticeable was instead of the yellow bikinied girl posing on a billboard it was now replaced with a more family friendly ad showing a girl in a summer uniform, head tilting back as she drank Calpico fresh, the word "refreshing" curved on top of her head.

You blinked, staring at the Mikage heir, him refusing to make eye contact with you.

Money could do anything.

──────────── ✦ *.✧.*✦ *.✧.* ────────────

There was excitement in school that day. People gossiped about how Aomori Dadada high school would be arriving and that this be the spectacle of the year.

After the last bell rang you could see almost all the classroom make a mad dash towards the field. You included though behind the mass of crowd as you see figures on the field facing what seemed to be students two times their muscle build.

You're glad this wasn't American football, you know you be seeing Reo-san and Nagi in the nearest hospital.

"Miss (Y/N-san)." You turn to Reo's personal attendant an elderly lady who stood a good two heads taller than you, back hunched but suit bulking with muscle.

You give a greeting, "Ba-ya-san, weather is nice today." You look past the ocean of people noticing the kick off, "Think they will win?"

A chuckle answers your questions as she nods, "Though Mr. Mikage-sama does not agree with his son's decisions they share simmilarities, talent seeks talent Ms. (Y/N)-san."

Your eye brow rises, "That's why Reo-san is attached to Nagi? Because of talent?" The ball flies into the air as the crowd erupts into a roar you can barely hear the elderly women reply.

"Do you not agree?"

You shrug.

"No." You think about the more lively lunches, Nagi coming home exhausted with a hint of a smile, Reo eventually joining for dinner every night. You heart twinges with sadness as the whistle blows announcing the first goal of the inning. Nagi being tackled by Reo the two of them barely balancing on two feet.

"It just seems more than talent, that's all."

──────────── ✦ *.✧.*✦ *.✧.* ────────────

Your world is shifting, rapidly.

From a singular world that revolved around Nagi Seishiro, Reo Mikage was forcing himself in this pocket of happiness. You be lying if you said you didn't mind before, but now his presence would be missed if he stopped hanging out with you both.

Reading through Nagi's letter from the Blue Lock Project, identical to Reo's letter (other than name) felt like vertigo.

Reo had excitement showing on his face, Nagi a look of boredom and you?

What type of look were you making right now?

"It's huge news (Y/N)! This is the first step of becoming top of the world, not only that but we will be meeting other stepping stones there that will take us further." He puts an arm over Nagi's shoulder who was playing on his phone, "We will become the best players in the world."

Again, like the start of Nagi's football journey you give a congratulations, "It's- ah" You look for the words a moment before you decide:

It felt like they were both leaving you behind, because talent craves talents and you, what did you do? A world of you Nagi and Reo was not seeming that realistic but you knew you had to answer as expectant purple eyes brimming with excitement waited for your answer.

"It's wonderful."

It must of not been the right word because Reo's face drops and Nagi even pauses his game sits up shuffling closer before he reaches out for you, "Don't do that."

You frowned, "Do what?"

He puts a hand on your cheek, cold, as he gently pressing his thumb against the bottom of your eyes rubbing back and forward.

"Cry."

You laugh, a type of laugh that gets caught in your throat, "I'm not though." Nagi grey eyes focused on you keeps pressing his thumb against you cheek as Reo reaches over taking your hands pressing them together to stop them from shaking, rubbing small circles against your wrists.

You didn't even realize you were shaking.

The heir's voice dropped into a soothing voice, reassuring, "It says a couple months..." He grins, confidence flooding his face, "But it will take only a couple weeks knowing how talented I am and how genius Nagi is." He hasn't stopped rubbing circles.

You sight, leaning into Nagi's hand as he moves his hand to the back of your nap massaging the tension, "You guys will eat healthy, right?"

Reo squeezed his hands against your as Nagi hums in agreement.

"And you guys will be together? You won't miss me?"

It was instantaneous.

"How could we not!" Purple irises burn with sincerity.

"It be hard not to miss you." Lazy eyes blink.

You give a small laugh leaning against Nagi's shoulder and gave a tight squeeze against Reo's in agreement. It was hard to believe Nagi was your only treasure before Reo butted into your life, I guess now you had two.

"Okay. I'll wait for you both to come back then."

[gallifreyanhotfive]

Random Doctor Who Facts You Might Not Know, Part 50: 50 Facts for 50 Parts

How the hell did I get to part 50?!?!?! This is insanity.

The Eleventh Doctor once got hit with an electromagnetic pulse that left him needing to rebuild his mind, during which time he lived as Mr. Foreman. Valarie would sell her cybernetic enhancements to Mr. Foreman in exchange for money and the chance to check on the TARDIS, often telling him stories about the Doctor as she did so. Mr. Foreman used so many of her enhancements that she lost herself. (Audio: Curiosity Shop)

The Fifth Doctor has been tied up in strappado before. (Audio: The Church and the Crown)

The Ninth Doctor has lost or forgotten the ability to play the spoons. (Audio: Station to Station)

Aspirin is fatal to Time Lords. (Novel: The Left-Handed Hummingbird; Burning Heart; Audio: The Condemned)

The Brigadier lost his virginity as a Second Lieutenant when he was 21 years old. (Novel: Deadly Reunion)

The Thirteenth Doctor has introduced herself as "Sarah Jane Smith" before. (Short story: Mission of the KaaDok)

The Third Doctor was able to sense that he was near the end of his life before being irradiated. (Audio: The Children of the Future)

Mozart got cloned in the future many times because they were inspired by his creativity. This made one clone travel to the past to make Mozart immortal with the intention of draining him of that creativity, which would make sure those clones were never made. The Sixth Doctor traveled to Mozart's deathbed to convince him not to trust the clone, and Mozart eventually dies very confused by what was going on. (Audio: My Own Private Wolfgang)

Ace once tried to use the Seventh Doctor's "look me in the eye, pull the trigger" manipulation tactics, but because she's not a hypnotist or psychic like him, she ends up shot anyway. (Audio: The Fearmonger)

Hannah Bartholomew stowed away on the TARDIS, looking for an adventure. She ended up being instrumental in saving the day on the God-King's Tomb Ship and joined Nyssa and the Fifth Doctor more officially. (Audio: Tomb Ship)

Iris Wildthyme has her own version of the Valeyard called Bianca. She rebuilt her TARDIS as a nightclub and tried to steal Iris's regenerations. (Audio: The Wormery)

The Thirteenth Doctor and the Master, locked together in a psychic link, once talked about their issues. They talked about their pasts, but the Master refused to tell her about the "mystery" he was keeping from her. (Short story: The Doctor vs the Master)

After being irradiated, the Third Doctor wandered the time vortex for an entire decade, his body breaking down the entire time. It got to a point where he could not reach the console and was left drifting until the TARDIS finally landed herself. (Novel/Audio: Love and War)

The Thirteenth Doctor once tried to celebrate Yaz's birthday with a tea party in Boston, 1773. (Comic: The Forest Bride)

The Eighth Doctor was separated into his three different sides once. One side was sensible. The other was quite bouncy and excitable, and it was a wonder he didn't get killed while being distracted by something. The third side was incredibly nasty and could be quite violent without the other two sides there to balance him out. (Audio: Caerdroia)

The Fifth Doctor is so good with a bow and arrow that he could shoot an arrow with a piece of parchment attached to it through a window in a tower and snuff out the flame of the candle he was aiming at. (Audio: Son of the Dragon)

The Ninth Doctor once invited a woman named Adriana to travel with him in the TARDIS, only for her to almost immediately die. (Audio: The Bleeding Heart)

When taking into account the battered appearance of his TARDIS console, the Second Doctor realized that the Time Lords had been sending him on missions for a long time, using him as a pawn. Unfortunately, every time he realized this, they erased his memory. (Short story: Save Yourself)

The Twelfth Doctor recalled pulling the Sword from the Stone, becoming King of England for a day, and then abdicating to King Arthur. (Novel: Silhouette)

The Eleventh Doctor used the alias Jean Valjean to infiltrate Alcatraz. (Comic: Escape into Alcatrax)

The Toymaker once turned the Eighth Doctor into a ventriloquist's doll, and he was unable to move or speak unless Charley was holding him. When he did speak, he would shout and protest desperately against the situation. (Audio: Solitaire)

About six hours after the events of The Tomb of the Cybermen, Captain Hopper and his crew ran into the Fifth Doctor, Tegan, and Nyssa, and Hopper was killed by two cyber-converted crewmembers. (Audio: Secrets of Telos)

The Third Doctor became a British citizen at some point. (Audio: The Doll of Death)

After leaving the Eighth Doctor, Zagreus became Perfection, who was a huge flirt towards the Doctor. (Audio: The Next Life)

William Shakespeare once spiked the Fifth Doctor's drink with ginger, leading to the predictable drunken effects. (Audio: The Kingmaker)

The Thirteenth Doctor also really likes ginger nuts, garibaldis, and fig rolls and gets them from the biscuit dispenser in her TARDIS. (Comic: The Forest Bride)

The Sixth Doctor considers Braxiatel condescending and doesn't really like him, but he still trusts him. (Audio: The 100 Days of the Doctor)

When the Fifth Doctor was stabbed in the chest, he was able to survive due to his characteristic heart anatomy, but he was still out for the count for a while. (Audio: Son of the Dragon)

The Sixth Doctor had been known to play with swivel chairs, even going "wheeeee!" while gliding around in them. (Audio: The Sandman)

The Ninth Doctor used his sonic screwdriver to seal the Compassionate away in the rift. He also rigged the sonic to explode. However, this sonic screwdriver was the model commonly used by the War Doctor, not the one from the first series of nuwho. (Audio: The Bleeding Heart)

The Twelfth Doctor thought he might regenerate when he was infected with the Venusian flu, but he also worried that the flu would take such a toll on him that he wouldn't be able to regenerate. (Audio: The Lost Flame)

Kwundaar looks so terrifying that the Doctor screamed after merely looking at him. (Audio: Primeval)

Erimem - a companion of the Fifth Doctor - brought her cat Antranak on board the TARDIS, whom the Doctor despised. There were several reasons for this, including that the Doctor was occasionally unable to set the controls because Antranak was lying on top of them. (Audio: The Church and the Crown)

C'rizz's father almost drowned him once as punishment for deviating from the Church of the Foundation. (Audio: The Next Life)

The Twelfth Doctor's sonic sunglasses have a Telepathic Emergency Beacon, which allows him to take control of another person's body. (Short story: My Dad, The Doctor)

There was a murderer in a place called the Needle, which should be impossible since everyone there has a chip inside of them stopping them from being violent. This killer traveled from person to person, something referred to as "redlining." The Seventh Doctor immediately redlined after being chipped. This whole situation began because a time traveller came to the needle, and the time travel mechanism was organic and a part of her, which made the computer go mad. The Doctor was drawn there and was sensitive to redlining due to his time sensitive nature and his biology. (Audio: Red)

Simon and Joanne, two characters in Lant Land, thought that Tegan and Turlough's names were unbelievable and proposed they change them to Yvonne and Derek. (Audio: Lant Land)

The Eleventh Doctor once gave the name Colonel Lethbridge-Stewart as a pseudonym. (Novel: Shroud of Sorrow)

Gemma, one of the Eighth Doctor’s companions, has called him Dad before, but the Doctor preferred to be called a cool uncle. (Audio: Terror Firma)

Turlough hates the cold and will complain if put in it. (Audio: Singularity)

The Sixth Doctor and Evelyn once thought they had accidentally cockblocked Julius Caesar's parents on the night of his conception. This meant that instead a baby girl named Julia was born, which Evelyn thought would be a brilliant chance to revolutionize the world. She kept trying to stop the Doctor from convincing Julius Caesar Sr. and Aurelia from hooking up at the proper time. Eventually, the two realize that 101 BC is before 100 BC and that they were doing this for no reason at all. (Audio: 100 BC)

The Spriggan was an alternate universe version of the Doctor, who terrorized a planet and used their youth to power his TARDIS. He even created an new Leela, but she fought him to protect the Tenth Doctor and threw him into the vortex. (Audio: Splinters)

The Galyari are a species of 8-foot tall reptiles that had extraordinary eyesight. Because of their exceptional vision, they found the Sixth Doctor to be literally painful to look at because of his coat. They were afraid of him and called him "the Sandman." (Audio: The Sandman)

The Tenth Doctor referred to the Seventh as the mysterious and manipulative type, the sort of rebellious phase someone goes through when they turn 1000 years old. (Novel: Legends of Camelot)

Joshua Douglas was a companion of the Third Doctor but stopped traveling with him after a disagreement. He was later killed while with the Fourth Doctor and Leela. (Audio: The Catalyst)

Mandy Litherland was incredibly fond of and sweet on the Ninth Doctor. After traveling to the past, she kissed the Doctor. The Doctor almost invited her to travel with him but didn't because he knew she probably wouldn't accept. (Audio: Auld Lang Syne)

Sometimes, when the Sixth Doctor is distressed and going off the deep end of his emotions, he has been known to break down in Evelyn's presence and cuddle with her. (Audio: Arrangements for War)

The Veil left the Twelfth Doctor a spade made of duralinum and a dwarf star alloy, which would have been strong enough to break the azbantium wall. The Doctor was wary of it, assuming it was a trap, and he used his fists on the wall instead. (Short story: The Veil)

Missy once saved the life of a young girl whose sister had asked her for help. She had stopped to rescue the child stuck high up while being chased by an assassin, without further witness, and without reward. The Doctor does not know of this. (Audio: The Chaos Cascade)

A young version of the Fifth Doctor post-Four to Doomsday once got displaced in time. Experiencing time slippage, he swapped places with his future selves and learned that Adric had died far too early. Eventually, he ended up in the body of an Auton duplicate the Master had made of the Doctor. He eventually faded away and died as the time slippage unraveled his past and his memories to an extent where he was running on his most basic desire: to save Adric. He had been convinced that if he was put back in his own time he could save him, and for that reason, the older Fifth Doctor refused to return him. (Audio: The Auton Infinity)

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[justmenoworries]

some unorganized thoughts about Vox and Valentino Hazbin Hotel

Spoilers For Hazbin Hotel episode 2

TW: Discussions and depictions of abusive relationships, sexual assault, extortion and financial abuse

So going by the promo material shown to us, a lot of fans seem to think that Vivzie has changed course on VoxVal and that it's going to be a much more healthy relationship than previously implied.

Not gonna lie, that disappoints me.

Because depicting an abusive romantic relationship with an imperfect and unexpected victim would have been extremely interesting. We already know Valentino is a piece of shit who doesn't care about anything but himself and profit.

The "Addict" music video and the prequel comic "Dirty Healings" make that very clear.

Valentino regularly assaults Angel, keeps Angel's earnings for himself and tries to keep Angel in the studio as long as possible, even getting angry when Angel goes out by himself. Even if it's to get money for Val.

And for all of his faults, it's very easy for the viewer to feel sympathy for Angel. Angel is a likable character who's been shown to have a much kinder side to him via his friendship with Cherry and him trying to comfort Charlie in the pilot after her pitch for the Happy Hotel flops.

Vox though?

Vox is slated to be a main antagonist. He's a fellow Overlord of Hell. Someone for whom it'd be much harder to believe that he'd let anyone treat him like Valentino treats Angel.

And yet...

To be fair, this artwork is from the in-character Instagram accounts, which were already confirmed as non-canonical. (The accounts themselves are sadly archived now due to some really messed up stuff that happened with the Octavia and Stolas accounts.)

Still, depicting Vox as one of Valentino's victims would have been pretty intriguing. It shows that this kind of thing can happen to anyone, no matter the gender or financial or social situation. It would also acknowledge that just because someone is a victim of abuse doesn't mean they're pure, innocent or weak. And that no matter the circumstances, no one deserves to be treated like Valentino treats Vox and Angel.

I'm honestly hoping that this aspect of the VoxVal relationship isn't entirely gone and I kinda think it isn't.

In episode 2 we see right off the bat that Vox doesn't really like Valentino. And it's easy to see why.

Valentino is a spoiled angry manchild with no self control. He needs Velvette and Vox to reign him in, otherwise he's going to do stupid shit like waltz up to the princess of Hell's doorstep with a gun in hand. Because he can't handle the idea that one of his employees is living somewhere he didn't approve.

If Vox hadn't stopped him and talked him out of it, Val would have gotten the VVVs into some serious shit. His violent streaks can also not be talked down completely, they need to be satisfied somehow. Vox needs to offer Val the lowest earners to shoot at and work out his aggression on or Val's going to continue to go on a rampage and most likely tear apart more of Velvette's models.

Speaking frankly, Valentino seems way more trouble than he's worth. Vox and Velvette appear to be doing all the work in their shared empire while Val just throws tantrums and forces them to go out of their way to calm him down.

So if that's the case, why do the other Vs puts up with Val?

In Alastor's and Vox' duet in episode 2, Alastor has this very interesting thing to say about Vox and his relationship to Valentino and Velvette:

"Is Vox as strong as he purports? Or is it based on his support? He'd be powerless without the other Vs."

What's also interesting is Val's and Velvette's reaction to it.

They're smiling. Like they agree.

Alastor also reveals that Vox was trying to get Alastor to join the Vs. Alastor declined.

Vox of course tries to deny all of that, but in the process gets so worked up he short-circuits himself and causes a city-wide blackout.

If Alastor is telling the truth here (and we don't really have a reason to believe he isn't), that puts everything in a whole new light.

Vox is he brains of the operation but is he also the only thing that's keeping it together? Val and Velvette don't really get along (Velvette insults Val behind his back, Val rips apart her models when he's angry) and both don't seem to respect Vox that much. Velvette lets him deal with Val's bad moods, Val doesn't hesitate to throw stuff at Vox when he's pissed (the fact that Vox nonchalantly dodges the glass Valentino throws at him implies this is not the first time). They both have a look of disdain on their faces when Vox hugs them during "Status Quo".

So why does Vox go to all this trouble to keep these two assholes in line if he doesn't really care for them and they in turn have no love for him?

Maybe for business reasons, but Vox already has a giant multi-media empire, right? So again, what does he need the other Vs for?

I think it has to do with Vox's need to be admired and liked and at the top.

See, another thing this episode tells us about Vox is that he's deeply, deeply, insecure.

He has a dozen different programs where he changes his outfits, approach and demeanor to cater to every single sinner possible, he throws out new business ideas on the fly so he'll always be the newest trend everyone follows. If something (or someone) comes up that cracks his cool confident businessman facade even a little he can't handle it and literally breaks down.

Really, Alastor puts it best:

"Is Vox insecure? Pursuing allure? Between this fad and that, is nothing working? Every day he's got a new format."

So Vox doesn't just want to be powerful and popular, he wants to be the most powerful and the most popular and his shows alone aren't going to cut it for that.

That's why he needs Velvette and Valentino. They provide the content that draws the viewers Vox so desperately craves. Without them he'd be all on his own, might lose large chunks of his viewership. And that's something I think Vox is deeply afraid of.

So no matter how little he might actually like them, regardless how shitty Valentino treats him, Vox needs these two. In his view at least, he can't afford to lose them.

[phoxey]

Talent VS Hard Work

Bebe!Bada Lee x WolfLo!reader (Do I even need to say fem?)

CW: Angst, verbal fighting, bada being lowkey an asshole

AN: the stuff written in cursive are obv flashbacks

Part 2

Bebe looked at the screen, as they were being filmed reacting to the other dancers being announced. WolfLo came on and of course the Bebe girls reacted excitedly. Every name being a big name in the scene. Halo, Chocol, Mini, Yeni Cho, Haechi Wang and of course everyone screamed when they read the Name Babysleek. Then the last name of WolfLo popped up. One that made Badas excitement immediately drop, and her smile fell. Your name.

“Unnie… is that…?”, Lusher carefully asked, looking at Bada.

“Who is she?”, Cheche asked confused.

“Bada’s ex best friend. They started dancing together back then. Their friendship ended in a big fight.”, Tatter whispered to her.

Cheche looked to her leader and if a look could kill, you would have died then and there.

A similar thing happened in a different studio, where the WolfLo members sat. You and your members had fun and were giggling until Bebe was introduced, starting with the leader. Bada Lee. You could hear a camera zoom onto your face. You clenched your jaw when you saw her face, you could almost hear her taunting voice again.

“Are you okay?”, Chocol asked.

“Yeah… I just thought I would never have to see her again.”, you whispered.

“If you want, I will battle her and embarrass her.”, Babysleek laughed.

“No, no. If someone battles her, it’s going to be me.”, you said determined, you looked into her face again with both hate and tears in your eyes.

A week later filming started. Bebe was the first group to walk into the battle zone, chatting happily as they waited for the evaluation film to start.

Bada expected most of what was said. The comparison between Aikis and her team. That no one knows her members. That only Bada will shine.

Then she saw your face. You had no expression; your eyes were almost empty when a staff asked you what you thought about Bebe.

“I think they must be very talented, if Bada lets them dance with her.”, it almost sounded like a compliment, if you didn’t know what had happened. “But let’s be real, they will only be there as long as they are of use for Bada.”

Bada could feel the eyes of her students on her, scanning for her reaction, and the anger rose within her.

Seething she sat down, the other crews didn’t really faze her, she just waited for WolfLo. She waited for you. And when WolfLo finally did come, her eyes were immediately on you. You in your all-black outfit, looking like some futuristic ninja. You looked so different; you used to be so cute.

Bada wrapped her arms around you from behind and you could hear her laugh as she picked you up. You were almost two heads shorter than her. You kicked your feet into the air in an attempt to break free from her embrace, but you were laughing as well.

“Happy birthday!”, Bada giggled as she let you down.

“You always do that! Stop!”, you grinned, then you pouted. “I hate that I am so short.”

Bada shook her head and kissed your forehead. “You are the perfect height for this.”

You blushed hard at that and even harder when Bada pulled a little box out of her pocket.

“Present.”, she just said and looked away shyly.

“Bada!”, you gasped as you opened it. It was two bracelets, that were definitely made by Bada herself. They were blue and purple. Blue being her color and purple being yours.

“It’s not much, I don’t have a lot of money. Sorry I couldn’t get you something better…”, she mumbled.

“This is perfect! I love it!”, you grinned and helped her put on hers and she helped you with yours.

“I thought you were proposing to me.”, you winked.

“In ten years, I might.”, Bada smirked.

Neither of you knew if you two were flirting or not.

“But! You know what a perfect gift would also be? What would make me happy as well?”, you said mischievously.

Bada’s eyes went big and eager. “What? I want to make you happy!”

“Dance with me.”, you said. “My parents promised me that I can join a dance academy.”

“Do you want to become an Idol?”

You shook your head. “No, I just want to dance. And I want to do it with the person that means the most to me.”

Bada nodded. “Let’s dance. Let’s become a famous dance duo!”

It was ten years later now and both of your wrists were empty. You did not become a famous dance duo. She did not propose. Today was your birthday and the memory haunted you.

When WolfLo arrived in the fight zone, people began whispering, mostly about Babysleek. Only Bebe was whispering about you, but Bada couldn’t hear her students, her entire focus was on you. How you politely bowed to Ladybounce and then turned your gaze to the other side to bow as well, but you stopped in your tracks when you locked eyes with Bada. She did not change at all. Her long hair, her boyish clothes… and the way she poked her cheek with her tongue when she was annoyed. You narrowed your eyes at her, before you rolled them. Why was she annoyed? She had no right.

You decided to ignore her, that was until Kang Daniel called your name, to choose your no respect dancer. You grabbed the mic.

“Today is my birthday. My no respect dancer promised to dance with me ten years ago. On the day exact. So…”, you walked up to Bebe. “I ask you to keep your promise, just once in your life, Bada Lee.”

Bada clenched her teeth but nodded and stood up.

You two danced very differently. You knew she didn’t have any experience in battles, since she was a choreographer, but she was good, nevertheless. Damn you, Bada Lee, you and your talent. She got a draw out of it, so you two danced again together. It showed that you were Babysleeks student then. While dancing to the same song, the judges had a better comparison, there was no doubt that you were an experienced and skilled battler. It earned you a 2:1 victory.

As Bada was walking away to sit down, you grabbed Daniels mic again.

“In the end, hard work will always win over talent.”, you said.

Bada looked at you and huffed a laugh. She didn’t even sit back down with her team but went upstairs to go to their hideout room. Confused the director called out a break.

You signaled to your team that you would go to their room too but wished to be alone. You walked past Bebe’s blue door, briefly stopping, wondering if Bada was on the other side. Then you sighed and went to the WolfLo room. You laid down on one of the sofas and closed your eyes, to concentrate on your breathing.

You heard the door open and shut. “Go away, Haechi. I want to be alone. I am really pissed off.”

“Why? You finally won over me, aren’t you happy?”, an all too familiar voice said, which made you immediately sit up.

Bada stood there, leaning against the door.

“What the fuck are you doing here?”, you groaned.

“I wanted to wish you a happy birthday. Your victory was my present for you.”

“It’s not a present when I got it myself. I won fair and square.”

Bada huffed. “As if…”

“You’ll never be as good as me.”, Bada said annoyed.

Tears were rolling down your face. “I am sorry, I swear I’m doing the best I can!”

“To be honest, you should stop dancing. You are clearly not talented whatsoever.”, Bada said.

Your sad expression changed into confusion. “T-Talent? Bada, what are you talking about?”

“We have been dancing for a year now! What takes me five minutes to learn, takes you five hours. You are a shitty dancer… if you can even call yourself that.”, Bada huffed.

“What do you mean?”, you frowned. Surely Bada wasn’t being serious.

“People ask how long you have been dancing, they are shocked to hear you dance as long as me but can’t even get basic steps right. Do you even know how embarrassing that is? You are not even a beginner dancer. Whereas people ask me to join their crew or choreograph with them! Also, when we go to classes together, you hold up the entire class, because you can never get even the simplest choreo right. The teacher is annoyed with you, the other students are annoyed with you, I am annoyed with you! Please just save yourself the embarrassment and stop dancing. Because as long as you are here in the same classes, as long as you are dancing with me, you are only holding me back!”

“I am the reason you even started dancing! You should be grateful!”

“You are also the reason why I can’t get better! If it wasn’t for you, I would be already giving my own classes or win competitions with my own dance crew!”

“Bada, we started dancing for fun.”, you argued.

“I want to make dancing my life!”

“You promised that we would dance together!”

“I am better off without you!”

“Are you saying you let me win?”, you asked, standing up. Bada didn’t look at you, but walked around the room and pretended to look at something. You walked over to her and grabbed her arm to yank her around, so that she would face you.

“Don’t touch me!”, she yelled and shoved you away.

“You know, Bada… the funny thing is: I probably would have stopped dancing out of frustration of not getting better back then, if you hadn’t said anything. But you know me, if someone tells me to not do something, I end up wanting to do it even more. I should thank you. For being my motivation to keep dancing.”

“Oh really?”, she laughed.

You nodded. “In the past nine years, since our fight, there was not one day where I didn’t dance. Even when I was sick, I danced. Every. Fucking. Day. I danced. Just because I didn’t want you to win over me.”

“Yeah sure…”, Bada laughed again. “You are lazy. And dancing didn’t mean anything to you. You just danced around, you never got into it!”

“Dancing meant everything to me! Because I could dance with you.”

“See, you don’t love dancing for dancing! You would have done anything as long as it was with me! Ain’t I right?”, Bada frowned.

“Don’t forget that I loved dancing first, Bada Lee! All of what you are now is because of me! You may have talent, but you would never have found it, if it wasn’t for me! I built both of our careers. But honestly? I wish I would have never taken you dancing. We both would have regular lives, all of this shit would have never happened. Maybe you would have actually proposed today…”

“I guess we will never know.”, Bada said.

Part 2

[punishereditz]

Stuck Up

Pairing: La Knight x f!reader

Warnings: 18 plus only! Minors DNI! DO NOT COPY! Get ready, there is a lot of warnings. Reader is a part of the judgement day. Use of Knight's real name. Arguing. Fighting. (Not to bad.) Different kind of summerslam. Smut. Pure smut. Rough sex. Oral. (f!receiving) Dirty talk. Praise kink. Choking. Edging. Spanking. Marking. Bondages. Piercings. Claiming. Overstimulation. Creampie. Squirting.

AN: And then you get this fic, then I take it to my penthouse, and I freak it

Word count: 2.1k

Summary: La Knight is the world heavyweight champion until you cost him the match and he isn't happy about that.

~

Summerslam night. La Knight vs Drew Mcintyre for the world heavyweight championship. It was the main event. A huge night for La as it was one of his biggest matches since becoming champion almost a year ago. It was gonna be another easy win. He's defended his title time and time again and each time he has come out on top. Tonight was going to be no different. Or... at least that's what he thought.

It was a long, exhausting match. Drew would have the advantage, then La Knight would get it back. Back and forth between the men. The match was amazing, and the crowd roared the entire time. It was all going perfectly. He delivered a perfect blunt force trauma and had Drew's shoulder down. Going for the pin. One! Two! He was stopped at three. Your music playing throughout the arena. La Knight was livid as he watched you sprint down the ramp with Damian's money in the bank case in your hand. You got to a referee as quickly as possible and cashed it in. That was when Damian ran and slid into the ring. Knight wasn't on his feet for more than a second when Priest presented his finisher. Hit the lights. One! Two! Three! Your new men's world heavyweight champion. Damian Priest!

La knight watched as it was taken away from him just like that. In a snap of a finger. A flash of a second. He knew it was going to have to happen eventually, but that still didn't mean he wasn't absolutely pissed about it. Which, he didn't know what he was madder about. The fact that he just lost his title... or the fact that he just lost his title because of you. He felt betrayed in a way. You and Knight didn't have anything to do with each other when it came to on screen. But backstage? Knight would find himself passing by the judgement day's locker room in hopes to find you and you would catch yourself lurking around the champ's door. The two of you always finding ways to corner the other. Flirting in secret. So, when he saw you with that brief case... it enraged him.

He didn't feel sad about it, he just felt... angry. And he was gonna do something about it. He was banging on your hotel room door with more force than needed. Impatiently waiting. He went to bang on the door again, but you opened the door before he could. You looked at him annoyed and confused. "What are you doing here?"

"You know exactly what I'm doing here." He pushed past you. Not asking if it was okay for him to enter.

"No. I don't exactly. Care to explain?" You watched as he looked around the room then looked at you. His eyes slowly looking you up and down. At the tight shorts that barely even touched your thighs. The loose tank top. Your crossed arms that defined your muscles and pushed up your breast. This was getting better and better for him.

"Tonight." He growled. Taking a step forward.

"What about it?"

"What about it?! What about it is that you made me lose my strap!" His voice raised and you scoffed.

"Shaun, you knew what was going to happen tonight. Why are you pissed at me for it?" Your tone matched his as you raised your voice as well.

"I didn't know it was going to be you!"

"What do you want me to do about it?! I can't change what happened!" The both of you were shouting now. In each other's face.

"You could have had one of your other little emo nitwits to have done it!"

"Yeah, but Damian had me do it!"

"Oh, so now it's Damian's fault?! He was the one who put you up to it?!"

"Shaun don't dare make it out like I wanted to do that!"

"Oh, but it sure as hell did look like you wanted too! So fucking stuck up to them!"

"Stuck up?!"

"Yeah! So. Fucking. Stuck. Up. To. Them! You practically kiss their asses!"

"Well, I may be stuck up to them, but at least I'm not the one with my head so fair stuck up my ass!"

"You had better watch your fucking mouth."

You shook your head and sighed. Both of your faces were red, the two of you yelling so much and getting so worked. The veins in his neck were popping and he was standing dangerously close to you. Things getting heated so fast.

"What is this about? What is this really about?!" You finally spoke again.

"It's about the fact that it was you! You! It's all about you!" He grabbed your waist and pulled you against him. His hot breath on your face as he towered over you.

Yours and his adrenaline was high. Your hearts hammering, your blood pulsing with fury. Your breath heavy. His eyes heavier on you. His eyes traveling over your body and stopping at your breast. His jaw clenched. Staring at your nipple piercings. He's never noticed those before. His cock strained against his jeans. Then, he suddenly hoisted you up. Wrapping your legs around his waist and without a second thought, he furiously kissed you.

He pushed you against the wall with force and you moaned into his mouth as you felt the small sting in your back and the crack of the wall behind you. Your fingers lacing through his hair and pulling it. Digging your fingers into his shoulder. Earning a groan from him. He pushed his tongue past your lips. Deepening the kiss. Letting his frustrations out. But this wasn't good enough. This wasn't even close to good enough. "Pick a safe word." Your mind was in such a whirl, you couldn't answer him.

"Pick a safe word sweetheart." He repeated and you were able to pull your thoughts together enough to answer him. "Receipt."

"Good girl." He put you down and with a sweep of his hand, he ripped your shirt right in half. Throwing it down and taking one of your breasts into his mouth. His tongue swirling around your nipple until he grasped your piercing in his teeth and tugged on it. A desperate moan leaving your lips. He did the same to the other side and he kissed, sucked, and bit your breast until he was satisfied. But the satisfaction still wasn't close to being filled. He needed more. He pulled his shirt over his head, throwing to the floor and pulling your shorts down, as well as your underwear. He grabbed you by the throat. Pulling you to him. His hand adding a little bit of pressure. Your pulse surging under his fingertips. His kiss on your lips all tongue and teeth.

Then you yelped as he threw you up on his shoulder. You gripped his hair as you looked down at him looking up at you with a devilish smile. That was when he buried his face into your pussy. Licking a line up your folds. Then he licked your clit before he sucked on it. Making you arch your back and try to close your legs around his head, but he didn't let you. The hold on your knees tight enough so you're not going anywhere. Because you're going to be here awhile. He is going to take his precious time. Starting to suck on your clit a little harder, swirling quick circles around it. Then he let his tongue travel down and dip into your entrance. Slipping it in and out of you. Pulling loud moans from you. Your climax was sneaking up on you and it was starting to sneak up onto you fast. He knew it to.

He could tell by the increase in volume in your moans and how you started to squirm more on top of his shoulders. So, he slowed it down, tortuously slow. Agonizingly slow. You groaned in frustration and that made him chuckle. The vibration of it making a chill run down your spine. You need to release your climax, but he simply wouldn't allow it. He kept it going. He kept you up on his shoulders, eating you out. Edging you over and over. Getting you worked up only to not let you have what you so desperately craved. It feels like this has been going on for an eternity. But finally, now that he's ready, he lets you come. The circles of his tongue on your clit not slowing down this time when you start to get close. Your sweet long awaited climax crashes over you. Hitting you like a wrecking ball. Coming all over his mouth, it dripping down to his neck. Once your breath slows and your legs aren't shaking so badly, he body slams you down on the bed.

A mischievous grin on his lips as he does. He lifts your hips and flips you over on your stomach. Staring down at your ass as he takes his belt off. "Hands." He demands and you put your hands behind your back, and he takes the belt to tie them together. He smiles in amusement, and he slaps your ass. Making you whine. "Are you using your safe word?" He rubs his hand over your ass. "No..." You manage to gasp out. "Good. I'm just getting started." He slapped your ass again. This time harder. Then he unzipped his jeans. Pulling his pants and underwear down. Freeing his cock.

He slapped your ass hard a few more times before he thrusted his cock into your cunt. Bottoming out immediately and giving you no warning. He did give you a few seconds to adjust to him. But once you did, he grabbed your bondage hands and started to pound into you. Slamming his cock into you. Thrusting into you harshly. Making you scream. Your walls clenching around him. Making his cock throb. "I want you to understand something..." He grabbed you by the throat and pulled you up. Pressing your back to him. The new angle of his pounding even more flustering.

"You're mine." He growled. Biting your ear and leaving marks over your neck. Somehow seeming to pound into you harder. "Not judgement days. Not Damian's. Mine. You belong to me." He made his point across as he thrusted harshly into you. His cock slamming in and out of you. Your climax starting to build again. "That beautiful face... this pretty cunt... it's all mine."

He groaned as your walls clenched around him. His cock twitching. His climax starting to get close to him as well. "Next time... your gonna be standing by my side. Holding my title. Cashing in my money in the bank." It slowly all became too much for you. His filthy words he kept whispering in your ear. His hand around your throat. His cock slamming into you. Your climax washed over you, but he didn't stop there. Oh no. He kept fucking you until your legs were jerking and you were screaming his name. Making you come again and again. Making you feel the best pleasure you have ever felt. He knew just how to drive you. He knew how to push you to the limits but without going to fair. He knew the perfect line between pain and pleasure. He was doing it all perfectly. With a loss of count of your orgasms and a scream of his name, you squirted all over him. Your body shaking. His cock throbbing and twitching as he filled your cunt up.

He gently kissed your skin as you both slowly came down from your highs. Sweat shimmering your bodies. Your breaths heavy and your pounding hearts starting to calm a bit. He slowly pulled out of you. Yours and his cum dripping down you. He took the belt off of you and placed a gentle kiss on your lips. Then he went into the bathroom. Drawing a bath for you and him. As the water ran, he heard a knock at the door. He wrapped a towel around his waist, and you cover yourself with a blanket.

When he opened the door, he was greeted by a middle-aged man in a suit. "Hey. We've gotten multiple noise complaints for this room..." What was assumingly to be the manager, glanced into the room and a flash of horror washed over his face. He looked horrified. Frozen there for a moment. "Just... keep the noise down." That was all he could think to say. You had to cover your mouth to keep from laughing, but to also hid the embarrassment and Shaun only grinned.

[hopeful-engineer]

🌞 Self-care vs. self-indulgence vs. avoidance

Sometimes it may be a hard to swallow pill, but there's a difference between self-care and self-indulgence:

🍭 self-indulgence: spending too much money on stuff you want, but don't really need, like clothes you'll wear twice and then leave in your closet, where all they do is take up space, books you'll never read, subscriptions you'll forget about

✨ self-care: saving money; planning your budget; buying less, but better quality; thinking twice, before buying something you want, but don't need: "Will I really use it? Do I have enough money to buy it, without worrying, that I won't have enough to buy something more important? I want it now, but will I still want it tomorrow?" (note: I didn't write "don't buy anything except necessities" anywhere. Buy the stuff you want, but do it consciously, plan it and think before buying.)

🍭 self-indulgence: eating fast food and unhealthy snacks; drinking soda pop, energy drinks, tea with a lot of sugar, or too much coffee; adding sugar to everything; drinking too much alcohol

✨ self-care: eating as healthy as possible; learning to cook; avoiding fast food, sweets, potato chips and other unhealthy snacks; reducing your sugar intake; drinking water, fruit juices, tea without added sugar; planning your meals; buying natural food (note: It doesn't mean "never eat anything unhealthy again, never add sugar to anything, never drink alcohol". You can treat yourself with some pizza, or sweets, or beer sometimes, but it should be a treat, not part of your everyday meals.)

🍭 self-indulgence: staying up until 3 AM to watch films/series, play computer games, browse social media, chat with someone, or even to do something, that doesn't involve technology, for example draw or read books; sleeping until 11 AM, because you went to bed too late; sleeping 12 hours at the weekend, because you slept 4 hours a day during the week; hitting the snooze button; laying in the bed for too long after waking up

✨ self-care: fixing your sleep schedule; waking up earlier; going to bed earlier; sleeping 7 to 9 hours every day; avoiding all-nighters; having a fixed wake up time and a fixed bedtime, the same every day, including weekends; getting out of bed immediately when your alarm clock rings (note: I know there are circumstances, that can mąkę having a fixed sleep schedule is impossible, or next to impossible, I also know in some situations it's totally normal to stay up late, like you don't have to leave a party at 9 PM just because you want to stick to your sleep schedule, that would be unreasonable. Do it the best you can under your current life circumstances, and remember, this is about everyday life, not some rare exceptions.)

There's also a difference between self-care and avoidance:

😨 avoidance: staying home all the time; not going to any events, because meeting new people is stressful; always declinig your friends' invitations

✨ self-care: not going to that big, loud party, because it's too overwhelming, but going to a pub with a few friends instead; inviting your friends to your home, when going out feels too stressful; declinig some invitations, when you don't have time and/or energy, but accepting others, when you feel better and have more time; gradually increasing the number of social interactions you have, to be able to meet new people with less stress

😨 avoidance: having no plans for the future; thinking, that there's no point in having any goals in life; telling yourself, that ambitions are generally pointless and hence you don't have to do anything and be good at anything

✨ self-care: having specific, short-term goals and an overall vision od your long-term future; knowing, what you really want to do and what you're good at, and sticking to these things; consciously choosing, what to learn and what to give up on, based on if it's important to you, not to other people; not distracting yourself with too many side plans, when you have one main goal; knowing, what is your passion and what is your ambition; knowing, that you are ambitious mainly for yourself, and only secondly for the society; believing, that you are capable of achieving your goals

😨 avoidance: not studying at all, because it takes time and energy; procrastinating until the last moment before the exam/test/project deadline; always talking the easiest way possible with no ambition beyond barely passing the exam/test; having no plan, no study schedule; never asking for help, even if you're failing, because you think asking for help is a shame, or you're simply too shy; dropping out of school/college because it's stressful

✨ self-care: knowing that you're studying for yourself, your grades don't define you and that real knowledge and skills are more important, than grades; focusing on these topics, that are important to you for your future studies/career, and being the best you can in these areas; being good enough to pass at everything, that isn't important for your future plans; planning your studying and starting early; taking regular breaks to avoid burnout; asking for help if necessary, but trying to do as much as possible and reasonable on your own; acknowledging that, despite the education system being flawed in so many ways, it also gives you many opportunities;

Of course, self-care includes bubble baths, eating cake, listening to your favourite music and slowly drinking tea, while watching the rain outside through the window and letting your thoughts wander, but these aren't only forms od self-care and definetely not the most important ones. Of course, sometimes it includes staying home with your cat instead of going to the party, sleeping in, instead of studying for an exam, because you're exhausted, or giving up on something, instead of trying again and again, but this should happen in some, specific situations, not be your default response. Real self-care should focus on improving your life, not escaping it or avoiding it.

This post doesn't mean, I'm perfect at all of these things. Actually I struggle a lot with many of them. This is a piece of advice for me, too.

[lhes-variant]

Taehoon

Oneshots;

Meeting Taehoon

Taehoon with a Non Korean S/O

Taehoon Dating his Internet Simp

Taehoon with an Otaku S/O

Taehoon dating someone with Strict parents

Taehoon seeing his S/O wearing his Dobok

Taehoon with a Smart S/O

Taehoon with a Boyish S/O

In a haunted house with Taehoon

Taehoon with a Very Rich S/O

Taehoon with a well money spent S/O

Taehoon with an S/O who likes plushies

Taehoon with a very good thief S/O

Taehoon with a semi crippled S/O

Taehoon with a formerly bullied S/O

Taehoon with a vigilante S/O

Taehoon with a writer S/O

Taehoon with a short S/O

Taehoon with a tall S/O

Taehoon with an S/O who likes exposed clothing

Taehoon with an S/O who has a kid

Taehoon with a clean freak S/O

Taehoon with an S/O who loves to eat alot

Taehoon with a cat lady S/O

Taehoon with an S/O who loves phonk and Heavy Metal

Taehoon with a wild S/O

You're my first boyfriend Taehoon

Jealous Taehoon

Taehoon with a long distance relationship with S/O

Asking Taehoon about his Cut out

Taehoon reacts to S/O baby photos

Taehoon meeting your parents

Taehoon with a gift giving S/O

Taehoon with a stripper S/O

Taehoon with an Irritating S/O

Taehoon with a Lazy S/O

Taehoon with a psychic S/O

Taehoon with an Insecure S/O

Taehoon with an S/O who's friends with guys

Taehoon with a clingy S/O

Taehoon with a money hungry S/O

Taehoon VS Your Ex

Taehoon VS Your Dad

Taehoon VS Your Mom

Taehoon with an S/O who likes Vintage

Taehoon as a Dad

Taehoon with a weak S/O

Taehoon visiting his S/O at work

Taehoon as a bouncer

How Taehoon handles a break up

Meeting Taehoon's Dad

Married life with Taehoon

Yandere Taehoon

Taehoon with an S/O who's Royalty

Military Training

Taehoon with an S/O who doesn't like Vegetables

Taehoon with a Sad S/O

Taehoon's reacting to his Internet Simps

Taehoon with a Clumsy S/O

Taehoon with a Sick S/O

Taehoon with a Night owl S/O

Taehoon reacting to you being pregnant

Taehoon reacting to you giving birth

Taehoon as a boyfriend

Taehoon courting you

Vacation with Taehoon

Playing Tekken with Taehoon

Taehoon falling in love

Taehoon with a drunk gf

A compassionate Taehoon

Taehoon with a Daughter

Meeting Taehoon again

Taehoon with a Drop Dead Gorgeous S/O

Date nights with Taehoon

Carbon Copies

Incoming;

Taehoon teaching you to defend yourself

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

Episodes;

Student to lover 1 - 2 - 3

Rivals 1 - 2 - 3

How you fall out of love 1 - 2 - 3

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

Incorrect Quotes;

War Freak

Innocent to Dirty

He tried to flirt

Take out

I hate you

Yer right

Serious

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

Me X Taehoon;

[Shipping myself with Taehoon]

Me and Taehoon

Me and Taehoon; 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5

[snickerdoodlles]

headcanons behind fic: Chay's allowance and KimChay zero baht dates mentioned in long & short

Kim chokes trying not to laugh. “Seriously Angel?” Chay looks at him, lips pulled into a pouty moue like what? “You only take me out on zero baht dates, but you’ll pay people to draw us as cats?” Chay sniffs primly. “I only use my allowance for education and fine art,” he says, haughty.

Korn giving Porsche and Chay a large allowance comes up in a lot of my fics I think, because I see him giving all of his sons and his wards a large allowance. And for once, it's not actually a part of his usual manipulation and control tactics.

(Well. It's not not about manipulation and control, because everything Korn does involves manipulation and control. Korn absolutely monitors their accounts and purchases, not to mention he's absolutely the sort of person to always have a mental ledger of favors given and owed for everyone, especially family.)

However, he doesn't need to control any of the boys' finances to have control over them and he's so present over all of them that giving them access to their own money (vs having them request it from him directly) doesn't give him any more advantage over them or could even run counter to it.

No, I see Korn giving all the boys a hefty allowance as a personal push back against the ghost of his father.

We don't know anything about grandpa Theerapanyakul beyond the fact that Gun invoked his name while yelling at Korn and the mere comparison of them rattled Korn more than the literal gun war happening in his own home. Of all the terrible fathers in this series, the grandpa takes the cake apparently!

Alongside Korn's deep-seated control issues, he also has this weird...thing where he really, really wants to be seen as a caretaker and good provider. He never outright denies his sons and is seemingly very supportive of them-- Khun was allowed to fall back and be taken care of, Kim was allowed to live separately to become a musician, he paid off judges in the name of Kinn's childhood dream, later he supports Kinn and Porsche's relationship-- and the whole fucked thing with Nampheung and the narrative he's constructed around him taking care of her. Even Korn's relationship with Gun is a little bit weird given how much he talks about competition. Like, he desperately wants to be seen as a good provider and caretaker, he just also can't stop being Korn and has that stupid-ass metaphor with the knife and the apple. It's a very crunchy contradiction.

Anyways, Korn's issues aside, I see Korn giving his sons and later wards personal allowances as a part of his personal image of himself as a good provider.

And Porsche and Chay hate it.

(Porsche reminds Chay they're very grateful. Chay mutters where was this help when Porsche took out an informal loan too young. Porsche hisses and whips his head around for any walls that are listening.)

Chay mostly just tries to ignore the supposed pile of money apparently just...sitting there, for him, and spend no differently than how he usually would (it doesn't feel real, digital money is never real to him). However, after so many years of Porsche sacrificing to save money for his needs and future, Chay can't bring himself to ignore the account completely when it comes to things like school or food. He never actually looks at his account, he mostly just squeezes his eyes shut whenever he uses his card for essentials and waits for the system to deny him, except it never does. That does not make Chay feel any better about the situation.

The only time Chay's close to breaking his "no treats" stance is shortly after he and Kim get together. Chay wants so badly to treat Kim to something really special, but. Money. He frets. He makes a pros and cons list. He paces. He has an entire argument with himself in the mirror. He angsts. He takes one look at Kim's happy face over a candlelight dinner and decides fuck it, that's a guy he's going to spoil to the moon and back, stupid blood money allowance be damned.

Except, as established, Chay's never looked at his actual account, so he goes to Cash the accountant to see what his options are for spoiling dates. Like, he's been paying his tuition and the card always goes through at the grocer or noodle house, and Korn does keep telling him his school allowance includes some extra spending money, but Chay wants to spoil Kim. A band they like will be on tour in Bangkok around Kim's birthday, Chay's gunning for special VIP tickets and some extra money for merch and dinner. Surely stupid rich mafia has plenty of money to spare for that.

Chay: would I, uh, be able to get a little extra money? tickets are 3000 but they're for a really special occasion and-

Cash, thinking about Kinn's 3000 dollar helicopter tickets: I don't care, let me just pull up your account details

Chay: thank you so much 🥺

Then Cash turns his screen around to ask Chay how much money he needs and. That is. A lot of money. So many digits. The decimal certainly in the wrong spot. Then Chay looks to the top of the corner and nearly screams because that's his name on the account, what the fuck?

Cash: Khun Korn said to have enough money to cover your tuition

Chay: [does not point out the initial balance was 3x his four year tuition]

Chay...leaves. He thinks. He doesn't know how he got from Cash's office to his room but his next stop is his bed to scream into his pillow until his throat hurts. Fucking rich people.

In protest, Chay takes Kim out the next evening on a zero baht date. They walk along whatever part of the river's nearest to their university to watch the sunset, have to jump a fence and duck two railings to even find a private sitting space away from any other river goers. The view's passable at best, at least free of most industry stuff thanks to the proximity to school but hardly the most inspiring. Chay spreads out his flannel for them to sit on, and feeds Kim dry packet ramen and stale shrimp chips he got free from a university event. He didn't even buy a drink, they survive off a mostly full bottle of grape soda Chay stole off a friend.

(It's a magical evening for Kim, obviously. Ferreting out little hidden spaces hand-in-hand with Chay, enjoying the nighttime air curled together, eating terrible cheap food that somehow tastes good? This is DOING things to him. He will be bringing a guitar and minimum two water bottles with him next time tho.)