#she told me I should go on America's got talent and then asked me if I went to church

[dancingplague]

I've been reading Magical Mathematics: The Mathematical Ideas That Animate Great Magic Tricks, and because I am an irredeemable dumbfuck I cannot understand any of it without actually taking a pack of cards and physically laying them out on the table in front of me. I was doing this at a coffee shop when I ended up in conversation with an elderly superstitious woman who informed me that she was so pleased to find a young person not glued to their phone, which was very funny because I was extremely obviously referencing the book on my phone but I guess the cards negated the phone. She informed me that in her opinion lots of magicians are doing "something evil" but she assured me that she did not mean me and she is sure there's nothing supernatural about my math tricks.

[i-hate-people-1]

~Mid to west~

Part 2

Eddie Munson x Henderson reader road trip au

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Henderson Reader

Warnings:none

Word count: 3,782

An hour into your trip, you hear the first dreaded “I have to pee.” Of course, it came from Dustin.

"Really, come on, man, we’re barely even a town over,” Eddie groaned, pulling into the next gas despite his sentiment.

“I’m sorry,” he whined, dashing out of the car the moment Eddie put it in park.

“Maybe we should all try to and we can grab some snacks” Steve suggested Ever, the mother of the group.

"Ugh, fine,” Eddie groaned, throwing his head back. “But no drinks!” He yelled as your friends dashed out of the vehicle. “I mean it!”

“There’s no way they actually listen,” you told him, giggling as you got out of the car Eddie close behind.

“My lady,” Eddie said, smiling brightly as he opened the door for you, bowing slightly.

“Why thank you, kind sir,” you said, giggling and curtsying as you walked in.

After using the restroom, you were scanning the isles for a snack. Indecisive as ever, you finally settled on a bag of Cheez-Its, a pack of gum, and a nougat bar Dustin’s favorite for when he inevitably complains about being snacky (when he’s hungry but doesn’t want real food).

"This all,” the teen at the counter asked. Well, you think she was asking, but her deadpan tone made it hard to tell.

"Yup,” you said, smiling.

She looked up from your snacks, her unamused glare fixed on you.

“Hey sweetheart, spot me a pack of smokes?" You felt his arm before you heard his voice as he hung it lazily over your shoulder.

Casual touches like this almost fooled you enough to think that the boy you’ve been crushing on since you saw him perform at the middle school talent show actually liked you, or at least thought of you as more than his friends older sister, but then reality would always come crashing down on you when you remembered that Eddie was like that with everyone the pet names, teasing remarks, and touching. I mean, the boy was a walking ball of love to give, constantly looking for a new friend or a new lost sheep he could take under his wing.

No matter how many people teased him, judged him unfairly, or called him the most unspeakable things, he never gave up and always kept that signature Eddie Munson smile that simultaneously lit up the room and made you weak in the knees.

“Y/N?” Eddie asked, his concern-ridden face pulling you out of your thoughts as his arm slid awkwardly off your shoulder.

“Oh, yeah, I can,” you said, turning back to the unamused teen. “Uh, and a pack of Malboro Reds, please,” you told the cashier, surprised that the frown she was wearing could get deeper.

“You know my brand?” You could practically hear the shock in his voice—a deep blush taking over your cheeks.

"Yeah, I guess,” you mumbled as you paid for your things, purposely avoiding his eyes that were boring into you. “What?” You asked, turning back to look at him and handing him the cigarettes.

His doe eyes were soft, and there was a remnant of a smile he was holding back on his face.

"Nothing,” he answered through an awkward cough. “Come on, sunshine, the ass crack of America awaits.” He finished turning around to grab the door for you.

You quickly followed, telling the teen at the counter thank you and to have a nice day.

As you made it outside, Eddie broke off to go lean against the wall to smoke. As you finally made it back to the van, your cheeks were still ablaze from your interaction.

Everyone but Steve had made it back to the van, already getting settled in, to hopefully not stop for at least a couple hours.

After about 5 minutes, Eddie and Steve returned, Steve having two huge bags of snacks, so you wouldn’t have to get any more, hopefully.

"Alright, hellions, buckle up. We’re not stopping for a while,” Eddie said, pulling out of the gas station. “I’m just kidding. Of course, my van does not have seatbelts.”

***

"Eddie, I’m hungry,” Lucas whined, poking the boy in the cheek. “Can we please stop? You made us skip lunch.” He finished continuing to poke him.

"Sinclair, you poke me one more time, and I’ll cut your hand off and make you eat it. How’s that sound for dinner?” Eddie said it through clenched teeth and crazy eyes.

Lucas stopped his finger inches away from the boy's cheek cautiously after a moment of testing the waters; he seemingly gave up pulling his hand back.

Eddie let out a sigh of relief, unclenching his jaw, and everything was peaceful for about two seconds until Lucas decided that poking the bear was the best idea he could think of, poking Eddie’s cheek once more, smirking mischievously.

“That’s it!” Eddie yelled, pulling off to the side of the road, making all of you tussle in place as he abruptly stopped the car out of his seat as quick as lightning to tackle the younger boy to the ground. He was so quick, you almost missed the smirk fall off of Lucas’s face and the horror take over his eyes.

Which is how you found yourself in the driver's seat, looking out for a place to stop for dinner, with Eddie in the passenger seat slumped down, arms crossed over his chest as he pouted.

"Alright, let’s all get some food in us and stretch our legs, yeah?” You asked as you pulled into the first dinner you’d spotted.

Lucas and Dustin rushed out of the vehicle, the former fully recovering from the tackle he’d taken.

Robin Max and Steve took more time getting out, following the two rambunctious boys.

You, however, stayed in the van, waiting for the boy in the passenger seat to look anywhere but out the window quietly.

"Oh, come on, Ed's, you know you're hungry too,” you said, turning in your seat to face him fully. “And maybe your a tad hangry, and that’s why you tackled Lucas?”

"No, I tackled him because the little shit wouldn’t stop poking me,” Eddie snapped, finally turning to you, and while the vicious gaze of Eddie Munson was terrifying for most people, you thought it was adorable. He looked like a puppy trying to threaten you like a teddy bear with a knife.

“So you’re saying if it had been Steve in the driver's seat and he wouldn’t stop to get you food, you wouldn’t have done the same thing?” You challenged him, raising a brow. His frown softened a bit, a mischievous glint in his eyes, you assume, at the thought of annoying Steve Harrington.

"See, you’d think it was hilarious if it were Steve; your little sheep was just following in your footsteps.”

"Yeah, but they’re supposed to annoy other people, not me,” he grumbled, though you could tell he was starting to come around.

“Oh well, now you’re just asking too much,” you teased. “Now come on, I’ll buy you a milkshake,” you told him, hopping out of the driver's seat.

“Chocolate?” Eddie asked, head-whipped, to look at you.

"Ugh, fine, but I’m going to judge you for it,” you said, rolling your eyes as you shut the door and walked inside, Eddie following closely behind.

“Woah woah woah, sweetheart, are you trying to tell me you don’t like chocolate milkshakes?” Eddie asked, dramatic as ever, his hair whipping around as he shook his head.

“I mean, they’re fine, but vanilla is definitely better,” you said, shrugging. Eddie gasped loudly, clutching a hand to his chest.

“I can’t believe you just said that to me,” he said quickly as he pulled out a seat, gesturing for you to sit down.

You sat down flustered as Robin raised a brow at you, which only made your blush deepen.

“What’d you say to him?” Max asked.

“Get this, Red; she thinks vanilla milkshakes are better than chocolate,” Eddie scoffed before you could get a word.

Leading the table into a lively debate, with some taking your side while others took Eddie’s.

“You guys are all wrong. It’s obviously strawberry." Steve cut in your heads, all turning to him with disgusted looks.

"Okay, everyone can at least agree that Steve’s wrong, right?” Robin asks, eyes darting around the group as you all nod, “All right, it’s unanimous, Steve’s an idiot.” She finishes, and Steve looks offended while all of you laugh.

"Alright, I need to go smoke. You guys stress me out." Eddie shook his head, smiling.

“Those things will kill you,” you said, popping a fry into your mouth.

"Hey, you’re the one supplying me, so don’t get all high and mighty on me now, princess,” Eddie smirked as you rolled your eyes.

“That was a temporary lapse in judgment; I was distracted,” you shrugged, trying to play it cool, though the obvious blush on your face was giving you away.

"Aww, you saying I distract ya doll face?” Eddie asked, leaning in close.

"Ew, dude, are you really flirting with my sister right now?” Dustin interrupted, gagging immediately after he got the question out.

“See what I mean? Little fuckers are so annoying, I’m surprised I don’t smoke more,” he groaned, placing a cigarette between his lips as he stood up and made his way to the door.

“I’ve got to go to the bathroom,” you announced, getting up and speed-walking to the bathroom flustered.

"Really, Dustin,” Max scolded, smacking him in the back of the head.

"Ow, what was that for?”

“You totally just ruined their moment. Eddie was finally growing some balls, and you just stomped on them,” Lucas explained.

“What?” Dustin asked again, and the poor boy was obviously very confused.

"Really, Dustin, do we have to explain everything to you? You’re not a child,” Steve quipped sarcastically.

“What these doofuses are getting at is that Eddie has just now started shooting his shot, and you might have just deterred him for another what is it like nine years?.” Robin explained hoping the young boy would catch on.

"Wait, are you guys saying Eddie actually likes Y/N?”

“Oh my gosh, look at those boys. Sherlock finally figured one out,” Steve said, slow-clapping.

“Shut up, Steve,” Dustin seethed. “So Eddie likes Y/N? Does she like him?”

"Obviously,” Max yelled, quickly apologizing when most of the eyes in the restaurant turned to her.

“So all those times he’s called her hot, he wasn’t just doing that to annoy me?” Dustin asked, still bewildered by the new information.

“While I’m sure that is a perk,Steve started sitting up in his chair to pat Dustin on the back. “He’s got it; he's had it bad since his first senior year,Steve finished shrugging.

“I can’t believe one of my best friends has a crush on my sister, and none of you told me,” Dustin pouted.

“We thought you knew it was pretty obvious,” Max said, rolling her eyes.

“I don’t want to think about that; it’s gross.”

"Well, you better get used to it because our mission this trip is to get them together,” Robin told him as the group nodded in agreement. “And it was working perfectly without us having to do anything but put them in seats next to each other, and you might have just ruined it,” Robin grumbled.

“How am I supposed to know if you don’t tell me?!” Dustin argued.

“Tell you what?” Eddie asked, making the group jump and turn to look at the boy.

"Umm, uh, that there’s been something in his teeth for a while,” Lucas said as casually as he could.

"Nice,” Max complemented under her breath.

“Okay?” Eddie said, taking a seat and continuing to eat his food, “Hey, where’s Y/N?” He asked through a mouth full of food.

“She went to the bathroom,” Steve shrugged, sipping his milkshake.

Eddie’s head instinctively snapped towards the bathroom door, a deep frown falling over his features. When he was met with the beautiful sight of your smile and the crushing feeling that washed over him, he saw a guy, the one making you smile.

Eddie’s glare made everyone’s eyes shift to the bathroom as you giggled behind your hand at something the boy said.

And before the smart part of Eddie’s brain could even think of telling him to stay seated, he was on his feet, speeding faster than he could think.

You noticed him before he could even get a word out, turning to smile at him. “Hey Eddie, what’s up?” You asked, brows furrowed, man; he was so screwed if all it took was you smiling at him to turn him into jelly.

"Hey, sweetheart,” Eddie said, composing himself to smirk at you. “Who's your friend?” He asked, glaring daggers into the man in front of you.

"Oh, this is Chad; he saw me looking at maps and said he’s traveling west too,” you told him, smiling.

“How convenient,” Eddie bit out, his voice lashing in sarcasm.

"Yeah, man, a total coincidence,” Chad said, returning Eddie’s glare.

The two men stood in unmoving silence, glaring daggers at each other. You furrowed your brows, looking between them, rolling your eyes as far back into your head as they could go at your realization. “Oh my, are you two having a staring contest right now?” you asked, shaking your head in disbelief.

You took their unblinking silence as an answer: “Stop it, you doofus!” You exclaimed, smacking his arm lightly.

“Hey!” Eddie shrieked, “You made me lose!”

“Lose what exactly? What would’ve happened at the end of that contest? What would you have won?” You asked, arms crossing over your chest.

“I’m not exactly a hundred percent on the rules, but I’m pretty sure he gets you now,” Eddie deadpanned.

“Dude, I thought we were just asserting dominance.”

Eddie looked at the man with an expression somewhere between shock, disgust, and anger. “And that’s who won, thanks to you, sweetheart.”

“I’m not some prize, Munson,” you scoffed, walking back towards your friends.

"Yeah, no shit. I was joking that dude never would’ve beat me fair and square anyway.”

“I don’t need you to fight my battles or win me, and also, I was just talking to someone new. What is your issue?” You asked, turning to face him as you made it out in front of the diner.

“What’s my issue?!” Eddie challenged, “I don’t know, haven’t you ever heard of stranger danger? The guy was practically eye-fucking you the whole conversation.”

“So?” You asked, making Eddie scoff.

“So? So?” He asked back in unbelief, “You know what? Fine, whatever have fun getting murdered in the back of some creeps van!” Eddie exclaimed, arms waving, as he turned on his heels to stomp to the van.

“You’re unbelievable, you know that,” you said, stomping after him, “and stop walking away.” You grabbed his hand, making him turn to you and ask, “Why do you care so much?”

Eddie pulled you towards him effortlessly, pinning you up against the back of the van out of view of your friends.

His breath was hot and rugged as it fanned over your face, his doe eyes peering into your soul as he examined your face, his gaze darting between your lips and eyes.

“I care because I want you to be mine,” he whispered in your ear, his hand coming up to cup the side of your neck as you sucked in a breath. “You want that, baby?” Eddie teased biting your earlobe, and you whimpered.

"Oh, don’t worry, pretty girl, you will soon enough,” Eddie told you, inches away from your face, lips so close to touching as your body tingled in anticipation. Just as Eddie was about to close the gap, you were abruptly pulled out of your false reality by the very person you made it for. As he shook your shoulder gently, “Hey, wake up, pretty girl, we’ve got to get back on the road,” he whispered, moving some hair out of your face.

A deep blush set in at the pet name—the same pet name he had just used in your dream—coming into the front of your mind—that little voice telling you he knew but there’s no way he could know, right?

The existential crisis must have been showing on your face because Eddie was looking at you concerned. “You okay, sunshine, you look a little dazed. Nap that good?” He asked, quirking a brow.

"Yeah,” you said almost too quickly, "um, I didn’t even realize I felt asleep.”

“Oh yeah, you feel asleep on my shoulder a few minutes after you came back from the bathroom,” he shrugged.

"Well, you have a comfortable shoulder, thanks, pal,” you said, froging him in the arm, quickly getting out of your seat and speed-walking to the van.

“That was painful,” Robin said as she exited the diner behind you.

“Did I just call him pal and punch him in the arm?” You asked, your head falling on her shoulder.

"Yeah, it was pretty hard to watch,” she deadpanned. "Robin,” you whined.

“Right, sorry,” she said as she started to run a comforting hand through your hair. “What even happened to get you that flustered?”

“I kind of had a sex dream about Eddie,” you mumbled, your voice muffled by her shoulder.

“You had a sex dream about Munson, while you were napping on him,?!?” she said a bit too loudly for your taste.

“Shhh Robin”

"Right, sorry, you had a sex dream about Munson?” She repeated it in a whisper.

"Well, kind of, I was woken up before any actual sex happened, but that’s where it was leading,” you told her, finally lifting your head. “What am I going to do? I feel like a perv.”

"Okay, first of all, it’s completely natural, and second, maybe that’s your subconscious way of telling you to, you know, make a move,” Robin said, biting her thumb nail.

“You think I should make a move on him? Does he even like me?” You asked, pulling Robin's thumb away from her mouth.

“Are you kidding me? You were totally just drooling all over him in your sleep, and he didn’t even bat an eye at the guys.”

“I drooled on him.” You half asked, half whined, her head failing back into place on her shoulder.

***

“Did she just call me Pal?" Eddie asked through a dejected sigh, slumping in his seat.

"Yeah, she also drooled on you a little bit,” Dustin pointed out, poking a spot on his shoulder over the table.

“And I find that unbelievably adorable. I’m so fucked. I just got pal zoned. I think that’s worse than the friend zone,” Eddie whined, beating his head on the table.

"Oh, stop that. She didn’t mean anything by it. She just got flustered. She likes you, okay. Stop stressing and dancing around it flirtatiously and just ask her out.” Dustin told him, his eyes rolling as far back into his head as they could go.

“She said that?” Eddie’s head perked up like a puppy who had just been offered a treat.

“Not exactly, but I’m her brother, and a brother knows." Dustin shrugged, standing up. “Just go for it, man, she’s into you. I promise, just you know, maybe don’t do it in front of me because gross.”

“When did you get so wise?” Steve asked, hands on his hips, sassy as ever.

“I’ve always been wise; you deepshits just never notice,” he said, sticking his chin high as he walked off.

“No wonder his head is so big; it’s got to fit that massive ego.”

***

It’s been two hours since you stopped for dinner and 12 since you started the trip as a whole. Eddie had driven for another hour after you stopped before you made him stop and let Steve drive before he felt asleep at the wheel.

Steve and Robin were now in front. Robin passed out until Steve would shake her awake to ask for directions.

And other than the sound of Steve’s quiet humming and soft snores coming from the kids, the van was quiet.

Eddie was out cold the second his head hit the makeshift pillow of his waded-up leather jacket, stirring occasionally to find a more comfortable position.

You were in the limbo between resting and actually sleeping, not completely awake and not completely asleep, when you felt something touch your side. You turned your head, smiling sleepily at the sight in front of you. Eddie, who was already close due to the big group and limited space you had in the back of the van, had moved to lay on his side, one arm curled under his arm to replace the jacket that was now thrown over his body lazily, his other hand poking out just barely grazing your side. You could feel the coldness of his fingers through the thin material of your tank top.

You sat up frowning on the lookout for another blanket, but it seemed that every one was being occupied. After a few minutes of trying to plan in your sleepy state, you finally decided on just sharing yours with him. It wasn’t huge, but you think it could fit over both of you if you shifted a little closer.

You gently pulled the leather jacket off him, setting it aside, grabbing his hand, and moving it closer to his own body as slowly as you could, smiling proudly when you managed to do so without disturbing him.

After shifting as close as you could without actually touching the boy, you took your time situating the blanket, making sure it covered him as much as possible. You finally laid back down yourself, too tired to be anxious about the little amount of space between the two of you.

You had just closed your eyes when another touch pulled you out of your almost-sleep. This time it was more than a few fingers. Eddie was now curled into your side, arm thrown over your waist, head resting on your collarbone without even thinking you started lazily ruining a hand through his curls, making him snuggle into you further. You felt your body relax against him, starting to pull you down into sleep, finally letting it take you. You lay there with a sleepy smile on your lips, content to lay like this the rest of the night. Even if you weren’t really sure where this would leave you, when you wake up, you couldn’t find it in yourself to care. Relaxing in the heat, his body was now suppling, finally closing your eyes to let sleep take you.

[pacthesis]

our vietnamese tea ceremony

some may or may not know i just got engaged to a weird guy i met in college that (to put it lightly) i wasn’t too fond of but after like 2 years of snubbing him he somehow won my heart i guess

i scribbled a comic about it cause whenever people ask how i met him they sometimes get invested haha

some people also may have seen him on america’s got talent or cbs news or jimmy fallon or on tiktok doing his pizza man shenanigans lol

people often ask if he pulled me with his dough skills and i have to clarify i didn’t even know about the dough spinning hobby until after we started dating and he didn’t do the tv/media appearances until like 6 years into our relationship 🤣

my parents were both boat refugees from vietnam (they fled during the war when they were teenagers and met as adults) and i’m american- but we’re not really that “traditional” i guess

i think many viet people don’t get married or commit without having a tea ceremony haha

a hetero buddy asked who were my bridesmaids and when i told him i don’t have any he asked why and i just said “i like my friends” 🤣 (my childhood friends were there as guests though!)

i also didn’t want/ask pizza man’s family to bring the customary gifts cause i didn’t wanna cramp my style

basically the purpose of this event was for people to witness us getting engaged and be an opportunity for our families to meet one another!

5/23/2015 is when we started dating

for our first anniversary i got our initials and anniversary date stamped onto a penny and pizza man still carries it around 🥺

so 8 years later we got engaged on 8/5/2023

8 for august (8 years later)

5th of august (5 for the month we began dating)

year of 2023 (23 for the day we began dating)

i think people often go to a fortune teller or someone who knows what they’re doing to schedule important dates using the stars and other factors but my grandpa doesn’t believe in that and the rest of us aren’t really superstitious

we wore áo dài- it’s a vietnamese ensemble consisting of a tunic with a long front and back panel that is worn over pants

áo means “shirt/clothes” and dài means "long"

a lot of the time the bride wears red and the groom wears blue i guess but i wanted my outfit to look bridal when i imagine an american bride or a vietnamese bride!

i also wanted to wear a gold khăn đóng headpiece and to incorporate pearls to resemble what my mom wore when she got engaged to my dad

sunflowers are also my fav

(after we started dating i thought pizza man was tall and sunny like a sunflower haha 😭)

my makeshift shoebox altar- or as i like to call it: my “spirit pager” 😤

the double happiness symbol is two copies of the chinese character 喜 (xǐ) which means joy/happiness and red symbolizes luck for the couple

my mom asked if we should put up pictures of our deceased and i was like i don’t wanna make pizza man’s parents go out of their way to bring photos 😭

i think we were supposed to ask our ancestors for permission to get engaged or married or whatever but since my mom raised me to believe my life is mine to live i just announced it to em

as far as i know it’s not really a buddhist thing- ancestor worship is more of a vietnamese thing apparently

my mom said vietnam is a country with a lot of war and death in its history- so imo it makes sense how they incorporate the dead into their culture and traditions

after introducing each of our family members and friends- we lit a couple of incense to (casually) announce the news to our deceased grandparents and relatives

apparently burning incense is an invitation to ancestral spirits and to deliver wishes to predecessors

smoke from the burning incense guides people to safety or safe passing when they die- it also guides em back home on days like these

the spirit(s) depart when all of the incense has burned

next month is my grandma’s "deathiversary” (giỗ) so we’ll be paging her again soon

we used a tea set that was used to celebrate my 1st birthday to pour and serve (my pick) of vanilla caramel black tea to my grandpa and our parents

pizza man’s mom doesn’t like tea so i was happy i picked something she did enjoy!

but when my mom brought her family to america from vietnam- she asked them if they could bring a tea set specifically for me

my mom said it’s meant to be used to celebrate any of my special occasions

then me and pizza man said some nice words to each other and exchanged rings

my ring was pizza man’s grandma’s- his grandpa initially proposed with a smaller diamond but after he saved up enough he got her this bigger one

i don’t listen to any comments that suggest or imply this carbon rock is not humongous 🤣

pizza man paid to get it resized and to repair its prongs (it was well worn by grandma mercedes 🥺)

also found out my ring size is 3.25 (US) haha 😭

he also decided to get his grandpa’s ring resized and to wear it too!

my mom put this necklace on me- she says it reads “happiness” (i can’t confirm lol) but she received it from her mother-in-law when she got engaged to my dad

my mom was too scared to wear it after their tea ceremony cause it’s 24 karat gold and she didn't wanna wreck it

she said 24 karat gold hasn't been combined with other metals so it’s soft

i guess couples at viet tea ceremonies often get 24 karat jewelry- the idea is they can quickly sell it/melt it down for hard times

my mom also passed down her favorite jade bracelet and my grandma’s favorite diamond earrings to me 🥺

and on my 1st birthday my mom got a special ring made to celebrate my birth- she put it on a chain so the person i marry can wear it close to their heart

my mom also got a special ring necklace made to celebrate my sibling’s birth and gave it to their fiancée during their tea ceremony

it’s just the two of us so no more shiny token trophies up for grabs! 😤

i laughed when pizza man had to squat down so low so my mom could put the necklace on him 

after the ceremony i asked him if he wanted me to help him take it off (my sibling's fiancée keeps theirs in a safe cause she’s too scared to wear it daily) but pizza man was like "no i like it 😄" and wore it to sleep and showered with it and hasn’t taken it off since 😭🤣

at the end of the ceremony we lit the candles on the altar to represent the union of our families!

then we ate lots of food haha

my parents both cooked! egg rolls, fried rice, lo mein, bột chiên (fried taro rice cake)

my mom was excited because she knew many of our guests weren’t very familiar with vietnamese food and wanted to share that with them 🥺

and my dad was just so excited for me and pizza man and had so much fun getting the supplies and decorations 😭

my aunt and uncle and sister-in-law brought vịt quay (peking duck), heo quay (roast pork), gỏi tôm (shrimp salad), bánh hỏi (rice vermicelli), xôi gấc (sweet red sticky rice topped with coconut, peanuts and salt)

and pizza man’s mom and family brought lots of desserts

we have always been so amazed with how good their sweets taste and look! 🥺

we also got an ice cream cake

i wasn’t thinking and asked em to write “nicholas and amy lễ đính hôn” and they called me and were like wtf is this and i was like oh no it’s ok haha don’t worry about it! 😭🤣

we had some photos displayed but my sibling took lots of nice pictures of the whole thing!

i was happy i actually got the chance to spend time with and talk to everyone who came!

it went so well and we had so much fun that we’re thinking of doing something similar for our wedding- probably a backyard wedding haha

i was telling pizza man apparently some tea ceremonies have the first half take place at the bride’s home and then the later half is at the groom’s home 🤔

anyway reminder that leftover egg rolls can be reheated in the toaster

[bengiyo]

Moonlight Chicken Ep 8 (Finale) Stray Thoughts

This brings us to the end of finale week, and I couldn't ask for a better show to close us out.

Yesterday, Alan opted to stay with his family instead of compelling Wen to take care of him. Also, Jim and Wen went on a cute date..Jam came to the house to tell Li Ming that she wants to remarry and also wants to be a mother to him now. Li Ming did not want any of this at all because they have never been close, she didn't raise him, and be doesn't want her making decisions for him.

Meanwhile, Jim accidentally outed Li Ming to his mom as Jim struggled with his own fears and insecurities about Li Ming. He and Jam had a not-great conversation about it, and so Jim went to talk to Wen about it. Wen gave Jim some perspective, and Jim gave Wen probably the best sniff kiss we've seen in a very long time.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Hong passed away, and we spent the back half of the episode on her funeral. Khaotung destroyed us with his performances, and the funeral opened up all of the characters to think about where they are. Li Ming and Jim reconciled. Jim cleared things with Alan, who met Gaipa at the funeral. Heart and his family came to the funeral. Jim finally decided to let go of the restaurant and set down his burdens.

We just started and I'm already crying! Jim feels so much lighter now that the restaurant and Li Ming aren't weighing him down. He's also finally acting like a gay uncle. He's helping guide Jam away from Li Ming and assuring her he'll help his nephew.

Chapter 8: The Self-made House and Home

It's such a relief to see Li Ming comfortable around Jim again.

Big fan of the "Person's for Men" hoodie.

I love Wen. I want to be this bold in love.

Fourth has incredible chemistry with Lookwa. I get why they paired them twice. Jam has had a messy romantic history her son has witnessed. I get why she values his approval.

There are so many people like Gaipa, who went on to get degrees that they don't necessarily get to use. I don't think they should be ashamed of the lives they've built.

I like that Wen and Gaipa never turned nasty with each other over Jim.

This party was so sweet. Saleng is being that cousin again. Li Ming taught Heart how to cut chicken. Wen made fuck-me eyes at Jim. Jim basked in the warmth of his little family.

I like how double-speak is a constant character trait of Alan's.

Heart's mom is really trying. I'm glad they told her about the school Heart wants to attend.

Heart and Li Ming are so adorable that it almost hurts. Fourth is all about kissing the homies.

I see Earth and Fourth aren't just gonna give me a break. "When did you know yourself?" is really the question. I don't mind Li Ming not answering, but the way he answers tells me he always knew about his uncle and chose to live with him because he didn't want to figure himself out with anyone else. I'm so glad Jim reiterated that there's nothing wrong with him, even as Li Ming gives the kid answer that getting money is more important.

That hug from behind? I think that was inspired by all of the GMMTV actors hugging Aof that way. Gosh, Fourth is really a special talent.

Big fan of this last minute complication in Wen's promotion.

The "Welcome Back Foam Fest" shirt is foreshadowing Tinn's fantasy in My School President.

First and Khaotung are so powerful. They sailed an entire ship in two scenes.

Kinda like the idea of Jim with a food truck.

Oh, I'm crying because of Mark Pakin again. Leng got the necklace back, and is working well enough that Praew can focus on carrying for their son, Jason.

Jim took Wen to meet his sister's new family and called him boyfriend. Wen is giddy in his seat over it.

I said this earlier, but Lookwa and Fourth work so well together. I like how she immediately tried to use sign to thank Heart. You can see her making the decision to get the money for Li Ming to go with Heart to America.

They really did the thing with Heart and Li Ming. I see why GMMTV greenlit them for Our Skyy 2 even before My School President released.

I really love how Aof's compassion and empathy infuses his characters. Yes, Jam was not a good mother to Li Ming, but she's trying to do right by him now. Life is the future, and she's doing what she can now to help Li Ming the way he wants to be helped.

They saw the shift in demeanor when Li Ming stopped being so angry and knew that Fourth and Gemini could carry a show.

I really love Alan joining their little family at the end here. Of course Saleng is going to tease Gaipa. I also like that Wen is learning sign language as well. What a beautiful final shot.

What a pleasant epilogue. Loved the metaphor about there being nothing wrong with the DVD, and rather it just being the player. You are still capable of love. You just need to try a different player.

Final Verdict: 10, Must Watch. This was Aof's best work so far with his best cast. This show managed all of its threads flawlessly without a single missed beat. Everyone is dialed in the entire time to tell a story about the families we build and the love we bring to our communities. In so many ways this feels like Aof in conversation with Boss from I Told Sunset About You. I have such high hopes for the future of queer storytelling out of Thailand after the last week.

[smolwritingchick]

The Bangtan Gal Chapter 21- American Hustle Life Episode 4

Chapter Summary: When the next challenge has to do with rapping, Jen is quick to let Suga know about her lack of skills. Suga however, reassures her and is finally asked by her for rapping lessons.

Words: 3,000+

Genre: Yoongi and Jen fluff! YoonJen! 

-----

Since they were the losers, Jennie, Suga, Jungkook and V were on laundry duty as they made their way to the laundry mat. With the LA weather not letting up on the heat, Jennie decided to wear denim shorts and a white cold-shoulder top.

"It's hot as heck..." She grumbled, putting her hair up in a ponytail.

Jennie grabbed a bag as the four of them went inside, and headed over to the vending machine with laundry detergent. Jennie thought it was cute that the three boys were 'oohing' and 'Ahing' at the machine after they brought their laundry detergent.

While V and Suga get to work on their laundry, Jennie does her laundry next to Jungkook. Opening her washer, she dug into the brown bag. "Whoa!" She said in a surprised tone, dropping a few balls of underwear, that were not hers.

Turning to see his balls of underwear on the ground, Jungkook widened his eyes and shouted, "Ah! I'm sorry! Th-that's my bag. Th-this is yours." He quickly gave Jen her bag and hastily picked up his underwear.

"Jungkook, it's fine. Relax." She let out a giggle. "It's no big deal."

Jungkook (Aish...I cannot believe we accidentally swapped bags and she saw my underwear. I'm so embarrassed.)

Jennie (...I can't believe I accidentally touched his drawers. Hahaha. We're all a mess, today, haha.)

'Finally got their right clothes, the two teens wash their personal belongings'

Turning to see Jungkook pour in a lot of laundry soap, she grabbed the box. "U-um don't you think that's too much!? A little goes a long way, Kookie!"

"You sure? I feel like it should be more."

"No, it's way more than enough! All them bubbles!" She pointed at his laundry after he turned it on, putting in the coins.

"Wait I forgot to unball my underwear! Ah...I messed up my laundry." He groaned, looking at his laundry with disappointment.

"Kookie, you're good, they'll unroll."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. You're fine."

After putting in their laundry, Suga and Jungkook go outside. Suga had a handful of quarters in his hands, showing it off for Jungkook to film with his camera.

"Let's grab some dolls. I want to catch a doll for Jennie." He suggested while Jungkook filmed him. 

"Wonder if Suga hyung will be able to catch any dolls." Jungkook questioned as he put the coins into the machine.

"I'll try to catch a lion."

Suga danced to the cute tune of the game and ended up grabbing a tiger on the first try. "Suga hyung caught a doll! He caught a doll!" Jungkook exclaimed. "One shot, one kill!"

"Shall I catch another?" He suggested and went for another, grabbing it successfully.

"It can't be! He caught another!"

'Discovery of Suga's new talent.'

Grabbing one of the lions, Suga walked over to Jennie who was watching the TV. "Jennie, I got you something." He presented her the doll with a smile.

Gasping in surprise, she happily accepted it. "Wow! For me? Aw! Thank you! This is cute."

"Thanks for helping me with my dancing."

"Aw, you're welcome. Thanks, Suga. I love it." She stood to kiss him on the cheek.

While Jungkook and V play around with a ball that Jungkook won from one of the games, Jennie and Suga head over to the ice cream shop.

"I'll let you try to order this time," Jennie told him as he managed to order three separate ice creams and blueberry water ice for her. "Good job!"

"Though I can't speak English, I still think I can survive in America." He declared.

"I agree, you're doing well."

Grabbing her cherry water ice, she and Suga headed back to meet up with V and Jungkook who were still playing games, inside. 

"Kids, hyung brought ice cream for you guys!" Suga announced.

"Wah, daebak." Jungkook turned around. While the three guys ate their ice cream cones, Jennie happily ate spoonfuls of her water ice. "Jennie, can I try some of that?"

"Mm hm. Go ahead." She scooped up a spoonful and fed it to him. "Do you like it?"

Smiling, he nodded. "It's really good!"

"I want some!" V shouted, bumping Jungkook out of the way.

"Hyung!" He shouted.

"I want to taste it, too." Suga walked up to her.

"One at a time! Jeesh." She laughed and fed the both of them a spoonful. 

Agreeing with Jungkook, the cherry water ice was really tasty.

After the laundry was done, Jungkook realized that his balls of underwear had unrolled. "Wow, you were right!"

"Told ya! Jennie knows best." She patted him on the back and put her clothes in the dryer.

Hearing laughter, she turned her head to V and Suga. "Hahah! Jennie! Suga put the coins in the wrong dryer." V laughed.

"Suga you had one job." She chuckled softly and walked over to them with Jungkook.

"Don't you think Jungkook has changed a little?" V pointed out.

"He got a tan," Suga observed.

"I've put on weight! I've been eating a lot since we reached here so I got fat." Jungkook says on his camera. "I'll lose it later."

"Boy, where? Where's the fat?" Jennie looked around, trying to find what he was talking about, making him laugh.

After their laundry was dry, the four of them cheer. Carrying her bag of laundry, Jungkook approached her as he carried his own. "Jennie, I can carry that for you, if you want."

"You're such a gentleman, today. Thank you." She said with appreciation, handing him the bag. "Y'know, I feel like you want something. You're so nice, today."

Looking down, he stuttered, "N-no reason."

"Ha, I'm just teasing. I appreciate you carrying my bag for me. Your good deeds have not gone unnoticed."

Looking up at her, he smiled cockily. "Well of course, as expected by your awesome best friend."

"Yeah...don't push it." She deadpanned. Almost instantly, they both end up laughing.

Back at the dorm, Jennie watched Jin and J-Hope cook and heard Jin complain that his eyes were burning while cooking the onions. "Are the onions from overseas originally this strong?" He asked, trying to adjust his burning eyes.

"Yep, the onions over here will do that," Jennie replied. J-Hope called her and Rap Monster over to try out the cheese sticks that he made.

"Try it out!" He handed her a cheese stick. She took a big bite and so did Rap Monster. "It's not too bad, right?"

"Um...it's ight." She shrugged.

"It's nothing special." Rapmon bluntly replied and walked away, making J-Hope laugh out of embarrassment.

After Jin finished his cooking, he fed it to all the members. Grabbing another forkful, he blew on it and fed it to Jennie.

Rap Monster cringed. "What did you put in it?"

"Ham!" Jin replied, while Jimin and Jungkook ate the meal deliciously. Jin's statement makes Rap Monster and Suga walk away.

"Eh...it's okay. It's an interesting taste." She mentioned.

"You DARE insult my cooking!?" Jin playfully yelled at her.

"I'm sorry!"

"I was going to bake you cookies, but no more cookies for you."

"What the-JIN! Wow! I'll remember that when you want me to make my cupcakes!" She walked away to meet up with Suga and Rap Monster. "Hey, do you two want cupcakes?"

Jin widened his eyes. "C-cupcakes!? Your Valentine's Day cupcakes? Jennie! I'm sorry! Come back!"

The guys just laugh at his freak out. "Looks like more cupcakes for me~" Jimin grinned.

"NO. I'm getting my own batch!" Jungkook bragged.

"No, you're not! I am!"

-----

Later on, that day, the eight of them were walking around Long Island Beach, when a limo showed up to reveal Warren G.

"Hey! What's up, man?" He greeted.

"Holy..." Jennie murmured, feeling her stomach drop.

"Oh, my God!" J-Hope looked on.

"It's Warren G." Suga exclaimed.

'The starters of G-funk and hip hop legend, Warren G'

'Dr Dre's younger brother'

Jennie (THIS IS FRIGGIN AWESOME!)

Jin (I thought it was someone rich that was passing by and just greeting us.)

Suga (Someone that I've seen on the internet and getting to see him before my eyes.)

V (I was drooling)

Jimin (Was he really Warren G? A foreigner comes up to us and claims that he's Warren G, of course, I'd be a little suspicious.)

After getting into the limo, and greeting Warren G, they ride around LA.

"Hey, check this out. We're getting ready to go on a mission, we're gonna go around my neighborhood. Imma show y'all where I grew up at, where I came from. This is where a lot of it all started. Where, I'm gonna take you. Where the roots started. Me, Snoop, Nate Dogg." Warren G explained.

"I've known him as a legendary personality," Jimin added

"He is a legend." Rap Monster praised.

"A lot of people call me a legend. But I'm still a little bit young, maybe at 50, 60 years old, then I could say I'm a legend. But right now, I'm just doing what I do." Warren G mentioned.

"This is our first time meeting you so we'd like to greet you the Korean way," Rapmon said in English.

"Imma get my phone so that I can get this." Warren G took out his phone to record as they did their greeting. Once they arrived at VIP, he mentioned, "This is VIP. This is where a lot of things started, right here. A lot of good music, a lot of good people."

"Welcome to Long Beach." The cashier greeted them as soon as they walked inside.

Jennie looked around, in awe. "All these records...amazing."

Jennie (Man, my dad would love this.)

"You guys want a long beach hat?" Warren G asked

"Of course!" Jennie and Rap Monster happily accept his offer.

"Imma buy them a Long Beach hat. Y'all each get a Long Beach hat."

"Wow, he's buying us the hats." Rap Monster translated as the guys said whoa and freaked out.

Back in the limo, they continued to ride around as Rap Monster asked him some questions. "What songs did you record there?"

"We did a couple of demo songs. Before we were known. When I actually played it for Dr.Dre, which is my brother, he liked it so he invited us to the studio." Warren G answered.

"How did you, Snoop and Nate get together when you were young?"

"We went to elementary school together."

"They were friends in elementary school and they ended up becoming such legends?" Jimin exclaimed.

Warren G took them to 21st Lewis where they shot their album cover. 

"Yo....that's insane..." Jennie shook her head in disbelief.

Jennie (I still can't really speak because I'm so overwhelmed with amazement.)

"I used to stay down here, so I'll take y'all this way." Warren G walks around with them. Pointing to the house, he says, "This is where I lived at. See that house, right there? Right there, that's where I grew up. This is where we started. Right here, we used to get picked up and taken to all the rich areas and we'd sell candy, candy out the grocery store and stuff like that."

'Giving details about his past and growing up, right where it happened.'

'It's not easy to talk about one's life through music! It's a real experience! BTS, I'm jealous!' 

Walking to another area, Warren G pointed out that this was where they filmed Who Am I. "We shot that right in here. They put the wall up here, now. So, they blocked it off, all this used to be open. It was railroad tracks. We shot the video, right here. There was, one, two, three of us just standing here."

After their tour, they're dropped off. "We had a good time, today. You know, we had a lot of good fun. Check this out guys, I got a mission for you, guys."

"Please let it be easy." Suga murmured.

"I want you guys to write the lyrics to regulate. I want each one of you guys to tell your own life story. So, you do your own version to regulate. Good luck. Much love, baby!" He left.

Jennie (I can't wait to tell my dad that I met Warren G and got to get something from VIP.)

"He wants us to write our own lyrics to regulate." Rap Monster said

Jennie (I'm extremely nervous. I don't want to let Suga down. I feel bad, I'm nowhere near the rap line's level. What am I going to do?)

'In separate unit groups, challenge of writing regulate's lyrics'

Jennie and Suga walk around and decide to go to a local park. Luckily there were a lot of trees and they sat on the grass, under the shade.

"All right, let's get started." Suga took out his notebook. Jennie took out her phone and started listening to Warren G's Regulate, feeling more nervous about the beat of the song. "You all right? You look nervous."

"Sorry, I just don't want to let you down."

"What do you mean?"

"Well because of my lack of rapping skills."

Suga let out a chuckle. "I felt the same when we were dancing together, but look at how we soared. We'll be fine. What did you do in your old group in America?"

"Singing. I never rapped. My old friend, Angelina, she did that. Not me."

"Well now, we'll change that since you're in BTS."

"Easier said than done."

"Smartie, cut it out." He sighed as he grabbed onto her hand to squeeze it. "You're important to me. You're important to us all. Stop beating yourself up. You're going to be fine, so stop worrying. You're going to give me a headache." He placed a hand on top of her hand and then took out his headphones to pull up the song on his phone.

"Yoongi?"

"What?"

"Thank you." She nodded as a small smirk came across his lips.

"Let's get started."

They both begin to write down some lyrics. "How am I going to convert this into lyrics?" She turned her head to him.

"Continue writing it as an explanation about your life that you personally think of. I'll fix it around for you later."

"Okay, I'll do that."

After writing, Suga turned his attention to her and asked what she had come up with. Once she handed her the work, he nodded and worked his magic to put it into lyrics. Afterward, he put up the instrumental of Regulate and gave Jennie her lyrics back.

"Let me see how you rap." He gestured as she nodded and looked at her written lyrics.

15, scared and at the Big Hit audition

Just a little girl with a big ambition

"Make sure you increase your punctuation." He reminded her. She took his advice and tried again, and he nodded in approval. After rapping her verse five times, he gave her pointers every time and she kept his words of wisdom in mind as she tried again.

Suga (She learns quick. She's committed. She still has a long way to go, but she's getting the hang of it.)

"I was also going to research and listen to the female rappers I would listen to when I was younger. That should also help me." She told him.

Suga (Jennie doesn't give herself the credit she deserves. I'm confident that we'll win the challenge.)

After the practice, they decided to walk back to the dorm. "Great job, today. You're learning fast. You'll be fine for the challenge. Don't worry."

"Thanks. Um, I actually wanted to tell you something."

"Shoot."

"I just wanted to say that I really admire you. Your rapping is just friggin awesome. I would love to be on your level one day."

Letting out a chuckle, he stopped and turned her around to face her. "Jennie, if you're serious about rapping, I'll give you lessons."

Taken aback by his sudden offer, she widened her eyes, stuttering, "H-how'd you know!?"

"I overheard you saying it a bunch of times. I was just waiting for you to ask me. So, ask me, properly." He grinned.

"I know but we're busy making songs and we're going to be promoting again, soon."

"I'll make time for you. We'll make it work." He reassured her.

"Seriously?"

"Yeah. We can start once we go back to Korea. Just prepare that we're going at a slow pace. You won't rap like Lil Kim or any of the other female rappers you like, overnight."

"Thank you!" She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him, tightly. He sighed and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"I would like to not get suffocated." He teased with a chuckle. "But before I teach you, I want you to ask me properly."

Releasing him, she beamed, "Suga, will you please give me rapping lessons, so that one day, maybe in a few years or so, I could rap with you and the rap line?"

Smiling, he nodded. "Yes. I'll teach you. Just know that I'm going to be blunt with you. I'm not going to go easy on you. And it's going to take a lot of time and dedication. I take this seriously. You know that."

"Understood."

Jennie (Woo hoo!)

Later, that day, back in the dorm, Jennie walked in, trying to find Suga. "Suga, I was thinking we could-" She stopped once she saw him asleep on the bed, that she sleeps in. "Ah, he's on my bed. I guess I'll just chill on the couch."

"...You talk too much. Get up here. I don't feel like moving. Let's take a nap, rejuvenate ourselves and we'll get back to work." He murmured.

"Oh, okay." She climbed up on her bed and got under the covers with him.

"Don't move so much...hurry up and get comfortable."

"Listen you! You are the one that's on MY bed. I can move if I want to."

"I won't hesitate to push you off."

"Rude, I swear..." she let out a laugh. Comfortable, rested on his chest. 

"Your hair smells, good." She could feel the vibration of his chest, making her snort.

"Wow, is that the best pickup line, you can think of? I just moisturized my hair," she replied with amusement. 

"Yeah, yeah, yeah...it smells nice."

"Take a nap, Suga."

"You're one to talk."

-----

The next day, the eight members head into Warren G's recording studio and greet him. "What's poppin?" Jimin greeted in English.

"What's poppin? So how are you guys feeling today?" Warren G asked.

"I'm nervous."

"It's all good. I gave you guys a challenge the other day to write your lyrics to regulate. I want to know what some of the challenges you guys face were in doing so."

"That we had no time?" Suga added

"I can understand that."

"My challenge is that it's regulate." Rap Monster mentioned. "It's like Warren G's life song, so there was some burden to us. Like this is regulate, it's like this song."

"Yeah, but once you tell your story over, it becomes you. That's real cool, man. Time for the good stuff. It's time to see what you guys came up with. And the first group that we're going to roll with is Jungkook and V."

Jennie nodded once she heard V rap.

"Living each and every day tiresomely, we're Peter Pans who grew. Even if time passes by like this, we won't become adults."

Jennie (Okay V...I see you...)

"All right, Suga and Miss Jennifer. Y'all ready?" Warren G asked as they head into the studio.

Jennie took out her phone to look at her lyrics.

Jennie (I'm freaking out...I hope I successfully rap my verse and things go smoothly. It's all or nothing. Let's do this thing.)

Putting the headphones on, she exhaled and started to listen to the beat. 

Suga squeezed her hand. "You got this." He reassured and she nodded.

All nervousness aside, she got serious and began to rap in a strong voice, just like Suga advised her.

15, scared and at the Big Hit audition

Just a little girl with a big ambition

Flew to Seoul

And met my goal

I was a trainee for the shortest amount of time

Critics thought I wasn't ready and wasn't at my prime

I took a lot of Ls lemme add some wins

Day and night, 24 hours, every day

Our work is never done, this ain't child's play

Sleep deprived, but the future is always on my mind

No matter what they say, I'll always be on my grind

My curly hair is a mess

But I'm never stressed

And let me just address that I'm here to stay

You want me on my way

But not today!

I'm still the Bangtan Girl

So I'm sorry bae!

Suga smiled to himself as he listened to her. She did well, as he started his rap. Meanwhile with the guys, watching in surprise, Rap Monster widened his eyes at the roughness in her voice and the attitude she had at the end of her verse. What happened? She looked so serious.

Rap Monster (I...I'm astonished at how Suga turned her into a different person in just a day. ONE day. Wow. If she wants to learn how to rap and maybe be a part of the rap line, let her go for it. I'm looking forward to seeing how she does in a year.)

"The dream I had during my 10s that was definite at a young age. Because I fell for that, the door of my future was unclear." Suga continued to rap his verse.

"That's a wrap!" Warren G said as they walked out.

Jennie (Huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I feel good.)

"Uh, Rap Monster, you okay?" Jennie nervously chuckled because he kept staring at her.

"Suga, what did you do to her?" He exclaimed while Suga laughed.

"I did what I had to do so we can try to win this. Haha." Suga explained. "Because I really had no time, I was in the bathroom this morning." He tells a bit too much information about how he was writing his lyrics in the bathroom.

"You didn't need to tell everyone that." She laughed

"Yeah, you don't need to be so descriptive." Rap Monster sighed

"I was really quite tight on time."

'Suga who is explaining his restless situation due to worrying'

"It sounds like you guys are nailing it. It sounds good to me. I'm looking at the lyrics and seeing how you two delivered. For such a short time, that was nice." Warren G praised.

"Thank you so much." Jennie grinned and high fived Suga.

"I told you that you could do it." He revealed his gummy smile.

After the rest of them went and were praised by Warren G, he finally made his decision on who won the challenge. "It's time for me to pick the winner. Like I said, it's so hard because I like all of you, guys. Very talented. This is going to be my gift for all of you guys. But what I want to do is do a beat for you guys to do a song to. Whatever album y'all doing or whatever you guys are doing, I wanna do some music for you guys."

Jennie (NO WAY! Honored!)

"Oh, my god, thank you!" J-Hope said and clapped with everyone.

"But as far as this picking goes, I like all of y'all man. So, it's really hard for me to pick. But once again, I gotta go with Suga and Jennie."

"YAY!" Suga started jumping up and down, dancing around while Jennie fist pumped the air.

"WOO!"

'Team Fierce wins'

"I couldn't have done it without you, Suga. Thank you." She hugged him.

"Congratulations. And you know, like I said, it was good working with all of you guys." Warren G said and signed two of his Regulate albums for them.

Jennie (I didn't know we were going to get signed albums! I wanted to keep it for myself, but then I was thinking about my dad and I know how much he loves hip hop, way more to me, that's for sure. He loves everyone, Warren G, Snoop Dogg, and all the rappers. And I know it'll make his day if I give this to him. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I can't wait to see his face when I give him this.)

"Thank you, I'm giving it to my dad. He loves his hip hop, he's so passionate about it. And when I give him this, he's going to flip out. Thank you so much, Warren G. Can we take a picture together and send a video to my dad?" she asked.

"Yeah, of course."

[rei-does-stuff]

Don’t be a coward.

France x America

This gives me an excuse to put my fic abt them here!

Context My France and America aren’t related like most other peoples hcs bc I’m an annoying contrarian

And I find the will they won’t they dynamic, friendly flirting between them a way funner dynamic, they aren’t together but they’re definitely at least a little into each other even if they won��t act on it

UK hates it bc hes hopelessly in love with france even tho she DOES NOT like him in the slightest like at all, like 0% like he is NEVER GONNA WIN HER EVER

Okay? Okay time for the bad fanfic now <3

—

Already the UK found this party atmosphere stifling, being a literal demon from hell usually had its perks but being the only who couldn’t get drunk wasn’t one of them. And god he wished he could drink away the sight before him.

“Oh Amé! You look ridiculous! Do you even know how to wear a tux properly? I swear the only thing you even know how to wear are those ugly sunglasses!” France teased.

“Ugly? Oh now you’re just insulting my poor heart! It’s very fragile, you know?” America said, feigning offense.

“Oh I bet, is that why you can’t even button your shirt properly?” France said as she went close to fix America’s clothes herself.

“Well if you have so many opinions maybe you should just dress me yourself?” America told her with a wink.

“Maybe I should, you’d look a lot better.”

“Oh so I already do look good?”

“Oh don’t flatter yourself, god knows your ego is big enough.” France laughed as she handed America a pocket mirror. “There we go, you look a million times better!”

“Well look at that! I guess ya have some talent!” America said as he looked at himself with France’s mirror.

“Don’t push your luck with me.”

“Oo scary! You could kill me that with that stare!” America teased.

“I hope I can, wipe that smug smile off your face for once!”

“Can’t help it with that priceless reaction of yours Frenchy! Why don’t I get you another glass of wine as a thank you gift? Hm?”

“Oh now you’re just trying to bribe me!” France scoffed.

“I didn’t hear a no!”

“Oh shut up! Hurry up, I don’t like waiting you know? Better make it two, as an apology for having to deal with you.”

“You got it baby!”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Can’t hear you, getting your wine!” America called out as he goes off to get France her wine. UK could have sworn he saw her smile a little.

As America went over to the bar he could see the UK glaring at him. “Woah, what’s with the scary look old man?” He asked.

“You did that on purpose didn’t you?”

“Did what?”

“Dress all ridiculous! You were trying to get her attention, that’s cheap even for you!” The UK said bitterly.

“Uh? Duh? It worked didn’t it? You sound angry man!” America almost immediately realized what was going on though. Surprising, for him. “Ohh right, you’re like really into France aren’t you? Oh you must’ve been pretty pissed huh? Ha! Oh man, I was wondering why you were creep-watching us you weirdo!” He laughed.

“You’re not funny.”

“She doesn’t think so! Oh don’t look at me like that, I’m not gonna do anything like THAT. I ain’t into French girls.” America said nonchalantly.

“So what’s even the point?”

“Uh? Because I’m a grown ass man who can do whatever the hell he wants. Plus knowing it pisses you makes me wanna do it even more? Maybe I should sleep with her now honestly….Relax! Relax! Stop death glaring at me I’m only kidding!”

“What the hell does she even see in you? You’re a mess!” The UK exclaimed.

“A hot, funny, charming mess! That’s my appeal! Sorry to say but most women aren’t into sad bitter old men dude.” America said.

“I can be charming!”

“Can you though? I mean even Germany can get a date and he’s not even into that crap!” America said, he looked back at France who looked like she was getting impatient. “Ah shit! Gotta run, look man, instead of sitting here brooding and watching us like a weirdo, try to do something! Or I dunno, maybe try getting with someone else cause she is INTO me!” He laughed as he left with the wine.

UK growled seeing them talking, but the twat’s words did kick in, probably wasn’t a good idea to keep staring at him, if he was gonna get France’s attention be was gonna have to try harder…

But for now the sight of them together was making him sick enough to leave, tomorrow though? He’d make sure that American stood no chance against him.

—

Basically UK gets cucked, the fic! Not that great but I haven’t written ch stuff in a bit so shhhhh

[libraryledge]

A Part of My Story (A Reimagined Tale Set in the World of Wonka) Part 7

Author's Note: Thank you to everybody who has shown love to my writing. So far, this story has been told from the perspective of the girl and her encounters with Wonka, but what if we explore how Wonka feels about her? Enjoy his side of the story.

“It’s official! You finally learned the alphabet.” a voice rang melodically in my ears. The voice belonged to a girl about my age with wavy brown hair and chocolate brown eyes. She smiled at me as she waved her arms in the air, in a celebratory manner.

I couldn’t help but grin at her display of excitement.”Yes! I did. Didn't I?” I responded, matching her enthusiasm. The girl clapped her hands.

“I’m really proud of you, Willy. You’re a fast learner!” she said.

“Well you are a good teacher. I’m glad you were patient enough to help me out.” I responded sincerely.

This girl came into my life on a snowy winter night. Despite only knowing her for a few months, I now considered her one of my closest friends. She was wickedly smart and imaginative. I prided myself for my creativity when it came to making chocolate, but she was on another level. Her talent for storytelling was unmatched. Each night before bed she’d sit by the window adding onto her story about a young boy named Charlie and the quirky characters he’d meet on his journey.

“We should celebrate!” she said, her smile growing even wider. “How’s your schedule looking for tonight at about 7:35pm?” she asked, rocking on the balls of her feet, a habit that I exhibited myself when I was nervous. In her case, I doubted her movement was stemming from nerves because she was usually quite confident and outgoing. 

“That’s a very specific time, but I don’t have any plans,” I replied, curious to see what she was cooking up.

“Perfect! Then I am inviting you to the movies,” she responded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “There’s a new Fred Astaire movie, and I’m dying to see it.” 

I’d never been to the movies, and I had no idea who Fred Astaire was, but I wasn’t going to give up a chance to spend a fun night out with a dear friend. 

“Ok. It’s a date,” I said. Then my eyes widened, as I realized that may have sounded too forward.

“It’s a date,” she repeated, oblivious to my blunder. She walked out of the room, on her way to complete an errand in town, leaving me behind with flustered cheeks.

I was really looking forward to tonight. It was a much needed time off after an eventful couple of months. I’d made tremendous sales from my chocolate. Word got around after our success with Colin and Barbara at Brandino’s restaurant. The couple quickly tied the knot after Colin got his confidence back, and they were currently on a honeymoon adventure in America. People here in London were eager to try my latest delicacies, and I had to rush to meet their demand, all while avoiding the vigilance of the chief of police. 

Luckily this lovely girl aided me with the process. She was great with helping me gather the ingredients, no matter how random the procedure was. I didn’t know many people that would milk a giraffe to help a fellow out. She took part in the taste testing, and even though she wouldn't admit it, I knew it was her favorite part. Her eyes would light up each time she took a bite out of my latest inventions. 

Amidst it all, she made time every night to read to me and help me memorize the alphabet. Reading was something I never had the opportunity to learn because unlike most people my age, I grew up on a boat, and when my mother passed away, I relied on the kindness of strangers to help me get by. Until I arrived at the wash house I’d never stayed at a place long enough to make friends. Now, I considered Noodle to be like a younger sister and this girl, whom I shared a room with was the best companion I could have asked for.

Later that night, I put on my favorite plum colored coat over my usual waistcoat and scarf. I brushed my hair, which was usually curly, but tonight it was extra frizzy since I’d spent the afternoon hunched over the heat of a small pot, working on a batch of one of my most popular treats: Sweet Romance Truffles. The idea for this treat came from my adventures in Paris, where love flowed from every street corner. I enjoyed watching the tenderness that couples exhibited towards one another, and I wanted to bottle up the sensation for everyone to enjoy. 

I, myself, had never experienced romance, but was truly captivated by the idea of love. In Paris, I watched couples sneak kisses under street lamps and hold hands as they took a stroll, but I’d also witnessed arguments and frustration when things went south. However, I admired how love always drove them to learn from their mistakes and grow as people.  When I let the girl I’d met here in London try one of the treats, she asked me if they could make two people fall in love. I told her that a candy alone couldn’t do that, but rather my treat intensified the romantic feelings someone already had. She’d grown quiet and nodded, as she enjoyed the treat. I wondered if she had someone back home that she had feelings for. She never talked about things like that, and even though it was none of my business, I couldn’t help wondering.

I was lost in thought, when I heard a knock at the door. 

“Willy, are you ready?”came a voice from behind me. 

I turned and saw the girl standing there. She was wearing brown pants and a matching brown cardigan with a patterned scarf around her neck. I loved the way that she dressed because even though we didn’t have a lot of money, she always found a way to avoid conformity and express her unique style.

“Ready Freddy!” I joked as I placed my top hat on my head and held out my arm for her in a playful act of chivalry. I was surprised when she smiled and looped her arm through mine. 

“Someone’s excited to go watch Fred Astaire,” she joked and I smiled back at her.

“Actually, I don't know much about Fred Astaire. You’re going to have to enlighten me,” I replied as we snuck out of the wash house and walked towards the local theater.”

I didn’t think her smile could get any larger, but it did. “Oh! He’s incredible. He’s a dancer and an actor and there’s almost no one who can put on a show like he can,” she replied.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you have a crush on him,” I teased and watched as her cheeks turned an adorable shade of pink. She bumped me with her side, in jest.

“Back home there was only one theater near me, and even though my family didn’t have a lot of money, I’d save up what little we had to watch a film there once in a while. Fred Astaire’s dance movies were always my favorite. The way he charmed an audience always excited me,” she stopped and looked at me for a brief second before inspecting her shoes. “He kind of reminds me of you,”

“Me?” I asked in surprise. “I’m definitely not a dancer. Aspiring world-renowned chocolate maker perhaps.”

She chuckled. “I don’t mean in the dancing aspects, You possess a certain charm. I see the way you talk to Noodle, the townspeople, and even complete strangers. Even the way you deal with Scrubbit and Bleacher or the chief of police is admirable.”

I felt my own cheeks grow warm and I adjusted my top hat in an attempt to cast a shadow over my flushed face. Was she implying that I was charming? Somehow the thought of that filled my chest with a sudden warmth.

If she noticed my flustered reaction, she didn’t comment on it. Instead, she tugged lightly on my arm and said, “Come on! Let’s go! We don’t want to be late.”

The rest of the way to the theater, my heart was pounding with excitement. When we arrived at the ticket window, I offered to pay for the tickets, but she refused.

“I’ll pay. I invited you to celebrate. Remember?” she said as she whisked us into the theater.

The inside was unlike any place that I’d ever been to. There were rows and rows of seats, and I watched as people chattered quietly with one another before they sat down. My companion decided to pick a pair of seats in the middle of the theater. We had barely settled into our seats when the lights dimmed and a large screen in front of us lit up to display a man in a top hat, much like my own. She nudged me and gestured towards the screen as if to say “See I told you!”

I smiled and shifted my attention back to the screen.

The film was named, Never Were You Lovelier, and it was about a dancer played by Fred Astaire who traveled to Argentina in order to escape his vices. Along the way he falls in love with a woman, who is hesitant to accept his advances. The man goes through so many absurd situations in order to get her attention, but she is not ready to commit. However, they eventually patch things up, realize they’re meant to be, and get married. The entire plot reminded me of the situation with Colin and Barbara. I wondered if whoever wrote this film had witnessed a similar occurrence. I always thought that the best stories came when authors pulled from their personal experiences and created an entirely new world from it. 

After the film, the girl next to me was grinning from ear to ear. I loved seeing her smile. It was so much better than seeing her face crumpled in tears, like the day that Mr. Doux-Amer rejected her story. It broke my heart to see her believe that her dream had fallen to pieces, but I was so happy to see her pick her pen back up and keep writing. In fact she’d been working nonstop for the past few weeks.

“So what did you think of your first movie?” she asked me as we walked out of the theater into the cool night air.

“I loved it! I can understand why you’re in love with Fred Astaire.” I said coyly, watching as she rolled her eyes at me. 

“I’m not in love with Fred Astaire! How can I have an emotional attachment to someone I don’t know in real life?” she said, trying to hide a smile.

I shrugged playfully “It’s not unheard of. I have an emotional attachment to the characters that you write.”

She couldn’t keep her smile back any longer. “It’s funny you say that because there may be more coming soon.”

“Oh?” I responded, curious to learn more.

“Yesterday, when you were out in town, selling chocolate, I plucked up the courage to go back to Mr. Doux-Amer’s publishing office.” she said.

I raised my eyebrows in surprise and replied, “Really?”

She nodded. “I brought him a rough draft of what I have written so far and what I plan to add to it. I think he really liked it. He told me that if I can get him a full draft by the beginning of next month, there’s a good chance that he can publish it!” She beamed from ear to ear as she broke the news to me.

“That’s incredible! I’m so proud of you!” I replied, overcome with a wave of emotions. I threw my arms around her and wrapped her in a tight embrace. At first she was surprised by my sudden gesture, but she returned my embrace with a tight squeeze. She smelled sweet, and none of the candy in my travel case could compare.

As we pulled apart, she gave me a serious look “You want to know what the best part was? I wasn’t scared. In the back of my mind, I knew that another rejection was possible, but I was more focused on making him understand why my story should be published.”

“What did you tell him?” I asked.

“I told him that I’ve been working on this story for a long time, but until recently I didn’t know what its purpose was. Obviously, I want to get my work out there, but I was writing without a reason as to why. I realized that writing is my way of putting hope back into an often dreary world. I write when I feel alone, when I miss my family, or experience uncertainty. I write about what I want to see in the world. Compassion. Patience. Love.” she said and smiled at me before continuing.

“I want kids like Noodle and my sister, who have a tough life, to read my stories and realize that even if thunderclouds bring a hard rain, each one has a silver lining.” she continued.

I felt my heart skip a beat. Was she alluding to my chocolates?

‘I told him that a very wise person taught me that.” she said, as she looked into my eyes

“Me?” I asked, almost in a whisper. 

She nodded. “I wouldn’t have had the motivation to keep writing my book if you hadn’t encouraged me. It baffles me how easily you bring joy to every place that you visit. We’re staying in a rundown laundry house and from the moment I got there, you made me feel at ease.” 

I felt myself blush, and this time there was no way to hide it. She definitely noticed because she gave me a sweet smile in return.

It didn’t happen often, but I was speechless. Here she was telling me how much of a difference I’d made in her life, and she had no idea how much of an impact she’d made on mind. Before meeting her, I’d spent countless hours traveling alone to collect ingredients for my next creation. While I absolutely loved it, there was a newfound joy that came with going on that journey with someone else.

“I’ve never had a friend my age, much less one who is willing to put herself through the wildest predicaments to support my dreams. The last person that I ever felt this type of connection with was Mama.” I said, and I felt the tears prickling in my eyes.

“Aww Willy! Don’t cry!” she exclaimed as she took her scarf off and patted my cheek dry of the tears that began to flow. At that moment, I felt overcome with emotion. Her gesture was intimate yet innocently tender. All I wanted to do in that moment was-

She placed a kiss on my cheek, taking me by surprise. Her lips felt warm against my skin, and her sweet smell filled my lungs once more. 

“Your Mama would be so proud of you.” she whispered.

I sniffed and gave her a grateful smile. “Thank you. Actually, there’s something of hers that I wanted to show with you.” I said as I pulled out a small chocolate bar from my coat pocket. 

“This is the last gift that I got from her before she passed. She’d spend the entire year collecting cocoa beans, until she had enough to make a treat for my birthday. I was never ready to eat it, until now. I think she’d want us to enjoy it together.” I said and my voice wavered a bit.

She gave me a heartfelt look as tears welled in her own eyes. “Darn it Willy. Now you’re going to make me cry.” she said with a chuckle.

I slowly unwrapped the chocolate bar, and was surprised when a small piece of gold paper was situated between the wrapper and the candy. I inspected it and saw a message scrawled upon it in Mama’s handwriting. I showed the paper to my companion.

"Can you read it to me please?" I asked her.

"Of course. I'd be happy to," she said, with a nod as she read:

The secret is it’s not the chocolate that matters

I flipped over the paper to reveal another message 

It’s the people you share it with.

At that point, I was in tears once more. I always wanted to know what Mama’s secret to creating such wonderful chocolate was. It turned out that it wasn’t about getting some wacky ingredients or making treats that could make a person levitate or grow in confidence. Instead, it was about the people that the treats were shared with. I knew that I wouldn’t be unable to get a coherent sentence out without bawling, so I handed the gold paper to the girl next to me. She looked over it once more, with a heartfelt look across her face.

“Oh! Willy, this is beautiful.” she said, her eyes glistening.

I took the chocolate bar out of the wrapper and admired a gold letter “W” written in Mama’s signature style upon the top of the treat. I broke a piece off of the candy, took the girl’s hand, and placed the sweet on it. 

“There’s no one I’d rather share this with.” I told her, and I watched as her cheeks flushed, an endearing shade of pink. I held up my piece of chocolate to her in a toast and she returned the gesture. 

I placed the treat in my mouth and felt it melt upon my tongue. The chocolate was rich and sweet, just like this moment. I wanted them both to last forever. 

As if she read my mind, she said, “This is incredible.”, her eyes sparkling. 

Maybe it was the serotonin from the chocolate or the emotion of finally discovering Mama’s secret, but something drove me to take a step closer to her. I placed my hand on her cheek. We were both about the same height, so our eyes lines aligned. As we locked eyes, I raised an eyebrow to wordlessly question, “May I?” She nodded, and I felt my heart pounding as I leaned in closer. 

I tilted my head and leaned in. I could feel her chocolate scented breath upon my own. I inched in closer and closer until-

“WONKA!”

Scared out of my wits, I jumped back in surprise. I turned around, only to see the chief of police staring down at me intensely. My face was blazing hot.

“No public displays of affection! Don’t forget you still owe me from disturbing the peace yesterday by selling chocolate in town.” said the chef with a look of immense annoyance. I watched as creases formed on his forehead while he frowned at me. Normally, I’d have a snazzy comeback prepared for situations like this, but I was still reeling from the fact that I’d almost had my first kiss to respond to him.

“But sir!” said the girl next to me, her own face still rosy. “Have you ever tried one of his chocolates?”

The chief of police rolled his eyes. “Like Wonka would ever share his creations with me.” 

His words took me aback. I’d never thought of sharing my treats with the chief. I was usually too busy running from him to avoid another citation. I reached into my pocket for Mama’s candy bar. 

“Well Mama, let’s put your secret to the test,” I thought to myself as I cut a small piece off of the treat and handed it to the chief.

“Here. Try it. You’ll love it.” I said, crossing my fingers behind my bag in anticipation. I watched as the chief’s face morphed from a contorted look of disgust to one of pleasure.

“You made this?” the chief of police said in disbelief.

“Actually, my mother made this one, but now, I follow her example and create my own sweets,” I said sincerely. I took off my top hat and pulled out a small jar of pink and brown treats. I always carried around chocolate with me, specifically for moments like this.

“Here you can try these. It’s a new recipe I’m working on. It’s called a Broadway Chocolate, and it’s meant to add a bit of music to a person’s day. You can let me know what you think about it next time you see me disturbing the peace in town.” I said with a shrug.

The chief of police stared at me intensely, and much to my surprise he began to chuckle. 

“Wonka, you really are something.” he said, turning to look at the girl next to me. “Keep an eye on this one.” 

She began to laugh as well. “I’ll do my best.” she said, winking at me.

At that moment, I knew she meant it. She brought me more joy than any sweet treat ever could. That was saying something as my aspirations lay in the creation of candy. Watching as she exchanged comedic remarks with the chief, my heart swelled. Maybe it was too early to determine, but something inside of me knew that I never wanted her to leave my side. Mama was right. Chocolate is better when it is shared, and there was no one, but this wonderful girl that I wanted to share it with.

[vkelleyart]

Story Time: Get a load of what happened to me at Starbucks today.

There’s a running joke among people who know me personally that I unwittingly go out in public with a sign on my forehead stating “I Am Non-Threatening. Come Talk To Me.” Because if there’s a chance a bizarre conversation with a total stranger is going to happen, I’m typically the person it happens to.

Some context: I have been pretty darn sick this week. (It’s not Coronavirus, don’t worry.) Since the work in my queue for my day job is comprised entirely of audio narration right now, and I currently sound like a waterlogged Demi Moore, I haven’t been able to work these last couple of days. As a result, I’ve been using my down time to knock out as much of Manu’s redesign as possible. Today, to ensure I didn’t spend the day languishing in sinus misery, I medicated the crap out of myself and took Manu to the Starbucks down the block from my son’s day care.

I hit the bathroom, then picked an empty table, but as soon as I sat down with my venti Comfort Tea and started tweaking the inks on my iPad, I felt the eyes of the man next to me looking over my shoulder.

When I looked up, he had his phone out. “I’m sorry,” he said (in a thick accent I couldn’t place geographically), “I don’t want to disturb. I notice you art. You are artist!”

I tried to smile. “Yes, I’m... Well, I’m trying to be,” I croaked.

He leaned in, like he was sharing a secret.

“I am artist, too.”

He stuck out his hand.

I gently took it, grateful for the bathroom trip I just took in which I washed the scourge off of my fingers.

“Can I?” he asked, holding his phone up.

“Take a picture? Uh... sure,” I said. It’s not like he would be able to steal Manu out from under me or anything, I figured. The panel I was tweaking was magnified out to Guam.

“I am artist. Architect and Designer,” he clarified while he steadied his phone over my iPad. “I am Ilker. What is your name?”

“I’m Venessa” I said, trying to be polite. This, I thought warily, is precisely how I get myself into trouble. I’m too damn nice.

“You know, I come to America twenty years ago from Turkey...”

I put down my stylus. This was going to be a while.

“I like Turkey,” he explained. “I like the country and I like the people. But I am artist. I am not... religious man.”

I nodded.

“I told my wife I was going to go to America and she said, “what are you going to do? You don’t have job! You don’t have money! No Visa!” And I said, “I am artist and architect. I will paint and sell my paintings.

“So I come to America alone. To New York City. I sit outside, and I paint. And people, they liked my paintings. They bought them. This one for $30, that one for $50.

“One day, a man comes over to me and he say, “I like your painting. I see you are also architect.” And he gives me his number and asks me to go to meeting at his office. Because he wants to offer me a job. He starts to talk about a building contract.

“I tell him I don’t know anything about contracts. I have no Visa. I am not American citizen. But he says, “That’s okay. I will take care of everything. You will have nothing to worry about.” And this man, he gave me a job. $173,000 a year. And my wife, he gave her a job too. She was project assistant. I bring her and my two daughters over from Turkey.”

“Wow,” I said, not fully believing the veracity of what sounded like a full-on immigration fairy tale.

“Here,” said Ilker, unlocking his phone and opening up his Facebook app. “I show you my work.” He paused and looked up at me. “I am interrupting. You don’t mind?”

At this point, I was invested. I had to see. Because whatever he was about to show me would either prove or disprove this yarn he was spinning. “Please,” I said, gesturing for him to go ahead.

He opened his photos and my jaw dropped. His work... was UNREAL.

“This is building I designed on Madison Ave.... And this one in Chelsea...”

Holy crap. I had just been to Chelsea with my sister last month on a trip to see a broadway show. I had crossed the intersection of the building he was, at this moment, telling me he designed.

He flipped through more buildings. These, he’d designed in Washington, DC. In Bethesda. In Arlington. All beautiful, streamlined, modern structures I had visited and parked my car in front of. He told me he did much of his concept work freehand. That he worked exclusively in natural media. His preferred media was pen, ink, watercolors, and chalks.

Between photos of his wife and daughters, he went on to show me photos from the RUSSIAN EXHIBITION OF HIS ARCHITECTURE ARTWORK.

Y’all, I was stunned. I couldn’t believe the talent I was sitting next to. Scattered among these gloriously rendered images of some of the most beautiful building concepts I’d ever seen were paintings of scenes in Central Park, the National Mall, and nudes from a life-drawing session he attends from time to time.

When he was done flipping through his phone, he looked at me and smiled. “I hope you don’t mind that I interrupt you. I show you all this because what you are doing is very good. And you should be encouraged. To draw is to make beauty.”

I nodded, a lump in my throat. “Thank you,” I managed. “Your work is astonishing. I don’t even know what to say. What is your name again?”

He held out his hand once more. “Ilker Kocahan,” he said. “I am getting more coffee. Can I get you one?”

I looked at my still-full venti cup. “No thank you. But here, please take my card.”

He held my dinky business card like I’d handed him a treasure and thanked me.

Then Ilker got his coffee, and left the coffee shop.

At some point in his ramblings he talked about America as a place of dreams. How he credits this country with helping him rise to the top of his field where he is now able to sell his paintings for $800-$1000 a piece now that he’s retired. My heart ached to hear him talk about that, knowing how our leadership’s positions on immigrants have taken such a dark and horrifying turn.

Imagine the buildings and museums and public places that would never have been if a business man in the park hadn’t lifted up a Turkish painter who spoke little English.

And now that painter was paying it forward on me.

I still feel pretty darn sick. I’ve still got body aches and a nose that has taken the rest of my face hostage.

But today was a really good day. And I just wanted to share it with you in case you are looking for reasons to keep drawing/painting/dancing/writing. It all counts and it is all good.

If you would like to see Ilker Kocohan’s work, please click here.

[writtenbyerna]

Review on Purple Hearts

5 things I LIKE about Purple Hearts

Sofia Carson’s singing. I have always loved Sofia and her voice since her Descendant era, and I love when her films utilize her talents. Her voice is beautiful and has this unique tone that will always be associated with her.

“It’s okay to ask for help.” One of the themes in the film is Luke and Sofia being able to ask each other for help and it’s one that should be remembered. It’s okay to ask for help because we cannot live alone in this world. Our very existence began with the fact that we joined with others and created a community that protected us from a bigger and stronger predator. So, ask for help.

Soundtrack. It’s beautiful.

Shitting on big pharma. One of the main reasons why Cassie and Luke got married in the first place is the fact that healthcare in America is so shitty and expensive that she had to spend three or four days without insulin just because her insurance hasn’t been renewed yet. The idea that there exists a drug that could help you live your life but the only reason that is stopping you from using it is that some rich white man decided that they need more money than what they currently have is maddening.

It ends happily. I need my happy endings.

5 Things I HATE about the movie

Racist remarks that are never addressed again in the movie. If one of my friends says something as dumb and stupid as, “and hunt down Arabs” I will be the first one to shut their mouth and ask them what they mean by that. Because I will not stand there and be friends with someone who is racist. Luke did not do shit about that, he asked-TOLD Cassie to sit down like she’s in the wrong when she’s the only one in the group to tell that man that he’s wrong. You can’t excuse a racist person as an asshole, although they are one, racist remarks get innocent people killed.

Misogyny. Surprise a movie that did not address racist remarks also is full on displaying misogyny in broad daylight. It’s 2022 and people still think that feminism is just for women. The reason why Luke was scared to tell that he is terrified the night before they leave is that the PATRIARCHY told him that it is not okay for men to cry. THE PATRIARCHY IS THE ONE THING THAT FEMINISM AIMS TO DISMANTLE. Every misogynistic remark in the film had me gasping in disbelief because for a film to be released in 2022 and still have so much misogyny is unbelievable.

Character development. Luke did not have any character arc in the film, nothing. He cried and you expect me to care for him after that???? That does not make sense. He did not even change his views about feminism whilst married and living with a feminist. He continued to be a prat- cue that taco scene where he said so many dumb things that I cannot even begin to unpack. On the other hand, Cassie’s political views were not addressed again and it seemed that she dropped everything because she ‘fell in love.’

Military Propaganda + Pro-America. The show is literally just ‘Hey, join the army!’ ‘Hey, I support NRA’ ‘Americans coming to Iraq is totally the right thing to do because it’s not like they are bringing harm to the country and to the people, they are there to protect America against terrorists whilst acting as terrorists themselves *insert sarcastic grin*’

The romance is not it. TikTok hyped this movie up and said that it’s an enemies to lovers trope, babe one of the elements that make an enemies to lovers trope great is that the characters have chemistry BEFORE they even got to be lovers. And Luke and Cassie did not have any, I’m sorry. I loved Cassie as her own person more than them together. I cannot care enough for a man like Luke. Sure, the bathtub scene and the glucose scene are beautiful but that can’t be the only thing that supports the whole film’s romance.

These are my thoughts, I'm not telling you to not watch the film. Go watch the film because my baby girl Sofia Carson is there but keep in mind the issues in it.

[alj4890]

Here's a mini fic to answer this. It follows directly after this fic where Tobias first meets Chris's cousins in Scotland, all of whom are doctors too and enjoy teasing and tormenting those they love 😂

Tobias had never experienced a hangover quite like this before. He swore that all nine of Chris's cousins had done their best to kill him with alcohol poisoning the night before. Somehow though, he'd managed to survive and get their approval.

"Look what I found sitting in the closet." Finlay announced as he joined them all at the heavily laden breakfast table.

Chris's eyes widened at the sight of her high school yearbook in her cousin's hand.

"Care to take a peek, Carrick?" Finlay offered it to him. "You should see how our Christy looked in show choir."

"You were in show choir?" Tobias asked with a grin.

"Christy was in every choir class, club, and event." Her grandmother, Cora, explained. "Have you not heard her sing?"

"I have." He draped his arm around Chris's shoulders. "She's got a beautiful voice."

"Thank you." Chris rested her head on his shoulder while trying to pull her yearbook from him.

"I want to see." He told her, tugging it away from her.

"It isn't fair that you get to see that when I haven't seen yours." She grumbled.

"I'll gladly show you mine once we're back home." Tobias told her.

He flipped through the pages, smiling at seeing her in so many pictures.

"You really were the perfect student."

"Aye, she was at that." Her grandfather bragged. "Beauty and brains just like her granny."

Cora scoffed with a smile.

"What about you Carrick?" Brodie Valentine asked. "Were you a model student or like Callum here?"

"I'll have you know," the next to the youngest doctor of the family argued, "that I more than made up for my wild ways once I was in college."

While the family laughed and teased him, Tobias thought back to his own high school years.

"Did you play any sports, Carrick?" Rob asked.

"I did. I was on the swim, tennis, and ski team. In my free time, I played rugby with some friends of mine. I never tried out for the team since it held practice the same time tennis did."

All nine cousins perked up at the mention of rugby.

"Christy didn't tell us you was a rugger!" Fredrick exclaimed.

She eyed Tobias. "What else were you involved in?"

Chris sighed softly. She recognized the eager glee in her cousins' eyes. She had a feeling that every future visit would now have them dragging Tobias in on their impromptu rugby matches. Not that she would mind them including him, but she knew how rough they played.

"I didn't know." She told him.

He glanced up from reading about all her awards and that she was voted most talented and sweetest of her class.

"I was valedictorian, senior class vice president, and part of some clubs." He winked at her. "Mostly the ones that had all the girls in them like the Literature Club and Future Homemakers of America, which is probably why I was voted class flirt."

Chris laughed, shaking her head once more over the former ladies' man she'd captured.

"I was also the head of the science club like you were." He returned his attention once more to Chris's yearbook. "And voted most likely to succeed."

"If you two ever have a child, the other students won't stand a chance." Her grandfather chortled.

"Tis a dangerous combination their DNA's would make." Hamish teased. "Perhaps we should break them up, lads."

Tobias snorted. "Not going to happen."

Chris glared at the lot for even suggesting such a thing.

"Right." Iain leaned forward, winking at his fair cousin. "We forgot your plans on asking our Christy to ma--"

Tobias slammed the yearbook shut with wide eyes.

The other cousins began to talk all at once to cover what almost was revealed.

Every male in the room eyed her warily.

"Asking me to what?" Chris asked as innocently as she could.

She did her best to keep from smiling over what they'd drunkenly revealed the night before.

Cora clucked her tongue to break the tension.

"Eat up." She ordered, winking at her granddaughter. "No man can keep a secret on an empty stomach."

As she went into the kitchen to get more sweet buns, she also said one more thing.

"Nor can he propose without proper sustenance."

Totally Tobias Tuesday - Week 4

Welcome to Week 4 of Totally Tobias Tuesday Reblog Game.

This week: High School - What was he like then? Nerd? Prom King? Jock? Did the teachers like him? Happy to see him go? Was he voted Most Likely to Succeed? Class Flirt? Something else? Did he date, or was he putting that off? Any sports or clubs? You can tell us anything you want... and remember the rules below...

RULES: ** Please Re-Blog Do Not Create a New Post ** Answer any way you choose - simple answer? Moodboard? Headcanon? Mini-Fic? Whatever you like! 😊

Also, you can play at any time. Miss Tuesday? No worries. If you discover this 2 years from now and want to do it? Go for it! No rules, just fun!

Tagging those who have asked to be under break - but remember, anyone can participate!

@alj4890 @coffeeheartaddict2 @cooltuna69 @hopelessromantic1352 @icecoffee90 @kyra75 @lovealexhunt @quixoticdreamer16 @secretaryunpaid @trappedinfanfiction @tveitertotwrites @twinkleallnight @jerzwriter-reblogs-asks

If you want to be added, just let me know!

[potionsprefect]

The Gossip Machines

Pairings: Ethan Ramsey x Victoria Clarke

Word Count: 1.3k

Summary: Ethan and Victoria find themselves the topic of conversation in the playground

Rating: Teen

Category: Fluff

Victoria didn’t have her usual group of moms to talk to in the playground today, Lily’s friend Ashleigh was off sick and Luke’s friend Ben had a dentist appointment so their moms weren’t waiting for their children like all the others moms at home time.

Instead of looking like a lost lamb, Victoria had pulled out her phone and was mindlessly scrolling through Pictagram, waiting for her two children to come running to her with tales of what they did at school today.

She scrolled through various pictures from friends and family, liking the occasional one every so often, there were various magazine pictures from news outlets, Victoria came across one of Ethan in a medical magazine, grinning when she saw it was a picture of him exiting the hospital.

Both Ethan and Victoria were well known in the medical world, everyone was eager to learn all about the Ramsey’s and how they had gotten to where they were today. For Ethan, it was no surprise that Victoria had become just as popular as he was, he always knew she would excel. The two of them always had positive comments from everyone who had read their work, people telling them that their research was the reason why they decided to study medicine.

Sometimes they had been dubbed the Kardashian’s of the medical world because of how famous they were but Victoria was keen to remind people that she actually had a talent and would never use her popularity to try and cut in line at Disney.

“Did you follow that page? I can’t get enough of it.”

“I know right? I wish I had the brains to study medicine.”

Victoria looked up at that last word and rolled her eyes when she saw who had said that.

There was a certain group of popular moms who did nothing but gossip at dropping off and picking up time. They made no effort to keep their conversations to themselves either, it was as if they wanted the whole world to know what they were talking about.

“I once ended up in Edenbrook but I wasn’t treated by Doctor Ramsey. I was so disappointed.” One Mom huffed.

“From what I’ve seen he’s such a fine human. He’s got such lovely muscles. I’ve heard he’s got children in Sofie’s year. I wish he’d pick them up for a change.”

Victoria scoffed loudly from where she was stood. She felt like going over there and giving those women a piece of her mind. But before she could even move, the classroom door opened and Luke and Lily came running towards her.

“Mommy!” They both cried as they ran into Victoria’s waiting arms.

“Hello you two!” Victoria pressed a kiss to each of their heads. “How was school?”

“Boring. We had to do spelling today.” Lily said as they walked back to the car.

“But I got all mine right! Is Daddy still at work?” Luke asked.

“He is. But he’ll be home later.” Victoria smiled.

She briefly looked back at the groups of Moms who were gossiping earlier on, noticing that they were now focused on their kids who were greeting them.

That was exactly how it should be, not talking about other people.

Victoria guessed it wouldn’t be the last time.

“So I heard something interesting in the playground today.” Victoria said as her and Ethan sat down on the couch after putting Luke and Lily to bed.

Ethan laughed. “Let me guess, one of the Moms was complaining that her child wasn’t invited to another child’s birthday party.”

“Unfortunately no. But that would’ve been better than what it actually was.” Victoria replied.

Ethan scooted closer to Victoria. “I’m listening.”

Victoria smirked. “Remember that Hottest Doctors of Americas Pictagram page I told you about?”

Ethan groaned. “Who were you showing my picture to?”

Victoria laughed. “Nobody. But it seems like I didn’t need to. A group of popular Moms were talking about how fine you were.”

“That’s nothing new, I’ve had to deal with comments like that before.” Ethan replied.

“I know that. I just never expected those kind of comments to reach the playground of our children’s school. You’re the number one attending apparently. They want to be treated by you.”

Ethan smiled. “I’ve always said I can’t help being this handsome.”

“You’ve never said that before. What kind of effect have I had on you since we got married?” Victoria said.

“Well I refuse to shout more than three times a day at the hospital, I’ve been in a better mood more times in the last few days than I ever thought possible. And I get sex almost daily. What’s not to love?” Ethan grinned as he hovered over Victoria, guiding her backwards so she was laying against the couch.

Victoria wrapped her arms around his neck. “Is that right?”

“It is. And there’s no complaints from me at all.” Ethan grinned as he pressed a heated kiss to Victoria’s lips.

“How about I remind you why?” Victoria smirked.

“I think that’s an excellent idea Mrs Ramsey.” Ethan grinned as he attached his lips to Victoria’s once more.

Victoria was once again in the school playground waiting to pick up Luke and Lily. The usual group of moms were stood a few feet away from her, gossiping.

However this time, they seemed to have noticed Victoria looking at them, maybe they had seen her picture in Hottest Doctors of America’s Pictagram page. Or maybe they had seen a picture of her and Ethan together. Victoria had noticed the profile had uploaded a few photos of them.

“You can come and say hi. I don’t bite. Then again, maybe I do. The Hottest Doctors of America were quick to point out a few marks on Ethan Ramsey’s neck.” Victoria said.

The women looked over at her in shock. “If I was you, I’d refrain from saying such stuff in a children’s playground.”

“Then I’d appreciate it if you stopped talking about my husband like he’s a piece of meat.” Victoria shrugged.

“It’s not illegal to have a conversation.”

“No but it’s morally wrong to talk about someone’s husband when they’re stood a few metres away from you.”

The woman widened her eyes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I think you do so I’m going to set you straight. The kids aren’t around so I can be as blunt as I like. That man you fawn over is my husband. I’m the one who gets to see every inch of him, it’s me that sleeps beside him every night, and judging by the rings on your finger you have someone of your own to provide that pleasure for you. And I can leave as many marks as I like on him. It’s no concern of yours. So do me a favour and keep the gossiping to the group chats and not in a place where I am able to hear every word.” Victoria said and she began to walk away. “Oh and by the way, him and his lovely muscles are capable of picking his children up but he’d rather spend his time treating respectable patients. And you’d lose interest anyway because he leaves the toilet seat up, so I’ve actually taken a red flag off the scene.”

Victoria turned her back just as the classroom doors opened and she saw Luke and Lily run towards her.

“Mommy I got a sticker today! Look!” Lily pointed to the sticker on her coat.

“That’s great sweetheart. We best get going, Daddy asked us to meet him at the hospital.” Victoria said.

She briefly looked towards the Queen B’s who were watching her interact with her children as their own ran towards them. Victoria turned away from them and walked her children out the school gates and towards the car. She was proud of herself for how she had handled that. Victoria tried to avoid confrontation as much as possible but there were times where people needed putting in their place. And that’s what had happened.

Victoria was sure she would never be bothered by those group of Moms again.

When you’re the most famous medical couple in the world, there’s bound to be gossip lol

Tagging in reblog

[gotnofucks]

No One’s Bitch

Pairing: dark!Steve x Reader

Summary: If Steve thought you’ll bend to his will, he was dead wrong. This kitty has some claws.

Words: 1.5k

Warning: Non-con/Dub-con, smut, kinda hate fuck?, kidnapping, language, breeding kink, 18+ ONLY

A/N: This is my Happy Hoelentine’s Day gift to @mariahthelioness29​ . Hope you enjoy this love, wishing you a very orgasmfull Valentines! This amazing challenge was hosted by the very talented @amythedvdhoarder​ @drabblewithfrannybarnes​ and @chrissquares​. You girls are amazing! 

“We need an ultrasound!” Steve shouted, carrying you into Bruce’s office and dumping you on a stretcher. Your hands beat at his shoulder in protest, a snarl ripping from you as he finally let go.

“I told you I can walk!” You scream at him and he scowls at your tone.

Bruce blinked at you two for a minute before sighing, wheeling out his ultrasound machine next to you and motioning you to pull up your top.

“Did you finally get her pregnant?” He asked in an almost bored voice and you wrinkled your nose at him in disgust. The nerve of everyone in this goddamn tower!

“No, he didn’t, and if I have it my way he never will.” You huff, earning a disapproving look from both males. Bruce squeezed some cold gel onto his probe and put it on your stomach, gliding it along your stomach and abdomen, eyes trained on the screen.

“Don’t be too sure about it. I’ll like to see you try to escape once I put a baby inside you.” Steve growled and your nostrils flared in anger. You flipped him off, uncaring of his strength and threats. When he kidnapped you and claimed you months ago, Steve didn’t expect you to fight this long. He thought he’d be able to extinguish your fire, force you into a loving relationship and be with him. Well, the jokes on him. You’re no one’s bitch. Not even Captain America’s.

You looked at the monitor too, biting your lip nervously as Bruce pressed the probe deeper, making you hiss.

“What the fuck?” He sputtered, raising his brows at you and Steve. You rolled your eyes, relaxing a little. Thank fuck its not stuck in your throat. “Is that a ring in your stomach?”

Steve slumped on the stool beside you, sighing deep.

“She swallowed it.” He simply said and you sat up quickly, pointing an accusing finger at him.

“Blond fucker’s a liar” You snap, “Who the fuck hides a ring in food anymore? Can you get anymore cliché?”

Steve slams his hands on the stretcher beside you, caging you in as he pressed in close to touch his nose to yours. The musky scent of his aftershave wafted over to you and clung to your pores, making you want to sneeze.

“I was trying to be romantic.” He said. “It’s valentine’s day tomorrow. I wanted to spend it as fiancés.”

You breathed out a disbelieving laugh, still surprised at how normal everyone treated this absurdity of your relationship with Steve. If it could even be called that.

“You thought that snatching me away from my family and life was romantic? You thought that taking me against me will and fucking me unconscious every night was romantic. What does a man like you know of romance and love, Mr. Rogers?” You sneer in his face.

Even as his hand came to fist your hair and pull, you don’t cry out in pain. You’ve trained yourself well enough to somehow keep the tears in your eyes and not have them spill over.

“Don’t sit here pretending you don’t come on my dick like a slut, darling” Steve said, his voice low and deep. You barely registered Bruce clearing his throat and walking away, too busy focusing on the rapidly darkening blue in Steve’s eyes.

“If we’re being honest here Steve, then your meaty cum-gun is the only redeemable part about you.” You sweetly said to him and whined as you were roughly push on your back, Steve’s body covering yours.

His lips descended on yours in a frenzy, hands frantic as they pulled at your pants. Months ago, you’d have been embarrassed by the moans that spilled from your parted mouth, but when it became clear that earth shattering orgasms was the only reward for you in this shitshow of an arrangement, you decided to make the best of it.

You pulled on Steve’s hair, biting his lip roughly when he pulled out his hard length and slapped it against your glistening folds, lubing himself in your juices. He growled against you, two fingering unceremoniously thrust into your opening that had you arching your back with pain and pleasure.

“Pathetic” Steve spat, “Only have to touch you and you become a whiny cumslut.”

You groan, wrapping your legs around his huge body to urge him closer. Heels dug into his back and you raked your nails across his scalp and back, leaving bite marks across his shoulder that had him pushing inside you with one hard thrust. You threw your head back, a choked sound howled directly in Steve’s mouth as he hips became flush with yours.

“Look at you, my greedy girl” He mocked, pulling back until only his tip was inside before plunging back inside. “Can’t get enough of daddy’s cock, can you?”

The fragile stretcher threatened to give out under the force of you both, squeaking dangerously as Steve powered into you, sweat and spit mixing on your skin and leaving you damp.

“Is that all you got, Captain?” You challenged, “Can’t make me stay even with a magic cock, can you?”

Steve’s hands took yours and pinned them beside your head, hips almost a blur as he went in and out of you, hitting so deep he seemed to move your womb.

“Fucking bitch, I’ll have you round with my seed. We’ll see how well this mouth runs when it’s too busy sucking my cock and singing lullabies to our brat” He said.

Your brows knit together as he hit a spot inside you that had you mewling, breath coming out in broken pants. You put your lips at Steve’s eyes, licking his earlobe before pulling on it.

“Can’t even get me pregnant. Maybe you should get Bucky to help.”

That was the last straw and Steve’s growl was almost animalist as he ripped away your top, sucking greedily on your hardened nipples while his dick speared you open. You screamed as the stretcher finally snapped, you and Steve tumbling to the floor, still fucking like animals in heat.

The coil inside you wound up tighter the harder Steve went, his tongue swirling inside your mouth and not letting you speak. Your eyes were locked with his furious ones, hips coming up to meet every thrust of his with your own, your juices dripping down your thighs and making a mess.

“I’ll fuck you ten time a day, I’ll spread you open and fuck you in front of everyone until the only thing you’re capable to thinking and saying is my name. You think you won, but no baby, I can do this all day!” He hissed at you and pinched your clit harshly. You snapped, a powerful orgasm tearing through you and making your world turn upside down. You howled, an agonized scream of pure, unadulterated, sinful pleasure echoing around the room.

Steve fucked you through your high, almost close to his own release when you used all your strength to turn him over, straddling him and bouncing on his cock. His eyes widened, his dick going deeper as you took hold of his shoulders and sank down on him with a moan.

“Come inside me then, Captain. Come, fill me up. Let’s see if you manage to fuck a brat inside me today after all.” You provoked and Steve grunted, huge arms holding you close as he twitched inside you, his cum painting your insides.

You collapsed on him, sweaty and spent, breath laboured. He wasn’t much better, the broken stretcher digging into his back as he pulled you closer, nuzzling his nose in your neck. You tried to jerk away, rejecting his affections but he only held tighter, forcing a sweet, almost innocent kiss on your pursed lips.

“One day, I’ll fuck you so good you’ll fall in love with me.” Steve promised and your eyes narrowed. Covered in his scent and essence, you were as marked by him as a tree peed on by a dog.

“One day, you’ll wake up with a dagger inside your chest and you’ll only have yourself to blame.” You remarked. Steve lazily chuckled, bringing you even closer. You wondered if he planned to fall asleep on the floor with you when Bruce came in, resolutely looking at the ceiling.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” The doctor bemoaned and you sarcastically smiled at him despite him still looking away.

“What, haven’t you ever witnessed a good shag?” You ask and Steve’s chest rumbled beneath you. “And you, let go. I need to get that fucking ring out of me.”

Steve sighed, reluctantly releasing you and sitting up. He gave you his t-shirt to wear, your own laying in tatters on the floor.

“Will I need a surgery?” You asked Bruce who was grimacing at the mess in his small office.

“No, it should come out naturally in a few days.” He said. When you just looked at him dumbstruck, he wrinkled his nose, a little amused. “You’ll have to pass it out.”

Steve’s eyes met yours and you resisted the urge to throw something at him.

“I’ll get you a new one.” He said dismissively and you stomped your feet, fixing yourself the best you could and moved towards the door.

“I am not marrying you!” You shout over your shoulder, pushing open the door and not sparing a glance behind.

“We’ll see.” Steve said, a smile on his lips.

[tricksters-captain]

Bucky Barnes imagines - Some Sunny Day Part 4

AN: What a crazy episode! I definitely think this episode was one of the best so far and I cannot wait to see what happens next after that insane ending!

Overall Summary: Before the Blip, you and Bucky were close. After you both returning and Tony’s funeral, you decided to go back to your home town to spend time with your family. When duty calls, you return.  

In this chapter: Now in Latvia, you and the boys must find Karli before the Dora take Zemo away (Based on S1 EP4)

(PART 1) (PART 2) (PART 3)

Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader, Sam Wilson x Platonic!Reader

Word Count: 6,123

Warnings: Spoilers for episode 4, violence, strong language.

Once inside Zemo’s apartment, you started to look through the cupboards. 

Zemo had excused himself to take a bath but you felt starved. 

Even with the limited stock you managed to whip something up for you and Sam. 

“Thank you.” Sam took the bowl from you gratefully. The food Zemo had given you on his private plane wasn’t exactly edible and you were still feeling the affects of the Nagel fail in your body. 

“Well, the Wakandans are here.” Bucky announced as he entered the apartment; having returned from his walk. “They want Zemo. Bought us some more time.”

“”Were you followed?” Sam looked up at him. 

“No.” Bucky made his way over to you and Sam by the kitchen island. 

“How can you be so sure?” Zemo pondered. 

“Cause I know when I’m being followed.” Bucky sent an unimpressed glance to the man in the bathrobe. 

You pushed a bowl of pasta towards Bucky but he shook his head and pulled out his phone.

“It was sweet of you to defend me at least.” Zemo stated. 

“Hey, you shut it.” Sam quipped. “No one’s defending you. You killed Nagel.” 

“You gotta eat.” You whispered to Bucky. 

“Do we really have to litigate what may or may not have happened?” Zemo rounded the island so he was closer to you all.

“I’ll eat later.” Bucky mumbled back to you as he furrowed his brow at twitter. 

“There’s nothing to litigate. You straight shot the man.” Sam argued with Zemo. 

“Sam.” Bucky had found something. 

“What?” Sam turned his attention to Bucky and away from Zemo. 

“Karli bombed a GRC supply depot.” Bucky showed you his phone screen so you could read.

“What? What’s the damage?” Sam’s concern grew quickly. 

“Eleven injured, three dead.” You said after skimming over the article. 

“They have a list of demands and are promising more attacks if those demands aren’t met.” Bucky added as Sam sighed. 

“She’s getting worse.” Zemo spoke up. “I have the will to complete this mission. Do the three of you?”

“She’s just a kid.” Sam was right. She was only young, she reminded you of you when you first joined the avengers. Desperate to fight for a cause. 

“You’re seeing something in her that isn’t there.” Zemo disagreed. “You’re clouded by it. She’s a supremacist. The very concept of a Super Soldier will always trouble people. It’s that warped aspiration that led to Nazis, to Ultron, to the Avengers.”

“You’re talking about our friends.” You felt the need to remind Zemo that you were actually apart of the Avengers as you placed your empty bowl in the sink. 

“The Avengers, not the Nazis.” Bucky felt the need to clarify. 

“So, Karli is radicalised, but there has to be a peaceful way to stop her.” Sam was determined there wasn’t a need for a fight. 

“The desire to become a superhuman cannot be separated from supremacist ideals. Anyone with that serum is inherently on that path. She will not stop. She will escalate until you kill her.” Zemo explained as he reached for the bowl you had originally offered Bucky. “Or she kills you.” 

You swatted his hand away to which he frowned at. 

“Maybe you’re wrong, Zemo. The serum never corrupted Steve.” Bucky argued his point. 

“Touché.” Zemo picked up a biscuit instead. Holding it on his finger as he spoke. “But there has never been another Steve Rogers, has there?”

“Well, maybe we should give him to the Wakandans right now.” Bucky suggested to you and Sam as he moved over to the couch. 

“And you’ll give up your tour guide?” Zemo asked as he opened the cupboards to look for some food. 

“Yes.” Bucky didn’t hesitate. 

“From my understanding, Donya is like a pillar of the community, right?” Sam interrupted with a new thought. “So, when I was a kid, my TT passed away.”

“Your TT?” Bucky asked, unsure of what Sam had meant. 

“Yeah, my TT, yeah.” Sam nodded. 

“Who is your TT?” Bucky asked as you sat down beside him. 

“Fine. When I was a kid, my aunt passed away and the entire neighborhood got together for a ceremony. It was like a week long. Maybe they’re doing the same thing for Donya.” Sam proposed. He could be right. 

“Worth a shot.” You proclaimed. 

“Your TT would be proud of you.” Zemo sounded more awkward at the use of the phrase before he pulled out a fancy looking tin. “Turkish delight? Irresistible.”

Sam caught the small sweet that Zemo had thrown. 

“I say Zemo put’s some clothes on and we head over to the refugee camp that Donya was staying. See if anyone knows anything about a funeral or ceremony for her.” You ignored Zemo as he looked down at the sweets. 

“Sounds like a plan.” Sam stood from his seat at the island and looked over at Zemo. 

Zemo nodded before disappearing into a bedroom to change. 

It didn't take long to get to the camp from Zemo’s apartment. 

“Shame what’s become of this place. When I was young, we used to come here for fabulous dinners and parties. I knew nothing of the politics of the time, of course, but I remember it being beautiful.” Zemo seemed saddened by the state of the buildings being used as the camp. 

“I’m gonna take a look around upstairs. See what you can find out here. And keep an eye on him.” Sam told Bucky as he gestured to Zemo. 

“I’ll stay out of your way.” Zemo promised. 

“(Y/n), you look around through there. See if you can... You know.” Sam pointed down through one of the ground floor doors. You nodded and left the men.

Most of the adults fled when you entered the building but you noticed a young girl who looked too busy with what she was doing to notice. She had looked maybe 16 or 17 years old and she was embroidering an old silk scarf. 

“That’s beautiful.” You knelt down beside her but as you spoke, her eyes shot up and widened with shock and fear. 

“T-t-thank you.” She stuttered as her eyes flittered around the room for help. 

“It’s okay. I was just wondering if I could have a look at it.” You smiled softly at the girl as you held your hand out. 

She reluctantly gave it to you. 

“This truly is beautiful. You are very talented. May I buy it from you?” You placed your hand in your pocket and pulled out a note that you had previously stolen from Zemo’s jacket.

“You c-c-can have it.” She whispered as she stood. You rose with her as you folded the scarf to place into your pocket. 

“I insist.” You took her hand gently and cautiously and placed the money in her palm. She smiled but she still was nervous and full of worry. You figured she knew who you were. 

You folded your hands over hers and that’s when you unplugged the cork on your powers. 

You closed your eyes and within seconds all the girls memories flooded into your head. 

You tried not to react as it happened. 

You tried your best to filter through the memories quickly. When you reached the time after the blip, you slowed down. You saw the horrors of them being rejected, being abandoned and then you saw Mama Donya and Karli. 

You focused on Karli. 

You watched Karli smile and laugh with all the children, she’d play and look after them as Donya looked after Karli. 

Closer memories brought what seemed like events that only just happened. Karli visiting with supplies. 

You saw the mourning of Mama Donya from everyone and then you saw the arrangements for the funeral. 

You opened your eyes and let go of the girls hand. She thanked you again and left. She would have never realised what you had seen as the memories are shown to you within a matter of seconds. 

You leant against the table and inhaled deeply. 

You felt weak again. 

You pushed yourself off the table and headed back out to Bucky. 

Zemo was surrounded by a bunch of small children.

“You okay?”Bucky asked. The second you reappeared he immediately noticed a change in you. 

“I’m okay.” You lied. “I spoke to one of the teenagers inside. I looked inside her head. You were right, Sam. They are having a funeral but she only knew that she would be taken to it later this afternoon.” You explained as Sam joined you both. 

“Good work.” Sam wrapped his arm around you and gave you a small squeeze of appreciation. 

They both knew how hard it must've been for you to use your powers after the Nagel incident. 

The toll of touching the dead had knocked you for six in the past and in a matter of forty eight hours you had touched the dead and looked into the memories of a live person. 

You’ll need an energy boost before you can do this again. 

Zemo turned back to you and you all returned to the apartment. 

“Well, I got nothin’. No one’s talkin’ about Donya.” Bucky slouched down on the couch in defeat. 

“Yeah, it’s because Karli is the only one fighting for them.” Sam joined him on the couch. “And she’s not wrong.”

“What do you mean?” Bucky asked. 

“For five years, people have been welcomed into countries that have kept them out using barbwire. There were houses and jobs. Folks were happy to have people around to help them rebuild. It wasn’t just one community coming together, it was the entire world coming together. And then, boom. Just like that, it goes right back to the way it used to be. To them, at least Karli’s doin’ somethin’.” Sam explained himself. 

“You really think her ends justify her means? Then, she’s no different than him or anybody else we’ve fought.” Bucky pointed over to Zemo. 

“She’s different. She’s not motivated by the same things.” Sam argued with Bucky.

“Sam’s right.” You spoke up. “When I looked into that girls head I saw a lot of Karli. She means a lot to those people, she is their light, their Captain America. But she’s just a kid. From what I saw she has a whole lot of love in her heart and I'm not saying that hurting and killing people is right but she sees it as the only way to help her people.” 

Zemo had walked over from the kitchen with a tray as you spoke. 

“That little girl. What’d she tell you?” Bucky questioned him. 

“The funeral is this afternoon.” Zemo only said what you already knew. 

“We know that. Now you know the Dora’s coming for you any minute. In fact, they’re probably lurking outside right now. Keep talking.” Bucky demanded. 

“Leaving you to turn on me once we get to Karli. Hmm. I prefer to keep my leverage.” Zemo sure knew how to push someone’s buttons. 

Bucky shot up and threw Zemo’s cup against the wall. The crashing of the glass made both you and Sam jump to your feet. 

“You wanna see what someone can do with leverage?” Bucky threatened Zemo. 

“Take it easy. Don’t engage him. He’s just gonna extort you and do that stupid head tilt thing.” Sam tried to de-elevate the situation. “Let me make a call.”

“You want some cherry blossom tea?” Zemo offered Bucky as Sam walked away.

“No, you go ahead.” Bucky grumbled, scowling at the Baron. 

“Come on.” You took Bucky’s hand and pulled him away from Zemo. 

You headed into the bathroom and started to fill up the tub with some cold water. 

“Will you get me some ice?” You asked Bucky to which he complied. 

Once the tub was full of ice water, you stripped and climbed inside. 

Bucky had taken a stool and faced the door to give you some privacy. 

“You shouldn’t let him get to you.” You said as you settled into the water. Your body was screaming at you as the ice touched it but you knew it’d give you the wake up call you and your muscles needed. 

“I don’t.” Bucky grimaced. 

“You don’t? Oh, so the shattered cup in the other room was just a scare tactic?” You mused. 

“Yep.” Bucky grumbled. 

“Okay.” You sighed before going under. 

The cold water hit your brain and you immediately sat back up. 

“Feel better?” Bucky had heard the splashing of the water. 

“Yeah.” You admitted, running your hands over your face and hair. “Can I have my towel?”

Bucky kept his back to you as he passed you the towel. 

You wrapped it around you and stepped out. 

“You can look.” You told him.

Bucky turned and his eyes went straight to the bruises that covered your legs and arms. 

“I’m okay, Buck.” You assured him as you watched the cogs turning in his head. 

“I forget you aren’t...” Bucky’s words dropped off as he stepped closer and lightly took your arm, examining the damage. 

“That I’m not a super soldier?” You smirked. “I may bruise but I can hold a lot more than most, Buck.” 

“Doesn’t stop me worrying.” Bucky admitted as he lowered your arm. 

“I know.” You whispered, looking up at the man’s deep blue eyes.

“You better get dressed. You already know what Sam is thinking with us both being gone right now.” Bucky went to go towards the door when you stopped him. 

“I had a dream about Wakanda on the plane ride here.” You confessed. 

Bucky stopped and looked back at you. 

“It was the day you finally beat the Winter Soldier.” You told him. 

*Flashback*

“These are incredible, Shuri.”  You smiled widely as you threw the new high tech Vibranium knives that Shuri had made for you. 

“I know. I know.” Shuri was well aware of her awesome brain. 

Shuri pressed the combat button on the wall which simulated attackers for intense weapon training. 

You inhaled as you closed your eyes. 

A footstep gave away your first attacker. You threw the knives to the holograms and the attackers were down. You ducked and dodged and jumped around the room as you practised with the knives. 

Shuri cheered you when you finished. You smiled through your heavy breaths and Shuri jogged towards you to give you a fist bump. 

“You are something else, my friend.” Shuri praised you. 

The doors opening behind you made both you and Shuri turn to see who had entered. 

It was Bucky. 

He rushed towards you with a bright smile. His lips seemed to quiver and his eyes were glassy. Something had happened. 

It had happened.

He embraced you tightly and you returned it. Your fingers gripped onto Bucky’s long hair as he buried his face in your neck. 

You looked back at Ayo (who had followed Bucky) and Shuri and mouthed a ‘Thank you’. 

Ayo bowed her head at you before leaving the hall. 

Bucky had finally gotten over HYDRA’s programming after all these years of being held prisoner by a few words. 

You and Bucky stayed like that for what felt like hours. The relief from Bucky washed over you and bound him to you until he was ready to part. 

It was an incredible day.

*End of Flashback*

“Maybe you could sense that the Dora’s were close on our tails.” Bucky suggested. 

“No, we all knew that they’d come for Zemo eventually.” You dismissed the idea. “I think it was after seeing Zemo treat you like him again.” 

Bucky remained silent. 

“I don’t think I ever told you how proud I was of you that day.” You folded your arms over your chest as you leant back on the tub.

“You didn't need to.” Bucky assured you. “I already knew.” 

You watched Bucky leave the bathroom so you could change. 

When you had returned to the main space again it was just about time to head out again. 

You felt a little nervous as you didn’t really want a fight with Karli since you weren’t 100% but you figured you had felt a hell of a lot worse before.

As you left the apartment, a voice and face you didn’t particularly wanna see called out. 

“Karli Morgenthau is too dangerous for you guys to be pulling this shit.” John Walker and his little side kick were walking down some stairs towards you. 

“Ah! How’d you find us now?” Bucky called back. 

“Come on. You think three Avengers can walk around Latvia without drawing attention?” Lemar, Walker’s partner, scoffed. 

“No more keeping us in the dark. You could start by telling us why you broke him out of prison.” Walker pointed out Zemo. 

“He did that himself, technically.” Bucky corrected Walker.  

“This better be an unbelievable explana––”

“––Hey, take it easy before it gets weird.” Sam interrupted Walker before things could get heated in front of civilians.

“I know where Karli is.” Zemo kept walking as the others stopped. 

“Well, where?” Walker asked, stopping Zemo by stepping in his way. 

“All we know is it’s a memorial. So, we’re gonna intercept her there.” Sam informed them.

“That means civilians. High risk of casualties.” Lemar relaid to his partner as you continued to walk.

“All right, good, we’ll move in fast. Take her by surprise.” Walker started to talk through his plan when Sam stopped him. 

“No, I wanna talk to her alone.”

“I’m not losing her again.” Walker argued with Sam. 

“Look, the person closest to her died, she’s vulnerable. Now is the best time to reason with her.” Sam was trying to defend his reasoning but Walker wasn’t having it. 

“What? No. Wait, no! No! Stop. Hold on. Stop, okay?” Walker ran up ahead to stop everyone again. “I think we’re way past reasoning with her, unless you forgot that she blew up a building with people still in it.” 

“Sam, you walk in there cold, she could kill you, man.”Lemar tried backing up his partner. 

“If I go in hot and the op goes wrong, more people will die.” Sam handed over the other scenario. 

“You’ll let him do this?” Walker looked between you and Bucky. “Are you gonna let your partner walk into a room with a Super Soldier alone?”

“He’s dealt with worse.” Bucky told him flatly. “And he’s not my partner.”

“I used to counsel soldiers dealing with trauma, okay? This is in my wheelhouse.” Sam walked past you and Bucky to face Walker.

“I know. And I know those soldiers, which is why I know this is a bad idea.” Walker still wasn't on board. 

“Wait, John.” Lemar stopped Walker.  “If he can talk her down, it might be worth a try.”  

“Thank god Battle-scar here has some sense.” You declared. 

“It’s Battle Star actually.”Lemar smiled at you but you ignored him. 

“We’ll deal with you later.” Walker told Zemo as he caved in.

“I’m sure it will all come to an agreeable conclusion. My associate is just up ahead.” Zemo lead you towards the young girl he had spoken to earlier that day. 

“Hello, my friend. This is for your family. Can you show us the way?” Zemo handed her some money and the girl beckoned for you all to follow.  

“What the hell?” Walker seemed a little confused by Zemo’s ‘associate’ being 12.

The girl lead you to the building where the funeral was being held and you all waited for a signal. 

“Karli’s in there.” Zemo announced as the girl ran off. 

Sam went in whilst Walker cuffed Zemo. 

“You got 10 minutes. Then we are doing things my way.” Walker told Sam before he left. 

“Aggressive.” Zemo mumbled after being handcuffed. “But I get it.”

You rolled your eyes subtly at both Walker and Zemo. 

You took up a position by the door with Bucky. 

You watched Walker sit down, his grip on the shield was tight as he slowly huffed in and out. 

You frowned as you studied the man. Your eyes glanced over to Zemo who was also watching Walker. 

You shared a look before you let your eyes fall back down to your feet.  

“Uh-uh. No, no, no. This is a bad idea.” Walker started to pace as he let his impatience get the best of him. 

“It hasn’t been ten minutes, John. Just sit tight.” Bucky sighed unimpressed by the young solder. 

“Don’t do that. Don’t patronise me.” Walker glared back at Bucky. 

“Sam knows what he’s doing.” You backed Bucky up. 

You all watched Walker stop as he thought. His heavy breathes causing his chest to rise up and down quickly. 

“I’m goin’ in.” Walker didn’t want to listen anymore. He stormed towards the door but both you and Bucky stepped in his way.

“This is all really easy for you, isn’t it? All that serum runnin’ through your veins.” Walker didn’t even look at you as he squared up to Bucky. 

That really bothered you.

You took hold of the man’s upper arm and yanked him to look at you. 

“You may be Captain America right now but we don’t follow you. We said we’d give him 10 minutes. So, he’s getting 10 minutes.” You glowered at the man. 

“Your partner needs backup in there. Do you really want his blood on your hands?” Walker leant towards you, trying to be intimidating but it wasn’t working. 

“Just wait.” You looked the man in the eye with a subtle threat in your stare. His jaw clenched as he tugged his arm away from you. 

Walker went back to look at the clock again. 

After a couple more minutes, he tried once more. 

“Time’s up! Our turn.” Walker didn’t hesitate to push past you as he charged ahead. 

Bucky kept his tongue in his cheek as he watched it happen. 

You and Bucky stayed behind Walker and his partner as they marched ahead.

“Karli Morgenthau, you’re under arrest.” Walker announced as he entered the room. 

“This is what that was?” Betrayal flashed across Karli’s face as she looked at Sam. 

“No, wait––” Sam didn’t have a chance now that Walker had intervened.

“––Tricking me until help came?” Karli started to back away. 

“We had enough time to talk.” Walker exclaimed as he headed straight for Karli. 

“Nazi! “ Karli wasn't going the easy way. She hit Walker back and he went straight into a table. 

Lemar tried to keep you and Bucky back but you had easily managed to get round him to chase after Karli. 

Bucky being what he was managed to get ahead of you but you were close on their trail. 

Sam had found his own way but ultimately you all lost Karli. 

“I lost her.” Bucky sighed.

“This place is a maze.” Sam looked around at the several doorways with a frown. 

The sound of gunshots is what caught your attention next. 

“Come on.” You rushed through the building trying to get to the source. 

You didn’t manage to get there before Walker did. 

Zemo was unconscious on the floor and vials of the serum were smashed around the concrete floor. 

“What happened?” You asked as you looked down at the mess. 

“He was shooting at Karli. I stopped him but she got away.” Walker lifted his shield a little to symbol how he had stopped Zemo. 

“Let’s get him up.” Sam started down the stairs and you followed. 

Zemo woke up after a little encouragement and some smelling salts. You had decided it was best if you split up on your way back to the apartment. 

You and Sam were going to stay with Zemo and see if you can dig up anything on socials and the computer and Bucky was going to do a round and see if she had holed up anywhere familiar. 

Sam sat at his computer, he was contacting Sharon whilst you stood with your phone searching Twitter to see if any Flag Smashers appearances or Karli were popping up in recent tweets. 

Zemo laid down on the couch with a wet towel and a strong glass of scotch. 

“You got anything?” Sam asked you. 

“Nothing. I don’t think we’ll find her this time if she doesn’t want us too.” You put your phone down in defeat. It wasn't usual for people to give her Karli’s location anyway. 

“I think you’re right.” Sam hated to agree but this was the first time you had come close to actually talking Karli down and it failed. 

“And now with the serum’s gone. Who knows what her next move will be.” You knew that Karli didn’t have the option to create more super soldiers now and that gives her a disadvantage. The idea of an army is gone now and she would only have her current foot soldiers to help her. 

Zemo moved for the first time in ten minutes as he lifted his cold compress. 

“Were you ever offered it?" He asked aloud. 

“What?” Sam furrowed his brow at the man. 

“The serum.” Zemo replied. 

“No.” Sam smirked at the idea. 

“If you had been, hypothetically, that is, would you have taken it?” Zemo inquired. 

“No.” Sam answered instantly, his smile dropping. 

“No hesitation. That’s impressive.” Zemo nodded before removing his towel. “Sam. (Y/n). You can’t hold out hope for Karli. No matter what you saw in her, she’s gone. And we cannot allow that she and her acolytes become yet another faction of gods amongst real people. Super Soldiers cannot be allowed to exist.”

“Isn’t that how gods talk?” Sam queried. “And if that’s how you feel, what about Bucky?” There was a silence from Zemo. “Blood isn’t always the solution.” 

Before the conversation could continue, the door opened and Bucky strode inside.

“Something’s not right about Walker.” Bucky stated as he removed his jacket. 

“You don’t say.” Sam huffed with amusement. It was clear as day that Walker was at his wits end with the pressure on him.

“Well, I know a crazy when I see one. Because I am crazy.” Bucky poured himself a glass of whiskey. You rolled your eyes at his statement. 

“Can’t argue with that.” Sam retorted. 

“Shouldn’t have given him the shield.” Bucky was back on this topic again. 

“I didn’t give him the shield.” Sam rose to his feet to face Bucky.

“Well, Steve definitely didn’t.” Bucky sipped on his drink just as the doors flew open. 

All right. That’s it. Let’s go. I’m now ordering you to turn him over.” Walker commanded, his face red and his ears steaming. 

“Hey, slow your roll. Shield or no shield, the only thing you’re runnin’ in here is your mouth. Now, I had Karli and you overstepped. He’s actually proven himself useful today. We’ll need all hands on deck for whatever’s comin’ next.” Sam approached Walker to try and pump his breaks. 

“How do you want the rest of this conversation to go, Sam, huh?” Walker chuckled softly as Sam remained silent. “Yeah. Should I put down the shield? Make it fair?”

Sam scoffed, shaking his head at the man’s antics. 

Walker put down the shield but the only thing flying next was a spear that struck the pillar by Walker’s head. 

It was the Dora Milaje. 

They had come for Zemo. 

From your time in Wakanda you understood the language as Ayo spoke to Bucky. 

“Even if he is a means to an end. Your time is up.” Ayo reverted back to English. “Release him to us now.” 

Walker introduced himself to Ayo, not that she cared for him.

“Well let’s, uh, put the pointy sticks down and we can talk this through, huh?” Walker suggested, only to be met, yet again, by silence from the Dora’s.

“Hey, John, take it easy. You might wanna fight Bucky before you tangle with the Dora Milaje.” Sam tried to warn him but he wasn’t backing down. 

“They don’t have jurisdiction here––”

“––The Dora Milaje have jurisdiction wherever the Dora Milaje find themselves to be.” Ayo cut Walker short. 

“Okay.” John chuckled lightly. “Look, I think we got off on the wrong foot.” Walker made the mistake of putting his hand on Ayo’s shoulder. 

Ayo responded with an attack. 

The surrounding Dora’s fell into defence positions as Ayo and Walker fought.  Lemar bounced into action, trying to help his partner out but it only warranted in more fighting. Or more asses getting kicked by the Dora Milaje. 

“We should do something.” Sam said as you, him and Bucky stood together watching. 

“Looking strong, John.” Bucky called out. 

“Bucky!” You tried not to laugh as you scolded the man. 

“Guys...” Sam nodded to Ayo about to strike John with her spear which made Bucky reluctantly intervene. 

“Ayo, let’s talk about this.” Bucky only landed himself directly in the mess. 

You realised how serious this was as Ayo didn’t hold back and went ahead to help Bucky. Sam went over to help Lemar but was met by more Dora's.

You grunted as one of the women attacked you. You had almost forgotten just how incredible they were at combat. Almost. 

You were backed against a wall with the spear to your chest when the room fell silent. 

You looked over at Bucky to see his arm was on the floor. 

You wanted to move towards him but you were stuck until orders were given to release you. 

“He is gone. Leave it.” Ayo had opened the bathroom doors to reveal the manhole had been opened. Zemo had escaped. 

You were trying to slow your breathing when finally the Dora’s fell back. 

She retracted her spear and left with Ayo and the others. 

“Did you know they could do that?” Sam asked Bucky as he pushed himself off the floor. 

Bucky reattached his arm. He groaned as he swung it round to adjust it. 

“No.” He said but the shock on his face from before had already given away that answer. 

You looked past Bucky to where Walker was still on the floor. 

“You all right, man?” Lemar offered his hand to help him up. 

“They weren’t even Super Soldiers.” You heard Walker mutter. 

“Come on.” Lemar tugged him to his feet. 

“I can’t believe he pulled an El Chapo.” Sam walked over to the bathroom and stared at the hole. 

“I can.” Bucky wasn’t really that surprised and neither were you truthfully. 

“Come on.” You beckoned the boys out of the apartment so you could talk. 

You got down to the streets and away from Walker before you spoke again. 

“Walker isn’t stable. He’s on the brink of cracking.” You kept your voice low as you spoke to the boys. 

“What do you mean?” Sam asked. 

“We may not like him but he’s not stupid. He knows that he can’t be Steve, do the things Steve did and it’s killing him. He's so obviously trying to win this fight by himself and it’s going to drive him insane if he isn’t the one to beat Karli.” 

“But he can’t beat Karli. You saw her kick him across the room like he was a cardboard box.” Sam reminded you of what happened earlier. 

“We have to get to Karli before he does because he’s either gonna stop her or kill himself trying.” You weren't worried for the man but worried about what would happen if he finally snapped. 

Suddenly, Sam’s phone started to ring. It was his sister. 

“She said what? Right. Hold on, hold on. I know, I know. Listen, pack an overnight bag and take the boys...” Sam sounded worried. 

“What happened?” Bucky asked. 

“Karli called Sarah. She threatened my nephews.” Sam told you both. “Okay. Go somewhere safe. Only pay cash. All right? Tell me when you arrive. I know. Look, I love you. I’ll never let anything happen to you and the boys. Okay. Bye.” He hung up and then immediately texted an unknown number. 

“What does she want?” You knew Karli was desperate but threatening kids was a different story.

“Karli wants to meet. She left a contact number.” Sam’s phone buzzed with a new text. “She said come alone.”

“We’re coming with you.” Bucky wasn’t going to take no for an answer. 

“Alright but keep your distance.” Sam didn’t bother to fight you on it. “We better suit up.” 

You suited up by adding a few more weapons to your body. You placed your favourite thigh holsters on that held your Vibranium knives out on display. 

Sam got his wings and soon you were at the location. 

“Karli!” Sam bellowed as you entered the building. 

Karli leant over a balcony to make herself seen. You remained on the ground floor but looked up at the girl. Bucky followed Sam. 

“You called my sister? That’s how we’re gonna play this?” Sam was upset and understandably so. 

“Sam, I would never hurt her. I just wanted to understand you better.” Karli confessed.“I see you, um, didn’t come alone.”Karli peered down at you then up at Bucky. 

“You have to end this now.” Sam told her. 

“I don’t wanna hurt you. You’re a tool in the regimes I’m looking to destroy. You’re not hiding behind a shield. If I were to kill you, it’d be meaningless. I was gonna ask you to join me. Or do the world a favour and let me go.” Karli spoke pretty boldly for someone who seemed to be alone. Super Soldier or not. 

“Hey, Sam, new Cap is moving, looks like he’s found them, or maybe they found him.” Sharon’s voice came through on Sam’s intercom. 

“It’s Walker.” Sam looked down at you and then Bucky. 

Karli jumped from the balcony at the realisation the jig was up but Bucky was quick to jump too. 

Karli kicked Bucky back but you managed to weaken Karli as you flipped over and kicked her in the jaw. 

Sam put her down momentarily as he flew down and kicked her also. 

“I’ll send you the location. Go!” Sam ordered both you and Bucky before he took off. 

You knew Bucky would be fast enough to run there but you didn’t have that luxury. 

You crossed the street to a parked motorbike and opened up it’s wiring. Just as you managed to get it running, Sam’s coordinates came through. 

You docked your phone and set off. 

You dodged through the narrow streets and traffic to arrive at another large building. Karli must have a favour for buildings you could get lost in. 

You drove through the doors and skidded to a stop. 

Bucky had gotten there before you. You could hear his grunts from a flight or two up. 

You raced up them only to be met by a super soldier fighting Bucky. 

You sent a knife forward, it embedded itself into the man’s soldier, he cried out which gave Bucky some time to throw him down the stairs. 

You tucked up, over the tumbling body, holding onto the railing and the wall. 

Bucky jumped over the rails and with one final blow knocked the soldier unconscious. 

“Stay there.” Bucky told him before climbing back up to you. He thanked you for the help, handing you back the knife that had been in the man’s shoulder. 

You then both went ahead to find Sam and Walker. 

They were fighting more super soldiers a floor up. 

You didn’t hesitate to go in for the attack.

You pulled a knife and threw it to Bucky for help; he caught it midair. 

You screamed with frustration as the soldier you were fighting, pulled your arm behind you and slammed you into the pillar. You managed to swivel around, taking out the soldiers legs as you freed your arm. 

You threw a knife into both his biceps. You only intended to injure, not kill, them anyway. 

He groaned as he pulled them and tried to use them against you. 

All at once, the fighting stopped when you all witnessed Karli kick Lemar into one of the concrete pillars. 

Lemar’s body slumped down with blood painted across his lips. 

John broke free from his attacker and slowly made his way over to Lemar. 

From the sight of the body, you already knew he wasn’t walking out of there. 

Walker desperately tried to wake him up. 

That’s when Karli took her chance to flee. 

You and the boys took off after her but lost her again pretty quickly. 

When you rounded the building, you saw a crowd gathering. 

What you saw next made you feel psychically sick. 

John Walker stood above Karli’s right hand man, blood splattered up Steve’s shield and across his uniform. 

He had killed the man in front of all these civilians. He had killed a man as Captain America. 

(PART 5 HERE)

Bucky Barnes Tag List

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[dumdumsun]

And Dusk

A/N: Just a heads up, the sensitive content in this chapter will be marked "<<<<<<" as the beginning and ">>>>>>" to signify the end. The racial slurs used in this chapter were targeted towards African Americans (and still are) and I chose these because I, myself, am African American and used them as a sort of “default” for any POC readers. ⚠️Please, never use these towards anyone. Whether it be in a “joking” manner or not. They are hurtful and were created to be that way⚠️ I wrote this chapter the way I did to bring awareness. Proceed with caution. Much love ❤️

Warnings: ⚠️racial slurs⚠️, violence, mentions of guns and dying/death

Word Count: 3707

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Chapter 3: The Frankel Footage

Shaking himself out of his shock, Five stood from his seat and hurried after his brother, grabbing onto his arm and stopping his strides. “The hell is wrong with you, Luther? I just told you the world’s gonna end in ten days!”

“Yeah, well, you’re always saying that.” Luther nonchalantly spoke before moving away, but Five intervened yet again.

“And so far, I’ve been right.” He hissed as Luther sighed and shook his head.

“Look, you want to go save the world? Knock yourself out, alright? I already got a job.”

“Wait, you work in this shithole?” The boy furrowed his brows.

“Yeah. Well, my boss owns the place,” Luther only received a nod from his brother, so he clarified. “I’m his body man.”

But this only made Five even more confused. “What’s that? Like, a masseuse or something?”

“Okay, you can make fun all you want, but I take good care of Mr Ruby.”

“Wait, Ruby. The Jack Ruby? The gangster who shot Oswald.”

Despite Five’s concern, Luther proudly smiled a smug smile as he glanced over at his boss. “Yeah. The one and only.”

“Well, it finally happened,” Five sighed. “That gorilla DNA has finally taken over your mind-”

“Hey, watch it, alright? Jack’s a good friend-”

“And you’re Number One. Numero Uno. Remember?”

Luther clenched his jaw and shook his head. “There is no Number One. Not anymore. Not in 1963,” When Five stared at him in disbelief, Luther sighed again. “Look, I’ve been stranded here alone for a year. What did you expect?”

Five scoffed. “I get it, alright? You watched Pogo die, the world exploded, and I marooned your big dumb ass in time. I’m sorry, okay? But I’m asking for your help, Luther. The Umbrella Academy needs you.”

“It doesn’t need me,” He slowly spoke to draw out his words. “It never did.”

“Luther, honey,” The waitress from earlier approached the two. “Jack’s about to lose it on some half-wit. A little help?”

“Ah, shit,” He groaned and began walking away. When Five tried yet again to stop him, he whirled on him, his lips pulled into a thin line. “Listen. You’re the genius who said we should jump, right? You’re the one who got us stuck here. And you’re the one who brought Vanya. So, if there is a doomsday coming, she’s probably the cause. And if I was gonna do something about it, it sure as hell is not gonna be with you. That’s (Y/N)’s job, being dragged around into your messes-”

“I don’t drag her into anything.” Five swallowed, blinking rapidly.

“Yeah? Well, she wasn’t stuck as a thirteen-year-old and constantly worrying about her kids until you showed up. I’m surprised she isn’t sick of you yet.” And with that, he stomped away to his boss. This time, Five let him go, his words sending a pang through his chest as he thought back on it. Grabbing his drink, he sighed and shook his head.

“Dad should’ve left him on the moon…” He muttered, taking a sip of his drink before moving to leave his seat. When he felt his jacket snag on something, he looked down to see an object in his pocket. Taking out the tape, he frowned and turned it over.

Date: 11/22/63

Subject: FRANKEL FOOTAGE

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This world was unfamiliar to (Y/N). She knew she had to have been somewhere in America, but she didn’t know where. The cars, fashion and stores bringing the street she walked to life told her she had to have been in the sixties. But she didn’t want to believe it. Surely Five hadn’t time travelled that far? She had to have been dropped during some type of sixties-theme festival. But the voices suddenly beside her quickly prove her doubts wrong.

“What do we have here?”

“Looks like we’ve got ourselves a lost little colored girl.”

Tensing, (Y/N) continued her way down the sidewalk, slightly speeding up her pace, but the men fell into step beside her with ease, flanking her sides.

“You’re on the wrong side of town, girl.”

“Yeah, we don’t like coons around here.” One of them hissed right in her ear. Her eyes welled up with tears before the other shoved her forward.

“Gon now, get!” He ordered as if she were a dog. She realized that’s how they had seen her. An animal. Nothing more. Tripping on a crack in the sidewalk, she fell to the ground, smacking her face on the concrete. She choked out a sob as the two men cackled. And to make matters even worse, she felt the pitter patter of raindrops start to freeze her skin.

(Y/N) gasped out in shock when the men spit two wads of saliva in her face. She knew she must’ve looked a mess with spit and tears sliding down her cheeks and blood oozing from her nose. She hiccupped on her sobs and began to stand, much too tired from her previous fight with Vanya and literally being dropped from the sky to successfully do so. The men backed her up against a wall and one fisted the front of her vest before a voice called out.

“Take your hands off of my child!” Whipping around, the men were half expecting to find another target, but (Y/N) coughed and sputtered nonsense upon the person her gaze fell upon.

“M-Mom…?”

Before her was Grace, but… she wasn’t robotic in any sense. She could tell by the raw anger etched into her features. She took a brave step forward. “I said. Take your hands. Off my child.”

And that was another thing: her accent. (Y/N) was immediately comforted by the stern southern accent the woman shared with her attackers. It was a voice she never thought she needed. The two looked between Grace and (Y/N) with smirks. “You mean this lil ol’ jigaboo-”

“Is my daughter. Now you let her go before I call the police.”

“Woman, I don’t care if you call the police-”

Grace took it upon herself to step closer and grab the child by her arms, yanking her into her warm embrace. (Y/N) immediately latched onto her, quivering in her hold. The men scoffed and shook their heads, beginning to walk away. “Make sure to keep that thing on a leash if you’re gonna have it out, ma’am.”

“Oh, fuck off.” She growled before turning and walking back in the direction the girl came from. As they walked past the alleyway, Grace took out a handkerchief and began wiping the girl’s face clean of what the raindrops hadn’t already washed away. “It’s alright, hun, they aren’t gonna hurt you anymore.”

“T-Thank you.” (Y/N) sobbed and gently held her nose in pain. Grace crouched in front of her and gently held her face in between her hands.

“Don’t thank me, darlin’, it’s how everyone should be treatin’ you ‘round here… Where are your parents? I could take you to ‘em.”

(Y/N) thought for a long moment, watching as the rain soaked Grace’s hair and clothing. The woman didn’t seem to mind as she watched the girl before her swallowing thickly. (Y/N) skimmed over her current choices. She didn’t have any choice.

“I don’t have parents. I-I don’t remember them…”

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

“I’m tellin’ you, Reggie, she’s highly intelligent for a child her age.” Grace proudly presented (Y/N) to the man she had grown fond of over their time working together. (Y/N), however, was frozen in her spot. Sir Reginald Hargreeves. The man whose death she had wished upon for years, whose death had finally graced her existence, was back in her life. She flinched at the disapproving look on his face, much too acquainted with it by this point in her life. “And she’s very respectful. Talented, too, this girl can speak several languages.”

“You seem rather fond of this child.” The man observed as Grace squeezed her into her side.

“She’s my pride and joy.”

“And you cannot remember anything of your past, child?”

“N-No,” (Y/N) shook her head and stared down. “Not a lot. J-Just my name and birthday.”

Reginald hummed and stared her down with an unreadable expression. When she met his eyes again, he was crouched down to her level, his monocle clutched in his fist. “(Y/N), was it?”

“Yes.”

“It would be an honor to have your presence within my home, along with your mother.”

“O-Oh, that’s okay-”

“I insist. Besides, you have been living with her for almost half a year, correct? It is highly unlikely that she will share a home without you.”

“He’s right about that, hun,” (Y/N) glanced up at Grace, who was smiling warmly at her. “I’m not leavin’ you.”

(Y/N) could have cried.

And she did.

One year later, (Y/N) had been living quite the comfortable life with Grace and Reginald. She had been introduced to the ape, Pogo, for the second time since Grace first started working with him. As much as she loved being around the chimp, it brought back so many memories. She almost felt silly, looking after him sometimes knowing he had done the same for her in the original timeline.

Her relationship with Reginald was nothing she ever expected. He was gentle, well as gentle as Reginald Hargreeves could get, he cared for her, spoiled her, even. She wouldn’t have to ask for anything half the time. If he were to overhear a conversation between her and Grace about a dress she oh-so wanted, it would suddenly be laid out on her bed the next day. She usually had a say in dinner meals every Thursday and Sunday and Reginald listened intently whenever she would voice any discomfort or concerns with her living conditions. (Y/N) never had a real father, but she assumed this is what it was like to have one. She never wanted to let go of it.

For her birthday in 1963, she was surprised that he had actually gotten her a present. As she entered the parlor, she was met with the tiniest bark and an even tinier golden retriever, bounding up to her. She gasped and stopped low, letting him jump into her arms. She let him lick her face and giggled in the joy it brought her.

“Your mother said you would like it. Though I would never allow dogs in my house, I have come to understand that there are rules I must bend for you, my child.”

(Y/N) turned to her father. Yes, father. Reginald, also growing quite fond of their father-daughter bond formed between them, decided to adopt the girl. As much as his beliefs and his deep distaste for children protested. There was just something about this child. Or perhaps it was Grace’s insisting, reassuring him that he would make a wonderful father. (Y/N) was very hesitant at first for her own reasons she never shared, but eventually came around to the idea of being his daughter again.

This was the same Reginald Hargreeves who locked her in a dark room for five days straight, but also an entirely different man. Perhaps it was her fascination with the differences, or maybe she just wanted a real father for once.

“Thank you, Dad.” She softly smiled, the man nodding in response.

“But this is your pet, (Y/N). It is your responsibility. I will not find it in my study, in my bedroom, you are to train it yourself-”

“Can you-”

“And no, I will not help you pick out its name.”

The girl softly groaned and looked back down at her new puppy. Looking into its eyes, she smiled softly at a distant memory as a small child.

“Welcome to the family, Mr Pennycrumb.”

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

(Y/N) groaned when she felt the sunbeams of the early morning sunrise hit her eyelids, coloring her black vision with the stinging fire of orange. Rolling onto her other side, she stretched her blanket over her head. They were yanked away the next second, causing a whine to leave her lips. “Mom… Five more minutes.”

“I let you sleep in long enough, hun, it’s time to get up. You have a date with Preston this afternoon.” Grace gently pulled her daughter to sit up, giggling quietly at her look of disgust.

“Preston? Seriously?”

“Yes, seriously, let’s get goin’.” Grace patted her leg and walked to her door, waiting patiently. (Y/N) sighed and rubbed her face, letting her feet slide into her slippers. As they descended the stairs to the kitchen for breakfast, Reginald could hear his daughter’s sleepy complaining from his place at the table.

Setting his utensils down, he turned his head in their direction. “My child, how many times throughout each week must we have to repeat this conversation?”

“Until it starts making sense.” (Y/N) stepped into the dining room, now in her robe, and crossed her arms over her chest. Reginald sighed and stood from his chair at the table.

“You are one of my greatest accomplishments,” He began towards her. “There is no doubt in my mind that you would make a fine successor. I do not believe you will need a husband. In fact, you would be better off without another individual holding you back from what you are truly capable of.”

“But?” She raised a brow.

“But… I have grown to know you more than I expected… and I know that you would need someone to help manage your finances you inherit once I am gone. Preston is a fine young man who was born into this life, made into this life. He will take good care of you.”

(Y/N) knew there was only one person in this world who would truly take good care of her. But he wasn’t here, and she needed to play the part as the amnesiac adopted daughter, so she huffed and nodded. “Fine… I’ll go…”

“Thank you-”

“But only if Mr Pennycrumb can go, too.”

“Very well, but you will not be gifted another animal if you lose it.”

The outing wasn’t entirely bad. (Y/N) didn’t mind the picnic or the art museum, it was the company that made her blood boil. Preston is anything she would have expected out of him. This had been their seventh date, tenth of the ones he planned. (Y/N) sought out any opportunity she could to cancel on him to save herself from the unbearable three hours she would have to spend with the kid. He was arrogant, smug, selfish, narcissistic, and overbearing. Of course, this was not the Preston he presented to her parents. No, to them, Preston was ‘a fine man with a bright future ahead of him’, or as Grace would put it, ‘a delight to have around’. He laughed like a drunk, talked like a husband, and smelled like a man. All at the age of fifteen. (Y/N) had to remind herself on several occasions that she was mentally the older out of the two and to not stoop to his level when he got under her skin.

“Don’t you think, (Y/N)?” The voice brought her attention back to the boy beside her. She looked up from the grass they had been strolling through. When she hummed in question, he amusedly scoffed and side-step closer to her. “Never mind. I should have known you wouldn’t have been interested in politics.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” The girl raised a brow. At her confusion, he laughed and gently tapped the side of his head.

“You’ve always got that head of yours in the clouds. Or turned behind you- like right now.”

(Y/N) turned her head away from where she had been looking over her shoulder. “What? Sorry, Preston, I’m a little preoccupied today.”

“With what, exactly? You don’t seem to be the type of girl to have very many issues. Nothing to worry about.”

“And you wonder why I don’t listen to you.” She sighed as her puppy ran in between her legs, rolling in the grass once he was a few paces in front of them. Preston frowned in distaste and shook his head.

“You should really keep that thing on a leash, sweetheart.”

She inhaled deeply and closed her eyes, clenching her teeth as she folded her hands behind her back. “Really now?”

“Really. You know, I’m not very fond of dogs, so I’m not sure how it’ll work out once we’re married. I think we should get one after we have kids, you know? Just so the kids could grow up with it.”

(Y/N) quickly turned her head to the left, pointing out across the street. “Preston, would you look at that?”

“Look at what?” He gullibly looked in the direction, (Y/N) quickly checking the area before almost silently singing her tune. From her shadow, her clone formed and robotically walked behind the two. She quickly switched spots with it and ordered the clone to walk with Preston before scooping her puppy into her arms and rushing off in the opposite direction. Once she was behind a diner far away from their date location, she let out a sigh and gently patted her dog on the head.

“Were you sick of it, too?” She chuckled. Resting the back of her head against the brick wall she leaned on, she let out a slow breath and began to relax. The sound of guns cocking had her head snapping up so fast, she swore she could have dislocated it. Just down the end of the line of stores were three white-haired men, one in a milkman uniform, training their guns on her. (Y/N) didn’t waste a second tucking her dog in front of her and spinning around, charging down the opposite direction as bullets whizzed past her. She dodged them the best she could, jumping a few feet in the air at the ones that threatened to take their place in her feet. It was like a dance; the twisting, spinning and jumping, and she was to perform this dance until one of those bullets killed her if she didn’t find a way out soon. Sliding to the side of a clothing store for cover, she gently shushed her pet as she caught her breath.

The three sets of footsteps eventually found their destination and rounded the corner with skilled quickness, shooting at the girl until she was nothing more than a bloodied corpse on the ground, bullet holes lodged in almost every inch of her body. The three men nodded to each other and turned around, making their way out from behind the stores.

(Y/N) had already been down the street from her house by the time her attackers found the clone in her place. She couldn’t have been bothered to check herself for any wounds, too worried about Mr Pennycrumb’s potential bullet wounds. But the pup was perfectly, happily nuzzling into her arms and wagging his tail. This left (Y/N) to ponder.

Who the hell were those men?

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

“Is it on?”

“I don’t know.”

“What do you mean, you don’t know? There’s an ‘on’ button. Just- There’s something over- that jigga-ma-thing, whatever.”

“I hit the jigga-ma-thing!”

“Okay, well, just- Give it to me. I know how to do this.”

“Alright, here, here. Hurry up.”

“Okay, alright, let’s see…”

Lila didn’t look up from her task of painting poor Elliott’s toenails, his bindings he received after threatening the trio with a gun preventing him from moving too much. Which was beneficial to her, as it kept her from ruining the paint job. She softly smiled as she listened to the argument between the elderly couple on the film Five and Diego were intently watching. “They’re so cute,” She commented. “I love old couples. I’m always so proud of them for not murdering each other.”

Ignoring her, Diego turned to his brother from his seat on Elliott’s counter. “Why are we watching this?”

“Shush.” Five replied, eyes trained on the film before him, searching for any clue to the approaching apocalypse, brows furrowed in concentration.

“Yeah, I… I’m Dan Frankel. And…”

“I’m Edna Frankel.”

“...Edna Frankel. We are in Dallas, Texas, to see the president. Today’s date is November 22, 1963.”

Five nodded as everyone’s attention was brought to the projected screen before them.

“That’s six days from now.” Lila spoke as Elliott thrashed about more against his bindings. Diego sat forward in interest.

“Holy shit. This is it. The grassy knoll. Kennedy’s about to get shot. How do you have this?”

“Hazel died to get me this footage,” Five answered. “It must be the key to stopping doomsday.”

“Hazel…?” Diego frowned, remembering the man he spent hours searching for and planning to kill to avenge the death of Eudora Patch.

“Long story.”

“What’s doomsday?” Lila looked up at the boy.

“Longer story.”

“What exactly did he say to you?” Diego asked as Lila turned her head back to the film.

Five shrugged. “Well, he was killed before he could explain. But whatever he wanted us to see, it’s on this film.”

“This is very exciting.” The old man smiled before the sound of gunshots and screaming could be heard, the camera moving around in blurs due to the shock of the old woman filming.

“Oh, my god!”

“Oswald…” Diego whispered, setting his knife down as Five leaned in closer.

“The president!”

When the camera was steadied to record across the street, Five and Diego both stiffened in their spots at what their eyes caught. “Oh, no…” Five breathed and moved behind the projector, rewinding the film and scooting the cart backwards to zoom in closer. The room was silent as Diego stood to his feet and Five rounded the cart before standing beside his brother, directly in front of the film. “This can’t be…”

“Okay, you gonna fill me in now, boys?” Lila glanced between the two. “What the hell is this shit we’re watching?”

But she was ignored yet again.

“No, that’s impossible…”

“Clearly, it’s not.”

“What… What is it?” Elliott muffled past the gag in his mouth.

A beat of silence went by before the two Hargreeves whispered in unison,

“Dad.”

—————————————

Taglist: @unfortu-nate-ly @sapphicsyn @m00n-sh @starcurrent @alexander-hamilhoe @youcandalekmyballs @wonderlandfandomkingdom @yrdadjstcallsmekatya @sm0kingcrack @a-t-h-r-e-e-n-a @moatsnow @bubblegumflamingos @starstormssymphony @meowiemari @magicalgothpandamaker @simping-4-fictional-men @hehehehannahthings @harrystylescherrie @rhain3 @himikaphoo @zerocanonlywriteshit @xxeiraxx @camerondiaz48104 @isawachickeninatree

[wenellyb]

My journey in the MCU fandom on Tumblr: Sharing my thoughts on the Falcon and the Winter Soldier, racism in the MCU fandom and the best and the worse of the fandom

I wasn’t going to write this much but here I am… I don’t even know where I’m going with this but since The Falcon and the Winter Soldier just recently came out, I wanted to share some thoughts.

I joined Tumble because of a show I loved but most of you don’t know it “ Hit the Floor”

I stayed on Tumblr for two reasons only, Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan.

Before the Captain America:Civil War premiere, a friend sent me the link to the Sebastian and Anthony ET interview, and I was hooked. In just one interview. I discovered Anthony Mackie. The guy was hilarious!!! I just couldn’t get enough and I knew I had to know more about him. How could he improvise so many funny lines on the spot? He was just amazing.

I had pretty much watched all the avengers movie but that was it. I was not involved in the fandom. So I knew Sam Wilson’s face, but I couldn’t even remember his name if my life depended on it. That’s how much the MCU treated him as a side character.

I was like how the f*ck don’t I know this guy?

His talent reminded me of Eddie Murphy, Jim Carrey or Robin Williams, like yes they can make some emotional or serious movies, but when they want to make you laugh, you will laugh. Whether you want it or not.  I kept wondering how this guy wasn’t more famous.

And the banter with Sebastian Stan? Wow, you could tell their friendship was strong, the way Sebastian lighted up when Anthony was talking, and keep bouncing off his jokes. It was art. the way Sebastian said “ I love you” at the end of the interview. Pure gold.

I then started to watch some of the interviews and boy was that a mistake!!! I literally couldn’t get enough. So I watched all and I say all their interviews, it was the best. We got some gems:

“Why aren’t you looking at me as much”

“Which way is the beach Seabass”

*Them saying nonsense in Spanish and then Sebastian Saying Papi Chulo*

 ¨And so many more, ....

I watched other solo Anthony interviews and he was still HILARIOUS, but you could also tell he felt a little bit more at ease with Sebastian around. I won’t pretend I know him or his personality, but Sebastian seems like a little bit more of an introvert and looks like he doesn’t enjoy the interview experience unless Anthony id around him. Just my thoughts

I watched the interviews before I went to see the movie, I even cosplayed as the Winter Soldier to the movie premiere and I was IN!!! When I saw Captain America Civil War, I became a SamBucky shipper, these two were hilarious and I really so the potential for a great realtionship I love enemy to lovers stories.

I also shipped Stucky because, to me, the trope of the movie was Superhero gives up everything to protect his long term friend” Hollywood movies have some codes and if Bucky were a female character, there is no doubt in my mind that the movie would have been marketed as romance.

Stucky really was an easy ship! But then the MCU fandom of Tumblr fandom messed up everything for me. You see I really liked the CACW and I I liked Stucky, I liked Sambucky, and I loved the introduction of t’Challa’s character, but one of things that affected me the most in the movie was that it was the first blockbuster I watched with 3 black main characters, Rhodey, Sam and T’Challa. That, and the fact that they were planning to realease a Black Panther movie in two years, I was super excited, and that’s the main reason I got involved in the MCU fandom so much, when before, I was just a casual watcher.

If this seem weird to you, then you have no idea how we were only getting crumbs before. For me it was soo huge, I even told all my friends, and they were laughing at me. But usually blockbusters, especially superhero movies get one black character and that’s it, usually the best friend or something and never the leads. So, for me it really was a big deal. How sad is that by the way…

I became more involved in the fandom and, at first, I wasn’t focusing on anything special, Sambucky, Stucky, Stackie, the Black Panther, and even Zemo, whose character I really liked.

But soon I noticed that the CACW tags were always flooded, and I mean flooded with the same two white characters: Steve and Bucky. I told myself, ok that’s fine Steve is the lead after all, but it would be good to see the other characters too.

And then I noticed another interesting trend: Evanstan…. Wait what?

Chris Evans, and Sebastian Stan… did I miss something? Listen, obviously I’m sure they must be friends or something, but you’re going to tell me you watch all MCU the actors and you’re going to focus on Steve and Sebastian? I’m sorry what?

Sebastian and Anthony are right there… Or Chris and Anthony, they even have a secret handshake, only the 2 of them do… what more do you want?

Tell me one iconic Evanstan moment… go ahead tell me… See??? There isn’t.

Because of this and because of how badly some Stuckies were treating Sam and Anthony. I became less and less of a stucky shipper . I mainly focused on SamBucky, Stackie and the Black Panther,

And then the Sebastian Stan stans saw how popular Stackie, Sambucky, were becoming and I started to see some problematic stuff in our fandom too.

I don’t want to generalize, but when you go into the Stackie tag, and you see cropped pictures of Sebastian without Anthony, it’s easy to assume that a Sebastian fan did that. And we know damn well you cropped out Anthony because we watched all Stackie interviews and know exactly which interview your picture was taken from. We know that Anthony was sitting right next to Seb.

You post a picture of Sebastian laughing but you crop out the person who was making him laugh??

“but it has nothing to do with race” How do you know that?

“Sebastian had more screen time” More screen time than Anthony in CATWS or CACW? I don’t think so.

“I have been a fan of Sebastian for longer”, that’s fine but don’t go out cropping Anthony, just post gifs of Seb in his usual, sad, and Anthony-less interviews, not the ones where he’s smiling because his best friend is next to him.

Some of you really are the worst. And just so you know, your fave Sebastian is Anthony’s biggest fan, if he saw pictures where you cropped out Anthony, he would block you on the spot.

When I realized that Anthony Mackie would be the next Captain America I was screaming, no actually, I was crying, Sam Wilson will be Captain America, and Anthony would finally get the recognition he deserves.

You would think that the MCU fandom would focus on Captain America or at least one the two leads, instead of just Sebastian? Right? Right? WRONG.

Anthony is handsome, he’s funny, he’s a great actor, he went to freaking Julliard, he’s at the top, I don’t see what else the man can do??? He should already be a superstar, but no, you will side-line him even to he is the lead of the show.

Even when they are the actual leads, you guys would do anything to bring up the White characters even if it means ignoring the Black characters.

I remember I was having a conversation about Black Panther with my friends and I asked one of my white friends who was his favorite character in BP was and he told me Martin Freeman (don’t even remember his name in the movie) Martin Freaking Freeman, there are half a dozen of great characters and your fave is the only white man??? Ok, ok, that’s great.

Don’t give out automatic reply like “It has nothing to do with race, if you haven’t thought about it first”, because there’s a high probability that it is indeed about race. Stop saying it isn’t, sit down and ask yourself, “Am I biased?” “Why am I reblogging only stuff related to the white characters”.

One of these days you guys are going to make me hate Sebastian with the sh*t you are pulling.

I looove the Stackie friendship and the Sambucky dynamic but after seeing the way some of you treat Anthony and Sam’s character, it make me want to focus on Sam’s character and forget about the rest.

 I remember they were some posts about how Anthony was problematic, and I just lost it. Apparently, there was an old article that resurfaced were Anthony was making a joke about women making sandwiches or something.

If you were offended by the sandwich joke, that is totally ok, and I can understand that.

But if you were offended by the sandwich joke, and saying Anthony is problematic BUT you still stan Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner, ScarJo or even Sebastian Stan, just know that there is a high probability you’re racist.

They have all said or done problematic stuff, and people only seem to remember stuff related to Anthony, which was probably just a joke by the way.

Chris Evans and Jeremy called Black widow a wh*re, ScarJo took roles that she maybe shouldn’t have and I didn’t forget Sebastian shady Instagram post, when Kaepernick was kneeling. There are so many more things to be said about Jeremy Renner but google is your friend.

Anthony also got hate for hating on Tom Holland? Like what? Do you guys even hear yourselves? Don’t you have any friends you like to tease? If you hate someone, do you go around talking about him every chance you get? It was obviously friendly banter but some people wanted to turn it into something it was not. Sigh.

I really cannot with this fandom

 The stackie fandom was small at the beginning and the Sambucky fandom even smaller, but we were there and it was amazing. Sebastian and Anthony received the same amount of love from the fandom and I wish we could go back to those days.

Stop pretending the fandom isn’t racist. Stop saying “it isn’t about race” when you haven’t even thought about.

Saying “it has nothing to do with race” only shows that you haven’t thought about anything but don’t want to be called a racist.

There is racism in this fandom and it will always be there, but if you guys want to do anything about it, you have to acknowledge it first.

You can’t be pulling off stuff like “I don’t see colors”, “ it has nothing to do with race”. Stop, sit down, think about it and then we can have a conversation.

If you’ve made it till the end, I apologize for the typos and grammar mistakes, I wasn’t planning on writing this much.

[peakywitch]

Tommy X reader with Prompt no.24 please❤️❤️❤️

Charlie, Mommy and Daddy - Tommy Shelby

Hi beautiful! sorry for keeping you waiting, life is crazy. 

words: 3.5k WOW

warnings: usual, bad language, mentions of dead people and war, angst and fights. 

PART TWO COMING SOON DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF LOVE GOT!!

masterlist

prompt: 24 “Pack your shit and leave. Get the fuck out of my sight!”

As the last days of October approached, Y/N already knew that Tommy's birthday was near. He had never revealed the date, so a few years ago Y/N started celebrating it one of the many days that were after the twentieth. First, it was the 21st, the next year the 22nd, and so on.

He always smiled at the vanilla and chocolate cake that she baked especially for him.

"Did I guess right?" she always asked, with a tired smile, her hair with a little flour and Charlie in her arms.

"Flavor? Yes. The date? Maybe." He answered, with a mischievous and funny smile.

That October 25, 1925, was like any other. While Tommy was in Watery Lane dealing with legal problems, Y/N and Charlie were trying to finish baking a cake.

"Why do we cook?" Charlie asked, as he walked and stumbled through the kitchen.

"Because today... might be daddy's birthday, Charlie." Y/N smiled, as she finished transferring the yellow mixture to a baking dish.

"How many years is daddy turning?" The woman could hear the question even over the creaking noise of the oven door opening.

"Five hundred." Y/N joked, leaving the tray in the oven and closing the door.

Charlie exploded into euphoric laughter.

After a few minutes, the boy asked a question:

“Is mummy going to congratulate daddy for his birthday? Is she coming back?”

The question left his lips so careless, he never understood. But what could someone expect from a four-year-old? But, although he didn´t understand the subject, Tommy actually never told him. “She went away.” He said whenever Charlie asked. He also never answered the “when is she coming back” question.

 “I think you should ask that to your father, Charles.” She answered slightly, he then bolted out into the garden to kick off wilted autumn leaves and on the ground.

While cleaning everything they used to cook, Y/N doubted that Thomas’s birthday was today, but she was sure he was turning 35. The age difference tormented them a bit, but for only seven years. Although in the past it had been the subject of discussion and disagreements, both were clear that one knew more than the other about certain things. Y/N didn't understand anything about politics or horses, and Tommy had no idea how he should act in situations of extreme emotional sensitivity. But they tried, Y/N tried to pet the horses and Tommy wiped her tears with a white handkerchief that had her name embroidered on it but was always in his pocket.

The half-hour of baking went by quickly, Y/N could only think about whether or not today was Tommy's birthday, she was hoping she could find out.

“Is this how it will be? Will I come to my house and watch you cook while my son plays outside?" asked a smile at the door.

The voice took her by surprise, forcing the girl to drop a spoon mixing chocolate. It fell to the floor, staining the white marble brown. It could have been worse, Tommy thought seeing the mess he caused in an instant, it could have been blood.

"Tommy!" she smiled, then hugged him tightly. "Happy possible birthday, possible birthday boy." She said in his ear, as she stroked his nape with her flour-stained hand.

He thanked her and kissed her forehead.

"So… I guessed right?" she laughed, Tommy could only keep his smile on his face, looking into her eyes “Oh come on. Tell me yes once, or at least tell me that I did well one of these last times. "

"Maybe." He said softly, after clearing his throat. He pulled away from her, leaned against the wall, and stroked his lip with a cigarette that he pulled from a metal box once his back was against the wall.

"I'll put salt in your coffee." She laughed as she cleaned up the mess.

"I don't drink coffee, Y/N." he smoked.

"Then... I'll move all the whiskey bottles around for you and hide them." She backed off, rinsing off the dropped spoon.

"I have them locked up and you know it." He reminded her.

Both looks smiled.

…

When the clock struck midnight, Charlie had been asleep for four hours. Tommy and Y/N had been talking about life in his office. Thomas had a glass of Irish in his hand and Y/N had a cup of tea.

The fire was loud, but the photo of Grace kept in Thomas's left desk drawer screamed in Y/N's mind. Charlie's questions echoed too, and that made the poor woman bite her lip with fervor.

"Y/N" Tommy clarified his voice "would you be so kind as to explain to me that you are so stressed out?" he asked, finishing his drink in one gulp.

"Charlie should know."

Without warning or a proper introduction, Y/N spat out what was so killing her. Although she told her husband a lot, she did not tell him about those times he murmured her name in his dreams. Neither of her constant demand to be like her. Because she felt like he was never going to love her the way he loved Grace. She wasn't asking him to love her more than Charlie, she would never ask that. But she felt like she could never fill Grace's place.

"The what?" he asked, lighting a cigarette and settling into the single chair.

“About Grace, Tom. Don't play games with me." She replied, setting the cup of tea on the small glass table that was holding the bottle of whiskey.

"I already told him, a month ago." He said as if nothing.

Tommy had that talent. He spoke of love, death, and war as if they were as simple as numbers. Two plus two is four, you love, you die and people kill. There was never a sugar coating with others. But with Grace's death, it was never like that. Maybe it never would be, but he had to be an adult and explain the truth to his child in a simple way.

“You told him she's gone, he thinks he's in America, Tommy. I think you should…” she continued, insisting softly in her voice.

"Are you telling me how to raise my son, Y/N?" he asked, after taking the cigarette from his lips and pointing at her.

Y/N didn't speak, but pressed her lips tighter, trying not to blurt out a mention about all those times Charlie called her Mom when he was really tired.

She looked at the gold band on her ring finger, her chest sank. She swallowed hard, forgetting how to breathe and starting to breathe rapidly.

"Because if there's one of the two of us who can give a talk about parenting…" Tommy started, stubbing out his cigarette as he tossed it into the fire. "It's me."

"It's me." Y/N laughed, mimicking him. The comments, the stories, the complaints, and the sadness would not be tolerated anymore. "You never..." she began, trying to be as cordial as possible, it was late.

"Here we fuckin' go," Tommy complained, blinking slowly but not moving. He remained static, imposingly static.

“Yes, here we fuckin’ go, you bloody idiot. I know Charlie more than you do; I saw him more than you in these last four years. " Y/N got up from the comfortable sofa, starting to walk through her husband's private office. "Besides…!" the words hurt when leaving, everything she wanted to talk to him and never could, was coming out in the worst way, between screams and tears “Besides, I don't know what the hell to say when he asks me if I'm his mother! Because...!" the words suddenly stopped, they just didn't come out anymore.

Tommy was staring at her frowning; anger ran through his body.

“If you know him better than I do, why don't you tell him in a way that doesn't hurt, eh? Tell him about your bloody God and the angels, why don't you bring her flowers with him too?!"

The questions shot out of him after he jumped up like a bullet from his chair.

"Take him and tell him, tell him the story because I can't! Because I don't want to be the one to tell him that Grace is dead and that she won't be back!” she screamed back at him.

Both faces were transformed, Tommy had never looked so helpless and Y/N at first couldn't understand why Tommy couldn't do it until she had an epiphany.

"Oh my god..." Y/N whispered, covering her mouth with her hands. Her eyes were brimming with tears, her nose was turning red "You still... you still love her."

Thomas's face remained the same as before, did not change with the passing of seconds.

Everything was starting to make sense.

She suspected it, but now she was sure that that woman was still in his heart. She denied every thought and sent it to the back of her mind, ignoring the pain and anger. But she didn't realize it, until today.

“That's why you don't want to have any more children…” she whispered “You are not afraid to die and leave your children alone, Shelby. You don't want anything that isn't hers…” The realization broke her heart, her tears had a life of their own, they all went at different rates falling down her face “My God, what an idiot I was! At what point did I think you loved me!?" she screamed.

Then nothing.

There was only silence. On both sides. One could only hear the fire, like a few minutes ago.

"Why are you with me?" she asked, her heart ready to break again “Do I have her eyes? Do I have the same perfume?" she began to question, as she tapped him lightly on the shoulders and tried to keep her gaze on his blue eyes.

"Do I have her hands? Or what the fuck is it? I kiss just like her, huh? What the hell of her do you see in me?" she asked even more hysterical, her heart wouldn't stop beating and breaking every second, with every word.

Then, with only a few words everything went to hell:

“Mommy? Why are you hitting Daddy?”

Both adults looked at the little boy, standing on the door on his sleeping clothes. His hair was messy and had the cutest sleepy face ever. It melted Y/N’s heart, but Tommy didn’t care about no one else.

“I’ll be up in a minute, Charlie, go to bed.” She murmured while getting closer to the kid “Everything is fine, don’t worry…” she kissed his forehead and he disappeared, so she closed the door.

Y/N turned around and saw Tommy making a phone call, balancing the tube between his ear and shoulder while he served more Irish on his glass.

“Yes, yes please…okay, right now. Carnaby Street, the second house on your left. Yes… thank you.” He hung up and drank more.

“Tommy…” Y/N mumbled while trying to get closer to him.

He ignored her, walking towards a bookshelf across the room. He opened a book while being watched over by his wife.

“Please, I’m sorry. I…” she was about to burst down into tears, she was feeling helpless.

Tommy took a couple of papers from inside the book and left them on the black desk.

“Twenty pounds. Grab ‘em, pack your shit, and go.” He coldly commanded.

“Wha…what?”

Suddenly there was no more air in the room, it was also getting tinnier and tinnier. Her feelings were strangling her soul, she would fall defenseless on the floor at any given time.

“We need to be alone.” He said, and there it was again. He was being artistically careless as always.

“I don’t need to be away from you, I want to be with you and…”

“A car will be here in ten minutes, pack your things.”

He lit a cigar and sat on his black chair, then proceeded to do some paperwork.

“Tommy…” she cried softly, he was breaking her heart into a million pieces. “You are breaking my heart, please…”

“Nine minutes.” He muttered, without even looking at her.

How could he not care about here? The question was on her mind when she left him alone in his office, the doubt and the pain only grew bigger and bigger as she walked up the stairs to their room.

She opened the door, and everything came back to her.

The feelings she had ten years ago, seeing him date other women while she waited patiently for him to notice her, comforting him all those long nights after the war where he would just cry silently, him exchanging her arms for Grace’s and replacing her in every aspect with the Irish woman… Every single moment washed over her. Like an abnormal gigantic wave, it shook her. She suddenly became lost, she forgot where her dresses were, where her shoes were, and where the man she always loved was. But most importantly, she wondered if there ever was any love in him for her.

“Mommy?” a soft voice asked, and she came back to reality.

There, in the massive bed, was a little body wearing white pyjamas, hugging a stuffed bunny.

He looked sad and tired, just as she did.

“Hey” she susurrated while getting closer to him. She sited on the bed by his side and hugged him. “Charlie…” she whispered while caressing his hair “I have to leave, but we’ll see each other, alright?” Y/N tried to contain her tears, but they were being obedient to her heart.

“No!” he cried, hugging her as tightly as he could “Don’t leave me!”

The little boy was a mess, he was hugging her desperately while crying. She wrapped her arms around him, and another wave washed over her, but this time it was guilt and sorrow.

“Charlie, Charlie, Charlie…” she started to repeat his name quickly, trying to get the kid to look at her “Charlie…look…look at me, Charlie.”

His blue eyes were bloodshot, and his lips were trembling, there was no way Y/N would leave the kid alone here. Charlie was her son, either Tommy liked it or not.

“Grab your coat, you are coming with me. We are going a few days with Auntie Esme, okay?” she cleaned his tears with her thumb and the little kid did the same with hers.

“Don’t cry, mommy.” She smiled with an expression of sadness, then kissed his forehead.

“Don’t forget Mr. Whiskers, he has to come with us so he doesn’t feel lonely without you.”

“Okay…” he whispered and then left.

She started to pack everything she could, which in five minutes it means: two blouses, one pair of pants, a few undergarments, and three dresses. She also took a few things for Charlie. Everything was in the brown leather handbag that had her initials.

“I’m ready.” Said Charlie, while appearing on the doorway with Mr. Whiskers on his left hand and his book Y/N read for him every night.

“Alright, are you ready to have a fun week with your cousins?” she asked while closing her bag, trying to cheer the little boy.

“Yes!” he said, with a smile.

She took her bag and walked to the door, she was now by his side. She saw the room one last time, she knew that was the last time she would leave it with it being “their” room. Because she knew this was the end, it was now Tommy’s room, as it always was.

Tommy’s room. Tommy’s house. Tommy’s kitchen. Everything belonged to him, even she did.

“There’s a car waiting for you, Ms. Shelby.” Said Frances, with a polite smile.

“Thank you, Frances…” she said, and turned around, closing the door. “Let’s go, Charlie.”

She lifted the kid and left him on her hip, while he gripped into her trying not to fall.

“We are going to Auntie Esme’s, we will have lots of fun and…”

She said a lot of things trying to cheer him up, but she was trying to convince herself she wouldn’t cry more that one night for that man.

She walked down the stairs lost in the sorrow, trying to hold everything in place. The kid, the bag, the feelings. She tried to get to the door before Thomas acknowledgement, but he was there, looking at her as if she was just a stranger. But Y/N knew that look on his face. That’s the way he looked at Sabini, that was the way he looked at Kimber before he shot him dead. He was looking at her as if she was his enemy, one who he had to erase.

“Where the fuck do you think you are going with Charlie, eh?” he asked, abruptly and aggressively.

“He´s coming with me.” She said, trying to sound secure and big.

“He’s staying here, this is his house.” He fired back “And I’m his father.”

“But I’m his home.” She fought, Charlie’s face was buried on her neck, he was so confused. “And you are never there for him at night when he cries, neither in the morning when he wants to have breakfast. You are only there to punish him, or to tell him to fuck off because you are working. And he needs time and someone, not a shit tone of money and a massive castle.”

“He’s not your son.”

“Yes, I am.” He cried on her ear, wetting her neck. “You are my mommy.” He kept on crying, he was nervous and scared. He was never in their fights.

“Move countries, I don’t give a fuck anymore. Get the fuck out of my sight, Y/N. Both of you.” He sounded like a mad dog, but at the same time like a lost one. He began to walk away, but froze when he heard:

“Goodbye, Mr. Shelby.”

He couldn’t move, he stood right there. Y/N shut the door slightly and walked straight into the car. She saluted the chauffer and gave him John and Esme’s address.

Ten minutes into the drive, Charlie began to miss Tommy.

“We will have fun, okay? We will play with their dogs, and we will eat freshly picked eggs. We can also go to the lake and do picnics with auntie Esme, how does that sound?” he nodded.

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