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the-hilda-librarians-wife · 1 year ago

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Fireflies Over The Wall - Chapter 9

Relationship: The Bell Keeper & Meiri (Original character)

Summary: "The troll brought with herself, every night without a fault, a baby.

Every night, she placed it upon the grass, and pointed upwards, showing her baby the stars and constellations. Showing her baby the fireflies.

Holding it tight. Cuddling with it. Making sure it saw the beauty the world had to offer. He had never considered himself a sentimental man. Yet this image, for some reason, never failed to make him return home feeling something gaping and void inside of himself.

Every one of his former coworkers must have returned to their families.

Who would Edmund return to when he could work no more?

What would give him a reason to get out of bed when the fireflies were no longer enough?"

An OC's origin story as well as a Bell Keeper character study, because this character is much more fascinating than I'd been giving him credit for.

Notes: Title from ‘The Moon Will Sing’ from The Oh Hellos I’m absolutely making up a foster care system for the Hilda world. I don’t wanna deal with the bs and the bureaucracy, they’re all HAPPY and they’re all REASONABLE, I draw the line at upsetting kids. Don’t expect realism here

Chapter title: We made our peace with weariness

Read it on ao3

Edmund found another sprout of Simulim philia one day, when he was walking back home from his post. He noticed it, recognized it, knew its scientific name, and took it home despite its very name pointing to the fact that it was attractive to a bug, and not even the pretty kind. That was when he accepted he was not dealing with the situation as well as he wanted to believe.

He hadn’t heard from Meiri in many days. Weeks, probably, but he’d sort of lost track of time. He’d been used to it when his only way to keep notice of it was jotting down which shifts he’d have to take at the wall, living from twelve hour period to twelve hour period. That had changed once she’d begun visiting, since he’d have something in his life that could vary depending on whether it was a weekday, a saturday, or a sunday, with even a few variations according to which school day it was that meant she’d arrive sooner or later, keeping him situated on the calendar.

It had all gone back to normal, though, and he hadn’t much hope of changing it. He was once again only worrying about which shifts would be his, once again using his free time exclusively for cleaning and trying - failing - to pick up new hobbies, once again refusing to cook since what was the point in doing it for himself?

The only change was that Kaisa called him more often to check on him. She didn’t seem to believe his (very annoyed) assurances that he was doing fine.

The thought of going to Saint Anne’s to see for himself if Meiri was alright had occurred to him more than once, but he figured it wouldn’t be appreciated. If the girl wanted to see him, it wasn’t like they could actually stop her, slippery as she was. So he made his peace with the situation as well as he could, feeling foolish for having gotten so carried away by the situation. He gave himself some grace, though. Now that he was no longer in it, he could see how not being lonely all the time was mighty appealing.

The tricky part was convincing himself that it was only that. Only his feelings and whatever sentimentality he had left getting the best of him, because kids were fun and he was a weirdo who only talked to people once in a blue moon, and if he changed that he wouldn’t feel that urge to take in the first child who implied that his company was enjoyable. He even tried to work on that, deciding to hit some bars on Trolberg’s docks to see if he could fill the people gap in his life with people, the way he was supposed to, instead of with a third of an angry person.

Some of the people he’d met had been nice. One of them had been cryptic, a gambler and made of wood, actually. But none had made him feel any more whole when he came back home to a cabin that had only ever felt small before, but now always looked like it had room for more. The conclusion he was forced to come to was that he wasn’t some lonely old man. He was some lonely old man who was terminally devoted to a kid who was probably the coolest person he’d ever met. Talking about it to Kaisa didn’t help either. She only told him irritably that just because he was going grey early he shouldn’t call himself an ‘old man’ and act like he was going to die in the winter.

He realises now that that was what would have answered Kaisa’s question, once upon a time. What do you wish you had that you don’t? Someone to make time for. Someone to learn their likes and dislikes. Someone he could offer good memories and solace even if other people could do it better. He had found it, but he had to stop dwelling on it, because he had only been harming her - not directly, definitely not on purpose, but he had - and he couldn’t resent that he wasn’t able to do it any longer.

When he finally faced the harsh reality that he was affected by what he’d been through, made inevitable by that fucking sprout which he was eyeing with sadness, standing uselessly in his own kitchen, only then was he able to do anything about it. He had to begin, he figured, by the drawing on the wall which she’d made once upon a time and had, against all odds, survived any and all rain thus far. He would’ve erased it a long time before had it been any other child’s. It was only rational he did it to hers.

So the bell keeper picked up a bucket and a brush he used to wash shoes (not his trusty boots, he’d given up on washing the outside of those ones long ago; he wasn’t wearing them for the looks) and headed outside. He’d never really looked at the drawing before. He could see it when he left the cabin every morning, a splash of colour in the slab of stone directly beside the spot where his wooden wall met the stone one. It brightened him up just a bit to see it there, but he’d never taken a closer look as to what it was.

He’d have done better to keep it that way.

The closer he walked, the more it took shape. Two stick figures; she liked to draw as much as any other child, but it wasn’t really one of her main skills. One was freakishly taller than the other, yet still they held hands because each of them had one arm that was bizarrely long. Tall had the lower half of its face covered in brown swirls of chalk, and what looked like a long sleeved yellow dress, while Short had spikes of black hair and a green square around its torso. Edmund kneeled down in front of it, interpreting the childish traces and knowing right away he wouldn’t have it in him to erase them.

He couldn’t do this. He didn’t know, even now, even after thinking of nothing else for days, if his resolve to stay away was the selflessness he had wanted to take it for or if it was the same fucked up sense of self preservation he’d always had.

He couldn’t leave her behind. Edmund had taken to her quickly, yes, even if he didn’t know how many people would call the span of months ‘quick’. But he had done so because she’d been what his life had been missing, because being around her made him feel like that’s what he was supposed to be doing all along. And if she had latched onto him just as quickly, then it must be because she needed him as well. At the very least, she’d proven she cared. And she’d done so way before he’d gotten himself together.

His mind was made up. Not to necessarily make a point. Certainly not to pressure anyone. But he wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he didn’t even try to build a bridge, to hold out a branch.

Or, in this case he supposed, a sprout.

…......

Terry was at the reception, which was awfully lucky since it was just who he wanted to talk to. His reaction at seeing Edmund strut right in with all the confidence he didn’t feel went from fearful as he was caught shamelessly flirting with the orphanage’s director, a kind looking man with brown skin and curls, to surprised as he noticed who had walked in on him.

“Edmund?” He asked even though Edmund was quite sure there couldn’t be many other grumpy brunette men who chronically wore puffy yellow coats that were known to visit Saint Anne’s. The director raised an eyebrow at the caretaker, and if Ed was in a better mood he would have begun flirting with Terry just to see if he could create some chaos, but he really wasn’t and let the opportunity slide.

“He’s the guy Meiri talks about.” Terry explained, and the director seemed to immediately know who that was, eyebrows raised in recognition. He rose up from the reception desk’s chair and made a move to shake hands with him, but was left hanging.

“I need to talk to you, mister Hansen.” He said in the most non-nonsense tone he could manage, which after years of practice was essentially perfect. The man looked taken aback.

“Oh! Sure, would you like to go somewhere else?”

“Nah, this is fine.” Though Terry sat down on a chair (as opposed to on top of the desk as he had been before), Edmund remained standing. It made him feel like he had the high ground even though he absolutely didn’t. “Just needed to talk to ya in specific since Meiri seems to prefer you out of the bunch.”

His eyes sparked just a bit, making Edmund wonder if he’d been too harsh in his judgement of the man.

“Really?”

“No. But I don’t want to waste Miss Teresa’s time.”

Though he deflated, he’d taken it as the jest it was meant as. Sort of. Edmund just didn’t really think the cook would tell him anything. He wouldn’t, in her place.

“Anyway. Has Meiri explained why she was so nervous that day?”

He shook his head. The director kept silent, watching them with interest. “She didn’t. But it wasn’t hard to figure out. She’s always been closed off.”

“What does that mean?”

Sighing, Terry gestured for the armchair beside him. Edmund really didn’t want to sit down, but he gave in since he knew that it would make things easier if he cooperated.

“We gathered, considering the conversation we’d had some months prior, that you said something to do with adopting her. Insinuated, at least. Is that correct?”

He nodded, deciding to keep to himself that that day he’d straight up asked. He’d been insinuating for over a month. Only twice, he wasn’t a creep, but he had.

“You see, Edmund, Meiri has always been one of our more standoffish kids.” Terry said, and the director nodded slightly while looking down at his desk, seemingly lost in memory. “She arrived here very young, before she could even speak. That has always been a part of her personality, and that’s just fine. Not all kids want to be adopted. And we aim to care for them all for as long as we can.”

He pointed to a photograph on the nearest wall, and Edmund followed his direction to what he realised was a picture of a younger Terry helping a toddler with tufts of thick black hair and smart eyes take steps forward without wobbling. Without wobbling too much, at least.

“Turns out that for all she withdraws herself, she wants it, though. Someone to lean on. A family. And we try to be that as much as we can, but we have to be it for every child here. And when you have to be supportive of everyone, you end up not being able to pay attention to what each one requires specifically. It’s not what she needs.”

To his credit, he did sound regretful enough of the fact.

“One day, a couple took interest in her. They seemed like decent people; impeccable background check, man worked a full time job and woman was a stay at home. You know the type.”

Edmund nodded, he did know the type. The eyeroll that the director gave at their mention didn’t go unnoticed.

“And, listen, we don’t know for sure what happened there. Meiri wouldn’t speak of it when she came back, no matter how we coached her. But the point is they gave up on her and brought her back.”

“Why?” He asked in earnest. He didn’t think there would be people stupid enough to do something like that, but apparently there were.

“We don’t know.” This time, it was the director speaking. “They gave us the washed up excuse that she was ‘too much for them to handle’. Which is fancy wording for admitting they’re ableist.”

“We won’t pretend to think we always know how to help her.” Terry sighed. “But we do our best to make her comfortable and give her a good childhood. But it’s what I said, we have to do that to every kid here. And there are a lot of them.”

Edmund hunched forward on his seat, a hand on his face, as his understanding of what went on in Meiri’s mind broadened. As much as was possible without hearing anything from her of course. The director spoke again.

“We even tried to sign her up for therapy sessions after that. But she just stayed quiet and refused to say anything at all for the entire duration. We-” He looked down, ashamed. “We had to give up after a couple of them. Not enough funds. But after that she became even more aloof and uncommunicative.”

“We figured that was what scared her so much.” Terry sighed. “The only other time someone showed interest in her in that way… didn’t end well. And she likes you, Edmund. She really does. That’s why she was terrified to begin with.”

The hand that wasn’t on his face held the sprout inside his pocket. He went all the way to that place and for what? Just to have his guts punched by some twink?

The two of them were merciful enough to stay silent while he attempted to process this. He couldn’t say he even began to understand what the thought process had been inside Meiri’s mind, but he now knew at least some of the main factors that had influenced it, and it started to make sense. He kind of wished it didn’t. It was easier to believe he’d done something wrong.

“Do you understand-” Terry said tentatively. “Why I said you shouldn’t see each other anymore?”

Because he had been bitchy due to being awake all night. “Because this type of attachment can get her hurt.”

“Sort of.” He shrugged, sounding less certain of it (which probably had something to do with the director looking at him like he didn’t agree). “I think it’s healthy for kids to have friendships with adults. It’d be kind of weird if I didn’t, it’s sort of my job. But the problem we’re dealing with is that as far as we can tell, she does want to be able to see you as a father. She’d like to fill that post with you. But as long as she doesn’t accept that, and heals enough to stop thinking anyone who shows themself open to her will be a repeat of that couple of twits, neither of you will get anywhere. She’ll keep herself at arm's length, but I don’t think she’d take it well if you decided to do the same. If you started a family, for example. I don’t think she’d deal well with that. That’s what I mean; that’s what you need to think about.”

A headache was beginning to form around his temples, and Edmund sighed. He felt completely drained all of a sudden.

“I see.” He said, even though the words were notorious for not ever meaning or helping with anything, really. What else could he do? “Can you give her something for me?”

Terry blinked, obviously not having foreseen that particular reaction. “Sure, I guess.”

He seemed even more surprised when Edmund took out of his coat’s pocket a green weed the size of his thumb, looking like he didn’t know what to do with it when it was placed on his outstretched hand.

“She’ll appreciate it. Trust me. You don’t have to tell her it was from me, say you found it or something.”

Not seeing anything else he could do, not there and certainly not then, Edmund got up and walked towards the door where he’d come in. He only turned when the director called out his name, offering him a smile when he met his eyes.

“I hope this isn’t the last time I see you, good man.”

He grunted and nodded in acknowledgement in perfect caveman fashion, and stepped back out into the streets.

#some random kid walking in on Ed #Terry and Nameless Director in their living room together: goddamn that’s a lot of fruits #meiridom #fic: fotw #my fic #hilda oc #the bell keeper hilda #meiri #meiri (oc)#the bell keeper fanfic #hilda the series fanfic

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uk-visa-updates · 27 days ago

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How to Appeal a UK Visa Refusal: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

UK visa refusal is heartbreaking and stressful, but here’s the good news: a refusal doesn’t always mean the end of the road.

In fact, in many cases, you have the opportunity to appeal the decision, challenging the Home Office and possibly reversing their decision.

First Things First: What Does Your Refusal Notice Say?

The moment you get that dreaded refusal letter, the first step is to read it carefully. This notice will break down why your visa application got rejected, whether due to missing documents, failing to meet certain criteria, or other reasons.

Understanding the specific grounds for refusal is essential because this will guide your next move. Take the time to go through it with a fine-tooth comb!

Can You Even Appeal?

Not all visa refusals come with the right to appeal—this is key. Whether or not you can appeal depends on the type of visa you applied for and the reasons stated in your refusal notice.

Typically, you have the right to appeal if your visa refusal involves:

Protection claims like asylum or humanitarian protection

Human rights violations

Residence documents under European regulations

Revocation of British citizenship

Decisions under the EU Settlement Scheme

If you applied under the points-based system (PBS)—for work or business-related visas—you might only have the option for an Administrative Review rather than a full appeal.

Picking the Right Appeal Path

So, what's your next step?

There are a few different routes you could take:

Administrative Review (AR): This is an internal Home Office review. A different caseworker reviews your application to see if there were any errors in the initial processing. This is common for PBS visa applicants.

First-Tier Tribunal Appeal: This is where your case is heard by an independent judge. You’ll present your case, as will the Home Office, and the judge will make the final call.

Judicial Review: If you believe the Home Office’s decision was unlawful or unfair, you can challenge it in the High Court. Judicial reviews are usually more complicated and require solid grounds, like procedural unfairness.

Choosing the right path can be tricky, and consulting an immigration solicitor at this stage is often the best idea.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Appeal Process

Ready to appeal?

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Get Expert Legal Help

Though not mandatory, hiring an immigration solicitor is highly recommended. Their expertise can be invaluable in navigating the complex legal landscape and preparing a rock-solid appeal.

2. Confirm Your Right to Appeal

Double-check your refusal notice. It should clearly state whether you have the right to appeal and what kind of appeal you’re entitled to. Keep an eye on deadlines—appeals often come with strict time limits!

3. Analyze the Refusal Reason

Work with your solicitor to dissect the refusal reasons. What went wrong in your initial application? Figuring this out is key to crafting a strong appeal case.

4. Build Your Case

With your solicitor, gather any supporting evidence that counters the Home Office’s decision. This might include additional documents, witness statements, or expert opinions. The goal here is to address the weaknesses pointed out in your refusal notice.

5. Submit Your Appeal

Most appeals can be filed online through the MyHMCTS service. However, for some cases like EU Settlement Scheme appeals, you may need to submit a paper form. The fees are £140 for appeals with a hearing, and £80 for those without.

6. Attend the Hearing (If required)

If your case goes to a tribunal, you’ll be informed of the hearing date. Here, you (or your solicitor) will present your case to an immigration judge. The judge will review the evidence and decide whether to uphold or overturn the refusal.

What About Timelines?

The appeal process can be slow.

Depending on the complexity of your case and how busy the tribunal is, it could take several months to get a final decision.

It’s a long process, so patience is key!

Why You Should Consider Hiring an Immigration Solicitor

Let’s face it—the UK immigration appeal process can feel like a confusion. Having an immigration solicitor on your side can make all the difference.

Here’s why:

Expert knowledge: Immigration solicitors know the ins and outs of UK immigration laws, as well as how to navigate the appeal process effectively.

Strategic approach: They can identify the strongest grounds for your appeal, helping you build a compelling case.

Representation: From communicating with the Home Office to representing you at hearings, a solicitor ensures that your case is presented in the best possible light.

The SmartMove2UK is a UK visa refusal consultant in India. Our UK-qualified immigration solicitor and lawyers are well versed in all matters concerning UK Visa Refusals. We have filed many reviews and appeals for our clients, who were then able to travel to the UK without any worries.

Conclusion: Keep Fighting for Your UK Visa

A UK visa refusal is a setback, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your journey. If you believe the Home Office made the wrong decision, an appeal gives you the chance to set things right.

Engaging an experienced immigration solicitor can make a world of difference, helping you navigate the complexities of the process and boosting your chances of success.

Don’t give up—you’ve still got options!

#UK Visa Refusal #uk visa rejection reasons #uk visa rejection

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moldtestingblogs · 2 months ago

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Mold Testing in Orange County, CA: Why It's Essential for Your Home

Mold. It’s not just an eyesore; it’s a silent invader that can turn your home into a health hazard without you even realizing it. If you’re living in mold testing Orange County CA where the warm climate and coastal humidity create an ideal breeding ground for mold, you need to be proactive. The best way to keep mold at bay? Mold testing.

Why Mold Testing in Orange County, CA Should Be on Your Radar

Understanding Mold: The Unseen Menace

Let’s talk about mold—the uninvited guest that doesn’t need an open door to enter your home. Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, humid environments. It can grow on almost any surface, from your bathroom tiles to your kitchen ceiling, and even in places you can't see, like behind walls or under carpets.

But what makes mold so concerning?

Health Risks: Mold spores can cause a range of health problems, especially for those with allergies, asthma, or compromised immune systems. Symptoms can include sneezing, coughing, skin rashes, and in severe cases, respiratory issues. Would you let a guest like that stay in your home?

Property Damage: Mold doesn’t just impact your health; it can also cause significant damage to your home. Over time, mold can weaken the structural integrity of your property, leading to costly repairs.

The Orange County Climate: A Mold Magnet

Orange County, CA, is known for its stunning beaches, mild weather, and beautiful homes. However, the same factors that make this area so desirable also contribute to mold growth. High humidity levels, combined with occasional heavy rainfall, create the perfect conditions for mold to thrive. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable, but even inland homes aren’t immune.

Imagine your home as a sponge. Every time it rains or when humidity levels rise, your home absorbs moisture, making it a prime target for mold. That’s why regular mold testing is crucial for Orange County residents.

What Exactly is Mold Testing?

Mold testing is like a health check-up for your home. It involves identifying and analyzing mold growth and mold spores to determine whether there’s a problem and how severe it is. But how does it work?

The Mold Testing Process

Visual Inspection: A mold inspector will start with a thorough visual inspection of your home, looking for visible signs of mold or moisture issues. This step is crucial because mold often hides in plain sight.

Sampling: Depending on the situation, the inspector might collect various types of samples:

Air Samples: These measure the concentration of mold spores in the air.

Surface Samples: These are taken from suspicious areas to check for the presence of mold.

Bulk Samples: Entire sections of materials, like drywall or flooring, may be removed for detailed analysis.

Laboratory Analysis: The collected samples are sent to a lab where they’re examined to determine the type and amount of mold present.

Report and Recommendations: Based on the findings, the inspector will provide you with a detailed report and suggest the necessary steps to eliminate any mold issues.

DIY vs. Professional Mold Testing: What’s the Difference?

You might be thinking, "Can’t I just buy a mold testing kit and do this myself?" While DIY kits are available, they often lack the accuracy and reliability of professional testing. Imagine trying to diagnose a car problem without any mechanical knowledge—you might figure out there’s an issue, but pinpointing the exact problem could be tricky.

Professional mold testers in Orange County, CA, have the expertise, tools, and experience to accurately assess your home. They can detect mold in hidden areas and provide a comprehensive analysis that DIY kits simply can’t match.

When Should You Get Mold Testing?

Timing is everything when it comes to mold testing. But how do you know when it’s time to call in the pros?

After Water Damage

Whether it’s a leaky roof, a burst pipe, or flooding, water damage is a major red flag. Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours of water exposure, so it’s essential to act fast. Don’t wait until you see mold—by then, it might be too late.

If You Notice Unusual Odors

Mold often has a musty, earthy smell. If you catch a whiff of something unusual, especially in areas prone to dampness like basements or bathrooms, it’s time to get your home tested.

When Buying or Selling a Home

Real estate transactions are a perfect time for mold testing. Wouldn’t you want to know if your dream home has a hidden mold problem? On the flip side, if you’re selling, a clean bill of health from a mold inspector can be a selling point.

How to Choose the Right Mold Testing Service in Orange County, CA

Key Factors to Consider

Not all mold testing services are created equal. Here’s what to look for when choosing a professional:

Experience: Look for companies with years of experience in the industry. They’re more likely to have encountered a wide range of mold issues.

Certifications: Ensure the mold inspectors are certified by reputable organizations like the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC).

Reputation: Check online reviews and ask for references. A good reputation is a strong indicator of quality service.

Comprehensive Services: Ideally, choose a company that offers both mold testing and remediation. This way, if a problem is found, they can help you fix it.

The Importance of Professionalism

Would you trust a doctor who used outdated tools or rushed through your examination? The same goes for mold testing. A professional service will take the time to thoroughly inspect your home, use the latest technology, and provide you with detailed, actionable insights.

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Conclusion: Take Action Today

Mold is more than just a nuisance—it’s a serious threat to your health and home. In Orange County, CA, where the climate is ripe for mold growth, regular mold testing is not just a good idea; it’s a necessity. Don’t wait until you see mold or smell that telltale musty odor. Be proactive. Schedule a professional mold test today and protect your home and your family from this invisible invader.

After all, peace of mind is priceless, isn’t it?

#mold testing Orange County #Youtube

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taoofshigeru · 7 months ago

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👛 your favorite rare pair? & 🗝️ favorite antagonist?

👛 Favorite Rare Pair:

Tricky one. Most of my favorite pairs are couples in canon, OCs in my head, or interact a lot.

I'm going with Rika and Usshi, the side-character bandmates from How Do We Relationship? (付き合ってあげてもいいかな) They're not on screen that much, and I couldn't find them smooching on ao3, so I'm counting them as a rare pair.

Rika is a hot mess of a vocalist who changes partners on a week-to-week or even day-to-day basis, Usshi is the homelier and much-more-together music nerd who plays guitar in their band.

Usshi's room has a top bunk where Rika sleeps sometimes when she's really stoned. Usshi having a particularly strong reaction seeing Rika flirt with a random guy after a concert triggers what is, depending heavily on one's interpretation of the text, a non-binary awakening, an ace awakening, or just some deep, profound introspection. (I personally didn't get strong enby vibes from the scene I've seen talked about and the conversation that happened after, but I can sort of see it after reading a couple of breakdowns by others. My take having read primarily the Japanese version is that there is room to read Usshi a number of different ways.)

Fundamentally, they both get along really well despite being polar opposites. But they can never be together in that way unless something changes.* And I find that really compelling and human and I got really fixated on them for a while. (Or if they figure out a queerplatonic relationship that works for both of them, idk?)

(Side-note, I opened up my volume 1 to check a couple of things and the bookmark was on page 157, the scene where Usshi pitches Rika on the band during their first club party.)

🗝️ Favorite Antagonist:

The one that came to mind immediately is Tonegawa Yukio from Kaiji. (keeping it vague because I feel like doing so)

He's a middle manager of a blatantly evil company (they're predatory loan sharks and the games they conduct over the series injure and kill the participants). Te does his job well, too; his actions also responsible for directly harming multiple named characters.

The reason why he's interesting to me is that the series gives him a lot of room to talk and rationalize the awful behavior, putting layers on the onion to make him less and less sympathetic in situations where he has no real reason to lie. But they're also speeches that have an emotional grain of truth to them, and let you see why they could be sincerely felt beliefs.

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(The delivery of these monologues is helped by some great gravel-crunching voice acting by Hakuryuu in the Japanese and David Harbold in the English audio tracks.)

At the same time, you see a lot of his speech is posturing, and he's working for a truly sadistic boss, a gambling junkie who delights in human misery. This culminates in the ending of the E-Card arc, where he's forced to pay for his crimes not by the protagonist, but by his boss. You see him endure some pretty heinous torture that ends in third-degree burns to the face in a great scene that portrays him as both a villain and a victim of the system he's worked his way into.

I wish more shows spent real time the blending and overlap of villain and victim roles, because I think it's a topic that allows for a lot of character depth.

#kaiji #how do we relationship #spilling assorted thoughts

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two-oaks-farmstead · 11 months ago

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Preparing the Kitchen for Cataclysmic Culinary Chaos (and Avoiding Turkey Emergencies)

Preparing the Kitchen for Culinary Chaos Welcome to the battlefield, aspiring culinary warriors! As we gear up for those epic feasts that leave our stomachs full and our pants feeling a little too snug, it's important to remember that a well-prepped kitchen is your secret weapon against cooking disasters. Now, I'm no Gordon Ramsay (though I have been known to yell at my burnt toast on occasion), but I've got some tips to help you navigate the treacherous waters of holiday cooking with humor and grace. First off, let's talk about preparing the kitchen. It's like laying down a solid foundation before building your culinary masterpiece. Clear out any unnecessary clutter from your countertops - we don't want rogue utensils tripping you up in the heat of battle. And for goodness sake, sharpen those knives! Dull blades are like trying to fight a turkey with a rubber spatula - it's just not gonna end well. Preparing the Kitchen with the Right Tools A Nice Full Set of Good Utensils Will Serve You Well Stainless Steel Cooking Utensils Set Cooking Utensils Set with Spatula A Nice Set of Cookware Always Helps White Granite 10 Pcs Induction Kitchen Cookware Sets Cuisinart 17-Piece Cookware Set If You Are Going to Carve a Turkey, You Need Sharp Knives Pro Kitchen Knife Set Ultra Sharp High Carbon Stainless Steel with Ergonomic Handle Ninja Foodi NeverDull Premium Knife System, 9 Piece Knife Block Set with Built-in Sharpener Preparing the Kitchen - Have a Good Turkey Plan Next, let's address the turkey emergencies. These feathered beasts have a knack for throwing us off our game with their tricky cook times and unexpected surprises. One minute they're golden brown and delicious, and the next they're dry as sawdust. So how do we avoid this disaster? Well, my friend, especially if you are baking/roasting, invest in a meat thermometer! It may seem like overkill (pun intended), but trust me when I say that knowing the internal temperature of your bird can mean the difference between Thanksgiving triumph and poultry pandemonium. You could also try the deep-fried turkey (the personal favorite with my clan). It's way easier than it looks, just be sure to follow the safety recommendations ...otherwise keep 911 on speed dial! You could also smoke a turkey yourself if you have the equipment. In my humble but correct opinion, a smoked turkey ranks number 2 on the yummy scale! One more option, to err on the side of caution, is to simply order your bird ready to go from your local butcher shop-many offer this as a service. Now that is a great way of preparing the kitchen for those with bird anxiety! Preparing the Kitchen with the Right Recipes If you would like the recipes and tips from a true southern kitchen warrior family just check this out! From beginning to end, we've got you covered! 7 Recipes – 1 Awesome Christmas Dinner – Southern Style Preparing the Kitchen for Challenges - Chill the WIne And finally, remember to approach these culinary challenges with humor and grace. Yes, there will be mishaps along the way - burned pies, lumpy gravy, and maybe even an accidental sprinkle of salt instead of sugar (oops!). But hey, it's all part of the adventure! Fill up your wine glass, laugh off those mistakes, and embrace the chaos because at the end of the day, it's not just about perfect dishes; it's about the memories you create with your loved ones. So, my fellow kitchen warriors, arm yourselves with these prep tips and turkey emergency avoidance strategies. And remember, even if everything goes up in smoke (figuratively or literally), you'll always have a good story to tell and a reason to order takeout. Happy cooking! If you missed Parts 1-4, …What were you thinking??? That’s ok… You can get them right here! The Ultimate Guide to Preparing and Decorating Your Home for a Wild Family Feast at Christmas-Part 1 Family Feast Part 2: Declutter and Clear the Way for Feasting Fun Family Feast Part 3: Getting those Christmas Decorations On Point Family Feast Pt 4: Setting the Table for a Feast Fit for Royalty (or at Least Your Quirky Uncle) And you don’t want to miss part 6 either! MORE WAYS TO CONNECT We also, as a homesteading family, have a variety of blogs that might interest you. A Life on the Farm focuses on the more personal side of the homesteading life. We discuss subjects like family, parenting, relationships, homeschooling, cooking, canning and so much more. Two Oaks Farm Talk concerns the more technical side of homesteading. We discuss subjects like gardening, food prep, and farm building and construction with lots of tutorials! Farm Raised Family is basically a hub for everything under the Two Oaks Farmstead umbrella. You can learn a great deal about all parts of the farmstead there. The Farm Raised Family blog focuses on financial matters such as budgeting, saving, and more and on current events affecting families. You can also have a more in depth look at all that we do by visiting our Two Oaks Farmstead YouTube Channel and be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss a thing! Farm Life and Freedom is the new podcast we are in the process of launching! It is going to be so much fun! You could also check in with our Farm Life and Freedom Youtube Channel. Two Oaks Farmstead is the farm store… the one that holds the umbrella! Check us all out and join us, not only on our blogs and Farm Life and Freedom podcast but come join the fun on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter… wherever you get social! Read the full article

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tren-fraszka · 1 year ago

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Yuletide 2023

Dear creator,

Thank you for taking your time to check my requests. I know my requests can sound a bit tricky, but please don’t be discouraged. I wish you will have good time writing first and foremost!

My AO3 is Tren, if you wish to check it out. I’m open to treats.

Likes: comedy, angst, casefics, canon compliants, canon divergences, AUs, time loops, bodyswaps, roleswaps, “being hoisted by your own petard” plotlines, snark, pettiness, rivals, enemies to friends to lovers, pining, bed sharing, violence, friendships, and character bonding,

DNW: explicit sex (makeouts and fade to black is okay), A/B/O, mpreg, rape depicted as positive (so no “it’s okay, because the other person enjoyed it/it was what they truly wanted”), trans headcanons, soulmate AUs, stories ending with surrender to fate/destiny, fourth wall breaking in canons where that doesn’t occur, character has cancer or other real-life terminal disease AU, word “queerplatonic”.

Also, I included what ships I’m okay with in each fandom. Please do not include any ships that aren’t canon and I have not allowed in those sections (if you feel really strongly about a ship I haven’t mentioned, you can always ask through mods just in case).

On a separate, but similar note, I’m okay with OCs as long as they don’t overshadow the characters I requested.

Additionally, while I almost never request fanart as possible medium, because I prefer my main gift to be fic, I would be very okay with receiving fanart treats. Also, feel free to peruse my old letters if you get your hands on them. I never stop being interested in fandoms, and if I requested something once I will still want it in the future.

REQUESTS

REIGN OF SEVEN SPELLBLADES

I’m up to date with anime and read the first 3 volumes of manga.

Oliver Horn

Pete Reston

I'd equally love a genfic or shipfic with those two.

I just love how tropey “my roommate has magically changed gender and now I’m helping him keep it a secret” is. The moment I saw it I was sold. Especially, given that Oliver has plenty secrets of his own.

Also, the setting being just edgy Hogwart with swords is so good. I love how dangerous Kimberly is, and how well it captures the charm of magic with the madness of people who end up pursuing it too far and the system that encourages them to do just that.

I’d love an exploraion on how much changes about their cohabitation. Pete mentions wanting to set a curtain, but is it the only change that happens? If there are other changes, what prompts them? Are some changes only applicable to when he’s a woman and get removed if he turns back to his original gender (since it’s mentioned that reversi can change between genders)? Are there situations where Oliver has to help Pete protect his secret? How does he go about it?

For something more shippy, Oliver is teaching Pete swordfighting which is such a good opportunity for extra bodily contact with helping him adjust his stance and such. I’d love to see Pete getting distracted, while Oliver is just doing his best to be hundred percent professional teacher and try to ignore his feelings. Extra points for accidental sword-related double entendres.

I think an exploration of what happened after the anime's final arc wraps up would be very interesting, given just how intense that hug was when Oliver got reunited with Pete.

AUs and ships

I’d prefer no setting changes, I just really, really love the idea of Kimberly as this edgy take on Hogwart. Though as always I’d be open to canon divergences. Maybe Pete catches a hint of Oliver’s secret and tries to carefully figure out what’s going on. How would he react if he learned of his revenge? Would he try to stop Oliver? Alternatively, you could go into more angsty route where Pete's rescue in the final arc doesn't go as well as it did. I would honestly be fine even with tragic ending for this canon, given in how much danger everyone constantly is (including death of requested characters)

I’m fine with mentions of Oliver’s fascination with Nanao (and Pete potentially feeling jealous of Oliver giving her attention), but I don’t want an outright love triangle, or shipping Oliver and Pete with someone else

AKANE-BANASHI

I’m up to date with manga, feel free to include new development

Akane Ousaki

Hikaru Kouragi

Finally, classic shounen rivals - female version. I’m so glad we are finally here.

I'd love to see more of their competition. Maybe another clash at an event. Or maybe they both end up performing at the same event and use it as opportunity to set up a little competition. It'd also be cool to see them interact in a more casual setting. Maybe they accidentally run into each other while shopping and decide to stick together. Or they bond over seeing a particularly bad movie.

I'd love to see them becoming closer with every rakugo event that they meet at. Going together to rakugo events to watch other performers or maybe visiting places connected to the stories they’re working for inspiration. Would they try to help each other if either of them ran into trouble?

However, I'd also be very much into rivalry slowly turning into romance! How would a confession look like? Would it be something open, or would one of them slip it between the lines. Would there be pushback about them dating given how traditional rakugo it? I won’t be surprised if there had already been some gay relationships the rakugo community that were an open secret, but what if Akane and Hikaru decide to come in the open about their relationship

AUs and ships

I think a setting change could be pretty fun as long as the element of rivalry stays intact. Different time periods, fantasy AUs, or such could be really interesting for them. Maybe they’re singers now, or bards. I would also be very up for a fastforward to when they’re adults and their rakugo career is in full bloom. How had relationship between them changed? Or has it stayed pretty much the same?

Please don’t ship Akane and Hikaru with anybody else.

ENDING MAKER (WEBCOMIC)

Please no light novel spoilers. I’m keeping up to date with new chapters so feel free to include new developments.

Yuder Bayel | Outboxer009 & Cordelia Chace | Sandstorm

Two no-life gamers get transported into the world of the MMO they play and suddenly have to stop actual world-ending plot. While being engaged. If anyone can do it it’s them. And maybe they’ll even admit they are in love while they’re at it.

I think it would be interesting to explore their relationship before the story started. We got a small glimpse into their rivalry, but it would be fun to see more of their MMO misadventures, especially to contrast it with how they’re currently having to co-operate. Aside from the server rankings, did they engage in other competitions? PvP? Guild versus guild events? Were they racing to see who can get the newest armour or weapon from raids?

For something happening after they became their avatars, it would be intersting to see them doing engagement activities when they don’t have a direct incentive in the form of some quest they’re trying to complete. Maybe they have to attend some sort of festival together as a part of their noble duties. How do they feel about all those little buildups to the fact that someday they may have to get married? I feel like they may initially come at it from the perspective of engagement being a part of the game, but then slowly start to feel the weight of their responsibilites since their engagement has real impact on their new families.

I’m also basic and always there for those two no-lifes abusing game lore and mechanics. Feel free to go wild with some orginal adventure or side-quest

Yuder Bayel | Outboxer009

I would really love a look into Yuder’s struggles with his illness. It’s one thing to struggle a bit with the gameplay and another to actually have to live through an affliction that leaves you very weakened. He acts pretty nonchalant about it when interacting with Cordelia, but is he really that unaffected? He mentions spending the first two days of his new life as Yuder bedridden and that must be one terrible first impression of the new world.

I’d also enjoy seeing more off his interactions with Maia and his family. How exactly does he feel about suddenly having a new family? Is he managing to balance everything or is he putting up a front? How well is he adjusting to actually using a sword?

Cordelia Chace | Sandstorm

I love that out of the two protagonists she’s the brawns of the team despite being the mage, more prone to choosing direct violence. It’s also obvious that she still carries hangups about being forever second in the rankings. Is her new situation helping her slowly overcome those issues or are they getting worse? How does she feel about actually being able to use magic?

What was her initial reaction to becoming Cordelia? Was she happy to become a character she loves or despaired thinking of all the tragedies that awaited her in the near future? What did she think of her engagement before she discovered that Yuder was Outboxer009?

AUs and ships

I prefer no setting changes for this story, but would be up for some canon divergences both befor and after the start of the story. Maybe Outboxer009 and Sandstorm accidentally met in real life (but didn’t realize that). Maybe the events they encounter after being transported the to the game worlds aren’t actually identical with the game and they run into complications due to that. Also please consider - status effect shenanigans.

I ship Cordelia/Yuder and Maia/Dalia

MACHIKADO MAZOKU (ANIME)

I watched both anime seasons, but haven’t read the manga yet. Please don’t spoil developments that weren’t yet in anime.

All three characters don’t have to be included, but I want the story to focus on at least two of them. I like the relationships both as platonic and romantic and would be equally happy for genfic or shipfic

Chiyoda Momo & Yoshida “Shamiko” Yuuko

Do I even need to explain? Those two are just perfect together - a depressed magical girl finding love and acceptance with very clumsy demon who makes the dark side look way more tempting than it ever should have been.

I’m definitely here for both Shamiko trying to pull Momo out of depression through her “evil” schemes and for some more serious plot. Whether it be cute moments of bonding or Shamiko proving her worth when her friends or family are in danger, I’m here for it.

I would be up to more outings of those two. Maybe they go to aquarium or movies? Or maybe Momo requires more mental support and has Shamiko dive into her dreams (this time consensually) to help her deal with some sort of bad memory or recurring nightmare. What if some rouge demon or magical girl came into town and started causing trouble? How would our duo resolve it? Are there more secrets left behind by Momo’s sister than need to be solved?

Chiyoda Momo & Lico

I love that despite all the animositiy Lico has towards magical girls she's still clearly willing to help Momo, even if she does prank her in the process. I'd love to see the process of Lico slowly warming up to her. Obviously, she only helps her at first, because of Shamiko, but I feel like she does start to appreciate Momo on her own, even if it mostly manifest through pranks and attempts at making Momo eat weird things.

I'd love any scenario where Shamiko is busy/sick/indisposed and Momo and Lico have to join forces to deal with whatever weird thing is happening in town, because they feel indebted to Shamiko. I'd love all the banter they'd get up to. Or maybe they just try to throw a surprise party for Shamiko, but keep trying to one up each other which results in a whole lot of shenanigans.

Yoshida “Shamiko” Yuuko & Lico

I would love some work shenanigans and maybe a more extended look on Shamiko's newfound career. How much Lico helps her and how much does she leave Shamiko to struggle on her own? How do they handle more problematic guests? Are there regulars that Shamiko had to interact more regularly with? Are there times when Lico's culinary experiments cause some unintended side effects for clients?

Yoshida “Shamiko” Yuuko & Chiyoda Momo & Lico

I really loved the addition of Lico to the cast. She’s such an chaos element, because at one moment she’s extremly useful and the second she’ll be trying to spike your food with suspicious herbs. Just 100% trickster fox and I love her for that.

I found her relationship with both Shamiko and Momo extremely compelling. She’s a bit of a cunning senpai for Shamiko, obviously happy to teach her, but definitely not above a harmless prank here and there. On the other hand, there’s Momo, who visibly reminds Lico of her bad experiencess in the past, but at the same time she’s very willing to help Momo, but not without being very snarky about it and pranking her like there’s no tomorrow. I feel like that complex relationship between the characters is so good.

I would be curious to explore Lico’s point of view when it comes to Momo’s descent to the dark side. Is that the reason why she warmed up to Momo despite her bad experiences? Does she have some specific hangups that she needs to work through before she can truly accept her? Does Lico want to influence Shamiko’s development as a demon in some way, or is she satisfied helping her along on the path Shamiko choose herself? Does she try to teach Shamiko some of her magic? What if Lico engaged in some pranking that got out of hand and now is desperately trying to hide the truth from Shamiko and Momo by creating a fake villain?

AUs and ships

I don’t want any setting changes, but would very much enjoy other AU shenanigans. What if Sakura was still around and trying to play a matchmaker? What if something goes wrong when Shamiko dives into Momo’s dream and they end up bodyswapping? What if Momo also started working in the cafe? Time loop could be very fun for this fandom.

TOTAL FANTASY KNOCKOUT

I’m fine with story based on either anime or manga, I’m caught up with both.

Jinguuji Tsukasa

Tachibana Hinata

Childhood friends who are practically inseparable and strongly dependent on each other? That’s already perfect, but now throw into it a crazy goddess who isekais both of them, turns one of them into a girl, throws an unspecified curse, and forces those two to confront the fact that their feelings for each other might go beyond friendship? That’s beyond perfect. That’s galaxy brain and I want more of that mishmash of tropes.

I’m all about everyday interactions and weird rpg shenanigans they get into, so you can never go wrong with leaning into it. But for something else: What if at some point one of them got returned back to their original world? How would the other cope? Would they be able to establish communication between the two worlds? How would they go about reuniting?

I would love to see them taking their relationship a step further. I crave all the awkwardness that’s going to come with those two idiots trying to figure out how to admit their feelings to each other. And the inevitable defeat of any villains who get in the way of them having a moment. Will Jinguuji and Tachibana try to go on a date with a disasterous results? Will Jinguuji desperately try to find a dating manual in another world? And will they be able to enjoy a romantic moment without “CHARMED” status ruining it?

I also love the new development in manga with Love Goddess reappearing and messing things up even more. I’d absolutely love if you delved into those new changes!

Feel free to include any other characters, they are a colorful bunch. Though if you want a suggestion, I’m very partial to Schwartz and Shen

AUs and ships

I don’t want setting changes, though I would enjoy seeing a different spin on how those two dorks get isekaied and under what circumstances they end up inflicting the wrath of Goddess of Love. Or I would love an AU where the goddess doesn’t succeed in her first killing attempt, so she keeps trying to isekai Tachibana and Jinguuji keeps foiling her plans every time (or maybe he fails at some point?). What if the curse placed by the goddess manifests in some other ridiculous ways? What if Shwartz wormed his way into the protagonists’ party and third-wheeled like only he can?

Feel free to include any one-sided crushes from canon.

SOUSOU NO FRIEREN

I read new manga chapters as they get translated so feel free to incorporate anything from the manga that’s available in English.

Frieren

I love how this manga is a slow-paced fantasy dealing with loss and inevitable passage of time. And I love Frieren for being one of the best depictions of an elf whose long life actually affects their outlook on life and actions.

I love the intersection of Frieren’s present with her charges and the past with hero party. What other shenanigans did the hero party get into on their journey? What kind of weird magic Frieren pursued? Maybe some more insight into how they fought with demons, since Frieren seemed to have picked up a number of enemies during that time. Or Frieren's attempt at being mentor to Fern and Stark.

For some more specific prompts: maybe Frieren accidentally stumbles ona cursed item that erases her memories (or just her memories of Himmel). How would it affect her? What would the party do to help her? Or maybe a demon kidnaps someone from Frieren’s party. What if Frieren and Himmel ended up stranded in enemy terriory during their travels, having to survive. Maybe they have to pretend to be demons?

I also greatly enjoy the current manga arc and would love anything set during it. Is Frieren going to try to quell some of her regrets furing this adventure?

If you are also a fellow enjoyer of Fern/Stark, I think a story where Fern watches their budding romance and reflects on her own relationship with Himmel would be interesting. Especially if it makes her realize she had missed some very obvious flirting attempts.

AUs and ships

I’m fine with AUs as long as Frieren’s long lifespan is preserved. Her perspective is very much shaped by how long she has lived, so I wouldn’t want that aspect to change. One exception would be, a roleswap where Himmel is an elf, while Frieren is a human, and exploration of how both of them would be affected by having a different lifespan. An AU with mythological creatures or similar could also be interesting.

I would very much love Himmel/Frieren, though I also enjoy how the manga softly builds on their connection. I also enjoy the budding romance between Fern and Stark.

#exchange letters

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ssahotstuff · 2 years ago

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Aaron Hotchner x Fem Reader Playlist Collection

All of these stand-alone and do not go with a series!

This is based off Deuces Are Wild by Aerosmith

Word count: 8.2k

Warnings: readers first time, so loss of virginity, oral, fem receiving, this is a slowwww burn, friends to lovers type deal. There’s a lot of backstory in this, and some texting which will both be italicized to help you better identify it 🥰

In this, the reader has been Jack’s babysitter for about 4 years now! I hope you enjoy babes! 💕

As Jack's babysitter, your life often had unexpected turns. For one, you hadn't seen his father in 2 months, but that was because he was on assignment overseas. Aaron was a member of the BAU, and it took him out of town all the time, and sometimes even out of the country.

Aaron was a single parent, and best friends with your father. You'd babysat Jack for years growing up, and now that you were grown, Aaron trusted you even more. You were living in his house and helping to raise his son; he did more than trust you. Your family had a rental home across the street that you'd been staying in while you finished college, and they'd gifted it to you after you graduated, so you were always nearby. You'd been in between jobs when Aaron offered for you to babysit when he went out of town, and so you agreed, eventually balancing a freelance writing job around your babysitting schedule so you could do both.

Jack would use your phone every night to talk to his dad, and then you'd talk to him for a while too, just to check on him, and fill him in on what Jack was doing. Aaron had asked that you take a lot of photos so he could see what Jack was up to, and you'd often spend the better part of your evenings telling him what you'd been doing. You considered him one of your closest friends, and you did miss him. You'd gotten used to seeing him, either across the street or at your family's house for dinner. Whenever he was in town, he and your father spent time together every chance they got. It had been strange not having him around for such a long time.

You and Jack had been watching James Bond, waiting on Aaron to call when he sighed dramatically, looking towards the clock on the wall.

"What is it?"

"I miss my dad," he whispered, and you could only open your arms to hug him in response. It had been hardest the first few weeks, Jack refusing to sleep alone. Now, you had a system perfected, where you'd carry him to his bed after he fell asleep on the couch.

"I miss him too. He should be calling soon," you waited anxiously for his call every night too. You worried about him, and despite the fact that he knew how to handle himself, you cared for him, and you didn't want anything to happen to him.

"I'm tired though, what if I don't make it until then?" He crossed his arms and poured, and you promised to wake him if his dad called, but you told him to get some sleep. It didn't take much to convince him, and he was slumping over on the pillow, snoring lightly. You crept to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee, wondering what could be keeping him from calling. He was usually so precise about talking to Jack. It made a nervous pit grow in your stomach, so you checked to make sure your phone had internet connection and that everything was working properly. When you realized everything was in working order, you tried to calm yourself, sipping your coffee and watching the movie on tv, anxiously waiting. You scrolled through the photos of the day that you'd sent him, smiling at the Lego orchids you and Jack had spent all day building. They were tricky, but you'd figured it out and placed them on the shelf with the rest of the ones you'd been working on with him.

There was one of the two of you together that you especially liked. You'd taken him out to dinner, for pizza, his favorite. You were both smiling wide, cheesing for the camera. It was simple, but adorable, and so you'd sent it as well, hoping he enjoyed them. You tried to fill his phone with as many memories as possible, blanketing the bad with plenty of good. You were excited for the day when he was home and could be in the photos instead.

It wasn't long until your phone was ringing and you were trying hard to shake Jack awake. You answered the phone, Aaron's face filling the screen.

"Hey, I'm surprised he's still awake," he said, and you showed him Jack, still limp and snoozing on the couch.

"You have to tell him I tried to get him up. He isn't budging," you shook him once more, but he rolled over, getting comfortable.

"That's okay. He'll see me soon enough," Aaron said, a smirk on his face. You sat at the kitchen table in the light so he could see you.

"What does that mean?"

He flipped his phone around and showed you the airport, he was still in the car.

"You're coming home?!"

"I'll be home in about 13 hours," he confirmed, and you were giddy at the thought of seeing him again. You knew Jack would be thrilled.

"I can't wait to see you," you blurted, a smile creeping onto his face before he had a chance to hide it.

"I've missed you," his voice was sweet, filling you with butterflies. You couldn't wait to have him around, even if it was just for a little bit until he left for work again.

"We've missed you. Did you see our legos?"

"I did. I loved that picture of the both of you. It was a good one," you could feel your cheeks heating up, and your heard Jack stirring in the other room, so you went to tell him his dad was on the phone. You let the two of them talk while you cleaned up the dishes, wanting Aaron to come home to a clean house. It made you want to stay up all night cleaning for him. You heard Jack's feet padding in from the living room to hand you your phone and say goodnight, Aaron still on the other line.

"Maybe tomorrow night the three of us can go to dinner?" He suggested, and you quickly agreed, excited to spend time with them.

"Jack goes to soccer camp next week so maybe when we're both free, we can do something together," he asked, his voice steady.

"You tell me when," you replied, another smile gracing his face.

"Monday? We could spend the day together after I drop Jack off," that sounded like a date to you, and you were thrilled about it. Now that you were finished with school, you could focus on something like a relationship, and an older man like Aaron was exactly your type. You'd always considered him off limits because he was your dads friend, but he was your friend too, and you spent a lot of time in Aaron's life outside of your fathers relationship with him.

"I'd really like that. We can't wait to see you," he was about to get out of the car and find where he was supposed to be in the busy airport.

"I'll be home soon, sweetheart."

You went to sleep that night dreaming of Aaron, how it would be getting to know him on a more intimate level. You knew getting to know him was a risk, but it was one you wanted to take.

The next morning you and Jack were anxiously anticipating Aaron's arrival. You knew he'd be pulling in any minute, so Jack was seated next to you at the dining room table. It was past 11; he would be right on time.

You saw his car pulling in the driveway and Jack rushed outside to greet his dad, leaving you standing in the yard waiting on the two of them to have a proper reunion. Jack was instantly chatting his Dad's s head off, but Aaron made sure to grab you on his walk inside, giving you a quick hug as he followed behind Jack. You walked in behind them, Jack showing Aaron his Lego collection that had expanded greatly. Jack had been so wound up about Aaron being home that he'd gotten up super early, and he was getting tired. If he stopped moving, he'd be asleep in no time.

"Early riser?" Aaron questioned as he poured the two of you a cup of coffee. He fixed it how you liked it and handed it to you as Jack showcased an array of new talents for his father.

"6 am. I wasn't surprised though," you thanked him for the coffee, the two of you paying attention to Jack as he wore himself out. In no time he was excusing himself to the couch, flipping on the tv and getting comfortable.

"I got some sleep on the plane, so dinner tonight but maybe you could stay today? If you don't mind, I just thought it would be nice to have you close," even behind his new look, a beard, you could see his cheeks heating up. It suited him, it was authoritative, and sexy on him.

"Of course I'll stay," you said a little too quickly, but it eased his worries some, so you joined him at the table and he told you about his time in Pakistan.

✨✨✨

When Aaron emerged from the bathroom, his beard was gone, but his freshly shaven tanned face was a sight for sore eyes. His skin was glowing and it made his big brown eyes stand out more. His silky gray dress shirt fit his toned body perfectly, unbuttoned two buttons down, he looked incredible. You wore a red dress with thin straps, a tiny white sweater tossed over your arm in case it got chilly. Jack was in his best jeans and a black polo shirt. The three of you looked sharp as you headed to dinner, the sky already dark. Aaron had opted to go later so Jack may fall asleep on the way home.

The restaurant was a quaint one, the three of you chatting quietly as you waited on food. Aaron's hand found yours for a moment under the table, squeezing it softly before he asked Jack about the last couple weeks of school and what he'd done so far with his summer. He told his dad about upcoming soccer camp and a trip to Chicago with Jessica that she'd planned earlier in the year. Haley had family in Chicago and she was taking Jack to visit.

"Y/n, will you stay at your house now?" Jack asked suddenly, and you explained that while his Dad was home, you'd still stay across the street, so you were never far away. That eased his worries some, but he told you he would miss you, and it made your heart swell ten sizes.

"I'll go back to work in a bit and she's a part of our life now, Jack. She'll be around," his hand found your hand once more but this time his fingers laced through your briefly until the food came, and then things got quiet. Jack was getting really tired, talkative, antsy. The car ride home was quiet, Jack asleep by the time you reached your place. Aaron walked you to your door, letting you walk into his arms to hug him. You hugged him extra tight for all the nights he'd been away, and the night ended with a gentle kiss pressed to your cheek before he drove to his house. You had just settled down in bed when your phone buzzed; Aaron must've gotten used to chatting with you before bed.

Aaron: I can't wait to spend time with you.

You tried to wipe the smile from your face but you couldn't. It was your sign from the universe that you were making the right decision when it came to him. You were quick to reply back, hoping he was in bed thinking of you as much as you were him. You were glad there wasn't an ocean separating you anymore; now it was just a walk across the street to his house.

I had a great time tonight. I'm so glad you're home.

You clutched your pillow tightly, hoping he responded. When he did, your heart nearly burst from your chest.

Aaron: Me too. I didn't realize how much I'd been missing out on. I'm glad my first day home was with you.

As your conversation continued, you wondered how it hadn't happened sooner; sure you'd always found him attractive, but you'd never have guessed he felt the same way. In your eyes, you thought he saw you as his friend's daughter and nothing more. You had forgotten that you were a woman now, with your own tastes and preferences that weren't controlled by your parents. The summer after your senior year in high school, your father had brought him home from the golf course, introducing you and your mother to him and inviting him in for dinner. You recalled the memory fondly; you were freshly graduated and had just turned 19; the possibilities had felt endless, and that summer, Aaron was around a lot. He was going through a divorce, so your father was his primary source of comfort. He'd spent more than a few afternoons day drunk by the pool, venting to your father for you to overhear while you would tan.

"I'm telling you, Aaron. She had to be cheating," your dad was consoling his closest friend, and you didn't blame him. He was out of sorts, less than composed. You had never seen him like this. You hadn't meant to even listen to their conversation, but they'd came outside and interrupted you by the pool, not the other way around.

"I think so too," Aaron admitted, and that got your attention, because you couldn't understand why any sane woman would cheat on a man like Aaron. Sure, his job was hard, but she knew what it entailed before, and she'd had no issues with it.

"If I were you, I'd find a nice girl to boost my ego a bit. I'd crawl the bars with you but the Missus would kill me," he joked, and you rolled your eyes at your father. He wouldn't bar crawl anyway, it wasn't his style.

"I don't think that's a good idea," Aaron chuckled awkwardly but was saved by your dad's office phone ringing off the hook. He excused himself, leaving Aaron alone with you by the pool.

"I'm sorry about your wife," you blurted, instantly embarrassed that you'd said anything at all.

"It'll be okay. Better things will come," he swirled the ice in his glass, eyes covered by his sleek black sunglasses.

"I just can't imagine why anyone would want to cheat on you," you said finally, treading the waters past appropriate conversation to be having with your father's friend.

"I'm not sure what you mean," he'd turned in his chair to look at you, and you felt exposed in your bathing suit despite being decently covered.

"It's just, you seem like such a great guy, and you're handsome, it just baffles me."

He was taken aback by your statement, you couldn't see his face, but you could see the smirk on his face clear as day.

"Thank you. That means a lot coming from you," he said, his voice smooth like butter as your father rejoined you on the patio.

"Your mother wants to know what your dinner plans are," your father told you, and you shrugged, normally you'd have already made plans with your friends, but everyone seemed to be busy at the moment.

"I'll go help her and get changed," you excused yourself to help your mother, who had her eyes on you the moment you stepped inside.

"Put something nice on for dinner. Aaron is staying," she winked at you, which left you stunned to say the least. Sure you were grown, but Aaron was nearing 40. Your father and mother had an age gap similar to the one she was suggesting however, so you weren't too surprised. Your mother had caught you admiring him one too many times, and even though she'd never pressure you, you knew she would support your crush as long as no one got hurt.

"Mom! He's dad's best friend," you tried to rationalize with her and yourself, but your mother simply shrugged, handing you a towel to wrap around your body.

"I'm not blind dear; you are not subtle."

"It's silly, mom. Leave it alone," you pleaded, retreating up the stairs so you could gather your thoughts. Your mom was certainly encouraging you to talk to him, but you were barely 19, you still had college and your whole life to think about falling in love. It didn't mean you couldn't admire him when he came around, because that was purely innocent.

By the time you'd joined everyone for dinner, you felt refreshed. You helped your mom set the table and pour everyone a glass of wine, taking the seat beside Aaron so your parents could sit beside one another. You slid in the seat next to him and tried your best not to focus on the earthy, dark aroma that lingered in the space near him, and how the sun had done him plenty of favors from being in it all day.

"What are you planning to do with your summer, darling?" Your mother was terrified of you being bored, and although they weren't pressuring you to get a job, you were looking for one anyway.

"I'm looking for a job that I can work with my school schedule. I can do most of my work online, so that'll help a lot," she nodded, and then Aaron spoke up, suggesting the most perfect job of all.

"I'm actually looking for someone to stay with Jack when I'm out of town, and you've already met him, so if you're interested," your mother had the dopiest grin on her face as you said you'd be glad to do it, and your face flushed all over. You'd see him all the time now, not just when he came over for dinner.

"We could give her the key to the rental, it's just sitting there," your mother suggested, and your father sat for a minute, crossing his arms over his shoulders.

"You promise me your grades will stay in an acceptable range? No drugs, no boys, no drinking and driving, no boys, and good grades? Can you promise me those things? Because if you can keep me that promise for the next 4 years, the rental is yours when you graduate," he said finally, and you nearly choked on your water.

"You're going to give me the house across town?"

"It's in the same neighborhood as Aaron's. It would be convenient, and you already have a car, so it could be half of your graduation present now and half in 4 years. Only then it'll be yours," your dad stated. You couldn't believe they trusted you enough to live alone, but then again, your parents had been trusting you alone for weeks at a time since you were 15. They'd go on business trips and you'd keep the house quiet, and you'd built more trust than the normal 19 year old. Plus they wouldn't have to worry about where you were, or what you were doing.

"I know most of your courses are online, but please try to make some friends, dear. I worry you spend too much time alone," your mother would be a helicopter now that you were moving out on your own, the tears already welling in her eyes at the idea of it.

"Good grades, no boys, no drugs," you repeated, and your father nodded, shooting you a thumbs up across the table. Your dad wouldn't worry, he'd taught you more than enough on how to handle yourself.

"Maybe you could use that graduation money from your grandparents to buy some stuff to make it your own! Can I help you?" Your mother would insist on it, and then try to pay for half of it.

"You can do whatever you want, mom," you were still in awe that they'd just gifted you a house. You'd never consider yourself spoiled, but they tried their best to take care of you, and this was a massive blessing and a weight off your shoulders.

"I'm just across the street," Aaron said, and you weren't surprised. That was probably a key factor to then giving it to you in the first place. He'd always be able to keep an eye on the place.

"Good to know," you shot back, a grin on his tan, handsome face.

"We'll start moving your stuff over this week," your dad decided, and Aaron immediately offered his help. After dinner, you started packing, and that was the start to how you wound up living next to the man you'd become close friends with over the course of 4 years.

In four years, you'd never seen him with another woman. You weren't certain, but you thought maybe you had something to do with it all along. He hadn't seen you since you'd earned your degree, but you were sure with him back in town, the two of you would be due at your parents house for dinner soon.

Before you knew it, you'd been texting him for an hour, the clock on the wall reading half past midnight. You hadn't stayed up late to talk to someone like that since high school. It was cute, clutching your phone tightly waiting on it to buzz. You mostly talked about Jack's plans for summer and what you could do around his plans. Aaron wanted to take the two of you to the museum, and to New York to see the sights. You'd never been to New York, but you hoped he kept his promises and took you.

Aaron: We should probably get to bed. Can I see you tomorrow?

You know where I'll be. :)

Aaron: At my house for breakfast?

Wouldn't miss it.

You said your good nights and rolled over in your bed, anxiously awaiting what another morning with Aaron would look like.

✨✨✨

"Dad! Come look at our pictures!"

You had spent the morning coloring in a Spider-Man coloring book at the kitchen table while Aaron cooked breakfast for the three of you. It was the most normal morning you'd had all week, and Jack was so happy to have his dad back around. He'd be leaving for camp in the morning, and you'd get to have some alone time with Aaron. To say you were excited was an understatement of massive proportions.

"Very nice. Y/n, I like how you made his outfit pink and purple. Puts a nice twist on things," his hand touched your shoulder briefly until he directed his attention back towards the stack of pancakes that grew by the minute.

"I felt like the traditional red and blue is played out," you joked back, and he shot you a cheeky smile in response. Jack was admiring your artwork too, so you traded books so he could have a turn. You wouldn't mind all of your mornings looking like this, if it meant getting to have Aaron and Jack around for good.

A lot of time had passed since your small crush started, and now you were doing what you loved, around the ones you cared about the most. You had seen Jack grow up, you had helped with bedtime, and learning how to read. You'd been there for his end of the year awards every year that he'd been in school. You were there through the loss of his mother, and the rough transition period that followed.

In a way, you loved them both already, and you'd do anything for them. You ruffled Jack's hair, and he scrunched his nose up at you in response. He looked so much like Aaron, especially in his eyes.

"Jack wanted to go to the park today, if you're interested," Aaron sat a plate of pancakes in front of you before joining you at the table. Jack was used to having you around, so it wouldn't be a big transition for him if you and Aaron starting bring more than friends.

"I wore my park shoes," you replied, Jack smiling crooked at you from behind his fork.

"Y/n swings SO high, it's insane, dad."

"Maybe your dad can swing with us," you shot Aaron a questioning look, but he told you the swings were his favorite.

"Mine too. Jack's is the big orange slide," you told him, and Jack nodded in agreement. After you finished breakfast, it was time for a short walk to the park. It was still early enough that it wasn't too hot out, and the path on the sidewalk was covered with shady trees.

"I'm thinking we stick around the house tomorrow, we'll order in. Be lazy adults," he was at your side, Jack a short distance in front of you. He always led the way to the park.

"Sounds perfect," you knew by the look on his face he wanted to hold your hand, but he wouldn't, not in front of Jack, not yet. You respected that, and it made you like him even more.

"No cartoons, a day of adult television. I doubt you've slowed down enough in the last four years to watch a lot of tv," he observed, and he was right. Unless it was appropriate for Jack, you usually didn't watch it.

"You never slow down, so I don't want to hear it," you giggled, and he bumped your elbow with his playfully.

"I'm slowing down now, aren't I? Your dad want us for dinner Tuesday night so I hope you aren't tired of me," you couldn't get tired of him, and he knew that.

"I knew that was coming with you being back," you told him, the park in clear view. Jack took off running, but you and Aaron sat on a nearby bench to talk.

"You aren't worried, are you?"

You shook your head, knowing that in your mother's mind, you'd been made for Aaron. One of the first things she'd suggested after graduation was asking him on a date.

"I'll talk to my mom, but you get to talk to my father," you made a face and he made one back; the playfulness that he'd had in him since he'd been home was contagious. You pulled him up swiftly and let him chase you to the swings, where you already had a jump of a head start. Jack saw all the commotion and came to swing too, the three of you soaring past the metal bar and high enough to have Jack cackling with glee.

"Told you she swings high, dad!" He called to Aaron, who couldn't wipe the smile off his face. Jack's legs couldn't take him nearly as high, but he kicked with all of his might, going much higher than he normally would've. He was a brave boy, much like his father he wanted to conquer the world for his own, and you were grateful that you'd been able to enjoy seeing him grow up so far.

"Look at you, Jack! You're practically flying," you cheered, which made him beam all over. The three of you played on the swings until your legs grew tired, and then Jack took off to play on the jungle gym, you and Aaron still drifting lazily in the swings.

"I'm so glad you're around to do this stuff with him," he said after a moment, catching your hand in his for just a second. You were swinging out of sync, so it was hard to keep his hand in yours. It had turned into a cute game of reaching for one another while swinging back and forth.

"I'm glad you let me be a part of it," you replied, watching as Jack ran around the playground without a care in the world.

"I thought we'd lose you after graduation," he admitted, which confused you because you'd gotten a remote job just so you could keep spending your free time with Jack.

"I don't plan on going anywhere," you assured him, and it was the truth. You were where you wanted to be in life, and you had no reason to want to change that.

"I know that now, but I just figured you'd move to New York or something and leave this little town behind," you heard the sadness in his voice when he talked about you leaving.

"I'm pretty attached to this little town. Besides, I have everything I could ever want here," you reminded him.

"You turned into quite the woman," he complimented, his hand reaching out to cup your face for a second.

"I'm glad you think so."

You split ways after the park; you wanted to talk to your mom before you saw her and now was as good a time as any. You put the phone on speaker and laid on your bed, a knot forming in your stomach as you waited for her to answer.

"Hi, honey. Did Aaron tell you about dinner?" You should have known that would be the first thing out of her mouth.

"He did. That's why I'm calling," you started, hoping she would say something and beat you to it.

"You aren't calling to cancel?"

"No, mom. Just to tell you we'll be coming together," you explained, praying she'd get the hint.

"Well I would hope, it makes more sense to come in one vehicle."

You sighed heavily; she wasn't going to make it easy on you.

"No, mom. We're coming together," you practically heard the lightbulb flicker when you changed your tone, a high pitched, OH! escaping her throat.

"That's my girl! Silly crush my ass! Your mother knew it!"

"Mom!" She didn't normally curse, but she had been right all along.

"I'm sorry, honey. This just really makes me happy. He's such a man," she raved, and that's how she'd referred to him since you'd known him: The Man.

"You don't think dad will be upset with him?"

"You're a grown woman, why would either of us interfere with your personal lives?"

You'd known your mother would say that, because they'd always been supportive of your lack of relationships, simply because they knew you'd tell them when you found the right one. You were honest with them about things, and that's why you had such a good relationship.

"I just didn't know if it would make him uncomfortable."

"I think your dad has suspected something would happen with you two for a while now," she admitted, and although you hadn't ever flirted with him in front of your parents, your friendship wasn't a secret to them either. You worked for him; you were bound to be close. You'd slept in his house more than your own for the last four years; you knew him like the back of your hand.

"Well it's new and fresh so don't overdo it please," you begged her, and she promised to behave. Hearing that your father would react well had eased all of your worries. You sent Aaron a text letting him know that you'd talked to them, and he thanked you before telling you that he couldn't get you off his mind. It made your heart race, and truthfully you felt the same way; you couldn't wait to spend time alone with him, seeing what he was like. You were especially curious to know how his lips felt; you'd been daydreaming about kissing him for a long time. You didn't hold back how you were feeling when you responded.

You're on my mind the majority of the time.

Aaron: We seem to have that in common. I'll be up early if you want to ride with me tomorrow.

You know I will.

You couldn't hide how eager you were to be with him. It felt like you could finally breathe now that you'd gotten your feelings out of the way, and things were simply falling into place.

The next morning came, and you were in a pair of black shorts and a t-shirt jogging across the street to meet up with Aaron and Jack. Jack greeted you with a hug before climbing in the backseat. You helped him to buckle, Aaron coming around to the back to stand behind you. When you turned around, he let you walk into his arms in a hug.

"I talked to Jack last night," he told you, eyes scanning your face, lingering on your lips. His arms fell to his sides before he climbed in the car, leaving you to climb in and join them. Jack knew, so that was out of the way, and you wouldn't have to hide how you felt about each other. As if he read your mind, his hand reached for yours across the console, securely wrapping yours up before he pulled out of the driveway.

The drive was short, twenty minutes, and after you snapped a few photos of the two of them, you were making your way back to Aaron's house.

"So your mom took the news well?"

"She called me out like, four years ago about having a crush on you," you admitted, and he made you explain. You reminded him about the day so many summers ago that you'd told him he was handsome, and that was the beginning of it all.

"I can't believe it," his hand hadn't left yours, your fingers laced tightly together.

"You should. I still feel the same way," you told him, and at the next stop sign he was checking to make sure no one was behind you so he could lean across the console and kiss you. It was quick, but sweet.

"I don't have to tell you how hard my job makes it," you were well aware of the struggles that came with his job, and you were fine with it; it had been your life for a long time.

"I'll always be here when you get home," you promised him, a smile on his face as you pulled into the driveway. You couldn't hide your own smile as he led you inside, immediately going to pour the two of you a cup of coffee. You waited for him in the living room, getting comfy on the couch until he joined you, handing your cup to you and sitting down. You flipped on the tv and tried to hand him the remote, but he told you to pick. You settled on a sitcom, sipping your coffee, your legs across his lap.

"Anything specific you want to do today?"

You shook your head, sitting your coffee down and sliding closer to him. He wrapped his arm around you, letting you sink into his side.

"This is all I had in mind," you told him, and that made him sit down his own cup and wrap both arms around you, sighing as he slumped into the cushions. You'd never seen him try to relax, and now he looked as serene as ever, watching the pointless television show and just cuddling with you.

"You read my mind, because all I want to do is be close to you," he said softly, his lips meeting your temple. You leaned up to kiss him, his mouth meeting yours urgently as his lips melted into yours. His tongue found your mouth, making you moan into his as his hands roamed across your body.

"I've never done this before," you squeaked, and he groaned deeply, his hips bucking upward to meet yours.

"Never? Can I— Would it be okay if I was your first?"

"I was hoping you would be," you said softly, his mouth connecting to yours once more, this time slowly, gently, as if you were the most delicate thing he'd ever touched. His hands had been possessive and now they were gently caressing your body, exploring your sensitive flesh with his giant hands. He secured you in his arms and stood up with you, taking you to the bed.

"Can't let your first time be on the couch," his mouth kissed your neck, and his hands squeezed your ass, he couldn't get enough of you. He sat you down on his bed, raking his eyes over you. You tossed your shirt over your head as he worked on your shorts and panties, reaching up to unclasp your bra so he had you completely undressed.

"You are beautiful," he exclaimed, running his hands up your legs, parting them as he crawled between them. You could only watch, your mouth agape, as he placed himself between your thighs, staring up at you adoringly.

"I've dreamed about this very moment," his eyes trained on your sex, you felt captivated by his touch, letting your head fall to the pillow.

"I've wanted you for so long, Aaron," you panted, still shocked that he was between your legs, spreading you open so he could give you more pleasure than your body knew how to register.

"You have me, sweetheart. If you need me to stop for anything, I can, okay? This is all about you, and making sure you feel good," his lips pressed tender kisses to your thighs, your stomach and your hips as you wiggled against the sheets. He used his arm to pin you to the bed, chuckling lowly at your hips that had a mind of their own.

"We haven't even gotten to the good part yet, baby," his tongue flattened against your center, slowly trailing upwards to your clit. A few swipes of his tongue had you a quivering mess already, moaning uncontrollably. He urged you to be louder, to make all the noise you wanted to for him, and so you did. T was hard not to; you had your hands rooted in his hair and his mouth was lost in pleasuring you in one of the most intimate ways. It wasn't long until you found yourself grinding yourself against his face, lost in the euphoria of how his tongue felt inside of you. You came with a shudder, Aaron's sweet, erotic words coaxing you through it before he gave you another.

"You did such a good job, baby. Can we do it again?" You nodded, all but begging him to keep going. It just felt so good, good enough to let you legs fall the rest of the way open so he could really get comfortable. He inserted a finger into you, slowly stretching you out for him. The fluid swirling of his tongue combined with the slow thrust of his fingers had you panting for breath, holding his head in place. He'd never stop, not with you having so much fun with him between your legs. You knew it had been a long time since he'd touched another person, and you could tell by the sly grin that he couldn't tug off his face that he was enjoying every second of it.

"You look so good like this, sweetheart," he cooed, and you felt yourself clench around his finger before you found your release. He took advantage of how slick and soaked you were to slip another digit into you, leaning up on his elbow so he could watch his fingers slipping in and out of you. His free hand reached up to cup your breast, his fingers toying with your nipple until it hardened under his touch.

He did the same with the other, picking up the pace with his fingers until you were arching your back off of the bed and coming undone on his hand.

You were ready for more, ready to have him inside of you. You pulled at his shoulders until he got the hint, hovering over you, kissing any skin his mouth could reach. His hands wandered your body, heating you up at his touch.

"I'll go slow, okay? This is all about you," he said once more, tugging your chin to look at him. His kisses were gentle, loving. You'd never felt so safe and secure than right now under his protective gaze. He took his time with you, memorizing every curve and crevice on your body, mapping them out with his hands.

"I'm on birth control," you told him, and he nodded, exhaling shakily as he lined up with your entrance. He checked your face one last time for any sign that you'd changed your mind before slowly easing into you. He went agonizingly slow, making sure you were comfortable, that it didn't hurt, and most of all, he wanted you to enjoy it.

"You're doing so good, sweet girl. Can I keep going?" You gave him a nod, his hands gripping yours against the sheets. His hips moved slowly, his cock dragging out of you as slowly as he'd went in, making sure you could handle it before he continued to thrust into you. A few more slow strokes inside of you and you were adjusting to him, the stretch and fill of him becoming pleasurable rather than uncomfortable.

"You can keep going," you told him, holding your breath when he slid into you again. The unfamiliar feeling quickly turned into pleasure after you got used to having him inside of you, your nails dragging lightly down his back as his hips rotated and his cock disappeared inside of you.

"You feel so good, baby. I'm going to keep going slow like this, is that okay?" He kissed your cheek, holding himself up on his elbows as he made love to you for the first time, his eyes boring into yours as you gave yourself to him. It was intimate and special, everything you had wanted for your first time. You were especially glad it was with Aaron; secretly you'd always hoped he would be the one to have you for the first time.

"You can go faster," you whispered, gasping when he sped up a fraction and it changed the feeling entirely; you felt your body relax and the pleasure came in waves. Each time his hips met yours, he buried himself a little deeper inside of you. His hand gently brushed your hair back away from your face, a thin layer of sweat on your brow. You were getting close, and you needed more of him. He could feel you clenching around his member, tightening around him. He released a shaky breath, the rotating of his hips more determined than before.

"You're so close baby, can you cum for me?" His seductive tone was enough to have you writhing beneath him as you came on his cock, panting his name, gripping his shoulders tightly. You knew he was close too; his pace was more determined, and he'd sped up a fraction; not enough to hurt but just enough to show you what you'd been missing. His body worked in sync with yours, you raised your hips to meet his thrusts, desperate to know what it felt like for him to cum inside of you. You lightly raked your nails across his shoulders and he groaned, his lips attaching to your chest, sucking love marks onto your collar bone, his fingertips harshly holding onto your waist.

As soon as he came, you immediately felt closer to him than anyone before. You were bonded in an entirely new way now; he had made you feel whole in a way you couldn't explain. His lips were frantic against yours, his tongue in your mouth, his dick still twitching inside of you. He slid out of you with a shudder, laying next to you. His arms held you close and his mouth found yours once more, lazily tangling his tongue with yours as his hands held your face.

"Thank you for trusting me," he whispered, letting his forehead rest against yours. You rolled onto your side, his fingers tracing patterns on the skin of your shoulders.

"I'm glad it was with you," you told him. Your only desire in that moment was to be close to him. You shut the rest of the world beyond his bedroom door out and put all of your focus on him.

"I can't believe you never told me," he chuckled, and you rolled your eyes at him playfully.

"You've seen me nearly everyday for 4 years. When did I have the time to date anyone?"

He pondered on what you said before he spoke again, his eyes trained on yours.

"I thought it was because you knew I'd judge whoever he was to the harshest extent," he admitted, and you knew it was true. Whoever you settled down with, Aaron and your father would've been massively critical towards.

"No one else ever caught my interest," he pulled you closer, kissing your cheek.

"Can we spend the day just like this?" His naked thigh was warm against yours, and his fingers were trailing from your shoulder to your breast. He toyed with your nipple before leaning down and attaching his lips to it, nibbling lightly with his teeth, flicking it with his tongue.

"Yes, please," it came out as a whimper, but his mouth felt incredible, so you pushed your chest up to meet his mouth. His hand tugged your thighs apart, his fingers attaching to your clit, tracing it lightly as you bit back a moan.

"You're soaked, baby. I'll take care of you," his lips were rough against yours but his touch was feather light, your swollen lips spread open by his fingers and his thumb slowly grazing your clit, throbbing under his sensual touch.

"Feels so good, Aaron," your eyes fluttered closed as you spiraled, his fingertips still slow and steady on your clit as you came. This time he was laying down, bringing you into his lap.

"Do you want to try being on top?"

You straddled him, taking his cock into your hands. He was already hard so you pumped his length a few times, watching his eyes roll back in pleasure. You sat on your knees and with his help, you sat on the tip of his dick, taking your time as you sank down on him.

"That's it baby, nice and easy. Go as slow as you need to, okay? You have all the control," you released a breath as he consumed you, all of him tucked neatly inside of you like that's where he'd always belonged. You managed to figure out a rhythm with your hips, bobbing up and down on him, so he laid back and watched you, his strong arms helping to guide your hips in all the right ways.

"Lean forward and tilt your hips up, let me do some of the work," you did as he asked, his cock slipping almost completely out of you before entering you again. You stayed just like that, letting him fuck you slowly and carefully, his brows pulled together tightly in deep concentration.

"I've never felt anything quite like this," he said softly, his hips grinding melodiously against yours, the muscles of his abdomen flexed tightly. He was scarred and sexy, and so powerful, yet here he was, making love to you at a slow and steady pace to accommodate you. You'd never seen anything like him in your life.

"You make me feel complete," it was true, you felt more at peace now than you ever had. You were certain it had everything to do with Aaron.

"You're everything I've ever dreamed of," you came hard, grasping at his shoulders, trying not to lose your balance on top of him. His arms were strong enough to hold you up, but you gave his hips a break and sat back down on him, bouncing up and down on him once you were situated comfortably. His own hands never let you do too much work, he would hold you steady for help aid your hips when they got too tired, but you were in heaven, letting him stretch you out, your head tossed back as you rode him. You could feel how close he was by how tightly he gripped your thighs, pulling you down onto his entire length before he held you in place so he could fill you with his cum.

You took a moment just sitting there to examine him, his pupils dark, almost blown out, his chest heaving.

“You’re incredible,” he mused, raising up to kiss you before he laid you down and found a towel so he could clean you up. You stayed naked in his bed waiting for him to join you, throwing on the t-shirt that he’d discarded earlier. He noticed your change in attire when he joined you again, smiling down at you.

“Looks much better on you,” his arms wrapped around you as he slid into the bed, flipping the television on and letting it drone in the background. You’d imagined your day with him like this, the two of you so wrapped up in each other that neither of you wanted to do anything else. You were content laying in his bed all day long; you didn’t need much, you just wanted to have him around. He’d already made your day better, now you just wanted to spend it with him.

“Can we be lazy like this for the rest of the day?”

He nodded, letting you crawl into his arms. He’d never say no to a lazy day, he never took them. He was always going a hundred miles a minute, and you were thankful he’d pumped the brakes today; you both deserved it.

“We can be as lazy as you want, baby. All of my free time belongs to you.”

#Aaron Hotchner playlist collection #aaron hotchner #hotch #ssa hotchner #ssa aaron hotchner #aaron hotchner smut #aaronhotcnher #hotch x reader #hotch smut

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that-disabled-radfem · 3 years ago

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Happy back-to-school y’all

I’ve attended and worked at a couple of super liberal universities. I avoid the gender studies departments for obvious reasons and I still had a lecture in which the female prof gave a brief overview of TERFs and proclaimed her hatred of JKR. Being openly critical of gender ideology, the porn industry, kinks, and ‘sex work’ are the kind of things that can ruin your future in academia. Not to mention the fact that any speech or actions that could be labelled transphobic (ie. defining woman as adult human female) can get you a suspension according to many universities anti-hate-speech policies.

So, here’s a list of small and smallish (small in terms of overt TERFery, some may require more effort than others) radical feminist actions you can take as a university student:

(this is a liberal arts perspective so if you’re a stem gal this may not apply. but also if you’re in stem maybe you can actually acknowledge that women are oppressed as a sex class without getting kicked out of school. idk)

(Note for TRAs hate reading this: One of the core actions of radical feminism is creating female networks. This is not so that we can brainwash people into being anti-trans. This is because female solidarity is necessary for creating class consciousness and overturning patriarchy. It is harder to subjugate the female sex when we stand together.)

Take classes with female profs. Multiple sections of a class? Pick the one taught by a woman. Have to chose an elective? Only look at electives offered by women. When classes have low numbers they get cancelled. When classes are super popular, universities are forced to consider promoting the faculty that teach them

Make relationships with these female profs. Go to office hours. Chat after class. Ask them about their research. Building female networks is sooooo important!

Actually fill in your end of year course feedback forms. Profs often need these when applying for tenure or applying for a job at another university so it is very important (especially with young and/or new profs) that you fill out these forms and give specific examples of how great these women are. Go off about what you love about them! Give her a brilliant review because you know the idiot boy in that class who won’t shut up even though he knows nothing is going to give her only negative feedback because he thinks any woman who leaves the house is a feminazi b*tch.

(note: obviously don’t go praising any prof - female or male - who is blatantly racist, homophobic, etc.)

(Also if you have shitty male profs write down all the horrible things they have done and said and put it in these forms because once a shitty man gets tenure they are virtually untouchable)

(also also, leave a good review on rate my profs or whatever other thing students use to figure out if they want to take classes. idc if you copy paste your feedback from the formal review. rave about the class to your friends. do what you can to get good enrolment for that prof for reasons above.)

Participate in class. Talk over the male students. Say what you mean and mean it. Call out the boys when they say dumb shit

Write about women. If you have the option to make a text written by a woman your primary text in an essay, do it. Pick the female-centred option if you’re writing an exam-essay with multiple prompts. (Profs often look at what works on their syllabus are being written about/engaged with as a marker of whether to keep those texts the next time they teach the class. If there are badass women on your syllabus, write about them to keep them on the syllabus) Use female-written secondary sources whenever possible.

(pro tip: many women in academia are more than happy to talk to you about their papers. expand your female networks by reaching out to article authors through email and asking them about their cool shit)

Get your essays published! Many departments have undergrad journals you can publish in. This will ensure more people read about the women you write about and will demonstrate to the department that people like learning about women

Consider trying to publish your undergrad essay with a legit peer-reviewed journal. If you can do it, your use of female-written secondary sources boosts the reputations of the women who wrote those secondary sources. Also this helps generally to increase scholarship about women’s writing!

Present your papers at conferences! Many schools have their own undergraduate/departmental conferences that you can present at. Push yourself by submitting to outside conferences. Bring attention to women’s works by presenting your papers. Take a space at a conference that would otherwise be reserved for mediocre men

Talk to your profs and/or your department and/or your university about mandating the inclusion of female works in classes if this isn’t something they do already

Sit next to other women in your classes. Talk to them. Make friends. Form study groups. Proofread each other’s essays. Give each other knowing looks when the boys are being dumb. Just interact with other women! Build those female networks!

Be generous with your compliments. A female classmate and I were talking to a prof after class and the classmate told me (out of the blue) that I always have such interesting things to say. I think about that whenever I’m lacking confidence about my academic skills. Compliment the women in your classes for speaking up, for sharing their opinions, for challenging your classmates/profs, for doing cool presentations, etc.

Talk to other women about sexist things going on on campus. Make everyone aware of the sexist profs. Complain about how there are many more tenured men than tenured women. Go on rate my professor and be explicit about how the sexist profs are sexist

Be active on campus and in societies. If a society has an all male executive or is male-dominated, any women who join that society make it less intimidating for more women to join. Run for executive positions! Bring in more women!

(Pro tip: Many societies’ elections are super gameable. You can be eligible to vote in a society election sometimes just by being a student at that university — even without having done anything with the society before. Other societies might just require that you’ve taken a class in a particular department or attended a society event. (Check the society’s governing documents.) Use those female networks you’ve been building. If you can bring three or four random people to vote for you, that might be enough for you to win. Societies have trouble meeting quorum (the minimum number of people in attendance to do votes) so it is really super achievable to rig an election with a few friends. And don’t feel bad about this. The system is rigged against women so you have every right to exploit loopholes!)

(Also feel free to go vote “non-confidence”/“re-open election” if only shitty men are running. Too often people see that only candidates they don’t like are running and so they give up. But you can actually stop them getting elected)

Your campus may have a LGBTQIA+alphabetsoup society. That society definitely needs more L and B women representation. It may be tedious to argue with the nb straight dudes who insist that it’s fine to use “q***r” in the society’s posters and that attraction has nothing to do with genitals, but just imagine what could happen if we could make these sorts of societies actually safe spaces for same-sex attracted women and advocated for our concerns

Attend random societies’ election meetings. Get women elected and peace out. (or actually get involved but I’m trying to emphasize the lowest commitment option with this one)

Write for the campus newspaper. Write about what women are doing - women’s sports, cool society activities, whatever. Review female movies, books, tv shows, local theatre productions. Write about sexism on campus. We need more female by-lines and more stories about women

Get involved with your campus’s sexual assault & r*pe hotline/sexual assault survivor’s centre/whatever similar organization your campus has if you can. This is hard work and definitely not for everyone (pls take care of yourself first, especially if you are a survivor)

(If your campus doesn’t have an organization for supporting survivor’s of sexualized violence, start one! This is probably going to be a lot of hard work though, so don’t do it alone)

Talk to your student council about providing free menstrual hygiene products on campus if your campus doesn’t already do this. If your campus provides free condoms (which they probs do), use that as leverage (ie. ‘sex is optional, menstruation is not. so why do we have free condoms and no free pads?’)

If you’re an older student, get involved with younger students (orientation week and such activities are good for this). Show the freshman that you can be a successful and well-liked woman without shaving your legs, wearing heels, wearing make-up, etc. Mentor these young women. Offer to go for coffee or proofread essays.

Come to class looking like a human being. Be visibly make-up less, unshaven, unfeminine, etc. to show off the many different ways of being a woman

Talk to the custodial staff and learn their names. (I know there are men who work in this profession, but it is dominated by low-income women) Say hi in the hallways, ask them about their lives, show them they’re appreciated

Be explicit with your language. When you are talking about sex-based oppression, say it. Don’t say ‘sex worker’ when you mean survivor of human trafficking. This tip is obviously a bit tricky in terms of overt TERFyness, so use your best judgement

That’s all from me for now! Feel free to add your suggestions and remember that feminism is about action

#back to school #university #terf safe #terfs DO interact #feminist action

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heliads · 3 years ago

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Sudden Changes (Part Three)

When you, an Erudite, accidentally stumble upon Jeanine Matthew’s plans, she forces you to transfer to Dauntless. Your only hope is to blend in, although Four seems less willing to let that happen.

part two / masterlist

Just like that, it begins- your chance to finally fight back against Jeanine and the faction system, the rules that kept everyone in check except the faction leaders. Truth be told, you weren’t entirely sure what this meant for you, how it would change your daily life or what would be expected of you. Four, however, appears to have a plan, or at least the last few vestiges of a cohesive thought that just might save the two of you from being caught in a lie.

He’s Divergent, which explains why he wants to learn about what Jeanine is planning for the factions. You want to get rid of the weight on your chest, the voice whispering in the back of your head that both wants you to do something about what you know and to keep lying low and make it out alive. You’ve been caught in a tricky situation: if you say a word to anyone, you could be killed. However, if you stay silent, you just might be killed anyway. In the end, everything comes down to Jeanine and her plans. Then again, what doesn’t?

The first thing you can do is try to figure out what Jeanine wants in the first place. You revisit your fear landscape multiple times over the course of the initiation, and Four makes sure to be there with you every time you go under, both for your safety and to learn more from what you saw. Whenever you face that fear, he jots down a couple of notes. The people in the back had diagrams of a brain, the group in the front were discussing diagrams of Erudite, Abnegation, and Dauntless.

The only problem is that, well, it’s all in your head. The two of you figured out pretty quickly that your memory of your fears won’t be the most perfect resource- with every playback and trip through the fear landscapes, something changes. This makes sense, as the fear landscapes were never created to revisit memories, just to scare you into standing up for yourself. The landscapes won’t be quite the same every time, even if that’s what you need.

It’s exhausting to keep going through your fear landscape, to keep revisiting the very day that still has an icy grip over you. Four, however, is there for you every time, making sure you’re alright. You keep your fear landscape visits to the scheduled hours that every other initiate goes through, but you can’t pretend that your training sessions are a little more intense. You have to try your hardest to remember every detail, to live with your fears for as long as possible so you can remember everything in that room. It’s exhausting, and strenuous, but it’s the only way forward.

That being said, you still have to be able to pass the test in flying colors at the end of training. To make things worse, Four comes to you late one night, when you’re just trying to walk back to the initiates’ quarters after dinner. He pulls you aside into an empty room as soon as no one is watching, and you can’t pretend that you’re not nervous when you see the look on his face. You don’t think you’ve seen him this anxious in a long time, if ever.

“What is it? What happened?” Four sighs, raking a hand through his hair as if the simple motion can get rid of the source of his worries. “I just found out that there’s a change to the final fear landscape session. Usually, you’ll do it in front of one or two Dauntless officials, just to make sure that you’re not lying your way through it, but Jeanine just put in a request to see it as well. There’s no reason for them to deny her, so she’s going to be there.”

You feel like you’re going to be sick. “So, in less than a week, Jeanine is going to be here and watch me go through my fear landscape in front of everybody. Four, if she sees my fear, she’ll kill me. There’s no doubt about that. I don’t know if I can hide it in time.” Four takes your hand, forcing your gaze back to him. “You can do it. I know you can. It’ll take effort, and you’ll have to think of some way to push it from your head, but you will. You’ll have to.”

You sigh. “Do you think you have everything you need from my memories of it? If I start to get rid of the fear from my landscape like you said, I may not be able to revisit it during training.” Four nods. “I think we’re all good on that account. Actually, this weekend I’d like you to drop by the room. We’re going to go over everything we know and try to make sense of it.” Raised voices echo through the nearby hallways, and you freeze for a second, silent until you’re sure that nobody else knows you’re there.

“You think it’s safe? That we can do something without getting ourselves killed?” Four gives you a lopsided grin. “We’re Dauntless, Y/N. I don't think that not having a death wish has ever been an option for us.” You groan, unable to hide a smile of your own. “Well, at least I know that you’re an optimist.”

You find yourself walking back to the room later that weekend, just as Four directed. This time, when you knock on his door, you’re surprised to find that he’s not alone. There’s another initiate in there as well- a girl you recognize as Tris, the second jumper. At first, a sharp spike of something almost like jealousy flares to life in your stomach, and then Tris walks towards you, smiling teasingly at Four. “This must be Y/N.” She whispers something loudly in your direction. “He talks about you all the time.” Suddenly, you think that you’re very much a fan of Tris Prior.

Four has about a page and a half of notes, collected from the various fear landscape sessions. Basically, it all boils down to a few points: Jeanine and her Erudite team will be trying something to mess with the structure of your minds, or the minds of the factions. Something will be happening in Abnegation, something that was organized in Erudite and that will be started in Dauntless. Jeanine had been careful to keep the more specific details from you, even when you’d accidentally stumbled upon the room, so you don’t know much more than that.

You sigh, leaning your hands up against the table. “This isn’t enough. We barely know anything at all.” Four walks over to stand next to you. “Hey, that’s not fair. You’ve given us a lot of information. If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t even know that something was happening.” Tris gestures towards you in agreement. “We’ll be on the lookout for anything unusual. Do you think you’ll be ready with your fear landscape in time?” You consider this, then nod. “I can do it.” Four gives you a reassuring look. “I know you can.”

It’s late by the time you finish your preparation session, and you leave the room quickly, hoping to get back to the dorms before curfew is enacted. You’re not walking where you’re watching, too giddy over the thoughts of what just happened and a future here without the constant threat of assassination hanging over your head. If you were smart, you would see that the signs are all here, all the warnings that you missed the first time. However, you’ve been safe here for so long that you don’t quite feel the need to stay on alert.

That’s why you don’t hear the footsteps echoing up the hall until it’s too late, until you’re rounding the corner and you make direct eye contact with a woman approaching you from the other direction. You recognize her before you even see her face, seeing the blue clothes and perpetually perfect white-blond hair. You feel frozen in your place, unable to take another step. How is Jeanine Matthews here?

She looks coolly over at you, evidently taking pleasure in the way you stare at her in shock. “Y/N L/N. Good to see you fitting in so well here.” She breezes past you, surrounded by an entourage of blue and black clad figures. You feel like you can’t move a muscle. How is she here, so easily able to make you feel powerless? You hear footsteps sounding off down the hallway near you, and whirl around, sure that Jeanine’s come back to prove something to you. It’s not Jeanine, though, it’s Four, and you instantly sigh in relief.

His face falls in worry as he looks at you. “What’s wrong? What happened?” You shake your head, overwhelmed. “It’s Jeanine. She’s here.” Four grimaces. “I’d hoped that she wouldn’t arrive until later. This isn’t a good sign. Whatever she’s planning, it’s something big, or she wouldn’t arrive so many days in advance.” You hug your arms to your chest. “What do we do now? If she’s here, she’ll clearly be expecting opposition. We can’t do anything without risking discovery.”

Four puts an arm around your shoulders comfortingly, walking with you down the halls once more. “Hey, it’s alright. Even if we can’t do anything, just knowing that we should be on our guard is enough. We don’t have to cause a revolution, I just want to make sure you’re safe.” You lean your head against his shoulder. “Thanks, Four. I mean it.” He smiles gently down at you. “Anytime.”

You find your way to the initiates’ quarters soon after that, although you can’t seem to fall asleep. You’re sure that you’ll stay awake all night, tossing and turning over this latest threat, and then you’re blinking awake to the blinding sunlight of morning. Tris grins over at you from one bed over. “Ready for another day of training?” You groan, rubbing a hand over your eyes. “Can’t wait.”

The final day of testing comes sooner than you’d like. You think you can make it through the fear landscape without revealing yourself, but in the end, you never know what happens. Besides, you hadn’t counted on Jeanine’s presence beside you, and that could mess with your head. In the end, you’re sent off into the landscape just as usual, and when you wake up, Four meets your eyes with a reassuring smile. You made it, and your little misadventure in the halls of Erudite never showed up once.

Jeanine approaches you as you make your way through the crowds. Her smile is cold, clinical. You’re not sure how you ever thought that she had your best interests in mind. “Impressive showing, Y/N. It seems that you’ve made a place for yourself here just as I thought.” You manage a nod. “It’s better than expected.” For all of her glowing smiles, Jeanine’s eyes are as sharp as a knife. Unsaid words float in the air between you, whispering about why you’d had to go. You know just as well as she does that your death could be on the line for any mishap, any wrong word said. However, she can’t risk threatening you in public, and so she lets you go with another few lackluster words.

You meet up with Tris soon after that. She was successful in her fear landscape as well, and the two of you walk through the crowds of newly graduated initiates. “What do you think you’ll do after finishing initiation?” Tris asks, and you grin. “I have no idea.” For once, you don’t feel nervous about the fact that you have no plans ahead of you, just excited that your future is open to anything you could possibly dream up.

You notice that initiates ahead of you are forming into a few lines, each one waiting to receive something through a needle from one of the training leaders. You look at Tris, confused. “What’s that?” She shrugs. “I think one of them said something about a tracking device.” You stare at her. “Do you see the way Jeanine is watching everyone getting a shot? What if this is her big plan? What if this is the danger that we have to avoid?”

Tris lifts a shoulder, although you can tell that she’s starting to get worried as well. “It would make sense. Mental manipulation, something that would involve both Erudite and Dauntless. The only problem is that I have no idea how to get out of it.” You lock eyes with Four across the room, noticing that he’s heading towards you with the same look of panicked realization. So he’s put the pieces together as well, but he looks just as powerless to stop it as you are. You’re nearing the front of the line, and there’s no way out.

Just as you’re about to receive your shot, Four stops the training leader who’s supposed to be injecting you. He pulls on his typical stony expression of fearless initiation leader, taking the needle from the man. “I’ll do that. I need you to handle some of the initiates coming out of their fear landscapes, there are issues with the crowds.” The man nods, clearly cowed by Four’s status among the Dauntless. You raise an eyebrow. “Crowd issues? There are like five people left over there.”

Four shrugs. “It was an excuse, and it worked.” He holds the needle near your neck, close enough that it looks like he’s injecting you but just missing your actual throat. He whispers to you quietly. “This is the only way to get out of it. I’ve never heard anything about tracking devices before, it has to be a part of Jeanine’s plan.” You nod. “That’s what we thought.” Now that you’ve “received” your tracking device, you move on through the crowds. At least you’ve been able to avoid this one danger.

However, you don’t notice anything happening differently, not at all. Everyone else seems fine, acting like themselves. If there’s any mental manipulation going on, it’s insignificant enough to pass under the radar. Maybe you were wrong about all of this. Maybe it truly was just a tracking device. You talk to Four later that night, the two of you alone in his room. If you exchange more than words, there is no one there to argue about it.

You’ve almost assumed that you’ve made a big deal about this for nothing, and then you wake up one morning to find that everyone is moving silently through the initiates’ quarters. You get out of bed, baffled as to why no one else is speaking. Next to you, Tris shoots you a confused look. “What’s going on?” She whispers, and you shrug. “This must be Jeanine’s plan. Guess it was more than a tracking device after all.”

You have no choice but to dress quickly, joining the ranks of zombie-like initiates as if you were under the same mind control. You’re silent, robotic, refusing to give off any sign of trouble. It’s only when you enter a larger room, starting to grab weapons with everyone else, that you finally see a flaw in the programming. A man runs in, clearly confused as to what is going on. He barely makes it a few steps into the room before one of the Dauntless leaders mutters something about Divergents and shoots the man in the chest. You don’t have time to dwell over the sight of his bloody body, but you do have time to think as you march: so it is meant to root out Divergents. Or, it’s meant to control everyone, and Divergents just don’t fit in. If Four is Divergent, where is he now? Has he managed to join the flow of people just like everyone else? Or is he lying broken and bloody on some other floor, unable to save himself before he was found out?

You only feel your fears recede when you’re boarded onto a train with everyone else. He stands a distance away from you, seemingly just as stoic and clinical as everyone else. However, if he’s Divergent, he should be fine. You quietly make your way through the train car to where he stands, not looking at him but standing side by side. He reaches down to take your hand, and you feel a bubble of relief burst in your chest. So he’s alright, he’s still him. In the end, that is all you could ask for.

When the train stops, you follow everyone out into Abnegation. Finally, you understand Jeanine’s plan, but you can’t help but wish you could have found it out a little earlier. You’re able to get Four and Tris out, fighting to make it out when everyone around you is under mind control. It’s hard to point your gun at friends, people you’ve considered family ever since you arrived at Dauntless, but there’s no other way to survive.

You’re separated from Four after being exposed for not being under the control of the system, and you and Tris fight your way to Jeanine’s headquarters to get him back. In the end, you manage to shut down the system and rescue Four from the mind control. There’s nothing to do except run now, run and hope that the rest of the factions don’t catch up with you. When you think about it, though, you have everything you need: your friends, a life to be lived almost entirely free of Jeanine’s influence, and best of all, you have Four by your side.

final ty to luna my gal

divergent tag list: my gal & my pal @underc0vercryptid

#four #four imagines #four x reader #four oneshot #tobias eaton #tobias eaton imagines #tobias eaton x reader #tobias eaton oneshot #divergent #divergent imagines #divergent x reader #divergent oneshot #divergent four #divergent four imagines #divergent four x reader #divergent four oneshot

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calciferstims · 3 years ago

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how do you make stimboards? i wanna start doing them <3

Ok you know what, BET, you’ve unlocked

✨the official calciferstims tutorial✨

No no ok I’m just messing around, but I will try to walk you through my whole process! 😅 I figure you might not be the only one interested so, what the hell. Prepare for rambling, sorry in advance.

obligatory disclaimer that there is no one way to make stimboards, you don’t have to follow my process, I might put too much effort into it or less effort than someone else does, stimboards are just for fun!!! make em’ however you want! These are just tips/how my brain works.

first of all: picking your themes!!

Surprise: They can be anything!!! And heck, a lot of stimboard themes are just ‘purple cleancore’ or ‘food in pink and blue’, and those are pretty self explanatory. But a lot of the boards I happen to make are themed around characters, and it can be a little tricky to pick your themes!

First of all, I would recommend picking a color palette to try and stick to. Let’s pretend I’m making a Loki stimboard so I’ll probably go with green, gold and black.

You can chose any themes to go with those colors!! Like I could do a Loki stimboard with themes of lovecore and soft things or whatever. But if I’m not going off of anything specific, I usually try really hard to pick some cool themes to match the character. (Of course, you don’t need to do this,, it’s just for me I think it’s a lot cooler to have gifs that fit the character/subject rather than just random slime and stuff). So like, idk, maybe for Loki I want knives, snakes, fancy stuff, all that jazz! But again, it doesn’t matter too much, I just like to isolate those things!

Then you can just search for all your gifs and save them 😌 I usually try to dive pretty deep and try plenty of searches until I get a nice collection to chose from. (But then again I get overwhelmed by that sometimes, lmao). Important: please pretty please find your sources directly via tumblr, and try your very best to locate the original gifset or at least check that the links on a stim board actually lead back to the og creator! Google and Pinterest can be very unreliable places to find stims with actual sources - you have a whole organized system of blogs to search from right here. And please save your sources as you are looking - I save them right to my drafts, but you can save them anywhere you want as long as you keep ‘em.

And yeah, it’s really not that complicated but I’m extra so that’s how I go about it 😅

second: putting the darn thing together

Super simple!! The only hard part sometimes can be picking what gifs you want to include (I definitely struggle sometimes, lol. Nine gifs can be so limiting 😭 damn you tumblr!)

Hot Tip™️: ✨pretty arrangements✨

A big thing you might notice is that, in my opinion at least!! Stimboards tend to look a lot nicer if you organize them in a satisfying, even way! Of course you don’t have to do this, just throwing that out there again - but I think it makes a more out-together looking board.

Usually, I’ll kind of group certain gifs together based on color, theme, kind of stim, ect, and then try to arrange the board so that it’s ‘even’ and looks nice to me.

Some examples of what I mean (using colors to show different themes):

Again, not necessary, but a personal preference!

Also important detail I almost forgot to mention: Another thing that I just think makes everything look way nicer.. Try your best to make sure all your gifs are square so you don’t have like, awkward skinny rectangles in there. You can use a website like ezgif.com or something similar to crop gifs and edit them in other ways!

And that’s about it!!

Oh, but one more thing….

INCLUDE THE SOURCES OR I STEAL YOUR KNEECAPS

Ok that’s all ☺️ no but seriously, it’s very easy and takes two seconds. Most people link them with little x’s or emojis or whatever, but you can do it however you want, as long as they’re easily available. For adding links to text/emojis, you can add them by highlighting the text in question and clicking the little link symbol 🔗 that pops up next to the other text editing features. Make sure to double check that all your links are working, finish up however you please, and you’re ready to post!!

That’s all folks! I hope that answered your question nonny, sorry for the long response 😂 This is kinda less for one person and more to take the chance to explain everything for anybody else! And of course I cannot resist being overly thorough. Good luck making your boards anon, I can’t wait to see them!! :) /gen

#hot tip for the themes and stuff too like. idk if you can’t think of anything SUPER specific there’s still sm you can do with vibes #like if a character is more sophisticated and fancy I’ll do wax seals or calligraphy or something #if they’re magic you can do crystals and sparkly things idk #if you want something warm and cozy you can go for food and soft things and whatnot #idk there’s so many themes to chose from but it’s fun to think about!#ask box #tone indicators #oh sorry this took me a while to get to btw!! almost forgot to mention that

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cyoc49 · 4 years ago

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Auto Pilot

James was 18 and already shaping up to be a disappointment in life. After spending four years of high school slacking off, doing drugs, and not caring about anything, he now found himself a freshman in college with little prospect of where to go. He was attending the local community college - he hadn’t even wanted to do that, but his parents threatened to kick him out and cut off funding if he didn’t do some higher education. Now he found himself wandering aimlessly around campus. He had no idea what his major would be, no plans of any kind, really. He wanted to stay as distant from this college experience as possible.

To be honest, James did sometimes think about his lack of aim in life. The truth was he truly did fear committing to anything in life, for the risk of making the wrong choice, and so invented a “don’t care” persona to cope with his lack of place in the world.

James arrived at his dorm, and made his way upstairs to his room. He shared it with some guy, Clide. They didn’t talk much. As he got to the door of his room, he noticed a package sitting in front of the door. He picked it up and inspected it. Relatively small, lightweight, addressed to him. Odd. Usually this type of thing would be sent to the mail room. As James entered his room, he put the package down on his desk. Clide wasn’t there, he was probably at class.

“Might as well check this thing out,” James said to himself as he opened the box. Inside was a big red button reading AUTO PILOT.

Whatever he had been expecting, it certainly wasn’t that. It was one of those comically oversized buttons like you saw in movies. He had never seen one this big in person. And what did “Auto Pilot” mean?

Looking back into the box, James found a small booklet labeled “User’s Manual”. He picked it up and read the contents:

“INCREDIBLE AUTO PILOT BUTTON

Life can be exhausting. School, jobs, bills, food, house troubles, and countless other decisions have to be made and executed every day. At the end of the day, is all the grind really worth it? Wouldn’t you rather take the easy route? The better route?

The Auto Pilot button is simple. Press it, and your life will be set to “auto pilot”. We’ve spent decades studying the behavior patterns of successful people, and have created a formula by which we have the correct response to every obstacle and issue you will ever face in your life. Job troubles? You’ll always be a hard worker who knows how to get what he wants. Social issues? You’ll have the right line for every occasion. You’ll be more outgoing, more ambitious, and best of all: you don’t have to do any of it. When you’re on auto pilot. You can sit back and watch as your body makes all the right decisions for you. One press is all that’s needed.

Enjoy your life on auto pilot!”

James checked the back to see if there was anything else. He didn’t know what to think. He almost wanted to laugh. It had to be a joke, but the tone of the pamphlet was so certain that it could also be the delusions of some eccentric billionaire. Ah well, at least he finally had something to go on his barren desk. He slid the auto pilot button to the back corner of his desk, then paused. He pressed down on the button, just to see what those big red buttons really feel like.

Unfortunately for James, one press is all that’s needed.

*click*

As the button clicked down, James’ body slumped.

His eyes went dead.

And then he suddenly smiled.

And he kept smiling.

James was 22 and life was looking pretty great. After pressing that button his freshman year, James completely turned his life around, as if overnight. He suddenly started paying attention in all his classes. He began going to the gym, and joined an intramural soccer team. By the end of his freshman year, James had gained 25 lbs of muscle, going from a boney 150 to a beefy 175. He also ended his year, with a 4.0 GPA, and used it to apply to the local state school. It just offered him more opportunities than community college, and had better networking circles. James got in handily, and that fall found himself moving across state to university.

Almost as soon as he landed on campus, James continued his life climbing. He declared majors in international business and finance, knowing the money opportunities that lay there. The course load was nothing for James, as he always worked on homework at maximum efficiency. In fact, he had time left over to join a club lacrosse team.

Through his finance classes and lacrosse practices, James came to realize the social circle he needed to join if he wanted to get ahead: The rich preps. They were the ones who exuded the aura of success he wanted to project, and the ones with the connections to jobs after college. He modeled himself after them. He began to dress like them, in khakis and pastels, and leather loafers. Vineyard Vines, Ralph Lauren, and Brooks Brothers invaded his closet. He began to manage his hair, combing it into a neat side part every morning with pomade. He researched golf news, followed stock market trends, so he would have topics to talk about with these preps.

Slowly, by bringing up the points he now new about with classmates, and by projecting the image of a successful young preppy professional, James came to be accepted as one of their own. One of the boys. His ultimate dream. From that point it was easy: James was Mr All American, effortlessly witty and charming. By the time he was a senior, James was on fire. He had served as captain of his lacrosse team for the past 2 years, was top of his business classes. He had met several of his new friend’s fathers (all of them CEOs), and in most cases the fathers ended up liking James more than their own children. James was a professional in all aspects, and he did it all with a bright, mindless smile.

The one thing James hadn’t accomplished in college was finding a girlfriend. Of course he’d had several offers, but he never took a woman to call his own. Every once in a while he found himself staring at the guys on the lacrosse team while they changed, but these were only fleeting feelings. Certainly not the most efficient way to live his life.

But this didn’t matter to James. In just a few months he would be graduating top of his business program, and thanks to the father of a friend he had a job lined up at Plexicorp, one of the biggest marketing chains in the nation. James was only 22 and he was a consummate professional. Is this what a perfect life looks like?

James was 30 and on top of the world. After graduation he went right into work at Plexicorp, and immediately assumed the stereotype of a “young urban professional”. His work ethic was tireless, and through a mixture of countless golf matches and the perfect water cooler humor, James quickly became the most popular guy in his office, and the model employee. He rose in the ranks quickly, and was now a regional manager with a six figure salary at only 30.

With extra cash to spare, James had gone to work giving his life an upgrade. He bought clothes from extremely expensive brands, though sticking to his preppy classics. He got salon quality pomade for the classic styling of his hair (which had only gotten lighter over the years), and routinely had dermatology and dental work done to keep his face looking as fresh as possible. He bought a serene little cookie cutter McMansion out in the suburbs. Even with all this going on, he perfectly worked time into his schedule for gym and nutrition, keeping his body in peak shape even as he got older. At age 30, James was quickly approaching a DILF.

With the perfect job, the perfect clothes, and the perfect body, you’d think James would have quickly found a suitable wife, or at least someone looking for a QoL upgrade. But even over the years, James still never found himself fully committed to women, even though he knew starting a family young would be most productive in the long term. In a particular night of conflicting emotions, James made his way to a leather bar on the outskirts of town, where a nice 50 year old man with a beard and a harness taught James what he had always known. He was gay. And he loved it.

There must have been a hole in the Auto Pilot system. Certainly heterosexuality would be most efficient for a successful life, but somehow James’ base feelings came through. Of course he had no way of knowing what was going on in his body. All he knew was what was most efficient, and what felt best were in opposition to each other right now.

Eventually, with a smile, the straight James won out. After his encounter with the leather clad friend, he quickly found himself not thinking about sex at all. A life of chastity was certainly good enough for him. Letting sex be for pleasure hardly worked out, as we see. Sex should be for utility. Creating the family. And to get a family, he needed a wife.

The following weekend James took a trip to his local country club, and after a bit of scouting, chatting, and brown-nosing, James was introduced to Amber, an interior decorator. She wasn’t the most brilliant with a conversation, but she was single and looking to marry and that was enough for James. They went on several incredibly vanilla movie and dinner dates, where hand holding was the most action either of them got. After 8 months, they married and moved in together.

Now standing here at 30, James looked in the mirror. He felt his decently-sized chest push against the cotton undershirt and mint green button up sitting on top. His rotund and muscular ass was perfectly wrapped by his khakis. He looked down at the counter of his bathroom. Marble. With plenty of space. Even with his tricky sex situation, James had to admit he had a great body and a great life. He had made (almost) all the right decisions, and was reaping plenty of the rewards. As far as living life, this was a pretty good way to do it.

James was 40, and life was perfect. The shareholders of Plexicorp were so impressed by his keen business instincts and impressive management, and at only 32 offered to make him the youngest shareholder in the history of the company. From there he went from “pretty well off” to “disgustingly wealthy”. James knew how to invest his money well, and from the moment of that promotion never worried about money again. He moved into a mansion in the nice part of town and upgraded his wardrobe to suits, suits, and more suits. Now that he was one of the elites, he had to project as such. He kept his appearance as clean and refined as possible at all times. He loved to flash off in a khaki suit (a nod to his preppy roots), and with his now perfectly-blonde hair, he was the absolute image of refinement. He had certainly aged like fine wine, and there was no doubt about it: James was a DILF.

The only sore spot in his life has been Amber. After years of trying and failing to conceive due to lack of excitement, Amber eventually asked to file for divorce. James knew he had to grant her this, and handled the proceedings quietly (and generously) to let go of her gently. At 35, James was finally meeting a dead end that his Auto Pilot skills were unable to find a solution to.

Until he had an investment meeting with a local stock analyst named Robert

Robert was an image of success, beauty, and sharpness that James had seen in only one other man: himself. It was almost unnatural how beautiful and crisp Robert was. His perfectly parted hair. His well-fit gray suit and polished dress shoes. As James eyed this man up and down, it dawned on him. Robert must have made every decision perfectly in life to look like an image of success in his his 30s, because he did. Robert had help from Auto Pilot too. And judging by the lack of a ring on his finger, and the way he was eyeing James in the exact same way James was eyeing him, James had a suspicion that Robert had the same problem he had.

Robert was someone whose every value, choice, and lifestyle matched up with James’.

James knew exactly the right decision to make.

The two flashed each other perfect smiles and firm handshakes, and although the topic of their first meeting stayed on stocks, it was clear there was a mutual spark between the two. They quickly decided that weekly investment meetings would be best, which turned into lunch meetings twice per week, which turned into dinner, which turned into something much more. The two took it slow, to be safe, but it was clear they were disgustingly perfect for each other. On Tuesdays and Thursdays they met up at the gym at 6AM to exercise together. They had quickly learned they wore the same suit size, and exchanged looks on several occasions. Robert taught James just how he achieved his razor sharp part, and James taught Robert how to match pocket squares to outfits. After a few years of dating they married in a picturesque countryside summer wedding, and both knew this one would last.

Now standing here at 40, James could genuinely say life was perfect. He had gone from an aimless place in his life to the top of the world, and although it had been a bumpy road, he was now with the perfect partner living a life of gentility. Checking his suited image in the mirror one last time, James left the bathroom and walked to the front door where Robert was waiting. The two had plans to attend an orchestra show and get dinner at the nicest restaurant in town.

James flashed Robert the perfect smile, and Robert returned the favor.

“Ready to go, darling?” James asked the man of his dreams.

“Of course, love.” Robert replied in a smooth tenor. The two briefly joined to kiss, before heading outside where the driver was waiting to take them into the city for another wonderful night.

#gaytf #preppy #gay #preppy tf #preppytf #stepfordization #straight to gay #gay to straight #suittf #suitandtie

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princecharmingmendes · 3 years ago

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Heart by Heart | Chapter IV | Raul Mendes

*secret agent AU*

Y/N and Raul have been friends ever since they could remember. And falling in love with your best friend can be pretty tricky and messy 99% of the times, add that to the fact they're constantly risking their lives side by side on the field since they're both secret agents, and the best team that's ever existed. Perfect recipe for disaster.

Hi, this is the fourth chapter, you can find the first one here. This one's a bit shorter but I still hope you like it anyway. Please read the warnings on this one, if you don't feel comfortable with the contents listed on the "warnings" section, please read something else, there are a lot of other works on my masterlist and on the "fic rec" hashtag on my blog. Please give me some feedback and I hope you guys like. Happy Reading!

previous chapter | masterpost | next chapter

*Word Count: 2.9K+.

*Warnings: cursing, jealousy, mentions of weapons (barely any), slight angst (if you squint).

Please don’t read it if any of this subjects make you uncomfortable, feel free to check my masterlist for other writings.

*Posted: July 22nd, 2021.

-*-

Raul was fucked.

He learned that ages ago, but every passing day, it just seemed to get more and more fucked.

Y/N was the most beautiful girl he’s ever laid eyes on, he knew that the day he met her all those years ago, while she was still a kid like him. And as the time went on, she proved him wrong every single day, every time he looked at her, in his eyes, Y/N surpassed her own beauty and taking her own title as the pretties one. Raul knew he was a goner the first time he made her laugh, truly laugh, throwing her head back as she almost lost her breath, he knew he would have to do it all over again for the rest of his life just to hear the most beautiful melody ever created.

And maybe he was a fool, and obvious one for not even holding back whenever she was hurt or needed him. He would give Y/N anything in the world and he could be pretty reckless about it. Sure, Raul was capable of keeping it to himself all these years, even from his spy family and her, but Peter was slowly catching onto it and he knew it. There was a reason why Peter wasn’t a field agent and his not so subtle approaches only proved that right. But he honestly didn’t care, as long as he got to have her as his best friend and best girl, he didn’t give a fuck about what the rest of the world thought. He only cared about Y/N.

So watching her progress on the ring (hell, having his ass kicked by her was probably the best thing that’s ever happened to him), watching Y/N taking part of such an important role as to plan the mission that would take down one of the biggest criminals on the world left him so proud. He couldn’t even describe it. Watching her sleep peacefully among his bedding, the glimmer of pure and utter happiness whenever she watched one of the marvel movies or ate her favorite cake made butterflies go wild in his stomach.

And as Aaliyah would say, he was probably a simp for her. As sappy as that sounded, it was probably true.

“Still with me, champ?” Y/N’s voice ringed on his coms.

Raul had to hold back a smile as Jack smirked at him on their watching point across the street “Always, doll, see anything?”

“Not really” she muttered annoyedly “think the package is late”

“Oh, sorry the bad guy didn’t show up on the perfect time according to your planner”

“Fuck you, darling, before I forget”

Raul huffed a chuckle as he changed channels on the surveillance system she hacked the night prior.

He was with Jack sitting on his apartment watching Y/N from the perfect window. The initial plan was pretty simple, Y/N would be dressed in casual common clothes, going through her computer on Genoff’s favorite coffee shop, to possibly catch him after coming back, so he could be used to some of their faces on his absence justifying new people around. Her undercover role was as a graphic designer that pretty much had a home office, which would justify her always being around that area. Tommy was the local barista trainee, summer job to pay for his scholarship, and this way he could hear some stuff and also be ready to jump and protect whoever was undercover there that day.

Celine was working on the front desk on Geonoff’s cover up business building, she was replacing the other girl that just left due to maternity leave, so it wouldn’t look suspicious at all. James got the work as an executive driver on a company that often was hired to transport Geonoff himself and his people, and Raul would also be on home office as a free lancer photographer, he’d be in an untitled relationship with Y/N which would be a good cover for them always being out and about together.

They would all be living in the same neighborhood, Peter and Celine would be living in the same apartment complex, which was just next doors to the one Jack, Y/N and Raul were placed. This way it would still be safe and pretty low profile enough to not draw curious eyes. And since the mission didn’t exactly have a precise deadline, they didn’t have a precise date to actually leave, so their flat was poorly furnished and decorated, filled with the ultimate basic things they could need in a month period. And of course, heavily armed in every corner and drawer anyone could think about.

“He just left his car two blocks away, think he might be just a bit behind your schedule, Y/N” Jack called from his place behind the screens she had set up the night before “Tommy, grab the cash register as soon as you can”

“Yes sir” Tom mumbled under his breath.

Raul inched a bit closer to the window on a spot no one could see him from bellow, watching as Geonoff himself entered the shop with two other man right behind him. Probably security team. He had to hold back his breath once he noticed the way the man had his eyes fixated right on Y/N’s table, before quietly muttering something to the other with him.

“Hm, excuse me miss?” a deep slightly hoarse voice caught her attention from the fake project displayed on her computer screen, Y/N looked up to find Geonoff right next to her booth.

“Oh hi”

“Why is he talking to her? He wasn’t supposed to just approach her!” Raul practically growled to Jack as the other just shrugged in response “fuck”

“Dude, calm down, Tom is literally just across the bar and she’s a fucking spy, chill, she knows how to handle this” Jack said shoving Raul’s shoulder playfully, to which he just rolled his eyes huffing in annoyance.

“I know, I know that”

Jack arched his eyebrow at him, a knowing smirk playing on his lips “Is this your way of admitting you love her?”

“Shut up and pay attention to their conversation, you idiot” Raul said pushing his friend off of his sit.

“I'm sorry, I just had to ask, I haven’t such a pretty girl like you around in a while, are you new in town, darling?” Geonoff asked leaning his hip against the sit across from Y/N.

“Oh no, not new in town” she responded with a giggle, trying to ease the nerves and slight nausea from talking to him and his half attempt of flirting “I moved to this neighborhood last month though, used to leave on the other side of the town”

“Oh, was it for work? How are you liking this place so far?”

“It’s nice, I thought it was going to be quieter but it doesn’t really bother me” she said with a soft smile on her features “I moved here because I work from home, so I needed to get out of my last place cause my roommate was not exactly quiet, and my boyfriend said there was an available apartment on his floor, so it just seemed like a great opportunity”

Raul’s heart raced a bit more on his chest when she referred to him as ‘boyfriend’, which was completely stupid. Y/N was his best friend and this was only for a cover. But sometimes his feelings got the best of him.

“Boyfriend? Is he here?”

“Oh no, I think he’s at work now, he’s a photographer”

“It makes sense, he has the prettiest muse at home” he added with a wink, which made Y/N’s stomach twirl in her tummy, this man is absolutely gross and she just wants to find a way out of this conversation “is he joining you today or should I keep you company?”

“Tell him I’m on my way, sweetheart, don’t want this man any closer to you” Raul said through coms, Jack already grabbing his backpack with the material they had separated to be Raul’s cover as he threw a denim jacket and a pair of glasses.

Y/N gave Geonoff a gentle smile as she shrugged before adding “he told me he’d be coming here, something about the cupcakes being the best he’s ever had”

“Oh shut up, this is the worst excuse to get me to buy you cupcake ever” Raul muttered through coms as he jogged across the street and Y/N had to cough to hid a little giggle that threatened to escape at her best friend’s comment.

“Yeah, they’re really good, I think you’d like the chocolate one”

“Okay, thank you for the tip” she said, quickly noticing the mop of curls clumsy coming into the shop, a big grin blossoming on her lips as she waved at the heaving figure of her best friend “oh, there he is!”

Raul’s eyes found hers and he could only smile, forgetting only momentarily that one of the most wanted man in the country was just beside her, he shook his head to gain a bit more focus as he shortened the distance between them with every step “hi baby”

Y/N got up from her sit and was quick to throw her arms around his neck, as he did the same with her waist, planting a kiss to the crown of her head “Hi, honey this is… Oh my, just realized I never caught your name, I’m sorry, that was so rude”

“Geonoff, darling” he said with a smug smile on his lips, probably waiting some sort of reaction and proud of it.

And to Raul’s amusement, Y/N didn’t move a single muscle, didn’t give a single reaction, only offering a polite smile “Oh, nice name, I’m Y/N and this is my boyfriend, Raul”

“Beautiful name, suits such a gorgeous girl like you” he said, eyes on Raul waiting for some sort of response.

“Oh yeah, she doesn’t like it but I’ve always found it beautiful” he said softly.

“Well, I’ll leave you guys alone now, nice meeting the two of you” Geonoff said as his guards approached him with a paper bag “and Y/N, let me know if you need anything, I’m always around”

“Thank you” she said before pulling Raul to sit by her side on the booth as Geonoff walked out of the little shop “how was your day, honey?”

“Good, angel, got a couple of photos I think you’d like to see whenever we get home” he said throwing his arms around her shoulders, pulling her closer.

“You two are gross to watch” Jack grumbled through the coms making them both laugh.

Y/N turned her head to face him “you wanna go home to show me or you want to grab a cup of coffee first?”

“I think I want a bit of coffee, but we can order it to go, yeah?”

“Sure, whatever you want” Y/N said before sliding off the booth and pulling him with her, before stuffing her computer on her little backpack, which Raul promptly took from her.

“Come on, baby, can’t wait to lay down a bit” he ushered her to the register, where Tom waited patiently for them “hello there, I’d like an espresso please”

“Sure, anything else?” Tommy asked as he clicked on the little screen.

“Do you want anything, baby?”

“A red velvet cupcake to go, please”

Tom nodded looking a little nervous before speaking up “the other man with the security guards left this note and cupcake for you, ma’am” he then grabbed the little pastry and a fancy business card alongside it.

“Oh, I- are you sure it was for me?” she asked in disbelief as Raul tightened his arm around her.

Tom only nodded in response “positive, do you still want the red velvet one?”

“I- yes, please” Y/N let out before almost chocking on air, gently grabbing the card that contained the business information from his company (that she already had) and a little handwritten phrase next to a phone number, the note read ‘if you’re ever looking for a real man, let me know’.

“Someone’s got a crush on you” Raul teased trying to mask the anger bubbling up on his throat, but he knew she saw right through his facade. After all, Y/N knew him better than anyone else.

“Well, I feel bad for him, because I’m already taken, yeah?” she giggled at herself, lightly poking his chest to try and loosen his nerves a bit.

“Yeah, since I have you, know that I’m never letting you go” Raul pressed a kiss to her head huffing a small chuckle.

“Here it is, sir” Tom cut Raul out before handing him the paper bag, and he placed the money on Tom’s hand.

Raul offered a smile as he lead Y/N back to their place “Thank you, take care, kid”

As they were crossing the street, Y/N dropped the cupcake from Geonoff on the sidewalk, making it look like an accident as she cried out an ‘oh no, I can’t believe I dropped it!’ before tossing it on the bin. On the elevator to their apartment, Raul still seemed tense and too quiet for his normal self, but Y/N decided to drop it, maybe give him some time to deal with today.

Just as they opened the door, Jack was quick to pull them inside, grabbing the card from Y/N’s hand and tossing it into a special bag and running downstairs, probably to deliver it to a team so they could take it to the lab to run some tests. Celine was stretched on the couch, a knowing look in her eyes as she signaled for them to join her. Raul went to the kitchen to grab a glass of water in complete silence as Y/N sank down on the soft cushions with Celine.

“What’s wrong with him?” she muttered quietly, since there were no walls separating the rooms on this flat, only the bedroom and bathroom and Raul was standing pretty close.

Y/N sighed with a shrug “No clue, maybe just didn’t expect the interaction to go like that, I don’t know”

“By the way, you did great, he even got interested in you”

“Ew, no need to remind me, seriously that man is just gross, there’s something about him that’s just creepy, and I’m not even bringing up his criminal record” Y/N added grabbing a bottle water that Raul tossed at her after she nodded at him.

Celine nodded in understanding “Don't blame you, I think I would’ve punched him five seconds into talking”

“You wouldn’t last a single second with him talking” Jack said as he closed the door behind him.

Y/N and Celine laughed as Raul joined them on the couch, sitting on the armrest right behind Y/N as she leaned her weight on him. He threw an arm around her.

“I think we should order a pizza and have some beer, yeah? This was a successful day, Tom’s gonna be here any minute now and Raul didn’t die out of jealousy in 24h, only reasons to celebrate!”

“Don’t start celebrating now, Jack, he might combust at any second now” Celine said with a laugh and Y/N giggled shaking her head, looking up at him only to see his serious expression and a light pink tinting his cheeks.

“So, pizza and beer it is?” Jack asked pulling his phone.

“I think it’s a great idea” Tom said as he climbed through the back window.

“Okay, Jack, order the pizzas and grab us the beer” Y/N decided and Jack stared at her in shock.

“Why me?!”

“So you can do something useful for once instead of gossiping” Raul said playfully and Y/N smiled at that as Jack feigned hurt with a dramatic gasp.

“Well, there’s that and the fact that this genius idea belongs to you, doesn’t it?” Y/N asked

Jack stared at her and nodded “Well yeah but-“

“Then make it happen, darling” Y/N only threw a wink at him and he shook his head, but grabbing his phone to start ordering.

“Hey Tom, can I see the piece you brought back?” Celine asked without moving from her place on the couch.

Y/N took the opportunity to properly face Raul since the others were seemingly busy, so she cupped his face gently bringing his attention down at her “are you okay?”

“Yeah, of course I am, doll” he said turning his face to place a kiss at the palm of her hand before looking back at her.

“Are you sure? You didn’t seem fine five minutes ago”

“I just didn’t think he’d take such an interest on you so soon, I mean, you’re insanely gorgeous so it was obvious he was going to notice you, I guess I was just unconsciously hoping he wouldn’t” Raul sighed leaning his head against her hand and she let it slide on his face until she was able to curl her fingers on his hair “it’s stupid, I’m sorry, I was just being stupid yeah? Let’s focus on something else and relax”

“Are you sure?” she asked tugging on his hair a bit as he closed his eyes, nodding his head softly and she sighed “okay”

-*-

*Please reblog or like this post if you liked it so I’ll know.

*I’m sorry if there are any spelling mistakes.

*Please do not repost this without giving me the credit, this is a completely original piece and I do not give permission to copy this!

*Hope you guys enjoyed it!

*xoxo

-🌙

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writingonesdreams · 3 years ago

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Sortinghatchats - The Bold Type

Check out @sortinghatchats and @wisteria-lodge for explanation of the system. Spoilers ahead.

I get the impression Bold Type is a very lion centric show. Its characters are constantly looking for causes, for ways to make the world a better place, to find agendas and make a point through whatever means at their disposal.

Kat seems like the easiest to sort. She is bold, unapologetic, she runs against the door and any obstacle with a lion determination, and has to be alerted to her methods being inconsiderate or even painful for others. When she thinks something is right, she is going to speak up and rage against it, no matter the personal cost to herself. She gets fired from her beloved job because she wants to make a superior pay for supporting hate groups. She goes on a rampage promoting man nipples when Instagram forbids her from making pictures of women breasts. Becoming an activist in the later seasons also reflects this. A lion primary with a cause and with lion secondary ways in how she treats problems, barges through people, and responds to her emotions. Kat can't help but say exactly what she means and feels. Rather telling Adena she is attracted to other girls than keeping it secret to spare her feelings, telling Sutton exactly what she thinks about her safe high paying job that's boring as heck, beating a guy up who insults Adena during their date. A screaming improvising lion to boot. Though she does adopt some snake ways along the way, getting creative and using different angles to get out of tricky situation, like when she finds a way to fulfill her contract to Whole Spa by promoting their products on instagram while calling them out on being racist in the same video.

Jane is a bit harder to sort, since it's her methods that are the most obvious about her character. Jane makes lists of pros and cons. She makes meticulous research for her reporter job and she loves it. Relying on facts, checking over that everything fits, observing situations. Writing for her is a assemble of tools, ways to approach a topic right. She is a clear bird secondary. While all three girls are characteristics for putting their friendship above all else - from romantic interests to jobs - Jane is as much as an cause fighter as Kat. She looks for stories to help people, especially women. She writes her Failing Feminist vertical to help vulnerable women, to tell their stories, to bring down abusive bosses, to raise awareness. Obsessing over politics and higher meanings for her articles from the early season 1, when she starts to get comfortable and confident enough in her position and talent as a writer, she enjoys taking on the challenge of difficult topics. It fires her up. Loyalty and appreciation to Jacqueline, she sees as a mother figure nor to the magazine Scarlet itself that rised her up, stop her from going after more lucrative job for herself in Incite, not realizing how important team and work environment are. When she gets invested in a story, she won't let go just cause it's uncomfortable for her sources or even to people she loves, like Jacqueline. Her relationship with Ryan is based on attraction and similarities as writers, and she doesn't mind starting with sex only, but she breaks up with him the first time, because him hooking up with others girls (which was their mutual deal) doesn't match what she wants from a relationship, wanting loyalty and love for herself. They break up again in season 4, not because Ryan cheated on her, but because he couldn't fess up, when honesty and telling hard truths is Jane's motto and credo in life and she wants a person that values it the same. A lion bird from what I can see.

Sutton might be the hardest to sort. She doesn't have a cause to follow per se, she follows her dream job in fashion, which however counts for lions. It's a hard bumpy journey to decide to pursue it though, working her ass off to keep it and be promoted, to do what she does and loves best and then to find her way in it. Sutton almost doesn't let herself think about it, needing money, trying to be practical. But she is so sad about it. She stifles her own feelings and desires in order to survive in the society she can't rely on because of her drunk mom and hard childhood. When she does come into herself at the beginning of the first season, she thrives. She glows, sparkles, finds her confidence. While being plagued by insecurities if she is enough the whole series, she truly and beautifully shines when doing what she loves in fashion, when she goes after her goals. Sutton is independent, and breaks up with the love of her life, Richard, several times because he poses a risk to her career and reputation. She won't let him pay for her and help her just cause he is 15 years older wealthy suitor, which gets on his nerves. And she chooses to be always honest about her feelings no matter how uncomfortable they are to hear to him, like when she tells him she won't move with him to San Francisco, because of her promotion and she doesn't want kids, because she loves her life dedicated to her job as it is. Sutton isn't people driven, so neither snake or badger, so her cause could be considered her dream and love for fashion, a lion primary. But her secondary looks like a badger to me. Sutton is a charming. She can befriend anyone, put models at ease, call out bad behaviour with diplomatic nuance. To get Oliver's trust she works harder than anyone, looking for ways to help and please. Integrity and showing up are her get go ways to approach problems and challneges.

The lion primary all three share would explain how they get along so well. As mentioned before, no matter their causes or dreams, these friends put everything on the line for each other. They understand and support each other, because they just get where each is coming from, they are proud at each other's fights for the purpose, for improvement, and they call each other out on judgemental or emotional choices. Their bond even shows how strong friendships can be for lions - just cause they aren't loyalists doesn't mean they can't be dedicated and loving to each other, while going after their own things. It reminds me of what @nectargrapes said about lion love yesterday in her posts.

That's my reading, feel free to suggest or discuss any improvements to the sortings if I'm reading them wrong.

Kat - lion lion

Jane - lion bird

Sutton - lion badger

#sortinghatchats #the bold type #the bold type sorting #character analysis #lion primary #lion bird #lion badger #lion lion #my sortings

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thedivinedemom · 3 years ago

Text

An AU of DC with a mass crossover of PS4 properties.

Provisional name: Players Searching for Detectable Changes (Get the pun?)

The setup:

This is the future of DC, a world where the old guard has slowly withdrawn and the newer generations have risen to the occasion. The original Titans in particular, most of which have formed the new Justice League while many other, very similar teams had started to form across the world. One of which was a resurgence of the Teen Titans, led by an older and purified Raven. She wanted to make the Teen Titans something akin as it was for her, a place to belong and learn to use one's powers.

The first 'class' of such individuals include:

Stargirl (of the now-disbanded JSA and still getting used to the Starrod)

Blue Beetle III (Freshly attached to his alien symbiote and freaking out a bit)

Robin V (to work on his anger issues, mostly at the new Batman's request)

Kaldur (a half Atlantean half metahuman who is struggling with his identity and the surface world, Aquaman feels a kinship for the boy seeing their similarities)

Static Shock (a promising new hero but little experience working outside his city or in groups)

Mary Marvel (she's... she's going through alot. Fresh from a coma, her brother is distant as he acts as the new Wizard, and she may be, sorta kinda, being corrupted by Black Adam's gifted power)

The team was rough and there was plenty of head butting (Mostly between Stargirl and Robin/Damian as one is almost the unanimous leader while the other thinks he should be) but they were getting there. They were more of a clean up crew for the Justice League, they did more than the "kiddie missions" that the Outsiders didn't do, and they meant more than the PR grab that was the International team. Though they didn't seem to amount to more than that. They still did their best, pushing past the silent ridicule, as they went about their missions.

This may be why tempers were so high that day.

One day, outside a little city by the name of Weller's Point, the prisoner transport for the villain Plasmus had an "accident". Released and awakened the creature went on a rampage, heading ever closer to the populated area. Luckily, the mentor of the New Teen Titans could teleport. The new team did fairly well in the fight, though they did struggle a bit as Plasmus was not a being where simple brute force would work. It made the fight tricky and more than a bit... messy.

Messy enough that juvenile and emotionally compromised Mary Marvel lashed out against the downed villain but was stopped by her teammates... things escalated from there. Restraint turned blows and the whole team struggled to stop their powerhouse without hurting her. The ones who do the best are Raven, Stargirl, Blue Beetle, and oddly Static.

While both of the former could use their abilities to restrain her to a very effective degree Static was actively draining her of strength, or at least of the electic aura she was radiating and blasting with. Frustrated, done with the situation, and a bit petty Mary launched her largest attack yet by saying her magical word.

SHAZAM.

Virgil did what he did best, he handled that lightning as it came crashing down towards Mary and the Titans restraining her. Well, he tried. The bolt was just too powerful, too unlike anything he had ever encountered. He could not handle it and it was dissipating, if anything it clung to him or tried to jump towards the girl. He had to get rid of it and he had to get rid of it quickly, safely too if he could help it.

He shoved it into the ground, into the power lines. He did it as carefully as he could, trying to prevent overload or flashover as guided the charge into the power grid.

What happened next was a combination of a few things. 1. The Mystic and transformative properties of the Lightning, 2. It is effectively being filtered through a bang baby, 3. The kryptonite power plant owned by, provided by, and operated by Lexcorp.

This interaction, this new charge, cycling through the power grid interacted strangely with a number of devices but none more so than PlayStation 4s and the devices connected to them. This new electricity changed things, literally. It brought fantasy into reality.

Whatever game was loaded into became a part of our reality in a small way. Sometimes TVs, Controllers, and even the system changed to reflect items from the game but the bigger change came with the Players. If a person was playing their console during the surge then they would become a metahuman with abilities based on the playable character they were playing.

The city, the county even, was now flooded by an abundance of metahumans and items of varying power of devastation. Static felt horrible.

He couldn't help but compare what has happened here to what happened in Dakota City but on a wider scale. And this time it was his fault. His sense of responsibility wouldn't, couldn't, let that stand. He had to fix his mistake and his team was dragged along for the ride.

The story to follow is a mix of Final Crisis and Kingdom Come with a bit of the Young Justice cartoon in events and themes, a few twists and likely a bit lighter in tone but to the DC geeks this should give a rough idea… Maybe a bit of Marvel's Civil War but hopefully not the rushed knee-jerk mess that that ended up being.

But it's here that I start having issues with my planning. One part in worry as outside the set up we start to follow the perspective of OCs (something rarely smiled upon) and another part in wondering which OC to focus on.

Now, one thing I love in fiction is progressive powers and the conflict escalating from the different paths people take in said progression. In that vein, I have a pair of protags in mind as well.

The main two/co-protagonists:

The Lawkeeper- a cop before the change and now a member of a task force made up largely of those affected by the surge. A gamer, a man of color, and a believer of the spirit of the law. He doesn't always get along with his fellow officers but he believes in what the blue does. He believes that an organized response is what is best.

His abilities are based on those of Jesse Fades of Control. Meaning he has tremendous psychic potential but he needs 3 things to reach his full potential.

1.Items to bond to so he can generate these psychic abilities. Jesse's used altered items of her universe to get thematic abilities from them (ex: a safe to generate a shield, a carousel horse for a dash ability, ect). Here he can use items generated by the surge.

2. A patron/partner entity to help guide, give insights, and empower. It also let's the user enforce reality, basically becoming an anti reality warper.

3. A bonded morph weapon or a weapon to come to his hand when called.

The knight- a recent college graduate who instantly decided to go the route of the caped hero. She, after figuring out how to get her powers to work, instantly went the route of a caped crusader. Going out to the streets, saving lives, stopping instances of surge item abuse, and (in the humble opinion of the local Police Department) getting in the way of operations. In her opinion they were taking too long to get things done.

Her abilities are based on those of Prince Noctis of Final Fantasy XV. This means she has tremendous physical and magical potential but like the above she has a number of check marks needed to gain access to the character's full power.

1. A gem/crystal to draw power from.

2. 13 magical weapons to boost strength. The generated game weapons will do and I have most picked out in a way that likely would help the plot progress.

3. The blessing of 5-6 gods.

4. A power ring of some king to channel all this power.

I keep debating the two above as I do like the idea of both of them climbing in power and clashing over conflicting ideals of what to do with their power. At the same time, I think that just smooshing aspects of both into one (which is actually where they started, a single character) and play off the different ideologies of how best to help people from within her friend group and precinct along with internal conflict. Maybe have the one be a fellow officer they butt heads with because of the... precarious nature

Another OC I was thinking on, keeping with the theme of what to do when you have power, is a thief who played Persona 5. Like both of the above they would be crippled in their ability to use their abilities without a way to fake the connection to. In this case, without the Mementos App, they would need an item that could affect or enter the hearts of others. Luckily, more unlucky really, there are plenty of items floating around that can do just that. Namely Keyblades.

Most other Players are an odd mix but most are variations of the Shooter build. Peak physical humans who heal quickly and often have bullet time. But there are enough other variations to cause trouble. Demigods of unreal strength, men and women who can easily tap into a patron for powers from the outside, 2 variations of spider powers, cat eyed men and women who can cast magic with simple gestures, and so much more. But the real issue was the first two, the demigods without a parent to protect them and those easily connected to a divine source.

The disembodied New Gods of Apocalypse were very happy with those groups. For how bad this can be please look at what happened to Mary Marvel in canon Final Crisis.

Thoughts and opinions would be appreciated.

#dc community #fanfiction #dc fanfic #dc fandom #playstation #mass crossover #orginal character #dc fanfiction #dc fanfiction idea #outline

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