#power cell reserve cap

[sw5w]

Behind the Back

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace 02:01:35

The interesting thing in this shot is you can actually see the prop lightsaber used by Ray Park as Darth Maul here, when the "glow" effect is slightly off from the angle of the prop weapon.

[multi-fan-dom-madness]

Chapter 13: Chaab (Second Chances - Hunter x reader)

Chaab. n. fear.

Chapter Summary: Your rescue from Coruscant goes better than you anticipate, but the squad is still fractured.

Chapter Warnings: self-starvation as a form of resistance; mentions or possibilities of torture; Tarkin is mentioned; canon-typical violence; angst; if I missed any please let me know!

Word Count: 4,171

A/N: ask zero questions about the timeline of this story because i genuinely don't know. this is purely vibes. enjoy!

Read it here on AO3!

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A guard brings you a meal again. This is the third, maybe fourth one, your only real way to measure time here. You leave it untouched. Partly, you’re unwilling to move from the corner of the duracrete cell, your body warmth having long since leached into the cold, unyielding surface. To move would mean to lose what little comfort you’ve scrabbled out of nothing. Partly, you’re not entirely trustful of the prison system food. 

Mostly, though, you’re trying to figure out if it’s even worth sustaining yourself when you know there’s a very high chance you’re going to be dead soon. 

Crosshair had said your punishment was capital. There are few greater measures of capital than a being’s life in this galaxy, particularly under the Empire. Even if you ate, even if you tried to keep your strength up, how long before they sent in an interrogator droid? How long before your trial? How long before the seemingly endless reserves of power and people overwhelmed your singular attempt at resistance? 

Punching out a sigh, you shift on the uncomfortable stone platform. Your entire right leg has gone numb sitting here. The jumpsuit they forced you into when you arrived is stiff and itchy; every nerve in your body screams for you to scratch, to soothe, to relieve. Ignoring the impulse is becoming a losing battle. 

When the guard returns to collect the food tray, still full, he says nothing, and you don’t, either. Try as you might, you can’t figure out how long you’ve been here. How much time has passed between finding Crosshair on Iridonia and now? Chewing at the inside of your mouth, you taste blood. Karking hells. You spit the blood onto the floor. 

Your world consists of dark-wash gray walls, staticky red electrobarrier, and gleaming white plastoid as guards march past on regular surveillance patrols. You can’t see any of the other cells on this block, even if you crane your head from where you sit. Probably by design. Can’t plot an escape without backup. Gray, red white. 

Jerking awake, heart pounding, you scan the small cell you’ve been confined to. Kriff, you hadn’t even realized you’d fallen asleep. As you look around, trying to determine exactly what woke you, you rub your palms on the coarse fabric of the jumpsuit. Maybe a bad dream.

“616F, 616G, 616H, 616...ah, 616I, here we are,” comes a muffled voice. 

You draw yourself deeper into the corner, eyeing the glowing red barrier. On the other side, you catch a glimpse of white armor and a light gray uniform, and then the barrier flickers before powering down fully. Your eyes narrow, heart jumping into your throat and making it hard to breathe properly. 

Polished shoes clicking on the duracrete steps, an Imperial officer descends into the cell. Uniform pressed and ironed to perfection, rank insignias aligned in neat rows, hair swept back underneath an officer’s cap, a dark-skinned woman faces you, her face twisted into something like disgust, like you’re a piece of trash stuck to the bottom of her otherwise impeccable shoe. You breathe through your nose, trying not to betray any emotions on your face. You studied intimidation tactics at the academy; you have an inkling of what this woman is here for. 

The red electrobarrier snaps to life behind the woman as she appraises you with dark, glittering eyes. You meet her gaze, lifting your chin just a hair, wanting so desperately to curl your lip in a sneer.

She mirrors the expression you’re failing to hide. In a clipped Coruscanti accent as polished as the rest of her, she says, “(full name), chain code 06Z25T891, parents unknown. Raised here on Coruscant. Admitted to the Academy under the previous regime, graduated with honors, and assigned as a supply officer to the Outer Rim. How...wasteful.” She clasps her hands behind her back, disgust growing more evident with every word. 

You remain silent. A part of you, the part that wants to claw your way out of this suffocating detention center, hopes. You hope beyond hope that the squad will just forget you, live full lives, safe and hidden. 

“Nothing to say for yourself?” the woman asks. “No matter. I believe you’ve said enough, as it is.” 

She produces a holographic puck from her pocket and holds it flat in her palm. In spectral blue light, a recording of you and Arien—your heart clenches—flares to life. 

“—out of here,” your past self says in an undertone. “I don’t like this, Arien. Come with me.”

Swallowing against the lump in your throat, your brain conjures the memory of this conversation as it plays out in real-time. In your memory, Arien is not a translucent being, but flesh and blood, purple eyes shadowed with worry and doubt. 

“It’s not safe,” she says. She places a hand on the shoulder of past-you. “Stick it out until your contract is out, and don’t re-enlist.”

The small, flickering version of you shakes their head. “That’s five years away. I won’t be complicit in this bantha—”

The Imp officer clenches her fist around the holo puck. Your and Arien’s likenesses vanish, leaving an afterimage burned into your retinas. Your eyes find the woman’s again, and you drop the neutral facade. 

“What do you want,” you ask, voice as flat as you can manage. 

With a twitch of an eyebrow, the woman sweeps an arm out as if to encompass the entire cell. “You’re smart; I’m sure you can figure that much out.” 

“Humor me.” 

“I am not in the business of humoring criminals,” she says imperiously, drawing herself to her full height.

You glower up at her through your eyelashes, not deigning to give her the satisfaction of making you move your entire head. “No, it seems you’re in the business of being an insufferable di’kut with an overinflated ego.” 

For a beat, neither you nor she moves. Then her face splits into a wide, beaming smile, one that is so saccharinely false that your blood freezes in your veins. “Admiral Tarkin will be pleased to know that you are in custody, (full name). Consider yourself lucky that you are still, as yet, of use to the Empire.”

The name is unfamiliar to you, but if you’ve caught the attention of an admiral, you can only imagine what kind of hell your life is about to become. The woman turns on her heel.

When her foot touches the bottom step, you shake your head. “You don’t know who you’re dealing with.” 

Her smile grows as she slowly faces you once again, but her eyes remain cold, menacing, uncaring. “No,” she says, softly, “you are about to find out exactly with whom it is you are dealing.” 

With a hum, the electrobarrier powers down, letting the Imp out, and immediately flickers back to life behind her. She throws you one last baleful glance before striding out of view, two troopers flanking her. After her footsteps fade, you count to ten. 

And then you sob. Pressing the back of your hand against your mouth, you screw your eyes shut. Your chest tightens. The room tilts off its axis. Heat and ice fuse into your spine, melding you in place, locking your limbs where they’re wrapped around each other. Thoughts spin wildly in your mind. Disjointed. Frantic. Panicked. 

Omega—is she safe? Will she stay that way? Will Hunter forgive you? Will you see Echo again? Are you still going to die? Are they going to interrogate you? Your brain conjures up an image of Tarkin—you’ve never seen him before, but in your mind, the unknown figure takes on a looming, oppressive presence, larger than life. You blink: in the flash of darkness, there’s Hunter, his kind, tired eyes vacant and glossy. There’s Echo, blood leaking out of his mouth. There’s Omega, screaming for you. 

Another sob rips itself from your lungs. You heave, stomach emptying onto the dark flooring.

Time passes strangely here. You’re unable to account for how much of it passes around you, whether the officer visited you seconds, hours, days, eons ago. It could be any of them. It could be none of them. You sit in the corner, eyes unfocused. When you blink, returning to the present moment, you glance around. A new tray of food rests near the barrier. All the same food sits there—mush, a dry biscuit, and a dented cup—just in different order. Or maybe it’s the same. You’re not sure. 

The sight of food makes your stomach twist. Breathing through your nose, you turn away, angling your body so that the tray is out of your periphery. If you’re lucky, you’ll starve to death before this Tarkin person arrives. The realization that you’re willing to die for your squad, even knowing that they may never forgive you, is as natural as the breath you draw into your lungs. Of course you’d die to protect them. They’d do the same. 

Wouldn’t they? 

You’re glad you won’t have to find that out. Eyes sliding shut, a tear glides down your cheek and drops onto the coarse jumpsuit. 

Apparently, you’re not the first prisoner of the Empire to attempt this tactic. You have no way of knowing how long it’s been since the officer came to you, but the dryness of your mouth, the fatigue weighing your head down, the trembling weakness in your hands when you raise them all speak to the toll your self-imposed fast is wreaking on your body. When the electrobarrier power whirs down to nothing, you blink against the bleariness clouding your eyes and raise your head. A soft groan escapes you at the effort. 

In the doorway, another uniformed Imperial hovers, with a trooper and a floating droid behind them. Panic seizes your heart, arresting its beating for a moment, before exhaustion floods through you again and you find you don’t have the energy to be afraid. Have they finally come to interrogate you? 

The Imp tsks as he descends the steps into the cell. Both the trooper and the droid follow; the barrier shimmers back to life. 

“You really are lucky you are needed,” the Imp says. His voice is scratchy, rough, grating. You grimace. “Elsewise, we might actually let you starve to death. As it is, the Admiral has requested you be in good condition for him.” 

The Imp snaps his fingers and the droid bobs in the air toward you. 

“Don’t,” you mumble, eyeing the needles on the droid. Now that it’s this close, you can do nothing but gape at the array of needles, buzzers, prods, and other instruments on its black domed surface. 

“Don’t be silly, now,” the Imp says. At a wave of his hand, the droid hovers closer and jabs a needle into your arm. You flinch, the pain intense—but brief. It is immediately replaced by a familiar cool sense of relief that emanates through your entire body. Bacta. 

Sighing, you relax. Stars, that feels damn near heavenly. When the needle retracts, you don’t even feel it. Nor do you feel the second jab, and your exhausted mind succumbs to the pleasant, airy sensation of the bacta, dragging you into a light slumber. 

When you wake next, you feel stronger, more alert. Rubbing your eyes, you push into a sitting position, groaning at the ache in your muscles. You’ve been here too long. With a glance at your arm, you find a transparent catheter taped below the crease of your elbow. Ah. That explains the reason your hands no longer shake as you hold them up for closer inspection. Karking Imperials.

You’re unsure if something woke you, or if your body finally seems to have rested enough. Standing, you shuffle across the bare floor and scale the steps to peer through the red barrier of your cell. Nothing seems to move beyond it, the lights in the hallway no brighter or dimmer than they usually are. Something is going on out there, though. In the distance, so faint you think it must be a figment of your imagination, blaster fire repeats. Shouts, incomprehensible, echo off the hallway walls. 

Even from this vantage point, you can’t see the entrances of the cells across the hall from yours. The barriers are set too far back into the wall, blocking your view. Even so, something quiets your tongue, stalling the impulse to call out and ask if anyone knows what’s going on. 

You’re glad you stay quiet. A few more long, tense moments pass; the blaster fire and shouting gets louder with each breath, until you catch the sound of footsteps approaching your direction. You scurry back down the duracrete steps and resume your position on the bench. If the footsteps coming this way are Imperial, you don’t want to be caught with your nose in their business. 

A hulking figure sprints past your cell, then seems to skid to a halt, if the clatter of armor is any indication. The figure reappears in the doorframe, walking backwards. Gray armor with white and yellow accents. 

The gasp that escapes you is nearly a squeal. “Wrecker?”

“Nav!” 

You gape, open-mouthed, at the man before you. He pushes his helmet up onto his forehead, his face creased in a massive grin.

“S’good to see ya, Nav! C’mon, we gotta go!” Wrecker raises his blaster and shoots out the door’s control panel. The humming red barrier flickers before winking out of existence for good. He  beckons you, glancing up and down the hallway.

Without a second more of hesitation, you scramble up the stairs. Heart thumping wildly in your chest, the familiar, fuzzy warmth of happiness radiating into your very toes and fingers, you tackle Wrecker in a hug. 

“What are you doing here?” you ask, face buried into his chestplate.

He awkwardly pats your back with his free hand. “Well, we—”

“We could ask you the same thing,” comes Tech’s voice from behind Wrecker. 

You step away from Wrecker. Panting, Tech stumbles to a halt, and though his helmet obscures most of his expression, his eyes meet yours briefly behind the yellow tint of his goggles. He inclines his head in greeting. 

“We received a coded transmission that you were at these coordinates,” Tech continues. 

“What?” You frown. “I didn’t— my belongings were taken from me.” 

“So who sent the message?” Wrecker asks, voice hushed. 

You worry your bottom lip between your teeth. The answer springs immediately to mind: Crosshair. You can’t make yourself say it aloud, not here, fearing that speaking his name into existence will shatter this reunion. With a sigh, you decide to tell them on the ship, when you’re all safely back in hyperspace. 

Before your silence can become something awkward, another set of footsteps rush up behind you. Your lungs feel like someone’s squeezed all the air out of them and swapped your heart for a rock. Everything seems to slow, your focus drawn in on the skull-like helmet and your warped reflection in the visor. 

“Hunter,” you breathe. 

Wordlessly, he draws you into a crushing embrace. You gasp in surprise. Of all the possibilities you ran through when imagining reuniting, this one never occurred to you, not with the way things were left on Iridonia. The hard plates of his armor digging into your skin, but you don’t care about that. All you care about are his arms around you, the tremble you can feel in his hands where they grasp at your jumpsuit, the breath he exhales that crackles through the vocabulator. Your hands find purchase around his waist. His warmth smothers all of the fear and confusion of the past two weeks. 

“Thank you for coming,” you say, loud enough for the others to hear, but you intend it only for Hunter. 

He tightens his arms around you for a moment before releasing you. You step back, a bit dazed, nose full of the acrid scent of carbon scoring mixed with gunmetal oil and musk. Looking up at him, you hope your gaze meets his behind the visor. He nods once. 

“Tech,” he says, “get us out of here.” 

“Already done,” Tech says. “Our primary route will take us back parallel the way we came in, and I have several backup routes identified should we need them.” 

“Let’s go,” Hunter says. He gently nudges you to follow Tech.

Wrecker plasters himself to the wall to let you and Hunter pass by first before taking up the rear. He taps his helmet and it slides back into place over his face. 

“Omega is at the ship,” Hunter says behind you. His voice is close—closer than he’s ever been to you before. “We’ll be lucky to get back without much resistance.” 

“Hey, at least we haven’t tripped the alarm,” Wrecker says. “Gotta be a record— oh, for kriff’s sake.”

At his words, a klaxon alarm blares to life. You wince, covering your ears as the ascending note pierces through the hallway. “You just had to say something, Wreck.” 

“Sorry,” he says, and he sounds genuinely sheepish. 

Breaking into a jog behind Tech, you refrain from peeking into any of the cells you pass. You doubt you’ll recognize anyone here—but you also fear you’ll recognize all of them for the same hopelessness you wallowed in not that long ago. The same pervasive, heavy dread that weighed on your lungs, slowly crushing them. 

You stumble, jarring out of your reverie. Hunter catches your arm and steadies you. 

“Where’s your gear?” he asks, like he’s just now realizing what you’re wearing. 

“I don’t know,” you say. “I didn’t see where it got taken.” 

“Kriff.” Hunter sighs. “Tech, detour us to—”

“The processing office,” Tech interrupts. “Done.” 

Tech leads you all down a dizzying number of turns, hallways, service tunnels, and yet more turns. It’s not until the processing office is in sight that you encounter resistance. Ducking into an alcove, you cringe as blaster bolts scream past you. Hunter and Wrecker respond in kind, the rings of blue stun blasts expanding as they travel the length of the hall. One of the men at the other end grunts in pain and the telltale sound of plastoid against durasteel echoes around you. 

“I have eyes on the intruders,” says a familiar voice—a clone voice—at the end of the hall. “They’re in Detention Block 68—hrgh.” 

“Nice shot, Tech,” Hunter says. “Nav, we’re clear.” 

Nodding, you peek around the corner of the alcove. Two clone troopers lay sprawled, unconscious, in awkward positions on the floor in front of a square room. Through the transparisteel walls, you catch sight of neat rows of cubbies, most of them empty, but in one of them you spot your faded and worn pack. 

You rush forward, stepping gingerly over the downed troopers. Your pack, blasters, and clothing are all here. On top of your pack rests a single toothpick. Eyes widening, you brush the tiny piece of wood away, then grab your belongings. The familiar, comforting weight of your pack on your back and your DC-17s in both hands settles the spike of adrenaline. Crosshair again. 

“Time to move,” Tech calls.

You glance up; more troopers rush down the hall you just left. “Coming.” 

Behind Tech once more, with Wrecker taking up the tail again, the four of you dash in what feels like an endless circle. You lose count of the turns, the backtracking, the levels you scale down. Only your absolute trust in these men, in Tech, keeps your hands steady as you fire over Tech’s shoulder, his own hands occupied with the detention center schematics on his datapad. 

“The hangar is just ahead,” he says. 

“Thank the stars.” You’re panting, a burning stitch in the side of your neck, but as the hallway doors whisk open, you nearly sob at the sight of the Marauder. 

“Intruders!” The shout echoes around the massive hangar bay, several troopers taking up the call and radioing for reinforcements. 

Putting on a burst of speed despite the way your legs feel like molten lava, you duck under the lip of a stack of crates just as blaster fire screeches toward you. The bolts impact the crates, but you don’t stop moving. The Marauder ramp begins to lower. 

“Go, go go!” Hunter urges. “Wrecker, get on board and get on the guns!” 

Tech, Wrecker, and you practically sprint for the ramp, Hunter providing covering fire behind you. You fire blindly to either side, hoping that at least one stun blast catches a trooper, or at the very least deters them from shooting at you. Tech reaches the ramp first, leaping the few feet off the ground and clambering up the rest of the way. By the time you and Wrecker reach it, the ramp is finally on the ground. Wrecker disappears to the right, but you hesitate. 

“Hunter!” you call. 

“I’m coming,” he says. 

Still a few dozen feet behind, he’s crouched behind a long rectangular supply crate, head ducked low to avoid being shot at. A quick glance shows a number of troops advancing on his position—and another squadron falling into place in the rafters at his back. Under your feet, the ship lurches. 

“No, wait, Hunter!” Your voice cracks. “Now!” 

He follows the line of your outstretched pointer finger. Stumbling, he rushes toward the ship just as the firing line opens, raining blue blaster bolts onto the crate he was just behind. You raise, aim, and fire your DCs without a second thought, nearly every shot connecting with a trooper. One, two, four go down, unconscious, and the rest scatter. 

Twenty feet, ten feet to go—the ship rises several feet into the air. You toss your blasters behind you into the ship. Like you’ve rehearsed this a thousand times, Hunter jumps and you catch his forearm, fingers digging into him as his dig into you, and you pull for all you’re worth. The ship pitches to the side; blaster fire narrowly misses the both of you as Hunter’s feet find purchase—

With another jolt to the side, you lose your footing and stumble back into the ship cabin, yanking Hunter with you. You collapse onto the durasteel floor, Hunter landing on top of you. The air whooshes out of your lungs; for a moment, you panic as the cabin grows darker. Only the pneumatic hiss of the ramp sealing calms you, though not by much. Your chest is tight where you imagine your diaphragm is, the muscle not working properly. Dimly, you’re aware of shouts being thrown back and forth over your head, Tech and Wrecker trying to get the squad to safety. 

Hunter removes his helmet; it bounces and rolls across the floor. “Nav?” 

You nod weakly, lungs still refusing to work. Pushing at his chest, you try to get him off of you, to get the extra weight off of your chest. Thankfully, he understands and lifts himself onto his palms, but he doesn’t go farther than that. Worry lines crease his forehead, his gray eyes searching your face, his lips turned down in a frown. 

Finally you heave a lungful of cold, recycled air into your aching lungs. Coughing, you gulp down a few more breaths before you become aware of the relief spreading over Hunter’s face. This close, you could count his eyelashes. Heat blooms in your chest. 

“Hi,” you whisper. 

“Hi,” he says. 

Two feet appear in your periphery, and you crane your head around. Omega’s features are upside down from your perspective, but the puffy, reddened eyes and tear tracks clench your heart. Scooting out from underneath Hunter, you rise to your knees, arms open. 

Omega throws herself into your embrace, wrapping her arms around your neck and her legs coming up around your waist, fully latching onto you. Hunter’s hand steadies you as Omega’s added weight tips you off-balance. The girl sniffles, her hair obscuring your vision, the red dye faded to pink. The ship jolts as it makes the jump to hyperspace. 

“I missed you so much,” she says, her voice thick. She hiccups. “Please don’t leave us ever again.” 

Rubbing her back, you squeeze her tightly. “So long as you all want me here, I’m not going anywhere again, kid.” 

“Promise?” she says. 

“I promise.” 

With a sniffle, she slowly lowers her feet back to the floor. When she pulls back and you look at her face, you offer her a smile. She doesn’t return it. Instead, fresh tears well in her eyes. 

“What’s the matter, bug?” you ask. “I’m here. I’m okay. We’re safe.” 

She shakes her head. “E-Echo—”

Your eyes widen. Heart thudding in your ears, you look up at Hunter, the worn, tired light in his eyes only serving to deepen the sudden dread in your veins. Echo can’t be gone. He can’t be—no. You refuse to even entertain that thought. Pushing up to your feet, you take quick stock of the ship, like he’s going to jump out at you, that they’re just playing a joke for your return. But he’s not here.

“Where is Echo?”

Taglist: @the-hexfiles @fjordg @idoubleswearimawriter @skellymom

[bookyourbag]

mah mba cet 2024

The MAH MBA/MMS CET 2024 is the mile entrance to get admitted into an MBA/MMS course in Maharashtra. The following is an overview to guide you in every respect:

1. Exam Overview

Name: MAH MBA/MMS CET 2024

Conducting Authority: State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra

Purpose: To provide admission into various management colleges of Maharashtra offering courses in MBA/MMS.

Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)

Duration: 150 minutes

Total Questions: 200

Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions

Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer; no negative marking.

2. Exam Pattern

The respective exam is divided into four sections:TopicNumber of Questions Logical Reasoning 75 Abstract Reasoning 25 Quantitative Aptitude 50 Verbal Ability/Reading Comprehension 50 Total200

Logical Reasoning (LR): Puzzle-based questions, seating arrangement, series, and logical deduction questions.

Abstract Reasoning (AR): Tests pattern recognition, analogies, and visual reasoning.

Quantitative Aptitude (QA): Includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, and data interpretation.

Verbal Ability/Reading Comprehension (VA/RC): Includes reading comprehension passages, vocabulary, grammar, and sentence correction.

3. Key Dates

Notification Release: January 2024

Application Start Date: January 2024

Application End Date: February 2024

Admit Card Release: March 2024

Exam Date: March or April 2024 (Exact date to be announced)

Result Declaration: May 2024

Centralized Admission Process (CAP): June–August 2024

4. Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree of atleast 3 years from a recognized university.

Minimum Marks:

General category: Minimum 50% marks

Reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC): Minimum 45%

Final Year Students: Eligible if they will complete their degree before the start of the MBA/MMS program.

**5. Preparation Tips

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus:

Familiarize yourself with the types of questions and topics covered under each section.

#### 2. Make a Study Schedule: Make a proper study schedule covering all sections of the exam. Set goals and deadlines for each topic.

#### 3. Practice on a Regular Basis: Solve previous years' papers, take regular mock tests.

Enhance your speed and accuracy.

4. Work on Weak Areas:

Devote extra time to sections where you are not as confident.

Use study materials and other resources specific to MAH CET.

5. Time Management:

Acquire the habit of time management during the exam.

Find ways to solve questions quicker and more accurately.

**6. Revision:

Go through important concepts, formulae, and shortcuts regularly.

Keep a revision notebook for ready reference.

6. Top Colleges Accepting MAH CET Scores

Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai

Sydenham Institute of Management Studies (SIMSREE), Mumbai

KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai

PUMBA - Department of Management Sciences, Pune University

Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (WeSchool), Mumbai

SIES College of Management Studies, Mumbai

NL Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai

7. Recommended Books and Resources

Quantitative Aptitude: Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal

Logical and Abstract Reasoning: A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal

Verbal Ability: Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

Mock Tests and Practice Papers: Online websites such as Testbook, Oliveboard, and TIME are very helpful for practice tests, providing practice material, among other resources.

8. Centralized Admission Process (CAP)

Registration: Candidates shall register themselves for CAP after the declaration of results, stating preferred colleges.

Merit List: The merit list shall be prepared based on marks obtained in MAH CET and preferences submitted.

Seat Allotment: Seats are allotted on the basis of merit and preference.

Confirmation of Admission: Confirm the admission by paying the registration fees along with all the required documents.

9. Tips for Success

Consistency: Study and practice on a regular basis.

Stress Management: Remain positive; manage examination stress in a good way.

Health: Take proper nutritious food and have sufficient rest during preparation.

The following guide explains how one can prepare efficiently to score well in MAH MBA/MMS CET 2024 to get admission into one of the top management institutes in Maharashtra.

[leonhorn]

In 2052 Three Months Before the Apocalypse or Climate Does Not Care About Your Feelings, Ben Shapiro by In 20xx Futurism A story set in a dystopian near-future where climate disaster and political unrest have led to extreme prepping and survival measures. Madge loses her job at a data farming company and turns to Tai Chi. As doomsday fears grow, people build bunkers, flood walls, and even convert homes into shelters. What will ascetic Madge do to prepare for a chaotic future? Meanwhile, Kelly travels the country struggling with anxiety and questioning the meaning of her life when the threat of climate catastrophe looms. When a right-wing political activist is murdered by a hacked sex doll, an MRI machine that reads brain patterns is used as key evidence. Key search terms: sci-fi, dystopia, tai chi, microbiome, survivalism, prepping, bunkers, MRI brain scan, hacked sex doll, murder mystery, prison, climate anxiety, Data farming Artificial intelligence assistants Augmented reality (AR) glasses Bone mounts for AR glasses Holographic video walls Tube transportation Medical kiosks Living medicines Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) headsets Pseudo-superconductivity Portable MRI caps MRI brain scanning and analysis Intimacy dolls Dark net software Bots (e.g. lutin bots, sentry bots, cop bots) Microbial power cells Microbe food production Air and water filtration systems Century batteries Robot construction climate change global warming disaster preparedness bunkers dome homes Tiny homes asceticism microbiome fecal transplants intimacy dolls murder mystery Many of the characters in this project appear in future episodes. Using storytelling to place you in a time period, this series takes you, year by year, into the future. From 2040 to 2195. If you like emerging tech, eco-tech, futurism, perma-culture, apocalyptic survival scenarios, and disruptive science, sit back and enjoy short stories that showcase my research into how the future may play out. This is Episode 48 of the podcast "In 20xx Scifi and Futurism." The companion site is https://in20xx.com where you can find a timeline of the future, descriptions of future development, and printed fiction. These are works of fiction. Characters and groups are made-up and influenced by current events but not reporting facts about people or groups in the real world. Copyright © Leon Horn 2021. All rights reserved. Check out the latest episode of In 20xx Scifi and Futurism! Listen to the full podcast here https://ift.tt/GbQUflL (video made with https://ift.tt/v2qVhWA) via YouTube https://youtu.be/8Aff9LJKJ2I

[mbdailynews]

US Set to Roll Out New Tax Credits for Energy Projects

The Treasury Department said Monday that the government would begin taking applications on May 31 for the first $4 billion of the advanced energy program, a 30% investment tax credit. It will be available for projects including manufacturing fuel-cell components, adding carbon-capture equipment to existing facilities, or processing critical minerals as reported on bloomberg yearly subscription. The department said $1.6 billion of the first chunk of money would be reserved for places where coal mines or coal-fired power plants have closed. The law—which passed after Democrats secured the support of Sen. Joe Manchin (D., W. Va.)—specified that set aside for places affected by the decline of coal. The administration plans to publish a list of Census tracts that qualify for the money. The places must either contain a coal mine closed since 1999, a coal power plant that retired after 2009 or be adjacent to such a Census tract. Unlike more open-ended tax credits where projects qualify for federal subsidies if they meet specified criteria, the tax credits under the advanced energy program are capped and awarded through applications, which are vetted by the Treasury and Energy departments. To get the full benefit under the law, projects must pay what is known as prevailing wages common in federal contracting and offer apprenticeship programs. Get a 5-years subscription to the WSJ and Barrons News Companies can’t claim this credit on top of other tax incentives from the law. Treasury officials said they weren’t sure what kinds of projects would be more likely to go through the application process than using the law’s other credits. According to documents released Monday, the administration might seek to direct the new tax credits toward projects that aren’t eligible for money from other Energy Department programs. Officials said that a separate program, the tax benefits for small wind-and-solar projects in low-income communities, will open for applications later this year. Companies will be able to claim those credits on top of other incentives. They are earmarked for areas with high poverty rates, tribal land, low-income residential projects, and places where low-income people will benefit. Officials plan to award priority to projects that are owned by community-based organizations and encourage new participants in markets. “These investments will create good-paying jobs in vital fields like clean energy manufacturing, critical minerals processing, and solar installation,” said Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo on wall street journal print and digital subscription. Read the full article

[night-gay]

Into the Anthill pt 17 - The Long Road To Amends

Rock bottom hit Hank hard. After losing his career, his team, his friends, his wife, and his freedom all in rapid succession Hank was left a shell of his former self. He refused to cheat the system or use his powers to escape though. Despite it all, he knew that the only way to reclaim his life was to be patient and work on himself.

He may have lost it all, but Hank was still a hero at heart.

🐜🐜🐜

Avengers vol 1 #222, 224, 227-230, 240-242

Hank was threatened with one month of solitary confinement for attacking Whirlwind in jail. Egghead later sent Tiger Shark to break Whirlwind, Scorpion, and Moonstone out to serve as his new Masters of Evil and assist him in ruining Hank Pym’s life once and for all.

Scott went to visit Hank in prison and offered to break him out. He refused, insisting that he never wanted to cause anyone any more trouble and that he would take the legal path to freedom no matter how long it took. Hawkeye criticized the Avengers for not visiting him in the two weeks since he’d been incarcerated. During that time, Jan positioned herself as the new chairwoman of the Avengers and took on Tony Stark as a rebound romance. She broke it off once he revealed that he was Iron Man, not wanting to hook up with one of Hank’s closest friends. 

A psychiatrist visited Hank in his cell at Tony’s behest to examine whether he was fit to stand trial for the crimes Egghead framed him for or if he should just plead insanity. Hank proved that he was, for the time being, of sound mind, and even if he could never earn back Jan's love he would never stop fighting to at least earn back his dignity. The day of the trial eventually came, but Moonstone and Shocker broke in to bring Hank to Egghead. Shocker was left behind, brainwashed into believing Hank was at fault so that polygraphs would even lay blame on him. Egghead intended to manipulate Hank into becoming his servant. 

Captain Marvel (Monica Rambeau) berated the Avengers for never investigating Hank’s claims that he was framed by Egghead. They believed Egghead was dead and left it at that, but she argued that many of their enemies and allies alike had been believed dead at some point and it didn’t matter. She suggested they use Stark’s cerebral scanner on Shocker to check for outside influence. He admitted that this was all Egghead’s plan once the brainwashing was lifted. Meanwhile at Egghead’s lab, Hank was able to beat the Masters of Evil without his powers. Hawkeye got there before Egghead could attempt to shoot Hank and fired an arrow into his gun, killing him in the resulting backfire. Moonstone and Beetle offered to testify against Egghead for a plea deal and the cerebral scanner was able to show Trish Starr’s true memories of his scheme as well. 

After he was found innocent, Hank defended Hawkeye to the Avengers to confirm that he did not intentionally kill Egghead. Jarvis presented him with some of his old clothes, as well as his Yellowjacket costume, but he surrendered the costume in the hopes that the Avengers could find someone to redeem it eventually. Cap tried to apologize for not helping him more when he had been struggling for so long, but Hank shouldered the blame for his breakdown himself. Cap then offered to reinstate him to the team or at least make him a special reserve member and Hank politely refused. He and Jan said their goodbyes and he left the mansion to move to St. Louis, where he’d found work at a small lab.

When Spider-Woman fell into a mysterious coma the Avengers called in Hank and Doctor Strange to examine her at the hospital. Hank confirmed that her body was in perfect health and she showed no signs of brain injury. Jessica made her way back from the astral plane to re-enter her body, but Morgan le Fay attempted to stop her. Starfox, Scarlet Witch, She-Hulk, and Doctor Strange fought Morgan in the astral plane to keep her busy while Jessica returned to her body. Jan personally dropped Hank off after helping with this. He thanked her for calling him Hank again rather than just Dr. Pym, and for letting him do his part as a scientist. She said this was the most at-ease she had seen him in a long time.

Avengers Annual vol 1 #13

The Avengers gathered at one of Bruce Banner’s recently discovered labs along with Beast, Mr. Fantastic, and Hank so that they could examine the equipment before the government seized it. Arnim Zola attacked them with imperfect clones of Hulk and captured Hank and Reed with a pair of amorphous, bio-matter pants (yes really). After Captain Marvel freed them, Hank used Bruce’s tech to track down Zola’s main body so Monica could stop him. She-Hulk asked what would happen to Bruce’s inventions, so Hank and Reed assured her that they would gut his more dangerous tech before turning it over to the government so that his inventions could never be used to hurt anyone.

Iron Man vol 1 # 194

As the new Iron man, Rhodey went to visit Hank at his new lab in St. Louis to see if he could help with his headaches. Hank had been developing a portal to another dimension where he believed his excess matter was being displaced to/from anytime he shrank. A hitman came in with a gun and threatened Hank into reducing his height half a foot so the cops couldn’t match him to his witness’ statements. When the hitman and Hank were sucked through the portal, Rhodey donned the Iron Man armor and went in after them. Hank reasoned that following oncoming particles could lead them back to their own dimension, swapping places with any matter they had displaced when they entered.

Minor/Cameo appearances from this period:

Incredible Hulk Annual vol 1 #1

Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man vol 1 #89

Captain America vol 1 #301

[kyleoreillysknee]

The 3rd Option: Part 4

Gif Credit: vam-pyr

Pairing: Rick Flag X Original Female Character (Chiyo)

AU: Specific People Live

Word Count: 2150

Rating: R - Graphic depictions of gore and violence (I get gross with it)

Tagging: @vonschweetz​

Series: Part 1 & Part 2 & Part 3

Chiyo came to with a mouthful of dirt and feeling like every fiber of her being was bruised. An expected consequence of essentially doping on her own blood, manipulating the amount of oxygen carried by her red blood cells and using the exhausted remnants to form lethal constructs. She groaned, huffing out chunks of rock and saliva as she tried to get her knees under her. Wobbling, she faltered and landed onto her shoulder with a grunt.

The fuzziness on the edges of her vision clued her in that something else was coursing through her system. Her eyes fluttered closed as she focused and located the drug in her body. Forcing it to divert from its intended path, she used her blood to punch through her esophagus and vomited from the sensation, pushing the tranquilizer carried by her blood out of her throat. She patched the hole in her body with some coagulation.

Thinking clearly, she only then noticed that Harley was shouting threats from somewhere nearby. Keeping her eyes closed, she feigned weakness to give herself some time. Exhaustion dulled her senses, so it took longer than normal for her to pick up on the heartbeats of her captors. It was easy enough to locate Harley, her pulse had a unique sound to it, almost like a muted whistle of a firework rocketing into the sky. Chiyo had no idea what caused it, refusing to prod into the bodily functions of one of her few friends without permission. Neither of them had unlocked each other’s tragic backstory yet.

Chiyo opened her mouth, wanting to talk to Harley but all that came out was an airy croak due to her damaged vocal chords. Right. Digger. A heat pooled behind her eyes, but she pushed it away. There were more important matters to deal with first. A few minutes of focus later, she had repaired her body just enough to speak, being careful to reserve her already depleted energy.

“Harley?” She called out, ignoring the glare from a soldier patrolling around her pit.

“Chichi?! They got you too? But you were all demon mode back there.” Harley replied, and Chiyo felt relieved that she didn’t sound too worse for wear.

“Tranquilizer.” She explained while shifting to rest her back against the wall of the pit, peering up at the sky to try and get any hint of where they were beyond still in the jungle.

Harley eventually tired herself out and Chiyo took the time to rest, fading in and out of consciousness as the sun travelled across the sky. It was early afternoon when their situation changed.

Footsteps approached Harley’s pit first and she heard something light flutter in the air before landing, she assumed, in the hole. She wasn’t left wondering for long when a dress was tossed at her as well. Overhearing her captors arguing over how best to unbind her without giving her an opportunity, Chiyo took back in the blood she was using to hold together the severed rope around her. Realizing no one knew the extent of her power, she twirled her finger and smiled to herself when she recognized flashes of fear on their faces before they complied and gave her some privacy.

Even to her unrefined sense of fashion, she could tell this was a nice dress. A shimmering emerald green knee length with sweetheart neckline and capped sleeves. It was the nicest thing she had, and probably ever would, wear. It was bizarre to feel pretty while trapped in a dirt hole with dried blood and clumped dirt caked in her hair.

Whatever sick joke this was, she couldn’t help but feel a pang in her chest when she stupidly reminded herself that she wasn’t going to live long enough to show Rick. There was no use ignoring her feelings anymore. Waller assigned them to a mission that was clearly supposed to kill them all. If it wasn’t these soldiers, it was going to be in a not so subtle accident, most likely during extraction.

As she climbed the rope ladder flung down for her, she tried to picture how he would react. But every time she conjured his face in her head, it blurred away as her vision swam. Hastily blinking it away, she refused to be so weak in front of enemies.

Harley engulfed her vision with her explosion of ruby chiffon and concern that melted into understanding when they locked eyes. As she was drawn into a suffocating hug despite the alarmed protests around them, Harley whispered, “We’re getting out of this. Both of us. I want to see the look on his face when he sees how drop dead gorgeous you are, doll.”

Chiyo let out a soft, wavering laugh and returned the hug. As they separated, Harley snatched her hand as they both faced whatever was ahead together.

Becoming princesses certainly wasn’t in the most obvious choices for what happened next but neither of them found the energy to complain. As Harley gushed and commented on the makeup choices made for her, Chiyo was too busy trying to reconcile the person in the mirror with how she knew she looked. The stylists had to be metahuman, she decided. Knowing that there was no other way anyone could get the viscera out of her hair and turn it into the shiny silky curtain that was carefully cascading over her shoulder.

When they stopped, Harley was gleefully relishing in their lavish treatment while Chiyo held tight to her skepticism, warily eyeing the corridor of stoic staff that lined their path. Armed guards gently guided them through the mansion, clearly under orders to not touch them as they did everything they could to avoid Harley’s exuberant outbursts and antics. It was only when they separated the pair by getting reinforcements and forming a human wall between them that the atmosphere threatened to change.

Snarling, Chiyo was herded into a study while Harley was ushered up stairs. Thick wooden doors shut before she could slip by, so she slammed her fist into them hard enough to hear them groan and crack. Someone cleared their throat behind her and she whirled, eyes searching for anything she could weaponize within reach.

“I apologize for the rough treatment you may have endured on your way here.” A well decorated officer spoke, appearing perfectly calm on the outside. The fluttering of his heart told a different story and Chiyo nearly smiled at the realization that he feared her. Good. She could use that.

Not fully understanding the amount of power she had in this conversation, Chiyo tested the waters by not replying right away. Slowly taking a turn around the room, taking opportunities to glance out of windows to assess her odds of escaping. The number of clearly armed military outside patrolling and her recovering state meant that she would have to play along and bide her time.

“Where have you taken Harley?” She pinned the officer with an icy stare, noting the single bead of sweat that rolled down the side of his face from his brow. He clearly had access to more detailed information about her than expected.

“El Presidente wished to meet with Senorita Quinn to discuss a mutually beneficial arrangement.” So they were at the President’s home. How interesting.

“And what does that have to do with me?” She turned, making sure she could still see the officer in the window’s reflection as she watched the world outside, searching for patterns.

“We- I was hoping to discuss a different mutually beneficial arrangement with you, Senorita Kurosawa.” When it was clear she wasn’t going to speak without reason, he continued, “You are currently working for your government due to your long incarceration, yes? We wanted to offer you an opportunity to work with us instead. The freedom you clearly desire would be granted for far less service.”

Anger flared through her body, but she didn’t show it. They certainly knew a few key details about her, but didn’t bother to ponder her motivation. Freedom was an easy option for her to take, and wasn’t what she wanted. Purpose was something a creature like her could only hope to find. Being at Rick’s side, doing things only she could, was where she belonged and where she would stay. They wanted to be handling a bird trapped in a cage, so she would give them that show.

The next few hours were spent with her spinning a web of what he wanted to hear, her eyes sparkling with fake longing and eagerness. Gradually the distance between them closed as she carefully drew him in, playing the damsel, until they were sitting on the same gaudy sofa.

Night had fallen and it didn’t take her a few guesses to figure out who was causing all that ruckus above her doing what. Forcing a blush across her cheeks, she acted flustered and demure, innocent yet desirable. The movement of his blood sealed his fate as he reached out and touched her jaw. A deadly romantic gesture as his body began convulsing as she sunk her nails into his hand, pulling it off her skin.

Red ran down her face as she felt his heart stop, all the blood inside congealing under her command. Through her scratches, she pulled the remainder of his blood from his veins once she heard a single gunshot from above.

Making quick work of the door, she used the distraction to take the officers on the main floor by surprise. By the time they noticed the pool of blood by their feet, it was too late. Her orb of swirling crimson had grown to a wave as she ascended the stairs. The hallway of officers arresting Harley froze at the sight of her. As they struggled to comprehend what they were dealing with, a gold javelin floated along a current of blood to land on Harley’s feet. Their shared grin was the last nightmare those men would ever see.

The pair exited the mansion without a hair out of place, with their arms linked. Chiyo took the time to extract any of the blood splatter from their dresses and Harley pressed a playful kiss to her cheek. They both watched as Bloodsport and Rick ran across the street, painfully obvious that they were trying very hard to not be seen. Turning the corner, Harley gently maneuvered Chiyo behind her before they approached the men.

“Whatcha doin’?” She asked cheerfully, twirling the javelin mindlessly.

Rick lamely dropped the walkie to his side and pouted as much as a hardened soldier could, “Rescuing you?” He rubbed the back of his head before mumbling, “It was a good plan.”

Clearly touched, Harley guiltily offered, “Well, we could go back inside and you can still do it?”

“We?” Rick quietly asked, a spark of hope lighting his face.

Chiyo shyly peeked out from behind Harley, eyes clearly not sure of where to land as they fluttered around Rick before finally locking gazes. Neither of them noticed Harley stepping out of the way and pulling Bloodsport into a one sided hug.

She took in Rick’s slack jawed awe that morphed into a smile that felt like home for only a few seconds until her tears blurred her vision beyond recognition. Strong arms wrapped around her, holding her close as he buried his face into her hair. Her hand snaked between them, reaching up to touch his neck, her fingers finding his pulse. Finally able to properly breathe, a shudder racked her body as the past few days caught up to her.

“I-I” She tried, gasping too hard to speak.

“I thought I lost you,” Rick whispered so quietly only she could hear the thin waver in his voice. She could only nod, trying to let him know how she felt without saying it.

Gently, he shifted to rest their foreheads together, his warm hands cupping her face, thumbs wiping the tears from her cheeks. She kept a hand on his neck, the other moving to hold one of his as she nuzzled her cheek into his palm.

“Not to interrupt,” A gruff baritone completely interrupted, “But we’re still on a mission.”

With a stifled sniff, Rick pressed a light kiss to her forehead, grinning as her brows furrowed in confusion and disappointment. He leaned down to whisper in her ear coyly, voice raspy with promise “Once we’re out of here, we’ve got a lot of lost time to make up for.”

He sealed her expectations with a kiss against her hammering pulse. Laughing as she reacted as if a shock travelled up her body, pupils dilating as her mind took that line of thought and ran with it. Their fingers entwined as he led her back to the bus. Unable to help himself, he raised her hand and kissed her knuckles, nearly growling, “You’re keeping that dress.”

[nev3rfound]

one of a kind : l.l

with loki having returned to earth, the avengers call upon their newest recruit, an angel to help. only, loki refuses to believe the truth until it’s too late.  (1.9k) 

masterlist / permanent taglist

(everything on my blog is my own writing. if it is shared on another page or website without being credited, it has not been approved to be shared by me. all rights reserved.)

Sighing to himself, Tony walks away from the vault as Steve awaits him outside. “Any luck?” Steve asks, receiving a look that says more than words could. “Well, we’re not out of options yet.” Steve adds, trying his best to remain hopeful as Tony rolls his eyes.

“He still not talking?” Natasha pipes up as the pair return to Tony’s lab where the rest of the team stand, eager for any form of update.

“He won’t budge, thanks for that, Thor.” Tony quips, shooting Thor a look who simply shrugs before placing his hammer down on the metal table with a heavy thud.

“It’s not my fault my brother is so unwilling.” Thor comments, keeping his head down.

“He killed three people and threatened the lives of everyone in this building.” Natasha reminds him, and Thor raises his head meekly.

“He’s adopted?” He weakly states.

“This isn’t enough, I think we gotta bring in the big guns.” Tony rises to his feet, pacing around the room as all eyes turn to him.

Shifting on the spot, Steve clears his throat before speaking up. “Tony, I don’t think that’s wise.”

“Oh, and do you have any better ideas, Cap?” Tony shoots back, frustration rising through him as Loki remains locked up in the vault, tormenting them endlessly. “Didn’t think so.” He mutters under his breath. “Friday, can you send our sunshine a message to meet us in my lab?”

“Of course, Tony. Message sent.” Friday responds, and Steve glances over to Natasha, knowing it’s too soon.

Within a matter of minutes, you tiredly walk through the doors of Tony’s lab, seeing the Avengers all stood around. “Am I crashing some kinda party?” You chuckle, but your laughter isn’t well received based on the solemn expressions. “Tough crowd.”

“How’re you doing, sunshine?” Tony walks toward you, resting his arm over your shoulders.

“I’m better today.” You tell him truthfully. “Healing is taking a bit longer than usual, but I’ll be fine in a few days.”

Tony hums to himself, glancing over his shoulder to the rest of the team. “Listen, Y/n, we’ve got a favour to ask of you, and it might not be easy.” Tony begins and guides you back to face the rest of the Avengers.

Steve holds out a chair for you, noticing your breathing becoming shallow and your eyes drooping. You silently thank him as you sit down, glad to take the weight off your feet.

“How can I help?” You ask, a bright smile on your face.

Despite everything you’ve been through these past few months, you’re still more than willing to help everyone else.

“Well, Thor’s brother decided to pay us an unexpected visit,” Tony trails off as you raise a brow to Thor.

“Loki’s here?” You watch as Thor nods. After hearing countless stories from Thor about his brother, you can’t believe he’s here. “So where is he?”

“In the vault.” Natasha states bluntly as you whip your head around. “Sorry, Y/n. It’s the safest place for him to be.” She adds, and you nod to yourself, knowing it’s probably for the best after what happened last time.

“He’s not talking to anyone, is he?” You knew your goal at that moment as the Avengers nodded in response. “Okay.” You mutter under your breath as you rise to your feet, forcing back a groan as a sharp pain shoots up your side.

Steve’s hands hover naturally toward you, but you push through it. “We’ll be in here, Y/n.” Steve tells you. “If you need us at all, or want out, just say.” He adds.

“Thanks, Steve.” You smile sweetly before carrying on alongside Tony, heading toward the vault that you have only ever entered once.

“We just wanna know what he’s planning, why he’s back and all.” Tony briefly explains what they currently know, and the many gaps in Loki’s story as you stand in front of the doors to the vault.

You watch as two men open the doors, revealing a metal bridge leading to the glass container where Loki is sitting.

Loki lifts his head up, and as you catch his gaze it isn’t what you expected. After hearing countless tales of the past you anticipated seeing someone who radiated evil. But sitting before you is a God weakened by his past, not someone who revels in it.

“We’ll be outside like Cap said.” Tony mutters to you as he glares to Loki who merely smiles back.

“Bye, Tony.” You wave to him as the door is closed, leaving you and Loki in a moment of silence whilst you compose yourself.

“You’re not afraid,” Loki speaks up, now standing as he paces around the cylindrical container, a reinforced version of the previous one. “it’s awfully stupid of you.” He adds, and you can’t help but laugh quietly.

“Why should I be afraid?” You dare to ask as you lean against the railings, heavily relying on them as you make eye contact with Loki. “You’re just a God.”

“Oh my dear,” Loki laughs, shaking his head. “you have no idea who you’re talking to, clearly. You’re a mere mortal, why do you all think you can trick me into telling you anything?”

Sighing to yourself, you push your weight from the railings and step forward. “Perhaps because I’m not a ‘mere mortal’?” You suggest, now catching Loki’s attention. “I grew up with God’s, some, like you and others well,” You trail off. “we don’t talk about those ones.”

“What are you saying? You’re a God?” He coldly asks, but you shake your head in response.

“Oh, Gods no.” You admit. “I’m an Angel.” You state.

“No, you’re not.” Loki bluntly comments, looking you up and down before turning away from you. “Angels don’t exist, they’re a fairytale to keep children calm and believe in an afterlife.” He scoffs.

It’s your turn to scoff as you pause, waiting for him to look back at you. “Some say your kind are fairytales, Loki. Doesn’t mean that you aren’t real.” You explain, nearing the glass. “Why are you adamant that I can’t be an angel?”

Turning on his heels, Loki smirks as he approaches the glass, hovering before it and towers over you. “I would know if angels existed. Now, if you don’t mind I was in the middle of thinking about the thirty different ways I can escape here without the need for a mortal to interrupt me.” Loki states.

“Fair enough.” You shrug your shoulders as you cross your arms over your chest. “However, Loki?” You call out. “There are thirty-seven ways out of here, just so you know.” You chuckle, stepping back and return to the railing, trying to hide the pain in your laugh as it ripples through your spine.

Loki’s lips part to respond, but his eyes focus on your hand clutching your side. “You’re injured, aren’t you?” He asks, watching as you nod. “In the tales of Angels aren’t you supposed to heal within minutes of being injured? The whole ‘immortal’ aspect of being an Angel.” Loki paces around the cell once more, but his eyes never leave you.

“It’s a bit more complex than that.” You tell him through gritted teeth. “When an Angel falls from above or rises from below, our powers are still within us, but they aren’t as effective since we’re in the mortal world.” Your breathing slows down now, and you can’t help but slip down to the ground.

“How did you fall?” Loki kneels behind the glass, focusing on you closely. Yet, your breathing becomes slower, and the curiosity Loki has for you increases. “Tell me!” He yells, slamming his fist to the ground.

“I was sent to guard over a human, something we all do at some point.” You begin to explain, picturing the young boys face as he sat with a bloody nose in the middle of the park as children walked away, leaving him to suffer. “He, well, despite my efforts of guarding him, he didn’t make it.” Tears fill your eyes as you remember the day you fell, the consequences of your actions or lack thereof. “How about you, Loki?” You quickly change the topic of conversation. “Why did you come back to Earth?”

“You think I’m going to simply tell you because you told me a story?” Loki remarks.

“Stranger things have happened in all my years.” You tell him, shifting as you try to rise back to your feet. “And trust me, I’ve had plenty of them.” You joke as you stand back up, firmly gripping onto the railing behind you.

“Nonsense,” Loki mutters. “you’re a mortal, no older than Thor’s beloved Jane.”

You shake your head. “I’ve lived for nearly three hundred years.” You tell him. “It’s all in the eyes, Loki. But you only ever see the fear in them, whereas I see hope.”

“You’re here to envoke hope? That I might somehow change with the help of an ‘angel?’“

“Like I said, Loki.” Your voice quietens as you try to ignore the growing pain searing through your body. “Stranger things have happened.”

“Well, I am truly sorry.” Loki chuckles. “But this has been fun, a great story you’ve construed together I’ll admit.” He laughs softly. “As if a mortal of such a young age could try and tempt me.”

“I wasn’t here to tempt you, Loki.” You state clearly, despite your vision beginning to blur. “As I said, I was here to try and help you. As that’s what I do, it’s what I know.” Your voice softens as words struggle to leave your lips coherently.

“Nice try, mortal. But you’ll never get me to crack.” Loki spits to you, and that’s when you fall to the ground.

Immediately, the doors open and Steve rushes in.

“What did you do to her?!” Steve yells to Loki as you lie unconscious.

“How could I do anything when I’m stuck in here?” Loki holds his hands up in defence.

Steve glares to the God as he tries to pull you into his embrace. “Tony?” Steve calls out, and Tony walks in with Thor behind him, causing Loki to sigh heavily.

With the help of Thor, Steve is able to get you to your feet, but as you stand up your wings appear.

“Careful!” Steve warns the others. “Y/n told me her cloaking doesn’t work if she’s unconscious.”

“Come on then,” Tony mutters as he helps Steve carry you out, minding your large bright wings.

Yet, standing in disbelief, Loki can’t help but rethink his entire conversation with you. He watches as your wings drap across the floor, feathers catching on the metal and he winces as some are left behind.

“Angels are real?” Loki thinks aloud.

“What did you do to her, dear brother?” Thor asks, defeated as he hovers by the glass. “Y/n is nothing but a kind spirit, a real angel, Loki. Couldn’t you see that?”

Lowering his head, Loki remains silent.

Without another word being said, Thor exits the vault, leaving Loki alone as the door is sealed shut once more.

Staring down at the stray feathers you left behind, Loki buries his head in his hands. “I’m sorry.” He mutters under his breath, wishing he could’ve believed you whilst you were here and seen the hope in your eyes, and the fear looking back at them.

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[sw5w]

Obi-Wan Gets Ready to Rejoin the Duel

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace 01:56:01

[iamvoid0]

Silent Hill Returns, The Sims 5 Announced, Razer targets Switch, new Mortal Kombat Game, Microsoft prepares to take on Google & Apple!

A whole week as Microsoft has indicated that they will be taking on Google Play Store and Apple's App store. The Sims 5 gets a new set of screenshots, Mortal Kombat goes Mobile, Razer has Nintendo in its sights, and Konami has a vast array of Silent Hill Projects!

🕹️ The Console War Rages On

Splinter Cell remake loses its director - The first mainline Splinter Cell game in a decade has lost its director. David Grivel, who worked for Ubisoft for eleven years, stated, "it was time for him to go on a new adventure". He has previously worked on Splinter Cell Blacklist, Assassin's Creed Unity, and Far Cry 4, 5 and 6. (Source)

PC accessory and computer manufacturer Razer has announced a new handheld gaming system - The announcement came in the form of a YouTube trailer. The system is based on an Android Tablet with a joy-con-like peripheral attached to the sides. It is powered by a Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 with a 144hz AMOLED display. The system is currently in pre-order mode. You will be required to "reserve" a unit. (Source)

The Sims next-generation game has been announced - The Sims "Project Rene" has been revealed. This new iteration of Sims will be cross-platform, which is easy to communicate, share and play across devices, with the game said to offer the same experience across different devices. It was noted that the game is still in very early development. (Source)

DualSense Edge wireless controller has been announced - Sony's answer to Microsoft's Xbox Elite controller. Pre-orders will launch 25th of October, 2022. The package will have multiple hardware and software customizations, with different keycaps, high dome, low dome, half dome caps, and a carrying case. The unit will retail for recommended retail price (RRP) of $199.99 USD/¥29,980 (including tax)/€239.99/£209.99. (Source)

Mortal Kombat Onslaught has been announced - Mortal Kombat Onslaught is a collection-based role-playing game launching in 2023 for the mobile platform. The game is being developed by NetherRealm Studios and will feature a "cinematic story experience". The game sees you collecting fighters and putting together a team in real-time group battles. The game is set for a 2023 release window. (Source)

Digimon World: Next Order for Japanese Switch release in 2023 - The game is set for release on the 22nd of February, 2023. This game is a port of the original game launched for the PS Vita on the 17th of March, 2017. The game will feature a new "beginner" and "run" mode for players. (Source)

Microsoft is working on the Xbox Store - During the CMA's investigation of the 68.7 billion USD acquisition of Activision-Blizzard by Microsoft, documentation has indicated that Microsoft is working on an Xbox Store for their Xbox Mobile Platform. The acquisition intends to use Activision-Blizzard properties to force users to use the Xbox Store rather than the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. (Source)

Final Fantasy XVI has dropped a new trailer showcasing more of the FFXVI world - The trailer shows off more characters, eikons, and in-game battles. The game is still set for a Summer 2023 release. (Source)

✨ Going to Events Spiritually

Xbox Game Pass gets Persona 5 Royal, Gunfire Reborn, Phantom Abyss, and More.

Konami had their Silent Hill Showcase this week. It features remakes, new games, and a movie.

They announced a remake of Silent Hill 2. The remake will retell the second game's story with some team members from the original studio. The remake is set for the PS5 and is being developed by Bloober Team.

Silent Hill: Townfall is a new spinoff by No Code Studios and publisher Annapurna Interactive. It is said this will be a unique take on the franchise.

Silent Hill f is a new spinoff set in 1960s Japan. The game will be a narrative-driven experience written by the acclaimed Japanese writer, Ryukishi07. Best known for their visual novels like Higurashi.

Silent Hill: Ascension is an interactive project where participants worldwide will control the characters in a new Silent Hill Story. Silent Hill: Ascension is a collaboration between Genvid Entertainment, Bad Robot Games, Behaviour Interactive, and dj2 Entertainment.

Return to Silent Hill, the third movie in the film franchise, will see the return of Christophe Gans, the first movie's director. Konami has promised more information about the project at a later date.

🎮 Where's My Controller?

I picked up Megaman 11 last week since it was on sale, and this has to be one of the best modern Megaman games out there. I am pretty much nearing the end. But this has my renewed interest in more games. Honestly, the mechanics were so simply fluid and smooth. It just felt so fun to jump 'n shoot.

📝I don't know what a pen looks like.

I finally uploaded the video version of my Blue Reflection piece. The video is 16 minutes long, but if you haven't gotten time to read my Blue Reflection piece, check out the video review on YouTube.

I am having a bit of trouble finishing my other articles, but I'll see what I can get done over the next couple of weeks.

💖 Enjoy this newsletter?

Forward to a friend and let them know where they can subscribe (hint: it's here).

[bookyourbag]

MAH - MBA / MMS CET 2024

The MAH MBA CET 2024 is one of the most important examinations for aspirants desiring admission in the various MBA and MMS programs of Maharashtra. Here's all you need to know to start your preparation:

1. Exam Overview

Name: MAH MBA CET 2024

Conducting Authority: State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra

Purpose: To enable students to seek admission in MBA and MMS courses provided by different colleges in Maharashtra.

Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)

Duration: 150 minutes (2 hours 30 minutes)

Total Questions: 200

Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer and there is no negative marking.

2. Exam Pattern

MAH MBA CET 2024 consists of four sections:SectionNumber of Questions Logical Reasoning 75 Abstract Reasoning 25 Quantitative Aptitude 50 Verbal Ability/Reading Comprehension 50 Total200

Logical Reasoning (LR): Questions on puzzles, seating arrangement and logical deduction.

Abstract Reasoning (AR): Tests the ability for pattern identification and solving visual puzzles.

Quantitative Aptitude (QA): Questions from arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation

Verbal Ability/Reading Comprehension (VA/RC): Comprehension skills, grammar, and vocabulary

3. Key Dates

Notification Release: January 2024

Application Start Date: January 2024

Application End Date: February 2024

Admit Card Release: March 2024

Exam Date: March/April 2024 (Exact date to be announced)

Declaration of Result: May 2024

Centralized Admission Process(CAP): June–August 2024

4. Eligibility Criteria

Academic Eligibility: The candidate needs to have a bachelor's degree of at least 3 years from a recognized university.

Minimum Marks : -For General Category: Minimum 50% marks -For Reserved Categories : Minimum 45% (SC/ST/OBC)

Students in the Final Year : A candidate in their final year can also apply, provided they complete their degree requirements before the admission to the MBA/MMS course commences.

5. Tips for Preparation

1. Understand the Pattern of the Exam:

Familiarize yourself with the structure of the examination and types of questions.

2. Create a Study Plan:

Design a study schedule covering all sections.

Allocate time for each section and adhere to your plan.

**3. Practice Regularly:

Practice questions and previous year's papers.

Take mock tests for improving your speed and accuracy.

4. Identify and Work on Your Weak Areas:

Identify your weak areas and work towards their improvement.

Access specific study resources and use them to strengthen your weak areas.

5. Time Management:

Solve questions within the prescribed time limit to develop efficiency.

Find ways in which you can make the most of your time while taking the exam.

6. Revision:

* Go through important concepts, formulae and short cuts regularly. * Keep a revision notebook for the month preceding the examination to glance through before the test.

6. Top Colleges Accepting MAH CET Scores

Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai

Sydenham Institute of Management Studies (SIMSREE), Mumbai

KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai

PUMBA (Department of Management Sciences, Pune University)

Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (WeSchool), Mumbai

SIES College of Management Studies, Mumbai

NL Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai

7. Recommended Books and Resources

Quantitative Aptitude: "Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by R.S. Aggarwal

Logical and Abstract Reasoning: "A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal

Verbal Ability: "Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis

Mock Tests and Practice Papers: Some good practice materials are provided by Testbook, Oliveboard, and TIME.

8. Centralised Admission Process (CAP)

Registration: Register for the CAP after the declaration of results and fill in your choice of colleges.

Merit List: A merit list will be prepared based on MAH CET scores and preference.

Seat Allotment: Seats are allotted as per merit and preference. Confirm Admission: Confirm your admission by paying the required fees, submitting necessary documents, etc.

9. Tips for Success

Consistency: Studying and practicing regularly is a must.

Stress Management: Stay positive, and do not let examination fear/stress overshadow you.

Health: Have a nutritious diet and sufficient sleep during your entire preparation.

Following the above tips will help you reinforce your preparation and give a better opportunity to succeed in MAH MBA CET 2024.

[hayleygray08]

You are my home.

Introduction: this is my first writing on here. Bare with me.

Summary: you are a new member of the team after tony finds you in a hydra raid. You are shy, reserved, and not very talkative at first until you realize the team is not going to hurt you. Once comfortable you show them your powers and fall for a certain super soldier, again.

I used google translate for words in Russian, so if the words are wrong. I apologize.

In my writing, no one is dead.

Pairing: bucky x reader, everyone else is platonic.

Genre: fluff, anguish, mentions of torture, blood.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am crouched in the conner,on the floor of my cell waiting for the guards to come get me. My daily training. More like torture.

They make me train as hard as I can and if they think I am slaking, I get a few thousand jolts of electricity shot through my body. Or even a few punches.

Yesterday was one of the worst days so far, that I can remember. I was getting random images flash inside my head, almost from a past life from what I saw, which made me loose focus quite a bit. In return the men who watch me train were heavy with the electricity jolts and even harder punches, anywhere they could land on my body. So, I was not looking forward to today's training.

I don't have a clock or windows in my cell but I knew every time they would come to get me. Like my body knew the exact moment every day. So when that time came and I was still in my cell I was growing a little worry. They are never late, sometimes early, but never late. Just then a siren rang out and the lights dimmed then went red. Was that the alarm for an intruder? How is that possible?

As a million thoughts ran through my head at what could possibly cause the alarm to go off. A very vivid picture or memory came to me and played on repeat. It looked to be the 40's, on a dock or a pier, I was laughing and looking out at the water. There were two guys with me. One was small, blonde hair, blue eyes, and had a small smile on his face. The second was bigger then the first, had brown hair, bright blue eyes, and laughing with me. Why do they look familiar? Why do I have two names on the tip of my tongue? Who are they? Just as I was about to say those names my cell door was blown off and there was a cloud of dust.

As the dust settles and I can properly see, there is a man in a red and gold suit of metal. He walks towards me as he says "Cap we got someone here. She looks no older then 24, covered in bruises, and looks terrified.""Yes, I'll make sure to get her out.""No, I can't tell if she is dangerous." He sighs and crouches down so he can look me in the eyes.

"Hi, I am Tony Stark, and I am going to take you away from here." Tony says and offers me a hand. I take it cautiously and follow him out the door and eventually outside.

Once we made it outside I take a deep breath. It felt so good to get clean air. I don't even remember the last time I was outside. Must have been years. I had to shield my eyes, it was so bright out. I didnt notice more people joining us. I was to busy looking at my hands and arms. Was I always this pale? I look up at the guy who took me away, Tony, and then darkness.

Tony catches me before I could hit the floor and runs into the jet. He lays be on a table and Bruce starts an examination. Nobody dared bother him. Nat hands Tony a flash drive and sits back down with the others.

While I was unconscious and now in the medbay at the compound, I was getting more images. Some are to fast to register what it was and some stayed a good while showing me a life I do not remember, but wish I did. Also things I did, hurting people, a chair, and training. It was all to much. To much pain, suffering, lose. I could feel myself have a panic attack. Which alerted everyone.

I jolted up into a sitting position clenching my chest and taking big gasps of air. My heart monitor going off like crazy. I looked around frantically, not recognizing where I was. I tried to rip out the Iv's but a pinching sensation in my shoulder makes me stop. I look up and see a women, before I am unconscious again.

Meanwhile in the common area Tony, Steve, Natasha, Wanda, Sam, Clint, Vision, Bucky, Bruce, Thor, Loki, Scott, and Peter all sat around looking at my file.

"Her name is y/n, y/ln. She was born in 1918, lived in Brooklyn, New York. Was taken by Hydra in 1946 while she was working on a S.H.I.E.L.D mission. Hasn't been seen since. Until about 2001 when she was spotted riding a motorcycle from a crime scene. Looked to be an assassination. Then again in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2012 and the last time in 2014. So the last time was 7 years ago. It shows she was trained like the winter soldier, but never met one another. But her powers got out of control and they have been training her to keep them in control since 2014. She has assassinated 6 men, 4 women, 2 children, and 1 hydra agent in a training gone wrong on that one." Tony reads outloud to everyone.

Steve and Bucky look at each other with a look in their eyes, as if they can't believe it. Then Tony brings up a picture of me for the group to see. Everyone gasps as a few photos show up. One is me, Steve, and Bucky at Coney Island. Then one of me and Bucky smiling at each other. Then there is one of me and Peggy Carter. Once all pictures are shown, all eyes are on Steve and Bucky.

"You know her?" Asked Natasha. Everyone silently asking the same thing.

"Yes, we know her. She was our friend. She grew up with us. She was our best friend. And a little more to Bucky." Steve answers quietly, looking at Bucky. It has been 78 years since he has seen her.

As they tell the others about me and what they remember, I am waking up again at the medbay. This time more calm. The nurses and doctors where asking me questions but I wouldn't answer them. They could tell they were not going to get anywhere with me, they called Tony and Bruce. I still would not talk to them.

How could I trust them? I don't even know them. For all I know they could be Hydra as well. With all these images popping up I don't even know what to believe anymore. Both men were throwing question after question at me. I didnt know how to answer. Or if I even should. Once they realized they were not going to get anywhere they left.

By the time I got the okay from the doctors, I was put inside a cell. Something I am all to familiar with. But this one was clean, had a comfortable bed, running water, and was warm. All the walls were glass and I could see people standing around watching me. Two I kinda recognized due to the images that I get. Each one would ask a question, each time I just stared ahead.

"We want to help you." A women with red and blonde hair spoke up after a few minutes of silence. I laughed.

"You want to help me? You don't even know me. How can you help me?" I responded quietly.

"Wanda has some powers and is able to look inside your head. Put the pieces together for you. Help you remember." The same women responded looking at another women with red hhai. I am guessing is Wanda.

"We read your file, y/n, let us help you remember the things they have taken from you." Tony says as he walks around. I don't respond, just look at everyone.

They gave up after 3 hours of silence from me and them asking questions. They leave me alone until a few days later. For those days they would bring me food, check to see if I am okay, then leave. It was Wanda, Tony, Bruce, and Steve that came a few days later. I watch them as they open the door to my cell and take a seat on a bench.

"If you are okay with this, we would like to try something. It does involve bringing back everything Hydra took from you. It might be painfull. But we think you should have the choice in remembering your life."Tony speaks up after a few minutes of silence.

Do I trust these people to try and help me? Do I even want the help? To remember all the pain I have caused and I life I will never get back.

I look at the four people in front of me and when I looked at the blonde man named Steve a memory came to me. It was just us two in a tent that looked to be on a base of some sort. He was the way he is now bigger then the other one I have seen. As if he grew or got on steroids. He was telling me about someone but it was fuzzy but I had this feeling of sadness.

I take a big breath in and look at them. "What do I have to lose? Not like I am going anywhere anytime soon." I tell them as I look at my hands.

I didnt see Tony nod at the door but did hear it open. I look up to see a young girl, with a different wardrobe then the others. She smiles kindly at me as she sits next to Wanda.

"Hi, my name is Shuri. I am from Wakanda and I can help you remember." I just stare at her.

"How long will this take?" I ask quietly.

"Depends on the damage they have caused for you to forget everything. Could be a few days, weeks, months. If you have trigger words. We will make.."

"Trigger words? What does that mean?" I interrupt her.

"Words that change you into a different person. Like they did witht he winter soldier. When we got the files from the base you were held in, shows you do have some." Tony says to me.

"Oh, so then I guess we should start this thing." I tell them. They did not expect me to say that.

They step out of my cell and start to say 6 words in Russian.

"девять- nine"

"машина-car"

"цветок-flower"

At this word I started to feel a crawling sensation run across my skin. I started to blink rapidly, my vision was getting foggy.

"слива-plum"

"банан-banana"

Now I'm rolling my shoulders, flexing my hands, shaking my head. That crawling sensation is getting thicker, heavier.

"рок-rock"

Once that last word was said I stand up, look at them with a blank expression, and cock my head to the side a little. "готов подчиниться- ready to comply."

They ready the words and I am me again. Well the shell of me that I know. I sit on the bed and take deep breaths. I did not like the feeling of having no control.

They watch me before they leave me alone for a little bit. I don't remember those words but it felt like my body did and it hurt badly.

As i sit and then pace and sit again for I don't know how long, everyone else is in the common area trying to figure out what to do next.

"Her words are different from Bucky's, why?" Same asks as they watch me in my cell.

"They made the words unique for that person. Hers are more girly because she is a girl and what she likes. They make it so only one person gets triggered and not all at once." Bucky says with a frown.

As they continue to talk and see the next step. I am going a little crazy in my cell. I started to throw everything that I could, I tried breaking the walls, the floor. I was screaming, crying, and bleeding. No one knew of my powers because it was not put in any files. So when I fall to my knees and scream everything shuts down and I pass out.

Once the lights were out, they were up and running to my cell. As people in the building were trying to get the power back on.

When they get to me I was laying on the floor and covered in some weird goo. That started right as I hit the floor. Bruce went to check if I was okay and when he tried to check my pulse he got shocked. He steps away and goes to the others.

"This is not in her file, didnt show if she had powers or not. Why would they do that?" Natasha says as the nurses come in hazmat suits.

"Because she is more dangerous then we thought." Steve says sadly.

*********

That is part 1. Possibly a part two.

[wouldduskwood]

Descendants of Despair Part 6

Duskwood - JakexMC fanfic

Contains swearing, fluffy romance/sexual references

I moved quickly, using the rough, aged walls as foot and finger holds as I scaled down to a safer level then jumped. I took off at a run, with just my backpack fastened securely to my back. Frustration coursed through me as I found myself, once again, without some of the most basic necessities to survive. The streets here were still not familiar enough to me and I knew Jake would know them well so I decided to make my way to an area where I had at least some advantage. I continued running, uncomfortable away from the rooftops I preferred but too unsure of my surroundings to use them effectively. Finally I reached my destination, a small nearly deserted reserve that was practically forgotten about. Even the council did not maintain it as regularly as the other more populous reserves. There were several off shoots that I could take and end up in different areas of the town. Here, I took some gulping breaths then settled on the single park bench with a view of the overgrown stream. It wasn’t the best place to observe, as there were so many entrances to the area, I couldn’t monitor them all, but it was unlikely anyone would come here. Now, I needed to stop and reassess my actions. 

This investigation with Hannah had caused everything to become insecure in my life. The only solution was to get rid of the phone I carried and never look back. Sure, they’d wonder where I was gone, but they’d forget pretty quickly, especially if Hannah was found. I’d become nothing more than a distant memory, and that was for the best. I let the memories of the past weeks consume me for a while, relishing both the good and horrible moments that had turned my life upside down. My head throbbed with the stress of the situation so I removed my hood and cap quickly, before returning my hood to its rightful position. I rubbed my fingers against my temple, trying to ease some of the pain. Finally, I pulled my cell phone from my pocket and had just begun dismantling it when a voice from behind me made my head snap back up. “Don’t…” 

“Shit,” I groaned, dropping my phone on the bench beside me. Thinking back to Jake’s precise movements in our earlier altercation, I ran my hand down my hoodie sleeve and was met with some resistance in the fabric. I came away with what appeared to be a self contained battery powered micro GPS tracking chip that had been embedded into the fibres of my hoodie. “Clever,” I sneered. “How many more are there?” 

“You really think I’d show you all my cards at this time?” Jake asked quietly. “You are a known flight risk,” he muttered with a touch of humour in his voice. “So, everything you told me was the truth…” he continued. I cringed. “Yeah...but it doesn’t change anything does it?” I asked warily. “It does...You told me once what you imagined meeting me would be like. I failed to meet those expectations, but I can correct that now.” I felt my skin flush as I recalled the conversation he was talking about. Standing, I turned to face him so I had a better chance to object to my weaknesses of the time then make a hasty getaway. Instead I was startled to see he had removed his mask. His features were only slightly obscured by his dark hood. I could make out brooding eyes under some thick strands of black hair, a straight nose and a strong jaw. Before I could object, Jake put an arm around me, caressing some strands of loose hair that had fallen from under my hood with his other hand while he stared into my eyes. I lowered my face and pushed against his chest then tried to swipe for the security of my cap but Jake’s warm embrace prevented that. “No, no…” I whispered. “No, we can’t…” Jake paid no attention to my weak refusals. Instead his hand traced along my jaw and lifted my chin with feather light touches. His lips caressed mine, lightly brushing against them then stopping, never forcing anything. I found myself lightly kissing his lips in return so I began to struggle again. Jake wrapped both arms around my back, his lips gently grazed mine again and again. He began deepening the kiss each time I kissed him back until I eventually stopped my futile struggles and let my hands rest lightly on his chest instead of pushing against it, giving myself into feelings over logic.

As my resolve weakened, I found my arms moving around Jake’s neck and I let my tongue slip into his mouth. I could feel delight radiating through him as his tongue massaged mine. Time stood still, I have no idea how long we stood there, wrapped in our own embrace. Eventually, I moved my hands back to his chest and pulled my lips away, resting my forehead against his. “Is your place still secure?” I whispered then let my lips graze against his again before he could respond. “Yes, I’d know if someone had breached my security.” He replied huskily. His lips found mine again as I considered what he had said. Locked in his embrace, inhaling his comforting scent, I found it difficult to focus. This time, I moved my hand to his lips, pulling my own away as I did. “We should go back there, I guess we should at least talk?” I asked quietly. Jake sighed and nodded slowly. Moving my fingers from his lips, I smiled weakly at his agreement. Before I could remove myself from his embrace, he leant in quickly and kissed me one last time, placing his hands on my hips, he drew me in closer to the warmth of his body. I broke away, panting. 

Part 7

[mythgirlimagines]

It’s time for a brand new talentswapped Myth for this Tuesday! Brimming with passion,  good sportspersonship, and boundless optimism, is Myth Anon, the Former Ultimate Team Manager!

———————————————–

BACKSTORY AND TALENT

In her elementary and middle school years, Myth had an unbridled passion for sports and athletics, despite her scoliosis making heavy movement difficult for her, and in her middle school years, she even managed to secure spots in prestigious sports teams. Unfortunately though, all those dreams were crushed once she reached her high school years, when a freak accident costed Myth her legs and thus, her ability to walk and run. But the optimistic Myth wouldn’t let this sudden accident qstop her, for she decided to switch her career plans from improving herself to improving others, and that was how Myth became a team manager. Renowned amongst her students for her optimism and motivational spirit, she’s able to turn a ragtag bunch of amateurs into experts within a single season. In fact, Myth even managed to create Lil’ Ultimates and Jr. Ultimates within her career. Now that she is in her adults years, she is currently working with high school athletes and even created actual Ultimate athletes thanks to her stellar coaching.

———————————————–

RELATIONSHIPS

Wyre Anon, Former Ultimate Lucky Student

As the reckless childhood friend of Myth, Wyre is always getting into all sorts of trouble and is lucky enough to get out of trouble, with the help of Myth. Unfortunately, when one of Wyre’s little shenanigans cost Myth her ability to walk, Wyre still feels guilty about it, even to this day, despite Myth’s constant reassurance. Wyre acts like a bodyguard of sorts to Myth, scaring off anyone who dares to pick on Myth’s handicap. Imagine Myth and Wyre’s mutual joy when Wyre was chosen via the Hope’s Peak lottery to attend Hope’s Peak alongside Myth. They both act like cheerleaders for each other.

Outfit: Bandages wrapped around her forehead, arms and hands, a green tank top with a darker green clover design, tan cargo pants, white socks and scuffed-up green high tops.

Anon Scar, Ultimate Traditional Dancer

Famous in certain circles for her dramatic stage presence and her beautiful dance moves, it was no wonder that Anon Scar joined the Hope’s Peak roster as the Ultimate Traditional Dancer. Myth may not be an expert in choreography, but even she can tell just how amazing Scar is at dancing. Myth quickly realized just how how seriously Scar takes her craft, underneath the whole “Queen of Yokai” schtick she developed for stage performances. The two girls quickly bonded over their motherly natures and overwhelming concern for others. Myth is currently planning on arranging an oendan group to cheer on Scar.

Outfit: A dark purple kimono with a red flower petal design on the bottom and a matching obi, flower decorating her side bun, white socks and brown geta, always carries a fan, has an oni mask on the side of her head. 

Fusion Anon, Ultimate Gamer

While Myth normally views video games as health-sapping distractions for lazy layabouts, she can’t fault Fusion for his hobby. Myth noticed that in MMOPRGs, Fusion usually acts a lot like Myth in the game world, healing his teammates and sending encouraging words via the game’s group chat, and he acts equally paternal in real life. Myth also notices that Fusion gets very hyperactive and passionate when talking about video game lore. Myth thinks that if Fusion applied that energy and paternal nature to sports and had a proper sleeping and eating schedule, he could potentially be an awesome team player and a star athlete. 

Outfit: Black and red headphones on his ears, a hoodie colored like a Nintendo Switch over a black shirt with the GameCube logo on the front, black pajama pants with a white stripe on each side, white socks and red slippers with Pokeballs on the front, glasses from original design. 

Fusion Anon II, Ultimate Animal Breeder

As much as Fusion II tries to act like an apathetic and snarky delinquent and claim the scratches she gets are from gang scuffles, she is actually a regular volunteer at animal shelters and has a particular soft spot for cats, to the point of keeping a chubby black one named Cheezburger. As Myth eventually figured out, all of Fusion II’s snark and apathy are just a cover-up for her less-than-stellar social skills and desire to be seen as cool by her peers. Myth realized eventually that both of them have slightly-similar talents, with both of their talents involving caring for others: athletes for Myth and animals for Fusion II.

Outfit: A red shirt with a pawprint design on the front under a black sleeveless leather jacket, black fingerless gloves, brown cargo pants that hold pet care supplies, red shoes with a paw print design on the soles, scratched up arms and one scratch on her face hidden by a bandaid, sunglasses from original design.

Just Anon, Ultimate Animator

Despite Janon’s chronic procrastination, Janon’s fans claim that his animated works are worth the very long wait. Now this is one Anon that the normally kind and optimistic Myth has a serious grudge against. The lazy and cynical animator, who wants nothing more than to sleep all day long, would of course clash with the energetic and optimistic team manager who wants people to improve. Unlike the other Anons, Janon isn’t even trying to improve himself, and that just drives Myth up the wall. But Myth heard rumors that Janon has a particular soft spot for children, which would make sense, given Janon’s talent.

Outfit: A pink ski cap with cat ears and an adorable cartoon face, a white face mask with a cat’s mouth and whiskers, a blue denim jacket with several patches and pins over a white shirt with Mickey Mouse on the front, colorful pajama pants, pink bunny slippers. 

Sparkle Anon, Graduated Reserve Course Student

Despite being passionate about both acting and puzzle-sloving, neither of those skills were enough for Sparkle to garner Ultimate status. Her rich parents managed to scrape enough money for her to take the test and get accepting into the Hope’s Peak Reserve Course though, and now that Sparkle graduated, she is currently chasing her dreams of becoming a top performer, despite her non-Ultimate status. Never before has Myth ever found someone with an even louder voice than her, but Sparkle‘s loud and dramatic voice made Myth consider starting an oendan group with her, and Sparkle was happy to oblige. Outfit: A white dress shirt and a sparkly pink tie, a skirt that matches her tie, knee-high socks, brown slip-on shoes, glasses from original design.

Egg Anon, Former Ultimate Princex and Wet Sock Anon, Former Ultimate Nurse

Egg is the current crowned princex of Desruc, a cursed locale in the middle of nowhere, and Wet Sock is the skilled field medic and excommunicated/exiled-royal-twin. But it seems their inventive customs don’t cross cultural boundaries, for their odd idioms and sayings just wind up grossing anyone willing to strike conversation with the foreign and cursed twins. Interacting with the Freak Twins may be internally painful for Myth, but she managed to power through and found out that the two are surprisingly caring, despite what their cursed dialogue would suggest, with Wet Sock being especially maternal in particular.

Egg’s Outfit: A green gakuran with golden details and shoulder pads, a red feather cape and matching earrings. 

Wet Sock’s Outfit: A ragged black gakuran with blue details and shoulder pads marked with a Red Cross design, a black cape and hood.

Curious Anon, Jr. Ultimate Swordfighter

As the adopted child of a yakuza family and the loyal bodyguard of a yakuza heiress, Curious has been raised with one and only goal and purpose in mind: prevent Young Mistress Iris from ever getting harmed by foes. Just like with the other athletes on the Kibo-Con roster, Myth feels her maternal instincts kick into overdrive when she’s training them, probably helped by Curious being the youngest of the athlete roster. Despite being famed by Iris’s rivals as an emotionless brick wall, Curious is surprisingly impressionable and gullible, probably due to his less-than-stellar upbringing as a servant.

Outfit: Hair in a small ponytail, a black t-shirt and a red tie with Iris’s family logo on the front, black pants, always carries their sword in a black and red scabbard, shoes from original design.

Anon Nerd, Former Ultimate Musician

Famous for his loud vocals, his vulgar lyrics, and the pessimistic worldview of his lyrics, Nerd is the head of the infamous metal band, “DEBATE”, a band intent on showing people just what’s wrong with the world we live in, using nothing but the bare-bone facts. Just like with Janon, Myth has some serious beef with Nerd, thanks to their conflicting worldviews. Myth can’t stand Nerd’s constant and vehement negativity, and Myth’s stubborn optimism just nauseates Nerd. They get into regular shouting matches, that always have to be mitigated by the Brain Cells, much to the irritation of said Brain Cells.

Outfit: Wilder hair that covers his left eye and hides his scouter, a spiky black leather jacket over a white turtleneck, a red and black guitar slung over his back, black polished nails, torn black pants, spiky black boots.

Eldritch Anon, Ultimate Gymnast

Originally from the wrong side of the tracks, Eldritch taught himself parkour and gymnastics to avoid both muggers and bullies. Eldritch’s small and light form makes executing high-flying flips and rolls a cinch for him. Despite having never entered a single competition, talent scouts have noticed Eldritch’s mad parkour skills. Myth really wants to train this young athlete to his full potential, but for some reason, Eldritch shows a vehement distrust for just about everybody, and given his backstory, who can blame him? But Myth is determined, and she will show the tiny gymnast that people can change and are worth trusting. 

Outfit: A black tanktop, a camo jacket tied around his waist, blue jeans, black ankle socks, white and blue sneakers.

Dream Anon, Ultimate Mechanic

Despite motorcycles being her main speciality, Dream can fix just about any mechanical device you throw at her, with her signature sunny smile. Despite not being an athlete, Myth quickly established Dream as one of her all-time favorites of the Kibo-Con roster. Dream and Myth quickly bonded over their overly optimistic and energetic personalities, and the two girls act like each other’s cheerleaders. Dream seems to show fascination with the mechanics of Myth’s wheelchair, and yearns to tune it up and soup it up with some rocket boosters or something, and Myth surprisingly doesn’t mind.

Outfit: A blue bandana wrapped around her head, a black tank top, orange and oil-stained gloves, a pink jumpsuit tied around her waist, an orange tool belt, tall black boots.

Iris Anon, Jr. Ultimate Yakuza

When Myth first found out that she was going to be chaperoning the heiress of one of the most dangerous yakuza families in all of history, she was prepared to be on her beat behavior, lest the heiress calls her folks to feed Myth to the fishies. But as it turns out, Iris is really friendly and superbly optimistic, despite what her upbringing would suggest. Iris is up there with Dream in Myth’s favorites list, and for the exact same reasons. But as it turns out, for all of her optimism, Iris is also really clumsy and falls, trips and bumps her head all the time. Myth is currently working on improving Iris’s balance and coordination.

Outfit: An entirely black gakuran with a red ribbon and her family logo in the form of a badge, black stockings and red shoes, glasses from original design.

Purple Anon, Ultimate Chef

Purple commonly cooks and caters for fancy high-class banquets, and her food is beloved by every upper-crust family that she serves. Purple’s work is commonly behind-the-scenes, and for good reason, because Purple is supremely timid, and often hides behind bigger Anons, when not in the kitchen. Purple is Myth’s go-to-Anon when it comes to nutritional advice, even if Myth needs help translating Purple’s overly-formal dialogue. Sometimes, when Myth is off to train her students, Purple stocks Myth up with crudités or finger sandwiches to give to the young athletes, in between or after practice.

Outfit: A white chef’s top with a purple cravat, black pants, shoes and beret from original design.

This series centers around an optimistic and hot-blooded team manager, trying to train her con-mates into only the best versions of themselves, and battling a couple of Negative Nancies (read: Nerd, Janon and Eldritch) in the process.

——————————————————-

APPEARANCE

Myth has shoulder-length brown hair with an ahoge on top and black sports glasses. For her clothes, Myth wears a red and cream colored tracksuit over a white tanktop, and matching high tops. Around her neck is a red megaphone, a golden whistle, and a golden necklace with resin in the middle that is colored like the bisexual flag. 

——————————————————-

PERSONALITY

Myth carries herself with a loud voice and motivational words. Myth might just be one of the most optimistic people in the entirety of the Kibo-Con, for she can find the good points in just about anybody, and knows exactly how to weed the good points out of them. Despite being confined to a wheelchair, she has energy that is very contagious, which assists her in pumping up her students. But for all of her optimism towards other people, she doesn’t quite feel the same way about herself, feeling like the accident squandered her own potential and she advances other people’s development at the cost of her own. But Myth refuses to be seen as weak, so she never opens up about her actual feelings.

——————————————————-

I hope you like this talentswap, and please let me know what of this Myth! Don’t forget to watch out for brand-new content from yours truly!

[obsessedwithbbandsuju]

Forever

*Dialogue Prompt #3 for @2ya2yao​‘s Super Junior Prompt Fic Challenge

Well. If someone asked him, he would insist that it wasn’t mischief. It was for science, and his girlfriend was the subject.

Pairing: Park Jungsoo/Son Taeyeon

jagi: a Korean word that can be used to refer to one’s significant other

___   

The name Leeteuk wasn’t really associated with mischief in the idol world. Leeteuk was supposed to be the responsible leader of Super Junior, the tired mother who did his very best to keep a merry gang of crazy men sufficiently under control. And in some ways, Jungsoo knew, that was who Leeteuk was. But Leeteuk could also be mischievous, and right now Jungsoo was up to some mischief.

Well. If someone asked him, he would insist that it wasn’t mischief. It was for science, and his girlfriend was the subject.

Taeyeon was notorious for being good at, well… everything. Not only musically – though certainly that too – but athletically, linguistically, academically, practically, socially – he didn’t have the time on his hands to name it all. Not once had he seen her fail, or even so much as rattled.

And Jungsoo loved how capable she was. He did. But she had to have some weakness, right? It just wasn’t plausible that a human being could be such a natural in every field. There had to be something, and he was determined to find out what it was.

~

“Come on, jagi,” he whined into the cell phone, throwing in the jagi, a word he rarely used, to let her know how desperate he was. “I have to go soon, and Shimkoong is absolutely refusing to go where I usually leave her when I’m away. I don’t know who else to count on. Please?”

“Okay, okay. You always know how to get what you want.” On the other end of the line, there was amusement in Taeyeon’s voice as she accepted his request. Jungsoo gave a mental shout of triumph. “Thanks, Taeyeon. I’ll have her over soon. I love you.”

“I love you too.” The sincerity that rang when she said those words warmed his heart, distracting him from his plotting, even for just that second.

Once she’d hung up, he scooped his dog into his arms and gotten into his manager’s car, asking him to head quickly to Taeyeon’s apartment before they arrived at the filming location. Usually they stayed together in his place, but with both of their schedules packed for most of the days of the current month, they’d decided it might be more convenient to stay apart from some time so the all the chaos didn’t clash in one apartment.

At his girlfriend’s place, Jungsoo watched Shimkoong intently as he handed her over to Taeyeon, who stroked the dog’s head and cooed. Shimkoong tended to get rather cranky in unfamiliar places, especially when he wasn’t around, and when she got cranky she could keep it up for several days at time, running around and barking and refusing to listen – which was what he was counting on. He thanked Taeyeon one more time with a kiss on the forehead, to which she laughed and swatted him away playfully. Before he left for the broadcast he was filming that day, though, she still sent him off with a kiss on the lips (since he insisted) and a “good luck”.

The filming took the better part of the day, and they paused in between only for a thirty-minute lunch break and forty-five-minute dinner break. By the time he was finished, Jungsoo was exhausted, but there was one thought that kept energy coursing through his body. He headed over to Taeyeon’s apartment, fully expecting to arrive to a relentless Shimkoong scampering around, barking up a storm, and an annoyed girlfriend. But when he walked in through the door, he saw his dog running up to him happily, wagging her tail. Trailing behind her came Taeyeon, looking calm and collected as ever. She shot him a smile, almost like she knew what his scheme was.

Jungsoo pouted.

~

Jungsoo stared at the instruction booklet in his hand and then back at the scattered parts of the new computer he had bought and was trying to assemble. He’d made some progress, but the pieces were still far from a working device, and he couldn’t help feeling that this was his limit; he had had yet another filming for another variety show earlier that day, he was tired and hungry, and the fact that the instruction manual’s font size was probably about five wasn’t helping matters. Huffing through his nose in frustration, he set the booklet down, glaring at the parts in front of him. And then an idea came.

“Taeyeon?” he called. He heard footsteps, and then she appeared from the hallway, her hair tied back messily in a ponytail.

“What is it?” she asked, kneeling next to him and rubbing his back soothingly. Jungsoo was silent for a second, melting into the sensation of her slim fingers against his skin through the thin T-shirt he wore.

Gathering himself, he turned to her with puppy eyes that he reserved only for her sight, probably because they wouldn’t have the slightest millimeter of an effect on the other members. “Do you think you could help me with this?”

Taeyeon glanced down at the mechanical parts strewn across the floor, then at the instruction manual that Jungsoo was still holding. To his surprise, she flashed him a small smile.

“Of course.”

A little restless with anticipation, Jungsoo handed her the manual. She squinted at its text, read one of the lines, stared down at the pieces for a moment, and then got to work.

About an hour later, the computer was put together nicely, its polished black plastic and metal practically glinting under the lights. Jungsoo held down on the power button, and the newly-assembled device turned on without a hitch.

He huffed.

~

When he’d suggested a walk to his girlfriend, this was not what he’d had in mind. He had just wanted a peaceful stroll in the moonlight with Taeyeon and Shimkoong, a chance to unwind after all the hecticness of the past two months. It didn’t seem like much of a request, but apparently the universe had deemed that it was.

Because they’d run into three of the many juvenile delinquents that often roamed the streets of Seoul at night while under the impression that they were grown and could do whatever they wanted. (It was a phase everyone went through in their late teens, though thankfully the majority didn’t let it get so out of hand that they began committing borderline illegal acts.) The kids couldn’t have been more than eighteen or nineteen, maybe twenty tops, but they sure had strutted right up to Jungsoo and Taeyeon like they were professional criminals.

Jungsoo calculated in his head the risks. He didn’t really want to run; it would feel silly fleeing from practically children, but getting in a fight didn’t seem very appealing either. Both of them were wearing caps to partially conceal their faces, and the dark was helping, too, but still, the consequences of a celebrity getting in a fight… no, they weren’t worth it.

On her leash, Shimkoong was snarling and barking.

“Cute dog, mister,” the kid in the front, a tall but thin boy with ripped jeans and a black jacket, smirked as he eyed Shimkoong blatantly. Nerves flaring, Jungsoo fought the urge to glare. His eyes flicked sideways toward Taeyeon who had just been standing next to him a second ago, but now she wasn’t there anymore. She’d stepped forward in the path of the delinquents, posture unnervingly relaxed. If Jungsoo was just a passerby he would have thought she was someone who often picked fights on the street, too.

“We’re trying to take a walk, so it would be nice of you to go on your merry way,” she said calmly.

The atmosphere was full of uneasiness; Jungsoo’s muscles were tense, Shimkoong’s fur stood on end, and there was visible aggression in the delinquent’s stare as he looked down at Taeyeon.

Eventually, though, he spat sideways in an attempted show of dominance, saliva flying from his mouth and landing with a splat on the street. Jungsoo fought the urge to wrinkle his nose, and Shimkoong gave a very soft growl. Taeyeon didn’t move.

“Tsk. Whatever, slut.” The delinquent’s voice was somewhere between sullen and purposefully dismissive, like he was trying overly hard to sound though. “Come on, guys. Let’s not waste time on this cuck and his bitch.”

Without another word, the three kids stalked off, glancing back occasionally at Jungsoo and Taeyeon with slight unease as if they were afraid they were going to attack them from behind. Jungsoo couldn’t help feeling the slightest bit of pity; he knew that brash hotheadedness mixed with crippling insecurity and nearly animalistic desire to prove yourself of early adulthood, and it was a no pleasant feeling. But he couldn’t feel any kindlier towards them than that, on account of the slurs their leader had used to refer to Taeyeon. Only once the three of them had vanished from sight from several seconds did he relax.

The entire time, though, Taeyeon hadn’t blinked an eye once (figuratively speaking). Slightly awed at his girlfriend’s composure, Jungsoo threaded his fingers through hers, squeezing. She glanced at him, and it somehow wasn’t a surprise to see her instantly smiling again.

“Doesn’t anything scare you?” He was half-chiding, because he would feel better if she was more cautious, but half-asking, because she legitimately had not seemed fazed.

Taeyeon squeezed his hand back with a shrug. “Plenty of things do, but not a few delinquent kids.”

~

Hyukjae, Donghae, and Ryeowook were fighting. About what, Jungsoo didn’t know. All he knew, or cared to know, was that he, eyelids practically drooping from filming since seven A.M. that morning, was just trying to sleep early for once when he’d been interrupted in his preparations to crash by the sound of the three members’ raised voices.

All of them had moved temporarily back into the dorm recently because they had several group schedules coming up that required long hours of driving and decided it would be more convenient to just go at the same time, rather than every member setting off and arriving at different hours depending on the traffic in their area. On one hand, it was nice because it was nostalgic; it took him back to the time when they were young and vigorous and the burden of their fame hadn’t quite caught up to them yet. On the other hand, Jungsoo felt like he was fucking dying. He’d forgotten how uncontrollable it could get with all of them living in the same space.

A few hours ago, Taeyeon had come over and spent the night at the dorm, eating dinner with them while rolling her eyes several times at the teasing from the other members to keep things private in the bedroom. They did not, in fact, have any intention of doing anything that night, for the sake of being courteous of everyone else, and it would be more than nice enough to fall asleep next to her.

Jungsoo just wished he’d get to lay down in peace.

“What do you mean, me? You’re the one who’s at fault here!” Ryeowook’s shrill voice rang through the dorm. Jungsoo groaned, suppressing the urge to shriek into the pillow. He wasn’t in the mood to deal with this.

Taeyeon must have seen the will to live fading from his eyes, because she sympathetically patted his shoulder. “You okay?”

Jungsoo took another calming breath. “Yeah. I’m just tired.” That was one way to put it. A more accurate way would be “I’m just done with this bullshit” or something along those lines, but he restrained himself.

“That’s understandable. Go and sleep, I’ll sort everything out,” Taeyeon suggested, giving him a light push toward the bed. Jungsoo sat down on the mattress, pointedly ignoring another bout of loud arguing from outside. “Are you sure?” She should know better than anyone how difficult his members were to deal with.

“It’s not like I’m unfamiliar with how Super Junior works,” she reassured him, amusement in her voice. “I’m still hanging around you people, which means I’m picking up some of your insanity – since that’s the only way to survive around this group.” She wasn’t exactly wrong. Maybe none of them had been exactly normal since the beginning, but being around each other had only amplified the chaos over the years.

“Okay, I’m counting on you then,” Jungsoo said, laying down with a sigh of bliss. She patted his head and gave him a quick kiss on the lips before leaving the room, flicking the light switch off as she did and closing the door tightly. Jungsoo stared after her, wondering how well she would fare.

Miraculously, he drifted off, but the concern over what had become of the argument must have been eating at him more than he realized, because only two hours later, he found himself blinking up into the darkness. It was quiet outside, but a quick glance at the door showed him that the lights of the living room were still on, which meant at least some of the other members were still awake. Taeyeon wasn’t back, either.

Rubbing his eyes, he got up out of the bed and peeked out into the hallway. The way his door was positioned, he had a fairly good view of Hyukjae, Donghae, and Ryeowook sitting together on the sofa, talking quietly but cheerfully. Clearly, they had made up. Perched just a little distance away, watching the three with the expression of a satisfied mother, was Taeyeon.

She was even good at mediating arguments.

~

I give up. Jungsoo was about to admit that he’d lost. Apparently, his girlfriend was just perfect – good at everything on top of being funny and intelligent and beautiful. He was ready to just accept that he’d been lucky enough to somehow snag a superhuman for a partner.

He couldn’t even find anything bad to say about her cleaning, he noted, as he glanced over his shoulder at her, kneeling in a corner and wiping away dust. They had decided they’d spend the day today tidying up his apartment; something that Jungsoo was used to and liked doing, but there was a new kind of enjoyment in it when his girlfriend was there doing it with him.

He was engrossed in wiping down some of the drawers when Taeyeon shrieked – a terrified, shocked, shrill, and entirely alien noise. Alarmed, Jungsoo spun around in her direction to find her staring underneath one of the windowsills with horror in her eyes before she distanced herself from it at the speed of light. Bewildered, he abandoned what he was doing hurried over, wondering what it possibly could be that she’d seen. He had never heard her sound so frightened; she’d hardly even flinched when they were watching The Wailing together, so what could have scared her so badly now, especially in his apartment?

“What is it? Is there something there?”

Taeyeon looked over at him, disgust marring her greyish-hazel eyes. “There’s a spider!”

Jungsoo stopped in his tracks, dumfounded. A spider?

Approaching the windowsill and looking under it, he saw that she was right – there indeed was a tiny, light brown spider there, settled among its webs.

He glanced back at Taeyeon, whose gaze was still fixed under the windowsill like residing there the most monstrous abomination that had ever existed. “Jagi, it’s just a spider.”

“Just a spider?” She sounded practically furious that he’d dared use the word just in reference to a spider; in fact, this might be the most rattled he had ever seen her. “Kill it already!”

Jungsoo chuckled. He couldn’t help it. After all the ridiculous antics he’d done to try and pinpoint anything that might faze his girlfriend, this was it? A tiny spider? Sure, he might not be fond of arachnids, but her visceral reaction was on another level.

“Not funny,” Taeyeon muttered from behind him, flicking him on the back of the head as punishment for his amusement. Jungsoo turned around to face her, unable to stop smiling. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Just… I didn’t think a spider would be the thing to crack your composure.”

“Oh, shut up and get rid of it,” she hissed, furrowing her brows at him in displeasure. Obediently, Jungsoo knelt in front of the windowsill and disposed of the spider with a piece of toilet paper. As he stood, he noticed Taeyeon backing up, eyeing the crumpled paper in his hand warily.

“You know a tiny spider can’t hurt you. Especially if it’s dead,” he pointed out.

“It’s not about hurting me,” Taeyeon admitted, her nose wrinkled. “I just hate spiders. They’re… disgusting. Now will you please throw that away?” She had inched further away from him. Well, not him specifically; it was the toilet paper with the squashed spider that held all her animosity.

Ever the dutiful boyfriend, Jungsoo obeyed and made his way to the bathroom, where he flushed the arachnid. As he washed his hands, he glanced at Taeyeon, who had been peeking in to confirm with her own eyes that the spider was long gone. “Better?” he asked, amused.

“Better,” she huffed. “You think this is real amusing, don’t you?” The words were an accusation, but, now that the spider was completely gone, she seemed to have relaxed. There was playfulness in her tone, and she was smiling faintly.

Washing his hands as he formulated a response, Jungsoo decided there was no point in hiding it – she’d already caught on. “It’s just… you always seem to be a natural at everything. For a spider of all things to freak you out so much is funny.”

“Well. I never thought you’d have such a cleaning obsession when I first met you, either,” Taeyeon retorted, but her voice was mild.

“Ouch, low blow. What did you think I’d be like?” Jungsoo challenged as he wiped his hands with the towel. He was genuinely curious; by her own admission she’d been a Super Junior fan since their debut, which meant that she must have known something about him even before they met for the first time during a broadcast. He forgot which one – they’d seen each other several times for business over the years, although it was only in 2014 when she worked with Super Junior for their MAMACITA album that they’d become closer than just acquaintances.

“Well,” she said thoughtfully, “I thought you’d be more naturally witty. I thought you wouldn’t complain and nag as much as you actually do. I thought you wouldn’t be so awkward when you flirt. I thought you’d give me less cheesy pickup lines.”

“Jagi…” Jungsoo complained.

Smiling, Taeyeon closed the gap between them with a light hop and reached up to take his face in her hands, pressing her lips to his in a chaste kiss. When she pulled away, Jungsoo flushed, not having expected the sudden display of affection. There were times when his girlfriend could seem slightly detached, but other times, she was touchy-feely like this.

“I love you, Jungsoo,” Taeyeon said simply, dropping all honorifics from his real name in the way that made him shudder a little under her hands. “I love everything that you are. Cheesy pickup lines and all.”

She went to move away, but Jungsoo grasped her shoulders and pulled her to him so their foreheads were touching. She was significantly shorter than him, but the height difference was just suited so that he could look directly into her eyes like this. God, she was beautiful. Almost unconsciously, he brushed his thumb over the soft skin of her face.

“I love you too.” The words were barely a whisper.

With a smile, Taeyeon cupped his face in her hands. “I don’t say this often, but I want to right now,” she said. “I love you, and I’m going to protect you from anything.”

The rush that flooded him made Jungsoo heady and breathless, his veins burning like he was being scorched from the inside out with the heat of his emotion. “For how long?” he murmured, stroking his fingers across her cheek.

“Forever.” She kissed him.

[sw5w]

Obi-Wan's Lightsaber

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace 02:02:15