#the pictures on google images were meh

[could-they-be-a-pro-wrestler]

How successful would Frances "Baby" Houseman…

Would you like to submit a character? Click this link if you do!

[smuttaburger]

Early Wedding Present Armin/Reader MNDI

A/N: This story has NSFW that’s clearly marked. So if you go past that, well you decided to play FAFO and now you lost 🤷🏻‍♀️

P.S The kitten picture was taken from Google Images

Summary: Only a few months away from their wedding, Reader and Armin decide to adopt a fur baby

Taglist: @arlerts-angel @arlertwitch @callm3senpaii

Lemme know if anyone else wants to be added

Finally it was all done. All the planning for the senior manager of Paradis Inc, Armin Arlert, to marry his fiancée Y/N Y/L/N after dating since freshman year of high school. Hell, most everyone they went to school with thought they would get married immediately after high school graduation. So while Armin did propose at their joint graduation party, he really wanted to wait until he was able to give his fiancée the wedding of her dreams. No expense was to be spared.

So the couple decided to wait.

Now, five years later, after working for Paradis Inc since he was 14, he had become a senior manager, and it was at a point that he felt he could give his future wife everything under the sun.

“We should get a fur baby,” Y/N spoke, scrolling through TikTok.

“Are you thinking of getting a cat or a dog?” Armin asked, putting his phone down to give Y/N his undivided attention.

“I’ve always wanted a kitten I could raise,” Y/N smiled and grabbed her phone from the couch, clicking on her favorites and finding the video she wanted.

In the video, there was a video from an animal shelter in Marley that had a striped black and brown one that just came in.

“Can we go see him?””

“Of course! You remember Reiner from school? He moved back to Marley,”

“Oh yeah I forgot he was from Marley,”

“Yeah I can see if he wants to meet up before the wedding,” Armin smiled. He hadn’t seen Reiner since he proposed to Y/N.

“Have you spoken to him recently?” Y/N asked, the look on her face screaming I have piping hot tea!

“Alright you look like you are about to pop from excitement, what gives?” Armin asked with a brow raised.

“Well, I heard through the grapevine that Reiner has a new girlfriend that he knew from before he came here to live with his aunt and uncle. And they just started dating like a month ago,”

“How did you know all this?” Armin asked with a laugh. He’d always been the one closer with Reiner so unless-

“You stalked his instagram, didn’t you?” Armin asked, narrowing his eyes while a playful smile was on his lips.

“Nooo,” Y/N couldn’t hide it from Armin. He knew her too well for that.

“Honey! You can’t go stalking people’s social media,” Armin playfully chided and Y/N shrugged.

“Meh. If he didn’t want people putting two and two together, he shouldn’t have put it on Instagram,” She tilted her head while lifting her hands a little bit.

“Can’t blame him for posting about his relationship. When you’re happy, you wanna shout it off the rooftops and hope the entire world hears you,” Armin smiled softly and slowly blinked.

It was as if the man’s blue eyes turned to hearts when they opened and saw the woman he loved more than anything and was only a few months away from sharing his last name.

“And I can’t blame her for loving that about him and needing to do the same thing. And if she didn’t, she wouldn’t be able to do anything else,” Y/N smiled before Armin cupped her cheek in his soft hands.

It was obvious that they weren’t talking about Reiner and his new girlfriend.

His thumb brushed over her cheek and pulled her in after a moment as if to scan this image of her into his brain. When those moments throughout the day were tough, he needed to remember what he was fighting so hard for.

“I love you,” Y/N whispered and instead of answering, he pulled her in for a kiss, as if to respond “I love you more”.

His tongue begged for entrance, which she granted. And that was when the two battled for dominance. It didn’t take long for Armin to win that battle, which caused Y/N’s body to feel like jello under his strong but delicate embrace.

NSFW AHEAD

It was then that Armin leaned Y/N’s back to the couch cushion, which she happily accepted. She brought her feet up a bit to scoot down on the couch, trying to make it easier to relax against the couch, and to make the rest of makeout sessions (and hopefully more) easier. She sighed happily as Armin’s lips left hers and were now moving down to her jawline.

His lips quickly worked to her neck. He zeroed in on her sweet spot, causing her back to arch a bit to make it easier for him, and he nipped at the skin there.

“You know, I love making these little marks on your skin,” Armin confessed, which caused Y/N to smile.

“Minnie I think I figured that out during our first hot and heavy makeout. But you’re not the only one,” Y/N purred, spurring him on.

This time, his hands moved to her top. Luckily she was still wearing her work attire. Which made Armin thank whatever god was listening that she had decided to wear a button down blouse today.

‘I never thought I’d say this. But thank the gods for business casual dress codes,’ Armin thought as his fingers were able to languidly get the top unbuttoned as it started their clothes pile.

While Y/N’s hands came up to get his shirt off next.

The second her fiancée was kneeled shirtless in front of her, her hands trailed down his chest and abs. Her fingers rested at his waistband of his sweats, as if to get a final confirmation. Even though she could feel his bulge against her skin, she needed to get an actual confirmation from him, to which he nodded ferociously. His cock felt unbearably tight against his boxer briefs.

She pulled him into another kiss as she looped her fingers to hook around the waist and of his sweats.

A tingle flowed through her body and ran down to her thighs and centralized at the apex, spreading throughout her center. She broke the kiss, only to get her slacks down her legs, leaving her only in her bra and panties, and Armin in only his boxers.

The only thing that separated them now was the most bare level of fabric.

Y/N began to unlatch her bra, but Armin shook his head, and spoke in a sultry tone.

“No, let me,” he reached around himself, unclasping it in one fluid motion.

“Thank you to whoever first taught you how to do that,” Y/N’s tone was just as sultry as Armin’s, if not more.

“I’ll pass that on,” Armin’s eyes took in Y/N’s breasts, the nipples already hard for him. Then his gaze drifted down her body and landing on her underwear, and he looked up again for the confirmation, which he immediately got. And he scooted himself a little down the couch so he was eye level with her sex.

Y/N raised her bottom half in impatience.

“Be patient kitten. Don’t worry, my love, you know I’ll make sure you cum first,” the filthy sentence left lips while looking up at her through his lashes.

Y/N grabbed a pillow from the couch cushion for the next part of the sectional above her head, gripping it tightly, knowing that she’d need it soon. Her fiancé knew exactly how to get her screaming in seconds.

“You don’t need the pillow. We don’t live with anyone and I wanna hear those pretty little moans you make. And the neighbors know that we’re getting married soon. Not like it’s not a given.” Armin protested, gently grabbing the pillow from Y/N and letting it drop to the floor.

Within seconds, Y/N was already starting to become a bumbling mess, soft moans leaving her lips. That was at least until Armin added a couple fingers to the mix, when his hand moved to her torso to keep her body flat against the couch. He made a ‘come hither’ motion with his fingers, turning her back into a bumbling mess.

“Don’t you dare cum until I tell you,” Armin speaks, his voice taking on a dominant tone, making Y/N’s voice to come up to defiant one in return.

“And if I don’t listen?”

“Is someone going to be a brat tonight?” Armin raising a seductive brow.

“Maybe I am,” Y/N’s lips curled into a defiant smirk, a challenge in her brown eyes.

“Well now we can’t have that,” Armin smirked and while Y/N’s already dark eyes seemed to grow darker, Armin’s had finally been noticeable in his oceanic eyes.

“You’re free to try,” Y/N smiled, pulling him into a kiss, and it was then that Armin finally gave in and slipped himself inside her, slowly inching himself in before slamming into her without warning, making a cry of lust fall from his future wife’s lips.

“You love when I do that,” thrust “Don’t you,” he asked and Y/N nodded furiously, barely able to hold the pleasure back from bursting.

“Cum for me kitten,” Armin growled into her ear and Y/N didn’t need to be told twice. Her orgasm hit her like a freight train, and it was then that Armin gave a sloppy thrust, allowing them to cum together.

They both helped the other ride out the high, and they both laid on the sectional, trying to catch their breath.

Once they both did, Armin raised an arm from around Y/N to rest over his head and Y/N immediately laid on his chest. Her eyes felt heavy when Armin spoke since telling her to cum. While catching his breath, he had been thinking about what started this in the first place.

“I’ll book two tickets to Marley for tomorrow so we can go meet that rescue cat at that shelter.”

“Really? What made you decide?” It wasn’t that Y/N or Armin doubted that they could raise a kitten. It was more of a curiosity that Armin was about to buy two plane tickets for first thing on a Saturday morning. On one of the most expensive and busiest days to travel.

“I was thinking about what started this in the first place. So it’s the least I could do for the little kitten on TikTok,” Armin kissed the top of her head.

“Unless he hates us, we’re bringing him home,” Y/N affirmed, snuggling deeper into Armin’s embrace.

“It’s a little boy cat?” Armin hadn’t seen if they specified the sex of the kitten or not.

“Yeah and he’s ten weeks old, so he’s still a baby,”

“Book us an appointment for tomorrow anytime,” Armin sighed. A sinking feeling rose in his stomach at the thought of someone abandoning a ten week old kitten, but he knew that there was a very likely chance, considering their friends tease that she’s the group’s Snow White, that he would be coming back to his forever home tomorrow.

“I’ll book the tickets now actually,” Armin grabbed his phone from the couch and hopping onto Google Flights to see the earliest flights into Marley tomorrow morning, on the off chance that Y/N wanted to be there bright and early in the morning.

Y/N’s eyes watered at this being real. There were so many animals out there that deserved someone like the Arlerts, but most animals don’t get that.

“What’s wrong my Princess?” Armin asked and Y/N’s lip quivered as she stayed on that train of thought maybe a teeny bit longer than she should’ve.

“Not many people or animals get someone like you Minnie. Someone who is so kind, and generous, and as smart as you. And I know I’m so lucky to have you, and this kitten will feel the same,”

It was Armin’s turn to get misty eyes.

“Princess,” he smiled so bright that it caused Y/N to blush.

“I mean it,” Y/N moved her hand to his face as he lifted himself up, propping himself on his arm.

“I can’t wait to make you my wife Y/N,” Armin spoke softly, before continuing.

“And for us to go see about making this family bigger,” Armin smiled wide at his fiancé and it was her turn to pull him to a sweet kiss. While their first round of making out exploded with lust, this one was full of the pure romantic love that they shared.

“It should be our early wedding present to each other,” Armin spoke softly as he felt Y/N press her head sleepily into his chest. He grabbed the blanket from the ottoman next to him and draped it over Y/N as he knew she was exhausted from work and then making love, it wouldn’t be surprising that she was tired.

“I love you Princess,”

“You too Prince Charming,” Y/N spoke softly, sleep starting to creep into her voice. She pressed a gentle kiss to his bare chest.

[gaykarstaagforever]

The oversized skulls are a bit much, and I'm distracted by whether that hood shape makes sense with the size of a human head. And there is weird artifacting or lighting on the cape. But it has a cool vibe. And they went with the classic Dracula R in the font.

Penguin once again, with a Universal Monsters movie poster style. Unfortunately, Dracula looks like he's irritated that a tourist took his picture without asking.

Obviously an old one, from a time before the novel was so culturally ubiquitous. They're selling it with a funky drawing of one of the book's weirder moments. Dracula and vampires weren't suave and sexy yet, they were just creepy monsters who ate babies. This shows that. I respect it. Love the batwing arm cape.

Good color contrast, simple but still ominous, and I like the flocks of bats. One of the older and better castle / moon ones.

This feels like a new one, trying to look old. That bat costume lady feels like you Googled "vampire public domain," then took an early lunch.

Why are the As upside-down? To be like fangs? Fine, I guess, but then format the word to be shaped like a mouth. Which would also be weird, but if you're going to bother...

This is the first legit crap one. What is with the same bug image, mirrored? At least use bats. I don't understand the point of cursive fonts in the first place, and this proves why. Who is this for? What is the point? Bad is better than mediocre, and this is dreadfully mediocre. Blegh.

Castle Bran and the moon yet again, but now the moon is a gooey blood puddle. With some flying foxes sprinkled in. It's fine, for a boilerplate inoffensive edition for a Walmart shelf. At least there aren't inexplicable insects.

Bela Lugosi in front of Cinderella's Castle, during a hurricane. Meh. The screaming face in the red part of the cape is a nice touch for what is otherwise kind of whatever.

I mean, it's a tie-in reprint. I like the title font.

Weird choice of photo. He looks confused. But I'm not familiar with this show, so maybe it means more to you if you are.

Odd to go with a sensual romance novel-style for an illustrated educational version, since those are usually for children. And this isn't even a scene in the book. But I like the garish colors and "Hammer Horror meets Goosebumps" vibe. It's fun, at least.

[ebtks-reviews]

Little Caesars- ranch dipping sauce

(side note: there were no singular pictures of this with the lid on google images?? I had to use someone else's picture and chop it down to just this sauce lol. I said I'd review everything)

This is ... Pretty mid and almost funky tasting. I love ranch, it is ... By far.. my favorite dipping sauce in most cases but this is pretty meh. It's not as refreshing as many other ranches I've tasted and I regret paying almost a dollar for it. Let alone two of them.

Better ranch comes in bottles but also cheaper free ones from McDonald's taste better. If you have no other alternatives, it works well enough and I did have it with unrelated chicken, not pizza or the crazy bites so maybe the pizza completes it but I had tasted it on it's own and it's not any better.

3/10 sinks

[glittering-moonlillie]

I Hate You, Be My Girlfriend: The Finale (Damian Wayne x Reader)

Word Count: Way too long (jk it's about 7267)

Warnings: Minor cussing

Summary: After a fight with Damian, you realize you have to come to terms with the fact that he doesn't love you, until something comes along and makes you realize he might.

France was even more gorgeous than you had expected it to be. Google images regrettably did not do the country justice and neither did your phone, but that didn’t stop you from snapping as many pictures and videos as you could in order to preserve the memory. 

Yet, despite all of the wonderful scenery and the fantastic food and the exceptional people, the best part - hands down - had to be waking up in the arms of Damian fucking Wayne for the past few days. The first night - and subsequently the following morning - you were neatly tucked into his side at an arm’s reach away. It was a warm but hesitant touch, a subtle ask for something more. Days passed and suddenly instead of the tentative touch you woke up to, you found yourself sprawled out on Damian’s bare chest with his arms tightly wrapped around you. 

As if he was as desperately in love with you, the small cavernous side of your mind echoed. The thought was quickly shaken away. Despite Damian becoming more affectionate, his attitude remained like a stubborn piece of gum glued to a shoe. No matter how many times he held the warmth of your hand or gave you a gentle smile, it never seemed anything more than to save face and - at most - simple kindness. That did not ease the drumming ache of your heart, and you could only beg to the most benevolent Gods that he couldn’t hear it while he held you. 

The morning beams leaked out of the windows of the hotel room, spraying you both with warmth. A husked groan escaped Damian’s lips, his head tilting to escape the blinding light. Most of his raven morning hair fell flat without the immense gel he used with some strands sticking up. His glazed-over gaze caught yours, the hazy emerald color melting into your own, making you feel naked in a snowstorm. 

“How do you always end up sprawled out all over me by the morning?” He mumbled, tugging at the silk sheets to cover more of his body. 

“You’re the one cuddling me, Dami.” You quickly pointed out, loving the way he casually rolled his eyes but didn’t let go. 

“How dare you, I refuse to call this cuddling.” 

“Then what would you like to call this?” You pouted. 

Damian began to draw soft circles and other miscellaneous shapes into your skin, his hands slightly calloused for inexplicable reasons. Being this close to him, you could make out the constellations of scars scattered along his body, the feathered birthmark near his collarbone that almost resembled a bird, the slight tint of crimson darkening his cheeks. It was weird being this close to your crush and part of you was close to pinching yourself to wake up from this fantasy. 

“Why does this need a name? I feel like that would ruin the rapport of it, don’t you think?” He questioned gently. His hardened eyes studied you, analyzing your reaction. Damian could probably see the way your eyes widened - could feel the quickening of your heart as it pumps blood to your face as it nodded in agreement. But if he did hear or notice any of those things, he didn’t mention it. He simply stared down at you. 

“I um…” You gulped. “Are you excited for the bachelor party? You’ll get a break from me for once.” You let out a yawn, rolling off Damian’s chest and taking the blankets with you. Despite it being Summer time in France, the early mornings were not kind. 

“Meh, not really.” Damian groaned and got up along with you to presumably get his clothes for the day. “I think I’m beginning to enjoy your company and I really don’t feel like being at a bar for five hours listening to my brothers act like Neanderthals.”

You failed to hold back your laughter listening to Damian continue to complain about his family. Even when it came to minor things like this, Damian always argued with immense zeal. It had to be a double edged sword, both one of his greatest strengths and one of his greatest faults. 

Your heart fluttered at this idea - well, not of the idea itself - but because of the meaning behind it. You were getting closer to Damian, he wanted your company. Compared to a few weeks ago, he would have scoffed at the idea of even being close to your vicinity but now everything has changed. 

But as soon as that glimpse of hope burst in, it popped instantly. This was all just a game to Damian, a façade he has put on to not show any weaknesses to his family. What was going on between you - the cuddling, hand holding, and soft kisses - was not anything special like how you dreamed. It was merely an act, the same one he would use at galas or any other public events. None of this meant anything to him because he didn’t love you. 

The thoughts continued to get worse and worse, the idea of Damian being affectionate because it meant nothing killed your mood. Suddenly, a bachelorette party didn’t seem as fun anymore even if it was in Bordeaux. Looking back at the bed, it seemed way more comfortable than it did prior, but then you remembered the way Damian held you and another rush of regret seeped its way into your pores. 

You scolded yourself for letting this get to you. Afterall, you knew from the very beginning that there was a high probability of you getting hurt. You were so swept up by the projected romance that you forgot that this was real life; Damian wouldn’t fall in love with you and after the wedding is over, he will most likely go back to avidly hating you. 

“Are you okay?” You turned behind you, catching the sight of Damian who had pulled on a tight forest green sweater and dark gray slacks all complimented with a black coat. He had worn these kinds of clothes before, so you wonder why your heart is beating faster than ever. 

You clutched your clothes tighter in your grasp. “I-I’m fine…” 

Damian squinted his eyes. It was obvious he didn’t believe what you told him. “Are you sure? You seem so…finicky this morning.”

You swiftly tried to escape the conversation, trying to hurry your way to the bathroom to change. “I guess I’m just a little nervous for the wedding. There’s going to be a lot of people so…”

Damian’s hand cut you off from entering the bathroom. “Tell me what’s actually going on.”

Fine. If he was being stubborn you may as well be too. “Why do you care all of a sudden? I thought you didn’t like me much.”

You tried to play off the comment as a half joke, thinking that he would laugh along with you. You weren’t expecting the borderline horrified look he gave you instead. His eyebrows knit in confusion and his jaw tightened, giving you enough time to slightly move his hand and enter the bathroom and change. 

“Why do you keep thinking I hate you?” Damian’s voice was outside the doorway. His voice sounded like he accidentally stepped on his dog’s foot or his cat’s tail. Again, you weren’t expecting this reaction. Was he not the one who said he hated you? Did he not relentlessly tease you whenever you talked?

“What, are you saying that you don’t?” 

“Yes. That is exactly what I am saying. Don’t be a fucking idiot.” This time, his voice seemed more agitated as if it was a ridiculous thought to have. A cloud of confusion permeated through your mind, refusing to leave and causing you to go silent. What were you supposed to say to that? Was this not a contradiction to how he acted 98 percent of the time you knew him? 

Damian was standing a few feet away when you walked out. “Of course, you’re just going to act like an immature baby about things.” He stepped closer to you with an all too familiar glare. “What is the problem? We were fine a few minutes ago.”

“I don’t understand you, Damian! One minute you are charming and nice, and then the next you sling insults at me!” You snapped. “And then you act surprised when I assume you hate me?”

The intense glare you received made your skin crawl. His mouth opened once, twice, only to quickly shut. For the first time since you knew him, he was speechless.

 “It’s not like you actually love me.” You continued, voice quieter and abnormally cold. 

You attempted another laugh but it came off sounding like a sad sob. It was a last resort to cover up the pain you felt, a nervous tick, a bad habit. Laughing was easier than admitting how much rejection hurt. It felt like being shoved into an operating chair and having a knife rip you apart until there was nothing left. Not even hope for a miracle.

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

Damian could not believe his ears; he wasn’t sure if he wanted to break down into tears or scream in a furious rage. The latter seemed more tempting. You looked like a wounded puppy, like he had kicked you and left you out on the street during a cold winter to starve.

“I…what?” He stuttered. 

It’s not like you actually love me…

The words sounded so disdainful…so frigid, the exact opposite of your optimistic personality. It startled him, left him scrambling for a reason - a reason for why it hurt, a reason for why you were hurt, a reason why this was happening in the first place. 

It was ridiculous, really. Damian had fought against hundreds of villains with only his sword and his brain. If it weren’t for his wits and natural skill, he would have been long dead and buried six feet under. So why, why was it that he failed to properly articulate what he wanted to say to you? 

Never in his life did Damian regret his actions more than he did now. The way your eyes sparkled with tears, how your hands crossed your chest and your legs shaked - he wanted nothing more than to be the one who comforted you, to make up for the way he treated you. Alas, he failed to actually say what was on his mind. 

“You don’t actually love me.” You repeated, once again trying to laugh, but he can tell it wasn’t sincere. “That is the whole joke of this situation.”

“Shut up, Y/n. You don’t even know what you are talking about.” He said, although he wasn’t really sure why. For most of the time he knew you, he assuredly did not love you at all. He would swear by it. Other than his love for animals and the cursed blood that pumped through him, you were one of the few constants he had in his life. Every single time he saw you he got lightheaded and felt like he was under some watered down version of Joker’s laughing gas, but now that he was forced to be near you, he had grown to enjoy the feeling you gave him. It became something he would willingly flight for. 

Whilst he wasn’t sure why, Damian wanted you more than anything; more than his father’s cowl, more than a pet turtle named Michelangelo, more than a cookie from Alfred. 

“I mean, it’s true. You would never love someone like me, not in a hundred years.” 

And there it was. The same stomach churning feeling he got whenever he did something overtly terrible to you. It made him want to take a dagger and plunge it into his heart, maybe that would stop the terrible ache it gave. 

“But what if I did?” Damian blurted. “What if I really, truly did and I was just a dumbass and didn’t realize it before. Is it really impossible for you to believe that I might?” 

“Well…” You took a step back, and then another, eyes twitching and breath heavy. “T-that…that wouldn’t…it wouldn’t…”

Damian noticed how you were on the verge of crying, with your lip trembling and fingers fraying the sides of your sweater. It irritated him; all of this was because of his behavior, because he was not enough, because he couldn't unravel the strange feelings that lingered in his gut. 

“Why are you crying?” He immediately bit his lip, realizing how harsh that sounded. What he meant to say was Why aren’t you smiling at me? What can I do to make you smile? 

You grabbed the key card for the shared room off the table, wiping away the few tears that slid across your cheeks. “Doesn’t matter…” You replied. “Let’s just ignore that this conversation happened and get breakfast.”

Despite wanting to say so much more - to argue about how it was unfeasible for him to hate you - all Damian could do was exhale and follow you to the breakfast area.

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

Breakfast was an absolute disaster. Considering that this was the first argument you and Damian had, it managed to ruin the mood for a majority of the afternoon. The rest of his family could tell that there was some sort of miscommunication between the two of you as well. The frequent jokes and remarks you two made were replaced with depressing silence and forlorn glances. 

Damian still could not grasp the idea of you thinking he hated you. He was determined to make it up to you since he now considered your opinion of him of the utmost importance, but no matter how many times he attempted to apologize you would shoot him down. He couldn’t even tell if you were angry with him since you just stared at him with those sad abused puppy dog eyes that always seemed to be a blink away from shedding tears. 

It boggled him, absolutely infuriated him to the point where he accidentally snapped at his older siblings and Alfred (who he later apologized to). The idea of him loving you raced through his mind numerous times; the proposal of it felt like greeting an old friend. It was surprising how he was not opposed to the idea in the slightest. 

All Damian could think of were the times you were kind to him and saw through him like he was a transparent ghost and how he retaliated with rudeness. He allowed himself to wonder if the whole situation would have been different if he had been kinder to you, only to realize that the likelihood of you being present with him now would be near improbable if he had been. 

He cursed under his breath in his mother’s tongue as he often did when he was this upset. It was one of the only few comforts he had at the moment. There were no animals he could hold and pet, no canvases to illustrate his emotions, no criminals to punch into a reddened smoothie. He only had you but he was not sure how he could approach you again. Preferably it would have been tonight but you were both dragged respectively to a bachelor/bachelorette party.  

The loud music and excited chatter of his family at the circus themed bar only proved to worsen Damian’s mood. The beating lights that bounced to the music and the steady flow of acrobatic men and women who somersaulted sent Damian’s mind into a dizzying blur. The whoops and cheers next to him did not make his situation any better. He couldn't care less. As important as this night was for Dick, he would have preferred to not be there at all.

“What’s got you scowling like that, lil D?” Dick yelled across the huge bar table, his face flushed and eyes dilated to the point where the ocean in them expanded into a black sea. 

“He’s having girl issues, Dick!” Tim remarked. “He probably said something really shitty to Y/n and has no idea how to say sorry.”

“Hey, I-” 

“No fighting at my bachelor party!” Dick slurred. He turned back to him. “What happened, buckaroo?”

Damian cringed at the pet name. It seemed like alcohol reverted Dick back into the ancient youth he was while being Robin. “Don’t you dare call me that again, Grayson.” 

“Come on, lil D! Let us help you, I am amazing with women!” 

“That’s probably not the best thing to say, Dick.” Jason rolled his eyes. “Regardless, I do think the embarrassed look on Damian is amusing, so please continue.”

Everyone looked to Damian expectantly, all of them raising the iconic eyebrow learned from Alfred. It was a similar stare to the one you gave him, and the sudden thought of you sent another wave of goosebumps along his body, making him feel possessed. 

Damian chose his words carefully. He could not just blatantly confess to forcing you into a fake relationship, nor could he ask for help when he didn’t know what to ask help with. 

“I don’t think that I am showing enough…affection to Y/n and I…I think she is really hurt about it.” He managed to mumble. “I don’t know how to appease her.” 

The stupefied look on his brothers face made his cheeks burn, his eyes furrowing in further annoyance. “Have you tried to flirt with her? Like, walking up to her and giving her a wink. Maybe saying a good pick up line or two with a devilishly sexy smirk?” 

“I-” before Damian could argue, he realized that this was Dick he was talking to, and if anyone knew what they were talking about, it would be him. “Out of pure curiosity, what lines do you suggest? Flirting wise.”

The table groaned in unison. “God no, I’m not drunk enough for this.” Jason rolled his eyes. He gestured to one of the laced up women for another drink.

“Well, when Babs and I were still young I used a multitude of different ones.” Dick hiccupped, leaning against the wooden table with a wide grin. “Once I told her that I loved the new adjustments she made on the batgirl costume, but I said that it would look better on my floor. Oh! And there was this other time that I said she was so hot that my zipper was falling for her.” 

Dick paused, looking up fondly to the tented color ceiling as if it were replaying those memories like a TV show rerun. It was at this time that Damian realized he should probably be taking notes; although he was confident in his memory, when it came to you, you always found a way to snatch away his words. 

“The dirtier the pick up lines, the better!” Dick finished after snapping back into reality. “Oh, and you have to deliver it confidently. Confidence is super sexy! Eventually she’ll see how much you love her and want her if you do it enough.”

He hummed in affirmation, taking a few notes on his phone. Damian realized that the few pick up lines Dick used were so…dirty. Of course, Damian was not a prudish snob when it came to being dirty but the thought of being remotely dirty with you sent his mind once again spiraling like a rollercoaster. Imagining you…with your clothes on the floor…all for him…Holding you underneath the bed and finally kissing your honeyed lips…

The sound of Jason’s low, deep chuckle brought him back to focus. “What’s so funny, Todd?” 

“Nothing, nothing. I just think Dick’s advice is absolutely terrible and he will probably realize that once he’s sober.” He turned to his younger brother with a look only the Devil could muster. “Plus, you are terrible at disguising your thoughts.”

“I don’t see you coming up with better advice.” He retaliated. 

Jason shrugged and reclined back in his chair as he took another sip of his beer. “I think I’m having more fun laughing at how embarrassed you are. Oh, and don’t take that in a bad way - although I’m sure you will.”

“You are absolutely useless, Todd. I’m sure even Tim could offer better advice than that.”

The said brother tilted his head back with a tired indifference. “I’m lucky that Conner even loves me so I’m not sure I should be one to help. Have you tried to, I don’t know, show your appreciation by paying attention to every single detail of her life and memorizing it so that when asked, you know everything about her?” 

There was a deathly pause, everyone at the table looking toward Tim. “That sounds utterly ridiculous…” Still, Damian hastily wrote it down in his notes anyway, just in case it proved to be useful. He doubted it though, since he knew almost everything about you like the back of his hand.

“It worked for me.” Tim said with yet another shrug. “Just make sure she doesn’t notice you doing it or else she will get really really weirded out.”

Damian wrote Watch her every move in his notes the same time a dark shadow stalked towards him. Looking up, Damian saw the tired yet content face of his father next to him, glancing at his phone. 

“Sorry I’m late. I had to deal with another Killer Croc rampage.” His father’s voice was coarse and gruff with age, his chin clear of any stubble and his eyes an icy blue. 

Dick stood up, his feet wobbly, to embrace Bruce. Although this was not a common occurrence, the two men embraced each other similar to how one would grasp a lifesaver. “I almost thought you wouldn’t come. I’m so glad you could make it, Dad.” 

The two broke away almost as soon as it happened. “Good timing too. We’re all trying to help Damian with the girl he’s with.”

Damian’s face burned a bright crimson, matching the colors of the circus uniforms as they swayed by, giving him the appearance of drunkenness. He forced his cheeks to remain neutral despite the need to break out into a goofy smile at the mere mention of your existence. 

Sitting down next to him, his father gave a thoughtful hum. “I’m not the best with women but-“

“Father, you have nothing to add to this conversation.” Bruce almost looked offended, frowning as he closed his mouth. 

“That’s…fair.” He said eventually. 

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

It was really late at night when all the girls returned to Des Quinconces after the bachelorette party. Busy chatter filled the empty air with melodic excitement as the party filed into Barbara’s room. Everyone had decided to have a huge sleep over the night before the wedding, spurred on by Stephanie and a few of the newer arrivals. It was a sigh of relief to you, since you weren’t sure you could handle a meeting with Damian at the moment. 

You were still visibly upset with the argument you had with Damian, and since you had spent this whole trip with him exclusively (and with very few meetings with his family since he was still paranoid they will catch on to the act), it was even worse being without him for this long. You already began to miss his witty comments and the friendly debates, but most of all, you missed the brief smile he gave you. Witnessing it was like finding a double rainbow after heavy rain or pinpointing a shooting star in the night sky. Without him, there were no double rainbows or shooting stars - just a gloomy night sky saturated in monochrome. 

As the cluster of girls made their way up the stairs, you dragged behind like a fish poop, wondering how to salvage things with Damian before the trip was over. When expressing the problem to the rest of the group (albeit carefully so it doesn’t seem suspicious) they suggested a plethora of things ranging from making him jealous, giving him the silent treatment, and or seducing him. Despite being told by one of the girls, Kor’i, that she could probably find another guy for the scheme, it felt impossible to make Damian jealous when there was a multitude of prettier girls at the wedding.

Now that you’re thinking about it, it would be the perfect escape for him. If the two of you broke up during the trip he wouldn’t be questioned about you afterward. You were just a ragdoll after all, a puppet he could use for the sake of not being embarrassed by his family. 

The image of Damian’s disappointed and heart-broken face reappeared in your mind. He looked so upset that you assumed he hated you, as if this whole trip was not a huge, perfectly photo-shopped picture. Was it because you were assuming the absolute worst of him? 

Another idea crossed your mind: What if he loved you? What if you magically made him succumb to the same feelings he gave you? 

Perhaps the reason why he was so hurt was because the tenderness he showed you was out of something close to love and your rejection of it angered him. Or perhaps this was you once again wishing for a miracle, hoping for something that would prevent you from the massive heartbreak you would undoubtedly endure. 

Despite the earlier conversation pointing to the former, you just could not push aside the year or so of bickering that led to this moment. As you laid your head down for the night, you concluded that the best course of action was to stick with the original plan: Pretend to be Damian’s girlfriend until the trip is over. Once it is over, you may as well get over him as well. There was no use wishing for a miracle. 

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

The day of the wedding arrived with the breaking of an egg yolk, the sun peering over the horizon as if it too was not ready. Gathering whatever was left of your excited energy, you did your best to help Barbara and everyone else get ready. The whole room was a technicolor war zone with different colored dresses and materials scattered carelessly. 

Stephanie and Cassandra took care of Barbara for the most part, assuring her that Dick wouldn’t walk out, giving you time to look for the dress you stored away for the event. Originally, Damian wanted to be there with you to pick out the dress so that it matched his, but you thankfully were able to keep it a surprise until now. Looking at it, a wave of bittersweetness washed over you, like the taste of dark chocolate melting on your tongue. You wondered if the dress was too bold, or if it would even fit you correctly without it making you look like an unfinished sketch.

Whatever it did, it was too late to turn back now. 

You caught a glimpse of yourself in the bathroom mirror, trying to picture how Damian would react. You wanted a reason to look pretty, to try and attract and beguile him. Now it seemed like any other piece of clothing you owned, just with a bit more frills and lace. The magic was gone. 

“Wow, you look beautiful!” Stephanie walked in with a grin, her perfect blonde hair curling like a lion’s mane. “I told Damian to wait for you downstairs, he looks pretty decent. We’ll meet you there.” 

She winked, dragging you out of the bathroom and pulling you out of the door. “Stepha-” 

Your fate was already sealed when the door slammed closed. You sighed, turning back around. Worry and hesitance consumed your body, eating away like moths to old fabric. Alfred was at the bottom of the stairs, seemingly talking to the youngest Wayne. At least he hadn’t noticed you yet; it made the 1,000 mile journey down more doable. 

Taking one last gasp of air, you painted a happy expression on your countenance and trudged onward. It didn’t take long for Damian to notice you, he always did, the glimmer in his eyes drawing you in further. 

He was smiling 

No, wait…He was smirking at you.

“Ah, it is good to see you Miss L/n, right on time.” Alfred nodded at you then turned to Damian once more. “I trust you will keep our conversation in mind?”

“Of course.” When you were within reach, he extended his hand and palmed yours. Warmth flooded your senses. It only worsened when he brought your hand to his lips and planted a kiss that was as gentle as a bird’s wings. 

His forest eyes connected with yours, and it was then that you noticed how amazing he was dressed. It was a normal black suit with a dark green undershirt, the cuffs of the suit embellished with a golden W. His hair was slicked back as usual, no bedhead in sight. There was no trace of sadness or anger in his face from the argument yesterday. 

“Beloved, you look…absolutely stunning, ravishing even.” 

“I-I…” You stuttered. “Thank you, Dami.”

You walked to the sleek black rental car, his hand in yours the whole way through. The noisy, busy street dissipated as you were enveloped in the quietness of the vehicle. 

Damian shifted in his seat, buckling in and smiling back at you. “Are you ready to go, my love?” 

Not trusting your ability to speak, you simply nodded. The already tight dress now seemed constricting. Silence filled the car with only the grinding of tires against the ground serving as music. You squirmed around, doing your best to make yourself comfortable. 

Damian cleared his throat. “Beloved…I…I wanted to apologize for how I have treated you, not just for yesterday, but for every other time too.”

“Oh, I…” Your mind grasps for a response. “Don’t um, don’t worry about it.”

His mouth twists in a thin line, pushing on the break at the red light. He reaches for your hands again, eyes heavy with an unfamiliar emotion. “I mean it, Y/n…I should have been kinder to you.”

When he was not met with an answer, he continued hastily. “I noticed yesterday that your eyes did not have the same fiery glint in them as they usually did when we were together. You also only smiled twice that day compared to the minimum of 32 every other day. I-It made me realize how much your happiness means to me.” 

The kaleidoscope of butterflies returned with gusto, a genuine smile fighting its way on your face.  “That’s...oddly specific.”

Nevertheless, you couldn’t help but giggle; whether the numbers he used were accurate or not, it showed how he actually cared. This reaction seemed to vex Damian. 

“If you aren’t going to take me seriously, I’ll have to pin you against a wall until you start to listen.” He grumbled. 

“Wh-what?!” 

His smirk reappeared, this time evidently victorious as if he took a gamble and won. “You heard me.”

"I'm not sure if I did...the Damian I know wouldn't blatantly flirt with me like that." "But how could I not flirt with you when you look so pretty all flustered for me?" He teased.

The wedding venue broadened along the horizon, revealing a gorgeous sectioned off garden or…was it a park? You weren’t able to tell. Cars were parked all along the perimeter, an ocean of people filling into the area. 

“That’s a lot of people…” You exclaimed. “I thought you said this was going to be a small event?”

“Trust me, my family knows way more people than those who are at the wedding.” Damian pulled into the allotted parking area, flashing his ID to one of the valet members. 

“`That doesn’t really help, Dami.” You looked into the mirror and played with your appearance. “I’m not sure how well my acting will be around so many people.”

He turned off the engine of the car, clicking his seatbelt and grabbing the keys. “The solution is simple then. Just don’t pretend anymore.”

It was almost as if Cupid himself pierced your heart with one of his infamous arrows, making you fall deeper into the pit you created for yourself.  You were 100 percent certain that Damian knew the effect he had on you if his smug grin were anything to go by, serving to only worsen your sheepishness. He was flirting with you as if it were second nature, as if he wanted to draw out this side of you. 

All worries of him loving you or not vanished as smooth as a sunset. When he opened the door for you, there was no hesitance; you swiftly took your place beside him. Two perfect puzzles placed next to each other, both their own picture but when put together, make an even more beautiful picture. Damian threw the keys to the valet attendant. 

The summer sun felt delicious on your exposed skin. Living in Gotham, days like these were as rare as gold and twice as valuable. Fresh grass and the exuberant amount of irises and lilacs intoxicated your senses. Most of the people seemed to be seated in the white pews. 

“May I ask why you are acting all flirty and endearing all of a sudden? Not that I’m complaining or anything, I just want to know what kind of trouble you are planning on getting me into.” Damian’s grip tightened. 

“Who’s to say I want to get you in trouble? What if I was just being honest with you for once?” He questioned. 

He leaned in closer, breath fanning against your ear, his hair tickling your skin. “Maybe after tonight I want to call you mine.”

You blinked. “Uh…”

“Is…did that not work?” Damian glanced at his phone then back at you, tilting his head and squinting. “Dick told me that would work. Why is- Are you not falling madly in love with me right now?”

“Damian, what are you talking about?” You said, just as bewildered as him. 

Damian’s face contorted, green eyes tearing away from yours. “I wanted to make up for hurting you all those times. I thought that if I did that then…”

A pale visage, eyes darting everywhere but to yours - his facade was breaking right in front of you. A sigh emanated from his lips, broken and cracked. “My family…they made me realize-”

“Damian?!” A booming voice followed with a sudden gust of wind cut him off. “I haven’t seen you in so long!”

A similarly aged boy rushed in to give the Wayne a tight hug; he had swirly black hair and pale skin, his eyes a baby blue. He was a few inches taller than Damian as well.

“You have terrible timing, Jon.” Damian complained. 

The man, Jon, pulled away from him but kept his arm slung around his shoulders. 

“Ah, sorry. Sometimes I get carried away.” He beamed. “My name’s Jon! And you are?”

You attempted to speak but Damian cut you off before you could. “She’s my girlfriend, Y/n.”

Jon’s eyes widened, turning to the other with a gasp. “You got a girlfriend and didn’t tell me?!”

“We’re pretty new, Jon. I didn’t want to make her feel overwhelmed.”

You raised an eyebrow to Damian, who did not seem to have a problem changing the agreed upon story. 

“I-I..er…it’s nice to meet you, Jon!” You finally said. The smile you gave felt like a cheap knock-off in the presence of Jon, who resembled more of a golden retriever. 

“We should go, beloved. I’m afraid my brothers are probably waiting for us.” Damian tried to tug on the sleeve of your dress while you were in mid conversation with Jon. He gave you a needy whine. 

“Oh, alright then.” Jon said. “See you later?”

“Yeah, maybe.” Damian replied, hand now in yours. 

The two of you weaved your way towards the saved seats near the front of a flower woven arch. Familiar people greeted you and Damian, ranging from Rachel and Kara (who you met yesterday) to newer people named Conner and Wally. They all seemed nice enough, but your mind couldn’t maintain the same level of focus it usually did. How could it be when Damian was acting like a clingy, jealous boyfriend? 

Not only that, but the conversation beforehand seemed to be leading to a teary eyed confession. Whether it be a confession of love or of just remorse, you weren’t sure. You desperately wanted to believe that it was the former of course. It felt natural being beside him. Acting as a couple didn’t feel as fake as it did prior, causing a flurry of bubbling adulation. 

You imagined taking your place in the pews during the wedding for weeks now, imagined what it would be like to watch two people vow their love for eternity and beyond. Music began and the remaining people who were ambling about quickly found their seats. 

Dick was in the front with a charming navy suit, his face twisted in a nervous smile. The pastor was a woman with flowing black hair that towered over the bridegroom. 

The traditional marriage song began and suddenly Cassandra emerged, twirling and leaping with a basket of purple petals, tossing them in the air like glitter. Her dress was a little longer than a ballerina’s and her hair was accented with white flowers. The laws of physics seemed defied as Cass made her way across the aisle as if wings sprouted from her back. 

Barbara made her way across the aisle with her father, her mermaid dress trailing behind her. She was absolutely stunning and she knew it. Dick’s face broke out into a goofy smile, fidgeting with the collar of his suit. Babs took her place next to Dick and the ceremony began. 

You couldn’t help imagining yourself in Bab’s place, exchanging words of affection with the love of your life. Your eyes dragged to the person next to you. You were met with his eyes staring into yours, a blush dusting his face as if he could read your mind. 

“Richard Grayson, do you take Barbara Gordon  to be your wedded wife, to live together in marriage?  Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, and forsaking all others, be faithful only to her, for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” Dick said, his voice straining. 

“Barbara Gordon, do you take Richard Grayson to be your wedded husband to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health and forsaking all others, be faithful only to him so long as you both shall live?” The woman asked. 

“I do.” She answered quickly. 

“Well then, I happily pronounce you husband and wife! You may now kiss the bride!” Applause erupted from the crowd as Dick pulled Barbara into his arms for a sentimental kiss. 

Your applause was cut short by Damian, who attempted to drag you to the far side of the venue. You laughed as you tried to run in the heels you wore. 

“Damian, I swear you are trying to kill me. What was that for?” You asked out of breath, fighting a giggle fit. 

“I’ve been trying to talk to you for the past hour and a half and I am not in the mood for anyone else to interrupt it.” He softly grabbed your wrist, creating a mere few inches of distance. 

“My family made me realize that I…” He took a deep breath. “They made me realize how much I care for you. The time we have spent together it’s been…it’s been one of the most enjoyable weeks of my life.”

“That’s really sweet, Damian. I’m glad we have grown to be friends.” You nuzzled into his chest. 

“I, no. That’s not…” Damian huffed out of exasperation. “I don’t want to just be friends with you, Y/n. I want to be more than that. I want what we have in the late nights and early mornings when it’s just us. Not because I am afraid of what my family will say, but because you make me a better person and I long to be the one who makes you smile.”

The bomb that had been slowly ticking down to its demise finally went off, a glorious bombardment of color and sparks that hazed your mind like a Fourth of July Night. 

“You…want me?”

“More than anything, Y/n. That’s why I got so upset yesterday…I was upset at myself for making you think I hated you when I didn’t.” The confession felt as soft as an everlasting Spring breeze, a promise to love during the blazing heat and decaying cold. His finger tilted your head up so you could look up at him.  There was no mask hiding away his feelings, it was plain to see that he meant every word. 

“I’ve had a crush on you for a long while, Dami. I- God, I’ve fantasized about you saying that to me for months. I’m sorry for assuming you hated me..it was more of a defense mechanism than anything.”

“Oh really?” He leaned in closer with his iconic smug smile. “What else did you fantasize, beloved?” 

You gulped. “Kissing…maybe?”

You gave him your best version of a puppy eyed stare.

“Do you want me to let you in on a secret, Y/n?” When you nodded, he said “I don’t think I could ever deny you when you look at me like that.”

In a blink of an eye, Damian’s lips pressed to yours and it only took you a moment of processing for you to kiss back. There were no fireworks, sparkles or any other bombardments as usually described in the romance books you read. Just the simple warmth you shared. 

Breaking away, you became aware of where you were and part of you felt bad for missing the immediate celebration. Barbara had her back to an array of women and some men, about to throw her bouquet of lilies. In front of it all was Tim’s boyfriend, Conner, who looked like he would shoot down anyone if he did not get the flowers. As she threw the bouquet, she managed to throw it towards the pews where Jason was sitting idly on his phone, effectively hitting him in the face and landing in his lap. 

Jason stared at his lap for a few seconds, confused. He looked to the crowd and spotted Conner, throwing them in his direction. 

“Mine!” He yelled, catching the bouquet with almost inhumane speed. “Hey, Timmy! Wanna head to Vegas and get married?”

Tim stared at his boyfriend, shaking his head with a flustered smile. 

“I’m sad that we’ll have to leave in a day…It would have been nice to go to Champs Elysée and Place de l’etoile.”

Damian briefly spun you around so you were facing him again. “Who’s to say we can’t do that still?” 

“You’re Dad and Alfred? They said we’d be going back to Gotham the day after the wedding?” 

He hummed. “Too bad I’ll have to tell them we’ll be staying for another week so I can take you everywhere else you want to go to in France.”

“You what?” 

“Is that a yes?” He asked. “I was hoping to take you to Paris for a date.” 

“I- Yes! Of course it’s a yes, Damian!” 

“Oh that’s good, because I already booked everything and I’d hate for it to go to waste.” He smiled at you like a complete dork. 

“Hell yeah! Time for crab stuffed mushrooms and a huge ciambellone!” Dick hollered, Barbara in his arms. 

The huge crowd seemed to be making their way to their cars, petals still drifting in the air.

Your stomach growled.

“I am starving, come on! Let’s go so we don’t have to deal with a ridiculous line for food!” You exclaimed, this time dragging Damian to his car. Your giddy laughter filled the air like a melody. 

Damian couldn’t help but smile broadly. “Alright, beloved."

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD I AM DONE WITH THIS. Don't get me wrong, I had a blast with this series, but I had no idea that this final part would take this long to write. I had thought that I would have enough time to finish it on Wednesday, not realizing I would write another 5k words.

The writing towards the end is probably not as good as the beginning because I had a little bit of a hard time. Still, I hope you guys liked the ending. There was so much more I wanted to add to it too, but my writing juices were thoroughly squeezed and I didn't want to push it back further.

TAGLIST: @greenkiki, @lorosette, @noah-uhhh-what, @vanessa-boo, @herascave, @celestair, @trashmouthsahra, @littlemiss-nightshade and @itzstaticrainbow

[vintage-tech]

Things I have hit DALL-E with and how they turned out:

Julia Child in lingerie: That’s indeed horrorcore Julia Child, but she’s all in aprons. Meh.

Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton have a child: No hybrid babies, but plenty of pictures of the singers of “Islands In The Stream” with horrible facial birth defects. Pass.

George Bush in a jockstrap: Almost as horrible as the real thing must be, but they were distorted in a way that made them look like acid-faced luchadors. Fail.

dancing genitals: Yeah, no, a fail unless the AI thinks that “genitals” is another word for Victorian era illustrations. It came out really good, actually, but way more real and convincing like you’re looking for drawings of dancers from 200 years ago in Google Images, so we’ll move on.

But then things got better....

David Karp [Tumblr’s creator] eats a bug: WINNER! Better than Dashcon.

birds with huge dicks: (confession: string inspired by a Liartown USA calendar) Remarkably SFW. No penii, but I’m not disappointed because when an AI creates a bird it truly creates some amazing new birds!

mother is tripping balls: Yeah, it seized on “balls” as in playground balls and interpreted ‘mother’ as simply “woman with child”, but I am not disappointed... she’s clearly tripping balls.

Spongebob Squarepants does porn: More like Spongeboy is watching porn (I’m assuming yaoi or shota), or what he looks like when Patrick is dropping acid...

fire children: Life was good until the Fire Nation attacked. I can practically hear The Prodigy spinning “Firestarter”... I don’t want to be a part of their rituals but maybe I’d watch them on DVD later.

McDonaldland erection: Very clean-minded, it interpreted “erection” as building, but if you ever wondered where to get a burger in Inverse World... Wackdonalds!

And for the piece de la resistance...

Batman goes to homecoming dance: You sure this was created by an AI?? This looks like photos I took at my homecoming on my trusty 110 camera!

[hansolmates]

jjk; off-league

summary; you decide to do a little boudoir photoshoot for yourself—a little sexy lingerie, some bunny ears, maybe even a little nudity to make you feel more body positive about yourself. that little photoshoot doesn’t end up being for yourself anymore when you accidentally send those sexy pictures to your stupidly hot, stupidly talented childhood friend who you haven’t spoken to since middle school graduation.  pairing; photographer!jk x fem!reader genre/warnings; childhood friends to lovers!au, flangst, mutual pining, feelings of insecurity and body image, suggestive language, nudity  w.c; 6.2k a/n: i was feeling a lil meh about this fic after finishing it but a month later it finally makes its debut! for @btsghostiewritersnet​ BGW Bingo Bash! today’s trope is “childhood friends to lovers” which surprisingly isn’t a favorite of mine so it was definitely a challenge to write! 

“C’mon, I need your opinion. Deadass. Don’t just say shit to make me feel better.” 

“Gimmie those nudes, baby girl,” Johnny makes an impeccable fuckboy impersonation, making you feel a little squirmy to your stomach. 

It’s an hour away from being the ass-crack’o-dawn and your impromptu pin-up photoshoot just needs the sexy-star-of-approval from your best friend. Johnny Suh is also up for reasons unmentioned, but you had a feeling his pretty boyfriend is fifty percent of the reason. 

You look at yourself in the mirror, smoothing your frame against the black bodice of the sheer teddy. The only parts that are fully concealed are the parts that don’t matter. The sheer bodice reveals your pert nipples concealed by a thin black mesh, coupled with the deep V in the sweetheart neckline, accented by a little black bow in the dive of your highlighted cleavage. The silky a-line raceways to a set of black garters hugging your thighs, barely hanging onto a pair of lace thigh-highs. 

It doesn’t leave you butt naked, but enough to make you feel confident about yourself. These pictures are for you, and Johnny. And Johnny’s boyfriend if he’s being nosy. 

You tug off the silk bunny ears from your head, flinging it somewhere in your room. The wire started to dig in your brain, giving you a major headache. 

“Sending them now,” you hang up and start compiling the pictures in a folder on Google Drive. Once that’s done you copy the shareable link, sending it to Johnny’s number. It happens all so fast, and you feel kind of giddy. As you were posing for the camera, taking your time to find all the right angles, you felt good, you felt sexy in your little get up. Channeling your inner Ariana Grande was one of your childhood dreams, your fifteen year old self would be proud. 

Five minutes pass, fifteen, and by the twenty-five minute mark you’re pissed. What’s taking Johnny so long? 

Makeup scrubbed clean and face bare, you shuffle in your duvet, far too tired to be waiting up this long. Punching in his number once more, you cry, “Hey! Why haven’t you looked at them yet?” 

“What?” your friend’s voice sounds pebbly through the line. Was Johnny sleeping? “You never sent them!” he whines tiredly. 

“No, I definitely sent them!” you pull the phone away and keep Johnny on call, ready to prove him wrong. 

But to your surprise, the last message you sent to Johnny was this afternoon. 

The most recent message is to a person named John Kook. 

You scream. 

Johnny screams back at you with an equal amount of force, “What the fuck? Did someone break in? Are you being mobbed? See, this is why I wanted to put the baby monitor in your room—” 

“Worse!” you’re well prepared for any break in, but not for this. “I sent my pics to the wrong John!” 

“Well… is he at least cute?” 

“I mean, in the fourth grade he looked pretty cute with that front tooth missing,” you find your output of frustration, your bunny plush, pulling it by the ear and hitting it against the bed. “His name isn’t even John! It was just his English name for a silly project we did in middle school. This is so embarrassing, all I can picture is a twelve-year-old Jungkook mortified from sexual harassment. I basically sent him nudes!” 

“Tasteful nudes.” 

“I’m gonna die.” 

“He’s gonna die, of happiness.” 

Jeon Jungkook was a classmate from elementary through middle school. Time and time again was he the object of your affections, from the first grade at the roller rink to the speech he made at graduation. But really, who cares? You’re old and have a job, and it’s not like you’ve communicated with any of your former classmates. 

Your horror amplifies when the Delivered receipt is changed to Read 3:41AM. 

“Fuck! Fuck me with a fuckin’ fuck nugget he saw it!” you cry, “does he still have my number? What if he deleted my contact, would that be even weirder?” 

“Girl, stop.” Johnny sighs, and you can already picture him running his thumb between his brows. “This doesn’t change anything, alright? You two don’t know each other anymore. Block his number and go to sleep.” 

Johnny leaves you alone after that, and you’re left alone to mull over the implications of sending Jeon Jungkook your nude photoshoot. 

You do block his number, knowing that waiting for a reply would drive you nuts. The one thing that you do which is possibly worse, is look him up on Instagram. 

Of course, he’s stupid hot. 

He doesn’t seem to like being on the receiving end of the camera however, in favor of his timeline being filled with romantic shots of the beach and city. In between the picturesque views and watercolor sunsets do you see glimpses of him and his current life. You can’t help but smile when you see him with his brother and parents during his college graduation, easily towering over all of them. He looks tall with fluffy cocoa hair, big pearly whites gleaming proudly at the camera. He grew up well. 

To torture yourself even more, you even look through his story. Twelve hours ago, he was at the gym lifting weights. Normally, you’d be disgusted by people trying to show off their grunt faces drenched in sweat, but of course Jungkook has to have on a silly smile and pump his fist up after he deadlifts. The sweat clinging to his shirt is also a high plus. His gorgeous display of abs has your hands fluttering over your own belly. Maybe you need to exercise more. 

Four hours ago, you see him and a pretty woman with their cheeks squished together, using the puppy filter. Of course he has a girlfriend. 

Reluctant, you open up your Google Drive and scroll through your photoshoot. Deflated, you frown at the pictures that once made you beam with pride, picking at every little detail that bothered you. You really can’t believe you sent these to Jeon Jungkook, no longer a fourth grader with one front tooth, but a man way out of your league. 

By the time you will yourself to sleep, the sun peeks from the horizon, telling you to move on. 

“Hey Gyu,” you tiptoe over to the table much too small for Mingyu’s frame. The string bean is slumped over his iPad pro, drawing intently at some chibi OCs. “Got a plot for that one?” you ask, pointing at the little pink and blue creature decorating the screen. 

Mingyu grunts in reply, obviously engrossed. It isn’t until you slide him a matcha frappe from Starbucks that he becomes intelligible, muttering a “thank you” as he blends with his pen. 

Sensing that it’s going to be awhile before you get through to him, you take your usual rounds around the front desk and lobby of the cosy photo studio. There’s pretty pictures of Mingyu’s work, along with the other employees Minghao and Hoseok. Each section of the wall features a different taste of each person’s interest. Mingyu is a divine lover of soft bed sheets and hot tea, many of his photographs and paintings featuring cafes or perfectly messy beds you’ve seen on hotel advertisements. Minghao is a tasteful artisan, splotches of color retaliating against neutral backgrounds. Finally, Hoseok manages to find balance in the people, large cityscapes telling both large and small stories.

“Alright,” Mingyu’s deep voice forces you to curl your head, where he’s sipping at his drink with haste. “What’cha here for?” 

You frown, “Don’t you remember? I told you last week I’d be stopping by to get my photos developed,” you gesture to the Pentax in your hands, an heirloom from your great-aunt. While you did take digital photos for sending them to Johnny, the ones you wanted developed were taken side-by-side with the film camera. You figured that film would give a little more authenticity to your photoshoot. 

“Shit, that’s today?” the camera falls like deadweight, slapping against your sweater as you watch Mingyu frantically look through his digital calendar. He looks at you, dejected. “How many prints?” 

“I don’t know, maybe like six. Or eight?” 

“That’s gonna take too long, I’m heading down to Hidden Grounds for a vision meeting at two.” 

“Alright, I’m free all day. What about after?”

“Nah, you came all this way. I can just let the new guy help you.” and Mingyu makes a show of cupping his hands in the direction of the open hallway, “Yah, Jeon Jungkook! Get your cute ass out here!” 

The Pentax around your neck suddenly feels like weight akin to a two-ton boulder, and you surge forward, not caring that the corner of the table is digging into your belly. “Mingyu,” you garble, and Mingyu is shell-shocked by the desperation in your eyes. “Isn’t Minghao around or something? Or I can come back another time? These photos are really personal and I don’t feel comfortable having a stranger see them.”

“What? We’re professionals, don’t belittle us.” 

“No, seriously,” you whine, you tug at the collar of his denim jacket, noses practically touching. “These pictures are different. My tits are out and my legs are spread—”

“—interrupting something?” 

You hear some shuffling, and you turn around to see Jeon Jungkook’s back, comically turned to face the entrance. 

And damn, he did have a cute ass. Nothing is going to hide the glory in those jeans, absolutely nothing. 

“Hilarious,” Mingyu drawls, and you push him away. “Forget it, Kook. She doesn’t feel comfortable letting a stranger develop her photos.” 

Sensing that it’s safe to turn around, you watch as his black bangs flutter as he faces you. You hope your body language doesn’t betray how you’re really feeling, because you are a mere mortal and you’re weak in the presence of god-like figures. 

“Oh, what a relief then,” he smiles at you, and his voice sounds like honey. If there was malice or surprise in his tone, his good-natured expression betrays it. “Because I’ve known this friend since elementary school. We go way back.” 

You ignore the burn in the back of your head, as you are positive Mingyu knows you’re hiding something. 

“Really, what a coincidence.” Mingyu replies carefully, and you feel utterly stuck between these men and their banter, locked up like cream in an Oreo cookie. 

Nothing argues against Jungkook as he easily weaves through the thick wave of awkwardness, hands reaching out to touch your camera. “Wow,” he marvels, holding the object in his hands, “my dad has one of these.” 

“A-ha,” you take a step back, only to bump into the corner of the table, again. Ouch. “It’s okay, Jungkook. I’m actually busy today so I can come when Mingyu’s free–”

“Oh, I thought you were free all day,” Mingyu drawls, looking up through his lashes as he sips languidly at his drink. 

“Don’t worry about it,” Jungkook says good-naturedly, as if Mingyu just didn’t out you. “We got a lot of catching up to do anyway, c’mon.” 

Jungkook moves to place a hand in the small of your back and that’s enough to get you to rev up. Refusing to let any contact get between the two of you, you zip ahead down the familiar hallway, turning your head to catch Mingyu grinning with all canines, shooing you with his fingers like a puppy. 

You send Mingyu a stream of “fuck yous” into his inbox for later, unwilling to settle with this curse. Busying yourself with your phone, you avoid eye contact with Jungkook until you reach the dark room. The red light turned off at the top of the doorhenge signals that the room is not in use. Jungkook makes a move to open the door and that’s when you pounce, blocking the doorway with your small body. It’s comical, really. 

Jungkook raises a brow at you, but says nothing. 

“I really can wait, Jungkook,” you steel yourself, forcing a sympathetic smile. “I’m sure your girlfriend wouldn’t like you developing my pictures—”

It’s then that his pretty cupid’s bow unfurls into a full-fledged grin. “Girlfriend... you’ve been keeping tabs on me?” 

“Fuck, well I had to!” your face is as red as the dark room’s alert light, now on because Jungkook flicked the switch and he’s between your arm to unlock the door. Your hand brushes his as you both reach the knob. “I’m really really sorry I sent those pictures. They were for Johnny—you remember Johnny Suh from English class? And I saved you in my contacts as “John Kook” so it was an honest mess up.” 

Jungkook hums, so light that the breathiness in his chords flutters your grip on the knob. He forces the door ajar, and you’re left to follow him in the dark room, cluttered with solutions and fancy equipment. 

“Thought so,” Jungkook shrugged, giving a one-over at the materials in the room, mulling over his next steps in developing your film. 

You’re still petrified at the doorway, holding your Pentax between both hands like a lifeline. Jungkook’s head lols to you, and you get a pretty view of the way his bangs brush over his forehead, Adam’s Apple bobbing. His expression is a little tired, but overall unreadable. He sighs your name, lethargic. 

“We’re already here, so might as well get this done,” he gestures to the camera in your vice grip. “Do you wanna pick the shots or do you want me to?” 

He’s already seen the digitals, what’s so different about getting a couple prints? With a slight pout you drag your feet over to him, relinquishing your camera. “I’m thinking you have a better eye for this than I do.” 

“You think right.” 

You fight the urge to roll your eyes. Cocky, but what you’ve seen on Instagram definitely justifies his sentiment. Jungkook pays no mind to you, busying his hands with the various containers in front of him, measuring the solutions for the developer, stopper, and fixer. You were always entranced by the process of developing film, especially in highschool where their photography club holed themselves in the darkroom like a secret lair. 

“Alright,” he pops open the canister, carefully laying out sections of the film in groups of four. “Want me to pick a random one for a tester?” 

You frown, “At least put some thought into it.” 

“Always,” it looks like he already decided way before he popped the question, immediately taking a negative and placing it in the carrier. 

His fingers are nimble as he takes the time to clean off the dust and any debris that could potentially ruin the image. Then he turns off the lights and begins the process. You dive around him, trying to keep your distance but still too curious to leave his side. If he’s annoyed he fails to show it, in favor of humming whatever song comes from his Echo Dot. 

You always got the solos in choir. You wanted to reminisce, but you’re too nervous to say it out loud. 

Even though it’s his job and he’s being a professional, you romanticize the experience, watching as he carefully puts the print in each liquid process. Your image blooms to life, and you feel your stomach churn as the photo develops before your eyes. 

After a final dip in the solution stopper, he places the first product in a bath of water. Even though you are mere centimeters away, you can clearly see the image of you swimming around the container. 

“Alright!” Jungkook hangs the finished picture on a pastel pink clothespin, tacking it in place. “Whaddya think?” 

Your breath catches in your throat, feeling heavy as you look at the image of you reflected in the glossy paper. You’re perched on your bed, a hand splaying between your legs as the other hand toys with the silk bunny ears. You’re leaned slightly, giving an ample view of your cleavage. However, the image of you is definitely different from being blown up in comparison to the negatives, and you squirm uncomfortably at your full display. 

“I look,” you bite your tongue, internally debating whether you like it or not. Not to spare Jungkook the theatrics you shrug, “It’s good.”  

The lack of enthusiasm seems to dissatisfy Jungkook however, as he has to take a double take and look back and forth between the image and the real thing. “What’s wrong with it, do you think Johnny’ll not like it?” 

“What?” you furrow your brows, breaking into a nervous laugh. “Johnny has a boyfriend. I just wanted his opinion. This photoshoot is for me, y’know? Just something to make me feel good about myself.” 

Jungkook’s lips morph into a little ‘o’, and you see a little bit of the child you once knew in the way he’s mulling over the situation. 

“Then can I give you my honest opinion?” Jungkook clips off the half-dried photo, holding it between you two. “Stop thinking so hard about every little thing you don’t like about yourself. If I was your boyfriend and you gifted this to me, I’d be creaming my pants. You look fucking sexy, all grown up since you cried in the fourth grade.” 

You’ve just been flung a litany of words you have no brain capacity to digest. Along with that, the immense heat you didn’t know you’ve been suppressing surges to your belly, low and simmering. Jungkook stares at you in earnest, despite his sudden gush of honesty, you don’t know what to say. There’s a dash of pink staining his cheeks, betraying the confidence he previously displayed. He stiffens when you don’t reply immediately and moves to clean his materials, his sudden bout of bold honesty quickly shrinking. 

“Y-you know,” you look down at your feet, “the only reason why I cried in the fourth grade was because you told me Santa wasn’t real.” 

Jungkook softens, tilting his head. “Sorry about that.” 

“Thanks though,” you gently reach for the photo in Jungkook’s grasp, looking at it without contempt. “But won’t your girlfriend be upset if she knew you were saying things like this about someone else?” 

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Well, if you looked through the rest of my Instagram story,” Jungkooks cards a hand through his already mussed hair, splitting the ends. “You would see that she’s not my girlfriend, but my tattoo artist.” 

For added measure, he wiggles his fingers in front of you, revealing pretty ink and silver bands across his knuckles.

“Oh,” your voice is feather light, and you’re sure you’re drooling as you stare far too long at the letters that mark his hands, curious as to what they symbolize. 

“So, as a singleton telling another singleton,” he continues, “I know it’s meaningless if you don’t believe it yourself, but I’m telling you, you’re attractive.” 

“Thanks,” you hold the picture tightly in your grasp, eyes flickering to the negatives in the room ready to be galvanized into a full-fledged picture. “Why don’t we wrap this up, huh? We can continue another time.” 

If he notices how much the paper wilts in your grasp, he doesn’t comment on it. “Are you sure? I know it takes a lot of time, but I don’t mind.” 

“I’m sure,” you force a smile, one hand on the lightswitch. “I’ll let you know when I’m ready, okay?” 

Jungkook swallows, nodding mechanically. “Okay.” 

“It was really nice seeing you, Kook.” you blurt before you could chicken out, letting the room bask in darkness a little longer so he can’t see your flustered state. “I’m not even going to downplay it, you look great.” 

You half-expect a cocky remark, or a little chest pumping from the compliment. At the sound of his nickname however, 4th grade Jeon Jungkook resurfaces and he shoves his hands in his pockets. “Like I said, so do you,” he replies easily, sending you a soft smile and opening the door for you. 

The door closes shut behind you and you exhale, patting your cheeks and willing for the chilly air to calm you down. 

When you get home that day, you shuck off all your clothes and crawl into bed. You cry out when the metal framing of your bunny ears stabs you in the back, and you fling it to some unmentionable part of the room. You reach for a bag of half-opened sour gummy worms, flipping open your MacBook to continue streaming the soft magical girl anime you’ve been hooked on these past few weeks. 

Not even Sailor Uranus can distract you; however, by the time it’s dark and you’ve run out of distractions, you finally pull the plug and unblock Jungkook from your list of contacts. 

Your phone buzzes, the incessant vibration relaying all the messages you’ve missed. 

[March 12th, 3:53AM]

You: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/0343…

John Kook: ??? 

John Kook: you probably sent this to me by accident… sorry i clicked on it

John Kook: is it weird if i said you’ve done a massive glow up since the middle school dance?

[March 12th, 12:02 PM]

John Kook: are u mad

John Kook: you’re mad

John Kook: am i makin this weird by continuing to text you

John Kook: im making it weird. 

[March 31st, 6:24 PM]

John Kook: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/049…

You tilt your head at the folder link, it was sent only a few hours ago. With a click, you’re enlightened to a set of digital photos. Your photos from your photoshoot, but not quite. They’ve been expertly edited, not too much to distort your looks, but only to enhance your features. A small, barely there smile creeps from your subconscious, ultimately touched by the gesture. 

John Kook: sorry if i pushed too hard today. 

Guilt overrides your nerves, prompting you to immediately press the call button on his contact. Not to your surprise, Jungkook’s light voice calls your name through the line after the second ring. 

“Don’t be sorry,” you blurt, forgoing the hellos. “It was the right amount of push, I feel better, really. If anything, I’m sorry. I blocked your number because I was scared to read your reaction.” 

You hear him sigh along the line, and you feel that breath ripple through your nerves, as if he’s right next to you. “It’s fine, I would’ve done the same thing.” 

“The pictures you just sent, they’re really beautiful. You did a good job.” 

“Thanks, I had a bit of help. I didn’t have to do much.” 

“Oh, did Mingyu come back from his meeting?” 

"No, I uh," Jungkook chuckles, and while you don't really know why, the sound is nonetheless pleasant. “It was mostly the lighting and coloring I fixed up. Didn’t need to do much since you already looked so pretty as it is.” 

You choke on your saliva. 

“You okay?”

“Y-yeah,” you cough, “just choked on a snack I was eating.” he hums in reply, and you pray he doesn’t hear your stomach fervently retort that you haven’t eaten since lunch. “So, I think I’m up for developing more of the film. When can I drop by?” 

“I’m free Saturday,” Jungkook chirps, “I have a shoot until noon but you can come anytime after that.” 

“Sounds good, I’ll be there,” you clutch the phone with both hands. “I can bring lunch. What do you like to eat?” 

“Oh, you don’t have to do that.”

“I’m already buying for Minghao,” you lie, “do you like burgers?” 

“I can’t say no to a good burger,” Jungkook’s smile feels almost palpable against the line, “do you remember our field trip to the national museum of history? We had burgers on the street!” 

“Oh, those were so good,” you moan, fuzzy memories of a middle grade field trip resurfacing to clarity, “but you ate like, ten of them!”

“I still get nightmares,” he warns, “don’t let me go to bed like this.” 

You giggle, letting your body meld further into your warm mattress. “Maybe I’ll just show up with ten burgers for you tomorrow.” 

“I’ll throw up on you, try me.” 

Minghao’s adjusting the frames on their display wall by the centimeter, and it’s pissing him off. 

“Ah, it’s off,” he mutters to himself when you walk in, indicated by the electronic bell. He turns to you briefly, pulling a leveler out of his overall pocket. “Doesn’t this look off?” 

“Uh,” you look towards Mingyu at the front desk, who is paying no mind as he continues scribbling on his iPad. You tilt your head towards your former college classmate. “It doesn’t look off from over here?” 

Tacking the leveler on one of the frames, he whines, “It’s five degrees off.” 

Mingyu puts his pen down to reach over the counter and grab the paper from your hands, steaming with the scent of fast food, “He’s been like this for hours, don’t mind him.” 

He doesn’t even ask whether the food is his, Mingyu sees grease and he claims. Reaching for an oil-wrapped parchment, he unfolds the paper to reveal a handsome burger with all the fix-ens. 

Barely satisfied, Minghao steps away from the art display. There is a sizable gap in the display, now divided between four artists instead of three. You wonder how Jungkook’s work will look amongst the other artists. 

“Cute ‘fit.” Minghao mumbles, nodding approvingly at your clothes as he digs into the bag for his own burger. 

You send a half-smile his way. If an outfit is Minghao-approved, that means you’ve gone above and beyond. At least, you tried to play it off like you didn’t try to look cute. It’s not like you’re intimidated by Jungkook, living with a major fifteen-year glow up. After all, he’s already seen more than you can imagine. 

Mingyu takes notice, eyes going south to where your white blouse meets your cleavage. You hurl a fry at his face, “Eyes up here, perv.” 

He scrunches his nose, lifting a greasy thumb to slide a manila envelope over to you. “Here’s the developed pictures. Intercepted Kook and I finished them this morning.” 

You frown, “Jungkook’s not done with his photoshoot yet?” 

“Oh, he’s been done.” Mingyu’s eyes roll back to one of the studios. “But I’m saying is, you got what you needed. So you can leave if you want,” but he grins at you, canines so sharp you feel his stare jabbing you in the proverbial neck. “Unlesssss you want to go in and say hi.” 

If he has any inkling of what’s going on in your head, it’s definitely confirmed when your face turns hot. Damn body, you’re betraying me! With a flourish you grab the fries from under Mingyu’s nose, along with whatever’s left in the fast food bag. 

Minghao’s smiling through his burger, knowing if he pulls any type of savagery his lunch would certainly be pulled from under his chin. 

“Whatever you’re thinking, drop it or the burger will be going in your ass instead of out.” You mean to sound menacing, but the Min-squared and their boisterous laughter follow you down the hallway and into the occupied studio. 

“Hey Jungkoo—wow.”

You’re sure you look like Alice, enthralled by the little wonderland she just stepped into. The set is beautiful, right out of a fairytale. It has a very old-romance vibe, like Morticia and Gomez Addams. There lay a couch made of the darkest, richest wood, with velvet red cushions covering the body. Across the floor laid hundreds of black rose petals, blanketing the floor in a sea of ebony. 

“It’s for a wedding, gothic themed.” Jungkook supplies helpfully, still fiddling with whatever he was looking on his digital camera. He’s looking utterly soft in a matching grey sweat combination, something that would easily disgust you during high school, but unfairly works with him. 

“The shoot must’ve been beautiful.” 

“It was.” 

“I uh, got this for you.” Your fingers start to sweat from clutching the bag so hard, and you place it on his work table. 

He finally looks up from his camera, giving you a wan smile. “I thought you got those for Minghao.” 

You mentally slap your cheeks, trying to ignore the way his smile made your stomach do somersaults. “He got his own. Your portion has a cookie in it, so.” 

His cute teeth unveil themselves at the mention of sweets, and you can’t help but smile back at the familiarity. 

The two of you take your time in enjoying your lunch, not meaning to stay but the very back of your mind hoping he’d like to share a meal with you. After all, Mingyu and Minghao are probably at the front relishing in your very obvious attraction. What can you say, first crushes never die. 

Between sips of your milkshake, you’ve taken to flipping through Jungkook’s portfolio. There’s a myriad of different subjects: beaches, people, the occasional squirrel. Each section of the portfolio feels like you’re being transported to a new side of Jungkook and his artistry, and you ached to know more. 

“Wow,” you point at an action shot of two girls in a dance studio, “this duo looks like Chungha and Hyoyeon.” 

He swallows his (second) burger, having the audacity to sink sheepishly in his sweater. “It is Chungha and Hyoyeon.” 

You nearly choke on your cookie. “That’s amazing.” you say breathlessly, looking closer at the image. In fact, the beautiful women photographed are famed hip-hop choreographers Chungha and Hyoyeon. You can’t imagine how good Jungkook must be to manage a photoshoot with them. 

As proud as you are of Jungkook, it reminds you that since middle school you two have lived completely different lives. You wonder if Jungkook gets these kinds of gigs all the time, hanging around with gorgeous, talented people like himself.

Jungkook says your name once, twice. He looks at you concerned, and you’re melting in his large carmine eyes. If he notices your usual overthinking, he doesn’t say anything, and gestures to the section at the end of his portfolio. “This isn’t my best work, but it’s one of my favorites.” 

There’s something familiar about this set. A playground with a busted swing set. Children riding on bikes and colorful class shirts. Ice cream melting on fists. 

Thirteen-year-old you hanging on top of your middle school’s leafless tree, clutching your baseball cap as you shade yourself from the sunset. 

“Was this the first time you took pictures?” you ask, thumbing the picture of yourself. 

“Yeah. It’s when I decided it’s what I wanted to do the rest of my life.” 

“I know we didn’t know each other that well and we’ve only recently connected but,” you give him a shy smile, “I’m really proud of what you’ve grown up to be, Jungkook.” 

He looks like you’ve hung him the moon and stars, his half-eaten burger loosening in his grasp. His lips are parted cutely, like a kitten who’s just been offered a fresh glass of milk. You cough at the sudden pause in conversation, feeling self-conscious of your impulse confession. You don’t even have it in you to be disgusted when Jungkook hastily shoves the second half of his burger down his throat, tips of his ears pink. 

Leaving him be, you press a palm to your cheek, looking at the wedding set. 

Jungkook downs half a water bottle before he speaks again. “Y’know, it would be a shame to clean up this set already. It was kind of expensive.” 

“Yeah,” you echo, standing up and kicking off your slippers. You kick your feet in the air, watching the black petals kiss across your ankles.

“I have an idea,” he wipes his hands on his sweats, “why don’t you go back home and get an outfit you really like. Lingerie, a cute outfit, whatever. Let me give you a photoshoot you’d love.” 

You look up from your petal dance, balking. “Jungkook! That’s not necessary, I told you the photos I took were okay.” 

“Yeah but, you didn’t seem entirely happy. C’mon, I got a camera and a beautiful set. Why waste it?” his hands naturally gravitate towards his charging camera, already turning it on. “I can do lighting, I know all your good angles. What’s stopping us?” 

Really, what’s stopping you? Your hands fiddle with your open flannel, the soft material comforting you as you look across the set. You try to imagine yourself, your body draped across the velvet pillows and black petals. Would it look good? Would you feel good? You think back to how you felt the first time, how scared you were when someone other than Johnny would be looking at your photos. You remember how something weird and sour contorted in your stomach when you scrolled through Jeon Jungkook’s Instagram, no longer the little boy you knew but a man who could have everything he wanted—

“Stop thinking about it.” Jungkook suddenly snaps, and you break from your reverie to catch him looking upset. It’s been awhile since you’ve seen him like that. 

“Thinking about what?”

“Thinking that you’re out of my league.”

“Excuse me?” 

“You were like this the other day too,” and he looks sad, and puts his camera down to come closer to you. “Why are you feeling this way. Is it me?” 

“Not necessarily,” you huff, hugging yourself.

“Do you not feel beautiful? Do you not like your body?” 

“No, I do.” you say to yourself, and you mean it. Even though there will inevitably be days where you may not feel one-hundred percent positive about yourself, you know at the end of the day, you love you and all its parts. “I don’t know, Jungkook. I had no problem letting Mingyu develop the photos originally, because he knew me in college and I was already sure of myself back then. But I guess when I sent them to you, I felt like I did when I was a little girl, y’know? Going through puberty, and worrying about what other people think.” 

And it’s not like Jungkook teased you or made you feel lesser of yourself. In fact, Jungkook was the student you wanted to be when you were younger. Someone sweet and caring, and unabashedly confident about himself. 

“I guess seeing you so successful and the fact that my stupid childhood crush came back from a time where I always felt low, made me feel a little insecure again.” 

Something sinks in and you feel hyper aware of how crushed Jungkook looks at your declaration. “There’s no leagues, you got that?” he says quietly, walking so close that he’s hovering over you, sneakers brushing. “I get it. I get unsure and insecure just like you. Hell, I was nervous this morning, wondering if you’d really come. We may not feel insecure over the same things, but middle school wasn’t that great for me either.” He makes a funny face, and you feel a smile twitch across your lips. “But it’s okay. Because we’re human and we grow. But now, you are successful. You’ve grown from your time growing up and you’re a wonderful, powerful person. I’m proud of you too.” 

“I know,” you mumble, leaning your forehead against his chest. His arms wrap around you in response, holding you snug.

“And for the record, I thought you were the most beautiful person in the world in fourth grade. Even though my world was pretty small back then, I can say now that what I thought back then still stands true.” 

You look up from his embrace, where he’s leaning down to press a slow, cotton soft kiss to your forehead. He backs up a little to read your face, and you give a tiny nod in response to signal it’s okay. Jungkook exhales in contentment, relaxing against your frame. 

“Thanks, Kook,” you crack a smile, feeling your insecurities slowly evaporate. You feel better, light, knowing that these negative feelings are only temporary, and you’re not alone. Being in Jungkook’s arms, an honest boy turned man you’ve known all your life, it feels almost like home. 

You two stay like this for a while. Exchanging feather-like kisses, feeling irrevocably young and hopeful. Suddenly feeling emboldened, you tug him by the strings of his hoodie to press a long, hot kiss to his lips. There’s a stutter, and you’re pretty sure Jungkook choked on his saliva at the sudden change of pace but you continue, letting Jungkook catch up and follow your lead. 

“Wow,” Jungkook pulls away and his lips are shiny and flushed. Adorable. You think 7th grade Jungkook would be rolling in his Naruto sheets if he knew you two would inevitably end up together. Conversely, 7th grade you would be squealing in your kitten plushie, proud that you managed to nab your childhood crush to live out all the fantasies you’ve imagined since the 4th grade. 

“Jungkook,” you let your flannel fall to the floor in a heap, only leaving your baby blue top in a thin ruched camisole. “I think I want to do the photoshoot. Can’t pass up these pretty petals, y’know?” 

He runs a hand through his hair, gaping. “Really?” 

“Yeah,” you press a wet kiss to his neck, “anyway you want me, baby. Full creative control. I want you to like this as much as I do, okay?” 

With the permission to hold the wheel, Jungkook’s lightheaded and spinning. His eyes rake up and down your gorgeous form, wondering how many good deeds he’s done in his past life to earn a right just as this. 

“In that case,” he presses a palm to your shoulder, pushing you to sit along the velvet cushion, “strip for me.” 

[crowtrinkets]

Analysis of Vesuvia :) pt 3A Underground Tunnels

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3B

Alright my friends here's the big one I had to break it into two parts its so big lol

Ok so we all wanna know, how the heck are there under ground tunnels if Vesuvia is surrounded by canals? And I am here to hopefully answer that question

So first of all referencing this post once again, @mangoeclipse said that there are catacombs along the Via Casillina road. So this brought me to the Catacombs of Marcellinus and Peter, named after Christian Martyrs Marcellinus and Peter who were supposedly buried in here

Not really relevant to my points but I thought some history and context on catacombs would be interesting :)

There is not a lot of info I could find on them other than info about the art, which depicts Christian and Pagan imagery (because Christians had to meet in catacombs to avoid persecution)And according to our lord and savior Google maps its pretty far from the coast so unfortunately it wont help in this case

Now let us return to our beloved map of Vesuvia, cropped for convenience 

So, based off this image it seems that the mouth of a river runs through the castle and through the aqueducts and down into the canals of the city. But I am speculating that the river actually goes around the castle and it just looks odd because the drawing has very little detail. Why do I think this you ask? The Palace grounds are quite large, take Portia’s cottage for example.

Why Portia’s cottage you ask? Oh yknow

You can see the Palace in the background, and judging by this image alone the palace is HUGE meaning the grounds are quite large as well. Its far enough away that Guards rarely come around and it is far enough away that people could seek refuge at the cottage while the palace was quite literally falling apart in Portia’s route.

Now if we take context from in game it further proves just how large the Palace grounds are. It’s big enough the hold a huge maze of gardens, and Portia’s cottage which on it’s own has a large garden as well. They are big enough to house a menagerie (which I think its outside I’m not sure), stables, and enough room to host possibly a few thousand people for the masquerade

Now onto the tunnels

Usually the Apprentice makes their way into the tunnels at ground level (via the library or other portals in the walls) and ascends down to the creepy elevator correct? Hmmm well maybe not so because I came across something that’ll probably make y’all as just as confused as it did me.

In Portia’s route, Book 9: The Hermit, when the Apprentice and Portia are in the dungeons, shall we shall we call them, and they lock themselves in Julian’s office. The Apprentice finds a portal in the wall and pulls both them and Portia through it and where do they end up? Outside, on the Palace grounds

*pause for confused stares*

 If the portals work as doorways why would they end out outside if they are under ground so to speak? Unless the portals are more complicated than they seem, then either 

A. The underground tunnels are not as fully underground as we thought, and maybe act as an above ground basement? (if those exist)

B. The portals act as literal magical portals and transport a person from point A to point B no matter the distance, and do not act as a doorway as we saw demonstrated inside the palace

or C. This was just a mistake and overlooked detail, which is entirely possible.

Now depending on which theory you find more suitable it can really change the course of where this post is going. 

If you agree with A, then the reason the canals work with the underground tunnels, the answer is simply that the tunnels are actually above ground. Which is kind of confusing.

However if you agree with point B then the answer I have fallen onto is that, the Palace is on top of a hill, and the only water surrounding it are the aqueducts and the moat below it. so it would make sense why the underground tunnels do not interfere with the canals, simply because the palace sits above the canals not allowing for direct interference 

Here is a hopefully not confusing diagram I drew onto the map to try and help explain my point.

So if were looking at this from left to right, I am imagining the Palace is actually sitting on raised ground, sloping down until it reaches the Palace and the aqueducts and then it drops. Which would make sense why there are aqueducts surrounding it. Even on the Arcana wiki it says “Vesuvia is the main setting for the Arcana Game. A city-state built into a cliff by a Mediterranean-like sea”

We know that Vesuvia is full of stairs and pathways that lead up to the gates of the Palace which sits atop a hill. and the aqueducts work around the palace and lead down to the canals. And these pictures kind of proves that Vesuvia has a lot of ups and downs all leading to the palace. The places closer to the coast are at sea level and it slowly ascends upwards.

Hey, yknow what other place is sitting ontop of water? But is also surrounded by hills and mountains? Thats right Mexico City

The mythology around Mexico city goes that the Aztecs, or the Mexica (Meh-shee-ka) as they called themselves, were told by their god or patron diety Huitzilopochtili  (weet·see·luh·powch·tuh·lee) to go on a migration until they saw a sign from him, and to them that sign was an eagle sitting on a cactus that was growing on a rock in the middle of a lake. And thus Mexico City was established on that lake and built upon. So, more evidence of a city on top of water AND with hills surrounding it to boot

here's a video talking about the Mexica in a little more detail :)

I have now run out of the max images I can place in this post and I have more I want to talk about so I will now direct you to part B in part 3B linked at the top of this post

[dearamericaroyaldiaries]

Get In Losers. We’re Going Witch Hunting

I Walk in Dread- 1691(-1692), Deliverance Trembly

By Lisa Rowe Fraustino

Don’t judge the picture. Google had no images that I felt comfortable using license wise so I took a (bad) picture of my copy.

Age of Protagonist: 12

#ReadingThoughts

-Before I even start I am digging the Puritan names. First Remember Patience and now Deliverance (and I would come to find ANOTHER MEM!!).

-My edition looses points or not having a ribbon even though it’s hardcover. This negatively impacts my reading experience for Reasons.

-Hold it. Is her uncles’ name really Razor Strap? I know Puritans were big on using random phrases from the Bible for their naming, but is that really a phrase in the Bible? Also, Sister Mem had me confused it was Mem from the last book for a hot second.

-SO do Mem and Deliverance just live with their uncle? Just the three of them? (The answer I quickly found was yes.)

-I appreciate the lesson on town politics. That's important for the Salem area in 1692ish.

-I am confused by what’s happening with the year. Why is it Dec 31, 1691, then Jan. 1, 1691, and then Jan. 2, 1691/2. There is a bullshit explanation in the about the author section. If you’re worried about Accuracy when it comes to the Julian vs Gregorian calendar, put something in the text. You’re average grade schooler isn’t going to jump to that . If I remember correctly, there’s something about the Gregorian calendar differing from the Julian calendar in the Anastasia book that is handled better. Liv explains other things to the reader, why not this?

-Why is a 12 year old more responsible than a 17 year old? Especially in 1692. Mem should at least have a higher opinion of herself in the family hierarchy and be preparing to keep her own house as a wife.

-Again, I feel Mem should be more mature than Liv.

-Liv can use her sister’s boy-craziness to her advantage. Mem is willing to shovel shit if there are attractive members of the opposite sex in the vicinity.

-Allergies=Witchcraft. That explains so much about me and my life. Though I suppose it makes sense from a 17th century Puritan POV.

-Mem wants to be a stepmom to 9 kids all of whom are most likely closer to her age than she would be to the potential husband?  The last part might not be a big concern in the time period but good gracious that’s too many kids for my liking.

-Age update- some of the kids would be older than her or her age.

-I feel the average target reader would need an explanation of what “God’s Elect” means. Most 12 year olds don’t have a strong grasp on post-Reformation Protestant Theology.

-Poor Liv. She wants to fit un but is failing spectacularly.

-Is Liv going to be among the accused? She’s not on the best of terms with the accusers and has been or will be associated with at least three people who were accused and killed.

- They used the strong trick for loose teeth in the 17th century? I have no evidence or data to argue one side or the other but I am suspicious. Somewhat amused, but suspicious.

-I find the tithing man hilarious. I want a stick with a fuzzy rabbit foot on one end and a knob for whacking people on the other. Also, he deserved getting thumped back by the one guy,

-I am calling bullshit on Goody Corey sniffing out only girl scent. Either it’s a bit or she’s a witch, not her husband. (Spoilers: He’s accused and refuses to confess so the town can’t take his land and is pressed to death while trying to get a confession. Post reading note: I totally forgot/didn’t know that Goody Corey was also accused and killed.)

-I don’t know really anything about the real Goody Corey, but she seems like a stand-in for an enlightened modern person, above the provincial notions of witchcraft and the commonplace racism toward Amer Indians. I’m not saying everyone thought they were the devil, but a majority thought that they were superior to the indigenous peoples of the American colonies.

-Mr. Cooper’s letter is too vague! We need deets!

-Because this is told through Livs’ eyes everyone asking about their uncle and checking in on them comes off as invasive and nosy but as an adult, a twelve year old and a seventeen year old have been left on a farm by themselves for almost two months at this point is an issue. Is he ever coming back?

-WHAT!? Goody Corey has a bi-racial son born when she was estranged from her first husband? Prepare for a wikipedia tangent because I had to a a google to corroborate this. Wikepedia backs this up but what it doesn’t back up is the timeline. I read her as in her 40s or 50s in the book. According to wikepedia (don’t judge me, it’s good for basic facts and a starting point) she was 72ish in 1692 and this biracial son was her first child who would have been 50ish at this point and was born before Martha Corey was ever married. *End Tangent* Good for her though if she did indeed five her husband an earful after Liv left.

-Hold on. Mr. Cooper wants to talk to Uncle Razor Strap about Mem marrying Darcy, not him. Mem is gonna be devastated.

-Would electricity have been a concept a) known in 1692 and b) be well enough known that a random 12 year old in the colonies with little formal schooling would be comfortable enough using the phrase “electrical lightning.” No, I will not be googling this. Googling historical facts is one thing, googling sciencey things is another thing entirely,

-Did the girls hear the stories and then claim to have witnessed ZYX or did they independently corroborate the stories? One is much less suspect than the other.

-At this point I wonder will we ever meet Uncle Razor Strap? Is he dead? Is he trying to get back to Salem? Is he abandoning them?

-I feel the leap to “Am I a witch?” after having a weird dream about nursing a baby Sarah Goode is sensible as someone who has been about to call the Vatican several times when their period was late. In those cases clearly the only explanation was pregnancy, even when physically impossible just as being a witch is Livs’ conclusion here. 

-Hopefully the girls can just get out of the Salem area soon and the landlord giving them to the end of the month is a neat enough excuse.

-So Mem thinks that Goody Corey is a witch but is okay with Liv going over there?

-How scary it would be to worry that the one family member you have in the area, who should be protecting you because you’re 12, might accuse you of witchcraft.

-I am delighted the the horse can act as a chaperone. Really? Okay.

-How does the horse give permission to whisk a fainted person into the house? It’s a horse.

-So now Mem is forcing Liv to read her diary to her. Rude.

Thoughts on the Afterward

Meh. Mem marries Darcy but dies young so Liv gets her man. They return to Salem. They don’t go West like they talked about. Liv has a gagillion great grands. No one ever fount her journal. Meh. I’m happy she was happy and all but meh.

Overall Thoughts After Reading

It took almost 200 pages to get through four months. I think I just don’t care for the author. I should have liked this book. It ticks multiple boxes that should be my jam but something about it just... is a no for me. Maybe it’s because I have zero nostalgia for this book. It took me about 4.5 months to get through this book and finding it boring is one of them. No one seems like a well rounded character who has any growth. Last book Mem had a whole arc where she came to terms with losing her mother  but this time Liv didn’t really seem to change or grow.

I had high hopes. This book came out right as I was aging out of Dear America but I remember the hype around it on the Scholastic website. (Yes I was a wee nerd who hung out on the Scholastic website.) Sadly I was disappointed.

Also, we nope out of the actual trials. The first trial wasn’t held until JUNE. The book ends on April 30. Yes, we get to see the initial hysteria and flurry of accusations and arrests, but this was just the beginning. This seems like a cop-out.

Rating: 3/10 Sisterly Cat-Fights

Other contenders included False Accusations (this one seemed unfair because while I believe no one who was accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Hysteria was actually practicing witchcraft, I can’t say with confidence that the accusers were all lying. They may have believed honestly that they were afflicted by witches so calling them false accusations seem disingenuous.) and Bible Verses because Puritans. In the end, I had to honor the brutal way Mem and Live went after each other. Apparently in addition to being sickly, Mem was also small because how else could a 12 year old take her 17 year old sister like that. 

[photolover82]

Masked Singer Season 5 Episode 3 Recap: Group A Returns With a Wildcard (Commentary & Guesses)

Hi guys! Welcome or welcome back to Ana’s Masked Singer recap, where I, Ana, recap every single episode of The Masked Singer. Ok, so I'm on time this time I swear (I try to do these the weekend after the show airs or Friday), and now we are starting to get the wildcards which was super exciting and Joel Mchale was guest judging so it was a very fun episode to watch! We’re back onto Group A but this time someone new joins the group, so stay tuned until the end to talk about that someone. Anyways, let’s get into it, starting with the eliminated contestant:

So the eliminated mask was...

*DRUMROLL PLEASE*

The Raccoon 🦝

Commentary: honestly, I am not even the slightest bit surprised that he got eliminated... he should have gone home earlier but that’s neither here nor there, the Masked Singer likes to do that to us so whatever. But like honestly this is gonna sound mean, and look, not everyone is a singer, and he gave it the good old college try and I respect the hell out of that, but omg all I gotta say about his performance of Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash is yikes. That’s it, that’s all I gotta say about that... anyways, let’s reveal this rodent or mammal, idk man who told you guys I was an animal expert?!

Raccoon was revealed to be (I got this one too yay!)

Danny Trejo

Yeah, I guessed it baby! I even have proof, just look at my 1st recap of the season and it’s there, I got it! Yayyy! Anyways, I mean I know him, I have seen him around ofc (he has done a lot of acting and he even has a restaurant and everything), but like he can’t sing and that’s ok, he had fun, it’s what matters. Good job Danny Trejo and thank God he’s gone because finally my ears can be in peace.

Having said that, let’s move onto our remaining 4 (yes, 4 because wildcard baby!):

1. Seashell 🐚

Commentary: Her performance of Confident by Demi Lovato was to me much better than her last performance. It seemed like she was more confident (hehe no pun intended) in this one, kind of came into her own and let out the power in her voice. She was a bit timid and nervous in the first performance and it kind of reminded me of how Jellyfish started out, but this one was a lot more diva and powerful, I enjoyed it a lot. I really love Seashell, she is quickly becoming one of my favorite contestants (except nobody can beat my favorite who you will see in a moment)

I am doubling down on my guess:

Tamera Mowry

Clues/Reasoning: ok, like this one I feel super confident about and the clues kind of seal the deal for me:

The doodle of “Seashell with the shell mask on”= reference to the intro of Sister Sister

A certain shell man asked her out and the baseball on the screen= she is talking about her husband, Fox News correspondent Adam Housley (which btw is another reason why she is on this show, bc it runs in the Fox family), who used to be a professional baseball player (oh and the required her to do things she was scared of means that he helped her feel more comfortable about being on TV aka when she was on the Real)

2 minute stopwatch= she’s older than her twin sister, Tia, by 2 minutes haha 😂 (this was a very weird thing to be like yeah bro ik that... again I say, Google is a magical thing)

2. Robopine 🦔

Commentary: He sang All of Me by John Legend and honestly song choice was 👌, like I would have picked that for him too. It was absolutely stunning and I can just close my eyes and enjoy the song, which that’s what some of the best ballad performances tend to do. I absolutely loved it, he is my favorite, if you can’t tell, and this was my favorite performance of the night. I have a prediction that Robopine might make it to the finals honestly because he is just that amazing.

I am changing my guess and I am more confident now with:

Tyrese Gibson

Reasoning/Clues: alright so I know that he isn’t 60 but I have a feeling he is lying about that and that he’s from Costa Rica (that’s too direct of a clue to be true you know and I feel like he is lying... Ken did say in the beginning that Robopine is the most confusing, so I do think that he is lying)... anyways clue time:

A lot of superhero clues= he will be playing one in Jared Leto’s Morbius film from Marvel

The lying means something = he has an album called Alter Ego, someone in the YouTube comments told me that he did a shoot with GQ called “60 the new 30” so that’s where the age thing might come from

IT SOUNDS A LOT LIKE HIM, OK?! Legit this is the most logic bomb I can give you right here... he’s trying to fool us but the voice is what matters... if you wanna compare voices go ahead, here’s a video that can help (it helped me even though the background singers kinda took over, but you get the point, it was live)

3. Russian Dolls 🪆

Commentary: THEY DIVIDEDDDDD... omg there’s 3 now! I FREAKING CALLED IT!! Anyways, they sang Wonder by Shawn Mendes and again I say their harmonies are so on point, it’s fantastic! I throughly enjoyed this performance, it was great! Their voices work really great together (ofc duh because they are a band... they have to be) and it was a really great song choice as well.

Again, I am gonna double down here (and them being 3 makes it even more convincing for me):

Hanson (All 3 of them this time)

Reasoning/Clues: ok, so now that there’s 3 of them, I don’t have to sound dumb and be like ummmmm it’s 2 of the Hanson brothers, which two I am not sure, but two of them. This time I can say it is all of Hanson, all 3 of them! WOOO! This performance really solidified it for me. Anyways, here are the logic bombs aka clues:

He was doing what he loved and rushed to the hospital = Zac, one of the brothers, was involved in a motorcycle accident in which he (get this, it’s really bad like reading it on Google made me go ouch that must have been a terrible accident) broke three ribs, his collarbone, and scapula.

The fire truck= the fire department was involved in the accident, which he spoke about in October 2019

4. Surprise! It’s Wildcard Time: Introducing the Orca (whale) 🐳

Commentary: ok, so he performed We’re Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sister, and it was meh, it was ok. He sounds like a comedian, and his voice is so familiar, it’s killing me. Anyways, he is talk singing the entire time and there are parts where he sounds out of breath, so I don’t think he is a professional singer. The costume though (since I couldn’t really review that beforehand) looks like a pool floatie on top and a blue version of Banana from season 3 from the chest down, which is kind of cool (I would give it a 8/10 if I were to rate it). I really love that top head part, it looks super great, the costume designers killed it.

Ok, this one I am more unsure about but I am gonna say that I am between these 2:

Bill Burr or Adam Sandler

(Burr is the one pictured below, couldn’t put both images because Tumblr doesn’t let me do more than 10 pictures so just pretend you can also see Adam Sandler’s photo)

Reasoning/Clues: I am gonna have to skip this one... because I am not sure about this one, I am just going off of voice, the clues confuse me, but you have any ideas, feel free to comment them please, I need all the help I can get.

So that’s it, wildcard and all. I hope you guys enjoyed this, I am so sorry for the picture issue, it’s something that bugs me about Tumblr but whatever. I will see you guys in the next one, where we will see Group B sans Phoenix perform and add in a new wildcard, which omg I know who it is I just don’t know what it looks like, but it is the CRAB 🦀! Anyways, I will see you all next weekend, please like, comment, do all the social media things! Bye everyone! 👋🏼

[rosethornewrites]

Fic: The Rebellion of Adrien Agreste, ch. 9

Relationships: Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir & Gabriel Agreste | Papillon | Hawk Moth, Juleka Couffaine/Rose Lavillant, Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir/Luka Couffaine, Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug & Kagami Tsurugi, Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir & Luka Couffaine, Lila Rossi/karma, Gabriel Agreste | Papillon | Hawk Moth/aneurism, Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug/Kagami Tsurugi, Plagg & Tikki

Characters: Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir, Gabriel Agreste | Papillon | Hawk Moth, Lila Rossi, Jagged Stone, Plagg, Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Luka Couffaine, Penny Rolling, Anarka Couffaine, Rose Lavillant, Juleka Couffaine, Kagami Tsurugi, Alya Césaire, Chloé Bourgeois, Wayhem, Nadja Chamack, Nathalie Sancoeur, Sabine Cheng, Tom Dupain, Tikki, Fang, Principal Damocles, Caline Bustier, Ms. Mendeleiev, original minor character, Alec Cataldi, Lila Rossi’s Mother, Sabrina Raincomprix, Roger Raincomprix, Mylène Haprèle, Le Gorille | Adrien Agreste’s Bodyguard, Nino Lahiffe, Nooroo

Tags: Lila Rossi salt, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Teenage Rebellion, Swearing, Bad Parent Gabriel Agreste, Crack Treated Seriously, Lila Rossi’s Lies Are Exposed, Cuddling & Snuggling, Luka Couffaine Needs a Hug, Paparazzi, Parentification, Marinette Dupain-Cheng Needs a Hug, Gabriel Agreste Needs an Aneurism, Uncle Jagged Stone, we’re all queer here, the spirit of punk is sometimes just being allowed to be yourself, Kagami Finds Her Groove, punk rock fashion, Savage Kagami, Marinette protection squad, Good Parent Sabine Cheng, Good Parent Tom Dupain, Protective Kagami Tsurugi, Protective Luka Couffaine, Bisexual Marinette Dupain-Cheng, Pansexual Luka Couffaine, Sharing a Bed, Pet Names, LGBTQ Character, LGBTQ Themes, Instagram, Bullying, Social Media, Anxiety, Makeover, Hugs, will cure your acne, Face Punching, Bad Ass Juleka Couffaine, Rumors, Protective Juleka Couffaine, Protective Adrien Agreste, Lawyers, Hijinks & Shenanigans, Holding Hands, accountability, mental health, Jagged Stone’s well-paid pet shark, How to Make the Evening News, Sexy eyeliner for days, one fish two fish Lila is a screwed fish, How to have fun and piss Gabriel off, Fuckery, sweet litigious karma, Alya sugar, lawyer shark doo doo doo doo doo doo, Schadenfreude, Bad Ass Alya Césaire, Gaslighting, abuse denormalization, Jagged likes his lawyers like he likes his pets: toothy af, Blood in the Water, Everything you didn’t know you wanted and some things you did, Gabriel Agreste is shark bait, Denial, Consequences, Principal Damocles salt, caline bustier salt, the impotence of Gabriel Agreste, snarky Nooroo, lies and the lying liars who tell them, Lila’s brain is a narcissistic hellscape, Lila’s mind is built like an Escher piece, Alec Cataldi salt, Adrien Sugar, wholesome salt, Fu Salt, Kwami Shenanigans, Nooroo is a little shit

Summary: Marinette Protection Squad: Assemble!

Notes: I know this is set after Ladybug. Beyond that I haven’t decided. It is likely before Miracle Queen. But meh beyond that it’s AU so who cares? Also, I might be coming out of my depression. Let’s hope so!

AO3 link

Chapters 1-2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8

-------------

Huddled around the computer, the three of them considered what to post alongside the pictures, ‘chaperoned’ once again by Penny. Jagged had wandered off, muttering to himself about stupid parents.

They eventually decided on posting a lovely cropped image of Adrien and Luka feeding each other bites of ice cream with the caption “Wish I’d been allowed to do this before. I’m not permitted to go out with friends much. :( But I can’t think of anyone else I’d want to share soulmate ice cream with.”

“You should send a link to that to Nadja Chamack, to get her on it if she isn’t already,” Penny noted.

Adrien took a moment to google his name and laughed. “Yeah, not all that necessary, though she could ‘leak’ some of the other images?”

Marinette’s fingers flew over her screen, and when she finished she immediately got a responding text.

“She wants to know what made you go public.”

Luka got an evil grin. “His father wanted to force him to date his teenage muse.”

Marinette glanced at Adrien, who considered for a moment before nodding. “Definitely. Said it would be ‘good for the brand.’ Put that in quotation marks.”

There was no immediate after the text was sent, so they went back to focusing on social media.

adrienagrestebrand: tbh I wish I wasn’t forced to model so much. I’d like to play with Kitty Section more. I’m the keyboardist but I don’t get to play much.

adrienagrestebrand: Also I hate missing school for photo shoots, and I wish I could hang out with my friends more.

Then Adrien got the idea to remotely check his text messages. The ones from his father were demands he return control of the social media accounts and return home. The last one had come around the time they’d gotten ice cream.

Meanwhile, Lila’s texts were very interesting, about half an hour apart.

Lila: How dare you call me a lying cow!

Lila: You can stop pretending you have a choice, Adrien.

Lila: If you come back now, I’ll try to remember you’re my ‘friend.’

Lila: You ditched me for some wharf-rat boy?!

Lila: Also those clothes are hideous.

Lila: I won’t honor our agreement.

Lila: wtf did you do to your hair! I won’t be seen with you!

Lila: Marinette is fair game. It won’t just be expulsion this time.

Lila: I warned you.

Both Luka and Adrien turned to Marinette, whose fists were clenched on her knees. Her face was pale, and she was shaking slightly. Wordlessly, the two of them pulled her close, until she was snuggled between them, her face flushed.

“What was she talking about, agreement?” Marinette finally asked.

Adrien launched into the story, how he had confronted her at the photo shoot and implied he’d make being a model difficult if she didn’t fix it.

Marinette’s eyes were wide and surprised when he finished. “I… I didn’t realize you were behind that.”

“I had to do something. It just wasn’t enough.” Adrien took her phone from where it sat on the desk, and snapped a picture of the texts from Lila. “Text it to Nadja.”

“And to Kagami,” Luka added.

Marinette did, clarifying in the text to Nadja Chamack that it was Lila Rossi, the Italian ambassador’s daughter and Gabriel Agreste’s new muse, then bit her lip. “Should I send it to Alya, too?”

The two boys nodded in unison. “And Nino,” Adrien added. “Maybe the entire class, even. Can you email it to M. Damocles and Mme. Bustier, too? Maybe Mme. Mendeleiev, too?”

They watched as Marinette’s fingers flew, texting the pic with the claim Adrien sent it to her, then accessing the school website and emailing the two teachers and the principal.

Penny got their attention, leaning around them to screencap the text messages. “I’m going to send this to Jagged’s legal counsel, too. Especially if she’s threatening Marinette… she’s his preferred designer, and thus a freelance employee. We’re obligated to protect her legally, and we intend to go after her for the claim about the kitten and song, anyway…”

Marinette stared, open-mouthed, at that, then her face turned bright red and she launched herself into Penny’s arms. The sound of Marinette’s phone alerting to text messages faded into the background as they focused on her.

Penny, for her part, looked frozen as Marinette almost sobbed against her, and Jagged happened to come in at the same time.

He rushed over, going to one knee beside her. “Hey, hey now. Marinette, are you okay? What’s wrong?”

Penny gestured to the computer. “I explained we’re providing legal protection based on Lila Rossi’s threats against her. She was… overwhelmed, I guess?”

Luka shook his head. “No… I think she’s been more stressed about Lila than she’s been showing. I… I tend to do the same thing. She’s been putting on a front of being okay, but she hasn’t been.”

Adrien stood, pulling Luka with him as he went to Marinette. “Mari, I’m so sorry. I should’ve been better. I should’ve noticed.”

After a few seconds, she pulled away from Penny with a soft apology, her face red, her cheeks wet. “No. I was hiding it. You wouldn’t have known. Don’t blame yourself.”

Luka put a hand on her shoulder. “Marinette… I do the same thing, and I know I need to work on that.” He grimaced a bit at the admission. “But… your feelings matter. You don’t have to hide them, not from us, and not from anyone.”

Jagged’s face had turned stonier than Adrien had ever seen. “Tell the lawyers to draw up a restraining order. For me, and also for Marinette. We’ll see what the school decides to do—but Marinette doesn’t have to change classes. Tell the lawyer that’s the stand.”

Penny slid into the seat vacated by Adrien and got to work.

Jagged’s expression softened as he turned back to the three of them. “Let’s order some dinner and those manicures, eh? Marinette, call your parents and let them know you’re staying for dinner with me, at least.”

“And maybe… tell them about the text message?” Adrien said. “So they know. And tell them what Jagged’s doing. They’re so amazing; I know they’ll support you.”

Marinette frowned. “I just… don’t want them to worry.”

“I think they’ve probably been worried since you were expelled the once,” Luka pointed out.

That got a sigh. “Yeah, I guess.” She grabbed her phone and moved toward the kitchenette.

Jagged pointed out the menu to them. “Have Marinette let Penny know what she wants. Penny knows my usual.”

While they were looking over the menu, Luka’s phone rang. “Juleka’s calling…”

He answered, and his face went blank as he listened.

“I understand. My guitar’s there—didn’t bring it with, unfortunately. Take it to school tomorrow for Adrien to grab?” He was quiet for a moment longer. “I’ll find a place to spend the night. It’ll be fine. Thanks, Jules.”

Luka let out a tired sigh when he hung up the phone.

“You can’t go home?” Adrien asked, concerned. He suddenly realized he was in a similar position—how could he go home and get back out for school. “I guess I can’t tonight either, actually.”

“The news is staking out the boat. Guess they figured out who I am, too.” Luka shrugged. “It was bound to happen—we just need to get our stories straight before we meet the press.”

Jagged broke in. “Oi, you’re staying here. The suite has an extra room. Big bed. You can share. Your pops will have a meltdown, but that’s half the point.”

Adrien stayed out late regularly as Chat Noir, but his father barely paid attention to him usually. Right now, with a very loud and obvious rebellion, he was probably giving a lot of attention to the empty mansion.

“Serves him right,” Adrien muttered.

Marinette made her way back over. “I’ll have to find a way to sneak home. Maman said Nadja is staked out outside the bakery, waiting for me to come home. She thinks I have a scoop, since I texted her. And I guess I do, but not one I’m sharing yet.”

Jagged let out an explosive sigh. “Ugh, the paparazzi doing its thing, I guess. Penny and I’ll take you home after we eat. Say you’ve been helping me plan my next album.”

“But when we release the video you’re making, they’ll know I know more.”

“Eh, but then you’ll have your stories straight. It won’t happen for a couple hours yet, probably after you leave. Pick something to eat and call the other girl, network and plan. You lot are good at it. After dinner we’ll all get manicures and I’ll get you home.”

It sounded strangely reasonable for Jagged, but Marinette seemed to take it in stride, like she was used to his changing moods. After some conversation, they decided on a variety of items from the menu to share. Once Penny had called in the dinner order, they sent a video chat request to Kagami.

She answered promptly, smiling when she saw them. “I have been monitoring your Instagram and the news being released. You’re still at the hotel?”

Adrien nodded. “The press has Luka’s place covered, so he’s staying here, and I am too for obvious reasons. Since Marinette texted Nadja Chamack, the bakery is also being staked out. Jagged’s going to escort her home after we eat and get our nails done.”

“It’s too bad you had to go home,” Marinette broke in. “It’d be fun to have our nails done together.”

“I would very much like to do that in the future,” Kagami responded. “And I will impress upon my mother your situation with that Lila girl and her threats, so that I may have some free time to ensure you are properly protected.”

Marinette flushed. “I appreciate that. From the texts I’ve gotten since sending it to my classmates, most of them believe me now. We also sent that image to two of my teachers and the principal.”

Jagged broke in here. “And I’ve got my lawyers drawing up a restraining order, so the legal end is covered.”

Kagami nodded. “Very efficient. This girl, however, may decide to do worse, perhaps going after Marinette physically. I absolutely intend to defend you, as I hope Adrien will in my absence—though it will be difficult for him to do so if you use the school bathroom.”

“Good point,” Adrien said. “I’ll use Marinette’s phone to arrange a girl squad to escort her if that’s needed. Last time Lila got her alone, she claimed Marinette pushed her down the stairs.”

Anger passed over Kagami’s face. “Marinette is to be protected, at all times. We need to decide who will escort her to and from school, as well. Perhaps someone not bombarded by the media.”

“Yeah, so not me, or Adrien,” Luka said with a sigh. “Sorry, Marinette.”

“I guess I need to go harass the school anyway. Ugh, haven’t gotten up at an ungodly hour like that in ages, though,” Jagged groused. “But if Adrien’s going tomorrow, I guess it’ll be easy enough. Uncle Jagged can make some sacrifices.”

“We also need to plan for a united front to the media,” Luka said. “We can chat through dinner, and plan at least for tomorrow.”

“Acceptable. My mother has already retired as well, so I will not be interrupted.”

They settled in to plot.

[writeraquamarinara]

Thoughts on an artist you love? Alternately, thoughts on the false STEM vs humanities dichotomy? 💕💕

alternately?? strap yourself in, cuz you’re getting both

(this is gonna be long and I apologize. I’m on mobile and can’t figure out how to add a “read more” cut. I’ll try to keep it short by not adding any images of Sherman’s work—pls just google it if ur interested)

an artist I love but can criticize because you can enjoy imperfect content: Cindy Sherman

I wrote a 10 page paper on her this semester so I could truly talk about this for way too long but let’s try to keep it short and sweet.

Sherman came to prominence for her series Untitled Film Stills, which were self-portraits, even though she was playing a part in each one: the small, scared, feminine woman in film noir. the compositions look like they came straight from a movie, but they didn’t.

this is in the 70s, peak feminism, and everyone’s immediately hailing her the new feminist photographer. but men walking into the museum (who can later purchase these images individually to hang in their homes, and not see them as part of a critique of pop culture) feel protective of the figure—a critic writing in an expo brochure literally said that the images prompted him to want to overpower her (yikes).

so when do “subversive” images pointing out the stereotyping of women in film become just another part of the repertoire of stereotyped women on film? Sherman herself never made a statement about her intent, but rather let people see what they wanted to see.

so some people start questioning her work (is it really All That?) and she does a 180: let’s critique the other stereotype of women in pop culture. let’s depict the monstrous. let’s make body parts out of prosthetics and plastic. let’s depict death, and the abject, and disgust all of these critics, while simultaneously riding the psychoanalysis wave to get more people talking about my work.

(listen, I love her, so this is not to drag her. if anything, this is a critique of the art world and the way that women have to reinvent themselves and their work to get people to buy it. for example, Sherman’s photographs are displayed and sold at immense sizes, in order to justify the prices that her name now guarantees)

her photographs are super interesting, and an exploration of femininity as performance, of the mother as monstrous, of an exploration of the self through the other, etc. but they can also be criticized. her most recent photos of older women seem to be a critique of the ageist culture of the 21st century, but also a critique of the women who give into this culture and try to fit in.

one of her biggest missteps was a series of pictures in which she, iirc, is pretending to be waiting for the bus—in full blackface. that series is almost never shown, and I think I only found out about it through a journal article. it’s definitely not displayed on the MOMA’s website like her other work.

so yeah, we can love people’s work (as in I find it aesthetically pleasing or interesting, despite its problematics), but the people themselves? meh.

~~~

you’ve come to the right place for discourse on the STEM vs. humanities dichotomy!!

ur girl wrote her entire college essay on the falsehood of that dichotomy, and she’s now majoring in art history and organismal bio (not orgasmal, ria), so I guess I’m living proof.

psa: you can love both English and calc. you can love both physics and musical theatre. those subjects should not even be considered two different ends of a spectrum in the first place!

so don’t limit yourself! and fuck institutions that force you to limit yourself!

do I know how I’m gonna integrate art history and bio into a career in the “real world”? no. am I still gonna major in them because I enjoy them and honestly life is too short to pick one over the other? hell yeah

[fanfictionized]

Help Me Help You - My Heart Breaks With You (22/?)

Character: Bucky Barnes x Enhanced!Reader / OFC

Chapter summary: Annabelle decides to go out on her own, ignoring Tony's advice. Turns out that perhaps he had been right all along...

Warnings: Graphic description of violence, attempted sexual assault, heavy angst

Words: 3.8k

Previous Chapter // Help Me Help You - Masterlist

She had lain there for hours, the images haunting her. Her stomach was grumbling from hunger and her face was still sticky with tears, her eyes burning, and her head hurting yet she wouldn’t move.

Because she knew. Deep inside she had known before she had even peeked inside the folder, but she had told herself otherwise.

She had thought that if she knew she was not alone, the memories would stop taunting her, but she got it all wrong. She had needed to know because she hadn’t wanted it to be true

at all.

The truth hurt. A fucking lot.

And she hated herself even more for doing this to herself and to Bucky.

What fucking right did she have to read through that stuff.

Personal stuff.

Those were the actions of despair coming from a goddamn lowlife.But the worst thing came when she couldn’t get the two words out of her head.

Winter Soldier.

Meanwhile she had ignored all calls of her name, telling them she didn’t feel so good and that she wanted to be left alone. It worked, more or less.

She could still play the pity card and for now that was fine by her.No, but the worst thing was when she looked up those two words. Seemingly harmless individually, but once put together…

The world wide web had some very ugly information on hand for her.The first picture taken of the winter soldier was from 1968.

On the roof of a building, the photograph taken from underneath him. A spy. An assassin.

‘The Winter Soldier Pounced again.’

And all of this on Hydra’s command.She remembered the chair they had put her into during her last few days of being there.

They had used that head-shocker thing on her once, shoving a bite guard into her mouth before turning it on and it had been making her scream beyond belief.She had lost her memory for a couple of hours before it had come back to her again. Where she was and… who she was.They had the technology. And she was sure as hell that they had used it on him to turn him into their mindless fighter.

She got so fucking angry just thinking about it. That they had used him for decades for their little experiments. It made her physically sick.There was so much fucking anger and despair swirling inside of her, making her lightheaded and she knew that she wouldn’t be able to stop it while being cornered in her room.

She needed to get out or otherwise she was sure it would find its way out.She washed her face, put on some decent clothes and stepped outside of her room.

Originally, she had the rooftop in mind, but she realized at the lack of sound that the Avengers had gone out. Either that, or they were just all busy doing whatever they did somewhere else.She could go out of there and no one would even notice.

No one would enter her room. No one would question it.It was still bright outside, yet the sun was already hanging low above the horizon, the golden hour illuminating the space.She had her hair colored, yet Tony’s words still rang inside her head.

‘Only with an Avenger.’

But there was another, very prominent fact that drowned out the warning.

She had been behind those walls for way too long and if she wouldn’t find a way out, that thing inside of her surely would.So she took a deep breath, walked downstairs, and went for the elevator.

Pressing the button at the very bottom, her heart hammered as she looked outside through the glass separating them. Her hands went into the pockets of her jeans to find a piece of crumpled-up paper there and when she pulled it out, her palm revealed a fifty-dollar-bill.

A smile turned up the corners of her mouth. Wanda’s jeans. She had given it to her as promised, obviously having forgotten to check the insides of her pockets.

She put it inside the pocket of her jacket, just to be sure.She’d give it back to her. But for now it was good to know she had something for emergencies.

She looked up and spotted the camera, making her lower her gaze and move her hair in front of her face.

She shrugged off the leather jacket and folded it over her arm, buttoned up her blouse and tucked it into her pants

She hoped that whoever was working downstairs, didn’t know or pay too much attention to her. She hoped the bit of disguise she had was enough to get her out of there.

Bing.

The elevator doors slid open and to the left of her was a desk with one middle-aged man sitting behind it while two more men where guarding the elevator itself. She straightened her back, trying to look as official as possible and giving an extra effort to make the heels of her shoes click on the vinyl floor.

“Evening.” She said while giving the man behind the reception a nod. He looked back at her, one brow raised, yet he didn’t complain, merely nodding back at her.Her heart stuck in her throat as she pushed against the glass door and it wouldn’t open. She breathed in shakily, fixing her smile, before turning around again.

“Sir? The door…” 

“Oh, yes.” He mumbled, pressing the button in front of him to let her out and she stumbled outside, breathing in the… meh. Not so fresh city smell.

But it didn’t matter!! She was free at last!

Until she’d return in a couple of hours, but free at last!

She looked left and right before deciding to turn left. She thought she had seen the park from above while gardening on the rooftop once. She remembered it had to be located to the left somewhere and so she started walking, following the rough google-maps-y image inside her head.She walked and walked, past basement-level businesses whose LED-signs lit up the cracked sidewalks. The scent of street-food and gasoline filled her nose and loud music boomed from every window. 

And she fucking loved it. 

She loved seeing the life of the streets, the fashion some of the people had put themselves in. Maybe the catcalling wasn’t the very best, but it let her know that she was there.

She was alive and well and happy that she still found joy in the simple stuff.She found a park bench, yet no park, but she couldn’t complain as she dozed off a little, enjoying the rest of sunlight on her skin. The warmth that came with it, the chirping of birds and the hum of waiting cars on the streets many meters away from her.Strangely, that did it for her as a lullaby, because she crashed out almost immediately.

To her surprise, really, because the next time she looked up and opened her eyes she saw the streets having become almost empty, barely a flicker of light from the lanterns illuminating her and the dusky sidewalk. A rush of adrenaline pierced her, her back shooting up straight in her seat, taking in a sharp intake of breath as she tried to blink herself awake. 

Oh, she was going to be in so much trouble

She stood up, her neck and back cracking from the sudden movement and she felt dizzy for a second, having to steady herself with a grip on the bench and she realized that she had still not eaten a thing that day.

She groaned as she noticed her jacket being gone as well.“Shit.” She hissed and looked up and through the branches of the trees she spotted a couple of stars already staining the dark sky.

What fucking time was it? How long had she slept? And more importantly,

where the fuck was she?

So, both her jacket and her money was gone, she was fucking freezing as the wind blew air right into her stupid face, and no idea of where she was at all.This is great. Freaking peachy She thought.

She held her arms around herself and looked over her shoulder. Behind her was nothing but darkness, an empty space with a few tall trees that couldn’t really be considered a park, but still made her feel real small and helpless at night.

No, thanks. Her heart was pounding as she crossed the street, which was awfully empty and stepped back onto the sidewalk.

There really was no light, no sound, nothing at all.

Where the fuck had she landed? Why was there no one around?But maybe that was good, not seeing anyone walking behind her or towards her…

She shuddered and slung her arms around herself.Aside from the occasional screech of tires very far away and the hiss of the neighbor’s cat there was nothing to be heard and it fucking terrified her. It was so empty, almost like an abandoned movie set. Some sort of horror movie for sure.

She wished to hear at least some people talking, some music playing… Some sign of life.

But her wish was not being granted and the panic only grew as her paranoia got the best of her, making her turn around every five seconds. She sucked in the air like it had suddenly become thick, almost impossible to draw in anymore and Annabelle stopped as the quiet had become like icy drips onto her already cold skin. Her ears strained to hear through the pounding of her blood. 

She turned around slowly, eyes taking in every detail, when a huge figure burst out of the shadow of the alley behind her, grabbing her before she had time to scream and whirling her around to press her body against the icy brick wall of a building.Her body was stiff from the shock. She knew this was it, this was the promised ambush and the realization made her come back to life, her lungs screaming for air as he pressed his sweaty hand against her mouth. She strained her vocals but nothing came out. Fright consumed every cell in her body, swelling them with terror. With every second she struggled against his front she was being pushed back further, his hand holding her in place, pressing the bone of her shoulder into the stone until it hurt.

Tears welled up in her eyes as the fear blurred her vision, dulling her senses. She felt the rise of her blood pressure, but knew that this was the least of her worries.The face inched closer and it was when his reeking breath fanned over her face that she first took a look at the man.

Stubble covered his face, the grey in it shining from the light of the lantern that made his cheekbones stick out prominently.

“Don’t you fucking scream.” He growled against her ear, his bristly hair prickling her skin.

“Or I’ll cut you the fuck open.” He added and she saw the gleam of the knife being wielded in front of her face. She gulped as he moved his hand away, reaching back to punch her cheek and she whimpered as she felt the numbing pain in her face, flooding her senses.

He only grinned sardonically, the yellow of his teeth enough to make her want to curl up in disgust.“We’re gonna have some fun, slut.”

***

“Hey” Tony said as he walked downstairs, seeing Bucky, Sam and Steve sitting at the table while Natasha sat on the floor in front of Wanda, letting her braid her hair while she read a book.

“Has anyone seen Anna?” 

“Nope.” Said Sam “She was in her room last time I asked her. She isn’t feeling too good, said she wanted to be alone for today.”

“I tried calling her too, but she wouldn’t let anyone in.” Steve added, continuing his sketches.

Bucky gulped and bit his lip.

He hadn’t wanted her to feel so bad about herself.

He had stood against his closed door, listening to her apologies after he had seen her looking at his files.Had he been mad? Yes. But not as much as ashamed, because that was what he had been trying to hide from her when he ran away without response.

He hadn’t wanted her to see the heat on his cheeks, her all in tears after she had seen what he had done. What they had done to him.She had to judge him for that, right? She just had to.

And he hadn’t responded to her as she had poured out her heart and soul just inches behind him, the closed door having separated them.

He just hadn’t because he still didn’t know how to respond to such a thing.

“Yeah, well, it’s urgent.” Tony muttered and stepped back up until he had reached Abbie’s door.

“Anna. It’s Tony, I need to talk to you.” Bucky saw Sam rolling his eyes as he leaned back in his chair.

“Anna?” Tony asked again without a response.

“She doesn’t wanna talk to you, man.” Sam yelled and Nat chuckled.

“Friday, can you wake up Annabelle for me?” He asked and they all awaited her response.

Her response which made everyone’s heart drop.

“She is not in her room, Mr. Stark.”

Everyone looked up and at each other with confused looks, meanwhile Bucky’s heart rate sped up as he sat up straight, looking at where Tony stood.

“What- Where is she, then?” He asked, equally confused. A few long seconds passed before she spoke up again.

“She seems to have left the building, sir.”

“What?” Steve said, putting aside his pencil and standing up. Bucky was going to have a heart attack, the first signs of his panic arriving. A discomfort in his chest, a feeling in his brain like excess caffeine until it settled deeper into his bones.Tony still hadn’t said a thing, which was only pushing him further.

Tony wasn’t capable of silence unless his brain was in complete overload.

This wasn’t a good sign.

“Friday, call Happy.” He said suddenly, sprinting downstairs to call up another screen that hovered above the table.

Wanda had let go of Nat’s hair to leave their spot with her, both of them lingering behind the rest to watch the display and its call to Happy Hogan.“Come on…” Tony muttered, until they heard his voice on the other end of the line.“Tony- “

“Happy, don’t talk right now. Has she come downstairs?” Tony said hastily, fidgeting on the spot.

Pause.

“What?”Tony sighed “The girl, Happy. Has she come downstairs? Did she walk outside?”

Another pause.“Come on, Happy.”

“Yeah, there-there was one girl that came down, but she didn’t look like…” “Like the old picture I sent you…” Tony whispered to himself and covered his eyes with his hand.

“No, she had, uh, white hair, short hair…”

Tony groaned as he ended the call abruptly and called up the security footage from this day’s late afternoon.

And skipping ahead only a few moments, they all saw her. In the elevator, staring into the camera before looking down to cover her face with her hair.Wanda gasped and Bucky stood up with such force, he threw over his chair.

His eyes were wide, heart racing, brain on fire and all the while he could only think of one thing;

Her voice, her sobs, muffled behind the closed door. Her conscience-stricken words that hit him right in the chest.And him not fucking going after her.He felt sick. He felt it, building like an unstoppable snowball in the pit of his stomach.

“Seven Forty-Nine.” He had stopped the image, zooming in on the time stamp.

“Are you seriously telling me that she just walked out of here without anyone noticing?”Steve ran a hand through his hair, Sam muttering incoherences while Nat began to walk upstairs.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Tony asked.

“I’m gonna get my gun and then I’ll find her.” She replied, but Tony stopped her mid-walk.

“She has been gone for more than three hours, Natasha. She could be anywhere.”

He huffed as he tipped something into onto the screen of his digital watch.

“I’ll go get her. My suit has a facial scan.”

“I’ll go, too.” Bucky spoke up as the panic has already engulfed him too much than to make him concentrate on anything else.“No way, Barnes. You’re not capable- “

“Don’t tell me what I can’t do.” He suddenly growled back at him, his eyes glaring as his mouth formed a snarl.

“Buck.” Steve placed a hand on his arm, which made him look back at his friend.

“I’ll go with Natasha, we’ll check the backyards and alleys and tunnels… everything Tony won’t be able to spot from above.”

“I’ll go, too. Can’t scan entire New York City by yourself, can you?” Sam chimed in and Steve nodded back at him.

“Right. But you have to stay here. It’s better that she comes back to you being here.”

Bucky grunted, but saw his point.“Where’s Doctor Banner?” He asked and Natasha answered.

“Upstairs in the lab with Helen and Maria.”

“Good, good. You guys let him know what’s going on. We’ll need him there.”

“If something happens, you mean?” Wanda asked, her eyes wide with worry and fear as well, her arms slung around herself. Bucky’s heart started to beat harder and faster, adrenaline level rising and it was so hard to block out the negative thoughts that his brain had started to fire out like a machine gun.

“Nothing will happen; you hear me?” Steve said, but Bucky couldn’t look him in the eye. He knew just as well she had the highest risks out there.

“Alright. Let’s get going.”

And with that, they were gone. And him and Wanda were left to wait.Ten minutes in and sweat had completely covered his body. It felt like his skin had another hot skin on the outside, like a trash bag being draped over him. 

Constricting him.

Suffocating him.

The negative thoughts kept coming like waves on rocks and nothing could stop it, the arguments in his head getting so fast and disturbing that he’d rather have his body shut down completely than to continue this vivid imagery in his head.He had started to pace around the living room irrationally.

“That’s it, I’m going.” He said, until he saw Wanda raising her hand and he stopped, following her gaze that was trained on the screen.The TV was on mute, yet the news showed a woman talking, the headline prominently floating above her head.His heart dropped. He gaped at the screen.“Unmute!” He yelled and promptly, the sound was back on.

“-shook the entire neighborhood, when just one hour ago the local kiosk owner spotted the body of the previously convicted murderer and sex offender Vance Bellick who had just been released on probation after the committed homicide on his former girlfriend back in 2010.”

The two watched in shock and horror as the woman talked, the heavily censored picture of the crime scene leaving not much to the imagination.

Bucky’s mouth went dry at the sight of the blurred pictures of blood and… more.A video of the kiosk owner was being blended in next to the news anchor.“There was blood everywhere, it looked like he exploded-” He spoke quickly, with a heavy, foreign accent.

“Like a beast had ripped him apart, there was nothing left- “

Bing.

Wanda and Bucky turned around at the sound of the elevator door sliding open and out of it stepped the girl they'd been missing. 

At the sight of her, Bucky’s jaw clenched, anger and panic making his insides twist.She was completely blood-splattered and it didn’t take him long to know whom it belonged to. 

Her shirt had been ripped apart, the shred of her sleeve barely hanging onto the rest of her blouse. Her cheek was shining from being swollen, a big blue dot coloring the skin beneath and he saw the bruises of violent handprints across her throat and wrist.Burning rage hissed through his body like deathly poison.

He felt like he was going to explode, like a volcano erupting; fury sweeping off him like ferocious waves. His knuckles turned white from clenching so hard and as he heard Wanda’s gasp behind him, only then was he shaken out of his trance of silent, potent rage.

Only then did he see the entirety of her broken form, the sadness and shock pooling behind her eyes and the tears that had already washed off part of the blood on her face.She sobbed loudly, her head dropping between her shoulders and with that his heart had broken fully.

It took him only a few strides until he had reached her form, his arms wrapping around her shoulders and pulling her close, squeezing her body tightly to his own.She was shaking and trembling like a leaf despite the hold he had on her and her cries grew louder, her breathing coming jerkily between whimpers and hiccoughing sobs.

“I’m so sorry.” She cried into his shirt, digging her nails into his skin like she was trying to hold onto him for dear life. He felt his own tears rising up to roll down his face, the ache in his chest leaving him with only the pain of knowing he could’ve stopped it somehow. If only he hadn’t let her leave to continue crying in her own room. If only he would’ve just gone to her and fucking been kind to her…

Her legs started to wobble and she sunk deeper into his chest, but he caught her before she could drop to the ground, once again carrying her in his arms while she clung to him, burying her face in his neck where her tears soaked the skin there.

“Call Doctor Banner.” He told Wanda and she jumped up, rushing upstairs.Bucky continued to hold her close, shivers still rattling her body while underneath all that crusty blood he felt her soft skin and gently squeezed her closer to let her know he was there.

“I’m sorry.” She hiccupped, her face still buried in the crook of his neck, a tear rolling down his chin to mix with her own.

“Me too, doll.” He whispered and held her closer. He would never let her go again.

.

.

.

Next Chapter

Taglist:

@humanexile @alt-er-love-er-alt @sam-jae @kimmiestrawberrykiwi

[zoe-stewart-blog1]

November 2, 2018: old lol

It’s been a while since I made a substantial post, so here’s a long one :)

Social

Because I was born March 13, 2000, I’m the second oldest exchange student out of the 48 in my host district.

Plenty of other students are here on gap years as well (most of them are Americans interestingly), so although I’m not alone in being 18, the people that I interact with on a daily basis are at least 2-3 years younger than me...

I figured I would make a blog post about this, because I’ve noticed the homesickness stage hit some fellow exchange students, and thought that this would be a good chance to explain my own experience.

I included this photo of marshmallows found in a Taipei grocery store because I definitely miss my Rocky Mountains.

My friends and I graduated high school, so the biggest reason why I’m not homesick is because we all left together. Each person is having their own unique experience away from home, and it’s difficult to feel left out because everything is new regardless of where they are.

I’m not invincible though, and definitely have my moments of irritation with some small and insignificant action from either my host family or exchange friends...

I communicate with my “natural” family (rotary uses this term which technically means biological parents... doesn’t exactly apply to me, but it helps to differentiate) once a week at the most, and once every two weeks on average.

School

Recently I went on a 2-day field trip with my class to Yilan. Although I didn’t understand much of the educational side, the views were beautiful and the English museum translations were good enough. The best part of the trip though, was all the time I was able to spend with my classmates outside of the classroom climate. We were able to bond better, and a week later the effects are evident as my classmates shyness has dissolved more, and they actually asked me many questions after this week’s presentation.

I know it’s different for every country and even every school, but for me I don’t have to worry about anything except learning Chinese. I haven’t had to take any tests, and if I take the occasional nap or read an English book during class, no one bats an eye. Honestly it’s pretty nice to not have to stress about typical school things, but I know that this means university next year is going to have a steep adjustment back to serious learning...

I am trying to study (via Khan Academy) so that I can more or less sustain my math skills. I’ve mostly struggled with the whole motivation thing, and time. Despite not having to worry about a lot, I haven’t actually had much free time other than the weekends. School and transportation to/from school takes about 9 hours of my day, and the rest of my time is spent eating dinner and practicing Chinese with my host mom, because they ask that I don’t go out on weeknights (other exchange students go out frequently).

Language

well it’s going. I’m in the highest Chinese class, but I am not the best despite what my appearance says.

Listening and understanding is going smoothly, as I’m able to memorize the meaning of new words easily, because they’re said around me every day. I’m speaking more intentionally, and try to talk to people in Chinese if I can.

Writing is not too difficult to remember the characters, again because I see them every day... However the incredibly simple grammar knocked some points off of the presentation I gave yesterday. When I write in Chinese I still have to mentally translate from English first. The most difficult rule for me to remember is that the time of the sentence goes first.

“When I was buying candy I forgot to take pictures.”

vs.

“I forgot to take pictures when I was buying candy.”

Our presentation prompt was to talk about something we bought, and to show pictures. I translated the second sentence exactly as it’s read, aaaand my Chinese teacher asked if I just Google Translated my presentation... I’m trying hard, so no I did not, nevertheless I was a bit offended.

I studied Spanish for a lot of years and made it all the way through AP Spanish. This means that now my brain has flipped into “foreign language” mode, and both Chinese and Spanish are becoming thoroughly mixed.

Unfortunately though, I still can’t understand enough of the Spanish-speaking exchange students because they speak way too fast and use a lot of slang. As I type this though, I’m listening to a podcast in Spanish to try and jog my memory a bit. Podcasts in Chinese are difficult to listen to because I don’t know quite enough, and honestly their voices are not nearly as relaxing as the rhythmic flow of Spanish.

Back to Chinese though. I am absolutely noticing significant improvements. I actually noticed that when I hear Chinese, I don’t really need to translate it into English because it immediately becomes an image in my head. I translate it anyways and realize that I had already understood more than I initially thought. I’m really excited about this observation, and I’m constantly working to expand my vocabulary and thus my level of understanding.

Miscellaneous

There’s a couple more things I want to mention regarding the fact that I am an Asian... in Asia.

There are two American exchange students who are half-asian-- Filipino and Japanese. While all three of us are frequently asked for directions at bus stops, my experience is still a bit unique because I am and look 100% Asian.

Recently we had a Rotary-organized Halloween party, and it was a lot of fun, but afterwards I felt myself wishing I had dressed more dramatically than just a simple tourist... I almost felt like the event would have been more fun if I were also a white, or more foreign-looking exchange student.

When we were gathering, Rotex from previous years were sorting us into groups, and it took me forever to find mine because they had no idea that I was an exchange student, despite meeting me at orientation ( I don’t blame them; orientation was a while ago).

Later we did a scavenger hunt type activity where we walked around the streets to find people that fit a description (wearing a hat, man with long hair, etc.) and take a photo with them. Everyone we approached was so excited to take photos with all the dressed up foreigners, and asked to use their phone as well. It was definitely all in my head, but I felt a bit like I was a rude passerby photobombing the fun picture because I wasn’t dressed like anything incredibly funny, and I looked like a random person you could find on the street...

My self-isolation was not helped when we went “trick-or-treating,” and the rotarians with the bag of candy stared at me when it was my turn to say “trick or treat,’ and in Chinese told me “no you’re taiwanese. we can’t give you candy.”

Although I’ve made many good friends among exchange students, I sometimes feel the most isolated when I hang out with them. I’m always seen as the translator or the taiwanese friend acting as a tour guide...

Meh I’ll get over it though. Hopefully I’ll be good enough at Chinese that I will be able to more or less translate... we’ll see.

Overall

Despite these challenges, my time has been mostly spent in happiness, as I feel very settled and comfortable here. I am a little bit tired of always eating rice and noodles, but I can’t really complain about that.

I will continue to study hard and do everything I can to learn as much as my brain can handle.

As usual, if there are any questions, just ask!

[geek-gem]

Sonic Forces First Impressions

11:17 am just saying went to the submit thing twice but decided to click text the third time I went to it.

So I have finally played some Sonic Forces after months of waiting. Including I'm gonna say this. I can't play stage 15 or this secret mission 1 because the game is still installing. Even the first part of episode Shadow. It said the game has 55 more hours honestly over time it will get better hopefully I don't wanna doubt oh my head.

I'm gonna say I'm gonna post spoilers in this. Including I have a set of pictures mainly of the custom character. Including liked a ask about well fan indie thing taking over modern Sonic.

After playing for some hours but not long.

Now my opinions I honestly like it. I think it's very good. Just my head including I didn't wanna start off saying I honestly like it.

Yet really it's nice to play.

I'm gonna mainly say some good stuff.

First I wanna say the visuals are possibly some of the best in the franchise next to possibly Sonic Unleashed. Honestly I don't know which one is better. Mainly I wanna say that first because you really see it with this.

Now with gameplay. I'll talk about modern Sonic first.

I do like it. Yet honestly I've been thinking. This is mainly my opinion and I remember seeing this in the first gameplay video. But I don't like the idea that you have to get wisps instead of rings to boost. Unleashed started that first, Colors used wisps and Generations I think brought rings back. I feel it kind of holds me back.

Including the way the game is also I'm gonna mention this. Their are only two modes normal and hard. I'm surprised theirs only two modes. Yet in a way normal is basically the easier route also I'm playing the game on that difficulty. But I find it kind of stupid it doesn't record the time. You have to play on hard mode to do times. I'm guessing just they want you to play like that. I even question at times should I change the difficultly. Also maybe because they want to challenge you or I thought aware and some shit.

But back to gameplay. It's nice yet compared to Sonic Unleashed and Generations and I haven't played Colors in years and never played Lost World. The game feels a bit slow.

Yet it plays well. But also could be I have it on normal mode. It's the way it's set up where you get go to the extreme and even having to be careful when trying to spin dash well home attack enemies.

Including I'm gonna mention theirs no lives instead you can keep trying it doesn't matter how many times almost left lives but doesn't matter how many times you die. You still play the stage. In a way that's a nice thing. I died the most as modern Sonic on Egg Gate and Mystic Jungle seriously just....meh I think I like Sonic Unleashed a lot okay.

Now let's talk about Classic Sonic who comes up later in the story. It's kind of the same with updated visuals. Yet think theirs some new jump forgot what it is. But the gameplay is enjoyable. Including for anyone who likes the classic gameplay. Remember I didn't die as Classic Sonic on the boss with Eggman in his Egg Dragoon.

Yet honestly okay remember this. You need to be careful when getting close to enemies. Ether I thought I was pretty nice at classic stages a bit or whatever. Just be careful when getting close and using your jump and spin dash.

Yet despite that it still works well.

Honestly didn't die much as Classic Sonic yet Modern Sonic I seem to have that move fast while being awesome shit. No wonder I kept dying in Mystic Jungle even a part twice I think forgot where I had to just not jump and wait for the ramps.

Now the custom character something I've despise since the day it was announced.

It's honestly nice. Yet like I've said I'm just trying to play as the character we've been seeing the first time Buddy The Wolf and let me say this. I started over the game once to make sure if I didn't miss any gear and stuff. Turns out had to play without gear at first.

Including after completing stages and missions I'll talk about that later. You can unlock more gear for your character which is cool. Which is something makes playing levels worth it.

Honestly the custom character is okay. Yet even during that said in my head I still despise it. But honestly it's nice if your a big fan of customization. Yet it's honestly not for me.

Including I looked at my laptop first at the announcement trailer for the character and Google images but decided to look at my laptop to get a closer look. Seriously I tried to make it as the character from the cgi trailers and what we've seen. Because I just don't want to make my own version.

Luckily you can make your own character still while on this world map. Meaning you won't be stuck with the same get up the entire game.

Okay I chose this 2nd voice because I thought bit fit okay. I just really didn't wanna put any creativity alright.

Okay I should talk about the story. I wanna talk about other stuff. Yet I'll get to that later.

The story basically starts off with Eggman talking about so long Sonic has beaten him and he's found a way to beat Sonic.

Honestly the stages are short for some. Yet I did thought when writing that they are in the same place or whatever. So your not replaying levels.

Sonic is gonna save the day first saving Tails and civilians first. When all of a sudden Shadow stops Sonic from harming Eggman and Zavok, Metal Sonic, and Chaos in order. Honestly had a smile on my face hearing Sonic say Chaos's name again. Then we have Infinite appears yet because Infinite is too powerful and the help of these other villains.

They basically kick Sonic's ass before Sonic's eyes close when seeing Infinite's feet.

After that Eggman takes control most of the world because Sonic is gone. But what the game says a rag tag band of resistance members try to fight him off.

With people losing hope because Sonic is not around with characters doubting and hoping for a miracle. A character which is the custom character by the name of Rookie has joined the other characters to stop Eggman.

Really the custom character gameplay is nice and makes it different a bit compared to Sonic. Since it mainly plays like that without no boost.

Including during the story Classic Sonic appears out of nowhere to save Tails from Chaos. Along with Tails trying to fix Omega or something. Including before hand their were talks of Tails losing it without Sonic. Now happy to at least see another Sonic.

Also the other characters Sonic is still alive captive aboard a new Death Egg and Eggman kept him alive to have him see his finished empire. Then he would banish Sonic into space.

Including a boss I didn't die from yet difficult Zavok was pretty nice. Yet turns out that spoiler was true. Is that Zavok isn't real.....

Honestly before I was gonna write about Zavok I'm just thinking of Chaos and when I wrote a post talking about I want Tikal to return to try to relax Chaos..... really I'm fearing it might be the same thing for Chaos. Including I think over the course of the game just or that part how I feel it seems lazy for the developers to not even just I'm disappointed.

Yet honestly the Deadly Six hate Eggman but having to reason with them would be difficult. But it's idea that would make Eggman's empire more terrifying. Instead of this simple boss it's just lazy or some shit some what sorry wanna say not meh okay not sorry.

Oh wait I remember that comic with Chaos from IDW my God it is Chaos those comics better be damn canon. Seriously God damn I want at least Tikal in there. I can pass with Zavok but still.

Including the characters meet up later. I'm also gonna say really the game seems to have a problem with saying dead. Or the idea that Sonic could be dead. Honestly it seems to be quite hard for them. But I feel okay yeah even thought the developers are honestly panzies however that's spelt. Because seriously it's just the word dead. They can't even fucking said they when Lost World did exactly that saying stuff that was honestly dark. Yet the way the characters are it could make sense. I'm sorry or just was bothered. They don't even have to balls to say dead just some what sorry.

Also for the custom character I should just call him Buddy like those leaks months ago said do they still call the character that in this game I haven't heard it no head I need the name not sweet. Theirs this storyline or just a subplot along with Classic Sonic appearing.

Is that Infinite has met Buddy and basically let him live. Telling him he should just stop and be in fear. So from what I'm seeing theirs this subplot of Buddy trying to stand up against Infinite and basically just.... honestly that cutscene stuck with me. Basically this subplot of Buddy trying to brave and stand up to these larger then life threats. I'm guessing that is the arc yet I haven't played more of the game because it's still installing.

Now let's talk about well I should mention the tag team shit. It's basically both the custom character well Buddy and Sonic into one stage. It's don't lie just my head.... really I played it once I guess nice. Really I feel I should play it more after this.

Now to talk about something I wanted to talk about the missions. Also this is sounding like a review but it's not. I'm just being detailed about my first impressions that's all.

The missions is something nice. They give you tasks honestly simple as I've played it for the time being. Such as do a homing attack or slide as Sonic. Or use the astroid or lighting weapon as Buddy which I see doing these missions unlock more gear. Which gives me a reason to try them out. Basically making the experience different then the last sometimes.

Yet it's honestly nice and it's not that detailed as I've played it. But it gave me something to do while waiting for more of the game to install.

We also have these sos missions. Including the first time I saw you play as other people's custom characters. The green one shows you but as soon as I tried the red one on the Death Egg. I immediately paused the game and pressed give up seeing it wasn't mine.....

I really don't wanna play other people's character okay that's all.

Will say some other positive stuff yet I wanna talk about Infinite.

A character I honestly liked before the game was even released. I like him he's honestly cool. Also his song is still beautiful and just amazing to hear before the first boss fight against him. I didn't even die in the first boss against him.

His voice is great and he's a threat. Honestly very cool and something I wanted. Not like my extreme meme versions where he's the ultimate douchebag in history or this Darkseid/Thanos villain where he's just basically the devil. Basically stuff I thought about him.

Seriously the visuals are beautiful even when he appears it's lovely. Took off s behind villain but seriously he's super cool and kind of what I wanted from him. I'm just hoping during the game he gets better.

Including I wanna talk about this too. The voice acting is great said sucks in my head or just no or suck. Sorry just my random negative mind it was an emotional rollercoaster to get to this game why bother.

But honestly the voice acting is very nice. Despite some lines just... really from what I've heard that the characters don't take the situation as seriously. Yet at times they seem too. But it's not as extreme considering it's a E10 game but it's mainly Sonic at times. Despite I like his jokey nature to keep the stuff less stressful.

Really I shouldn't of thought this game being so stressful. Just that theme of Infinite's is beautiful and was expecting more of an end of the world situation where everyone seems to be out of control at times or some shit. Maybe not much.

Including the music is lovely even for the stages. Honestly just I never cared for Fist Bump yet I've been thinking about it and hearing exuse me burp in mouth. But hearing it in the tag team stage. Also it's the invincibility music for Classic Sonic it sounds nice. It's honestly my preference of metal music which is why I love Infinite's theme so much.

Also about the voice acting while I don't like Kirk Thornton as Shadow. Seems like he's gotten better. Even what I've seem with Lego Dimensions. Yet not as iconic or just good as David Humphrey and Jason Griffin. Really again all the voice acting is good. Even Roger Craig Smith as Sonic honestly. While quite a lot of the lines aren't the meaningful. It's still very nice to hear the voices.

Really I feel that's all of my first impressions. I'm gonna post a photo set after this. Overall good first impressions I honestly left my PS4 on to install the rest of the content

Got tags done honestly and retyped honestly oh God ticks and even typos. Just sorry yet again honestly good first impressions oh head seriously typos just I'm being weird. Again good first impressions 12:20 pm

[annashipper]

Is it possible that the airport sighting was BC picking up wife and kids upon their arrival in Atlanta? Was the sighting after SH's "show" back in the UK? Not trying to stir up trouble here, just trying to make sense of it all.

Trying to make sense of the NanFiction?  Sure, let’s play  :o)

CWeb reported on someone’s mom contacting her to say how lucky Benjamin was to meet her awesome son on the 6th of July.  Keep that in mind for a second, while we establish a timeline, OK?

June 21st - RDJ posts the set pic where we first see Ben in his Doctor Strange costume for Infinity Wars.  Many many many many many pictures of him in his costume will followJune 21st - Ben is spotted at a bar with Mark Ruffalo.  Obviously no one’s waiting for him at homeJune 23rd - Weirdo narrates an oboe playing performance at Suffolk (more on that later)June 25th- Ben flies out to NYC to attend a concert with Tetrius and Delius BuneJune 26th - Ben is in Atlanta, filming Infinity Wars againJune 29th - We get a video of Ben leaving his hotel, accompanied by David (aka Droopy)July 2nd - The Aquarium story surfaces about Ben, Weirdo, a stroller and the two Pilos taking a tour of the place.July 4th - Ben spends the day with RDJ, enjoying the festivities, food and balloons that form trees of proofy proofiness in the background.  No mentions or Weirdo and the Pilos, and no pictures showing them in the background either.July 5th - It’s Weirdo Wednesday and the (old) news drop that Weirdo narrated an oboe playing performance at a festival her uncle Drake is attached to.  Unfortunately, as her husband’s PR failed to market her performance to his fandom, Nan turnout is.... not great.  To top it all off, as none of the articles mention her husband, the fetchlessness is overpowering.July 5th - The Aquarium posts a pic of Ben posing with an African pengling.  The cuteness is overpowering.  Alas!  No Weirdo, stroller, or Pilos in sight.July 6th - The awesome son’s mother contacts CWeb on her private account to let her know how lucky Benjamin is to have met her awesome son.  The awesome son’s mother may not know Benjamin’s actual name, but she’s adamant that he was with his family (I’m sure she knew Sophie’s, Kit’s and Hal’s names and kept repeating them by the way).July 9th - A woman tweets about having brunch next to Ben and being covered in croissant flakes for the duration, but Ben loving her anyway.  The tweet is followed up by a tweet from a Nan who claims a friend of hers had brunch at the same place Ben and his family were having brunch at.  She mentions Ben and Weirdo cycled there, that they had one of the Pilos with them (Skeptics wonder who the chosen one is this time around) and Ben left on his bike again.  The first woman who tweeted about having brunch next to Ben is asked where she was at the time, and she answers with the name of the restaurant, adding that he was with Weirdo and Pilo(s).  By the way, on July 9th, the heat in Atlanta was reportedly unbearable.  Not the finest idea for anyone with half a brain to take a bike ride on a hilly terrain, lugging one or two Pilos around with them.

Anyway, I’m sorry but, given the timeline, I have questions about the airport sighting that was reported through CWeb’s personal twitter account and received a collective MEH from the Nans, regardless of the retweets it got by other Ubers.

If the awesome son’s mother contacted CWeb on the 6th of June, logic tells us Benjamin met her awesome son at the earliest a couple of days earlier, right?  Or on the day of.

Since Weirdo was going to fly out to Atlanta with one or two Pilos (depending on whom you ask) in tow, why didn’t she fly in to Atlanta right after she returned from Suffolk and her narrative adventure?  Couldn’t Ben wait for her and the Pilo(s) to arrive before visiting the Aquarium?  Did he want to hog the spotlight and the penglings’ attention?  

If the awesome son’s mother held onto the information about Benjamin meeting her awesome son for longer than a couple of days, why didn’t she bother finding out his name first, perhaps even googling him to make sure she was talking about the same person her awesome son met, before going to the trouble of finding out what CWeb’s personal twitter account was, so she could share the news with the world?

The fact of the matter is that all of these sightings have one thing in common (something that is also a common thread with the Spain tweets by the way):  they are focused on proving Ben’s family is real and that he spends time with Weirdo and the Pilo(s).

Unfortunately for the Nans, Ben’s PR seems dead set on maintaining focus on his work and him personally; taking a very conscious turn from the image they were pushing for him during DS promo when he went on record talking about how his wife and kids are not PR stunts on a Vanity Fair interview.

By the way, that is a good thing, because Ben simply doesn’t have it in him to be convincing when talking about his non-PR-stunty family and the anecdotes he shares are... unfortunate.  Also, the non-PR-stunty family does nothing for his clickability (as discussed numerous times on this very blog)

Also unfortunately for the Nans, Ben seems to never spend time with Weirdo and the Pilo(s).  A behaviour we’ve been calling out since Hamlet.

Seeing as Ben is probably already in NYC, now is the time for the Nans to come up with new Cumberfiction.  Who knows?  Perhaps they’ll get lucky this time and he’ll cave in.  After all, he’s steadily taken several steps back when visiting NYC during the past 3 years.

Hopefully, that part of the showmance journey is over...