#pushy people on the subway

[hotchfiles]

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ ❝ too busy being yours ❞ ─ a we could be love blurb

pairing: aaron hotchner x bau!rossi!reader. summary: you're pretty much in love with your boss. and he's pretty into you too. but if being your boss wasn't bad enough, he's also your dad's best friend. content warnings: valentine's fluff! no romance involved tho. just friends being friends and sleeping into each other's embrace. as friends do. might not be totally inclusive to full italian girls (?). two idiots in love making rossi seem worse than he is. word count: 2k+. a/n: the bau!rossi!verse begins. i never proof read anything.

      Being single during Valentine's Day was already bad, hearing your own father's romantic plans for the evening only made it worse. The humiliating truth of not having the same game as David Rossi was daunting, but you didn't have the Italian vibes to use in your favor like he did, and you were pathetically in love with your boss and that made every single man look awful in comparison.

      "What about you Baby Rossi, any saucy plans for tonight?" Your eyes shoot daggers at Derek for making the question, bringing everyone's attention to your warm cheeks.

      "Apparently I have to look for a ride home, saucy enough?" Your father shrugs with an apologetic glance at your answer, he usually took you home but wouldn't have the time to today. That's what you get for carpooling.

      Between dates and the bar, you were getting out of options and was about to accept your fate: You would have to take the subway. You weren't sure how Spencer did it so often, specially with his particularity with germs and people, you absolutely hated it, it was too tiring, too loud.

      You run up the stairs to get to Hotch's office, handing him your reports, slightly out of breath.

      "You were quick with these." It's a praise with a hidden quip: You were always the last one to hand yours, not only a natural procrastinator, but you were the last one to join the unit, you still struggled with some of the bureaucracy.

      "Trying to avoid rush hour, taking the subway today."

      "I can take you home–" He seems surprised by his own response, or by how quick he offered that ride. Your address is somewhere on your files but he doesn't truly know where you live. He couldn't even shrug it off saying it was on his way home.

      "Don't you have a date? I mean–Wouldn't this make you late for anything?" You hope dearly that you didn't make it obvious that you just wanted to know if he was seeing someone. It's obviously too much to hope for, he knows.

      And he smiles sweetly, softly. He tries his best to keep it innocent. "No plans today, just me, my bed... And some popcorn i think."

      You chew on the inside of your cheeks softly thinking about your next move. Hotchner had slipped through conversation earlier that Jack had a sleepover planned, so by that logic, he would be alone, just like you. 

      He wasn’t exactly subtle about his interest in you, but he somewhat tried to conceal it, asking him out on a date seemed too pushy. 

      “Those are exactly my plans… You could maybe stay over for a bit, then? Maybe?” Your eyes glow with the expectation as you ask him, fingers busy with your necklace to soothe yourself. “We might have to pick Garcia up at some point of the night, though, if that’s okay.” You were always tasked with drunk Penelope anytime you bailed on them as a punishment. 

      You didn’t mind, drunk Garcia was fun Garcia, but if Aaron accepted your invitation, you hoped there wouldn’t be any interruptions. 

      Movies and popcorn are innocent enough, that’s the first thing on his mind, it can be innocent, and even when he tries to talk himself down of what could lead to very bad bad choices, your mention of Garcia tips him over the edge. It was just friends hanging out. Definitely. 

      “Yeah… I mean, yeah sure, that sounds fun. I have to keep myself awake until later than usual in case Jack calls me anyway.” You nod more to yourself and offer him a shy smile, just before he hands you more papers. “Oh yeah–You’ve got yourself a few more work hours, though.”

      The ride to your place is anything but silent. Your phone keeps buzzing, signaling the BAU gals group chat wants details of what’s happening but you and Aaron barely notice it as conversation flows easily between you two.

      You ask him about Jack’s sleepover and the sleeping later ordeal and he tells you how on his first sleepover Jack gave up and called him to pick him up at almost 1am. “When the fun was over he just wanted his bed. Driving the moment I woke was a terrible experience.” 

      That was years ago and he still waits for that clock to hit 1AM before sleeping. Just in case his baby needs him.

      You can feel your insides turn into mush, the way he cares always from the smallest to the biggest ways reminding you of why falling for him was so desperately easy. “That’s incredibly sweet of you, Aaron.”  

      The informality catches him off guard, but he welcomes it, loving the way his name sounds leaving your lips. “He’s a sweet kid, much more cooperative than drunk Garcia, I can assure you.” 

      You laugh at his joke and it’s silent for mere seconds before he finally asks the question, the one question on his mind since you walked into his office earlier. Why? Why don’t you have a date? Why aren’t you at the bar? How can you even be single?

      “I don’t have a lot of free time, Aaron. I’m… Busy.” You both know that’s not a lie. But you could try to make time if you were interested, you could’ve gone out today. Unfortunately, when you found yourself having feelings for someone, you couldn’t bring yourself to look for someone else. All the other men seemed so incredibly dull compared to the one taking you home, and you couldn’t but compare when you were with any other. 

      “You had free time tonight.” He’s pushing it and he knows it. He shouldn’t be asking so many questions about your dating life, he shouldn’t pry when he knew himself well enough to be certain he wouldn’t make any moves on you. Younger, beautiful, funny, smart… And the daughter of his closest friend. All the reasons he was so smitten were also the reasons he told himself he shouldn’t lead you on. 

      You deserved someone your age, with no baggage, or at least one lighter than his. Someone with more time to spare, who could take your mind out of the job and not keep you on it. And definitely someone who didn’t go to jazz clubs with your father. 

      Still, his hands are firm on the wheel, turning left to get to your home. 

      “I’m not wasting my free time on guys I meet at bars on Valentine’s Day.” He smirks, finding a good spot to park his car without saying anything else. He’s delighted by your answers even though it isn’t fair.

      He gets ready to leave the car but you stop him, tapping his thigh lightly (it sends shivers up his spine but he’s getting good at pretending not to feel it). “Better get your go bag.” You see confusion on his eyes and that known furrowed brow directed at you. “You’re not gonna be comfortable in a suit. You can change to your spare.”

      He hadn’t thought about that, it would definitely defy the purpose of a quiet relaxing movie night if he was all dressed up in his well known work attire. So he does as instructed and gets his go bag from the backseat, even though he’s getting more and more anxious by the second. The innocent friends movie night he made himself believe looking more and more like he was sleeping over. 

      You give him the tour of your apartment–a gift from your dad when you graduated from the academy, not that anyone really needed to know how spoiled you were–and show him the bathroom where he could change. Or shower. He has his go bag after all. 

      You go to your room to do just that, trying not to let the thoughts of him possibly being naked and under your shower flood your mind as you take the quickest shower you’ve ever taken in your life. 

      As you move from your own bathroom to your closet to get your pajamas you’re suddenly very aware of what’s really happening. You really did invite him to your apartment. This was a date. But it couldn’t be a date, did he see it as a date? Being so very infatuated by him and knowing well he had some sort of interest in you was very very different than acting on it. Your dad would kill you if he knew. And Aaron. And you again, possibly, if he knew it was your doing to initiate it. 

      Instead of your usual thin fabric short shorts and tank top you wear to sleep, you decide to be decent, black silk loose pants, old university t-shirt, cotton robe, socks and fluffy slippers. Anything that could maybe show you are totally just thinking about watching some fun movies with a friend. 

      You take two blankets and two pillows with you as you leave your bedroom, the sound of the shower being turned off making your feet almost run to get everything ready. The couch turning into a bed with a bit of struggle to unfold it. You made sure each blanket and pillow were on each side of it, as far as possible from each other. 

      Popcorn! You need to make popcorn, that’s the first thing you think when you hear the door unlocking, going straight for the kitchen and putting a bag on your microwave. As it popped you got cheese strings and butter out of your fridge. If you couldn’t blow his mind in better ways, you could at least get him hooked to your special cheesy buttered popcorn. 

      “I’m making myself way too comfortable, I think.” His voice is smooth and relaxed and when you look back he’s leaning into the frame, his hair is wet and he’s wearing matching black sweatpants and a hoodie you’ve never seen him wear. 

      For a moment you just want to kiss him and forget about any debate morality could bring to ruin it, but instead you laugh and take the popcorn out of the microwave and drop its content into a bowl, spreading some butter on top and dropping a few strings of cheese on it before putting the bowl on the microwave. 

      “Casa mia è casa tua.” Your Italian is a bit rusty but it still works as a charmer, “Go pick us the most terrible looking romcom you can find while I finish this.”

      “Romcom, huh?” He asks and you can just hear the teasing in his tone. 

      “You didn’t think we were going for some documentary, right?” You use a spoon to mix the popcorn to the melted butter and cheese when it’s out of the microwave, and follow him to the living room, “We’re gonna eat this cheesy, buttered, absolutely heart-swelling popcorn and make fun of some terrible, terrible movie love tropes.”

      You do just that, and it’s awkward at first, the both of you wanting to be closer but also not feeling like you should cross that barrier, but as the night went on, the more you shared that popcorn, the more laughs you shared, the closer you got on that couch, specially after he tried to rub his greased fingers on your face, making you do the same to him. 

      One movie becomes two, and then three, and somewhere in between him telling you about the dates he would take Haley as a teen, making you laugh at how sweet and romantic he always was, and you telling him about your first kiss and how terrible it was, you both fall asleep. Your head on his chest, his arms around you. 

      Jack doesn’t call, and if Emily tried to get you to pick up Garcia you definitely didn’t see it. 

      It’s the first time you both share such an intimate moment, and it is just that. Sleeping in each other’s arms. Aaron even wakes up in the middle of the night, 3AM striking on the clock on your wall. He wasn’t even able to freak out and overthink anything about it, the comfort of your smell making him hug you tighter and close his eyes again. 

      He could deal with it in the morning.

[mariariley]

how do you think the 141 guys would answer your ft calls?

141 x reader

answering your ft calls

Word count: 0.7k

masterlist || have a request/ask? Here are the rules <3

Ghost

Probably won’t answer (hates fting (just like me))

If you’re pushy enough and keep calling him he just might answer because he would start getting paranoid it’s something urgent

Would tell you to fuck off if you just wanted to bother him (nothing personal, it would be sarcastic)

Will stay in the call though and it would probably end up being like 3 hours long

As time would pass perhaps he would start answering more often

He isn’t a fan of calling or texting or any of that stuff to be completely honest

But he just might do it for you

🖤

Soap

Is probably always asleep when you call him in his free time

Always answers anyway

It’s hard to get off the call though, blud just keeps talking

Will definitely bring his phone to the toilet and take a piss while still talking to you (you’d have to remind him to wash his hands every time)

Will always tell you to turn on the lights if you’re in the dark so he can see your pretty face

His fav thing to do is watch you show him what new stuff you bought

If you wear makeup, he would love seeing you do it

As your partner he would definitely be into freaky facetiming

Loves texting and calling in general, he’s a spammer when it comes to that

🖤

Gaz

Answers most of the time

Even when he doesn’t he apologizes over text messages and calls you back

Mostly outside when you call him so expect a journey through the city and subway with him

Loves staying with you on ft till late hours, just blabbering about anything

Would send kisses over the camera

Would watch movies and series with you while facetiming

You’d probably always be the first one to fall asleep because he would stay up on purpose to take screenshots and send them to you

Has a whole album of you being asleep on ft named “<3” (I promise it’s not creepy it’s just cute)

Though when he’d fall asleep first he would love you to do the same, he finds it wholesome

🖤

Price

Old bloke not a fan of ft

He isn’t that much of a boomer but definitely not a fan of some newer generation stuff

He would know how to answer but it would still look a little goofy because he’d always answer with “Can ya hear me/see me, luv?” or “How copy, luv?”

He’d ask you why you’re doing this because he doesn’t understand the point of face timing, he prefers regular calls

Though sometimes he would love to sit back and relax and just enjoy your blabbering and admire your beauty

Would always complain how he prefers seeing you in person because the front camera makes people look weird

🖤

Alejandro

Would always be happy when you call him

Is probably always cooking when you call him and, even when he isn’t, he would answer and go to the kitchen

Loves showing you new recipes he found and loves describing every ingredient

Probably one of his fav things to do with you when you’re physically distant - cooking facetime!

Loves dancing and singing while cooking so expect a ft concert too (you can never be bored with him)

Loves long fts so expect him to not let you hang up because he always finds an interesting subject to talk about

In the end he would always tell you how much he misses you being next to him

🖤

Rudy

Answers immediately. One ring and he’s there

The moment you call him he would leave everything and get in bed and ft with you forever if possible

Would also watch movies and series with you while facetiming

He knows how to play an acoustic guitar so one of his favorite things to do is play it and sing for you

It would mostly be some of his favorite slow and romantic Mexican songs

He likes to do this in the evening because it feels like he’s singing you a lullaby

So if you’d fall asleep to his singing, his heart would be full

He’d always whisper goodnight before hanging up

Divider owners already tagged in my previous posts, I don’t want to spam them 🖤

[frost-queen]

Subway ride (Reader x Peter Parker) TASM

Requested by: anon; Forever tag: @missmelodramatic, @theletterhart, @alex--awesome--22​, @elllie-does-the-posts​, @floatlosers​, @merlieve​, @queen-of-books​, @glimmering-darling-dolly​, @denkisclown​, @wildieflower​, @meyocoko​, @bubblybrianna​, @justanothercoco​, @subjecta13-thefangirl, @m-rae23​, @harleyquinnswifeyfrfr​  

Summary: Rushing to get on time for school, you miss your bus. With no other option you have to take the subway that is packed with pushy people. Holding on for dear life, you are saved by a familair classmate of yours. Keeping you on his lap, protects Peter you from the cramped subway. Will you make it on time for school and what might faith throw your way on this busy morning.

Eyes widened when you looked down at your watch. Having just taking a bite from a sandwich. Dropping your sandwich on the counter, you needed to hurry. Making your way hasty to the door. You went out, closing the door behind you. A second later the door opened, sticking your arm out. Reaching for the ground, you picked up your bag. The door shutting once more. In the hallway, widened your eyes once more, seeing the elevator door shut. – “No! wait!” – you called out, running over to it. 

The people in the elevator barely moving. – “No!” – you groaned as the doors shut right before your eyes. Hands pressed against the wall. Grunting you outed your frustration by slapping your hand against the door. Pushing the elevator button in top speed. – “C’mon, c’mon.” – you mumbled, tripling on your feet. When it was no use, you ran to where the stairs were. 

Pushing the door open with your back. – “Shit, shit, shit.” – you puffed out, grabbing onto the railing firm. Feet tapping rapidly on the steps they could barely keep up. You hate having to run three floors down to get out of the apartment building. A lady coming upwards, carrying groceries came blocking your way. You sped up to beat her going the turn.

She was about to get on the turn as you jumped over her bags, using the wall as support. – “Sorry!” – you called out, hurrying down the steps. You ran out of breath, jumping down the last few steps. The door flew open as you spurted out. Catching your breath for a moment. Hands on your knees. Turning your head, you saw the back of the bus drive up to the bus stop. Shaking your head, you couldn’t handle any more bad luck. 

Groaning out of breath, you started running again. Hoping to catch up with the bus before it came to the stop. A man walking his dog was slowing down your path. You touched his back, setting yourself off to jump past him. You duck to the side for two men carrying moving boxes. – “Shit, shit, shit.” – you said to yourself, forcing yourself to push it up a notch. The bus came to a stop as you were not nearly there. The doors opened as people walked out and back up. 

“Please, please, please, please.” – you begged, giving it your all. The doors shut as you gritted your teeth, ignoring the soreness in your legs. You were at the end of the bus when it suddenly started to ride off. – “No!” – you called out, waving your arms. – “Stop!” – you kept running up till the front of the stop, but it was no use. The bus took a turn, heading into another street.

You cursed, moving your hand into your sweaty hair. Agitated you stomped your foot on the ground. How was it that you had such bad luck, out of all days. Specially now when there was a special event at school, you needed to be on time for. With your hands in your hair, you didn’t know what to do for a second. Muscles aching and worn out from the sudden exercise you forced on yourself. 

There was no other option then to run for another way of transportation to school. You remembered there was a subway station just a few blocks from your street. It took you a lot of effort to start running again. Slowing down as you barely had the energy to keep going. You had to. It took you longer then you expected to be at the subway entrance. Going down the steps to go underground. It was chillier then above ground and much louder. 

It was so crowded you barely saw where you needed to go. You barely took the subway, so you needed to be extra alert to take the right tube. Following the right line, you went further down to your platform. A strong wind blowing through the pipe, followed by loud rattling sounds of wheels on rails. It was so loud it made your ears hurt. The platform was crowded as you tried to squeeze yourself closer to the line. Pushing past people to get to the front.

From down the tunnel screeched a loud sound. Wheels on rails. A gush of wind blew wildly as a subway was approaching. You saw the lights reflect on the wall as it approached, slowing down. You watched the subway pass till it came to a stop. You noticed it was already crowded, wondering how everyone on the platform was going to fit in. Right in front of you were doors to your relief. They opened as a swarm of people pushed their way through. Bumping against you to force their way through. 

Battered from all sides, you were disoriented for a second. Then you got pushed hardly forwards. The people from behind you, eager to get on. You were defenseless as they had control over your movement. You stumbled into the subway, pushed all the way to where the already filled seats were. From all sides cramped backpacks and broad shoulders you. Closing you in a tight spot. You heard the doors close, looking frantically around for anywhere to grab. There seemed to be nothing as the subway got in motion. Your first instinct was to steady your balance. 

You leaned forwards, pressing your hand sturdy against the glass, hovering over a lady who had her purse neatly on her lap. – “Sorry…” – you said seeing her glare your way. You would rather not lean this close over her, but you had no choice. You let go of the glass as it was an uncomfortable position to be in anyways. The subway raced through the tunnels as you got swayed from left to right, bumping against those beside you. You kept apologizing, holding onto the lady’s seat for some grip.

Your gaze went slightly to the left, spotting someone you recognized from school. He seemed to have had the same idea, staring back at you. You tried remembering his name as the movement of the subway kept rocking you around like a bouncing ball. Gripping onto the lady’s seat for dear life. You sure felt foolish. What a sight it must be seeing you fling around like a rag doll. The movement settled a bit, giving you a brief feeling of a steady ground. From the corner of your eye, you noticed the boy was still looking your way. Returning the stare, you found yourself smiling. He curled up a shy smile for himself, looking briefly down. 

Your face contracted with panic when the subway came to a sudden stop. You stumbled so hard against the person beside you, it was almost a domino effect. The doors opened as you braced yourself for what was to come. From all sides squeezed people through the packed subway to get off. You were pushed around, backing up to make more room. More people got on, pushing anyone that wouldn’t move to make room. People stepped on your toes, acting aggressively to get a spot on the packed subway. Forced to back up more, you nearly stumbled over your own feet.

You were squeezed between two people as one kept backing up without looking. You had no way out as the people behind you staid still. Their actions almost made you fall backwards to the ground. Till suddenly you felt something sticky on your shirt, tugging on you. You got spun around back forwards till you dropped onto someone’s lap. Feet flopping in the air. The subway got in motion again, making you grab the person’s shoulders for support. – “Hi.” – you said nervously with a smile. – “Hi.” – he responded shy. You felt his hands go around your waist to hold onto you. You furrowed your brows a bit, a name faintly coming to mind. – “Peter… right?” – you asked seeing him nod shyly.

“Parker… Peter Parker.” – he answered. – “I’m…” – you started as he answered for you. – “Y/n, I know…” – he chuckled sweetly. The subway took a sharp turn, making you squeeze your fingers deeper into his shoulders. Peter’s hands gripping tightly onto your waist. – “Sorry…” – you apologized nervously. Sitting so suddenly on his lap made you a bit flustered. – “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you take the subway Y/n.” – Peter said with a chuckle. You held onto him, feeling the subway take a turn. – “That is because I normally take the bus, Peter.” – you replied. – “What made you change today?” – he was curious, keeping his gaze on you. It made you a bit bashful seeing how he stared at you.

“I’m having the unluckiest morning ever.” – you confessed with a deep sigh. – “Honestly I thought I would be so late for school.” – you looked at your watch, seeing the time. – “I mean it still would be a close call, but I’m glad I’m at least not the only one.” – you said, looking briefly out the window to where you already were. Eyes wide, you quickly added more words, not wanting to sound rude. – “Not that I want you to be late. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t mean it like that. I just… I just…” – you noticed Peter’s brows furrow at your babbling. – “Maybe I should just stop talking.” – you broke off as your crazy talk was going nowhere. 

“No, no please don’t.” – Peter replied sheepishly, with a shake of his head. The subway came to a hard stop, making you fall back to the window. You were sure to smack the back of your head against the glass when Peter came in action. His hand in a split second on your back, his other hand pressed against the glass to break your fall. You gulped as he was hovering a bit over you. Face close to yours. – “You, okay?” – he asked. You nodding vigorously in a slight state of shock. Peter sure had some pretty good reflexes to act so quickly. 

His eyes staring deeply into yours. Your heart thumping loud against your chest. His gaze went briefly down to your lips, sucking in a breath. Someone bumped against Peter’s elbow, making him snap out of his trance. He helped you sit back up. The subway got in motion as Peter, and you kept chatting in hushes voices. Laughing and acting all comfortable in each other’s presence.

The subway came to another stop as this was your get off point. You hopped off Peter’s lap. Peter getting up as well. He took your hand, taking the lead to push a way through. Some people had already left, but it was still very much packed. Barley any space to hop off. Peter forced his way through getting to the doors. He got off, feeling your hand slip out of his. It made him widen his eyes, turning around in a panic. – “Peter!” – You called out as people got on, pushing you back. 

Peter moved his wrist forwards, shooting a web your way. You squealed loud, getting pulled out of the bus without able to give it an explanation. You fell forwards down the step between the bus and the street. Falling right into Peter’s arms who had caught you. – “Wha…how…” – you said confused, hands laying on his shoulders. Peter’s hands around your waist as he smiled. – “Got ya.” – he said, moving his hand to your cheek. – “Out of the way!” – A skater came rushing past, giving you a hard nudge for blocking the way. You got pushed closer to Peter, lips crashing against his. 

You needed to pull away as kissing him by accident was not what you planned. Yet you couldn’t pull away when Peter kissed you gently back. His hand giving your hip a squeeze. It felt nice kissing Peter, making you willingly kiss him more. Peter and you broke the kiss off, chuckling. – “Want to be extra late?” – he asked all smiley. You nodded letting him pull you away to skip school just a little longer.

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Read more of my fics on my Masterlists!    

[astoundingbeyondbelief]

Kaiju Week in Review (June 25-July 8, 2023)

I picked a bad time to skip a week lol

Ultraman Blazar, the 35th entry in the Ultra Series, has made the scene. Episode 1 throws us right into a battle between humanity and a space monster. Blazar's the pushy type, all but forcing Gento to transform, but he doesn't speak Japanese—just yowls. For now, that makes him the show's central mystery. The show's defense team, SKaRD, won't actually form until the next episode, at which point we should have a better sense of it. But I'm intrigued so far.

Free streaming TV service Pluto TV has added a Godzilla channel. It boasts, or should soon boast, all of the Japanese Godzilla films minus King Kong vs. Godzilla and Shin Godzilla, plus Rodan, all the Mothra movies, The War of the Gargantuas, Godzilla (1998), and Godzilla: The Series. A Blu-ray.com user has composed a detailed rundown of the versions of the films used—short version, nothing we haven't seen before apart from a few small changes.

I got to see Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken before its official June 30 release date thanks to Regal's Monday Mystery Movie series. I guess I didn't retain much memory of the trailer, because it surprised me how early in the film the title character first grew into a kaiju. I can't give it an especially enthusiastic recommendation—comparisons to Luca and Turning Red are inevitable and don't flatter Ruby at all. But I get a kick out of seeing kaiju in such alien territory as a hyperactive animated kids' movie, and they continue to show off their flexibility as metaphors (Ruby is plainly neurodivergent). 7 outta 10.

Nimona dropped on Netflix the same day, and that's one anyone reading this column should sprint to watch. It saves its kaiju for the third act, and I've held off on posting much about that part of the story yet, but trust me, Ishiro Honda would be proud.

After years of lackluster Gorgo home video releases, Vinegar Syndrome seems poised to finally do it right in 4K Ultra HD. (If you're like me and don't have a way to watch such discs yet, don't worry, it comes with a Blu-ray.) New scan, new audio commentary, special features both new and old, and a killer cover. For those unfamiliar with the company, note that this release is "only available on [the Vinegar Syndrome] website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them."

Every episode of Chibi Godzilla Raids Again is now subtitled, a fine excuse to get acquainted with one of the Reiwa era's biggest surprises. No stakes, no budget, just a bunch of Toho's biggest stars acting like a bunch of fools.

There's always more Godzilla toy news than this column can hope to cover, but a few highlights:

Bandai's ever-expanding Movie Monster Series will release Gamera 1965, Gyaos 1967, and Battra larva later this month. The defunct Daiei Kaiju Series last offered a Showa Gamera in 2006, and never covered any of his foes from that era; here's hoping Gyaos is the first of many.

Hiya Toys now has the license to produce figures from the Toho Godzilla films, not just the Monsterverse.

Super7 will be selling ReAction figures of Godzilla chomping some helpless people on a subway train at San Diego Comic Con. They just get it (and hopefully the many of us who aren't going will have some way of getting it that doesn't involve scalpers).

The new unit in Godzilla Battle Line is Monster X/Keizer Ghidorah. The former evolves into the latter after his first death. Keizer is a heavy hitter with a twist: he regains 20% of his health with every defeated foe. Great against swarms, but you don't see too many of those these days.

Believe it or not (many are still in denial), but Pacific Rim turns 10 on Wednesday. Thankfully, per this Tweet from director Guillermo del Toro, the effective start of the Kaiju Renaissance (and one of my all-time favorite films) won't go unrecognized on its first big anniversary. I'm guessing a cast reunion?

More translations from Noah Oskow await on Toho Kingdom, these a collection of synopses of early versions of Godzilla vs. Mothra, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II, and Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla from the Toho DVDs. Much of this has been translated in greater detail already, but the later drafts are interesting.

[visree]

the stories they will write

dc comics | 500 words

"Mr. Wayne!"

Bruce was chatting up one of the men on the new city council by the buffet. The person calling after him sounded like a reporter. Good. He needed someone else to direct this conversation. The city council man - Carney - had been pressing him too long, and the situation needed to change.

"Mr. Wayne, I'm Lois Lane with the Daily Planet. Could I have a moment to discuss the city development plan?"

Bruce beamed. "Of course, that's what I was just discussing with Mr. Carney here! We were talking about the engineers from Wayne Enterprises who had been selected to oversee the project."

"Of course, and were you directly involved in selecting these engineers?"

Bruce took a breath. Can't look too smart, can't look like he doesn't care. He has to thread the needle. That's what these events always are. "Well, I wouldn't say directly involved. Managers from certain teams could nominate people, and my CEO Lucius Fox selected them, but I made sure to look into all the nominees before they were signed off. Only the best for Gotham." He winked.

Lois raised an eyebrow. "Right. And, Mr. Carney, as a member of the new city council, what do you anticipate for the outcome of this project?"

Carney cleared his throat. "Well, when it was proposed, I said I would've liked to see something with a bit more narrow focus. Renovations to the subway lines and city hall and public spaces - it's a lot. But lord knows Gotham needs what help she can get."

"And Mr. Wayne, what do you have to say to the people who think Gotham city should stop partnering with such a large company and instead offer opportunities to smaller businesses?"

Bruce almost startled. He hadn't been asked a question that required this much thought in years. Most reporters didn't want to push him that hard. But Lane just kept staring at him.

"Well, I don't choose who the city council goes to - the city council does. And if there are better men out there for the job, I hope that Gotham City finds them. But if I'm the cheapest and best that Gotham has to offer, well, I'm thrilled at the opportunity."

Lane kept watching him. "Is there anything you can promise from Wayne Enterprises in the future?"

Bruce grinned. "Promise? No, no, I can't promise anything until it's released. But - and you didn't hear this from me - we have a major update to WayneTech phones coming out in a month or two. New security features, new apps, and everything will be easier to use. It'll change the game."

Lane finally stopped staring at him like that, for better or for worse. "I'm glad to see you're so involved, Mr. Wayne."

Bruce took a second to process that he had accidentally shown a lot more of his true personality than he'd meant to.

"That Lane girl was awfully pushy - asking you about city council stuff when I'm right here. Reporters." Carney rolled his eyes.

Bruce laughed.

[justsomeoneintoomanyfandoms]

hi, can i ask for a romantic matchup for hsr, genshin, and bsd? thank you! this is quite lengthy, so please take your time as always! (if i didnt already send in an ask??? idk adhd stuff makes me lose attention)

i'm agender, but i can go by any pronouns. shel her is my default since i look like a girl. i'm aroace, but on the spectrum that i can fall in love but it'll be extremely difficult.

zodiac/mbti: virgo, intj, sx/sp

appearance: i'm pretty short, 5’5, fairly olive skintone and phoenix eyes. i have shoulder length black hair, slightly wavy, an oval face, and some sideswept bangs parted from the middle. i wear glasses, silver frames. my eyebrows are pretty thick. i look more cute-sque then anything.

likes and hobbies/interests: reading, writing, crocheting, taking walks, horse-riding, listening to music

dislikes: unhygienic things, people who make life harder for you by doing things like standing in front of a subway station's staircase, and a refusal to understand certain things

personality: i’m passionate and opinionated, individualistic, honest and wears my heart on my sleeve. outwardly and inwardly, i’m very contemplative and reflective, so it tends to give me a more quiet aura and first impressions. sometimes im too stuck in my head. i’m also very levelheaded. realistic, but also very optimistic with it. i’m very considerate of others, but sometimes i open my mouth before i finish thinking. i do acts of service and physical touch, and i try to push myself and others to be healthier people with their permission. im not pushy with serious topics. im the type of person who always gets their jokes taken seriously over text. i give good advice (which i say, because they mainly work out in positive ways) and me and my friends joke around a lot.

thanks again!

Hi! Thank you for your request! Sorry it took a while! I hope you like your matchups!

In Honkai Star Rail, I match you with...

Welt loves listening to music with you. He finds both the tunes and your presence soothing. He can be encouraged to dance with you, but only to slow songs. He’s not really up for dancing to anything too fast or upbeat.

He admires your honesty and your tendency to wear your heart on your sleeve. He will always do his best to make sure he doesn’t hurt you. The last thing he wants is for you to feel betrayed in any way.

Welt is surprisingly good at helping you get out of your head. No one’s quite sure how he does it but whenever you’re feeling stuck in a loop, he’s there to help you out.

Your tendency to speak before you think is nothing unusual for him. Now, he’s just got another person like March to be around…

In Genshin Impact, I match you with...

Ayato would love horse-riding with you. I see him as someone who knows how to handle a horse and is surprisingly good at it.

His favourite moments are when you’re out riding together and there’s a soft breeze. It’s relaxing. He loves being able to get away from his duties and spend time with you.

Goes to you whenever he needs advice. He’s used to dealing with things on his own, but now that he has you, he wants your opinion on big decisions.

Please ask his anytime you need advice as well! He’s had years of practice picking the right choices so he’s very good at giving sound advice as well.

If you crochet anything for him, he will treasure it forever. His favourite thing would be a blanket since he could wrap himself up in it when he has to work late. It’s a little reminder of you.

In Bungo Stray Dogs, I match you with...

You and Atsushi would very rarely have fights. You’re both very honest and open people so any problems you have would be solved quickly and easily.

You’re also both level headed which everyone at the agency appreciates greatly. The last thing anyone needs is another people jumping into every possible argument or fight they see.

I think Atsushi would also fall in love very easily. He didn’t really get a lot of love as a kid so any affection means a lot to him.

Please teach him how to crochet! He would love to learn and he’ll make things for you to show his appreciation.

Astushi also loves reading and writing with you. He’d love to have dates where you both read the same book or you each write something for the other person and then gift it to them at the end.

[wndaswife]

I feel like when I'm on the subway they're going to kidnap me 🕴️

T R U S T me i feel the same way bc in toronto not a day goes by without some type of stabbing or something on public transport

but when you take it more often and u see people your age and much older and young kids just coming out of school with their friends n stuff, it feels a lot better! mostly people are just like you n need to get around and everything

but it’s always best to avoid being out late if you prefer and also ofc know how to be aware of your surroundings and don’t give into strangers who r pushy! and as a preference i like sitting close to kind looking people xdd

[viralimmune]

jill + some character notes

she's calm in a crisis. it's the reason she was trained in the delta forces and one of the things that made her a natural fit for S.T.A.R.S. alpha team when she was recruited in 1996. even in a full-scale outbreak, jill is able to push down the feelings and emotions she needs to in order to keep a clear head and focus on what needs to be done. this only becomes emphasized the more time moves forward; while she is never cold by any means and still retains her empathy, she can make snap decisions easily, she's thorough in her work and she's a cracked shot.

she's not pushy. the cutscene with robert kendo in the game is a perfect example of this. although kendo is someone she knows very well and is probably one of the civilians in raccoon city that she's closest with, she doesn't press him for details about why he's being flighty and why he's not going to go along with the other survivors to the subway to escape the city. the most she does is ask him if everything is alright; if you've played the remake of 2, you know that his wife is dead and his daughter was bit and infected. you know that this is why he's acting erratic; and while jill does worry about him, she trusts that he's handling whatever he has going on. she also leaves behind a short note for him, just in case:

it seems like you've got your reasons for staying put, so I'll trust you to take care of yourself. still, if things get worse and your "other arrangements" don't work out, you know where to find me. I'll do everything I can.

this is also the case at the beginning of the game, when she's trying to talk dario rosso into leaving the warehouse and accompany her to safety. she presses a little but in the end, leaves him behind because his mind is made up and she's given him other options. she's not in the business of convincing people they need to do something if they don't want to; she will never force someone to do what she feels is best, but she'll always give the option and leave the door open for them to change their mind.

she's a fighter. sometimes to a fault, oftentimes to a point of recklessness. she knows when she absolutely should run from a fight but more often than not she will choose to stand her ground, and many times, she's run head first into something without back-up because she trusts so heavily in her own abilities and doesn't want to put everyone at risk ( she is just shy of a martyr complex ). hell, in the game, she turns herself into bait to save a group of people she just met because she knows that she can lure nemesis away so that they'll be able to get everything done in order to evacuate survivors. it was the most efficient and painless solution; she is perfectly fine putting herself in the line of danger if it means protecting others. this never changes, no matter how often she gets lectured about it.

[bee-whistler]

I’m guilty of enjoying “Karen” videos myself but this has helped me to realize the toll they take. An actual “Karen” as we define them is generally someone howling disproportionate to the problem and being nasty and insulting in the bargain, if not also actually demanding what they don’t deserve.

But the image of the “Karen” is a woman, usually middle-aged, being pushy or demanding or just complaining. A woman saying no, at the core. And I think we need to ask whether that’s a healthy image to promote.

Relevant to the main topic here, I once had a Subway employee act like I was lying when she set down two drinks and I told her I hadn’t ordered drinks. She said I had and I said no, I’d ordered cookies. I had, in fact. But this kid (think she may have been new) misheard me, I guess, in the hum of the machinery, which is no biggie, but she also made it a problem when it didn’t need to be. I mean, the cookies are right by the register.

Was I supposed to shut my mouth and take two drinks I didn’t want instead of what I ordered? Of course not. But she argued and made it a scene and I even got called rude by some lady on the way out (which was really triggering for me personally, but that’s another story). So we’re reinforcing this culture of shaming women who stand up for themselves for everything down to something as humble as a couple of cookies, under the umbrella of putting entitled people in their place.

That’s the damage. Women like me being afraid to speak up just at the age when a lot of women finally find their voice, all because of people who look like us whose voice, when they find it, is a harpy’s shriek.

“only karens ask for refunds” is pro-corporation propaganda. if they don’t give me what i want they’re giving me my money back and that doesn’t make me an angry middle-aged karen harpy, you’re just cucked by stupid reddit memes

[anthonybialy]

Generation Ex

Experience is the best indicator, which means Democrats ought to be in big trouble.  Professional business loathers should be nearly out of business themselves.  They think that would prove their point.

The present onslaught of incessant annoyance should create a generation of government-loathers.  Every generation ideally faces institutions with institutionalized contempt.  Arrogant twits bossing you around hating your attitude is the best reason to maintain it.

People born in every year eventually find themselves old enough to get hassled for not contributing enough to the collective for the sin of existing as an individual.  Those taxed in every sense are supposed to be thankful for the privilege, which is naturally exercised involuntarily.  You don’t want to risk screwing up a decision with your counterproductive free will.

An extra concentrated dose of harassment from the soullessly monolithic entity that can’t protect you from a rotten flu is not good for any sense of health.  Enjoy a full life in your pod where nothing’s legal but cannabis, which is unhelpful for treating symptoms except for shielding oneself from how bad legalizers made everything.

Attempting a sequel of the worst feature isn’t just for Avatar.  Unlike a cinema trip, you’re not presented with the option to decline.  Contemptuous scorn was a nice touch as compliant liberals mocked your rights being taken as they used absolute power to bungle an infection that would have been properly addressed by chicken soup, DayQuil, and Sprite.

Decree enthusiasts are coincidentally the same pompous dolts who sneer at attempts to outrageously assert that rights and currency are not issued by the government.  Office-fillers who don’t know the economy gets worse the more that’s ripped off from it are suddenly experts on epidemiology.

Attempting to stop a virus by imprisoning humans epitomizes compassionate knowledge.  Melding the mind with the heart is our ultimate goal, and we should possess enough enlightenment to know whether it actually happens doesn’t matter.  Do you want to be a good liberal or not?

A cagey infection found its way around barriers.  Panicky fascists were wrong at every single moment about an indifferent escaped bioweapon.  China’s ineptness is our best defense.  Guilt paired with phrenology-level pseudoscience led to the guilted suckering of getting a shot during the most masked time in history, which differs from getting vaccinated.

Aspiring benevolent dictators require absolute authority to ruin the economy.  It’s  really your fault if you’re poor for stubbornly refusing to relinquish the last of your petty individual rights.  That’s as close as liberals get to personal responsibility.

Trying to avoid tradeoffs leads to the worst deal possible.  Existence gets more woeful the more they can control, which almost resembles a pattern.  The state’s fans assure us perseverance is all bliss needs.  We just need to maintain faith until the breakthrough when treating property as communal lets everyone have as much as they want.

The past few especially pushy years have just been a drugged-out version of normal abnormal federal shadiness.  Active bothering leads to widespread lethargy, and this speedball leads to neither speed nor a ball.

Very helpful ushers of prosperity take autonomy on top of your cash.  You’re left with the sense of guilt for daring to want to retain funds that you toiled to acquire.  Refusing to facilitate corruption constitutes the most shameful audacity.

Present sophisticated theories about authority lead to  addresses everything but government’s actual responsibility, which is to halt stampeding barbarians.  Liberals are too busy tracking down successful CEOs they deem villains to focus on what they consider inconsequential threats like subway track-shovers and global terror merchants.

Everyone should be sick of being told what to do by people who should be told to not do that.  Forced cooperation leads to universal misery.  That is not the thing we were told would be shared.  Anyone capable of interpreting stimuli can’t possibly still think eliminating choice leads to one glorious option.

The only thing more exhausting than being suspicious of everything is the aftermath of docile trust.  Any humans who are unfortunately not cynical by nature better start conditioning themselves.

The good news is that there’s not much training necessary.  A few moments on this wretched planet noticing countless infringements on life proceeding normally should be sufficient for incessant rebellion. Instead, baffling state fans are incredulous regarding companies with which they can interact freely while trusting the unaccountable monolith.

Please enjoy ample current ghastly examples for those who think history means switching from the “following” tab to “for you”.  Maybe enjoy isn’t the proper word.  Claiming to believe in science takes some nerve while ignoring an endless parade of evidence about how surrendering liberty leads to awful morons making dreadful decisions on your behalf.

Trusting authority is the most mortifying conspiracy to believe.  Liberal policy creates contempt for liberalism.  So, it works in its way.  Government doing everything but arresting whoever mugged you leads to getting robbed by those who claim they do so with legal authority.  They need your permission.  Keep letting them think for yourself if you think they’ve made you richer.

[elfemoji]

front of shirt: i don't hurry down stairways or walk up escalators because im disabled back of shirt: please don't be a dick about it

[leggerefiore]

I had an encounter with a neck beard this morning🤮 anyways, how would the twins (and possibly Emin) deal with them after they made s/o uncomfortable?

I interpreted neckbeard as an incel adjacent guy being too pushy, I hope that's correct!

cw: unwanted flirting, uncomfortable situation

~

● You were wandering around the station on your way through to see your boyfriend and for a lunch date. Crowds of people buzzed around the station, hurrying around to whatever platform or exit they needed. It was never not busy at this time of day, and you often had trouble getting through or getting the Subway Boss to take his lunch this early. Somehow, you managed to convince him over the phone to join you, however. With the agreement made, you headed over to meet them.

○ Before you could make it to their office, a guy suddenly stepped in your path and smiled at you with a grin that read extremely fake. He was disheleved in appearance, hair unkempt and unwashed, with a scent that made you feel woozy coming from him. A natural body odour that was sickeningly masked with cheap body spray. “Ah – I see you here quite often,” his voice held a certain tone to it that made you more uncomfortable, “Are you a trainer? I'm one, too. I think it's so cool that you're a trainer.”

● Nervously, you looked around and tried to appear uninterested. “Sorry, I really have some place to be and no time to chat,” you explained and tried to move around him. Instead, he tried to block your path again. You swallowed as he grasped your arm. No one around seemed to be paying attention, and no workers were nearby either. His mouth opened again, but before he could speak…

▲Ingo▼

● “That sort of behaviour is prohibited in the station and within the Unova region in general,” a firm voice called out. Ingo appeared from out of a crowd of people and made long strides until he reached your side. The guy immediately let go, feeling threatened by the unexpected authority presence. The twin was instantly between you and him. “Do I need to remove you from here?” The guy shook his head and ran off into the crowd, clearly dead set to get away from Ingo.

● He bit his lip and debated running after the guy to give him a long, verbal reminder that treating people like that was unacceptable, but you grasped his sleeve before he could. Soft, silver eyes moved to gaze at you, as he realised your extreme discomfort. His hand took yours, and he led you away from the main area into his office. Finally, alone with him, you clung to him desperately as your feelings just simply escaped you. His arms came around as you just remained like that for a moment. Silence was heavy in the air.

● “Ingo…” you managed, “Let's have that lunch, okay?” He nodded and softly pressed a kiss to your cheek. His warmth was a pleasant change alongside the soft smell of coffee and paper that clung to his clothing. “… Of course, dearest,” Ingo gave a rare smile, “Where to?” No one would harass you further with Ingo at your side. You returned the expression at him as he clocked out for his break.

● Emmet stood near the guy on the train with his Galvantula out at his side. A 'friendly' smile played at his lips as he approached him. “Do you normally bother people walking through my station?” he asked while tilting his head. The guy was clearly uncomfortable by the presence of the Subway Boss's proudly bred pokemon. “No, sir,” he shook his head while trying to remain calm. Emmet's grin became cruel. “My brother said you were harassing his partner earlier,” he spoke with no tone in his voice, “Here at the Gear Station, we take harassment verrrrrry seriously. After this trip, you're banned from entering.”

▽Emmet△

○ Rushed steps came at you both before his hand was forced from you. Emmet stood aggressively between you both, brows pressed together as he glared at the man. The guy jumped back from the sudden action of the man. “That's verrrrry bad behaviour,” he spoke with a rare empty tone, “I am Emmet, and I am going to have to ban you from this station.” The guy seemed stunned and taken aback. He ran off into the crowd, but before Emmet could take off after him, you grabbed his arm.

○ “Darling, are you alright?” he asked with an intense tone, “If you are not then I will-” You cut him off by shaking your head. Emmet clearly understood your more subtle emotions for once and set off to take you to his office. It was there that you finally allowed yourself emotional respite, fully aware that the creep was no longer watching. Burying your face into his neck, you let yourself feel comfort in the physical presence of your boyfriend. Emmet embraced you back and rubbed at your back softly.

○ “Emmy… can we go ahead to the bakery?” you asked softly. The twin hummed and nodded. His smile was gentle and comforting, matching his eyes that held tender affection. “Yep,” he giggled, “You always know the best ones in Nimbasa! Let's go!” His gloved hand was warm as he guided you out of the station with a familiar ease. Emmet was quick to spring into action whenever something called him to, so it was only natural the same would apply here. He would always guard you to the best of his given abilities.

○ Emmet found the man later on the last train to a certain station. Sitting down beside him, he could see how the guy tensed up. A smug smile played on Emmet's lips as he rested his head into his hand. “You didn't think I'd leave it at just that, did you?” The twin asked. Shuddering, the guy expected the worst to befall him. A large pokemon blocked his escape attempt with ease, Garbodor clearly unhappy with what he did to you. “Heehee, you're banned from the station.”

▲Emin▽

● A loud voice and fast footsteps broke his contact with you easily. Emin stood protectively in front of you while glaring at the guy. “Such behaviours are disallowed in the Gear Station,” he hissed, “I will have to ask that you either come with me to my office or leave.” Before any more things could be spoken, the guy rushed into the crowds to disappear. The Subway Boss was posed to chase after him, but you grasped his coat sleeve and gave him a pleading look.

○ He took you into his office without any hesitation. You let out a held in breath and clung to him desperately. Emin rubbed your back as you tried to calm yourself from what had just happened. “I'm verrrry sorry that happened,” he apologised, “I hate that people like that are in the station.” You pulled away to gaze into his eye for a moment. Much distress and panic remained there, but you felt much the same. That situation could have gone much worse had it not been for his timely intervention.

● “Em…” you whispered, “I want to go ahead and go if that's alright…” He pressed a soft kiss to your temple and smiled brightly at you. The stoic expression he had used on the creep was gone, which calmed you more. “Of course, my love,” Emin quickly moved to clock out, “Are we trying Elesa's recommendation today?” You nodded and gripped his hand tightly. Emin may seem to switch between emotionally closed off or open, but you were glad he always tried to let you in. With him at your side, you would be safe.

○ Emin smiled as the depot agent escorted the creep into his office. He presented documentation to the man with ease. “You're banned from the Gear Station and its trains," he announced proudly, “If I ever see you here again I will have Haxorus show you the way out.” The creep swallowed as he spotted the large dragon type looking from behind the tired subway manager. There was no choice but to comply with the Subway Boss's orders.

[zeenovos]

My stories definitely aren’t as heartwarming as the last one especially but here are mine:

When I worked at a bookstore, because of my love of sushi I would regularly go to the place a block and a half down even though it ate a bigger chunk of my break than just grabbing Subway closer to the store. Food prep was slower but it didn’t matter, when I walked in I would smile and be polite but wouldn’t say much due to being shy, but the staff always smiled back at me, and though I couldn’t always budget tipping as well as I’d have liked they knew that no matter what the rest of the order was I would always have either tempura or unagi nigiri, so they’d always ask me which one I wanted. When I was away for a few weeks and then came back the guy who regularly rang up my order would chat and ask questions but he was never pushy and it made me feel so comfortable. The business has changed, but just walking by the place still makes me feel soft and more settled inside.

At the bakery near me, there’s a lady who will smile at me and call me sweetheart then wink at me before she slides whatever my order is across the counter to me, and then tell me to ‘have a good day, hon’, and I don’t know if she knows it but she always seems to be working on the days that have been most stressful at work and just that small interaction starting with ‘what can I get you, sweetheart?’ make me actually feel my shoulders relax.

A restaurant a few blocks away from me opened in March 2020, and was started by some young men who live in the neighbourhood. I usually am ordering their takeout special and I’m not really super talkative there either, but they all smile when they see me come in, and even if I’m only there to pick up a takeout special they give me a cup of green tea while I wait. And when I do go in for a sit down meal they’ve noticed that I’m shyer and so they’ll come by once or twice to ask how the food is but they mostly leave me to my own devices and just monitor for when I’ve finished a dish or my tea is low. I’ve seen them go more frequently to the tables of other diners, so it’s very much a case of noticing my preferences which I appreciate more than I can say.

Another business I like visiting, especially after work, has two wonderful ladies who listened to me vent about an issue I was having at work a few years ago and who supported and encouraged me in dealing with the issue, and since then they give me a discount. And since I started luring coworkers there with the promise of good food (and work gossip since y’know) other staff members have given me the discount too. And I’m definitely not doing it for the discount but it’s nice and peaceful, the food is good, and again no one pushes for more social interaction than I have energy for.

The last place I want to mention is a chocolate shop. I’ve had lovely conversations with the staff and one of the owners, and we have clearly established which of their bars is my favourite, but the place is so happy and cozy and they’re all such genuinely good people and their appreciation of your business and remembering your face and asking after how things have been/referencing previous conversations makes it feel like a community spot even though I’ve got a bit of a trek to get there.

And my point with these stories is that even with some social anxiety (stronger on the phone but I digress) and a lot of introverted shyness when I’m not in one of my friend groups (where no one would guess that I’m introverted), having that shocking prickle of being known when someone in a business just references your preferences without even having to think about it can be alarming yes. But there’s a warmth and connection that’s happening and for myself where it just genuinely never occurs to me unprompted that anyone misses me the way I miss other people, the fact that someone is not only making the effort to remember my face (or at least enough markers of my style to ID me if they have face blindness) but to also remember my preferences, even if it’s only for food, is something beautiful in a way I cannot even begin to articulate with all the absolutely elegant and quietly blissful turns of phrase that such a feeling deserves. The knowledge that despite the fact that this person doesn’t know my nerdy obsessions and my work stresses and my fumbling path towards personal growth, I have made enough of a positive difference in their life that they feel a need to commit some small part of me to their memory is honestly something so deeply human that I’m just filled with a strong gratitude for the fact that we as people have such a capacity to make such positive impacts on each other with such small acts. Ones that we don’t even always remember ourselves.

Anyway yeah that’s my ramble ‘k bye

Starving to death this morning because ive been to the new local cafe twice this week already and if i go a third time ill look desperate.

[peachy-pink-princess]

Enhypen reacts to s/o initiating skinship

Sorry for any spelling errors as usual I use speak to text and some times it miss-hears me

1.3k words

ℍ𝕖𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕦𝕟𝕘:

He really didn't want to push you into doing something that you'd be uncomfortable with. Of course though he was very proud to have you as his s/o and he almost always wants to be able to brag about it, and to be able to show people that you and him were together. skinship is the best way to do that in his mind. For your first month of dating the two of you didn't do much touching, occasionally holding hands or just constantly being near each other. Before he would touch you every time he would ask "is this okay with you?" Every single time you tell him yes. So imagine his surprise when around a month in a half into dating you grab his hands interlocking your fingers out of no where.

" You should hold me hand more often"

𝕁𝕒𝕪:

Usually is the one who initiates contact. He isn't very pushy, however he is never pleased to hear when his 'friends' tease him about your relationship. " How do you even live? C'mon you must WANT to touch her huh?". One guy says the second boy cuts in adding " are you guys even really together? Kinda strange you don't touch each other " Jay was pissed. He didn't know what to say. That didn't stop him from trying to make a passive comment. Your timing couldn't have been more perfect, you had been looking around through the classrooms when you saw your boyfriend standing with his friends in one of the rooms. Of course you wanted to go see him, so you snuck up behind him. Jay was so furious with his friends he hadn't even realized that you had been sneaking in. He almost jumped when he felt hands sneak around his waist and the feeling of somebody's cheek against the small of his back. Immediately a sick little smirk takes over Jay's face

" Well hello darling, what a wonderful time to see you~"

𝕁𝕒𝕜𝕖:

Jake is definitely the type of boyfriend who really likes skinship. One time you were over at his dorm hanging out with Layla waiting for Jake to come back for a date. It had been a little bit over 3 months since the two of you started dating because of his idol image the both of you wanted to take things very slowly. Honestly not being able to touch you was kind of struggle some for Jake he always considered his love language to be physical touch but he knew no matter what the most important thing is to make sure the both of you are comfortable and understood boundaries... Jake stood in the doorway of his room watching his two favorite things in the world together. You were a natural when it came to dogs, specifically Jake's dog. Layla took an immediate liking to you which made Jake even more happy. "Do you have room for one more person to join the fun?" He chuckles at the way that you quickly turn around but you catch him off guard when you suddenly go over to him giving him the biggest hug you could. His body is frozen for a minute but his hands quickly go to your waist bringing you in even closer to his body.

" Now that I have you I'm definitely never letting go"

𝕊𝕦𝕟𝕘𝕙𝕠𝕠𝕟:

On his off days going on dates are very very important to you both. After a long day in the city the two of you were taking the subway home. You were exhausted from running around for hours, all you wanted to do was place your head on your cold pillows and cover your body with blankets. Unfortunately for you, you still had about 45 minutes before your fantasy could become a reality. Your boyfriend looks down at you, although the two of you are standing on the packed subway train, you're practically sleeping standing up at this point. Sunghoon couldn't help but smile behind his mask, gosh you looked adorable. He just wanted to kiss you then and there. " We'll be home soon, my love " he whispers to you trying to be soothing. What he didn't expect was for you to plant your head on his shoulder, arms going around his waist, holding onto him like a kola would. Almost immediately he melts into the sweet moment wishing he could pull his phone out and take a photo of you. Instead he hushes you softly stroking your hair and rubbing your back...

" You look so adorable right now, I love when you act like this. "

𝕊𝕦𝕟𝕠𝕠:

"You've been playing for hours at least let me join" you complain to your boyfriend for 4 months who was currently engaged in online combat. Immediately after your slightly annoyed, slightly needy tone he pauses the game. " Play with me " sunoo tells you pulling out a second controller, how could you say no to such an adorable face. Sunoo expected you to take your place right next to him on the sofa but you had other plans making space for yourself to sit...right on his lap. His eyes were practically bulging out of his head. Never and I mean never in your 4 months together have you ever sat in his lap, hell skinship was incredibly awkward for you two as one of you would always end up laughing at each other's failed attempt to ask for skinship. This was so out of no where and his lack of words worried you. " I can get up-" you started to stand up but sunoo pulled you back down.

" Yahhh stay. You're keeping me warm...I like this now prepare for me to beat you. "

𝕁𝕦𝕟𝕘𝕨𝕠𝕟:

Baking with your boyfriend for 3 months, yang Jungwon, sounded like a good idea. Who knew it would spiral into a complete mess. It all started when you found a recipe for cookies on your phone, they seemed super easy to make and you figured it would be a cute date idea. Everything started off perfect. Jungwon was trying his hardest to not only keep the kitchen clean but make some successful treats for once. Well you on the other hand couldn't help but feel a bit mischievous. Your fingers find a way down to the batter scooping up a little bit...and placing it on your boyfriends nose. Catching jungwon off gaurd he returns your actions by placing the batter on your cheek. It turned into a battle, unfortunately you wasted so much of the batter you were only able to make two cookies, one for him one for you. When you finally ate them Jungwon was the first to speak " uh... it's not that good-" he said honestly laughing at the failed attempt of cookies. When you didn't respond he was afraid he hurt your feelings but instead your fingers Trace his jaw. For once you kissed yang Jungwon first. He was quite shocked but incredibly happy.

" You're kiss was sweet....but it's not going to help you get out of cleaning the kitchen with me "

ℕ𝕚𝕜𝕚:

The beloved maknae had received advice from his hyungs that he should do something special for the your one month anniversary. " Impress them!" Jay says " get them flower " Jake chimes in. One by one they all tell niki different ways to give you affection. He had no clue which one to pick, so why not all of them? He picked you up and prepared a picnic near the Han river for the both of you. Niki was on his best behavior trying to impress as if he wasn't already your boyfriend. You two were surprised when an old lady interrupts your date. " Oh wow, you two remind me of my husband and I...young love how beautiful...you are dating yes?" The old woman asks. Niki goes to answer but when your hand grabs onto his giving him a good squeeze he immediately shuts up. " He's my lovely boyfriend" you speak Nz Niki's cheeks turn a subtle shade of pink. The night couldn't have gone better.

" I'm your lovely boyfriend huh~? "

I hope everyone enjoyed this enhypen scenario ❤️

[buckysfaveplum]

between two lungs

chapter 1

summary: y/n is desperate as her coven is in jeopardy. with no one else to turn to, she gives bucky a call

pairing: bucky barnes x witch!female reader

word count: 2.4k

warning: none really, mentions of witchcraft (always in this series), maybe some of Bucky's sad boi thoughts? thats it

a/n: y'all so sorry this came so late! I know how many of you were excited for this. I've been sooooo swamped lately so pls forgive me. this series will have no schedualed updates so i hope that's okay. i'll try to stay on top of it as i can! but pls enjoy!!!

(also the witchcraft in this series is not intended to be based on any real practices or religions etc. it's purely fantasy just like films and books)

masterlist | series masterlist | send requests

“How was therapy?”

“Same as always, boring.”

“Did anything big happen today? Any breakthroughs on the nightmares?”

“You know I don’t talk about those with her.”

“I know, just thought I’d ask.”

“When are you coming back to the city?”

“I’m not sure, I’m needed here. Things have been…strange.”

“I miss you.”

“I miss you, too.”

-

New York City was a cold place. The steel of the tall skyscrapers and smooth reflective windows of the buildings always made it seem more empty and cool than it was. New York City was not empty, not with over eight million people scrambling for housing. Not with subway cars packed so tight you couldn’t even relax your shoulders. The city was bustling and booming, yet Bucky never felt any of it.

Brooklyn wasn’t the same as he remembered. Sure, his memory was a splotchy, watercolor painting full of vague and blurry moments- but even he could feel the change in the borough. The small mom-and-pop coffee shops he used to grab a scolding cup of joe were now trendy cafes with neon signs and sleek black stools. The quaint apartment buildings once full of families and the working class were now packed with college transplants looking for an ‘authentic’ new york experience. The only familiarities in the neighborhood were the brick walls and crumbling stoops, reminding him of the summers he and Steve would spend talking on the steps til dusk.

Adjusting to his new life came with difficulties Bucky had never thought of. The journey of recovery was long and grueling but was making his way. The list of amends now complete and his mandatory therapy finished, he was finally headed in the right direction. Bucky decided to keep seeing Raynor. Her straightforward and blunt personality put him off, but deep down, he liked the routine. The comfort of being able to sit for an hour and just talk. After the breakthrough with Sam, his sessions had finally become productive. And besides, the guaranteed company at least once a week was nice.

He’d never admit it out loud, but he was lonely. He never imagined himself longing for the comfort of other people. Especially after all he’d endured. The early years of his recovery resulted in habits of a recluse with a cold exterior. The six months after the Blip, he was in a sort of purgatory. Stuck between wanting desperately to recover, to move on and finally become a person again, and wanting to crawl into his dingy studio and let the weight of his past life swallow him whole. His time with Sam was a wake-up call, the kick he needed to get moving. He missed his friend; missed his irritating nature and pushy attitude (he’d never let Sam know that of course). But there was something else, someone else.

Steve left your phone number for him when he told Bucky he was returning to Peggy. Bucky couldn’t understand why. Why would his best friend, the only constant in his life, the only person to think highly of him, leave? And leave him with nothing but a phone number. He never could have known how much he would need that.

You were an old friend, that’s what he told him. A friend through work who was good. A good person Bucky could trust. Steve told him you came to the city often for personal matters, maybe once a month. You would be there for him. You knew of his past and who he was, you were old friends after all. Of course, Steve would fill you in on his best friend. You were a shoulder for Bucky to lean on. 

Bucky made the first move, well, technically Raynor did when she found out about the number. She asked Bucky if he’d mind if she texted you for him, he didn’t seem to care at the time. It was the best decision he could have made, and he didn’t even make it. 

You were a breath of life into his stiff body. Your cool and calming aura always knew how to make him feel better. Whether a text or phone call, he could talk to you for hours. On days he couldn’t talk, he’d listen. Of your life, your job, anything. You were many things to Bucky, but boring wasn’t one of them. 

He’d count down the days til you’d appear in the city again. He couldn’t get enough of you; how you’d greet him with a firm hug, your fingertips pressing into the nape of his neck and sending chills down his spine. You’d often end up crashing on his couch while there, staying up so late chatting there was no point in leaving. Bucky would never complain.

Steve had told him that day that you were just what he needed. Someone to confide in, someone to care for, someone to spend time with. A friend. Bucky thought he was full of shit. Till that first phone call. He was hooked ever since. Like he was under your spell, but that was a bit too on the nose.

-

“Y/n, could you grab me that book from the top shell?”

“Of course!” 

The soft leather warmed under your touch as you pulled the book from the mahogany bookshelf. Dust sprinkled down as you descended the ladder and came to the table at the center of the study. The heels of your thousand button boots clicked across the dark marble floors. With a smile, you placed the book on the table, a loud thud filling the room. 

You loved the time you got to spend in the grand study. Whenever your superior would call on you for help, you gladly came, excited to learn as much as you could about your craft. You watched now as the older woman before you read from one of the old spell books, looking for guidance from witches of the past.

Allegra was a witch wise beyond her years. Living through decades of civil unrest, political protest, economic ups and downs, and growth of equality. On top of all that, rising in ranks through her coven, taking place at the top at the young age of twenty-one. She was a woman of power and resilience. Though witches of the past hid, she put herself front and center in every line of action. She valorously took action during the rise of the civil rights movement of the 60s, and her presence was felt with her sisters during the wave of women's activism in the 70s. The deep wrinkles in her forehead showed the toll the years had taken on her, while the great smile lines around her mouth showed the joyous triumphs of her life. The most well-respected witch you knew, Allegra was a force to be reckoned with.

“Y/n, could you take a look at this for me, dear?” Allegra asked, stepping to the side to allow you space in front of the book. You nodded, moving around the table to see.

Your eyes scanned the pages, taking in the runes and writings of your sisters from hundreds of years ago. Spells were much less common now, years of growth and evolution from thousands of covens rendering them a more traditional and dated practice of witchcraft. While still a necessary part of the craft, witches like yourself could do much more now without the aging books.

“I don’t see what I’m supposed to be looking for?” You asked, still intently working through the pages. 

“Here,” Allegra said, pointing to the paragraph at the bottom of the page. “This witch writes of disappearances similar to ours, only years ago. The circumstances are nearly identical, young witches fading from their covens with no explanation, strange weather patterns, a withering High Witch. I fear what’s here is what we’re facing now, Y/n.”

“Forgive my defiance, Ms, but only two witches have left us. And the weather, it’s New Orleans, what do you expect?” You asked, a small smirk on your face at her last quip. Allegra smiled, pulling the book back to her and clapping it shut.

“I admire your optimism, dear. But we can’t afford it,” she said, walking over to the bookshelf, ascending the ladder to return the text. You followed behind her, the billowing lace of your skirt floating around your legs. “The signs are all there, we need to prepare ourselves.”

“Allegra, I’m sorry, but is this not a bit rash? This could be something much less extreme. I mean our coven is still rather full. And our High Witch, she’s not withering. She’s as powerful as ever,” You said, looking up at your elder. You were just met with a half smile, bittersweet and telling. Her hair bounced and shone in the light trickling in from the stain-glass windows of the room, illuminating her like the beacon she was for her coven. “You’re not withering, are you?”

“I’ve been fading for months, dear,” she said, descending the ladder. Her long, boney hands took yours and held them to her chest. For the first time, you could truly see her age, the woman was tired. 

“Why wouldn’t you tell me sooner? Tell the girls?” You asked, urgent as the gravity of the situation rushed over you. What would your coven be without your leader? 

Allegra sighed, taking a seat in one of the lush green velvet chairs in the seating area. Y/n came to her side, kneeling at her armrest and taking her hand.

“Why? Are you sick?” she asked. The older woman just shook her head. She gave the younger witch at her feet a soft smile.

“I’ve felt it for weeks now. The energy has been off, our coven has been losing its power. I can feel it every day. The balance of dark is taking over. It’s taken everything in me to protect you girls. But I don’t know how much longer I can,” Allegra said.

“You didn’t tell me the balance was off. Why? I’m your apprentice,” You said.

“I thought the same as you at first, a small upset in the balance. But now I fear we’re facing what our sisters of centuries ago almost perished to,” the older woman said. 

“So you think,” You started.

“Yes, Y/n. I think dark magic is taking over.”

-

Bucky couldn’t stop staring at his phone. You hadn’t answered any of his texts in days, not since that last phone call. He was embarrassed to admit it, but maybe he was a bit clingy. But could anyone blame him? After everything he’d been through, he wasn’t used to having people he cared about in his life. It stung like no other pain when Steve left. Now that he had someone new in his life he was attached to, he was always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Maybe you were hurt, something happened like an accident. Were you in trouble? Did something or someone do something to you? He wasn’t too familiar with the mystical side of the world, always baffled when he heard of Strange or Thor. But he knew enough to know he had reason to worry.

But what if it was none of that? What if you simply got tired of him? Finally growing sick of the role of babysitter Steve assigned you. You always said to Bucky you were truly his friend, that you weren’t just around due to an obligation you felt to the former Captain America. That you cared for him and loved having him in your life. But deep inside, Bucky always had a hard time believing you. You were a powerful, strong, intelligent woman; someone important and destined for great things. Why would you waste time on him?

His eyes couldn’t leave the little green button at the button of the app. Don’t call her, she clearly doesn’t want to talk right now, that’s all that ran through his head. But he couldn’t shake the feeling something was wrong. He had to call, one more time. If you were annoyed and didn’t want to talk with him anymore, that would be fine. But he just needed to know you were okay.

Before he could press call, his phone began to buzz. The little device shook and vibrated as a picture of the new Captain America began to flash across the screen. Bucky’s eyes rolled at the Marvin Gaye ringtone that blasted through the speaker. Sam had added that to his phone when he saw him last, against Bucky’s wishes. Unfortunately for him, he had no idea how to get rid of it.

“What?” Bucky asked, picking up the call.

“Well good morning to you too,” Sam said, his sarcastic tone seeping through the phone.

“Sorry, it’s just not the best time.” 

“It never is with you,” Sam said, jokingly. He paused for a minute before continuing. “Look, I know it’s short notice, but I need your help with a situation.”

“What kind of situation?” Bucky asked.

“Disappearances. Young women across the lakes between Delacroix and New Orleans.”

Bucky’s ears perked up at that. New Orleans, that’s where you were. Were you one of the women Sam was talking about? Bucky zoned out as Sam continued, his mind spiraling in a way only he could. Every worst-case scenario he could imagine smacked him in the face. 

“...I don’t know what’s going on, I was asked to handle the situation but I need help. Can you be in Delacroix by tomorrow?” Sam asked. That brought Bucky out of his thoughts.

“Yea. I’ll see you then.”

Before Sam could say anything else, Bucky ended the call. Digging through his closet for his bag and gear. All he could think about was seeing you, checking in, and making sure you were okay. If you didn’t want to see him, so be it, but at least he’d finally have peace of mind.

Throwing his bag on the counter, he began tucking his gear and some clothes into the large duffle. As he shoved his boxers into the side pocket of the bag, his phone flashed with a message. It was probably Sam, sending him more information, where to meet him, stuff like that. Dropping his clothes, he took the phone. His heart stopped. Your name flashed on his screen, followed by a short message.

Bucky, I need your help. Can you come to New Orleans?

___ taglist:

@lanabobananna @baby-banana @mattymurdocksbitch @themorningsunshine @skyfullofinfinities @hotleaf-juice @ethreal-love @animegirlgeeky @newgirlintheneighborhood @ka-x-in @weirdowithnobeardo @iminlovewithenchilidadas @verygraphicink @rayofsuunshiine @eve-dusk @f-ergj @marchtothefuckingsea @marvelbitch1332 @cyanide-hysteria @emmabarnes @sebsgirl71479 @mcsnig @charmedbysarge @cowboibeepbeep @ugz4dayz @rhiamaymay @bitterstar88 @cjand10 @wbyss @deandreamernp

(extended taglist posted immediately after)

(if you asked to be tagged and are not seen here, pls message me. it's likely because your username didn't come up)

[snailsgoingdowntown]

Sorry for spam but I am awake even though it's almost 4 am and yandere! Streamer Xiao is on my mind.

Shut in Xiao who isn't very popular with people irl because of his personality. Sure, he's polite and all, but his actions tell a different tale, shutting everyone out and not finding any meaning in idle talk or relationships.

Sure he has a few "friends", but really, he thinks they're somewhat a nuisance... He can tolerate them, though. Gets dragged out from his apartment every once in a while by Venti and Hu Tao, wanting him to actually have human interaction. It's better than staring at a screen all day, not even using his webcam when he streams. Doesn't want to show his voice.

He also hates his height (he's like 5'2, right??? And I tend to make the reader shorter than him because I am shorter than him....), tries to appear tall somehow. Maybe he'll wear shoes that add to his height, but Venti says it's fine, after all, women find guys like him attractive!

He doesn't even do any voice commentary on his streams but his fans still like him. Still donate to him whenever he plays a game they suggested. Spam his chat with memes he finds annoying but used to it because of Hu Tao and Venti. Only really kicks someone out if they're being inappropriate or start to bully the others.

Has a hard time accepting the fact he's actually attractive and a lot of people want to date him, if it wasn't for his personality. But some people like that, you know, and he's confused by it. Pretty oblivious due to being socially awkward and not... You know... Interacting with people.

But that doesn't mean he's stupid - just takes a while for him to notice that someone is into him.

He met you by pure accident, accidentally bumping into you on the subway and helping you pick your stuff off the floor. He's not a dick, just rather be alone 99.9% of the time.

And he keeps bumping into you. At the grocery store, at the mall (Hu Tao forced him to go with her), at the movies (venti's idea), on the street, at the subway, hell you even start to work at his company.

He was surprised when he found out you were a fan of his. Not that you knew he even streames since he doesn't talk at all or even shows his face on them.

You're not as "annoying" as Hu Tao or pushy like Venti. You let him have his space, you don't try to force him into uncomfortable situations unless he gives you his consent. You invite him for coffee or food after work, feeling bad for him once you see the dark circles under his amber eyes. Feel bad for him because he's over working due to his team being bad at their jobs.

And well, that ignites feelings from him and he starts to see you more than a coworker, more than the woman who comes to work all proper and tidy. Starts to become obsessed with you, starts to stalk you.

And that's gist of it, I should really sleep lmao. Night guys.