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instructionsnotincluded · 4 months ago

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Into the Mist

Chapter XXVI

Length: 4498 Words

Tags/Warnings: 18+, MDNI, Language, Angst, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Psychological Abuse

Note: Since quite a few people have reached out about not being able to register an account with AO3 until the end of the month, I'll be posting chapter updates here until the beginning of August. If you'd like to reread a past chapter that happened before Chapter 26 of Into the Mist or one of the previous stories, then please DM me and I'll give you the PDF (that you can download from AO3.) Just make sure you have your age on your blog, since we're 18+ here. Thank you!

AO3 Link Here

XXVI.

Audrey flipped the light off as she stepped out of the bathroom, glancing around the lower level for her boyfriend and Sarah, both of whom were on the sectional. Sarah sat curled up in one corner, frantically googling her dad, trying to find some connection to anyone named Veronica. But without a last name for the woman they believed to be their mother, it was proving to be rather difficult. Beside her, JJ laid stretched out across the longer end, his good arm resting over his eyes.

Audrey stepped up behind him, her hands sliding over his shoulders as she dropped her lips to his forehead. He glanced up at her, lifting his arm to see her better and she kissed the space between his eyebrows, “I’m going to run to the Chateau,” Audrey said, squeezing JJ shoulders as he pushed himself into a sitting position, “grab Sarah’s bag and pack some of our stuff for a few days…”

JJ grunted as he shook his head, “I’ll come with—”

“No,” she cupped the side of his face and kissed him softly, JJ extending his neck to chase her kiss, “I’ll be fine. It’s not that far and I’ll be back quickly.”

“I don’t want you wandering around by yourself,” JJ moved to get off the couch but Audrey pressed her hand to his chest, effectively sitting him back down.

“I’ll be fine. Your arm hurts and you’re exhausted, you’re only going to slow me down.”

JJ scoffed, successfully moving into a standing position to wander around the couch, “I’m super fast.”

“And super tired,” she kissed his cheek as he hooked an arm around her, “I promise I’ll be right back. I just want to get some things so we’re not stuck in these clothes. Get some toiletries, a charger since Sarah’s phone is about to die…”

“I’m at seventeen percent.”

“See,” Audrey motioned to Sarah and JJ rolled his eyes, “I’ll be back soon. Get in the shower and by the time you’re done, I’ll be back with fresh clothes.”

“Audrey…”

“Promise I’ll be fine,” Audrey squeezed his shoulder and JJ sighed in frustration, his eyes searching her face, “I’ll take Sarah’s phone if it makes you feel better…”

“Send a ping to Kiara’s or something,” JJ lifted his hand to slide along her neck, tilting her head back so he could look directly into her eyes, “that way we’ll have your location.”

“I can do that,” Audrey closed her eyes as JJ’s fingers massaged the space behind her ear, his thumb swiping her earlobe as she enjoyed the brief moment of relaxation, “I’ll even Uber back to cut the time in half.”

“Great,” JJ’s tone was flat and Sarah snorted from her place on the couch. Audrey smiled and he shook his head at her before resting his forehead against hers, “Be safe, alright?

“I promise,” Audrey kissed his lips lightly before pulling away, “I’ll pick up a pizza on my way back. I think there’s a Dominos on the corner…”

“Yeah, I think you’re right,” JJ walked Audrey to the door after Sarah handed over the cell phone, Audrey stuffing the device into her pocket. “Walk safely, it’s starting to get dark. I want you back before sunset.”

Audrey tugged on JJ’s t-shirt as he unlocked the front door, his hand resting on the handle after opening it. She pulled him towards her, her lips just barely grazing his, “Yes, sir.”

JJ hissed back at her, hand reaching out to grab her by the hips when she stepped away, hauling her back into his arms to kiss her deeply, “Say that again.”

“Later,” Audrey giggled, wide smile across her face as she kissed him quickly, pulling away before he could deepen it, “if you’re a good boy.”

JJ’s hand landed swiftly along her backside, surprising Audrey enough that a gasp escaped her lips, before he stole another quick kiss, the look across his face the very definition of smug as he leaned against the door frame, “You forget who’s in charge here, baby?”

If Sarah hadn’t been within earshot, Audrey very well may have given in to JJ’s lingering gaze, but instead she forced herself to take a few steps away, her body borderline ready to overheat at the look he was currently giving her, “I’ll be back soon.”

“Be safe,” JJ repeated, his expression shifting from playful to serious, eyes following her to the stairs, “I mean it.”

“Love you!”

“Love you too,” JJ called, watching until Audrey disappeared down the staircase.

The walk from their rental to the Chateau wasn’t terribly long, and Audrey enjoyed the fall breeze, using that time to clear her mind and take some deep breaths, hoping that with clarity would come ideas on what to do next. However, as she wandered down the gravel road to her house, all she felt was disappointment and frustration, her eyes sweeping the exterior for any signs of her dad and brother or the Twinkie, but all she found was a quiet house and an empty yard.

Sarah’s bag was still mostly packed in the living room, and Audrey hurried to shove the photos into the open zipper, working to locate one of the iPhone chargers she had before tossing it in after. She grabbed JJ’s backpack next, shoving the secured gun and a few of his personal items, including the picture frame, in the larger pocket before packing their toiletries in one of the smaller pockets. She busied herself with packing clothes for them both, shoving them into one of the duffle bags, followed by some underwear and shoes when the familiar sound of the Twinkie rattled the house.

Audrey slowly dropped the bag onto her bedspread, bending down to glance out the window, watching as the old Volkswagen rolled up in front of the Chateau. Audrey zipped the duffle and carried it down the hall, tossing it beside Sarah’s bag and JJ’s backpack, inhaling deeply to settle her nerves before she pushed the front door open. Her worn Converse landed on the warped deck and she slowly folded her arms across her chest, her heart rate increasing as the Twinkie turned off. It was darker now, the sky less orange and more of a deep purplish-blue, the evening wind cooler, goosebumps breaking out across her bare arms, but she didn’t dare move, her eyes trained fully on the bus. Both front doors opened simultaneously a moment later, but Audrey kept her focus on the driver’s side, watching her dad slide out easily, the old, rusty metal of the door groaning when he slammed it closed.

“Hey, Ladybug!” He greeted her warmly, his smile wide as he slipped his hands into the pockets of his shorts, as if he didn’t remember or care that he and John B had left in the middle of a very tense time. As if he didn’t remember or care that he’d been MIA most of the time he’d been back. As if he didn’t remember or care that he intentionally left her behind. “I didn’t think you’d be waiting’ up for us.” Audrey let him get closer, her eyes tracking his movements, watching his smile falter just slightly as he looked her over, their father glancing over at John B before he came to a stop a few feet away, “Everything ok, Aud?”

Audrey felt like she was vibrating from the inside out, the anger and frustration and exhaustion that she battled for days now seeping into her bones. More anger only pooled in her stomach as she realized that the man in front of her knew things they didn’t, and purposefully kept them from everyone. The man in front of her lied to his kids. He disappeared and let them believe that he was dead, let them mourn and struggle without him all for some dumb treasure hunt. He kept secrets, he intentionally put them in harm's way, and Audrey could feel tears sting the corners of her eyes as he stared at her with that half smile he always gave her when he was trying to get her on his side. She was so angry that she had to count to five before she was able to speak—too afraid she’d knock her father’s head off if she didn’t at least try to calm herself down. With a sharp inhale, she asked in the steadiest voice she could manage, “Did you know?”

It was a loaded question—and honestly Audrey wasn’t quite sure what was going to come out of Big John’s mouth. If she learned anything about her father these last eighteen months, it was that her dad was really fucking good at keeping secrets and there was no telling what he might say when asked. But her dad was a secret keeper for a reason, his head tilting to the side as his left hand lifted, a new lie ready to go on his lips as he pushed his glasses up with his knuckles and asked, “Know what, ladybug?”

John B shifted awkwardly beside his dad, taking in his sister’s stiff posture. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of Deja Vu. He’d been here before, he’d seen this look before. However, this time it wasn’t focused on him, but on the man beside him and John B could only watch with wide eyes as this played out in front of him, Audrey’s voice low and quiet as she repeated her question. She wasn’t going to let him get away with this. Not again. “Did. You. Know?”

It was a stalemate and John B eyed the two closely. They were the best poker players he knew—Big John was the poster child for cool, calm, and collected. His face was passive, his shoulders relaxed as if he were waiting for Audrey to tell him the punch line of a funny joke. And on the other hand was his sister—solid, intense, and unyielding. In a game of poker, Big John would make you think he had nothing in his hand while Audrey would make you fold. John B glanced around, making note that JJ was nowhere to be seen, and he wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. If there was one thing he learned since his best friend and sister got together, it was that nothing got between JJ and Audrey. They were a unit—a solid force to be reckoned with and if Audrey was going to war without him, they were in deep shit. Because the only person who could pull her back, wasn’t there to do so.

“It’s been a long day,” Big John sighed heavily, “and I’d love nothing more than to talk with you inside over a hot cup of coffee. Let’s go inside, alright?”

Audrey didn’t move, she didn’t budge, and John B wasn’t quite sure she even blinked and instead he watched her swallow thickly before responding, “You knew about Veronica. You know the truth.” The name seemed to flip a switch inside Big John, their father tilting his head back to look Audrey over a little closer, his own eyes glancing behind her to see if there was any sign of anyone else in the house. Big John didn’t reply, which was probably the worst thing anyone could’ve done in this situation, because to Audrey, silence meant you were guilty.

Big John exhaled slowly, his eyes trained directly on Audrey, “How’d you learn that name, bug?”

“It’s in your diary,” Audrey said, “and we found the photos. We’re not stupid, dad. They compared the pictures and we had a DNA test done.” Big John glanced towards the house and Audrey shook her head no, “They’re not here. I want to know everything. Now.”

“Audrey…” Big John took a few steps forward, hand reaching out to grab the railing, “Look, it happened a long time ago, and there’s a reason everything turned out the way it did…”

“Is it Luke or Ward?” Audrey asked and at the sound of his best friend’s dad’s name, and his ex-girlfriend’s dad’s name, John B cocked his head, “How did they get separated?”

“I know you think I’ve done everything to hurt you, Audrey,” Big John shook his head, “but everything I’ve done is to protect you two from the evil that is Ward Cameron and his—”

“Protect us?” Audrey took a step back, eyes wide, “You knew and you did nothing.”

“What was I supposed to do?” Big John sighed, “Audrey—I can’t be getting involved in everyone’s soap opera on this island, I can’t protect every—”

“He is our friend,” Audrey’s voice was quiet, yet deadly, pure steel in her words, “you knew what kind of home life he had. You knew what Luke did to him. Father or not, that’s not ok!”

“Audrey—”

“You—you let him stay there!” Audrey shook her head back and forth as Big John lifted a hand to try to calm her down, “you let him be abused in—in every way imaginable. You let him sit in hell. Let him be tortured—”

“Audrey—listen to me, I couldn’t—”

“You couldn’t what?” Audrey’s voice was rising and John B took a step back as the scene before him started to escalate, his eyes widening in surprise, “You couldn’t have done the right thing? Told him? Told someone? Done something?”

“They would have taken him away,” Big John’s voice rose right along with hers as he stepped up to the porch, her father much taller than she was, his eyes much wilder, “if anyone said anything about that boy, he wouldn’t even be on this island anymore. Which means he wouldn’t be what he is to you right now and—”

“At least he would’ve been safe!” Audrey’s voice echoed all around, her last word ringing as it wrapped around the house and clung to the trees, “But instead he endured years of abuse because no one said a fucking thing!”

“Audrey.” Big John sighed heavily, “You’re not thinking about this clearly. I know you think you’re in love, and I know that feeling is really strong at this age, but you have to look at it from my perspective—”

“No,” Audrey took a step back when he reached for her, “why don’t you look at it from JJ’s perspective? Is that—that…monster even his dad? Or did he just get slapped around by some random person? Locked in closets and—and tormented, forced to see his dad basically overdosed on the couch…”

“I don’t know who JJ’s dad is, Audrey,” Big John said, hand held out towards her as if he were trying to calm a wild animal, “I don’t. I have my suspicions…”

“I don’t believe you!” Audrey shook her head no, “I don’t believe that at all! You have to know what happened. You were so wrapped up in the treasure with Ward and Veronica and I know you fucking know! Why won’t you tell me?”

“Because it doesn’t matter!” Big John met Audrey’s energy and John B shifted uncomfortably down on the grass, his eyes wide in confusion, brain working overtime to try to figure out what they were talking about and how his best friend fit into this, “It does not matter! He’s safe, he was here most of the time anyway. Luke’s long gone, from what I’ve heard, it all worked out.”

“He’s not safe!” Audrey threw her arms up, pressing her hands to the top of her head, “He has nightmares all the time, Dad! He can’t be in confined spaces, he can’t handle any kind of physical violence, he refuses to take any medication, he’s scared to death of that fucking house and turning out like Luke!”

“We all have our demons, Audrey,” Big John shook his head, “you don’t get through life without them.”

“You’re unbelievable,” Audrey could feel the angry tears falling down her cheeks, “he sat in hell for years because no one said anything.”

“The alternative wouldn’t have been any better,” Big John shook his head, “you saw how Rafe turned out, Audrey. JJ was in a much better place.”

Audrey turned her head away, eyes welling up with tears as she inhaled deeply and raggedly, her shoulders lifting as tears dropped onto her cheeks, gliding down her face to her chin where she tried to wipe them with her wrist. “I can’t be around you,” Audrey shook her head, sniffling after she let a few moments of silence settle between them, “you’ve lied about my entire life, and I’m not even sure if the explanation you’ve given me is the truth. You’ve lied about so many things and I’m so done with it all.” Big John’s shoulders slumped as he took a step towards her but Audrey took one back, shaking her head as she held a hand up, “I’ve gone through hell and back, Dad. I—I missed you so much and I love you, but you’ve done a lot of really, really shitty things and it just keeps coming. It keeps getting worse. And the fact that you knew about all of this…” Both men watched Audrey inhale deeply, moving a hand to wipe across her nose, “I’m gonna go and take some space and figure out where I’m supposed to be now.”

“Audrey,” Big John watched Audrey give him a wide berth, shaking her head when he moved his hand to reach for her, “honey—ladybug, I didn’t do any of it maliciously…”

Audrey wasn’t so sure, but instead of saying anything more to him, she retrieved the bags from the entryway and carried them down to the Twinkie. Her hands shook as she slung the door open, tossing in the bags one by one before slamming it closed. Both Johns stood on the front porch, John B glancing back and forth between father and daughter while Big John stared at her with an unreadable expression across his face. Audrey refused to meet her father’s eyes, ignoring him completely when she turned to look at John B, one hand resting on the passenger door handle. “Can you give me a ride?”

John B nodded, glancing nervously towards Big John before he made his way back to the Twinkie, climbing into the driver’s seat. John B started the car, looking over at his dad and their house before he cleared his throat awkwardly, watching as Audrey stared out the windshield, the muscles in her jaw clenched hard enough he could see them. John B eased them away from the house, hand lifting towards their dad as Big John remained standing near the front door, watching his children set off together down the gravel road.

The silence inside the Volkswagen was thick, Audrey attempting to calm herself down as tears continued to fall uncontrollably from her eyes, the stress and emotions of the day starting to get to her. Her vision blurred and she pressed the palms of her hands to her eyes, completely breaking down as soon as John B slowed at the first stop sign.

“Hey, hey, hey,” John B shoved the car into park, reaching for his sister, arms wrapping around her to hold her against him as best he could in the car, “breathe, A. It’s ok, it’s ok.”

“I just…I just can’t…”

“Shh, shh,” John B stroked his sister’s hair, hand resting along the back of her neck as he squeezed it gently, “it’s alright, ok? Just try to calm down, try to breathe.”

Audrey inhaled and exhaled raggedly, face pressed into her brother’s shoulder as he squeezed her tight, “I don’t know what I did wrong,” Audrey sobbed, hand gripping the side of his loudly printed shirt, “I don’t—why does dad hate me? Why has he excluded me? Why does he lie to me over and over again? Does he think I’m just an idiot? Or clueless?”

“He doesn’t hate you,” John B pressed his lips to the top of his sister’s head, stroking her hair soothingly, “he’s just really fucked up right now. This whole…El Dorado thing is really getting to his head. He’s obsessed, Aud. He's changed. It’s not you—”

“You’ve both excluded me,” Audrey pushed away from him, pressing herself back into her seat as she hiccuped. “What did I do? Why—fucking why…?”

“It’s a mess, Audrey,” John B moved to slide his hand along her shoulder, resting it on the back of her neck, “it’s a fucking mess and I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I thought it was just one trip and then the next thing I know we’re fucking…sinking boats and—and in breaking into museums in Charleston…lying to Limbrey...”

“What is going on?” Audrey demanded, shaking her head as she rubbed under her eyes, “Why—”

“Later,” John B promised, moving to wipe a few years away from her cheek, “literally none of that matters. Tell me what’s going on now. What happened on the porch? ”

“JJ and Sarah are siblings.” Audrey said, not even pausing long enough to give John B time to process it, “Sarah came by this morning and she was looking at some photos she brought from Tannyhill, and then JJ saw one and it turns out he has a photo of the same woman. One thing let to another and we’re pretty sure they’re twins.”

“Ho-ly…fuck,” John B ran a hand down his face, eyes wide, “who…who…?”

“Dad wrote about a girl named Veronica,” Audrey ran her wrist along her jaw and neck, trying to wipe her tears, “she and someone he called the businessman hooked up and had some kids. We’re pretty sure it’s Ward, Rafe’s birthday lines up with one of his entries, and later on he talked about her getting pregnant with babies two and three…”

“And you think it’s Sarah and JJ?”

“I don’t know who else it would be,” Audrey said, “but he didn’t explicitly say Ward or Luke were the dad and without their DNA it would be almost impossible to figure out.”

“That’s so fucked up,” John B shook his head, “I can’t… seriously ?”

“Seriously.” Audrey shook her head, leaning it against the window as she closed her eyes, suddenly feeling very drained, “it’s just…unbelievable. I keep waiting for someone to jump out or—or to get a call back about how the results got mixed up…”

“H—how are JJ and Sarah handling it?”

“They’ve spiraled several times,” Audrey sighed, “they’ve both had their breakdowns. JJ just about had a panic attack…”

“Fuck, I bet,” John B shook his head over and over again, fingers of his right hand gripping his hair, “fuck. This is just…fuck.”

“Yeah,” Audrey nodded, “add like…twelve hours to that and that’s where we are.”

“Where…” John B glanced over at her, “where are they…?”

“We got an AirB&B,” Audrey said, sniffling again as she rifled through the Twinkie, looking for anything to wipe her nose with, ultimately settling on some fast food napkins, “over on the touristy side. It’s tacky as hell, but it’s nice and clean.”

John B squeezed his eyes closed before looking over at her curiously, “Who’s paying for it?”

Audrey exhaled slowly, lips drawn together, “That’s a very long story…”

“It seems like we both have some long stories,” John B leaned over to squeeze her shoulder, “Can we…can we start over? Go back to where we were before Dad came back and went on some fucked up wild goose chase?”

Audrey nodded slowly, a few more tears escaping her eyes when she blinked, “I’d really like that.” She ran her knuckle under her eye, “But…no more secrets. We can’t…we can’t do that anymore. I won’t do it anymore. We’re not dad. Pogues don’t keep secrets.”

“No more secrets,” John B agreed, “I promise. We can sit here for hours if you want to hear the whole story…”

“I’m too emotionally exhausted right now,” Audrey shook her head, “Can we…in the morning…?”

“Yeah, yeah,” John B nodded, “yeah. Let’s regroup and talk in the morning.”

Audrey watched John B inhale deeply before he shifted the Twinkie back into drive, both siblings settling back into their seats, “You’re welcome to stay with us…”

John B shook his head no, “As much as I’d love to, I don’t want to pressure Sarah right now. After everything went down…and then JJ…” John B looked at her as he rolled through the intersection, “Is he still…?”

“Probably,” Audrey said, “what you said to him wasn't ok…”

“I know.” John B squeezed his eyes closed tightly, “I know. I’ve been thinkin’ about it all day. I really fucked up.”

“You really did.”

John B snorted and Audrey chuckled lightly, lifting her eyes to try to keep the rest of the tears back, “I’m sorry, A. I’m really, really sorry. Dad’s gone insane and it just kinda spread over to me…”

“You can say that again.”

John B laughed at that, shaking his head, “But for real, I’m sorry.”

Audrey reached over to squeeze his shoulder, the siblings looking at one another, “Just don’t be an asshole anymore, ok?”

“I’ll promise to really fucking try.”

Audrey gave John B directions to the AirB&B, her brother idling outside the pizza shop as Audrey hopped out to grab a few boxes, the youngest Routledge watching her climb back in not long after, “I can’t wait for this story tomorrow…”

Audrey laughed, “It’s…unbelievable. Truly.”

“Now I’m really dying to know.”

“Tomorrow.” Audrey motioned to the street and John B navigated the Volkswagen towards their rental, “Give me time to prepare JJ and Sarah and then we’ll all talk in the morning.”

“Sounds like a great idea,” John B nodded, “I’ll come by first thing, alright?”

“Promise you won’t ditch us for dad?” Audrey watched him pull up in front of the house, her eyes immediately finding JJ, her boyfriend leaning against the upper deck railing, eyes zeroed in on the bus.

“Promise,” John B nodded, “I won’t fuck up again.”

“I’ll hold you to it,” Audrey reached for the door handle, shoving it open as the dome light turned on. Behind her, JJ pushed himself from the railing, slowly moving to the stairs to help Audrey with the bags and pizza. Audrey just slung open the sliding door, JJ’s hand resting along the small of her back as he reached for the backpacks, sliding one over each shoulder.

The atmosphere was a little tense and even more awkward, Audrey juggling the pizza to close the door as JJ scooped up the duffle. The boys exchanged a look and JJ stood not too far from the open passenger door, John B’s thumb tapping gently along the steering wheel.

“Love you, bro.”

Audrey watched JJ shift one of the backpacks, glancing over at Audrey before looking back at his best friend, “Love you too, Bree.”

“I’ll uh, be back tomorrow morning,” John B said slowly, JJ’s gaze intense, “and we can talk this out. Alright?”

JJ nodded once and Audrey closed the door, waving to her brother, “Have a good night, ok?”

“You too, sis.”

Author's End Notes (as posted on AO3):

OH BOY.

But at least the siblings are talking again!! And things are looking up for John B and our three musketeers! I can't wait to read your thoughts!!! You guys are NOT ready for next chapter, things are going to get craaaazyyyy! Hahahaha.

And a personal update, my procedure went well and everything looked good and normal! So we've crossed off some of the scarier things. I think we'll go through just a little more testing to see if we can figure out why my blood work is a little off, but so far everything is going well, so thank you for all the good thoughts!

I also did post part of the first chapter of a new Rafe/OC fic. The sneak peek is on my pinned post, and the plan right now is to pick it up after we wrap Into the Mist while I take a short break and watch/rewatch season four and plot out Audrey's version.

So if you're a Rafe fan and are interested in that, you can check it out here!

#jj maybank fanfiction #jj maybank x oc #jj maybank fluff #jj maybank x routledge!reader #jj maybank smut #jj maybank #outer banks fanfiction #jj maybank imagine #jj maybank x reader #outer banks season 3 #outer banks fandom #outer banks fic #obx season 3 #obx fanfic #obx fanfiction #obx fic #JJ Maybank x Original Female Character

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gabriellerudessa · 3 months ago

Text

Compass (Norm Maclean x OC) - Part XXIII

(Hey guys, just to say that this week and next one I'll post just one chapter per week, so this 23, and 24. I have something big coming up next week and reducing editing from four to two chapters will help me prepare for it. After 18 august we'll return to the normal of two chapters per week :) )

“I’m sorry, honey, I’m sorry.” Her whisper washed out around him, and then slowly the teeth left, a snap of metal bending and breaking, and her hands were carefully feeling his leg, pangs of pain where she pressed. Just under the knee – the vague notion that he was lucky washed over him. “I don’t think you broke anything, honey, that’s very good. I’ll use your coat belt for a tourniquet.”

PLAYLIST ON YOUTUBE

Word Count: 6.176

Warnings: Slight Gore (taking care of wounds)

XXIII

The shots staccato-ed in the twilight, distant but so loud that it seemed to be just beside his ear, and it sent the rats in a frenzy, a multitude covering his feet and stumbling against his heels, the gooseflesh rising through his body so intense it was as if he was crawling out of his skin.

There was nowhere to land his feet that not the rats and he stumbled, the moving mass of bodies shifting under him. His hand slipped from Marigold’s bag-belt.

“What the hell?” his foot sunk under him.

A loud, metallic clanging snap, something piercing-cutting his leg. Norm breathed in, Marigold’s hand covering his mouth just as his brain registered the God-forsaken bloody pain, muffling whatever scream into a long, drawn out sound that didn’t reach far.

“Honey, look at me, look at me.” She spoke fast and touched his face, squatting, fingers sliding against his hair, and Norm did, blinking, feeling tears starting to roll down, and it became clear the shots sputtering out, the sounds of the mass of rats diminishing, even as they still raced around, leaving just some pained squeaks. “I’ll get you out of this, but I need you to stay calm, got it, honey?”

Something wet covered his leg, and it dripped and dripped and dripped. He swallowed and nodded.

Marigold teared off one of her gloves.

“Bite it. I won’t lie, honey, it will be painful, but once you’re out of this it will be easy-peasy.” Her voice sounded desperate. Worried. Trying to keep him calm. Norm still opened his mouth and did as told, teeth grinding into the leather, ignoring the weird taste against his tongue, then she put his hands on her shoulders. “Ready?” Marigold looked at him; he breathed deeply, and nodded.

She leaned down, a knee on the ground, and Norm started to look… Then he noticed the teeth of the bear-trap, sunk into his suit and flesh and piercing rats and nausea welled inside him and he looked at the horizon again.

Distant laughter, unable to totally cover Marigold’s curses as she worked on the trap, her shoulders bunching and tensing under his hands. The metal teeth shifted inside him and he cried out around the glove, teeth grinding into it.

Norm nodded without looking down, swallowing. Marigold tied the leather tight around his leg, enough to make him hiss.

Then she was getting up and raising him in a bridal carry style, pulling one of his arms around her shoulders, one arm around his back and the other under his thighs, keeping his legs higher than his heart.

He would’ve blushed if his leg didn’t feel as if on fire.

Norm carefully took off the glove and stuffed it into a pocket, wetting his dry lips. New shots rang out, the same type, and the sounds of the rats became frenzied again. Whatever the reason, it attracted them out and put them in that… Desperate behavior.

“Thank you, Beautiful.” He rasped out as Marigold started moving, fast, not seemingly bothered by his weight, even as she stomped and kicked rats out of her way.

Thank God for her strength.

“Hum, you’re flirting, honey, that’s a good sign.” Her voice teased, but he still felt wet drops against his hand.

---------

Marigold tried to jostle his leg as little as possible as she walked and kept Norm engaged, trying to distract him, keep him from falling asleep as a precaution in case he had lost too much blood, asking whatever came to her mind in low tones – tell me about Chet, tell me about the election, tell me about your work in the Vault…

Anything that didn’t let her think of how terrified she had been. Still was, even if she had managed to stop crying. The tears she had been unable to keep from falling had left an uncomfortable, dry path in her face, because no matter how much she thought that he hadn’t broken any bone nor fallen with his whole body into the trap, it was still bad.

He answered, voice low and strained but still doing his best to not show any pain. Night fell around them as they moved, the broken asphalt as a guide, and the shots, laughter and rats stayed behind, only the cold wind making any type of sound beyond their voices.

Now she just needed a safe-ish place where she could light her oil lamp and take a proper look at the wound, make sure there was nothing dangerous in it, before jabbing stimpaks – she was under no illusion that one would be enough.

The sooner the better; stimpaks could deal with localized infections but there were fucking rats around them and killed in the trap. She had enough experience to know that while stimpaks could keep diseases from setting at the beginning, they couldn’t do much if the symptoms started. At that point, the only alternative was to use specific meds or pray your body would battle it off alone.

He was talking about all the jobs he had done in the Vault. It shocked her the little she paid attention, the level of experience and knowledge he had managed to amass, but it tracked; ever since meeting him, not once he had shown to be afraid of hard work. Annoyed at it, yes, but not afraid. That was good in the surface.

“Are you still seeing something, Marigold?” he emended in his explanation, moon and stars above them, attracting her attention.

Marigold chuckled and stopped. She could see something with the moonlight, sure, but not too far. Not nearly enough.

“… Not much. Think you can hold the night-vision scope to my eye?”

“Sure.”

The hand not around her shoulder fumbled with the short cape at her shoulder, buckle twinkling as Norm managed to release it. His fingers brushed against her neck as he searched for the leather cord inside her shirt’s collar… And then she felt the scope sliding up against her.

He put it against her eye, and the Wasteland lighted up in shades of green. She slowly turned, noticing how the dried-trees were more numerous, energy poles and energy lines in the distance… There. The tip of a rocket in the horizon. Thank God thank God thank God.

“There’s a Red Rocket Truck Stop in that direction. Can you keep the scope up while I walk there, honey?” And if it started falling, she would know something was off.

“Will do my best.”

Marigold fixed Norm against her, ignoring the burning starting in her arms and shoulders, her heart small at his hiss of pain, and started walking, praying the place still had walls and a roof.

“… I’m sorry…” The whisper escaped her, low, without permission, and half of her hoped he hadn’t heard it.

“For what?” He asked, voice strained. No such luck.

“… For guiding us through that trapped path.”

She felt him sigh, fingers tight against her shoulder.

“It was getting dark, and we didn’t know for how much it extended. If you want someone to blame, blame the rats, they made me lose balance.” Something relaxed a bit inside her. He didn’t blame her. He didn’t. She hadn’t allowed herself to think about that fear, focused only on finding a safe place. “Anyway, what do you make of those rats?”

Marigold sighed. Glad for something else to think beside her fear.

“Not enough. Despite how agitated they were, they didn’t attack us in any way, not even after you started bleeding. That’s weird. Even normal rats easily attack when in great numbers and there’s the smell of blood.”

Norm hummed low, arm shifting around her shoulders, steadier.

“They also only came up when the shots started. Is that common with Wasteland animals?”

“Depends. The bigger and more lethal ones, like Deathclaws and yao guais, sure, they will investigate any noise in their territory. Small, normal rats? No, their pattern is run away, burrow deeper.” She blinked, a small sigh as the whole rocket became visible in the distance above the trees. “They were also pretty fat, which is not common in a population so big.”

Norm chuckled, lightly.

“It almost sound as if they’re being fattened.”

It was her turn to hum.

“Actually… That’s possible. There were so many rats and so fat that if I threw a net above them I would get a lot and it wouldn’t make a dent in their numbers.”

“Then whatever they’re being fed, we don’t smell like it.” His fingers tapped against her shoulder. “Think the shots made them think it was time to eat? A bait, like that fire you used for the radroaches?”

Marigold grinned, at his theory, at his memory of that night, and at the rest of the Red Rocket Truck Stop becoming visible, even if its form was cut by the thin trees, as whole as anything could be in the Wasteland.

“Highly possible. I just don’t think the group shooting was the one responsible for them.”

“What even was that, anyway?”

“By the sound? A minigun.”

There was a moment of silence, then a sigh.

“I don’t even know why I’m surprised.” He mumbled and Marigold chuckled.

---------

He was grateful for all of Marigold’s questions. They all kept his mind from the stabs of pain and the wet feeling of blood, from the fear that stimpaks wouldn’t be enough, that his leg was broken despite her assessment. It was enough to help him keep the tears of pain away – it didn’t seem like a good idea to cry and help dehydration along when he was bleeding.

The other pet name, “Honey”, helped. There was care and worry and affection wrapped up in it every time she said, and it all squeezed his heart. It was a specific, special pet name, that he wasn’t sure was consciously being said. More like an instinct, a reflex.

Norm’s arm was tired from keeping the scope up, but he didn’t lower it. She was carrying him, for God’s sake, the least he could do was make sure she could see clearly.

Despite only having moonlight, he still noticed when they approached the mentioned Red Rocket Truck Stop, the metals shining weakly, old half-destroyed cars in front of it. One energy pole was on the ground, the lines spread around like a bunch of snakes, and Marigold carefully stepped around them.

No sounds came from inside, no light against the filthy glass windows, and Marigold circled it, avoiding the garage and store doors and finding a side one. She tested the handle with a fingertip, without letting go of him, and the door swung inside, hinges groaning loudly.

They both waited with bated breaths, the seconds stretching into minutes, but no other sound came from inside.

Norm let go of the scope and turned on the Pip-Boy’s flashlight, shining it towards the entrance. It immediately made something gleam in the ground, and a closer observation showed it was water.

“Some leaky pipe?” That was all they needed, the place to be flooded.

“It’s close to the door, and there’s a humidity line farther away, but it doesn’t seem to follow inside. I think it rained around here not long ago and this is what managed to get under the door. We should be fine.” Marigold answered even as she carefully turned sideways to get inside, kicking the door closed behind them.

Rain. Actual rain and not a radstorm. Part of him wished he had seen it.

---------

The inside was empty of life but full of ruble and broken furniture, some points wet and humid and smelling of mold, but whole, walls and roof standing – even if with some small leaks –, and Marigold found a deeper room with no humidity and a clearer corner, some old-forgotten mattress in it. It smelled of dust but not of humidity or mold, so safe-y.

She put him down above the mattress, carefully supporting his injured leg on the ground – he gritted his teeth at how the movement caused new waves of pain, and forced himself to relax his muscles.

Then it was the fast, practiced movements he was used to: oil lamp lighted, backpack on the ground, hunting rifle beside it, and medicine tin, the two found stimpaks, Ziploc with bandages and silver tape all out, all beside him on the mattress. She also took off both bedsheet and blanket.

Movements slow, Norm took off both his bag and sidebag, trying to move as little as possible, and retrieved the three stimpaks he had made just in case. And the anesthetic herbal paste – that would help, no doubt.

“Anesthetic?” Marigold asked, taking off her last glove and kneeling in front of him. Norm just nodded. “Good. I’ll put the bedsheet under your leg first, honey. Ready?”

He wetted his lips.

“Yes.”

It hurt, pain irradiating all through him in stabbing waves, and he hissed through gritted teeth. Marigold was fast, efficient, and soon his leg was down once again, pain just a dull throbbing.

It went like that, Marigold describing each thing she would do first, warning, preparing him. She took the tourniquet off, then his boot and sock, and lastly carefully cut the suit’s leg alongside a sewn line – because there was no way of taking his suit off without jostling him way too much and “this way it’s easier to fix later”–, until the mess of muscle and blood and tendons and whatever else was totally exposed, circling his leg, still bleeding. So, so much worse than her gunshot wound, blood trailing all the way to his foot.

Norm swallowed and leaned his head against the wall, willing away the nausea, and heard the spritz of the perfume bottle, the smell of vodka burning his nose.

He was pretty sure that was too much blood.

Two fingers touched the side of his neck, just under his jaw, firmly against one of the hickeys she had left, and he winced.

“How you’re feeling? Lightheaded? Sweating?”

“No and no. Just pain.” He blinked. “What are you checking?”

“Goose taught me how to identify hypovolemic shock. You bled more than I expected.” Her voice trembled as her fingers remained for a few seconds more against his neck. “A little fast but not above the threshold she warned me.” There was a sigh at the end.

“That’s good, right?”

“Yeah, as long as we make your leg stop bleeding you should be fine.” Her thumb caressed his jaw for a moment before retreating. “I’ll need to clean the blood first, honey, make sure of what we’re dealing.”

“Just…” Eyes closed, he recalled the notes about the herbal anesthetic, and fumbled for the flask. It didn’t conflict with stimpak. Alcohol didn’t interfere with it. Better avoid exposed flesh. “Pass the anesthetic first, just on the skin. Use something, or your fingers will become numb.”

Marigold just nodded and started doing it with a rag, the effect almost immediate, numbness spreading through all the points it touched. There was still stabbing pain deep down, in the exposed muscles, but the surface didn’t bother anymore.

Then she was carefully cleaning the blood, and he only knew because he forced himself to watch from his peripheral vision.

The holes left by the metal teeth became easier to distinguish, the muscles torn out all around his calf and front, the white of bone slightly visible in the front, yellowed by the warm light.

Norm gritted his teeth and looked away, eyes closed tight. Being able to see your own bone was God damned wrong – but that was the Wasteland, he had to remember it.

He heard Marigold’s sigh, her hand carefully prodding at the skin around the wounds, raising his leg slowly to look at the ones in the back properly. He gritted his teeth harder.

“I think I’m seeing a… I don’t know the technical name, but there’s a hairline in the bone, like a fissure, but the bone didn’t separate, which is good, nothing to put back in place. From my experience stimpaks can help with this type of thing to heal faster. But that’s it, there’s no rat fur or anything else, so I’ll apply a stimpak.”

The relief was clear in her voice, and some of the worry he felt melted away.

He kept his eyes closed, wincing when he felt the needle going deep inside his flesh. The characteristic sound echoed, and then there was a burning sensation that seemed to cover all of his leg.

Still wincing, Norm risked opening his eyes. The flesh was knitting back together, slower than with Marigold’s gunshot wound. The burning in his veins stopped all too soon, leaving still bleeding wounds and muscles still torn.

“That’s-”

“Don’t worry, honey. I was expecting this.” Marigold reached for a second stimpak.

“Too much to fix?” He asked, wincing again as she jabbed the second needle.

“Yeah. There’s the bone, tendons, veins, arteries, nerves, muscles, all spread instead of concentrated in a single place.”

The burning started again, intense, and Norm gritted his teeth. The wounds still knitted slowly, but that time when he noticed it had stopped acting, there were only cuts, still deep but not as before, the muscles and everything else apparently fixed, only a small trickle of blood.

More manageable.

Norm’s shoulders relaxed as slumped against the wall, eyes back on Marigold; her own shoulders were slumped, and she used the back of her hand to scrub at her eyes, keeping the blood away from her face. When it came back down, a slightly wet glimmer was visible on her skin.

Norm opened his mouth.

“These don’t need a stimpak, but are still big, so we better stitch them, honey.” She spoke before him, pressing fingers against his flesh. “Still under the anesthetic? Anything feeling weird under the skin?”

“Skin still numb, yes. And no, everything is feeling right, Marigold.” He answered after a beat of silence.

“Move your toes.” He did, and she watched, attentive. “Any discomfort or anything?”

“No, everything normal.”

She gave him a faint smile. Her thumb slid against his leg for one moment, then she was getting her stitching supplies.

---------

Norm watched her stitching the wounds, and the only thing in his mind was how lucky he was. He had avoided any and all serious injuries for so long because of Marigold, and even when he did suffer it… There it was, after all the pain and fear, all taken care of. No long lasting damage, even if it was clear it would leave scars.

He blinked and breathed deeply, allowing himself to remember that, unless Lucy was still in that whereabouts, that wouldn’t always be the case.

He had learned a lot from Marigold already, sure, but there was more he needed to know, that day had showed; you need to step up, Norman Maclean. The Wasteland didn’t stop being dangerous because of how messed up his brain was because of his personal life.

Marigold finished the stitches, spread healing powder over the wounds, and taped bandages to all of them. Then, she wrapped the bedsheet around his leg, explaining that the blood in the suit was too fresh and it was better to keep it away from the wounds at least while it didn’t dry. Norm put all the supplies away, sighing as he caught the pristine sewing tin she had bought him earlier – useful; something he would need if – when – they went their separate paths.

You need to step up, Norman Maclean, it echoed again in his mind. No matter what, if it all went the worst way possible, he needed to be able to return to the ranch once he found Lucy. He had been so worried about Marigold, but no matter what, she had lived in the surface all her life, she knew how to survive in it.

It was him that needed to get better at it, if only so he could return and… See where his feelings led him.

A slight throbbing and itching ache started around the stitches and where the silver tape touched his skin as the anesthetic’s effect stopped. Marigold batted his hand away before he could try and scratch.

“Itching, righty?”

“Yes.” He bit between gritted teeth. Marigold cleaned her hands, eyes at him.

“That’s normal, honey. It’s healing. Don’t scratch.”

Norm sighed and nodded, and then Marigold was getting the forks and two cans, sitting with their shoulders touching and handing him one.

“Here.”

He started eating, identifying the taste of cooked ant, slowly, pressing against Marigold, the pet name circling in his head now that he was out of danger, a distraction to the itch in the wounds.

Honey. He had been thinking about it, not long ago… Ah. The day after the circus with Nip-Nip and James.

He blinked at the warm light of the oil lamp and looked at Marigold.

An instinct. Full of worry.

Her face was still pinched, eyebrows frowning. Still worried. He bet she had used the pet name when he was all out of it after killing Nip-Nip.

As he watched, she finished with her can – always fast to eat, it was almost funny. Before she could start the routine of cleaning he was used to, Norm caught her hand, intertwined their fingers and kissed the back, firmly. A slight salty taste of tears clung to his lips as he lowered their hands, and something squeezed his heart.

He needed to step up, make sure she wouldn’t get like that again because of him.

“Thanks for taking care of my leg, Beautiful.”

Her eyebrows relaxed, some of the worry disappearing as she grinned, pulling their hands and twisting to do the same on his, mismatched eyes staring at him, soft and gentle, and his heart speed up.

“You’re welcome, my dearest.” Not as worried as before. Good.

Norm smiled, nodded at her and at the fondness squeezing his chest, and let go of her hand, pressing against her as he ate.

---------

“I’ll make sure all the doors are blocked. Don’t try to get up.” Marigold left a peck on his temple and got up. Norm nodded, still chewing his food.

Holding the scope to her eyes, Marigold first pushed a tool cabinet against the door they had used to enter. The front door leading into the store had already been blocked by a bunch of metal shelves, which left her with the garage doors – two of them, why the fuck that Red Rocket was so big and out of the pattern she was used to? Despite the lack of power, someone still could manually raise them, and she had no way of bolting them to the ground, the most common way of keeping them shut.

The roof metal bars in one of them had rusted and fallen, which meant broken system; if she tried to raise it, it would fall on that side. The other had a small door, and the system was mostly intact. Another tool cabinet to block the door and after careful observation, she found points of rust in the roof metal bars. Using a metal bar for leverage, it was only a question of breaking those and there, system equally fucked up.

Not ideal, someone could still try and raise them, but ideally it would make a hell of a commotion, with the garage doors falling from the broken system and so on, and give her time to act.

A last sweep to make sure there were no other entrances she had missed, and she reunited with Norm – just an arch separating the room from everything else. She hated the lack of a proper door to block.

Her chest seemed to relax, breathing easier, as she put her eyes on him again, where she had left him, the blanket over his shoulders with clear space for her to sit beside him and cover her shoulders too, the can and fork clean by her backpack…

And the book over his thighs.

Sighing, heart tight with affection, she sat down, blanket over her shoulder and an arm pulling Norm tight against her side.

“Are you sure there’s enough light?” she teased, head leaning against his. The oil lamp wasn’t the best for reading – she had tried enough.

Norm’s only answer was to turn on his Pip-Boy’s flashlight, point it to the pages, and start reading. Marigold smiled into his hair, letting his voice and the story wash over her, trying to use it all to purge the fears and worries she was trying so hard not to think about.

---------

Norm fell asleep after what should be around one hour of reading, and she carefully closed the book and put it aside, turned off his flashlight, and closed the blanket more around them.

There was only his deep breathing – normal, exactly as always – and the wind outside, whispering between the tall dry trees. A hand against his forehead confirmed his temperature was normal, and she had to fight herself to not take another look into the wounds, make sure there wasn’t any risk of an infection – two stimpaks and stitches and healing powder, for God’s sake, Marigold, relax.

Marigold needed to sleep, she knew. The Red Rocket was as safe as she could make it, there was no need for watch shifts.

Swallowing, tightening the arm around his shoulders and holding his hand with her free one, she let her head lean back against the wall, focused on his breathing, the only real sound around, and closed her eyes.

The bear trap closed on his leg, fat rats pierced and crushed together, the blood dripping, his tear stained face…

Marigold opened her eyes again, swallowing. Fuck.

A kiss on his head, nose sunk into his hair, mint and sweat in her lungs, her breaths trembling.

The previous night had been one of the best of her life, now this… Fucking rotten luck.

Fuck. If she hadn’t been there… She doubted Norm knew how to disarm a bear trap. Fuck, she had more bent and broke the fucking thing than actually disarmed. Either he would’ve bled out, the rats eventually would be too tempted by the blood, or whoever was shooting would’ve found him.

And even then, it was sheer luck his leg hadn’t been broken, only because the rats were too fat and the trap too rusted; it hadn’t closed as much as it could. Then they would’ve had problems, and big ones.

Her eyes burned, and she closed them tightly, trying to ignore the memories just behind her eyelids.

There was no way she could let him travel alone. She almost hoped there would be no clue about Lucy’s whereabouts on the Observatory. Just so she could try and convince him to return to the Ranch with her, or fuck, even to stay at Vault 4, as long as he was safe.

Both fucking hypocritical of her, travelling all this way because of Catarina, first and foremost. She couldn’t ask of him something she wouldn’t do.

Bad, Marigold, very bad.

She wanted him to remain alive, even if they never worked out. And that day had just added a whole new lot of fears of things that could take him away when she wasn’t close – fuck, and even close, see fucking present situation – and then she wouldn’t even know.

Bear traps were the lowest of threats. Other people, usually the ones that had money, used mines and grenades and more.

There was a wet trail on her face.

She didn’t want to lose him.

---------

The more she tried to open the trap, the more it tightened, closing and closing around his leg, blood pouring out, dripping in the endless void bellow. Why it wasn’t working, she was doing exactly as it had to be done, she had to get that motherfucker open.

A loud, dry snap echoed in her ears.

---------

Sound burst her awake, her heart hammering, oh fuck someone was trying to get in…

Another snap… No, a crash. Against metal. Not overly high. Open, spread. A snort and breathing. All too low to be inside the Red Rocket.

Radstag. Outside.

Marigold let her head lean back against the wall, blinking at the ceiling. Norm shifted beside her, pressing harder against her side, still deep breaths. She swallowed, hand touching his forehead… Still no fever, nothing.

Thank God.

---------

He watched Marigold as they ate dried molerat for breakfast. She didn’t seemed as worried as the previous night, but her eyes were bloodshot, tired. It made him frown.

She finished first as always and got her healing supplies from her backpack.

“I want to make sure the stitches are healing well before we step outside.” She said, already moving to kneel in front of his leg and pull the bedsheet away.

Norm swallowed before answering.

“Good idea.”

She nodded, spritzed her hands with the vodka, and carefully pulled each bandage. Some had small droplets of blood, but most had only the fragments of the healing powder. Thankfully, the stitched wounds seemed to be well, the corners with pinkish scars starting to appear, not a sign of infection.

Marigold let out a clear sigh of relief.

“Any pain or something like it?” He shook his head, and with that she spread some more healing powder over the wounds and taped the bandages back. “I’ll fix your suit tomorrow. I want to have access to the wounds in case something happens while we walk today.”

“Makes sense.”

Norm took a look at his sock as Marigold pulled back the pant of his suit and used the coat belt to tie it together. There were lines and pools of dried blood against the white, and he sighed. He would need to keep an eye out for socks, even if he managed to clean it.

He put on both sock and boot and Marigold helped him get up, holding his hand as Norm found his balance and risked putting weight on the wounded leg.

His leg held, and he gritted his teeth at the wave of pain in the stitched wounds as blood rushed down. Breathing deeply, he risked a step, something pulling slightly in his calf.

In the end it was a limping step with pinpricks of pain, but nothing got even closer to how much he had felt the previous night. Damn lucky of him.

Norm let go of Marigold’s hand and walked more, back and forth in the room, each step a little easier to judge how to best compensate the pull and slight pain, and stopped in front of her. She immediately got hold of his hand again.

“So?”

“Everything ok. Just some pain from the wounds themselves.” She nodded and kissed his forehead.

---------

Marigold unblocked the door and they stepped outside, the sun still low on the horizon.

“Everything good?” Marigold asked, hand extended towards him.

In the morning sunlight it was clear she hadn’t reapplied the lipstick. It wasn’t weird, it was clear she hadn’t slept well, for whatever reason – she hadn’t said anything about watch shifts –, but he still missed it.

“Yes, just forgetting one thing…”

Marigold frowned at him and looked towards the Red Rocket. He pulled her closer by the hand and she went, Norm’s free hand fumbling a little with the bag-belt, trying to find the right pouch where he had noticed her storing the lipstick.

She laughed as he took it and took the cap out.

“If you wanted to test it, you could’ve just asked, Norm-boy.” Marigold wiggled her eyebrows, and Norm grinned and rolled his eyes as he pulled her braid down; Marigold didn’t resist.

“I have another idea.”

Eyebrows frowned and lips bitten in concentration, he started applying the lipstick to her. Marigold easily caught to it, remaining immobile, lips stretched.

He had barely capped the lipstick back when she took hold of his head and pulled him in a hard kiss, her smile clear against him. Marigold grinned as she retreated, still holding him.

“There, now you’re testing it.” As if he hadn’t been doing so ever since he started kissing her… “And oh my, the color looks good on you.” She giggled, and he grinned back, pecking her lips and returning the lipstick to where he had found it.

Something slid against his fingers. It didn’t fell like a bullet, and he pulled it out almost without stopping to think that it wasn’t his and he hadn’t a purpose besides curiosity.

A golden ring with a turquoise in it. Pretty. A simplified version from the pictures of engagement rings he would see in the Vault’s books.

Something twisted inside him, reminding him a lot of the previous jealousy. Oh for God’s sake Norm.

“Now that’s just ridiculous.” Marigold carefully took it, looking at it in the light with a sigh and frowned eyebrows. “Fork and bowl I get it, but this one?”

He swallowed and forced himself to talk.

“What do you mean?”

“My family sneaked in an extra fork and bowl on my backpack.” Oh. He had briefly wondered why she carried two of each… Then promptly decided it should just be some Wastelander thing. “And Moth sneaked Goose’s notes in your sidebag, as I had told you.”

“So someone sneaked the ring too?”

Marigold nodded, carefully putting it away.

“Yeah, it was in my locker. I’m lucky James didn’t found it.”

---------

“Really no idea why?”

She shook her head and extended her hand toward Norm once more.

“I scavenged it years ago and never had any intention of selling it.”

Mostly because she had done so before the Black Widow mess started in her life and at the time she was still feeding some of the childhood dreams of something at least close to what her parents had, but she wasn’t about to admit that loudly and at that moment.

Funny, she hadn’t thought about those in years but still had never been able to sell the ring…

“Maybe they wanted you to have it if you needed caps in a pinch?”

Norm gripped her hand after a moment – soft, with some small callouses that she could imagine were a result of his work at the Vault, warmth spreading thought her chest at his acceptance of it, a hard assertive of what she felt with how right it seemed. She should do that more, instead of just the occasional hand-hold to kiss his hand or whatever.

Then they started walking, slower than the previous day, and Marigold watched carefully as they talked, his limp light, no signs of pain on his face – the relief inside her was almost violent.

“Maybe, yeah, but everyone is usually very respectful of each other’s things. Moth, the best at this type of thing, wouldn’t ever take our things without permission.”

She blinked at the horizon, and groaned. Evie and Josh, always sneaking things to experiment with tech and that had actually hugged her before they left the ranch.

And at least once a month asked when she would marry and give them a new uncle – Marigold never had the heart to try and explain to them the Black Widow mess and the mess of her relationships and how it meant probably never.

At that time she wasn’t expecting to meet someone like Norm – sure, she didn’t know what would happen, but there was a glimmer of hope she hadn’t had before.

“What?”

“Evie and Josh.”

“The… Twins?” she didn’t blame Norm’s clear difficulty in remember who she was talking about. The two had, as always, kept to themselves. “They shook my hands as if closing a business transaction, all solemn.” He chuckled.

“Yeah. They’re quiet and are always sneaking things not theirs to mess with tech, they definitely don’t need permission for it.” Not talking about the ‘give us a new uncle’. Nope. That would create questions and she wasn’t ready to answer them.

“Two troublemakers that don’t look like it.” Norm chuckled, carefully stepping over a rock.

“Absolutely not.” Marigold laughed, hand briefly scratching the nape of her neck as she tried not to squirm.

She should’ve noticed they were up to something.

Sneaking the ring and shaking Norm’s hand like that. Fuck. Half of her could hear their voices in perfect synchronicity, “That’s our new uncle”, the same way they had done with Andrea and Willow when they were still only six, “These are our new aunties”; those two were always too smart and perceptive for their ages. And always paid too much attention to when Ma was scheming things.

#norm maclean #norm maclean x oc #fallout series #fallout prime #fallout

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wikiuntamed · 11 months ago

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Five steps of Wikipedia for Wednesday, 29th November 2023

Welcome, ողջու՜յն (voġčuyn), tervetuloa, dobrodošli 🤗 Five steps of Wikipedia from "Adrian Tibaleka" to "1900 Summer Olympics". 🪜👣

Start page 👣🏁: Adrian Tibaleka "Adrian Tibaleka is a Ugandan politician. She was appointed State Minister for the Elderly and the Disabled in the Ugandan Cabinet, on 6 June 2016. However, her appointment was rejected by the parliamentary appointments committee...."

Step 1️⃣ 👣: Uganda "Uganda, officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. The country is bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south-west by Rwanda, and to the south by Tanzania. The southern part of the..."

Image by tobias

Step 2️⃣ 👣: 1996 Summer Olympics "The 1996 Summer Olympics (officially the Games of the XXVI Olympiad, also known as Atlanta 1996 and commonly referred to as the Centennial Olympic Games) were an international multi-sport event held from July 19 to August 4, 1996, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. These were the fourth Summer..."

Step 3️⃣ 👣: 1904 Summer Olympics "The 1904 Summer Olympics (officially the Games of the III Olympiad and also known as St. Louis 1904) were an international multi-sport event held in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, from 29 August to 3 September 1904, as part of an extended sports program lasting from 1 July to 23 November 1904,..."

Image by unknown. Signed at the bottom, center right, “St. John”. See the Daily Official Program of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition from June 16, 1904. One Mrs. Elizabeth St. John Matthews (d. April 27, 1911[1]) was a juror at the expo[2], but she was a sculptor.

Step 4️⃣ 👣: 1896 Summer Olympics "The 1896 Summer Olympics (Greek: Θερινοί Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες 1896, romanized: Therinoí Olympiakoí Agónes 1896), officially known as the Games of the I Olympiad (Greek: Αγώνες της 1ης Ολυμπιάδας, romanized: Agónes tis 1is Olympiádas) and commonly known as Athens 1896 (Greek: Αθήνα 1896), was the first..."

Image by Unknown authorUnknown author

Step 5️⃣ 👣: 1900 Summer Olympics "The 1900 Summer Olympics (French: Jeux olympiques d'été de 1900), today officially known as the Games of the II Olympiad (Jeux de la IIe olympiade) and also known as Paris 1900, were an international multi-sport event that took place in Paris, France, from 14 May to 28 October 1900. No opening or..."

Image by Unknown authorUnknown author

#FiveStepsOfWikipedia #GemsOfWikipedia #WikiQuest #WikiExplorer

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oraclesgrimoire · 1 year ago

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The Oracle's Grimoire - Table of Contents

As of writing this in August 2023, four years ago in October 2019, I decided to become a witch. I had never been a huge practitioner, although I wanted to be, but in the recent year, I've especially fallen out of it. I want to start again--start over from the very beginning. I need to remind myself what made witchcraft so good for me in the first place, and really iron out my beliefs.

I'm keeping this blog as both something to reblog resources, as well as create my own analyses and articles on certain topics. Just something to gather all this information in one place that my autistic little brain will actually be able to grasp. Other posts of mine may be personal journal entries about my own journey and thoughts, things that I don't mind shoving out into the world.

This blog is mostly for me. I'm putting out some of this stuff in the hope that it'll help someone in the future who struggles with understanding these things like I do.

This post will be updated with my various tags for things and with links to certain posts as I go. (Those without links are those that I plan on making later. Order is subject to change.)

I. What is Magic?

II. Basic Safety

III. Common Herbs and Associations

IV. Common Crystals and Associations

V. How Are Associations Made?

VI. Magic and Mental Health

VII. What is Intent?

VIII. Cultural Appropriation and Things to Avoid

IX. Working Magic into Everyday Life

X. Potions and How to Make Them

XI. How to Believe in Magic

XII. The Insidiousness of Antitheism

XIII. Deities and Spirits

XIV. How to Read Tarot

XV. Tarot Symbolism

XVI. Oracle Cards

XVII. Runes

XVIII. Other Divination Methods

XIX. Common Red Flags in Witchy Circles

XX. Magic and Queerness

XXI. "New Age" Pseudoscience

XXII. Magic and Music

XXIII. Magic and Art

XXIV. Magic and Food

XXV. Celestial Bodies

XXVI. The Phases of the Moon

XXVII. Astrology and its Uses

XXVIII. Elements and Alchemical Symbols

XXIX. Meditation for the Mentally Ill

XXX. Important Historical Figures in Magic

XXXI. What is a Spell?

XXXII. How to Construct a Spell

XXXIII. Curses and Hexes

XXXIV. Sigils and How to Make Them

XXXV. Shadow Work (And Why I Won't Do It)

#oracles grimoire

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motownfiction · 2 years ago

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vetiver

When Daniel’s parents divorced in ‘81, his father left behind a half-used bottle of cologne. That fall, when Daniel started high school, he also started wearing it.

All of his friends had opinions. Lucy thought it was very mature; Will thought it was too mature. Sam wished he’d thought of wearing cologne first. Sadie, however, had the most interesting opinion. She took a deep breath and said, “It smells good, but it doesn’t really smell like you.”

For the longest time, Daniel wasn’t sure what she meant. What did he smell like besides sweat from a school with no air conditioning in the August sun, or the frozen garlic bread his mother still made for dinner every Thursday night? He never asked Sadie what she meant, not even after he figured out he was in love with her. He just kept wearing the cologne.

Maybe so he could look sophisticated and get all the girls to like him instead of Sam or Will or any of the taller, stronger boys.

Maybe so he could be closer to the impression of his father. Not himself, not his body, just the smell of it.

Maybe so he could be the better man.

All the while, Sadie’s words ring in his head. It doesn’t really smell like you. But what if that’s futile? What if there is no Daniel to smell like? What if he’s just Frank’s son, stumbling on the border between gentleman and piece of shit? He passes on every beer at every after-party, and he’s never bet on a horse (or a basketball or a football or a St. Catherine’s track race). But everyday, it feels like he’s teetering – from fourteen to twenty-four.

A week before he turns twenty-five, Daniel runs out of cologne. When he goes to the mall to buy another bottle, he discovers it’s been discontinued since his last trip. He’s devastated, but he doesn’t even really know why. He doesn’t miss his father. He never did. They were always better off without him. And he won’t miss the cologne, either. It was just cologne.

Wasn’t it?

On his twenty-fifth birthday, Sadie wakes him up with a gift bag. He pulls out a bottle of new cologne, one he’s never seen before, one that looks nothing like the cologne he’s been using for the past eleven years. Daniel turns the bottle to the front and reads the label. Says it smells like something called vetiver.

“It’s kinda made up, but I read that vetiver is supposed to be good for the nervous system,” Sadie says. “Says it’s supposed to connect us to our dreams.”

Daniel tries to smile. Connect us to our dreams. If only he needed more connecting. Last night he dreamt he was eating chips and salsa with Cat Stevens. Motherfucking Cat Stevens. He just kept singing the same line over and over again: I know that I have to go away. It’s not subtle.

He unscrews the cap off the cologne and smells it in the bottle. It almost makes him want to cry, but he holds it inside. He looks at Sadie, and without a word, he knows they’re thinking the same thing.

The vetiver smells just like him.

(part of @nosebleedclub october challenge -- day xxvi!)

#drabble #ch: daniel deluca #ch: sadie doyle #ship: still the same #year: 1981 #year: 1992

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honeypirate · 3 years ago

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CLOSED

Choose a card(or up to 3) and choose a character and i will do my best to write you a drabble! (Ex. 23 and 34 with bakugou OR beetle and kuroo gn reader with a good ending)

- you can also include AUs in your request if you feel so inclined :)

- if it’s not specified that you want GN I will write fem

- I will write for almost anyone from the fandoms on my organization except KNB since I’m just starting in that fandom.

- please send in a message if it’s a lesser known or evil character I usually have hard times with ones I don’t know very well.

- The categories I separated them into doesn’t really mean too much, if you don’t specify angst or fluff I’ll just go with my Oracle flow.

-open July 11 2021 10pm EST to August 16 2021 11:59pm EST and I will post them after that time frame.

If you have any questions feel free to message me!

Organization Station Here Event Masterlist Here

flowers from the dead Oracle cards

Enduant

1- Turtle XLVII - Peace & Tranquility

2- Seahorse XXXVI - Generosity & Good Luck

3- Crow X - Mystery & Magic

4- Hawk XXVI - Truth x Clarity

5- Fox XXV - Patience & Harmony

6- Dragonfly XI - Joy & Love

7- Beaver XII - Trust & Home

8 - Walrus XXXVII - Enlightenment & Faith

9 - Wolf V - Family & Loyalty

10 - Deer VI - Gentle & Kindness

11- XIX - Diplomacy & Kindness

12- Buffalo XIV - Abundance & Earth

13- Peacock XXXIV - Light Hearted & Laughter

14- Chicken XIII - Bold & Courageous

15- Flamingo XLIV - Romance & Love

16- Iguana XLVIII - Contentment & Satisfaction

Angsume

17- Coyote XXIV - Cunning & Resourceful

18- Moose XXII - Awakening & Transcendence

19- Javelina XXXIII - Argument & Power Struggle

20- Donkey XXXV - Burden & Heavy Load

21- XXXII - Withdrawn & Secretive

22- Snake IX - Transformation & Change

23- Possum XXI - Fear & Avoidance

24- Alligator Gar XLIX - Confusion & Misunderstood

25- Shark XLI - Solitude & Anxiety

26- Moth XXXI - Attraction & Lust

27- Spider XXVIII - -Jealousy & Grudge

28- Owl XVII - Caution & Wisdom

29- Alligator II - Emotion & Healing

30- Beetle XLVI - Clairvoyance & Understanding

31- Rat XL - Purge & Simplify

32- Scorpion XXIX - Anger & Spite

Adiaphorous

33- Toad XXX - Cleansing & Transformation

34- Horse VIII - Travel & Stamina

35- XXVII - Fertility & Renewal

36- Raccoon XVIII - Curiosity & Exploration

37- Humming Bird XLV - Unique & Distinctive

38- VII - Forgiveness & Sacrifice

39- Vulture XLII - Adaptable & Opportunistic

40- Armadillo XV - Protection & Boundaries

41- XLIII - Cooperation & Completion

42- IV - Empowerment & Freedom

43- Bee XVI - Hard Work & Success

44- Bear I - Strength & Confidence

45- Rabbit III - Spontaneous

46- Squirrel XXIII - Responsibility & Balance

47- Bat XX - Transition & Unknown

(I made the gif divider feel free to use it if you want. The skull divider I got from @/firefly-graphics)

everything event related will be tagged honey’s 777 event

#bnha fanfiction #haikyuu fanfiction #fire force fanfiction #fairy tail fanfiction #black clover fanfiction #jjk fanfiction #honey’s 777 event #requests #fanfiction #writing #long post #naruto fanfiction #bsd fanfiction #I worked so hard on this please don’t flop

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holidaywishes · 5 years ago

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It Had To Be You XXXVIII

Chapter Thirty Eight: Sad Song

Summary: Fast forward six months and the new Preseason is just about to start. After a rough playoff loss, Tyler wants this season to be better and he has some ideas on how to make everything go smoothly.

Warning: I guess because this song is so cheesy and sweet, there’s going to be a lot of fluff in this chapter, this one’s also got a few time jumps as well.

Author’s Note: I don’t really know where I’m going with this series anymore. I think I’m trying to stretch it out to 50 chapters but it all depends on how I’m feeling obviously. Just know that I have a thing with odd numbers. That is to say, I will only end on an even number or a multiple of 5 (45, 50, 55, etc.) But this one will be another short chapter (and I’ll admit this is really not my favourite) but I’ll probably put two out back to back since I have something in my head and I’m literally not doing anything else, so why not? Anyway, I hope you like whatever comes from the rest of this series, ENJOY!

P.S. This chapter took a little longer than I thought it would but I have some clearer ideas of what the next like four-ish chapters are going to be so that’s exciting.

P.P.S. I wanted to update the timeline because this chapter has a lot of time jumps as did the last chapter. So here’s a quick recap of the whole series:

Part I: September 2013

Part II: November 2013

Part III: January 2015

Parts IV and V: May-June 2015

Part VI: June 2015/January 2016

Part VII: January 2016/June 2016/November 2016

Part VIII: November 2016

Part IX: December 2016

Part X: January 2017

Part XI: February-August 2017

Part XII: September-November 2017

Part XIII: mid-November-December 2017

Part XIV: January-February 2018

Part XV: March-April 2018

Part XVI: April-June 2018

Part XVII: July 2018

Part XVIII: July-November 2018

Parts XIX, XX and XXI: December 2018

Parts XXII: December-January 2019

Part XXIII, XXIV, XXV and XXVI: January 2019

Part XXVII: late January-March 2019

Parts XXVIII and XXIX: March 2019

Part XXX: late-March/April-May 2019

Part XXXI: May-November 2019

Part XXXII: January 2020

Part XXXIII: late January 2020

Parts XXXIV and XXXV: August 2020

Part XXXVI: October-Early November 2020

Part XXXVII: March 2021

Part XXXVIII (this chapter): July/September 2021/January 2022 (yup I did that)

Song Credit: Sad Song -- We the Kings & Elena Coats

masterlist

the other masterlist

After the whole quarantine last year, and the season being cancelled, Tyler wanted the next to be better but after being knocked out in the first round he wasn’t in the best mood for a few months. He spent every waking minute training during the summer, except for his seemingly annual trip to the Bahama’s with the guys.

“Are you sure you don’t want to come?” he asked when you said you’d stay behind and watch the dogs

“I’ve gotta work,” you replied, pushing yourself up to wrap your arms around his neck and press your lips to his, “plus, I think you need some time with your boys to let loose. As long as you don’t let loose too much...”

“Don’t worry, babe,” he replied, pecking your lips between words, “we’ll really just be playing a lot of golf. You know how it goes..” You sent him off with one last kiss and sent him an ‘I love you’ text before he got on the plane. You felt completely secure with Tyler lately but maybe that had to do with the fact that two of you had survived four months in self-isolation together. Whatever it was, you weren’t nervous about spending a week away from each other.

Tyler’s week away proved to be just what he needed to get his spirits up but as soon as he was back in Dallas, the two of you decided to head up to Brampton to see his family but it was over just as quickly as it began and it was time for the preseason to start. It was a pretty easy start to the season with the Stars winning 7 of their 8 preseason games which left Tyler with a huge grin on his face and he told you he was very positive for the rest of the city.

“I have a good feeling about this season, you know?” he said, rinsing the dishes as you washed down the counter, “I feel like this could be our year.”

“I think you guys are looking good out there but--” Tyler put his finger in front of your mouth to stop you from continuing

“Don’t jinx it. We’re looking good and we’ll continue to look good because we’re in this for the long run.” He said, raising his eyebrows intensely so you got his point and you just smiled before nodding and walking away. You were happy he was so confident about the season especially after everything that happened and seeing him so excited made you excited for the season.

“Hey, Ty,” you called from the couch, “you’re turning 30 in January. How do you want to celebrate?”

“That’s a while from now, I haven’t thought about it..”

“Well think about it!” you laughed, “I know the season will be like in ‘full swing’ or whatever, but maybe we can do something during Bye Week? It’s a big year you know?”

“Yeah, another year older..” he sighed and slumped next to you on the couch, “I’m getting to be an oldie. I’ll be vintage soon...”

“Oh stop,” you nudged, “vintage? I have a hard time thinking you’ll ever be vintage. It’s just a birthday. If you don’t want to celebrate it, we don’t have to. But I’ll have you know, men get sexier as they age.” you said, moving towards him to kiss his neck, “It’s actually very annoying.” He kissed you back

“I’ll think about it,” he smiled and you tucked yourself into his side, “but for right now, let’s figure out something to watch.” As the two of you settled in and started some action movie you were sure you wouldn’t pay attention to, you caught yourself looking up at Tyler for the billionth time, “what?” he laughed

“What?” you responded

“I can feel you staring at me,” he continued, still not returning your gaze, “do I have something on my face?”

“No,” you smiled, “I just like looking at you.” When he finally looked at you, your stomach filled with butterflies and you felt the need to bury your head in his chest; looking back up at him just in time to see his smile stretch across his face.

“I like looking at you too.” He said, leaning his head down to capture your lips in a soft kiss. You reveled in it for a minute before finally saying anything

“I’ll never get tired of that” you giggled and he smiled against your lips before continuing to kiss you.

Tyler’s P.O.V

You hated that you couldn’t be with (Y/N) and the dogs on your birthday again this year, especially because things seemed to be going so well, so you figured out a way for her to be with you in

“Boston?” she said, a hint of confusion in her voice over the phone

“That’s where we’ll be on my birthday,” you replied, “there are some great spots though.”

“I went once,” she said, nonchalantly, “it was beautiful. But I mean.. Bruins fans run rampant” she laughed and you knew then that she would meet you there.

“So you’ll be there?” you asked

“If I get to see you, I’ll be wherever you ask.” You could hear her smile over the phone and your smile grew in return

“Good,” you laughed, “I’ll see you in a couple days. Love you”

“Love you, too.” You ended the call only to turn around to your teammates waiting to chirp you

“Ooooh, Tyler and (Y/N) sittin’ in a tree,” they started, “k-i-s-s-i-n-g, first comes love, then comes marr--”

“Alright, alright. That’s enough guys.” They laughed and you smiled as you found your way back to your seat beside Rads and Jamie.

“She’s coming to spend your birthday with you? That’s sweet” Jamie said

“Well...” you hesitated, “I’m thinking of proposing to her!”

“On your birthday?” Jamie asked and Rads gave you a sideways glance

“Yeah...” you answered, “I mean we’ll already be out to dinner and I love her, so..”

“You think you’re ready?” Rads asked and you took a second to answer

“Yeah”

“What if she says no? Then your birthday is like forever tainted by that” Jamie challenged

“It’s still my birthday, it won’t be tainted. Forever.”

“She’s a great girl and you seem really happy with her,” Rads interrupted, “I like her and I like her for you. But just make sure, if you feel weird about it, don’t do it.” You took a second to think about what he was saying but you couldn’t stop thinking about how she’d be in that moment and what the rest of your life would look like with her.

“Thanks Rads,” you finally said, “it’s alright though. I want her in my lie forever. I can’t imagine a day without her there.”

You showed up at the Boston airport and waited for instructions from Tyler when he sent you a text with directions to his hotel

“Am I suppose to get my own room or find my way to yours?” you replied as you got into the cab and told the driver the address

“Don’t worry, I got you a room but it’s close to mine” he said

“Sounds good, it’s under my name?”

“Yes. I’m heading to practice, so I won’t be there when you check in but I’ll call you when I’m out. I made reservations at 6 so you’ll have to be ready”

“What kind of place is it? What if I didn’t pack anything fancy?”

“I have something for you. I’m always prepared”

“Well you’re lucky. I figured you might do something like this so I brought a dress”

“Thinking ahead, I like it” he joked and you rolled your eyes

“I have to or you’ll get me something wayyyy too revealing”

“The amount of revealing it would be is debatable.” You let him go after that by sending him an eye roll GIF and he sent back a laughing emoji. A couple hours later, you started getting ready for whatever Tyler had planned, deciding whether you should curl or straighten your hair when he called you

“Hey babe,” he said happily, “you almost ready? I’m just about to jump in the shower so I wanted to check in”

“I’m almost ready. I’ll be ready by the time you’re out of the shower so I could meet you in yo-”

“NO” he blurted out, “I want to pick you up.”

“Fine,” you laughed, “I’ll be ready soon. Go take your shower, I love you.”

Tyler’s P.O.V.

You finished getting ready, making sure to do a quick pep talk to yourself in the mirror.

“You got this dude. You love her, she loves you.” You smiled and made sure you had everything you needed, careful not to forget the ring, and headed over to (Y/N)’s room.

“Just a second!” she called after you knocked on her door, fidgeting with your suit jacket while you waited. When she opened the door, your mouth dropped at the sight of her in a beautiful blue dress and she smiled before spinning around for you to get a complete look at the outfit, “what do you think?”

“You look.. stunning,” you smiled, “guess it’s a good thing I didn’t pack anything for you isn’t it?” She smiled to herself, shaking her head as she grabbed her purse. The two of you laughed and she took your hand as the two of you headed to the car.

“What do you have planned?” she asked as she put on some music

“A nice dinner, I’ll take you to some of my favourite places in the city,” you said, intertwining your fingers with hers to kiss the back of her head, “nothing too crazy.” She smiled at you and tried, the whole way to the restaurant, to guess where you were taking her or what you were planning. You pulled up in front of the restaurant and a valet opened her door

“Oooh,” you smiled as you heard her speak to the valet, “isn’t this fancy?” You met her on the sidewalk, thanking the valet and tipping him before taking (Y/N)’s hand to go inside. When she sat down, she browsed the menu and you tried not to give away how nervous you were about what you had planned for later in the night.

“Anything look good?” you asked about the menu

“Still looking..” she smiled. You ordered her favourite drink when the server came by to grab your orders, “ahh I get it” she said as the server left

“What?” you said suddenly

“You’re trying to be ‘the big man’ tonight. Coming to a fancy restaurant with valets, ordering my favourite drink,” she smiled and you let out a sigh, “who you trynna impress, Seguin?”

“Only you,” you answered, “always you.” The rest of the meal was filled with smiles from both of you; you watched as her eyes lit up when she talked about her job, her smile shine when you talked about how you felt about the team and the way the season was going and listened to her laugh that you couldn’t imagine not hearing everyday. You kept Rads’ words in the back of your head though, ‘just make sure, if you feel weird about it, don’t do it.’

“Would you like a dessert menu?” the server asked when he noticed there was a break in the conversation. You were prepared for her to say no, or to defer to you, but instead she said yes and that was the moment you knew she was comfortable with you. It was a small moment, a small thing, but it made everything so much clearer. You paid the bill and thanked the staff, guiding (Y/N) out to the car by placing your hand on the small of her back. You took her to the aquarium and watched her eyes follow the fish and tried to catch her as she chased the manta rays before eventually stopping in front of the shark tank.

“We may be slightly overdressed for this place” you laughed, noticing the stares the two of you were getting

“Do you ever wonder what they’re thinking?” she said, completely ignoring your statement

“What?” you asked

“Like are they sad? Do they know where they are? Do they wonder where their friends are? Or their families? Do they like it here? Are they happy?” You smiled at her thought process, “did you know that Sharks adapt to fit their environment? So like if there was a Great White Shark here, it would only grow to fit comfortably in the tank but in the ocean it would grow much bigger. That’s why you hear of like 30ft sharks.” She finished, eyebrows raised when she looked at you and you smiled while your eyes danced between hers.

“Is any of that actually true?” you asked and she smiled at you

“I don’t know,” she confessed, “it could be. It sounds like it should be, doesn’t it?” She grabbed your hand, intertwining her fingers with yours and continued walking, “and,” she added, “who cares if we’re overdressed.” She winked at you, as if to say ‘I’m always paying attention,’ and you shared the smile that she gave you. There was one last place you wanted to go before it got dark and it was the perfect spot for the proposal. A park with a beautiful river running through and a clear view of the Boston skyline. Sure, it was public but it wasn’t overly crowded so it had just enough of people for (Y/N) to have at least one picture of the proposal without feeling overwhelmed.

“Wow, Ty,” she said lightly, “this place is beautiful. Thank you for bringing me here.” She smiled at you and, with her hair blowing in the wind and the sun beginning to set, you knew it was the perfect time.

“(Y/N),” Tyler said when your back was turned, “I need to get this out so don’t say anything until I’m finished okay?” You giggled at his statement but slowly turned around to face him, surprised when you saw him on one knee

“Ty, what are you doing?” you said

“I love you,” he started and your eyes grew wide, “ When we first met, I was so focused on being the best for Dallas, to start fresh after Boston, that you were just some girl. I didn’t think of you really that way, until I saw you with James; I just wanted to see you happy because you deserved that, I just hated that it had to be with him. But now here we are, having chosen each other after all the crap we’ve been through. Together and apart. I know we’ve had some rough times but you’ve always been the person I want to be with. The one I want to wake up next to. Every time we’re apart, whether I’m on the road or your visiting Chris in Calgary, I feel like I’m missing something because I am. You. You’re my favourite part of me and I can’t imagine a day without you. (Y/N) (Y/M/N) (Y/L/N), will you marry me?” You stood in front of Tyler for a few minutes, in a state of shock that left you silent when you noticed a few people start to huddle around you and Tyler, who hadn’t moved at all

“Yes” you whispered, a smile starting to grow on your face

“What?” he said jokingly, a smile dancing on his lips

“Of course I’ll marry you!” you exclaimed and he slid the ring on your finger before picking you up and kissing you, you breaking the kiss only to laugh at the round of applause the two of you got. He put you down and waved to the crowd as you buried yourself in his chest out of embarrassment.

“I love you”

“I love you too,” you said, tucking yourself into his side while the two of you continued to walk through the park, “I can’t believe you actually proposed.”

“Why?” he asked, in fake shock

“I don’t know.. I guess I just never thought you were the marrying kind” you admitted

“I wasn’t,” he said, kissing the top of your head, “until you.”

“Well, happy birthday Mr. Seguin” you joked

“Thank you,” he replied, “and thank you for saying ‘yes’ on my birthday. The guys were convinced that if you said no it would’ve tainted the day forever”

“I’m surprised you did it on your birthday. I mean, the guys are right. It’s a risk.” You laughed and he shrugged his shoulders

“It was worth it.”

#Tyler Seguin #It Had To be You #it had to be you series #Tyler Seguin imagine #tyler seguin series #masterlist #the other masterlist #no idea when or how this will end anymore #i had an idea but now i don't #i guess that's how it goes #prepare for some short chapters #after this one obviously

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the-cadent-roses · 2 years ago

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Goodbye World

August 20th 2022 (255)

._+ Mis-eye-ventures Day XXVI +_.

Remember yesterday's entry?

Well, it's graduation time. Or rather... Party time?

Regardless, logistically speaking, we start quite interestingly. My friend's family, from way out in the southernmost outskirts of the city, were to assist to the party, but as it was to end at around 4am, and considering that it was way past the northernmost side of the city, actually sitting atop one of the hills in the neighboring state, and the return shall be a hassle, they collectively came up with a plan.

I met them near the meeting point among states, on an urban hotel. There, all of them slept the previous day (and as I'll be informed later, I shall sleep here at least a couple hours too), the got themselves a sixteen-seats Suburban. And off we go.

There was a religious service previous to the party. I feel like I've been to that church before (yet it is inaccessible without a car, so who knows), besides the obvious, I found funny that the church fancied a little ice cream store of their own. Sadly it was closed ten minutes before we arrived, so I can't attest for the flavours.

The party took place on a gorgeous, albeit isolated venue. Pretty lights, outstanding photographic equipment. We got some welcoming shots, as they were over two minutes after. The food was quite nice. A sort of spanish tart to begin. Some cheese cream. Pig-meat with an acid and savoury plum sauce, complemented by mashed potatoes and sliced veggies. An Oreo based cheesecake, or a sweet corn cake for dessert.

We got red wine, coffee licor, tequila and tamarind vodka shots all throughout the night. It was cool. Some water too. Oh, and a black coffee.

~Roses~

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songmingisthighs · 2 years ago

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Cache Masterlist

high school chaebol!wooyoung × reader, ??? × reader

start : September 1st 2022 KST / August 31st 2022 (author time)

status : completed

updates : daily, 12.30 am KST

✨️ - written chapter

introduction pt. i | pt. ii | pt. iii

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friendship-korea-japan · 4 years ago

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8.21. The financial system was well developed, paving the way for the modernization of the state

Question 8: About the shift of Korea › 21. The financial system was well developed, paving the way for the modernization of the state

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8.21. The financial system was well developed, paving the way for the modernization of the state

While the monetary and financial system in the Joseon era had low credit due to the excessive issue of money, it was improved under the Japanese rule, allowing Korea to became a developed modern state.

Paid-in capital: 19,910,000 yen in 1910 --> 1,211,880,000 yen in 1939 (60.87-fold increase)

Bank deposits : 17,850,000 yen in 1910 --> 867,880,000 yen in 1939 (48.60-fold increase)

Money and finance are called the blood of a country’s economy. While there were no monetary or financial systems in primitive societies, they are important and essential for the development of human society and for the stable and prosperous life of people. With this in mind, we would like to quote the following description from “1. Currencies”, “Section 1.Currency and Financial Institutions”, “Chapter 4. Finance and Economy”, Annals of the Government-General of Korea 1941.

Old currency system

[ In former Korea, there had been no fixed monetary system since ancient times and only leaf money had been used for hundreds of years. The silver standard was adopted in 1894, followed by the introduction of the gold standard in 1901, but they were never implemented.

The Korean government of the time was so financially deprived that it abusively issued white copper coins. In addition, private minting was actively carried out, resulting in a complete loss of trust in money, constant price fluctuations and extreme confusion.

When the financial advisor took office in 1904, he revised the Gold Standard Coin Ordinance, which was implemented in August 1905, and began minting new coins, also allowing Japanese coins to be accepted in Korea, while at the same time decisively withdrawing old copper coins. However, taking account of people’s living standard and the economic conditions of the time, he allowed the leaf coins to circulate for the time being as auxiliary currency. Around that time, he officially approved the circulation of the First Bank notes, and he later established the Bank of Korea and made the Bank of Korea notes replace the former notes. As former white copper coins were withdrawn from circulation, the monetary value became more stable. The accumulated old harms were now cleared away, and the circulation of new coins and banknotes gradually increased.]

Surprisingly enough, private minting of coins was allowed in the final years of the Joseon era. Naturally, such a situation would not allow confidence in the monetary system to be maintained.

Regarding the monetary and economic conditions in Korea, Isabella Bird made a concise and accurate description of the local monetary system to explain why the Korean economy could not develop in “Chapter XXVI, The Phyong-yang Battlefield”, Korea and her Neighbors. To help understanding by the readers, we have itemized the description below instead of directly quoting it.

(1) [ The monetary value is so low that it is difficult to carry money and to use it for trade.

(2) The banking facilities, which exist in Qing, do not exist in Korea, making it impossible to conduct commercial trade.

(3) Koreans generally do not trust others.

(4) There is prejudice against certain classes (discrimination exists).

(5) People’s incomes are unstable.

(6) The income level is extremely low in relation to the labor.

(7) There are many monopolistic guilds (privileged trade associations) that hinder free trade. ]

The following description in Annals of the Government-General of Korea 1941 seems to prove that Bird’s description in Korea and Her Neighbors accurately depicted the reality of the Korean economy at that time.

Financial institutions

[ In the past, the Korean economy was extremely immature and there were no financial institutions at all. The opening of the Busan branch of the Dai-Ichi Kokuritsu Bank (literally: First National Bank) in 1878 marked the beginning of modern financial institutions in Korea.

From around that time, Korean-owned banks, including Daehan Cheon-il Bank, Hanseong Bank, and Han-il Bank, were successively established.

In 1902, with the permission of the Korean government, the Dai-Ichi Bank started to issue banknotes. Then, in 1905, the Korean government entrusted the Dai-Ichi Bank with the task of organizing the monetary system and handling the national treasury money, officially approving the circulation of its banknotes and granting it the mission as the central bank of Korea. In 1909, the Bank of Korea was established and all the central banking operations of the Dai-Ichi Bank were transferred to it.

In addition, for the promotion of local industry, the government issued the Agricultural and Industrial Bank Ordinance in 1906, following which agricultural and industrial banks were established in key locations, and the government took over some of their shares to provide interest-free loans and other protective supervision measures.

Moreover, with the goal of making finance more accessible to the lower-class peasants, the government enacted the Rules for Local Financial Associations, and in 1907, the government established 10 local financial associations and subsidized part of their expenses. After that, it established 10-30 more each year.]

Summary of economic and financial situations

[ In the era of the former Korean government, the general economy was in a state of extreme decline. The national finance was so strained that there was no room to take care of measures for the national economy. The monetary system was in turmoil, prices were fluctuating, and the exhaustion of people had almost reached its peak.

Since the beginning of the protectionist regime, the economic measures taken by the government have been impressive, but it was difficult to see the results due to the extreme accumulation of old evils. In addition, bandits appeared in many places, and the safety and protection of people’s lives and property were not sufficiently guaranteed, which made economic development slow. However, since the annexation, the Government-General of Korea has put emphasis on industrial development, made efforts for the development of transportation and financial institutions, encouraged the improvement of various industries, made life and property safe and secure, stabilized local public sentiment, and promoted the inflow of financial resources from Japan. Thanks to these efforts, both industry and trade developed, people’s power became stronger, and the finance also became more solid, leading to remarkable economic development. The following is a summary of such a situation.

- Paid-in capital: 19,910,000 yen in 1910 --> 1,211,880,000 yen in 1939 (60.87-fold increase)

- Value of agricultural products: 157,160,000 yen in 1910 --> 1,082,280,000 yen in 1939(6.88-fold increase)

- Value of forest products: 19,240,000 yen in 1910 --> 192,600,000 yen in 1939 (10.0-fold increase)

- Value of marine products: 8,470,000 yen in 1910 --> 151,100,000 yen in 1939 (17.8-fold increase)

- Value of mineral products: 6,070,000 yen in 1910 --> 110,430,000 yen in 1936 (18.2-fold increase)

- Value of industrial products: 30,960,000 yen in 1910 --> 1,498,000,000 yen in 1939 (48.3-fold increase)

- Total trade volume: 59,700,000 yen in 1910 --> 2,395,240,000 yen in 1939 (40.1-fold increase)

- Bank deposits: 17,850,000 yen in 1910 --> 867,880,000 yen in 1939 (48.6-fold increase)

- Bank loans: 40,910,000 yen in 1910 --> 1,506,450,000 yen in 1939 (36.8-fold increase)

- Price index: 102.86 in 1910 --> 274.14 in 1939

The price index is calculated, setting the price level in July 1910 as 100.]

As shown from these figures, while farmers and fishermen pretended to be poor to avoid being exploited by the officials during the Joseon era, various new companies were founded to provide workplaces for people under Japanese rule. Since the beginning of Japanese rule, the entire Korean Peninsula was modernized, the economy expanded in a spectacular manner, new companies and factories were founded, and the population grew by 1.7 times. The production value of agricultural products for food increased by 6.88 times, while the amount of paid-in capital rose by 60 times, which suggests that many companies were built during that time to provide jobs and workplaces for the increased number of people and to allow them to live at ease.

The 6.88-fold increase in farm product value means that, taking into consideration the 2.74-fold increase in prices, the average farmer’s income rose by 2.5 times in real terms (6.88 / 2.75 =2.51).

#Joseon #south korea #all about korea #korean history #korea-japan

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silverfootstepswrites · 7 years ago

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title All Night summary Unhappiness is comfortable in its own way. pairing Itasaku, Tobisaku rating turn the statue of baby jesus to face the wall before you read

By the end of August, she was back in her penthouse halfway up Victoria Peak. She listened to the rain pelt the windows and roof. The water rolling off the skylights cast exaggerated shadows on the floor below. Sakura curled up on the end of the sofa, her head wilting toward her chest.

Through the staccato of the rain, she heard the front door open and close. She opened her eyes. Waiting. Her fingers curled around the trigger of the gun hidden under the sofa cushions. She couldn’t hear footsteps. Straining to listen, she pulled the gun out.

She heard a sharp clink. Her arm flew up, barrel of the gun pointing straight at his chest.

“Is that any way to treat your dear uncle?” Hashirama huffed. In his left hand he held up a bottle of wine. In his right he held two crystal glasses. She regarded him over her firearm, expression unchanged. Slowly, she lowered her arm. Her gun rested on the sofa beside her, still within reach.

“What do you need from me, Uncle?” she asked, the steel gone from her voice. She was tired. It had been so long since she had gotten a decent night’s sleep.

“Is this how you give thanks to the person who’s come to celebrate your birthday?” demanded Hashirama, setting his things down on the coffee table. He looked around the huge penthouse, fists on his hips. Poked at the blue sofa. Nudged the shag rug with his big toe. And then marveled up at the high ceilings.

“Did I buy this for you?” he asked.

“No, Uncle. Also, my birthday is in March, you know,” she sighed. Still, she got to her feet. The blanket fell from her shoulders, pooling in her absent space. Hashirama glanced at her out of the corners of his eyes. She made her way to the kitchen to grab a corkscrew from one of the drawers. She tossed it to him as she walked back.

“Your other birthday. Today’s the day you were initiated into the 24K. A day worth celebrating, no?”

Sakura settled back into her warm nook on the sofa. She tucked her hand under her chin. She stared at him as he pierced the cork and twisted the screw down and down. When he pulled up, the cork flew out with a hollow pop.

“We’ve never celebrated this day before. You didn’t have to come all the way here for that,” she mumbled, not stopping him. He set the wine down to let it breathe for a moment. As he twisted the cork off the screw, he glanced around the apartment again.

“Is my brother around? Why not have him join us for a toast?” he suggested.

“Why would Tobirama be here?” Sakura sighed.

Hashirama suddenly went very still. He considered the corkscrew in his hand. Closed his fingers around the pointed metal spiral.

“Don’t lie to me, Jing-Mei,” he warned. His tone was deceptively light.

Sakura turned her head to the side, resting it on the back of the sofa. She smiled.

“I mean, why would Tobirama be here? Since you know everything, Uncle. I only meet with him at North Point,” she said. She tucked her hand under her cheek, staring up at him through her eyelashes. Hashirama eyed her for a long time. Sighing, he poured out two glasses of wine. When he pushed it toward her, she made half-hearted swipes toward it with her fingers. He sighed again.

“You’re going to get me killed someday. Look at you- leading us all around by the nose,” Hashirama said, placing the wine glass in her waiting fingers. She beamed at him.

He settled beside her on the L-shaped sofa.

“Nonsense, Uncle. You’re the best out of all of us. After all, you’re the Dragon head,” she replied. He hesitated, wine glass halfway up to his mouth. His eyes darted to the dark wine that suddenly looked sinister.

“Are you planning on killing me now, Jing-Mei? You’re making your uncle sad,” he asked, completely serious. Sakura pointed at his glass.

“You brought those, remember?”

“…You’re right.” Hashirama raised his glass toward her.

“What are we toasting to?” she questioned.

“Our continued existence,” he replied. They clinked glasses to that. Sakura took a sip. Glancing over the label, she could tell that this was expensive- probably very old. But it was dry, almost bitter. She wrinkled her nose as she lowered the glass. Hashirama chuckled.

“Still just a kid. Don’t know how to drink the real vintage, huh?”

“Don’t be mean to me. I still remember you coming to the club to cry over how your daughter wouldn’t kiss you anymore,” she replied, unsmiling.

Hashirama scratched the back of his head.

“Huh. I almost forgot that’s where you started. Do you still sing?”

“Not even for you, daai lou. That girl’s dead now,” she answered. Voice soft, eyes softer as she stared down into her glass. When she lifted her chin, she met his gaze, unwavering.

“What is this really about, Uncle?”

Hashirama turned his head to look out the window. Hong Kong seemed to glisten under all the rain. The entire city shimmering through all the droplets.

“Don’t know. Thought you could use some company.” The honesty in his voice was odd. It was rare to see the Dragon Head so vulnerable. He suddenly seemed much younger. He reached out, patted the top of her head once. She shook him off.

Sakura tilted her head back and drained the glass. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

“If you’ve got this much free time, you should call your daughter,” Sakura sighed. She tilted her head back, staring up at the ceiling.

“She doesn’t pick up anymore. I missed her high school graduation so she’s probably mad at me,” he replied with a chuckle. “Even though I sent so many flowers.”

For a while, it was just the rain drumming between them. Words fading into the air. Sakura held her glass up to the light. Squinted at it through one eye. It warped the shapes of the light fixtures. Bent the lightbulbs and twisted them into weird monsters.

“Flowers from a ghost mean nothing,” she commented. Hashirama grunted as he took a sip of his drink. Then, looking over at him, Sakura smiled.

“Write her a letter. No bad man bothers handwriting a letter,” she suggested. Hashirama considered this, draping his arm over the back of the sofa. He tilted his head from one side to the other. And then he let out a short chuckle.

“You know, maybe I will. You’re surprisingly wise,”

Sakura lifted her empty glass to him. “That’s because I’m a Mama.”

When Hashirama got to his feet, Sakura didn’t stir. Instead, she looked him up and down. He did the same.

“What’re you planning? I can usually read your face so well. Now…” his words drifted. Sakura smiled.

“I’m not going to try to kill you. You’re my uncle,” she insisted. Hashirama’s expression sharpened.

“Then…”

“I’m not going after Tobirama either. Relax,” she waved aside his worries.

He stood there, hands in the pockets of trench coat. Looming over her with the shadows in his face. Sometimes she forgot how tall he was.

“The reason I sent you to Japan was so that you wouldn’t always be at Kabuto’s throat. It doesn’t look good for us to be fighting with each other. We’re stronger together,” Hashirama reminded her. And then he caught something in her expression. Sighing, he crouched down so that they were at eye level. He leaned in close, black eyes unblinking.

“Are you seeing something that I’m not, Sakura? Am I missing something?” he asked in a whisper. He sounded so tired. Like a scarecrow speaking through a distant speaker. His voice drowned by the sounds of wheat blowing in the wind.

Smiling so tenderly, she looked down at her hands. Refusing to meet his gaze.

“Don’t worry, Uncle. I’ll protect this family if it kills me.”

As Hashirama left her apartment, Sakura settled back on the sofa. In the same spot. Legs tucked up against her chest. She let out a deep breath, head falling against her shoulder. Mulling over the list of names she always kept in her head.

After a long moment, she pulled her phone out from under the cushions. She tapped the screen, scrolling through to find the right number.

“I need you to find me a man who goes by ‘Ghost’. I’ll text you details,” she said as soon as he picked up.

“Got it.” The call ended.

Sakura tossed her phone aside. And then picked it up again. She dialed another number.

“Tenten, have Zabuza bring the car around. I have business in North Point.”

Tobirama’s stare drilled into the side of her face as she stared out at Victoria Harbor. He wasn’t used to this- both of them fully clothed and staring out at the city from this balcony. Then again, neither was she. She passed her cigarette off to him. Since his left hand was holding the umbrella over them, he accepted it with his right hand. He took a deep drag, exhaling through his nostrils. Like some ancient, silver-haired dragon. He held the cigarette out in front of him, scrutinizing her ring of lipstick.

“You didn’t poison this, did you?” he asked.

Sakura bristled. She snatched the cigarette back.

“Why does everyone keep accusing me of trying to poison them today?” she muttered.

“Well, everyone knows that you’re dangerous,” he responded. She didn’t laugh it off like she normally did. She wilted.

His eyes softened. He leaned in closer.

“Then tell me. What’s happening? Do you need to borrow my men? My guns?” he asked.

“No. Just…” Sakura broke off, searching for the right words.

“Your shoulder?” said, a little unsure herself.

She laid her head on his shoulder. The sounds of rain pattering down against the thin umbrella. The grey sounds of the city seeping into her pores. She waited for the loneliness to ebb. Not even fade completely. Just to recede like the tides rushing out for a little while. But it pooled in her gut, stagnant and dirty like an old puddle.

“Your shoulder sucks,” she complained.

“Well then what do you want me to do?”

“Forget it,” she said, lifting her head. Before he could say anything, she shoved him back into his seat. She climbed into his lap, a knee on either side of him.

“Sakura, the umbrella. Can’t we go inside?” he complained half-heartedly as he watched her undo his belt. She pulled her skirt up just enough for him to see that she wasn’t wearing anything underneath. If he wasn’t interested before, he certainly was now. He sprang to attention in more than one way.

“Seriously, the umbrella,” he tried one last time. He stretched his arm, trying to keep the both of them covered against the rain. His arm buckled when she grabbed him, her thumb tracing some foreign characters. Water drizzled onto her back, hitting his knee as the umbrella faltered. His arm jerked to the side again when she sank down onto him.

Her arms around his shoulders, she filled his vision. Nothing but the grey sky existed behind her. The plastic chair digging into his back. Her hair turning almost red where it was wet.

“Do you want to fuck the umbrella or fuck me?” she asked. Her voice a silken web falling all around him.

It wasn’t a difficult question. He tossed the umbrella aside. Let it fill the wrong way as the rain fell on the balcony. Laughing, she took her cigarette, placed it in his mouth. Despite the muggy heat of the monsoon season, it felt cold everywhere. Except for the place where they moved together. She hugged him close, burying her face in his neck. Hoping that he wouldn’t notice the tears dripping down her face with the rain.

Once the downpour let up a bit, Tobirama pulled on his jacket. He paused in the mirror to fix his hair. And then, noticing the mark on the side of his neck, turned his collar up. He caught her watching him in the mirror. If he noticed how red her eyes were, he didn’t say anything.

Things were normally fine like this. Normally.

He studied her expression. Opened his mouth to say something. Said nothing instead. He tightened his tie. As he was about to leave the room, he paused by the bed.

“Will you be okay for the meeting tomorrow?” he asked.

“Yeah.” She turned onto her side, freshly-washed hair soaking the pillow. He patted her head, clumsy and lost for words. Eyes dry and aching, she burrowed her face into the covers.

“Alright then.”

And then he was gone. The musk that clung to his jacket followed him out.

Just as she had promised, she was okay at that meeting in Uncle Hashirama’s office. Since it wasn’t just the three of them, she didn’t show up late. And she didn’t bring a takeout box, although she did bring him an egg waffle- still steaming. The white paper bag crinkled as he took a bite. She slipped out of her coat and Tenten took it, falling into the shadows along with the other underlings the other Red Poles had brought along.

Tobirama nodded in greeting to her from the usual armchair. Kabuto sat across the room from him, his black eyes darting around. Her gaze skimmed over his shiny watch. A counterfeit, of course.

“It looks like you’re the last, Jing-Mei,” he sneered.

“Pok gaai,” she muttered under her breath. Kabuto’s eyes narrowed.

“What was that?” he asked.

She smiled, sitting in the chair in the middle left for her. She crossed her legs, one red heel dangling from her toes.

“I said, ‘smart guy’. What did you think I said?” she asked, eyes wide with confusion. And then she faced forward to look at the Dragon Head. Who glared at her.

“Stop fooling around, you two. We need to talk,” he declared, setting the egg waffle aside. The heavy ring on his thumb glinted as he folded his hands in front of him.

As they left the office an hour later, Sakura paused at the back door.

“Tobirama,” she called. He paused halfway down the stone steps. He pivoted, hands in his pockets. His eyes were a little wary. And for some reason, Kabuto stopped on the way to his car too.

“A friend of mine in the HKPD is hearing something about a raid. If you’ve got anything hidden in those shipping containers near Tin Wan, I’d move it within the next week or so,” she stated. And then she looked over her shoulder at Kabuto. “You too.” Because no matter how he made her skin crawl, Kabuto was still 24K.

“Tin Wan is in Huang Group territory. Why would you two be treading on their turf?” he demanded, smug. He leered at Sakura.

“Did you suck their boss’ cock too?” Kabuto asked.

Tenten, who had been standing at the door to the car, drew her gun. As did Zabuza- the muzzle of his weapon poking through the passenger window. Kabuto’s underlings drew their arms too, pointing them directly at Sakura. She didn’t move.

“No, Kabuto. Though that might have been easier,” she responded, smiling. Words drawn-out and dripping with patience. She crossed her arms across her chest.

“I might have put in a good word for them with one of the bosses in Shinjuku. The Huang’s have been trying to get someone to move their product for months now. In exchange, they look the other way when we borrow their port for a little bit. I mean, it’s not like we can use Belcher Bay anymore after your last…. incident,” she spelled out for him. She jerked her head in Tobirama’s direction.

“Of course, as my 24K brother, I let Tobirama in on the deal. If you’d asked, I would have gladly included you too, brother,” she added, smile cloyingly sweet.

“By the way, try shooting me on the steps of Uncle Hashirama’s office. See what he does,” Sakura challenged. Kabuto followed her gaze to the window on the top floor. Hashirama stared down at them, his expression stony. Kabuto muttered for his men to put away their weapons while Sakura blew the Dragon Head a kiss. His expression didn’t change.

“How scary,” she sighed. Turning back, she noticed that Tenten and Zabuza still had their guns leveled at Kabuto. Only when she glared did they put their guns away. Tenten opened the car door for her.

“Bye-bye, boys. One of you I hope to see soon. And the other can go fall down a well,” she said, tone cheery and bright as she descended the stairs. She climbed into the car. Tenten closed the door and moved around the car to get in the other side. Before Zabuza could drive off, Tenten tapped Sakura on the shoulder. Sakura leaned back so that Tenten could look out the window.

“The next time you insult Aunt Cheng, I don’t care who’s watching. I’ll fucking blow your brains out,” she said, her eyes filled with fire. Sakura laughed as she searched for a cigarette in her pockets. Tenten handed one to her, still glowering at Kabuto. She held his gaze even as Zabuza pulled them out of the parking lot, onto the road.

As Sakura lit her cigarette, she noticed Tenten watching her. Like she wanted to say something. Sakura raised her eyebrows.

“I wouldn’t actually do that. You could get in a lot of trouble, if I did, I mean,” Tenten clarified, suddenly all meek and quiet.

Sakura leaned back in her seat, cigarette between her back teeth.

“Ah. Don’t worry about that. I did actually date one of the Huang boys. It was way, way back. Before I knew either of you, though,” she responded. The car jerked slightly to the left but Zabuza quickly corrected it. Tenten’s eyes bugged out.

“The Huang boys? Auntie, they’re crazy. I know we’re no saints, but I hear they cut the organs right out of people while they’re still breathing,” she said, grimacing. Sakura shrugged.

“He had a real Rolex and he didn’t let his buddies put their hands on me. Wasn’t a bad kid,” Sakura recalled.

The car was quiet as Zabuza merged onto the highway. It was just the wipers brushing away the droplets that flecked the windshield. And then Zabuza spoke up.

“What happened?”

Sakura opened up the back window just enough to let out smoke. She tapped the ash outside the car.

“Oh, he found out I was affiliated with the 24K and thought I was spying on him. Tried to sell me off into Russia as a hooker. Or maybe Korea? Whatever. Either way, I stabbed him; Uncle Hashirama helped me make it look like the Suns were behind it,” she recalled, a little murky on the details herself. It had been so many years ago. And so many shots of vodka ago.

Neither of her subordinates said anything. Sakura tapped her cigarette outside the window again.

“By the way, never tell anyone that story. Uncle Hashirama will kill you if he finds out that you know,” she added.

“Damnit, Aunt Cheng,” Zabuza sighed.

When she flew back to Tokyo, the leaves on the maple trees were just starting to turn orange. It was just four hours away- but the difference in temperature always startled her. The ginkgo trees had turned gold in her absence. She marveled at the fan-shaped leaves as they drove past.

Tenten excused herself at the airport to head to the club. Sai took her place. He bowed low before he entered the car.

“He came by several times,” he simply reported as the car took them north. Sakura cast him a glance before she looked back at the window.

“Who? Charlie?” she sighed.

“No. Uchiha. He just keeps wandering in. No guards. I don’t think he’s even wearing kevlar,” Sai clarified. Sakura narrowed her eyes.

“Maybe he’s finally figured it out,” she said, mostly to herself. And then she pursed her lips.

“I change my mind. Take us to the club,” she said to the driver.

“Yes, Aunt Cheng,” he replied.

#eastern suns #itasaku #tobisaku #writing #triad!sakura x yakuza!itachi #triad!au

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queen-clarissa · 7 years ago

Photo

HSHQTASK012: TIMELINE

“Outwardly, I was everything a well brought up girl should be. Inside, I was screaming.”

1. Birth- March 24, 1963

Clarissa Elizabeth Mary Windsor was born on March 24, 1963. She was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in London at 6:23 AM, and was the second child and first daughter of the king & queen of England. She was second in line for the English throne, and given the title Princess Royal. From the moment she was born, her entire life had been planned out for her.

2. First day of schooling- September 12, 1967

Since she was second in line for the throne, Clarissa was educated the same way as her elder brother in case she ever had to become queen. She had a private tutor and lessons were on the English constitution, history, language, literature and music.

3. First horse- May 13, 1969

Clarissa’s father gave her a Thoroughbred named Rosie. This is when her love for animals really began. She was six years old at the time and developed a deep interest in horseback riding that she still has today.

4. Trooping the Colour- June 17, 1972

During the parade, Clarissa encountered a young boy, a commoner, who would become a significant person in her life. The boy’s mother ended up becoming one of the lady’s maids for Clarissa’s mother, so he became one of the few friends she had during her childhood.

5. First Kiss, Buckingham Palace Gardens- June 5, 1979

Clarissa and the boy, Thomas, had their first kiss. They then began sneaking around and fell in love, but Clarissa knew it would never last because of their different social statuses. A year later, he went off to university and she was sent to finishing school, so they never saw each other again.

6. Clarissa & Louis began courting- August 3, 1981

When Clarissa turned eighteen, she became a very sought after because of her outstanding beauty & royal status. The courtship was engineered by both the English and French royal families for political reasons. Clarissa was unhappy with the idea of it, but went along with it because she was expected to do so.

7. Engagement- December 18, 1982

Louis proposed to Clarissa on December 18, 1982 at the Palais-Royal in France. She accepted out of the strong sense of duty she had to her country and for the opportunity to make a difference in the world.

9. Wedding- April 17, 1984

At just twenty-one years old, Clarissa wed the newly crowned King Louis XXVI on April 17, 1984 at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Notable figures in attendance included many members of royal families from across the world, heads of state, and members of the bride and groom’s families. Their marriage was widely billed as a “fairytale wedding” and the “wedding of the century,” having been watched by an estimated global audience for 810 million. Two million spectators lined the route of Clarissa’s procession from the Palace of Versailles to the cathedral, with 4,000 police and 2,200 military officers to manage the crowds. Clarissa’s wedding dress was valued at $12,000 (equivalent to $34,000 in 2015). Because she was such a young bride, Clarissa describes the whole thing as rather overwhelming, and the most nervous she had ever been in her life. Not long after the wedding, she came to realize that he was an abuser and an adulterer.

10. Birth of Prince Joseph- April 1, 1987

Joseph was born at Hôpital Necker in Paris on April 1, 1987 at 7:43 AM, the heir to the French throne. The birth boosted the French national economy and provided a focus for national pride. Gun salutes signaled the birth, church bells were rung, and iconic landmarks in France were illuminated blue. Clarissa was thrilled to have her first child, as she always wanted to be a mother. With Joseph, she always wanted to make sure he had a normal childhood despite the enormous amount of responsibility that would be placed on his shoulders when he got older.

12. Depression- 1990

Clarissa first started showing symptoms of depression in the spring of 1990 due to stress and discontentment with her life. She still feels trapped but has figured out how to hide her true feelings about things.

13. Charity work in Africa- started February 20, 1992

Clarissa’s passion for charitable work started when she visited Africa and visited with underprivileged children. Currently she is a patron of over 50 charities involving children, the homeless, animals, and wildlife conservation.

14. Birth of Prince Nicolas- July 30, 1995

Clarissa had her second child on July 30, 1995 at 2:25 pm. Clarissa was overjoyed to welcome a daughter, and just like for the birth of Joseph, gun salutes signaled the birth, and landmarks in France were illuminated pink. It didn’t take Clarissa long to realize that her daughter was different and she was very supportive when Nic came out as trans.

15. Birth of Princess Zelia- May 18, 1997

Princess Zelia was born on January 9, 1997 at 6:15 AM. Like her siblings, gun salutes signaled her birth and landmarks were illuminated in pink. Clarissa tends to baby her because she is her youngest child, and the two of them disagree on a lot of things.

16. Moves to Shanghai & Aegean Sea- April 23, 2017

Clarissa was sent to Shanghai both for her protection and to speak with other royals there while her husband remained in France. Her two sons ended up joining her. Although she misses some things about home, she enjoys no longer being in Louis’ shadow and feels a sense of freedom. Because of this, she is beginning to build up the courage to make her own decisions and wishes to become more politically involved.

#hshqtask012 #YALL I WROTE A FUCKING NOVEL #tw: abuse #tw: mental disorder #I NEED A DRINK ASAP

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placetobenation · 7 years ago

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“The revolutionary force for over 50 years in sports entertainment” was a clever tag line used in the mid 90s before every WWF show. For most United States wrestling fans that are still alive, it is a way of life. Greater by the day is the lack of variance in the answer of what wrestling an individual grew up on. For better or worse, WWE has been the standard bearer. Throughout that rich history, performers ranging from Nature Boys to Undertakers have graced the squared circle. Foreign legends have had extended runs and some of the most iconic figures in pro wrestling history have been aces of the promotion reaching unequivocal mainstream pop culture heights in the world of wrestling.

With such a large history to play with, discovering the beauty of Bob Backlund’s charisma or the connection of Bruno Sammartino to the MSG crowd was a new development throughout this project similar to rewatching The Godfather and On the Waterfront to rediscover the genius of Marlon Brando. WWE may not have always been YOUR promotion but for the better part of 50 years, it was THE promotion in the United States and transformed the pro wrestling landscape. This project serves to praise the individuals that best helped shape the vision of Vince McMahon Sr. and Jr. Place to be Nation is proud to present to you a ranking of the Greatest WWE Wrestlers Ever.

– Chad Campbell

Note: Results of this list are based on 118 ballots received between May and December 2017. Voters were asked to submit their list of the 100 Greatest WWE Wrestlers of all time and consider only their WWWF/WWF/WWE career. Ties were broken based on 1) number of ballots a wrestler appeared on and 2) high vote.

Every wrestler who received at least one vote will be recognized in the coming weeks. Please stay tuned to Place to Be Nation as we reveal all of the honorable mentions right through the cream of the crop. Read the other installments, both written and audio, of this project here.

54. Billy Graham Total Points: 4,355 Total Ballots: 83 Average Rank: 48.6 High Vote: 7 Low Vote: 100 High Voter: Grady Blount

Nuance: Superstar was cool baby! There was no cooler cat in the promotion throughout the 70s. There was a bigger cat, but we’ve probably been raked over the coals enough for him not being higher on the list. Billy Graham was absolutely an innovator and his influence can still be felt on the world of wrestling today. His promo style and… workout regiment would go on to inspire Jesse Ventura, Hulk Hogan and the Incredible Hulk. He was one of the first cool heels the territory had seen, with his flashy tights and feathered boas enraging fans to no end as he snuck away with the WWF Title night after night. His face run years later was marred by kung fu and attempting to turn Don Muraco into a literal rock, but hey, they can’t all be winners. He is extremely underrated when it comes to having the most wrinkled head known to man.

Jump Up Moments: Superstar became the first heel to hold the WWWF title for a substantial period of time when he defeated Bruno Sammartino on April 30, 1977. His run of defenses against Dusty Rhodes are still looked back on fondly. Throughout his nearly year-long run he had memorable matches with Pedro Morales, Bob Backlund and Mil Mascaras, of all fucking people. Returned for a short stint in 1982 but did little else besides smash a title belt and lose to Bob Backlund. Old Man Graham required a hip replacement so Butch Reed and One Man Gang beat his ass for being a jive soul bro. Convinced Don Muraco he was Jesus Christ. Nearly ruined the first SummerSlam.

Promos/Character: Here’s where his influence truly lies. Is he a better promo than some of the greats we have seen since him? Of course not, but there was no one, no one in the promotion doing what he did on the mic in the 1970s. It’s no surprise that his feud with Dusty Rhodes popped, both guys could sling words with the best of them. Check out his promos leading up to those matches, or in the build up to fighting Bob Backlund. Graham shines with a mic in his hand (or shoved in his face); he was smooth and very comfortable off the cuff. It’s no surprise that when many of us heard there was a preacher named Billy Graham we were horribly disappointed that it wasn’t the Superstar shepherding the congregation.

Workrate: Some people despise his work while others seem to have outed him as merely adequate. What is undeniable is that he was effective. His every move was booed out of the building in some matches. Wrestling as a heel has its challenges, especially when you’re jacked to the gills, but Superstar played it perfectly. Despite his size, he appeared weak and cowardly, which did nothing but enhance his status as one of the most hated men in the promotion. His selling of beatings as though he was being killed is an oft-overlooked aspect of his in ring game.

Staff Thoughts: Billy Graham was a heel champ for nearly a year in an era when that didn’t fly for the McMahons. He kept his spot with his over the top personality and crazy connection with the fans. His influence is huge and he’s still a ton of fun to watch today. It’s no surprise he landed so close to the top half of this list, he’s a god damn superstar!

From the Voters: “Superstar was a trend-setter. Ventura and Hogan both borrowed from Graham for their look and personas. Ring-wise, he was solid if unspectacular but he had the crowd in the palm of his hand with that charisma. He was way before his time and is easily remembered by any fan from his era. He was probably Macho Man to Bruno’s Hogan.” – Chris Jordan, May 29, 2017

“Has to be in the top 100. Although I’m going to be completely honest here: despite their influence, I haven’t been blown away by his promos. He comes off as doing a very low end Ali impression.” – Greg Phillips, June 12, 2017

“Superstar makes it on my list, somewhere in the middle. I think everyone else on here has hit the nail on the head in describing him so no need for me to repeat everything. Regarding his workrate, WWWF/WWF was never a workrate company. You had exceptions, especially Backlund’s matches, but otherwise style definitely ruled over substance. Bruno was the most popular wrestler pre-Hogan and he was pretty much punch-kick-punch-kick-bearhug. Yet he was a megastar because of his charisma and Everyman persona. You didn’t want to see Bruno wrestler, you wanted to see him kick ass. Same thing with Superstar, his super style more than made up for his lack of substance. I think his 83 and 87 returns hurt his legacy, but not enough to knock him out of the top 50 for me. Workrate, for me, really has to be looked at on an era basis, especially if you’re more a fan of the modern product.” – Tim Tetreault, August 10, 2017

53. Sheamus Total Points: 4,378 Total Ballots: 96 Average Rank: 55.4 High Vote: 15 Low Vote: 94 High Voter: Dean Coles

Nuance: Is there anything that Sheamus isn’t good at? Great heel, fun face, excellent tag team worker. There are few guys who have had that much variety in such a short amount of time as Sheamus. He’s been in the promotion nearly ten years and has reinvented himself many times along his shameful, lobster-headed run. Who screams “FELLA!!” better than Sheamus? No one. Not Bob Backlund, not Hugo Chavez, NO ONE. He also goes full tilt into whatever he’s doing. Need someone to dress up like the Celtic Kings of lore? Sheamus is there. Want a guy who will disfigure his face and live every waking moment in a living hell because of his hair? Sheamus O’Shaunessy Patrick Fitzgerald will do it! Just good Lord keep him out of the sun!

Jump Up Moments: Won the WWE title from John Cena at TLC 2009 after being in the promotion a couple of months. Had the honor of laying down for Triple H at WrestleMania XXVI and then at Extreme Rules beat up The Game so bad he was out for ten months. TEN MONTHS. That’s huge for a guy who was nearly murdered in a car and recovered in a week and a half. Those kicks are stronger than a car! On June 20, 2010 won the WWE title for a second time in a Fatal Four-Way match. Won the 2010 King of the Ring Tournament, beating Kofi Kingston and John Morrison along the way. At TLC 2010 had an excellent ladder match with Morrison. Irish cursed with the King of the Ring title, started 2011 on a bit of a losing streak but eventually won the US title from Daniel Bryan. Turned face by simply saying “I’ll fight him,” in reference to Mark Henry’s open challenge. At SummerSlam 2011 had one of the more satisfying countout losses to Mark Henry. Won the 2012 Royal Rumble, last eliminating a silent Chris Jericho. Beat Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania 28 to win the World Heavyweight title and at Extreme Rules had possibly the best match of his career against Bryan as they battled in a two out of three falls match. Would have a solid, if unspectacular year defending against Alberto Del Rio, Christian and Dolph Ziggler. Sheamus lost the Title at Hell in a Cell against the Big Show in another fun match. Teamed with John Cena and Randy Orton to go down in defeat to the Shield at Elimination Chamber 2013. Sheamus helped legitimize the first Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royale at WrestleMania XXX. Helped legitimize himself as he searched the world for his father. Won the 2015 Money in the Bank and cashed in to win the WWE Title at Survivor Series 2015. Had a great best of seven series against Cesaro throughout 2016. When their series ended in a draw, started what could have been a disaster and teamed with Cesaro. It was no disaster though as they became one of the best teams of the last decade having a wonderful Survivor Series 2016 and then defeating the New Day at TLC 2016. With Cesaro was involved in the great tag team ladder match at WrestleMania 33. Again with Cesaro had a tag team Iron Man Match at (sigh) Great Balls of Fire against the Hardys that far exceeded expectations.

Promos/Character: Probably his weakest category, but at times could still cut a strong promo, especially as a heel. There was something great about the scary Irish guy who said little, cried, then beat your ass. As soon as he started calling Del Rio “Berty” the promos became cringe-inducing. His “you look stupid” era was lazy on the writer’s behalf but his character work in his tag run with Cesaro has been tremendous. The slow transition from them hating one another into friends is seldom done right but they nailed it.

Workrate: Sheamus is a great, hard-hitting worker who rarely gets the credit he deserves. His consistency is stunning as he almost always is involved in one of the better matches on the card. He’s excellent on his own, solid in a team and is always a glue guy during multi-man ladder matches or Royal Rumbles. His moves are crisp, stiff and look legit every step of the way. Sheamus has a repertoire of signature spots that work every time he’s out there. Ten Beats of the Bowery, The Irish Curse, the Celtic Cross, the Fella Scream, they all work. The Brogue Kick is a killer finish as well. He’s just a guy that you want to see work every night and are rarely let down by.

Staff Thoughts: Man, if the rumors are true that he’s winding down due to injury the WWE is going to be much, much poorer for it. Sheamus really has done it all over the past decade and has succeeded in nearly every position on the card. Despite there being way to many limes, when you get right down to it, Sheamus more than deserves a place on this list. He also deserves a tan. He’s earned it. FELLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

From the Voters: “I love Sheamus. Awesome TV worker. One of the best in company history. Loads of good to great matches. Great tag & singles worker. Good up & down the card. Great offense, great learned psychology, great selling. At times has had a very entertaining character & at other times a pretty lousy character. His 2012 is one of the better in-ring years ever for a WWE wrestler. Gets lost in the WWE shuffle sometimes which hurts him. He’s on my list. Bottom half somewhere.” – Devon Motivator Hales, June 2, 2017

“Pretty much close your eyes and point to a episode of Smackdown in 2011-2012 and it will have a good sheamus match” – Brian Meyer, June 6, 2017

“Won’t make my list…boring character…can’t work heel or face, promos suck, feel bad Cesaro is stuck with him right now” – Mike Thomas, June 16, 2017

52. Big Boss Man Total Points: 4,428 Total Ballots: 107 Average Rank: 59.6 High Vote: 20 Low Vote: 100 High Voter: Andrew Lacelle

Nuance: Quite frankly, until you’ve taken a trip down to Cobb County Georgia, read the signs and respected the law and order it’s hard to get a grasp on the aura of one Big Boss Man. Hated as a heel, beloved as a face, Ray Traylor was able to pull off both in two very different eras. All while having one of the mosts memorable theme songs off all time and… one of the most boring one-note theme songs of all time! He was a paradox. Virtuous and good when faced with the same corruption that plagues modern police forces, but when pushed, could be the most heinously evil man walking God’s green Earth. His original run was about five years with another two and a half tacked on at the end; so he… did his time… so to speak.

Jump Up Moments: Upon entry into the WWF, Boss Man was quickly inserted into a feud with Hulk Hogan, culminating with that awesome cage match on Saturday Night’s Main Event. Despite being a correctional officer, he allied himself with a known pimp and fraudulent African to form the Twin Towers. Along with Akeem was a catalyst in the breakup of the Mega Powers during The Main Event in February of 1989. The Towers would go on to have a fun match with the Rockers at WrestleMania V, as well as a decent six man teaming with Andre against Demolition at SummerSlam 1989. Left Dusty Rhodes a bloody, beaten mess at the 1989 Survivor Series. Rather than take a bribe, turned face in early 1990 which led to a squishing of Akeem at Mania VI. Became almost the de facto number three face in the company as he helped Hogan battle Earthquake. Towards the end of 1990 got in the best shape of his career, which drew the ire of Rick Rude and the Heenan Family. They mercilessly mocked his mother, so he systematically worked his way through them all. His match with Barbarian at Royal Rumbe ‘91 was a highlight as was his clash with Mr. Perfect at WrestleMania VII. Put the Mountie in jail in the summer of 1991, but in truth the moment is much more remembered for Mountie’s antics. Was a FORCE in the 1992 Royal Rumble, until the bizarre convulsion that led to his elimination. In mid-92 was…ahem… nailed by one of his former inmates. The beatdown was legendary, the inevitable night stick match was not. Before leaving the promotion did a hell of a job putting over Bam Bam Bigelow at the 1993 Royal Rumble. Returned to the company in 1998 as Mr.McMahon’s head of security. Became an important cog in the Corporation, winning the Tag Team Titles with Ken Shamrock as well as the Hardcore Title. Killed a dog and served it to Al Snow in the form of steak. Mind-fucked Big Show into thinking his father had died, and then when the man did die, turned a low-key family mourning into a legendary affair. Mentored Bull Buchanan as part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Promos/Character: Boss Man made the most of his southern drawl, and he yelled and screamed about law, order, and justice. He was confident on the mic, articulate and even made you believe, if for the briefest of moments, that he was a legitimate police officer. His promo as Dusty Rhodes is being carried from the ring at Survivor Series 1989 is a picture of a man in full command of his vocal faculties. He also had a way of just making you believe in his virtue as a face. He was a cop for Christ’s sake! Why wouldn’t you be on his side. His turn into most evil man on Earth is spectacular though. In a business that has housed horrible, horrible people, Boss Man stands alone atop Mount Despicable. He reveled in killing that dog. He presumably built that giant megaphone with which he ruined that funeral. No man enjoyed being evil more than Ray Traylor.

Workrate: One of the best big men of all time. By 1991 he was in such great shape that he moved around like a guy a hundred pounds lighter. Despite his size could also work believably from underneath. Check out his selling in his matches against Earthquake and Bam Bam Bigelow for further evidence. Oh and the punches! Oh, the punches. He slowed down considerably in his second run, but was still a welcome addition to the roster and fit nicely into the Hardcore division.

Staff Thoughts: The Big Boss Man was a super-memorable character who improved so much in his first few years. Just think of his first few months. That shirt would get untucked EVERY single time he wrestled. By 1990 that tuck was so strong that we never saw that correctional belly again. Sure he was involved in one of the worst matches of all time and was later literally hanged in the center of the ring, but really, who could have had a match surrounded by those shitting dogs? Certainly not the Junkyard Dog, or the Dog Faced Gremlin, or Road Dogg; no, they’d be shitting along with their compatriots. Boss Man could be counted on to take dog shit and turn it into steak. A stud in the ring, a monster in the graveyard, Ray Traylor was an entertaining son of a bitch, always delivered and the hours spent watching his matches were definitely not HARD TIMES.

From the Voters: “1990-1991 was where he shined. This guy was huge over as a babyface. As he dealt with injuries sure he deteriorated some. But still a great character. And I have a soft spot for the early work he did in his 1998 return. A great way to reinvent a character from the Federation era and make him feel at home in the Attitude era. I feel somewhere in the middle third for him, that 40-65 range.” – David Mann, June 8, 2017

“One of the most agile, entertaining big men ever. Was believable as both heel and babyface. Had some great matches with Hogan. I was convinced he was actually a former prison guard as a kid, even though I recognized him as Big Bubba from Crockett TV.” – Mike Andrews, June 8, 2017

“Had hellacious runs as both heel and face in the late 80s and early 90s. Good matches with the Mega Powers, and a guy who put on really fun squash exhibitions. Got over with a unique character that could have tanked. Physically diminished in his later run, but still had a presence and could deliver a good promo.” – Ben Morse, June 7, 2017

51. Sean Waltman Total Points: 4,485 Total Ballots: 98 Average Rank: 55.2 High Vote: 26 Low Vote: 99 High Voter: Jamie McGleave

Nuance: Sean Waltman had about a three-year run as the 1-2-3 Kid and another four years as X-Pac, so solid longevity with the company. He was a great underdog babyface as the 1-2-3 Kid and played both a heel and babyface as X-Pac. He had a singles run and successful tag teams with multiple partners, including Marty Jannetty, Bob Holly, Kane and others.

Jump Up Moments: The Kid’s victory over Razor Ramon was one of the most memorable moments of the early years of Raw. His tag team with Marty Jannetty was fun and led to a surprising Tag Team Title reign and a very good match with the Quebecers. His match with Bret Hart on the July 11, 1994 Raw was one of the great matches of the early Raws. Kid formed a tag team with Bob Holly, winning the vacant Tag Team Titles in a strong match with Bam Bam Bigelow and Tatanka at the 1995 Royal Rumble, leading to the Bigelow and Lawrence Taylor angle. Waltman’s return to the company as X-Pac was a huge moment in the Monday Night Wars, as he was one of the first defectors back to the WWF side and he cut a scathing promo on WCW the night after WrestleMania XIV. X-Pac was a huge part of the Attitude Era with D-Generation X and he formed a solid tag team with Kane, before turning on him and feuding with the Big Red Machine. While his star dimmed toward the end of his run, he still churned out real good matches with a variety of new talent.

Promos/Character: X-Pac’s promo when joining the D-X “Army” felt like one of the signals that WWF was turning a page and that the momentum in the Monday Night Wars was shifting back to New York. In other promos, X-Pac was solid, if unspectacular. The 1-2-3 Kid was a great white meat babyface underdog, though the heel Kid left a bit to be desired. X-Pac was a fine character in his initial stages with D-X, but his character grew stale rapidly. This lack of character evolution was likely one of the driving forces in fans turning against him by 2001, leading to the much debated “X-Pac heat” term. At any rate, by the time X-Factor was a thing, fans had tired of the character.

Workrate: Whether he was The Kid or X-Pac, Waltman was one of the best and most consistent workers of his time. Always a great TV worker, Waltman filled the time and even had decent matches in Russo’s Attitude Era Crash TV environment. His match with Bret Hart on Raw is one to track down, the “Clique” tag team match with Razor Ramon against Shawn Michaels and Diesel is another highlight and his tag matches with Jannetty were good as well. As X-Pac, he had solid feuds and matches with Jeff Jarrett, D’Lo Brown, Tajiri and got a decent showing out of Shane McMahon at WrestleMania XV.

Staff Thoughts: Two distinct characters during two very different eras and being one of the best in-ring workers during each of those eras gets Waltman on the list. The upset of Razor and match with Bret on the early Raws, along with the two short tag-team runs and feud with Razor might have gotten Kid on the list. X-Pac was a memorable character and part of one of the most popular factions during one of the hottest periods of all time for the company. That along with his famous promo on his re-debut and solid workrate with everybody he worked with at the time might have gotten X-Pac on alone. Having both the X-Pac and 1-2-3 Kid work is more than enough to overcome X-Factor and their god-awful music and earn a place on the list. Hear what the guys had to say about Waltman on this FYC podcast.

From the Voters: “He’s in. Great during the New Generation Era. One of, if not the best worker in the company during those years. The X-Pac character sucked, but he was still having good matches up until he left in 02. A few great moments in 93-94 as Dylan mentioned help his case as well. X-Pac got really old even for me as an 8-9 year old kid. Bottom quarter.” – Devon Motivator Hales, June 2, 2017

“Big fan of Xpac and 123 kid. Doesn’t get the credit he deserves for breaking barriers for smaller guys getting a push. The upset win over Razor Ramon was truly shocking. Great angle. He’s in my top 100.” – Troy Brostrom, June 30, 2017

“Easily in. Consistently solid worker week to week. Probably the best wrestler during the god awful 1999. Faint praise? Yes, but at least it’s something. Provided one of the earliest great moments on the flagship show.” – Brian Meyer, June 3, 2017

50. Booker T Total Points: 4,495 Total Ballots: 98 Average Rank: 55.1 High Vote: 18 Low Vote: 100 High Voter: Michael DeDamos

Nuance: Right here you’ve got one of the most successful imports from another promotion right there. Booker succeeded on both sides of the alignment and was great on his own or tagging with some FREAK. There was a period of time where he was legitimately one of the top babyfaces in the promotion; his spinarooni connected with the fans and his inspirational story should have easily culminated with a title win at WrestleMania. Perhaps WrestleMania XIX. Strange that never hhhapened. Six years in the promotion checks the longevity box, and surviving the Alliance scored him some points as well.

Jump Up Moments: Debuted by jumping Steve Austin at the 2001 King of the Ring. The next moth was part of the excellent ten man tag at the Invasion pay per view. Spent the summer of 2001 feuding with the Rock and the winter getting his ass beat in a grocery store by Steve Austin. In the spring of 2002 started a film discussion show with Goldust that sadly wasn’t picked up by any of the major networks. Also went above and beyond the Rock’s performance in the Scorpion King. And I’ve got a sword TOO! Teamed with Goldust for the better part of the year finally winning the World Tag Team Titles at Armageddon 2002. Had the honor of feuding with Triple H at WrestleMania XIX during the time he was arguably the top good guy in the company. On July 7, 2003 Booker defeated Christian to win the Intercontinental Title. It is still unclear if he did this to celebrate the American Thanksgiving, sucka. At the 2003 Survivor Series, the other Mr. T was part of Steve Austin’s team in and excellent Survivor Series style match. On February 16, 2004 Booker tagged with RVD to reform the ALLIANCE and win the World Tag Team Titles. Along with the Dudley Boyz was traded to Smackdown for Triple H. WHAT A DEAL!!! Feuded with John Cena in the summer of 2004 and won the WWE US title in an eight man elimination match. While their chemistry was questionable at times, fought John Cena in a generally well received best of five series. In 2005 fought a best of seven series, this time trying to recapture that old WCW magic with Chris Benoit. WON THE KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT IN 2006! After the win everything was pure gold. Defeated Rey Mysterio at the Great American Bash 2006 to win the World Heavyweight Title. Had William Regal scream “All Hail King Booker,” for what felt like a half an hour through a commercial break. Returned to a MASSIVE pop at the 2011 Royal Rumble.

Promos/Character: Booker T was a fun promo who could do the serious and the silly. His catchphrases worked great including the whole ‘Now can you dig that…SUCKAAAAAAAAAAAAA!” Sadly he never found a coherent way to tell us how many titles he had won. He absolutely thrived as King Booker though. He changed every aspect of his countenance, right down to the look on his face. He was the most benevolent king the Federation had ever seen, as no one, and I mean no one has ever immersed themselves in the royal regalia more than Book. His accent was hilarious and his interactions with the plebeians made for special television every time he was on. All Hail King Booker indeed!

Workrate: Booker was a solid in ring hand whose moves always looked crisp and painful. Surprisingly agile for a man his size he combined a great brawling style with a hint of high flying that few had. Seemed the slow waaaaay down when wrestling as a heel so it’s unsurprising that his better matches are when he’s fighting for the good.

Staff Thoughts: Booker T would probably make this list without King Booker but we’re unsure if he’d be as high. He came in hot, got cooled down, got hot again then coasted for a few years until ambition drove him to the throne. One of the few survivors from the dreadful Invasion, Booker deserves all the credit in the world for finding his own niche in a very crowded company. Whether you wanted a serious feud or just a laugh Booker was your man. TONIGHT!

From the Voters: “I like Booker and always have. He definitely gets in based on a number of memorable moments, storylines and promos, not to mention some fine matches along the way. The reason he won’t rank super high for me is, primarily, that he often found himself in a no man’s land of sorts, in my eyes — as a heel, his promos were sensational but his matches were often dull. As a babyface, his matches were exciting but his promos were dull. He had a natural in-ring babyface charisma that sometimes was at odds with his natural arrogant heel persona. Still, a tremendous character and a good performer, so he’s in.” – Greg Phillips, June 8, 2017

“Maybe the greatest African American wrestler of all time. Great gimmick with King Booker. Low 60’s high 70’s” – Eric Boyd, May 28, 2017

49. Mr. McMahon Total Points: 4,541 Total Ballots: 73 Average Rank: 39.6 High Vote: 2 Low Vote: 98 High Voter: Chad Campbell

Nuance: Vince McMahon straight up is in the conversation for best single performer the company has ever had. He excelled at everything. Play a good guy? He did that surprisingly well. Play a bad guy? Probably the best in the history of the company. Draw the ire of the fans? As recently as January 2018 he turned 20,000 adoring fans from bowing to him to chanting asshole in the span of three sentences. He spearheaded, along with Steve Austin, a complete renaissance of the company in 1998. Without him (as a performer) we may be doing the GWCW 100. Vince, as a general rule, also gets it. He gets what it takes to be an effective heel. He’s always willing to look the fool to get someone over. Unlike the many AUTHORITIES we’ve seen, there’s an unselfishness to Vince that only enhances everything else he brings to the table. It seems strange to use the word unselfish to describe Vince. It’s plausible he’s very selfish. He’s probably been put on TV way more than he should have been. He’s also pissed his pants on TV, had feces dumped on him, shaved his head and been beaten to a bloody pulp more than anyone is company history. He says he wouldn’t ask his employees to do something he wouldn’t and he means it!

Jump Up Moments: Challenged Steve Austin for the WWF title with one hand tied behind his back; a moment that finally turned the tide in the ratings war with WCW. The Night after WrestleMania XIV, kicked off the Austin feud with a hellacious promo and a beating. Got sack whacked during a photo op a couple of weeks later. Took an all time sick chair shot at Unforgiven 1998. His performance at Over The Edge 1998 should go down as the best guest referee spot n company history. Including the arrogant promo he cut off the top of the show with Patterson & Brisco. CAHOOTS! After being assaulted by Steve Austin jumping off a zamboni, got caught flipping off Undertaker and Kane and had his leg broken in a hilarious scene. The hospital bits with the bedpan. All of it. In fact his entire fall of 1998 is the stuff of legend. The corvette, squealing like a pig, it’s all gold. The go home promo for Judgment Day 1998 may be the best heel promo of all time (I WILL FIRE YOUR ASS THIS SUNDAY). At Survivor Series 1998 jumped out of his wheelchair and began to run in a miraculous scene. Won the 1999 Royal Rumble last eliminating Steve Austin. The montages of him training leading up to the match are also all timers. At St Valentine’s Day Massacre was beaten to a bloody, finger waving pulp by Steve Austin. Imagine how many men had to make compromises to watch that show? Because of Vince. Was a reluctant caring father in the spring of 1999. While it was a stupid plot twist “IT’S ME AUSTIN!!!!!” is incredible in its delivery. Won the WWF title from Triple H on an episode of Smackdown in Fall 1999. Fought The Game at Armageddon 1999 in a typically long match. After WrestleMania 2000 joined Triple H and company and cut the “Life Sucks and Then You Die” promo. Did an amazing walk of hurried fear at Judgment Day 2000 and dubbed his balls “grapefruits” a few weeks later. In late 2000 DEMANDED a DIVORRRRCE from Linda McMahon. Fought Shane McMahon at WrestleMania X-7 in an excellent street fight. As the beleaguered owner, he actually made us cheer for him during the Invasion. Was in fine form the night after Survivor Series 2001, firing Paul Heyman, making William Regal kiss his ass and pulling his ear at the sight of Ric Flair. Fought Flair at the 2002 Royal Rumble. At WrestleMania XIX had a classic against Hulk Hogan, which included the best camera shot in television history as he rose from behind the ring, face bloodied, lead pipe in hand. Bled like a sieve in matches with Zack Gowan and Undertaker throughout 2003. Was tremendous in the buildup to his match with Shawn Michaels, playing the proverbial devil to Shawn’s angel. Their match at WrestleMania 22 over-delivered. The next month he would fight GOD! We were also graced with the skit in the church as well as Vince “dancing” to When The Saints Go Marching In. In 2007 drew the biggest WrestleMania to date against Donald Trump of all people. His head shaving is spectacular right down to the screaming. Later that year he would win the ECW championship against Lashley while wearing a doo rag. The match with Bret Hart was an abomination but Vince was golden in the set up. We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Vince’s involvement in the 2011 Summer of Punk. The live contract signing was wonderful and his work in the main event of MITB 2011 helped seal the importance of the moment. His match with Punk was also way better than it had any right being.

Promos/Character: The best heel promo in wrestling history. Sold more pay per views through his words than any other man, most of which were matches he wasn’t even in. Vince could nail you with the all time heel promo but also be hilarious when needed. Look at his throat when he’s scared, it bobs up and down with the greatest of ease. Watch him when Mick Foley wins the title for the first time on Raw, no one had that level of commitment to their character. No one talked like him. No one could growl a “YOU’RRRE FAHHHHHHHHHHRED!” like him. No one walked like him either. That strut still brings a smile to our faces. And why in the hell is he stomping his feet so hard on the stairs? He’s the living embodiment of “what’s this guy’s fucking problem?” Quite frankly, an amazing performer through and through on the mic.

Workrate: Certainly not known for his catch as catch can skills, Vince’s matches are almost all universally good, with many bordering on great. He was the most uncoordinated in-ring guy they’ve ever had but he made it work for him. He didn’t take fifty percent of the offense like his son or one hundred percent of the screen like his daughter, he got the crap kicked out of him every time out. If he got the advantage it was either by kicking a guy in the nuts, a ton of guys running in or literally fighting the disabled. He looked great taking a beating because he was an old man literally taking a beating for his company. The fact that almost every match ended with him on stretcher giving the finger only helps his case.

Staff Thoughts: While he finished just this side of 50 there’s no argument that he’s among the top five most important performers the company has ever had. His appearances were appointment TV and his matches always over-delivered. If there was any doubt that Vince shouldn’t be included on a list such as this, we challenge you to go back and watch the fall of 1998 for his promos as well as his WrestleMania encounters. Vincent Kennedy McMahon (damnit) is pro wrestling.

From the Voters: “I’m not going to rank him. Didn’t have enough matches, and I personally feel a little icky ranking him instead of someone who busted his/her ass working for Vince. Not that my list means anything, but it’s a personal deal. I also thought VinceMcMahon: WWF Champion was David Arquette-level bad, but I can’t deny his impact, and I legitimately think he’s one of the greatest on-screen characters in television history.” – Greg Phillips, June 8, 2017

“I think he wrestled enough matches to be considered a part time worker. Add in his character work as a GOAT contender heel and he will be on my list. His matches were generally good -> great too.” – JT Rozzero, June 8, 2017

“The more important heel and character in company history including Piper, Hogan, and Austin. The role the MrMcMahon character played in the boom is wildly understated, but it’s worth noting that his turn and transition into a guy who could actually have his ass kicked is when the WWE really started to right the ship. Like Post-return Brock, his matches were special spectacles even right up to the end (the Punk match from TV rules). Top 3 promo in company history at worse. Drew the biggest buy rate in Mania history against Trump with surrogates. Tough to figure out what to do with him because of the small number of matches, but I’ll consider him for number 1” – Dylan Hales, June 3, 2017

“He’s on my list simply because without him, THERE IS NO LIST.” – Scott Criscuolo, June 7, 2017

48. Chris Benoit Total Points: 4,554 Total Ballots: 65 Average Rank: 31 High Vote: 7 Low Vote: 100 High Voter: Sam Symonds; Eric Vejnovich

Nuance: Chris Benoit spent seven years with the WWF/E, so he has solid longevity. He worked as both a heel and babyface, and had notable tag team runs with Kurt Angle competing for the WWE Tag Team titles as part of the “SmackDown Six,” and won World Tag Team Titles with Chris Jericho and Edge as well.

Jump Up Moments: Benoit won the 2004 Royal Rumble and went on to win the World Heavyweight Title in a triple-threat match against Triple H and Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XX, which was heralded at the time. He had very good matches with Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle over the Intercontinental Title in 2000-01, and his tag work with the SmackDown Six in 2002 was top-notch. His WWE Championship match against Angle at Royal Rumble 2003 was a classic as well. Benoit was a World Heavyweight Champion, a four-time IC Champion, a three-time US Champion, three-time World Tag Team Champion and one-time WWE Tag Team Champion.

Promos/Character: Benoit was never a good promo, with that being a notable weakness limiting his potential somewhat. His character was always a no-nonsense wrestler, that did not change significantly whether he was a babyface or a heel.

Workrate: Benoit was one of the most skilled in-ring technicians of all time and his list of high-quality matches is quite long. There are many more very good matches if you would like to rewatch his work.

Staff Thoughts: Nearly the entirety of the Facebook discussion revolved around whether voters were comfortable ranking Benoit based on his final days. Many voters were uncomfortable watching Benoit matches or ranking him, resulting in him appearing on far fewer ballots than others finishing in the same area on the list. Other voters focused completely on the in-ring merits, where his obvious talents drove him up the list, reflected in a higher average ranking. There is no right answer and each voter had to come to determine their own approach. Some voters can separate Benoit’s final actions from his in-ring work, but still, this is no fun to write and we assume no fun to read. We all know some of his memorable matches and fans that are interested can track them down. But we’re not spending any more time talking about Chris Benoit.

From the Voters: “Up to you whether to include him or not. It is a personal choice with no right answer IMO. I will be ranking him and pretty highly. His workrate is excellent to make up for the fairly shoddy promo ability. In the N category he kind of falters on some points such as longevity (7 years isn’t that long for someone that may be in the upper half of my ballot) but works really well on the flexibility criteria.” – Chad Campbell, May 28, 2017

“It’s like being at a party and trying to enjoy the punch, even though you know there’s a turd In the punch bowl. Unfortunately, his actions disqualify him for me.” – Michael Schoen, May 29, 2017

“Still struggling with this. Going strictly on his merits as a performer, he’s as good as I’ve ever seen in the ring. A master of his craft.But his actions also nearly killed my love of wrestling, and wrecked havoc in such a way that I don’t know I can compare it to anything else in the business. I’m really having a tough time deciding what to do here.” – Greg Phillips, June 22, 2017

47. William Regal Total Points: 4,605 Total Ballots: 97 Average Rank: 53.5 High Vote: 9 Low Vote: 98 High Voter: Microstatistics

Nuance: William Regal was part of the company for a good ten year stretch, supplemented by earlier time as a “Real Man’s Man” and returns for sporadic matches after 2010. Even missing time with injuries and other issues, Regal has longevity with the company. He’s a natural heel, but the times he has played a babyface, crowds have supported him. He’s been primarily a single’s wrestler in WWE, but has had tag team success with Lance Storm, Tajiri and Eugene. Regal is the king of intangibles, doing so many little things to help both his matches and character get over. His facial expressions may be the best in wrestling history.

Jump Up Moments: For someone who is outstanding at so many things, his stand out moments are few and far between. His work as Raw Commissioner and Goodwill Ambassador with Tajiri produced great comedy, and he challenged Chris Jericho for the IC title at WrestleMania X7 during this time. He was the first member of Vince McMahon’s Kiss My Ass Club, which was memorable, we guess. Worked the “Power of the Punch” gimmick during his IC title run in 2002, before joining the Un-Americans and then teaming with Lance Storm, winning tag team gold. Regal’s acting and character work during the Eugene angle was a bright spot in what eventually became a crappy angle. Regal was the town crier and later knighted in King Booker’s Court and had good matches with Chris Benoit and Finlay in 2006. He won the 2008 King of the Ring and appeared to be in line for big things with the gimmick, but a suspension derailed that push. Regal is a five-time Hardcore Champion, a four-time European Champion, a two-time IC Champion and four-time Tag Team Champion, as well as King of the Ring.

Promos/Character: Regal is a fantastic talker and an even better character worker. His facial expressions are incredible, and his work with Tajiri as his assistant was great stuff. He’d later show the acting chops and character evolution to make the Eugene angle good before it jumped the shark and sucked. He was good in King Booker’s Court and the Ruthless Roundtable. He was never afraid to show vulnerability and be made a fool of, which shows up numerous times when he is GM and also notably by being the founding member of the Kiss My Ass Club.

Workrate: Regal is a great worker almost always having good to very good matches in the mid-card. His matches are sprinkled with little touches to make them better for viewers that are paying attention. Regal uses a believable style featuring a lot of holds and stretches, as well as stiff strikes. His work in 2006 with Benoit and Finlay was very good, and his last match with Cesaro on the Dec. 25 NXT 2013 was strong as well. Regal had solid matches with Christian as part of the Ruthless Roundtable during the dying days of ECW in 2010 too.

Staff Thoughts: William Regal is the definition of a wrestler that can do everything well, checking every box for a skilled professional wrestler. He was always in the mid-card and never had any blow-away angles, but did a tremendous job of making whatever he was doing more memorable and significant than it had any right to be. He was great as a character and he was great in the ring. However, he would have long stretches where he disappeared, whether due to injury, suspension or the creative team forgetting he exists, so that works against him to some degree. Still, there’s more than enough there to land Regal prominently on the list. Hear what the guys had to say about Regal on this FYC podcast.

From the Voters: “Amazing when you consider his entire WWE run was basically his second act. Perpetually over, natural heel, but he’s shown he can play babyface just fine as well. Few better at the mechanics of working a match. He’s easily on my list, though never really sniffing the main event despite seeming opportunities to do so could keep him in the back half.” – Ben Morse, June 9, 2017

“Regal is awesome at anything he does. If he was the Corporate Commissioner for Vince, holding the European Title multiple times, feuding with Chris Jericho, a lackey for King Booker, literally kissing Vince’s backside, the RAW GM/2008 King Of The Ring, or the current NXT GM he’s got a spot for me too.” – Jay Hinchey, June 3, 2017

“Incredible pro wrestler, but the problem I have is that he always he had these weird disappearances that seemed to stunt his momentum. He would have a great match and then you wouldnt see him for like six months. I need to do some digging figure out his career arc because I dont understand how someone who was having awesome matches with Benoit in 2006 was then having awesome matches with Christian in 2010, but what happened in between I honestly cant remember. I need to go to cagematch.com. Regal, Christian, Mark Henry are the three wrestlers I need to watch a lot more of.” – Martin Boulevard, November 19, 2017

46. Paul Orndorff Total Points: 4,690 Total Ballots: 101 Average Rank: 54.6 High Vote: 4 Low Vote: 99 High Voter: Andrew Lacelle

Nuance: Paul Orndorff had a solid four-year run with the company in the 1980s and worked as both a heel and a face, having memorable turns going from heel to face and vice versa. He worked primarily as a singles competitor but did have several tag team matches with Roddy Piper and later Hulk Hogan.

Jump Up Moments: Mr. Wonderful was a fixture in the main event scene his entire run with the company. He started as a heel aligned with Roddy Piper as one of the first challengers to Hogan in 1984. Orndorff teamed with Piper to take on Hogan and Mr. T in the main event of the first WrestleMania, where he took the pin after getting accidentally hit with Cowboy Bob Orton’s cast. Orton and Piper blamed Orndorff for the loss, turning on him during the first episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event. Orndorff would come to the aid of Hogan to fight off Piper and Orton later on the same SNME. Orndorff teamed with Hogan, Bruno Sammartino and Andre the Giant in his feud with Piper and Orton. He fought Don Muraco to a double countout at WrestleMania 2. Tensions mounted between Mr. Wonderful and the Hulkster with Adrian Adonis stirring the pot, including a notable on-air phone call when the champ big-timed Orndorff being too busy training to answer his call. Orndorff then turned on Hogan after a match with King Kong Bundy and Big John Studd, clotheslining and piledriving the champ. This started a white-hot feud between Hogan and Orndorff resulting in matches at the Big Event in Toronto and a cage match at the January 1987 SNME, both of which saw rabid crowd reactions. Orndorff injured his arm during the Hogan feud, but worked through the injury until the completion of the program, when he took time off and received a babyface reaction upon his return. His last major appearance with the company was at the inaugural Survivor Series teaming with Hogan and others in a loss to Andre the Giant’s team.

Promos/Character: Orndorff’s promo ability is a mixed bag as he always talked with a passion and he was believable as a screaming maniac, but he often mangled his lines horribly and had some questionable content as part of his promos. He was paired with Heenan during his heel run to do his talking for him as he opposed Hogan. The Mr. Wonderful character was memorable with the Mr. #1derful on his tights and a series the great vignettes. One vignette featured him at the gym berating fellow gym goers until one “fat hog” put her hands on Orndorff resulting in a meltdown and demonstration of how to work out to get a perfect body like Mr. Wonderful.

Workrate: Orndorff was one of the top workers of his time, having very good matches with everyone up and down the card. Everything Orndorff did meant something during his matches and his punches and piledriver always looked good. His matches with Roddy Piper and Hogan held a special intensity that drove the crowd into a frenzy, both in support of and in opposition of Mr. Wonderful.

Staff Thoughts: It’s hard to imagine anyone having a hotter character arc than Orndorff, first as the heel in opposition to Hogan, then joining forces with the Hulkster and turning on him again to have an incredibly hot series of matches around the circuit with Hogan. The character work and turn were so well executed and the matches so intense that the Hogan feud was amongst the best business the company had done at that time. His run flamed out quickly, and the hot feud with Hogan happened between WrestleMania 2 and III, so sometimes gets forgotten or overshadowed by the hot WrestleMania III angle. Still, Mr. Wonderful was a huge part of Hulkamania, as both an ally and a top opponent and that stuck with voters. You can hear Good Ol’ Will and the guys talk about Orndorff on this FYC.

From the Voters: “I am in on Mr Wonderful. He had of the more profitable runs with Hogan, and was over with wwf crowds, as both face and heel. And, if his run was not early wwf expansion, he probably wins some gold. He also had memorable feuds with Piper, and others. His longevity is against him, in wwf, however, they have seen fit include him and his glorious moustache in their HoF, so, that should count for something. I say absolutely include, Mr. Wonderful, Paul Orndorff!” – Will Olson, June 1, 2017

“After Orndorff turned face following Wrestlemania I, the reactions for him were red hot. This is a guy they would have slapped the title on….if it wasn’t for Hogan. He and Tito had another pretty good match at the Wrestling Classic. The heel turn on Hogan in ’86 was done to perfection and Orndorff made a ton of money off that run. If it hadn’t been for the neck problems, he would have been a big part of Wrestlemania III. I say YES to Mr #1derful.” – Chris Jordan, June 2, 2017

“A bigger star than a lot of people realize because his major feud with Hulk Hogan took place between WrestleManias and got overshadowed by the Andre heel turn. Red hot as both a heel and a face. Historic value as part of the first Mania main event. Superb piledriver. Makes the cut.” – Ben Morse, June 9, 2017

45. The Miz Total Points: 4,692 Total Ballots: 100 Average Rank: 54.1 High Vote: 13 Low Vote: 99 High Voter: Scott Butler

Nuance: Miz debuted in 2006, so he’s had more than a decade with the company, with almost no injuries or time missed, so he’s got the longevity. He’s worked as a babyface and a heel, but his babyface work was unimpressive and he’s such a natural douche. He’s had successful singles runs and tag runs with John Morrsion, Mizdow, Big Show and R-Truth. Miz is tremendous at the nuances of character work that help him get legit heel heat.

Jump Up Moments: Miz has main evented WrestleMania, though that may be one of his low points, as it was an unimpressive main event due to an injury to Miz and booking of the match focusing more on Rock and John Cena. He had an enjoyable feud and good TLC match with Jerry Lawler on Raw and another title defense at TLC 2010. Still, Miz felt out of place in the main event, but he’s always making his mid-card programs seem more important than they should be. He’s an eight-time IC champion and is a master at creating interest in these programs, with his feud with Dolph Ziggler in 2016 being a good example. He’s had enjoyable tag team runs with Morrison and Big Show. Miz is great on the stick and that’s led to interesting interactions with MVP, Morrison, Daniel Bryan and many others. Miz is a former WWE Champion, an eight-time IC Champion (tied for the most reigns ever,) a two-time US Champion, a four-time WWE Tag Team Champion and a two-time World Tag Team Champion.

Promos/Character: Promos have always been Miz’s strength and he may be the best talker in the company today. As part of his team with Morrison he co-hosted the Dirt Sheet, getting the team good heat in their feud with D-Generation X and other feuds. His heel character work has helped other wrestlers like Alex O’Reily, Mizdow and the Mizdourage get over when they were going nowhere before working with Miz. His past year plus of work has been one of the highlights of his career, being paired with wife Maryse as the Hollywood “It” couple and forming the Miztourage.

Workrate: In-ring work has been a weakness of the Miz’s during most of his career. However, he’s shown great improvement and is currently doing some of his best in-ring work. His match with Ziggler at No Mercy 2016 with Ziggler’s career on the line feels like an important match and is work with Lawler in 2010 is another highlight. His match at Extreme Rules 2016 against Cesaro, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn is another highlight.

Staff Thoughts: Miz makes the list due to his great mic work, tremendous commitment to getting heel heat when so many try to be “cool heels” and his improvement in the ring. His commitment to being the elitist Hollywood A-Lister helps every feud he’s in and every opponent he faces, leading to more heated matches. He’s been a fixture in the mid-card and tag team scenes for over a decade, which is enough to overcome some rough in-ring work during much of his career. The guys discuss The Miz on this episode of FYC podcast.

From the Voters: “Has a good shot at finishing fairly high on my list. Always a good talker, has great longevity, and has a Wrestlemaina main event victory to his credit. Also has turned into one of the more reliable in ring guys in recent years. He was probably the second best in ring worker in the company last year behind Styles. A lot of good TV matches and MOTY canidates with the Ziggler match at No Mercy as well as the four way at Extreme Rules.” – Wade Ferrari, June 3, 2017

“Will make it. I actually think he’s similar to Jericho in that he’s been used all over cards, his lows are really low, but his highs are great. In truth I prefer his highs to Jericho’s. I’ve loved him for the last year, but also loved his heel run in 2011, the initial R-Truth stuff, and the team with Morrison. Underrated tag guy in general. Great promo.” – Dylan Hales, June 3, 2017

“He was actively horrible at points and bordering on great at points. He’s been helped by a spectacular 2016-17. But he was a miserable failure as a babyface, and most of his in-ring work is much more boring than even a non-invested Randy Orton. He probably makes my list on the strength of his last year and a half and some good stuff with Morrison and early in his solo “main eventer” run (pre-Cena feud).” – Greg Phillips, June 20, 2017

44. Matt Hardy Total Points: 5,020 Total Ballots: 102 Average Rank: 51.8 High Vote: 15 Low Vote: 99 High Voter: Stacey O’Loughlin; Boss Rock

Nuance: Matt Hardy had a 12-year run with the company from 1998 to 2010, and has supplemented that with four years of sporadically working as a jobber in the 90s and his current run. He was half of one of the best tag teams in company history and also had significant singles runs. Matt played a babyface most of his career, but has worked heel with the V1 character and when he feuded against his brother in a few instances.

Jump Up Moments: The Hardy Boyz were a huge part of rejuvenating the tag team scene from their ladder match with Edge & Christian at No Mercy 1999. Those two teams, along with the Dudley Boyz, had a hot three-way feud highlighted by ladder and TLC matches at WrestleMania 2000, SummerSlam 2000 and WrestleMania X7 in tremendous classics. His feud with Edge in 2005 felt different than anything else the company was doing at the time, blending real-life elements to the feud and providing a series of good matches from SummerSlam 2005 through October. The Hardy Boyz reunited having excellent tag bouts with MNM and multi-team matches, including the infamous outing where Joey Mercury’s face blew up. In 2007, Hardy began an extended feud with MVP over the US Championship that is one of the better mid-card feuds in recent company history. The long-running feud featured Hardy costing MVP the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania XXIV, and Hardy finally winning the US title at Backlash 2008. Matt won the ECW Championship during a championship scramble match at Unforgiven 2008 and then turned heel and feuded with his brother Jeff in 2009, before his release from the company in 2010. The Hardy Boyz returned to the company at WrestleMania 33, winning the Raw Tag Team Titles and having strong matches with Sheamus and Cesaro during the past year. Matt’s a former ECW Champion, Cruiserweight Champion, US Champion, European Champion, Hardcore Champion and nine-time Tag Team Champion with Jeff (eight times) and MVP (once.)

Promos/Character: Matt is not the strongest promo, but he has been able to reinvent himself numerous times by tweaking his character. Team Xtreme (spell check does not like Attitude Era WWF, FYI) was an incredibly popular act, but Matt was able to go in a completely new direction with the V1 character. Between Matt Facts and cutting weight to challenge for the cruiserweight title, this run made us all MF’ers. Later, Matt incorporated real-life issues into his feud with Edge in 2005 making fans wonder if there were shoot elements in the feud. His feud with MVP was one of the better long-term feuds of recent years, and much of that was carried by character work from both performers to extend the feud due to injuries from both guys. Matt’s reinvented himself again as he is becoming “Woken” with a recent feud with Bray Wyatt, with the results being mixed, but with more from the character to come.

Workrate: The Hardy Boyz are among the best teams in company history having good ladder, TLC and tables matches with Edge & Christian and the Dudley Boyz. The match with MNM at Royal Rumble 2007 is on the list of the best non-gimmick tag team matches in company history. The matches with Edge in 2005 were unique from other matches going on at the time and had an element of intensity and reality often lacking. The blow-off match to his feud with MVP at 2008 was a memorable match. Upon the Hardy Boyz return, they’ve had good matches with Sheamus and Cesaro including a 30-minute Ironman match at Great Balls of Fire.

Staff Thoughts: Matt Hardy’s got a really diverse resume of strong moments, both in singles and tag matches. The Hardy Boyz feud with the Dudleys and Edge and Christian was a big part of the late 90s and early 2000s, providing excellent matches to go along with storylines of the time. Matt reinvented himself at V1, which was an entertaining and underutilized character. His feud with Edge was great in 2005, as was his feud with MVP in 2007-08. He as also arguably the best TV worker on and off in the company between 2006 and 2010. He had some misses, usually when he was feuding with Jeff, as the two just didn’t have the chemistry as opponents they have as a team. The recent return has been a lot of fun and resulted in some good matches with The Bar. Matt has shown versatility in reinventing his character, has a history of steering excellent undercard feuds and has great matches from the first Hardy Boyz run to his credit, so he checks every box.

Staff Thoughts: “Probably top 50 for me. Is hurt slightly by the fact that he never was a main event guy as he lacked the IT factor his brother had despite being a better worker mechanically. Still a very versatile guy as he’s someone that’s always been effective no matter what role he’s been put in. In all three of their separate runs together the Hardy Boyz were big contributors to the tag division including this recent one so far. Has also been a great hand as a singles in the midcard both with his version one heel run in 2003 which showed he could be entertaining as a character and also as a workhorse babyface from 05-09.” – Wade Ferrari, May 31, 2017

From the Voters: “I would have him in the Top 100. He was really great as a tag team wrestler and V1 was really fun. While Jeff got a lot of the spotlight from 07-09, Matt was having great matches in the midcard. His feud with MVP was outstanding.” – Mike Eller, June 1, 2017

“Very possible he makes my top 20. Other than Jericho, not sure there’s been someone who’s been able to reinvent himself so many times and still make it work. Truly one of the most versatile wrestlers I’ve ever seen. Helped revitalize tag team wrestling the 2000’s with Jeff. Had an all-time great heel/comedy character with Matt Hardy V.1. Great babyface runs against Edge and MVP, the latter of which is one of the greatest midcard feuds of all-time. While he never reached the levels of his brother or having the same amount of star power, I would argue he was the superior of the two when it comes to the little things.” – Greg Rossbach, July 7, 2017

43. Big Show Total Points: 5,519 Total Ballots: 106 Average Rank: 48.9 High Vote: 9 Low Vote: 95 High Voter: Corey Pierce

Nuance: Big Show has been with the company since 1999, so nearly a 20-year run, scoring significant points for longevity. He’s had more face and heel turns than anyone, and has had success in both roles. Show can play a monster main event singles star and has also had successful tag teams with Chris Jericho, The Miz, Kane and Undertaker.

Jump Up Moments: Big Show had a memorable debut tearing through the ring at St. Valentine’s Day Massacre throwing Stone Cold Steve Austin through the steel cage door allowing him to defeat Vince McMahon. Show won his first WWF Championship at Survivor Series 1999 taking Austin’s place when he was run over andd later challenged for the WWF title at WrestleMania 2000. He had a strong feud with Brock Lesnar in 2002-03, leading to him winning his second WWE Championship and imploding the ring with a superplex on SmackDown. During his feud with Kurt Angle, he was shot with a tranquilizer dart and “robbed of his dignity” when Angle shaved his head. He won the ECW title from Rob Van Dam. Show had a great feud and one of the best celebrity matches of all time against boxer Floyd Mayweather at WrestleMania XXIV. He challenged for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XXV. With Chris Jericho, he formed the Jeri-Show tag team, having a strong run with the Tag Team Titles before transitioning to a team with The Miz that also had a success, defending the titles at WrestleMania XXVI. In 2011, Big Show had a stellar feud with Mark Henry where he was one of the inductees into the Hall of Pain, and he followed it up with good feuds with Daniel Bryan and Sheamus in 2012. Big Show won the Andre the Giant Battle Royal at WrestleMania 31. Show is a two-time WWE Champion, a two-time World Champion, an ECW Champion, a three-time Hardcore Champion, a US Champion, IC Champion and an eight-time Tag Team Champion.

Promos/Character: Show is a good talker and has shown the ability to be a good comedic figure as well as a serious monster challenging main events. He has been around so long he’s gone through many character makeovers and has been shuffled up and down the card at various times.

Workrate: Big Show’s matches have been an incredible mixed bag, with some dreadful matches, particularly in his early years, but some incredible bouts later in his career. His first really good matches came against Brock Lesnar in 2003 in fun power struggles. His matches with Mark Henry at Money in the Bank, Vengeance, Survivor Series and TLC in 2011 are great big man slugfests. That feud transitioned into a series with Daniel Bryan featuring solid matches on SmackDown and a triple-threat cage match at Royal Rumble 2012 that was quite good. His matches with Sheamus in the later part of 2012 at Hell in a Cell, Survivor Series and TLC are also very good.

Staff Thoughts: Big Show has been around so long he’s compiled an incredible resume. His early years had some really rough stuff, both in-ring and character work with him being hurt by too many turns and too much moving up and down the card. He did some good work with Lesnar and Angle on SmackDown in 2003, and his matches from 2011-13 against Mark Henry, Sheamus and Daniel Bryan are amazing. His work in the Jeri-Show and ShowMiz teams is also very strong. The feud with Money Mayweather is as good a celebrity match as you’ll find and Show did a fantastic job of making Mayweather into a credible threat despite the huge size difference. He’s got the comedy chops, but plays the monster heel very well. It’s shocking to think how far Show has come from his 1999 debut, and he’s done a fantastic job staying the course to provide late career gold and shoot his way up voters’ lists.

From the Voters: “Absolute lock on the list. Maybe the most infuriating wrestler on the list because he has moments of brilliance. His feud with Mark Henry was epic. Had great matches with Daniel Bryan. I enjoyed his Jericho & Rey tag teams. I loved the Power of the Punch. He also has some complete dogshit feuds that will hurt his overall rating.” – Good Ol’ Will From Texas, June 3, 2017

“The giant character always runs the risk of growing stale. Andre would do a loop in a territory and move on before he destroyed everyone and the novelty wore off. Big Show doesn’t have that luxury in this era. Thus he has to go through countless face/heel turns to stay relatively fresh. He’s done it all; remorseless destroyer, hired muscle, comic relief, bully, anti-bully, grizzled veteran. Yes there’s some crap to wade through and some low points but I feel like it’s impossible not to respect him and his place in the business’ history.” – Jeremy Ray, June 4, 2017

“The further away I get from “Durrrr, any guy over 300lbs sucks. Wrestling’s only suplexes and chain wrestling, duhhhh”, the more I appreciate a guy like Show. Yes, he let himself go a lot of the time. But man after he returned in 08 he really found his grove. And overall he stayed their. Yes, his run in 14-15 as Authority lackey was crap, but I won’t dog him for that too much. It will be interesting for me to see where he lands. Right now a likely Top 50 guy.” – David Mann, June 5, 2017

42. Rick Rude Total Points: 5,912 Total Ballots:109 Average Rank: 46.8 High Vote: 12 Low Vote: 93 High Voter: Taylor Keahey

Nuance: “Ravishing” Rick Rude had only about a three-year run with the WWF, and played a heel his entire career, with no tag team run. So, longevity and a lack of flexibility hurt Rude. However, he had a number of intangibles that always made his feuds seem important. He had a distinct look with the chiseled abs, trademark mustache, robe and especially the airbrushed tights, which played a part in his feuds.

Jump Up Moments: Rude’s first major feud with the company was with Jake Roberts, after he tried to kiss Rude’s wife during his post-match celebration. Rude famously airbrushed Cheryl Roberts onto his tights, sending Jake into a rage, causing him to charge the ring and strip Rude of those tights. Rude would continue to wear a second pair of tights underneath his regular ones, causing Jake to attack Rude during his SummerSlam 1988 match against the Junkyard Dog. Jake pinned Rude at Survivor Series 1988 to end the feud. The Ravishing One then moved on to feuding with the Ultimate Warrior, winning the IC title at WrestleMania V in a shocking upset. Rude dropped the title back to Warrior in a very good match at SummerSlam 1989 due to interference from Roddy Piper, sparking their feud. Rude and Piper had a heated feud, including a good cage match until Survivor Series 1989 when the Rude Brood defeated Roddy’s Rowdies and Rude and Piper brawled causing both men to be counted out. Rude then challenged Warrior for his WWF title in another good match at SummerSlam 1990. He was then suspended indefinitely by Jack Tunney for making degrading comments about the Big Bossman’s mother. He would return in 1997 as the “insurance policy” for D-Generation X, which allowed him to appear on Monday Night Raw and Monday Nitro on the same night.

Promos/Character: “Cut my music! What I’d like to have now…” is for all the voters to recognize that while Rick Rude had basically one promo, it was an awesome promo. His pre and post-match routine of disparaging the crowd before opening his robe and showing the audience what a real man looked like and then kissing a lucky lady after his victory, were guaranteed heat generators. His character work with the routine, his promos, his alliance with Bobby Heenan and his airbrushed tights all helped make Rude an unforgettable character.

Workrate: Rude’s matches were a mixed bag, with a lot of boring matches early on, but the bouts with the Ultimate Warrior were some of the best either guy had to that time. Rude’s feuds were always loaded with heat, making the Roberts and Piper matches better than they otherwise would have been.

Staff Thoughts: “Ravishing” Rick Rude was an unforgettable character during a hot time for the company. He had three hot feuds, which was really the story of his relatively short time with the company. He fit with the Heenan Family like a hand in a glove. Rude’s promos were pretty one-note, but if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. The spiel while he took off his robe to reveal what a real man looked like was pure gold, and he airbrushed another man’s wife on his Ravishing parts, for God’s sake! That set up the hot feud with Jake the Snake. His matches with the Ultimate Warrior were very good and the best in-ring work of Rude’s WWF career, and his feud with Piper featured some intense matches as well. He played his role with D-X too, fitting the part. All of this adds up to all you sweathogs voting the Ravishing One onto the list. You can hear the guys talk about Rude on this FYC podcast.

From the Voters: “Lock him in for me, could be relatively high for me. He did his best in ring work in WCW, but he was no slouch in the WWE. He drug solid stuff out of Warrior and that was no throwaway task. His character was a high point on the undercard when I was a kid. I honestly think they dropped the ball a bit not giving him a world title run, but oh well. Complete talent who’s work holds up.” – Matthew Richards, June 2, 2017

“Aside from being my favorite heel of all time, he was the first guy to get good matches out of the Warrior. Instant heel heat the second he grabbed the mic. His airbrushed ring tights ranks in the top five of best ring attire ever. Dude put another guys wife on his fucking tights! Now that’s HEAT!” – Jason Greenhouse, June 3, 2017

“One great thing about Rude was he, like Jake, had a real knack for making his feuds feel like they really mattered. Just an example – the kickoff of the Piper feud, seen here. So great, and maybe only his third best while in the WWF.” – James Proffitt, July 25, 2017

41. Davey Boy Smith Total Points: 5,937 Total Ballots: 111 Average Rank: 47.6 High Vote: 6 Low Vote: 82 High Voter: Bret Hart

Nuance: Davey Boy Smith spent about nine years with the company during four different runs, so he has nice longevity. He gets points for flexibility as he had two very good tag team runs with the Dynamite Kid and Owen Hart (and another run with Lex Luger) and a solid upper-mid-card singles career.

Jump Up Moments: The British Bulldogs were one of the best and most influential tag teams of the 1980s WWF, winning the Tag Team Titles from the Dream Team at WrestleMania 2 in a very good match. The Bulldogs had notable feuds with the Islanders, Hart Foundation, Rougeau Brothers and Demolition as well. Smith returned to the company in 1990 taking the British Bulldog name and had a surprisingly fun feud with Warlord, including a good match at WrestleMania VII. His high-point was likely his main event match with Bret Hart over the IC title at SummerSlam 1992. Bulldog had an all-time great bout with Hart and was incredibly popular in his home country at Wembley Stadium. He had a good showing at the 1995 Royal Rumble entering at #2 and surviving until the end when he was eliminated by winner Shawn Michaels. Challenged Bret Hart for the WWF Title in a great match at In Your House 5, and challenged Shawn Michaels in good matches at IYH: Beware of Dog and King of the Ring 1996. Bulldog was the first European Champion, defeating Owen Hart in the finals in one of the best matches in Raw history. Bulldog formed a tag team with Owen Hart winning the WWF Tag Team Titles and had a great match against Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels on Raw. He was part of the Hart Foundation in 1997 and part of the great main event at IYH: Canadian Stampede. Davey Boy was a two-time European Champion, a two-time Hardcore Champion, an IC champion and a two-time Tag Team Champion.

Promos/Character: Bulldog was not a good promo because he’s BIZARRE. Never a good talker, he was paired with Jim Cornette and later let other members of the Hart Foundation talk for him. His character never evolved much past being British… and a Bulldog in the ring, I guess. Lack of character depth and promo skills are a definite drawback to Davey Boy’s case.

Workrate: The British Bulldogs had very good matches against the Dream Team, including the big one at WrestleMania 2 giving them the “Nightmare at the Rosemont Horizon” that probably still haunts Valentine to this day, and a series of very good matches with the Hart Foundation, as well. Davey Boy’s match with Bret Hart at SummerSlam 1992 is a classic, though Hart had to carry more than his fair share in that match. His run in 1995-96 carried a mixed bag with good matches against Hart and Michaels and some stinkers against other opponents like Diesel. He’s been involved in two of the best matches in the history of Raw, with the European title finals against Owen Hart and the tag team match with Owen against Michaels and Austin. His match with Michaels at One Night Stand is insane with Davey losing in front of his countrymen after dedicating the match to his dying sister. Bulldog was an important part of the Hart Foundation and the 10-man tag at Canadian Stampede was another classic match on Davey’s resume.

Staff Thoughts: Davey Boy Smith has a very significant spot in WWF history from the innovative matches the British Bulldogs had with the Dream Team to his run with the Hart Foundation in 1997. In between, he had the SummerSlam match at Wembley Stadium and a solid upper-mid-card run that saw him main event several PPVs in 1995-96. His tag team with Owen Hart was very good during a shaky time for the tag team division. And if he doesn’t throw that trashcan giving Stephanie McMahon amnesia, maybe she goes ahead and marries Test and the current WWE looks very different. We have no idea if that would be positive or negative but that’s the last we’ll say of his jeans wearing return in 1999. But overall, Bulldog added tons to the WWF/E and is considered one of the greatest wrestlers to have never been a World Champion, which is more than enough to land him on the list.

From the Voters: “Held up his end of the bargain in some good-to-great matches during different singles pushes, and was part of one of the best teams of one of the best eras for the tag division. Did great work in highlight matches & angles for the Bulldogs, e.g. WrestleMania 2 against the Dream Team.” – Glenn W. Butler, May 28, 2017

“I’m a big supporter of Davey for this project. If you go back and watch the Bulldogs, as others have said, he wasn’t nearly as far behind Dynamite as history has said. In fact, he carried Dynamite the last two years they were together to some shockingly entertaining bouts where Dynamite was severely limited. In his solo run, he was a massively over babyface who was probably third behind Bret and Macho in that department at points. His matches with Bret (the SummerSlam classic and the IYH forgotten gem), Shawn and Owen are classics, and he was able to play a convincing bully heel or an inspirational babyface when the need arose. Also had a great team with Owen. He has a shot at the top 50 for me, maybe higher.” – Greg Phillips, June 20, 2017

“I personally think The Bulldogs are overrated though I like them. Feel kind of the same way about his first big singles run. On the other hand I think his match with Bret in 95 was awesome, and I like him a lot in the heel period in 96 and 97. I actually think he’s underrated historically in terms of impact, how over he was, and as a worker. Not a terribly dynamic character, but I could see a case for him being near the top of the “career mid-carders” portion of the list.” – Dylan Hales, June 7, 2017

40. Roman Reigns Total Points: 6,126 Total Ballots: 109 Average Rank: 44.8 High Vote: 8 Low Vote: 100 High Voter: James

Nuance: Roman Reigns has been with the main roster a little over four years, and has had tag team runs with Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose with The Shield. He was a heel when he debuted with The Shield and has been a babyface since the team turned, even if a portion of the fanbase refuses to acknowledge he is a fan favorite (which is a problem that is not exclusive to Reigns). Roman has a presence about him and carries himself like a star in a way few wrestlers today are able to.

Jump Up Moments: The first PPV match with The Shield was a classic against Team Hell No and Ryback at TLC 2012. The Shield would have great six-man matches with a number of opponents and the match against the Wyatt Family at Elimination Chamber 2014 is another classic. Reigns won the WWE Tag Team Titles with Rollins and had a great feud with Cody Rhodes and Goldust, losing the titles at Hell in a Cell 2013. At the 2014 Royal Rumble, Reigns set a record by eliminating 12 wrestlers, winning fan support surviving to the final two before being eliminated by winner Batista. The Shield turned babyface and then dissolved when Rollins turned on Reigns and Ambrose and Reigns challenged for the WWE title during this time. Roman won the 2015 Royal Rumble, though this time the fans were NOT in his corner after Daniel Bryan was eliminated earlier. He defeated Bryan in a very good match at Fastlane 2015 to defend his WrestleMania title shot. Reigns would go on to have an excellent match at WrestleMania 31, challenging Brock Lesnar for the title until Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase to win the gold. Reigns won the WWE World Championship in a tournament winning the finals over Dean Ambrose at Survivor Series 2015, before Sheamus cashed in his MITB briefcase giving Reigns a five-minute reign. He then regained the title in January 2016, but had to defend it in the 2016 Royal Rumble, losing to Triple H before regaining the belt at WrestleMania 32. Roman had an excellent feud with A.J. Styles in 2016, before losing the WWE World Championship to Rollins at MITB 2016. He won the US title from Rusev and feuded with him in late 2016. Reigns defeated the Undertaker at WrestleMania 33 in what may, or may not have been Taker’s last match. Roman had a very good feud with Braun Strowman with matches at Payback, Great Balls of Fire and both were part of a four-way match at SummerSlam 2017. He had an excellent match with John Cena at No Mercy and finished the year with a Shield reunion and an IC title win and feud with the Miz.

Promos/Character: Roman has had some atrocious promos, perhaps being the biggest victim of the scripted promo era, having been supplied with awful material like “sufferin’ succotash.” He has improved on the mic, but it’s probably never going to be his strength. His best promo came the night after Wrestlemania 33, soaking in the boos before simply stating “This is my yard now” before leaving the ring. Reigns’ character work isn’t great either, as he rarely shows the vulnerability that endears a top babyface to the fans. He has a great presence and plays a convincing badass, but misses something in connecting to the fanbase.

Workrate: Reigns is a great worker with a list of fantastic matches a mile long. His Shield six-mans and tag team with Rollins yielded top-notch matches against Team Hell No, the Wyatts, Evolution and Cody Rhodes & Goldust. His main event against Lesnar at WrestleMania 31 is a classic. Roman’s matches with A.J. Styles at Payback and Extreme Rules 2016 were outstanding. His feud with Braun Strowman in 2017 is great, producing very good matches at Payback, Great Balls of Fire and SummerSlam. The match between Roman and Cena at No Mercy was another great match.

Staff Thoughts: There may never have been a main event player that the company presumably wants to succeed that has been more mishandled and hurt by bad booking. Fans were solidly behind Reigns at the 2014 Royal Rumble, but the company hurt him tremendously by entering Bryan into the 2015 Rumble only to have Reigns win. Then he goes on to have a great match with Lesnar at WrestleMania, headed to a classic that may earn the fan’s respect, only to have Rollins cash in and have the big win elude Roman. He also could’ve benefitted from a heel turn during this time, in much the same way as the Rock was helped by his heel turn. From this point on, the company insists Reigns MUST be the next big thing regardless of fan sentiments, while at the same time has him lose far too often, but in a way that convinces fans he is being shoved down their throats. Reigns is damn good in the ring and he may be able to overcome awful booking and a character that just doesn’t connect with the fan base on the level WWE so desperately wants him to. He suffers from many of the same challenges Cena faced, showing little vulnerability and shrugging off losses too easily, but Reigns is putting together a list of great matches that may win fans over with time. He’s one of the more divisive wrestlers on the list as his matches and high-profile position says he should be higher on the list, but the lack of connection and shitty booking robs him of a few big time moments and a greater sense of importance. Ultimately, he has a strong enough resume for voters to place him on the list and only time will tell if he can rise up the list in the future to a level his talent would indicate he belongs. You can hear the guys talk about Roman on this FYC podcast.

From the Voters: “Amazingly unselfish, very hard worker, excellent team player. Very few wrestlers in WWE history had as many very good to great matches in their first 4ish years. Major star despite being the most poorly presented alleged top guy in wrestling history. Hard to know where to rank him, but if you compare his first 4 years as a top guy to Bret or Shawns I don’t think it’s a stretch to conclude his run is equal or better.” – Dylan Hales, June 2, 2017

“Is probably never going to be what the company wants him to be but has an impressive resume of singles matches and his run in The Shield was great. He’s an easy choice for my list.” – Brian Cullinane, June 2, 2017

“Roman is very tough for me to rank because while I acknowledge all the praise this thread gives him…..I. Just. Don’t. Care. That is essentially my knock on the product as a whole right now, but he’s the poster child of it. Great matches that are fun in the moment, but I ultimately do not care about one way or the other. I don’t care who Roman feuds with or if he wins or loses. MOST of that is his booking, yes-but if we are going to rank guys high like Hogan because he had a long title reign which is booking too, then I have to take his into account. Won’t miss my list, but I genuinely have no clue where he will place. Even if he’s #100 though, he’ll finish higher than Rollins.” – Jordan Duncan, June 2, 2107

#IFTTT #Place to Be Nation

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