#this has been in my head since reading the r&d report 2 again

[delicatebluebirdruins]

image id: two images of spongebob square pants one looks strong the other (lower) looks weak

there is text next to each image:

upper "the serum how Zoe (and Mia) thinks of it"

lower: "how the serum actually is"

excerpt from the R&D Report 2 (last file of the game in the salt mine)

"For the treatment of accidental infections, performing □□□□□ on samples of Eveline's body tissue produces a unique fungicidal serum.

Administering the serum to an infected subject will cause the mycelia to calcify, but if the subject's cells are already largely invaded, the serum will be fatal. Since the treatment window is so small, the serum's primary use is therefore disposal of infected subjected, rather than a cure."

three hours is out of the question (apparently) nevermind three years

[riacte]

Hermitcraft on r/place - Superfast Repair Mode (4/4/2022) LAST DAY PART 1

aka. WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE GOT VOIDED 30 MINS AFTER I WENT TO BED

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Part 1 Day 3 Part 2 Day 4 Part 2

Hiii [twirls hair], your GMT timezone running-on-caffeine-and-adrenaline reporter Ria here <3 with mildly scuffed summaries of whatever's happening on the final day of r/place

My sleeping schedule has been annihilated like many of our fallen allies LMAO

For disclaimers and introductions, please read Day 1 and 2. Link to discord is here, it is preferable if you join or else your efforts might be seen as from rogues :D (also they know more than I do!)

1. The End Is NOT the End / Xisumavoid without Xisuma

RECAP from cassberry who was present during the time!!

XQC, a streamer, decided to start a void near us. Fuck no. The void came in through SpaceX and stabbed through our logo. We were not targeted, we were just in the way as many other voided murals before us.

(Screenshot from Coalshower from HC discord, the time at the bottom is a bug)

In the middle of all the panic, Mumbo Jumbo discord people asked for help with settling their logo above Argentina's flag because they thought Argentina had a lot of area already, but was staunchly refused because we were allied with Argentina. It's very interesting to see where our loyalties lies. If they had asked on Day 1, we probably would have joined forces.

r/Technoblade came by to help (their very pretty mural is right next to DSMP corner which was built after the second canvas expansion). r/LoveLive was panicked and also came to help. Argentina was apparently botted because a streamer with 40k viewers attempted a void but failed (Argentina's botting was not news, LL and Argentina attempted to draw LL's logo there but also failed due to bots). People were yelling to HOLD YOUR PIXELS and wait for the void to pass because we had a complete master reference of the area.

Brazil was contacted as the beloved bird was also destroyed, but it was 1am in their timezone. GME's line was brought up because we NEEDED it as a border. However, GME line was not under control of Superstonks discord, so we might have to fight rogues again- and again- and again. Taiwan, being midday for them, also kept an eye out. It was agreed the void attack could've been much worse like the one over MCC, and the chat was spammed with KEEP CALM. Pixels were called to HOLD THE HEADS.

This is when you can see the strength of being allied with neighbours. Although ideologically we were with Mumbo Jumbo's discord, diplomatically we were with Argentina / Love Live and they helped us in return for helping them. Alliance with Brazil was also important because they could coordinate to rebuild. While rogues might disrupt peace, what mattered was that the central headquarters kept communications open.

Funny thing is that some people in XQC's chat was like "do flags, not small communities" and his response was that flags were botted and small communities couldn't fight back, which is just a dick move tbh lol. After a bit of chatter, the storm rose again. People were asked to be patient and calm because the void would move over, plus we had support from our neighbours and they would not coordinate invading us. It also worked vice-versa and we wrangled people into NOT shifting the logo to the left because we would be going against MCC, whom we had both ideological and diplomatic ties with since the beginning of time. After all, MCC was with us against the initial fight against the GME line. Restoring what we placed (for historic purposes) became very important. Hermitcraft would not be seen as an aggressor.

(Screenshot from CWG from HC discord)

Brazil was apparently spared (good, you don't want to fight against them). However, as you can see, Brazil filled in where half of the logo used to be. Negotiations were held with Brazil and they agreed to our previous truce but it would take some time to cede it back. The area they had taken up was botted, and they would have to write a new script to give it back to us. Imagine if the void happened merely 2 days ago when ties with Brazil were shaky.... we would likely lose that half. We can see that PEACE and ALLIANCES are IMPORTANT. Touhou also popped by and offered help, somebody reached out to r/celeste also with success. Names that hadn't been really aligned with HC before came by to fight against the void, which was very nice and reassuring. MCC came by to advice us to hold our pixels and leave a path for the void so they wouldn't be further aggravated.

With the storm calming down, in came another storm- between HC discord and HC rogues. Ahh, a tale as old as time.

2. Herm Her'n vs Hermitcraft - the Hermitcraft Civil War

Of course rogue redditors decided to take advantage of the void and rebuild the logo to the left <3 they were uncontrollable and I'm half-certain some of them who post on Reddit are trolls <3 We gave MCC full permission to blast on the rogues lmao, and we also fought against our rogues. While this was an awful battle because we were endangering relations with both MCC and Brazil, it also made for hilarious spelling mistakes.

Hermitogami? Hermitcramift? Hermitcrafiiit? The idea you had of me, who was she <3

Presumably other HC groups were working on the logo and HC discord was outnumbered. People started asking for support on Hermitblr, since we're famous for being the majority hahaha. Quaranmine has some posts here (Quara if you're reading this hiiii <3) HC was afraid we might lose to our own rogues, and called for allied support. This majorly sucked because it looked like we were betraying MCC, PLUS we had to tell Brazil we were not moving. Way to create tensions with our two closest allies with one stone. I know lots of people were unaware of the coordinated effort, but it was still frustrating.

Did I tell you I was trying to cut down my bias? I gave up, much like the rogues should-

After a long struggle, the logo and everything else was finally replaced. Big thank you to everybody that helped and coordinated to keep the status quo! :D

(Screenshot from Ely in HC discord)

Look at how quickly we rebuilt after the void! <3 We can only hope the void won't attack last minute :O

3. Back and Forth

SOR came to ask if we could help build their logo over Dimden dev. However, we were allied with Dimden dev and we were not seeking to replace existing stuff with new stuff, even if they were for our allies. This is the same situation as Mumbo Jumbo discord, with alliances + need for peace > our shared MC roots.

Omori was allied with us now (or allied with our allies, I can't tell). NA based r/CalgaryFlames asked for our support overnight. We also agreed to help out SpaceX. Touhou, after helping us, asked for our help with building. Udub, the W on top of MCC, and Indie corner also asked for help. Hermitcraft's allies kept on diversifying and solidifying <3 In my opinion it's because we're a rather international fan community :D

3L also decided to shift their murals a bit to connect better with Portugal. I think the BrazilxHC and 3LxPortugal means Something <3

Sausage was also being relocated along with many other tinier projects. Wynncraft asked for assistance with their logo. The cat collars were made to be bi and nonbinary to represent our LGBT hermits <3

At the time of writing, it's 3 hours before 5pm GMT aka. predicted time of ending. There appeared to be something going on with Dutch and nether portals but I want to get this out soon soooo

Hermitcraft was once again stabilized thanks to our allies and Superfast Repair Mode, and we were distributing help to our allies. Good luck for what appears to be the final stretch! :D

[supernaturallyobsessedchic]

Emergency! Part 2

Part 2 – Accidents

Summary: Dean and Cas of Squad 51 discover Dr. Kline involved in a car accident. The car accident killed another driver involved, but orphans the daughter. The Reader has to cancel her and Dean’s date night for her to go into work. Squad 51 is on the rescue again, a house fire. The night begins to calm down, Dean is off finally and heads to the reader’s house for much needed R n R.

Warnings: Smut (P in V, Protected and Unprotected sex (always use a condom)), Language, Dirty talk, Car accidents, scary situations, mild angst, fluff

Word Count: 1,925

Mobile Masterlist

Emergency! Masterlist

a/n: The timing of these is not a daily event, it can bee weeks/months apart. Sadly, I’m jumping it ahead, I just don’t know how far ahead. Joys of me being creative.

~

They sat on his couch, starting out watching Netflix. Then it turned into a make out session.

Their lips danced with one another, their tongues gliding across one another.

Her hands guided down his chest and stomach.

The mere contact caused a moan to escape his throat to which she swallowed down.

They pulled away finally for air, their lips plump and swollen.

“If we keep this up, I’m not gonna last.”

“Neither am I, Dean. I’m getting to the point I want you in me, and fuck me so hard…”

His lips crashed into hers once again, only kissing her harshly quick. He pulled away.

“Keep talking dirty like that sweetheart, and maybe I will.” He growled.

“Fuck me Dean, I want you in me, now.”

He picked her up, kissing her again. Her legs wrapped around his middle as he carried her to his room.

“As you wish sweetheart.” He says between kisses.

 Jack Kline, one of Rampart Emergency hospital’s youngest doctors. He does specialize in surgeries, baby deliveries, and even orthopedics. He does a little of everything at the hospital.

He drove down a residential street to get to work. He approached a four way stop. The intersection was pretty empty. He was the only one there. He looked both ways, despite cars parked on the curbs, and the summer season with the trees low branches fully bloomed of vibrant green leaves, he could see no car coming down from either direction. Determining it clear, he slowly accelerates. Only to be hit on the passenger side, the impact hard enough to knock him out.

 Dean slowly pulled out of her, her legs trembling from the sheer force of her climax slowly calming down.

“You okay sweetheart?” Dean asked.

“Oh yeah. More than okay.” She hums.

He smiles, and works out of the used condom to throw it away.

He heard her phone vibrate on the nightstand next to them.

She groaned.

“I got it for you.” He says. Getting up to get it. He hit answer.

“Y/N Y/L/N’s phone, Dean speaking.” He answered.

“Hi, my name is Dr. Singer, tell Ms. Y/L/N we need her to come in if possible.”

“Sure thing, I’ll let her know.”

The phone call ended quickly.

“Work?” she asked.

“Yeah, Dr. Singer, they need you to come in.”

“He didn’t say why?”

“No, because I’m not you.”

“Well, I’ll shower really quick and then I better go.”

 She gone into work, heading for Bobby’s office.

“What’s up Bobby?” she asked walking in.

“I called you in here because, one someone called in and two…Jack was involved in a car accident.”

“How is he?”

“Just some bumps, bruises, minor cuts. Nothing major. But the other car, the driver died on the scene, and orphaned a seven-year-old girl.”

“Does he know?”

“He doesn’t. I almost don’t want to tell him because he will beat himself up over it.”

“We all beat ourselves up over loss. It’s normal. But he needs to know the accident wasn’t his fault. My brother’s a cop, he said the accident wasn’t his fault. That driver ran a stop sign and caused a chain reaction.”

“Still, you know how Dr. Kline can be.”

She nods.

“Now, your just doing Nurse Ruby’s 6am-6pm shift. She was scheduled to be in the ICU working the Eastern halls, you better head up there.”

“Will do, see you later.”

Bobby waves her off with a kind smile.

 Back at Station 51 the very next day, Dean came in at his usual time. So far a quiet morning.

“So how are you settling at the new place Cas?”

“It’s great, closer to the station, it has extra room. My neighbors are pretty friendly. One of them, Meg, she happens to work with Y/N at the hospital.”

“Wow, small world.”

“Yeah. How about you? How’d your date with Y/N go last night?”

“She had to go into work, a nurse called in. She called me on her break letting me know that. But the date went well.”

“Think there’ll be another date for you guys?”

“She and I are planning on seeing a movie tomorrow night since I’m off two days.”

“You two, I swear are meant to be.”

“We’ve only had two dates Cas, slow down.” Dean chuckled.

The stations alarm going off.

“Station 51, Squad 51, Station 64 Squad 64, and station 72, structure fire. 623 North Lions street.” Said over the alarm’s intercom.

“Here we go, another one.” Cas says, jumping into action, running to the squad truck.

“Another one.” Dean says. Getting in the driver seat roaring the engine to life and everyone in the station left to the location.

 “Jack, it was not your fault.” Bobby tried to soothe the young doctor.

“But a girl is orphaned because of me.”

“Because of her dad driving recklessly. You didn’t do anything wrong.” Y/N pitched in. “My brother said he ran a stop sign according to eyewitnesses in the area. He was speeding, and ran a stop sign.”

“We can fix wounds as if they were nothing. But how can we fix this? How can I fix this?”

“You’re not gonna let this go are you?” Bobby groaned.

“Not until I know someone can take care of this girl.”

“I’ll go make calls, you go home Kline, you need to rest.” Bobby insisted firmly.

“But—”

“Jack, go home. We got this.” Y/N says.

“Fine, just, call me. Keep me in the loop. Please.”

“We will, no go home and rest man.” Y/N says as Bobby left the office.

Jack left with a slump in his shoulders, as he walked back out of the hospital to take a cab home.

“Who told him? I knew this would happen if he found out.” Bobby asked.

“Think it was Abaddon. Don’t think she was thinking it through, as always.”

“How’d she find out in the first place?”

“She stood outside your office when I saw you the other day. My guess she overheard.”

“I’m gonna have a talk with her, she needs to watch it, or it could lead to major HIPPA Violations.”

“Alright, well, my shift is technically over, and my three day weekend starts. Need me for anything before I go?”

“No, go home, rest up. have a great weekend.”

“Bye Bobby, see you Monday.”

But she couldn’t make it out the door fast enough when a squad brought in a familiar face.

“Cas?!”

“We had a fire, a back draft shot him across the property.”

“What are his vitals?” she asked, kicking back into nurse mode.

“BP 130 over 85, breathing labored and shallow,” Dean began reading off of his chart. “Head injury sustained, pupils uneven and dilated.”

The emergency medical staff managed to cut Cas out of his clothes. And she saw a bruise right around his ribs.

“Possible broken ribs, get him x-rayed, and lets get other scans to find any bleeding. Especially of his head. Stat, go.” Y/N ordered.

The medical team taking Cas to radiology to get scans necessary to find anything else wrong so they can work on fixing him up.

Y/N turned her attention to Dean.

“Dean, are you okay?”

“He knocked me out of the way, Gabe opened a door, we thought the fire was under control. And he knocked me out of the way just as the backdraft happened.”

“Dean, he’s fine. Just banged up. It could have been worse, but it’s not. He’s fine.”

“Son,” John says, tearing the couple’s attention.

He saw Dean’s distraught expression as his son turned to face him.

“Y/N, can you take him home. I can have Michael drive the squad back to the station. But I don’t want him alone tonight.”

She nods. “I can do that Mr. Winchester.”

“Please, call me John. And thank you.”

She managed to guide Dean to her car, and she drove them to Dean’s house.

 “Jack, I have good news.” Bobby says.

“What’s that?”

“That girl, she has an aunt that lives up north. She’s coming down to pick up her niece. She got full custody of her yesterday.”

“That’s good, at least she has family to take care of her.”

“It is.”

“’Scuse me.” A sweet girl’s voice was heard behind the doctors.

“Hi sweetie, how are you doing?”

“Good, I heard I’m gonna live with my aunt. I’m just so happy and I just want to say thank you.”

“Thank you? Really?” Jack asked.

“Yes, my dad wasn’t a good dad. He was mad at me for getting an D on my report card, he hit me a few times and we were going home.”

“Did everyone in your family know your dad abused you like that?”

“Yes, my aunt always threatened to take me away from daddy if he hit me again or hurt me again.”

“Then I’m glad to know you’re going to be safe from here on out.” Jack says with a smile.

The girl smiles back and gives the young doctor a hug.

“Thank you again doctor.” She says sweetly.

“It’s no problem sweetheart.”

 Just as Y/N and Dean turned in for the night, Dean lied down flat on his back, staring blankly at the ceiling.

“Dean,” she says quietly. “You okay?”

“That could have been me.” He says just above a whisper.

“But it wasn’t, and you know he’s going to be fine. Meg updated me and Cas is going to be okay.”

He nods.

She turned towards Dean, kissing him on his cheek, then down to his jaw line.

He closed his eyes to her giving him this attention.

Just as her lips pulled away, he turned his head to her meeting her lips with his in a sweet kiss.

Their lips moved in perfect sync with each other.

Dean moved, hovering over her, his hips between her legs, humping against her clothed core. Pulling a moan out of her.

“I need you sweetheart.” He says quietly.

“I’m here baby, you’ll always have me.” She says, bringing him down to kiss her more, deepening the kiss.

He worked his boxers off of him, she also worked out of her panties.

He lined at her entrance, and gave her a glance.

“I’m on the pill, you’re good.”

He slowly pushed the head of his half hard cock through her soaking folds until he was fully seated in her.

Their lips meet again in a loving kiss as they slowly moved against each other. His hips guiding him out slightly with each thrust. Hitting her sweet spot with calculated and angled thrusts.

She met up with his slow pace, a thin sheen of sweat building on both of their faces and bodies.

His pace began to speed up just as his breathing picked up as well.

Her hips were beginning to jump out of rhythm.

Their lips pulled away, but only slightly, just ghosting over the surface as their breathing began to pick up faster.

“Dean,” she whined.

“I’m almost there, I got you baby girl.”

With three more thrusts her walls clamped down hard around him, milking him of his release. Their thrusts slowing, getting them through their high.

His hips came to a stop, still fully seating in her as he rested on his elbows, brushing her hair from her sweaty face.

“You okay?” He asked.

“I’m so good, you?”

“Better, now that I’m with you.”

“Get some rest Winchester, I’m not going anywhere.” She says, holding him close. Feeling him relax in her hold as they cuddled.

“I love you, Y/N.”

“I love you too Dean.”

~

Dean Girls:

@pandazombie69, @luci-in-trenchcoats, @supernatural-jackles, @becs-bunker, @evansrogerskitten, @winchesters-favorite-girl, @mlovesstories, @jayankles, @jeaniespiehs20, @akshi8278, @lyarr24, @anotherspnfanfic​, @flamencodiva​, 

~

Copying and reposting someone else’s content is plagiarism and illegal. This work is property of supernaturallyobsessedchic. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. These works contain material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of these works may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author / publisher. An electronic reference link to the original posted work may be provided for purposes of promotion or assistance of publication by the readers discretion, if proper credits are given to the author in the re-post. 3/20/2021

[timep3tals]

Since I’m such a slut for Iron Dad & Spidey-Son field trip fics, I decided to procrastinate my homework by creating a detailed list for clearance levels for the badges given out by SI because I’m sick of the same Alpha, Beta, etc. or just the numbers.

It’s too basic. In this household, we are Extra.

Shoutout to @riseuplikeglitterandgold​ for watching me go down a rabbit hole and not attempt to stop me whatsoever.

Please read this and use this, I spent too much time on this for it to go to waste.

Clearance Levels 

Visitor: 

Construction (1) - Not often utilized, as SI is fully completed, but when needed, will have a badge that grants them access to the construction zone only. Construction is entirely outsourced.

Tours (2) - Discarded after use; at all exits, there’s a box for discarding the badge. It is automatically deactivated once it passes through the bin, and is shredded before being recycled into new tour badges.

Educational (2.1) - One of the lowest levels of access to the building; often linked to the tour guides badge, and are unable to access any room the tour guide has not swiped into.

Science (2.2) - These tours are guided throughout the majority of the labs, often for parties interested in becoming an employee at SI. Can be more specific to a certain field, and will usually be conducted by interns-turned-tour guides as they move up through the ranks in SI.

Press (3) - Only has access to conference rooms, and are often allotted one badge per press company, which they pick up at the front desk at given times depending on the press conference schedule, as decided by the PR division.

Buyers (4) - Are considered an upper-level visitor badge, but mostly just for show to make the buyers feel important/be more likely to purchase from SI. Have relatively limited access, and are only shown products/labs that pertain to what they’re looking at purchasing.

Partners (5) - Are not very often used, as partners often meet off-site, or are communicating largely through email with either the Board of Directors, or Pepper. Have the most access out of all visitors badges, but is still usually directed by/connected to a tour guide’s badge.

Ex(s): Visitor 2.1, Visitor 5, Visitor 1

Maintenance: Access is often changed as needed. No subsections under maintenance; FRIDAY is in direct control of badges and will allocate where they are needed as work orders are processed. No attached number.

Ex(s): Maintenance

Janitor: Much the same as maintenance. There are specific crews of “spill/break/chemical teams”, but those requests are again processed by FRIDAY. No attached number, though an implied 1.

Lab Clean-Up (2) - Labs are largely kept clean and handled by scientists, but every Sunday there is a deep clean of all floors/surfaces. These janitors have higher access, as most of the janitors are kept locked out of labs for their own safety. Have to have special training.

Ex(s): Janitor, Janitor 2

Interns:

Business (1-9) - Any intern under any division in the corporate offices (financial, PR, HR, etc.) Level depends on sector/experience and where the intern is initially placed.

Lab (10-19) - Often the “janitors” of each lab throughout the week. Are allowed to work on small projects with a chosen mentor (usually Head Scientist). This is the largest, most diverse group, and their access depends on which lab they’re placed in (determined by prior experience, collegic level, etc.) Apply through Operations Management, not HR; no high school students are accepted as the work they’re surrounded by can often be dangerous. No interns are placed in High-Level Labs.

Ex(s): Intern - PR 5, Intern - Financial 8, Intern - Marketing 2, Intern - Lab 15, Intern - Lab 10

Tour Guides:

Press (1) - Technically classified under PR; is solely there to guide press to the designated location and manage traffic during conferences.

Educational (2) - Typically beginning level tour guides; still expected to know as much about the company as a tour guide for partners would.

Science (3) - Has to have intimate knowledge of the workings on each lab; usually coordinates with Head Scientists to stay updated on each lab. Often has the least amount of tours, and typically will have another job/duty elsewhere.

Business (4) - Mostly for corporation heads to come and tour the business portion of SI. Small business/first time business owners are encouraged to take these tours so they could see an example of an effective work environment/procedures.

Partnerships (5) - Has intimate knowledge of the going-abouts in all labs. They are also aware of some financial statistics in regards to new/upcoming projects, as well as ongoing projects. Out of all tour guides, these guides have the greatest access to the building. These guides also lead the buyer tours as well.

Ex(s): Guide 5, Guide 2

Financial: (1-7)

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) (7) - Head officer that has primary responsibility for managing the company's finances, including financial planning, management of financial risks, record-keeping, and financial reporting. The CFO is also responsible for analysis of data, but has the option, and often will, to delegate it to others in the financial sector.

There’s probably a lot of other jobs in this, but it’s unimportant and I do not possess that sort of energy.

Ex(s): Financial 7 (only applicable to the CFO), Financial 2

Public Relations: (1-7) There’s probably a lot of jobs, but it’s unimportant and I do not possess that sort of energy. Ex: Social Media Manager, PR Specialist, Spokesperson, etc. (I’m of the opinion they created a section specifically to help handle whatever it was that Tony said this time. Official title: Owner Management. Unofficial title: Tony’s Bullshit Cover-Up Specialists.)

Ex(s): PR 4

Marketing: (1-7) There’s probably a lot of jobs, but it’s unimportant and I do not possess that sort of energy. Ex: Designers, Web Content Writer, Supply Chain Analysts, etc.

Ex(s): Marketing 5

Human Resources: (1-7) There’s probably a lot of jobs, but it’s unimportant and I do not possess that sort of energy. Ex: Compensation and benefits managers, Training and development specialists, Employment, recruitment and placement specialists, Human resources information system (HRIS) analysts, etc.

Ex(s): HR 6

Board of Directors: Despite being one of the highest positions in SI, they have extremely limited access. This clearance level is mostly restrained to the upper level offices and meeting rooms, but can have special access granted to visit labs, if absolutely necessary. No attached number.

Ex(s): Board Member

Operations Management: 

Hiring Managers (1)  - These managers directly oversee hiring of all lab personnel, including interns. 

Inspectors (2) - Inspectors handle all safety precautions/procedures in all labs in SI. Are often updating rules and regulations in order to best protect all personnel and equipment.

Lab Overseers (3) - Are who Head Scientists report to. Overseers are then to report their findings to the Head of Research and Development in a succinct manner. Are one of the last lines of defense when it comes to arising issues.

Project Managers (4) - Their job corresponds directly with the Principal Investigator and the financial & marketing division to help get finished products out into the market. Often help oversee manufacturing of said products at the different plants across the planet.

Ex(s): Operations 3, Operations 1

Research and Development:

Low-Level Labs (1-15) - Low level of risk. Most often handle coding/computer sciences/refining formulas sent down from some of the upper level labs.

Research Assistants (1-3) - Hand selected by the Principal Investigator from the top universities across the nation to help with research. Found generally at conferences hosted by SI at universities.

Graduate Student (3-5) - Single student from a graduate program, also hand selected. Typically have worked on projects in SI before.

Post-Doctoral (6-9) - Single student from a post-doctoral program. Prior SI experience is required for this position, and must present a thesis project based off outside research in order to maintain position.

Principal Investigator (10-12) - Previously Post-Doctoral, generally, but the position can be earned through impressing the Head of R&D at conferences/presenting thesis work or previous research on a specific topic.

Head Scientist (13-15) - Manager of funding for project, and overseer of the work being produced by the team. Doesn’t typically involve themselves in actual research, but is more the manager to maintain structure/order in lab and ensure work is flowing smoothly.

Ex(s): LLab 14, LLab 3

Mid-Level Labs (16-30) - Mid level risk. Performs higher risk sciences, more along the lines of a chemistry lab. Tests different types of products for higher efficiency.

Research Assistants (16-19)

Graduate Student (19-22)

Post-Doctoral (22-25)

Principal Investigator (25-38)

Head Scientist (28-30)

Ex(s): MLab 25, MLab 19

High-Level Labs (30-45) - High level of risk. Handles all new and volatile materials, and is the most involved in the newest products, etc. on the market. Requires highest grades/performances/experience/etc.

Research Assistants (30-33) 

Graduate Student (34-36) 

Post-Doctoral (37-39) 

Principal Investigator (40-42)

Head Scientist (43-45) 

Ex(s): HLab 43, HLab 30

Head of R&D: (All Access) Tony Stark. Oversees all divisions and labs. Spearheads the creation of new tech and development in the company, and is expected to continue to expand SI’s reach into new areas of science and technology.

Ex(s): You Know Who I Am

Avenger: (Residential: Semi-Access) No associated number. One of the most lucrative badges, only granted to Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson, Natasha Romanoff, Bruce Banner, Clint Barton, Thor Odinson, and a few select others. Most have been deactivated following the events of the Civil War. Typically allowed access to all floors (though entry to labs was not granted unless necessary), the residential living spaces, and the training room.

Ex(s): Avenger, Residential: Semi-Access

Remaining Badges (All Access) - Granted only to James Rhodes and Peter Parker (Peter, although classified as Avenger, will be announced as Personal Intern, as per his request). 

Ex(s): Avenger, Residential: All Access, Personal Intern: All Access

CEO: (All Access) A lovely Miss Pepper Potts. Her job is kind of a given, I don’t think an explanation is necessary. Also I’m tired.

Ex(s): Virginia Potts

[xxscarletxrosexx]

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Synopsis:

Unbeknown to Marinette, Max recommends a thriller, horror game to help bridge Marinette's and Adrien's relationship closer. After all, a little stress wouldn't kill anyone. (ML x Phasmophobia) 

FF | Ao3 | Wattpad | DA || Or read below ^^

References:

(c) Miraculous: The Tales of Ladybug and Chat Noir belongs to Thomas Astruc Zag Toons (c) Phasmophobia belongs to Kinetic Games (c) Why Did I Agree to Do This at 2 AM? - Phasmophobia (1)  (c) In the name of fanfic research... - Phasmophobia (2) 

A/N: It’s been 6 years since I last wrote a fanfic.

"Say Marinette," a short mocha-skin boy with square-framed glasses turned his attention from his laptop's screen and faced a teenage girl with ultramarine pigtails, "I've got a game recommendation for you and Adrien to play together."

"Me and Adrien?!" she stammered with the mention of the model's name ending with a higher octave. "I mean-" she said rather quickly in an attempt to regain composure, "Game! I mean what game d-did you have in mind?"

Restraining his own amusement from further embarrassing the teenager from her obvious crush-attack, Max Kanté continued, "There's a popular game currently blowing up in the gaming community called Phasmophobia. Have you heard of it?"

Marinette responded by shaking her head from side to side.

"That's perfect. Well, make sure you download the game before your next da-game night with Adrien," Max had quickly adjusted his phrase as soon as he caught glimpse of said blond model approaching them. "I think you two will have an amazing time working together and solving problems."

"Wait... "Marinette contemplated, "What kind of game needs me to pair up with Adrien? Can't I do it with you?"

"Hey Marinette! Hey Max!'' the young model greeted, which then resulted in Marinette flailing her hands in the air and falling backward. Much to Marinette's chagrin and embarrassment, Adrien had reflexively caught her with ease. "You alright, Marinette?" Adrien asked concerned.

Marinette squealed as she jumped back whilst shrieking, "I'm alright! Just being clumsy as usual! Hahaha!"

Adrien shot her an affectionate gaze and replied, "Glad to see you're alright though." Then turning his attention to the notorious gamer in their class, "what was this about a game about tag-teaming, Max? I hope I didn't come in at an awkward time."

"Not at all," Max responded whilst adjusting his glasses with his index finger pressed on the bridge of his frames. "I was just telling Marinette that you should both play Phasmophobia on your next game night."

"Phasmophobia?" Adrien pondered," I haven't heard of that game before."

"The game is relatively new and is as popular as Among Us," the gamer replied," But I heard it's easy to get immersed into the game."

"Immersive?" The statement had piqued Marinette's interest, "Sounds like an interesting game!"

"I think so too!" Adrien agreed wholeheartedly, "Let's play it tonight, Marinette!"

"What?" the ultramarine pigtail was taken aback. Adrien had responded to her surprise by wearing the same reserved smile accompanied by an arched brow. "I, uh... I mean it's not that I don't like you, Adrien, I like you! I-uh, I mean I like you like a good friend. I'm just- I'm just surprised to hear... you'll play with me tonight..." Marinette's shpeal was as sporadic as her personality around the young model beginning with clumsy phrases then explosive and fast-spoken, then tapering off to a flustered whisper.

"My plans were canceled today. My photographer caught a cold and asked Nathalie to reschedule."

"Oooh!" Marinette chuckled nervously, "That's great! I mean-uh-it's not great that your photographer fell ill, but it's great that you can finally have more time for yourself!"

"Yeah!" the model agreed. "Although I feel bad for my photographer, I can't wait to try out this new game tonight."

"By the way you guys, for the best experience, please do the following: play only at night, turn off Push to Talk under the PC Settings, always test your audio under the Audio section, and wear headphones before you start the game."

Both the model and aspiring designer mirrored serious and contemplative expressions whilst staring at the ground. The sight before the young genius was nothing short of comical. He understood then why Alya and Nino got a good kick teasing these two.

Marinette had mouthed the list until she had reached the third step and had closed her mouth abruptly. Meanwhile, Adrien had one hand resting against his hip while his other hand had his thumb and index knuckle had cupped his chin while he stared at the ground as if he were recalling a script. Then, with sudden and synchronous timing, the duo's expressions snapped back to look at the young gamer. Marinette had been the one to break the silence, "Could you repeat that to us one more time?''

"I'll send you two detailed instructions on Discord, just make sure you hit Play and ignore Training."

• • •

"Okay, so according to Max, the first step would be to take care of the setup," Marinette stated in a private call with Adrien. To her embarrassment and respecting her crush's wishes, Marinette and Adrien had decided to keep their videos on in process of setting up and familiarizing themselves with the game."

"Headphones. Check. Nighttime. Check." Adrien read the list aloud, "All that's left now is running the game.

"Right,'" Marinette agreed, "while you run the game, I'll read the other instructions for us!"

"Perfect."

"Once you begin the game, use your mouse to turn the direction of your player and move with the WASD keys."

"Woah," Adrien stared with amazement as soon as he was loaded into the game. He was greeted with a howling wind, a chorus of crickets, and a male's voice-it was low and muffled with a familiar quality similar to ones heard from a radio station-stating, "Welcome back! I've got some jobs ready for you!" He began to move his mouse and did what all typical players did at the beginning of each session and began to drag his mouse side to side which resulted in a whiplashing blur of graphics to take place across his screen and proceeded to say, "Woaaaahhh!"

"Is everything alright, Adrien?" the confused teenage girl asked, voice thick with concern.

"No, it's nothing," Adrien answered embarrassedly. He couldn't believe he had done that. Adrien felt the black kwami's emerald eyes staring judgingly at him, but he dared not meet his gaze. Instead, the blond teenager had slid his hand onto his lap in hopes to prevent himself from behaving dorkily and wore a nervous smile. He had almost forgotten that he was in a video call with Marinette and glimpsed at his second monitor where he saw a confused expression etched on Marinette's face. Thank God… It seems she saw nothing.

"Alright," her answer was stressed but had reluctantly moved on to the task much to his relief. "So after we're in the game, Max had mentioned finding the board, which is located to the left of the character, and click the board."

Gliding his hand over his mouse once more, Adrien guided his character to turn to the board and do as instructed. Upon clicking the whiteboard, the same radio-muffled voice greeted him, "Looks like there are others out there in need of help."

"Okay. I've done it, Marinette. What's next?"

"Complete the following: select Options then click on Audio and click Test found next to Voice Recognition. Read the text aloud. If the text states it can hear you then you can move on. Note: this audio should already be presetted with your PC."

"Say Give us a sign. Oh! That's cool, the bottom text says We heard you, "Adrien reported back.

"Give us a sign?" Marinette asked curiously, "I wonder why this game needs voice recognition."

"It probably has a puzzle that needs us to talk in order to solve it," the model surmised, "This is so awesome! I have never played a puzzle game where we needed to talk before."

"It definitely a unique feature," the aspiring designer agreed. "Okay, next, click PC Settings, scroll down, and click Local Push to Talk to: Off."

"Okay."

"When you're finished, click back and return to the main board screen and click Play. Have you or Adrien create a private room by selecting Create Private while the other selects Join Private. The host will find the mute code on the top-right screen. Click the eye image to reveal the code. The host will give the code to the other player after they select Join Game. Have the host Select a Job and press Select, have each player click Ready Up, and have the host select Start to begin the game."

"Sounds easy enough. I'll set up the room while you finish doing all of the tasks," Adrien proposed. "Do you think Edgefield Street House sounds like a good place?"

"Sure! Sounds like a good plan," Mariette chirped, "Do you mind guiding me on the steps as well?"

"No problem."

• • •

"Our room code is 240833," Adrien announced.

"Our room," Marinette sighed infatuatedly.

"Yes, our room code, Marinette," Adrien smiled sweetly to her.

"R-right," Marinette stammered. She forgot Adrien could still see her, but she wouldn't be able to see his face and expressions... If only I had a second monitor… "Since it's both of our first time playing the game, I guess this is where we click Ready Up then start the game," Marinette continued.

"Awesome. Now, this is the part where we mute ourselves on Discord. We should be able to hear each other with the game's audio," the young model added and proceeded to mute himself on Discord.

"Right," Marinette followed suit by minimizing her game followed by selecting the mic button. Catching a glimpse of her partner, Marinette smiled at him. Surprisingly Adrien had caught glimpse of Marinette's smile and exchanged a smile and a wave. To Marinette's horror, a scream of embarrassment had lodged itself in her throat and her smile became a tense line that hid back her flustered expression. All she could do was wave faster and giggle painfully awkwardly and nervously until she had clicked the game to become full screen once again. Smooth, Marinette, she grimaced internally while forcing a calm expression on her face as to not freak out her crush from her freaking out over her raging emotions from being around him. She had forgotten that Adrien had a second monitor. Be cool, Marinette. It's just Adrien. It's just Adrien. It's just- "Adrien?" she said aloud.

"Oh, hey Marinette!" Adrien called back. "Now that that takes care of the immersion checklist and completing all of Max's tasks. Let's start the ga-"

"Wait!" Marinette interrupted, "I think we should write down some notes about the game's hotkeys."

"Great idea! Max was really considerate about completing that task for us. I wonder why he had gone ahead and gave us these keys rather than letting us play the Training section."

"He said something about it being a solo-trip and being time-consuming," Marinette recalled as she scribbled down the hotkeys on a sticky note and placed it on the bottom frame of her monitor. "Ready?"

"Just about..." Adrien answered as he scribbled the last instructions,"... and done. Ready to start?"

"Yup!"

"And we're in."

Both Adrien and Marinette waited patiently as the loading screen loaded up to 100%. Below the loading statement, the duo read the provided hint: Don't stay in the dark too long.

"Don't stay in the dark too long?" Adrien read aloud, "I wonder what that means."

"Maybe our characters will lose sanity if we stayed in the dark too long! Sounds like there'll be some puzzles that will need to be completed under a time limit," Marinette speculated.

"Wow this game just sounds interesting by the minute," the model exclaimed, unable to withhold his excitement.

Marinette giggled concurringly, "It sure does."

The first things that greeted Marinette and Adrien after loading into the game were a bright clock with a design of black and white halved horizontally. In the bottom was a dark frame that contained what seems to be an American round monument with several pillars upholding a dome-No. Upon further observation, an American car-a Hudson Sedan perhaps-was made out due to the window, silver framework, and the two headlights. The dark background made it quite difficult to notice the outline had the individual lacked sharp eyes and attention to details, but Marinette was not one of them. Her sharp attention to detail also made out two indiscernible, dark checkered flags poking out of the ends of the vehicle's framework. Above it, a Route 66 plate is found off the right end while a large Garage text occupied the other half. Below it contained two smaller and incomprehensible texts positioned off the right and hiding behind the clock's hands.

A packaged brown box was found on the right shelf with exquisite details including a gray tape, a white stamp address with a bard code, an arrow pointing upwards, and a text below the arrow stating, This side up.

"Amazing," Marinette blurted admiringly, "this game has so much attention to details."

"You bet," Adrien agreed as he observed the objects about the room. Then a distant, muffled sound of the same fuzzy, male voice, that had greeted the duo at the launch of the game, had gained the pair's attention. It was then a computer, stationed at one end of their location, had caught both Adrien and Marinette's attention and the two proceeded to approach it. While doing so, they noticed not only the male's voice growing stronger and more coherent, but also how unsettlingly loud their characters' footsteps were with each movement.

"… and get set up before investigating. And remember to check the whiteboard for help. There've been reports of violence on site. Please be careful."

"Violence?" Adrien repeated. "You think there'll be an encounter with a villain?"

"Sounds like it," the Marinette answered, "I guess the developers wanted not just variety but also to increase the game's difficulty."

"I always love a fun challenge," the model stated eagerly, his voice drenched with baited excitement, "I'll keep you safe while you work on the puzzles, Marinette."

A warm blush gently blanketed the freckles of the young designer's face. She smiled bashfully and stared at her screen, grateful that she could not see his expression as she uttered, affectionately. "Thank you, Adrien."

"Anytime."

Directing her attention to the sticky note resting on her monitor, Marinette began guiding both she and Adrien into familiarizing themselves with the hotkeys of the game. "Now according to the notes, it seems that we can squat with C."

Adrien then began to squat and move his perspective elsewhere. The action resulted in an inhumane and unnatural human position in which Adrien's character had his upper body lying completely back as if it were lying on an invisible table whereas his lower half remained squatting. Marinette found herself unable to hold back her laughter from the inhumane contortion.

"What's so funny?" Adrien smiled.

"You should see how you look right now! Wait, let me show you!" Marinette proceeded to mirror Adrien's action and had almost immediately heard the model's laughter.

"What with this position!? Is this even humanely possible?!" Adrien cackled.

"Right!?" Marinette agreed as she wiped a tear from her eye."

"I guess we figured out one solution to prevent intruders from completing our tasks. Let's just hope that they feel weirded out and leave us alone."

"You're funny, Adrien!" Marinette complimented, "It's a nice guess, but I doubt that the moderators thought of this as a possible defense option." The ultramarine teenager then proceeded with playing around with the hotkeys. She turned to a book and brought the small circle cursor to hover over it and clicked the E key. "Oh! It seems I picked up a book..." Marinette's character waved it about, much to Adrien's amusement, and couldn't resist snickering when he saw his teammate's wonky gestures as she shook the book up and down in that inhumane arch and unnatural, half laid back extension. Marinette couldn't help but giggle due to his contagious snickering. "Alright, Adrien," a laugh made its way into her statement, "What would you do with this book if you were told hold one?"

"Probably to write notes or evidence," the blond teenager surmised amusingly. "I'm pretty sure waving your book in your manner won't win you some game points."

Marinette laughed, "You're not wrong. But it would be nice to figure out how to use the pencil somehow."

It was then Adrien's turn to pick up an object and turn to Marinette.

"Nice! You found a camera."

"I wonder if we use this for taking pictures of the evidence. How do I-" the sound of a shutter is heard as he took a picture of Marinette holding the book. "Nevermind. But it looks like I got myself a sus squatter in this shot."

"Make sure to remember the squatter's face when it's time for questioning," Marinette laughed. "But say... Don't we have a limited amount of pictures?" Marinette's character returned to her upright position.

"Uh... I think I noticed the 5 change into a 4," Adrien mumbled nervously, his mirth fading, "Sorry, Marinette."

"I think we can still work with 4 pictures. You can hold on to the camera, I'll pick up a flashlight and... whatever this is..." She finds what appeared to be a walkie-talkie and holds it up to her teammate.

"What is it?"

"Uhh... I think it's some type of walkie talkie."

"Try right-clicking it."

The sound of static immediately floods their entire room and startled Marinette with a shriek," Ah!" She immediately right-clicked once again to turn off the object.

"That must be the voice box."

"The voice box?" The teenage girl repeated, "what are we supposed to do with this? Record voice memos?"

"Not sure, but Max said it'll be useful to have. So while you have the notebook and the voice box, I'll carry the camera and EMF reader."

"What's that?"

"Looks like a remote, but it should be able to react in certain places," Adrien read Max's notes aloud.

"Ugh," Marinette groaned, "I feel a little overwhelmed with all of these gadgets."

"Don't worry, Marinette, give yourself some time and I'm sure that you'll get the hang of it." Adrien watched as Marinette's tense expression relaxed and softened from their video call.

"Thank you, Adrien." Marinette felt so lucky to have Adrian as her gaming buddy. She hoped that he could see how safe he made her feel. "Okay, is there anything else we need to do?"

"According to Max's note, it said that we need to read the board, have each of us carry three items where one of them must be a flashlight for each of us, and to use the key when we're both ready to enter the house. Left-click on the door and move your cursor to open the door," Adrien concluded reading.

"Did Max happen to describe which of these two rods are the flashlight?"

"Hang on..." Adrien paused as he rolled his mouse to find the keywords, "Here we go. They should be the long ones. The short ones are the UV lights that detect fingerprints."

"Fingerprints!? That's so cool! I can't believe this game has this level of detective skills and gadgets! This reminds me of our class project when- " Marinette's words trailed when a flashback of how she and Adrien had almost shared a kiss until Chloe had barged in and interrupted them.

"I remember! It was that time when Mylène was akumatized into Horrificator, right?" Adrien recalled excitedly.

Marinette nodded and giggled nervously. She wondered if he thought about that moment as well. Her cheeks had suddenly felt warm.

"I'm sure you'll be a great detective in this game, Marinette," the green-eyed model encouraged.

"Thanks, Adrien," Marinette smiled warmly. She breathed in a deep, lungful of air and exhaled. Then rolling her shoulders back and cracking the tension from her neck, Marinette began to hype herself, "Okay, I got this. I got this!"

"We've got this," Adrien agreed.

Marinette felt her heart was about to burst. She was sure that if she saw his face, she would've been in an even bigger mess. "So..." she giggled nervously to shake off her flustered emotions. "Anything else Max advised?"

"When your flashlight blinks, find the nearest room and close the door. Listen to the door click to confirm it is closed and stay away from the door."

"I'm surprised this game has a chasing function. I thought we were just looking for clues," Marinette commented.

"Maybe the developers wanted to increase the challenge. After all, looking for clues sounds like an easy task, solving puzzles in the dark could become an easy task over time, and since there are two of us, having one of us fight off an intruder may even be easy," the model theorized and recounted.

"I can see that," the pig-tailed teenager agreed, "Any more comments from Max?"

"Nope, he just said G-L-H-F."

"Sounds like we're ready to go."

"Yup. I'll read the whiteboard first, so you go on ahead and wait by the door."

"Got it!" Marinette began to walk to one end of the truck, where the monitor stayed then back to the opposite end. "Uh, Adrien, how do I get out again?"

"Oh, right. You have to left-click the number pad on the wall to your left."

"Alright!" Marinette clicked the number pad as instructed and heard a mechanical grumble almost immediately. She noticed the door began to move and lower itself downwards to create a ramp. "See you in a bit."

As soon as Marinette had stepped outside of the vehicle, Marinette no longer heard the humming of the fluorescent light but the light wind and soft crickets. The sounds produced in the game were accurate to evenings when she strolled outside her or patrolled the streets of Paris. She couldn't help but say, "Wow." She continued her stroll and walked to the door whilst fumbling and flickering with the light as she waited for her partner.

• • •

Adrien had taken note of how distant Marinette's clear voice had faded away due to their proximity and found himself agreeing with Marinette's distant, "Wow." He couldn't help himself and grin before turning his attention back to the whiteboard:

Objective 1: Discover what type of Ghost we are dealing with. Objective 2: Get a ghost to walk through salt. Objective 3: Cleanse the area near the Ghost using smudge sticks. Objective 4: find evidence of paranormal with an EMF reader.

I've done some more investigating for you. Looks like the ghost's name is John Garcia. This ghost also seems to respond to everyone. You should be able to use its name to anger it and get some paranormal activity. Make sure to refer to your Journal and write any evidence you find.

"Oh no..." Adrien sighed aloud, then remembering that Marinette could possibly hear his voice, he had dropped his voice a few decibels, "Marinette's going to hate this when she finds out..."

• • •

"Oh no..."

Marinette's ears perked to Adrien's soft and muffled voice. She couldn't make out what words had followed after and she found herself moving walking back to the vehicle and stopped midway to get his attention. "Adrien? What's wrong?" Marinette's voice grew stronger as she neared him. "Can you hear me? Are you alright?"

"I.. uh..." Adrien hesitated. He recalled how much Marinette had disliked horror-themed films and displayed fear when they had snuck into the movie months ago. He wasn't sure how much more freaked out she would be if she found out what they were playing. "I'll tell you when I come over there.''

"Okay..." Marinette replied, giving him the benefit of doubt. She returned to her post in front of the door and waited for her partner.

Marinette probably hadn't realized the game was a ghost hunting excavation. As much as he would have loved to not tell her and witness her reactions firsthand, he recalled their trip to the Musée Grévin and his small prank on her. "It's probably better to just stay honest, "he muttered to himself as he walked to meet Marinette by the door.

"I think you should let her figure it out once you're both in the house," a mischievous black kitten-like kwami interjected.

"Shh!" Adrien gestured and hissed out. Then pushing the microphone from his cheek further from his lips, the model added, "That's a terrible idea, Plagg."

"I think it'd be a hilarious memory."

"Of course not."

"Did you say something, Adrien," Marinette's voice sounded similar to the male NPC's voice accompanied by white static. "I can't really hear what you're saying."

"It's nothing, I was just thinking out loud. I'll be there in a sec."

"Take all the time you need."

"Not another word," Adrien whispered to his mischievous kwami.

Plagg stuck his tongue out cheekily and returned to hugging and devouring small pieces of his Camembert. He knew better than to give Adrien's identity away to the current Ladybug miraculous owner, but that didn't mean he couldn't have some fun from time to time.

• • •

"What was it that you wanted to tell me?" the curious blue-bell-eyed teenager asked.

"Well... to be honest with you, I think you're not going to enjoy much of this game," Adrien began. "I kind of realized that this game is a ghost-hunting game."

Marinette's actions came to a halt and blinked once, then twice. "I-I'm not sure if I heard you correctly, Adrien. But correct me if I'm wrong... Did you say g-ghost hunting?" Marinette stammered. She felt the words ghost hunting plummet in her stomach.

"Yeah, and I remembered that you mentioned not being a fan of anything horror-related films. So I can't imagine you enjoying yourself playing a horror-themed game. I understand if you feel uncomfortable, so you're welcome to quit if you want."

Marinette sat with trepidations and weighed her feeling next to Adrien. First, she felt herself melt when Adrien had not only taken notice of what Marinette had disliked, but he had also remembered them. These acknowledgments were enough to motivate her to play the game. Second, she recalled how excited Adrien had sounded as they continued exploring the game prior to learning that the game was a horror-themed video game. She would not forgive herself if she had backed out and left Adrien feeling disappointed that he had to back out because of her. The final motivation had been the amount of effort that the two had already invested to become familiarized with the game and its hotkey settings. Marinette was genuinely afraid but... Adrien did genuinely sound excited since earlier that day. Swallowing her fear, Marinette answered." No, it's fine. We're already here so we might as well..."

"Are you sure, Marinette?'' The boy's voice was drenched with concern.

"I-I-It's not bad to give something a chance at least once!" Marinette raised two thumbs and mustered the best smile she could wear without giving away her anxiety.

Adrien had considered that Marinette may have been pushing herself for his sake. "But Marinette-"

"I-I want to give this game a chance rather than hide behind saying no," the ultramarine teenager insisted, mustering the confidence and conviction to play this game. "I won't know until I try, right?"

Adrien sighed, touched by her obvious efforts to be brave for his sake. He felt truly moved by her kind gesture. "Okay, just know that I'm here with you, Marinette. I'll be next to you every step of the way."

Hearing his comforting words made Marinette feel like her stomach housed millions of butterflies. "Please don't leave me, Adrien." Marinette was shocked by her own words.

"I won't," she heard his gentle voice reply. Then turning to the door, Adrien asked once more, "Ready?"

Adrien heard Marinette take a sharp deep breath and exhaled.

"Ready as I'll ever be."

The door to the Edgefield Street House had opened silently, but one step into the home had sent all of Marinette's butterflies to swarm in the most unpleasant and uncomfortable places. Another step into the house, Marinette wondered if her character's footsteps had always been obnoxiously loud.

Author's Note:

It has been 6 long years since I've picked up a pencil and spent endless days writing a story. I'm pretty proud of the results! Writing this was pretty spontaneous, since my partner, our friends, and I have been playing Phasmophobia for quite some time now! :3

This lil fic is going to be a two-shot, and I apologize since this story was supposed to be released 5 days ago, but the problem for the long edit was due to being unhappy with what I wrote. I ended up re-writing some of the details during my editing progress. The final part of this fic will be following a similar process and may take a couple days to a week to complete. I hope you guys are understanding and patient, the process is quite long ;'(

To give you a quick overview, I love handwriting my stories since the very beginning of publishing my fanfics. Typing from my paper to the computer had always been a lengthy process, but now I have a tablet where it can change my handwriting to text (amazing right?!) and then I can send this text file to my email. The process after that is to copy/paste to OneNote where I can easily focus on reading and editing my work. Oftentimes, my first draft (writing) misses some details and I have a tendency to add more details during the reading and editing process.

That being said, I hope you guys have enjoyed reading this little fun fic! I truly enjoyed writing this and visualizing Marinette and Adrien being in a video call on Discord and guiding each other with the technical functions of the game. While writing the scene where the game had loaded the characters in the van, I actually got scared when thunder struck during the process of collecting all of the NPC quotes from the tutorial game. I actually decided not to let Marinette and Adrien do the tutorial scene because of my first-hand experience playing in the tutorial... my boyfriend told me to play the tutorial scene and I'd like to share that I was petrified beyond words. I have actually live-streamed myself playing Phasmophobia and my fanfiction will be significantly referencing it. If you would like to see my references and enjoy a good laugh the video is titled Why Did I Agree to Do This at 2 AM?- Phasmophobia (1) by Hannybunnns.

For the second part of the fic, I have already filmed a second video where I had actually played at the Edgefield Street House... solo-player. I had hinted at some events that I will mention in the next fic so if you guys are interested to see a glimpse of what part 2 will be having, the video to look for is In the name of fanfic research... - Phasmophobia (2) by Hannybunnns.

I will be working on part 2 and possibly a sequel including our favorite duo's besties in the future playing this game! Let me know what you guys think and I'll answer future comments/questions in the next author's note.

[thedropdeadhandsome]

Unexpected Visitor

Jaehyungparkian x Fem Reader (Fox hybrid)

Pt 2

Word count: 4k or something

Contents: fluff, nudity, humor, supernatural, sexual content, banter, jaehyungparkian

Summary: Basically the plot is about Jaehyungparkian discovering a fox in the cold outside, taking it home then in the morning freaked out over the Fox becoming a beautiful woman. This is all my original idea, please enjoy, sorry I can’t do the read more thing on mobile ☹️

(Words written in italic is the readers thoughts)

Laughter was filling up the room in which the group called Day6 occupied, even though it was raining outside you barely could hear the pitter pattering of the rain droplets hitting the windows, since the boys were so loud on the radio program they so happen to be guests on.

“Like i said before if Brian didn’t take all my lines in the song and focused on his own parts then the fans can hear my sexy voice and appreciated what real talent is” said the man with glasses known as Jae, wearing a shit eating smirk as those words left his lips, knowing he had triggered his band mate by that name.

While the others in the room started chuckling with laughter, some with tears slipping out, the one known as ‘Brian’ began to respond to Jae’s teasing “Eww Eww Eww” the male started “It’s Young K, say it with me Young K” he added while putting his large hand through his coloured hair.

Jae chuckled as he raised his hand pointing to Young K “You ain’t English Bro! You are B R I A N! Give up” Jae responded looking pleased with himself as he leaned back in his seat.

“No I’m Jae” Young k retorted as he kept his mouth shut having enough bickering.

With that the rest of the show went smoothly, a few teasing here and there, jokes mostly made by Jae towards Wonpil because he is such an easy target.

Meanwhile outside amongst the heavy rain and wild winds, people moving quickly to get indoors and warm up from the cold and wet weather. Boots splashing in the shallow puddings “god damn it!” You exhale annoyed as you continue walking along the foot paths with your big umbrella shielding you from the heavy rain outside, trying to shield your body more with the umbrella from the rain drops as you head towards your place.

“I hope the rain dies down, I can’t afford an unfortunate accident or changing into my fox form while I’m out here, damn weather man! I hope you got drenched” you muttered out loud furiously trying to keep yourself as dry as possible.

Passing a few more streets, ignoring some random men trying to use some cheesy pick up line on you, you finally made it to your apartment. Turning your body so the umbrella faced the street, shook off the water droplets before closing up the umbrella then entering the building, “thank you” you responded automatically as someone held the door out for you, making your way to the elevator doors and lucky getting in before they closed.

“Just in time” you thought as the elevator made its way up to the floor your apartment was on. Getting out of the elevator once reached your floor, taking out your keys, jingling of the keys as you put it in the keyhole, walking in once door was opened, taking the keys out, closing door with a push by your hip, placing umbrella in the stand, slowing removing jacket and hanging it up, removing boots and putting them in their spot.

Moving towards the living room, taking the remote into your hands and aiming it at the television as you press the button that turned it on “hmm no” switch channel “no” changes again, “okay” you smiled leaving the music channel on as it was playing an assortment of music from the 90’s to early 2000’s. Turning to face the window seeing lightning flashes by, shuddering unconsciously at the image “lucky I came inside when I did” you sighed, turning off the television before making your way out of the apartment to go check on the laundry you had drying in the dryer earlier.

Back at JYP building Young K looking at Jae slightly annoyed “Jae Hyung, could you please stop calling me Brian while we are doing interviews and stuff like that? My stage name is Young K, so use it” he said with a soft sighing trying to get his band mate to understand.

“Yeah sure, but you are Brian now and forever, I will never call you Young K because you aren’t Young K you are and forever Brian deal with it” Jae said back as Wonpil started fussing as Dowoon was busily looking for his drumsticks “Hyung! Have you seen my drumsticks?” He asked only looking in the same spot near his chair for five minutes.

At the bickering of the two older members that act more like children Sungjin’s eyebrow twitched, taking a deep breath “Jae Hyung, Young K please stop bickering you are acting like a married couple having a quarrel” he took a breath “and Dowoon you haven’t looked anywhere else beside the chair you’re seated at right? If I get up and find them, then I will scold you for not looking for them In the first place” he said irritated as he was dealing with Jin, Ken and Sandeul in the chat room wanting to catch up.

Dowoon trying to hold his gasp as he found his drumsticks on his drum kit, looking around trying to see if anyone notice, putting an finger to his lips as he made eye contact with Wonpil, Wonpil nods which Jae scoffed at Sungjin’s words, Young K checking the time and gathering his things.

“Alright, I’m heading home before the nasty storm hits” Young k spoke finally breaking the silence, “so am I” Jae added as he turned his phone off “Are you guys coming or have you got other plans?” he ask as he started getting his things.

“Nah, I got plans with Jin, Ken and Sandeul” Sungjin said as Dowoon sat on his seat “I’m going to practice for a bit then go visit my parents” Dowoon declares as Wonpil added “I’ll be with Dowoon”

Jae nods “ah okay, well see you guys later” he said as Young K left the room with him then began heading out into the rain with their jackets and umbrella’s on, walking straight to their home.

After putting the dry clothes away, you went down to the mailbox to get your mail, unfortunately since you have been stressed out due to work and personal life as well as the weather which doesn’t help, your body couldn’t take it and decided to switch to your fox form, an internally scream was made, sitting in the pile of your own clothes with your keys at your side “are your kidding me?” You thought as your body went into action to collect your belongings, to put them in a secret location so when you can turn back into your human form, you can collect your things and act like nothing has happened.

Exhaling sharply, looking around you decided to try and conceal yourself but you ended up tipping a potted plant over and getting yourself wet and dirty “why do I have to be stuck in this form?” Anger slightly filled you as you think about all the other times you changed forms which was such bad timing, Lucky this time it wasn’t at work or in the middle of a store or on the way home.

Leaning against the mess you created, you started feeling done with yourself when you heard two males talking and heading in your direction. Having to try and hide but you had no time until one male spotted you and looked completely shock as he tapped the other males shoulder before leaning down towards you.

“Don’t come near me!” You thought continuously as the male with the orange hair and beautiful eyes opened his mouth “hello little one, how did you get here?” Young k said as Jae smirked “you know it can’t talk Brian, so why try?” He said teasingly.

Young K sighed “I know that Jae, but the fox must be scared” he said, taking in the fact that the fox was wet, covered in dirt and the potted plant was all over the floor.

With a heavy sigh Jae began to tidy up the mess you made, making you very apologetic towards them for tidying up your mess. Without uttering another word, Young K scooped you up of course you tried to get out but he wouldn’t let you go “okay little fella, stay still we’ll take you some where warm” he spoke very sweetly displaying a breathtaking smile which made your stomach flip.

“I’m not a fella!” You thought “no don’t look at me like that” you add trying to stay still.

“I didn’t agree to this, but I guess it’s better then leaving it here and having someone take it to pet control” Jae added, carrying everything else as the two headed towards their apartment.

Once entering their apartment a very musky scent went through your noise making you shudder and curl up into the orange haired males chest.

“I got the lights” Jae said as he turned the lights on, both men removing their shoes, closing the door before they both looked at one another. “I’ll get this little one cleaned up and then i can start cooking” Young K discussed with Jae before the two went their separate ways.

Setting their belongings down where they belonged, Jae removed his jacket and dried his hair with his towel before turning the  tv on to hear the news, sighing at what the new reporters were saying “Yeah right! They should hire a new weatherman, he can’t do his job correctly, I call bullshit” he muttered while taking a seat on the couch before changing the channel to something more entertaining.

“Ah ah ah, no stay still” Young K said as he was washing your fur gently with warm water while you shake and try to get out of the tub. His hair with water droplets and his clothes slightly damp because of your persistence in shaking the water off you like a dog. “Come on sweetie? I can’t get you clean if you fight me” he said trying to negotiate with the fox, which was you.

“Why does he keep persisting? Can’t he just go so I can turn back? Honestly, who thought they would be in my apartment building” you thought as he picked you up and started drying you, walking over to Jae to set you down beside the glasses wearing male “alright, I’ll start cooking. Keep an eye on her, she seems to like to bolt” Young k said as he headed towards the kitchen to start preparing dinner.

“Of course Brian” Jae said sarcastically while doing a salute, looking down at you with a smile before finishing off the drying, not even questioning how he knew that you were a female.

When dinner came around it was easy to get you to eat as you decided to go along, since they will catch you if you run or fuss because you didn’t eat anything, and besides how could you refuse when both these men look at you so lovingly in your fox form.

“They’ll definitely never look at me like that once I become human again. We’ll go back to only acknowledging each other if we cross paths in the hallways” you thought letting a sigh out as you curled up on the couch as both men took turns showering and discussing things you weren’t interested in listening too.

The boys were trying to convince you to leave the couch but unfortunately you weren’t moving. “Come on, come with Brian to bed” the orange haired male said, the one with the glasses sighed after trying for fifteen minutes “seriously, if Sungjin finds her we are screwed though you could just grab her” he said causing Young K to roll his eyes “then go grab her Jae, if she bites you it is your own fault” he said smirking as he then left the light on knowing the others will be back and heading to bed after giving you one last look.

Leaning down to your level Jae looks at you closely “You are very stubborn fox but you can come to the room if you want, no rush” he said giving you a pat that made you annoyed yet happy that you leaned into his touch, he then went to the same room and kept the door open.

While you were out on the couch being stubborn, the two men sat on Young K’s bed making small talk. “It’ll be better if we stay here, she’ll come in here and then the others won’t know she was in the house” Young K said as Jae added “but why do I have to be here?, I know it’s easy so she won’t wander but I do have my own room” a sigh left Young K’s lips “you don’t want to be in the room with me? Fine, you miss out if she comes in here” he said pretending to sound offended which caused Jae to sigh and stay back “fine we wait” he said in agreement.

As the night went on a huge horrible noise made by the thunder sent you fleeing into the room the boys were in. As much as you hated being stuck in this form, the thunder was just to much for you to take. Getting into the bed which so happened to have both of the boys lying in it with the middle of the bed free just incase you came, “they are very sweet”. Getting closer to Young K as the thunder made another cracking noise which got you to make a whining noise as you curl into Young K’s chest while shaking slightly.

“There there, it’s okay” both boys say as they were in a light sleep while you were trying to get comfortable. You have no idea when or how you finally slept but you were completely grateful to have those two beside you while this bothersome weather continued to captivate the city, your only worry was how they’ll react when you return to your human form.

The next morning, the sun was starting to shine in the bedroom of Young K’s where the first to awaken was Jae, rubbing his eyes he slowly opened them before putting his glasses on, turning his head towards where Young K was when his eyes widen and covered his mouth. He was completely shocked to see a beautiful naked woman in the bed that was shared between the three of them, scratching his head slightly as he was sure they didn’t bring a woman back to the apartment, only the fox which wasn’t there anymore, then getting more confused by the fact that the woman was naked, “okay, firstly calm down and close the door so the others don’t come in” he said mostly to himself, getting up and closing and locking the door, sighing out in relief when he noticed he wasn’t naked so he didn’t have sex with her.

Returning back to the bed, his eyes scanned Young K to identify if he did anything which came back negative as Young K was still wearing clothes, he was sure neither of them would be having sex while the other slept in the same bed, talk about awkward let alone weird. Looking back at the woman resting, all Jae wanted to know was who she was and how did she get in here.

Fortunately god was listening to Jae’s silent prayers as you slowly turn your body towards him which got him flustered seeing you completely naked, your eyes slowly open as you slowly leaned on your elbows “Good morning” you spoken softly, getting flustered for being nude, trying to cover yourself with the bed sheet as much as you can. “I can see you got some questions for me?” you added as Jae nodded swallowing hard “yes I do, but I should probably get you a shirt” Jae said getting up trying to get up but fell over from his foot getting caught in the sheets, which got you to giggle which sent Jae into an even more flustered mess.

“Jae can you please stop making so much noise, I am trying to sleep here” Young K mutter, slowly rising up as he rubbed his own eyes, once he noticed you in your naked glory he had a blush across his cheeks as he tried to not let his eyes linger on your body, “Y..y..your naked! How? When? Huh?” He stuttered as you both made eye contact.

“Good morning” you smiled at Young k as Jae joined back on the bed, unsuccessful in retrieving a shirt for you to cover yourself. Nodding at his questions you looked at both males “Firstly I am very grateful for your hospitality you both gave me, I’m sorry for being very stubborn with you” you began to say as you notice the little scratches you gave Young K as he was cleaning you up earlier. Looking at Jae you nodded “yes I am the fox you took into your home last night, I am naked because when I return to my human form I am all natural, yes I am a hybrid so I can if I so choose to, I can show my ears and tail in this form but it’s a little inconvenient in my daily life” you stated starting to use your fingers to brush your hair to detangle it.

Both boys looked in shock hearing you answer Young K’s stuttered questions. “Okay, I can believe your this ‘hybrid’ but firstly could you tell us your name and how you got into the building” Jae said calmly as Young K passed you a shirt which you happily put on with no hesitation, ignoring the air quotes Jae used earlier.

“My name is y/n” you said softly looking at the amusingly “I actually live here in this building, my apartment isn’t that far away from your own” you added as you sighed “I changed form while going to check the mail, tried to hide myself which I knocked over the potted plant and then you guys came which shocked me and now I’m here in your apartment” you explained feeling very awkward since your heart is racing just having them so close.

With your explanation, Young K gave a nod with a reassuring smile “ah I can see that, I have noticed you a few times around the building, I didn’t expect you to be the fox since I have seen you once before” he stated then looked to Jae then back at you “I could go find your things if you like, then you can go home right” he adds as you nod unsure if he was trying to kick you out or help.

Before you could ask Young K how and when he saw you in your fox form before, he already left the room leaving you a little dejected since you had so many questions of your own, but you guess you being a fox hybrid is more important right now.

Young K left to go get your belongings but before he could get to the living room, Sungjin stopped him “did you hear that our next door neighbour Ms y/n (last name) didn’t return home? The rest of our neighbours are worried since she never had done that” Sungjin said concerned as Young K nods “unfortunately I didn’t see her or hear anything about it, but I’m going to check the mail so I’ll look around” Young K said as Sungjin nodded as both went in different directions.

Back in Young K’s room, Jae was asking very odd questions “So have you ever changed form in the middle of sex?” He asked as he found this situation amusing.

“Uh no, but I can bring in the tail and ears if that’s what you would like master” you teased as you then let out a sigh. Running your fingers through your hair “but seriously how am I supposed to return to my place with your band mates still here? Don’t you guys have work?” You questioned as you gave a soft smile.

Jae nods thinking about that “actually today we have no work, I do think our leader is here but not the oth...hmm” he began taking a break to think “well maybe if you can go back into your fox form we could do it that way, but it would be suspicious if both Young K and I Ieft the place together but on the other hand I could always lie” he said which caused you to laugh at his plan because he was just causing more trouble for himself.

“Yes I can change forms at will, that is probably the best because you wouldn’t want to be in an scandal right?” You said as Jae nods “you are well aware on who we are aren’t you?” He said pleased, hopefully you would be his fan.

You gave a nod “of course I am, all of us in the apartment building was informed on you boys moving in, plus I am a big day6 fan, though I can’t attend any concert or fan meets in case I accidentally change form” you explained sadly just as Young K returned fluster with your articles of clothing, mail and keys. Not sure how exactly he got it past the other boys but you are very grateful “thank you so much” you said happily causing both of them to get bashful.

After explaining the situation to Young K, you three decided to act and take you back to your apartment. Once both of them got changed of course you didn’t look, you changed back into your fox form which got both of them intrigued “Brian, you should definitely have a fox as your animal character” Jae said as Young K smirked “and you should have a chicken because you are chicken little” Young k bickered back, of course Jae has another come back to that which lead to Sungjin ignoring the both of them as they left their apartment without a problem.

“First checkpoint is a success” Jae said smirking at Young K and you which made Young K roll his eyes “yeah but you are still horrible at games, that’s why Sammy, Amber, and McKay refuse to play with you” Young K grin as Jae yawned trying to play it off as if it didn’t bother him “nah, they are just intimidated by my awesomeness” Jae responded which got you to giggle to yourself while they headed towards your apartment.

Once reaching the apartment door, Jae took your keys which had a key-chain of day6 which got them to smile to themselves, putting the key in and opening the door, you jumped out of Young K’s arms and bolted towards your bedroom to change.

“Oh wow you can smell lavender? No Lily? lemongrass?” Jae said as Young K shook his head as both men removed shoes, closed door then headed to the living room. Young K placing your belongings on the kitchen bench as he passed it “No it’s vanilla” he adds before taking a seat on your couch.

Once you got dressed, you returned amused by the guesses they made on what scent was lingering in your place. “No unfortunately it’s Jasmine” you spoke, putting your things away as you brought some refreshments “I love the smell of jasmine but I don’t own any plants because I’m forgetful, busy” you explained as you took a seat beside them.

Taking the glass of water simultaneously both boys took a sip then set the glass down. Jae feeling happily that there wasn’t any flowers around to screw with his allergy. “Oh look at the time, you both properly should go get something to eat or would you like me to make you something?” You asked, not wanting to force them to stay but giving them an option so you don’t come across as one of those stalker people or someone like that.

“Sure I wouldn’t mind eating, though could I help? I’ve been trying to learn as much as I can” Young K said as Jae scoffed “We’ll both stay after all we will like to become good friends with you, right Brian?” Jae said and Young K sighed “Hey! it’s Young K” he stated which got you to laugh.

“Alright sounds good, I would love to become good friends with you guys” you said with a smile, slowly rising and heading towards the kitchen with the annoyed Young K and the teasing Jae tailing behind you.

“This is the start of a very beautiful yet cheesy friendship or more” Jae whispers towards Young K which Young K responds with a nod “definitely but don’t think you will become the favourite” he adds as the boys bickered and helped you with making a late brunch.

What in the world have you gotten into? Your not sure but you will never regret getting the chance to meet these two lovable dorky men.

[slothgiirl]

Gold Dust Woman part 2

pjo x mcu fusion: annabeth is iron man

crossposted on a03

Katie Gardner is waiting for her when they land, pot of flowers in hand looking better than any bouquet ever could, eyes rimmed red from crying.

Annabeth feels like crying to, at the sight of Katie in her loose slacks and earth toned blouses, in a look that was all her, bohemian corporate as Grover had put it, easily making her short frame appear smaller. Trying for some normalcy she desperately craves she utters, “Tears Gardner? Really? I expected you to have tied yourself to a tree in the amazon by now.” 

Katie snorts, the edges of her lips turning up as she studies Annabeth, “you know I hate job hunting since unfortunately we live in this capitalist hellscape.”

They both snort at that. 

It was still crazy to think that Katie, her assistant slash nanny slash everything Annabeth could ever want, was a diehard hippie who Grover had met through his girlfriend. A botanist who railed against corporate farming. 

“Speaking of capitalism let’s go get a Cheeseburger,” she orders grinning a Grover, in his frayed tweed suit, the only kind of suit he could stand, who’s always down for food. 

He grins, resigned to her tyrannical whims once more. Who needed ubereats when she had him. Annabeth had even missed Grover’s stupid goatee he always sported. 

“We can do that,” Katie responds, sliding into the car next to her, seating her plant and buckling it in as well, “after we go to the hospital.” Her tone carries the careful patience that parents have when talking to their kids. Normally Annabeth would be annoyed to be patronized like this, but she’s too relieved to be here, mind turning over all she has to do, all she should do now. 

This time, she’ll do better. 

She won’t let death be her legacy.

“Grover,” Annabeth states, a cold edge to her voice, “drive through in-and-out then  to Chase Industries.” Her mind running over all she wants to say and what’s the best way to say it. There’ll no doubt be accusations of PTSD, which might be true if she’s being honest about it, but not about this. This is what she wants, what she has to do. If she survived for any reason when Hephaestus did not, it was for this reason.  

Annabeth won’t design anymore weapons. And if that’s the end of Chase Industries so be it. She can do better. “And call a press meeting,” she adds to Katie, the right words evading her, mind still jumbled from jet lag and months as a captive. 

“We’re supposed to meet up with Ms. Stane at the hospital,” Katie responds with a sigh, “and you need to go to the hospital.”

“I’m fine,” Annabeth snaps, “they already looked me over. What I need is a burger and to call a press meeting, in that order. Grover?”

“Yes Mam,” he says, voice dripping sarcasm, but takes the freeway that’ll lead to Chase Industries building. 

“Annie, you have to go to the hospital!”

“I don’t have to do anything. I’ve been in captivity for three months. Let me have these two things Katie and then you can have as many doctors look me over as you want.” 

Besides her, Katie sighs, pulling out her phone to call for the press meeting. 

Arachne will understand once Annabeth explains herself. She hopes as she watches the scenery of San Fransisco go by from behind her tinted windows. Nothings changed. 

It all still looks the same, people carrying on with their lives as always. For some reason, she expected everything to be different, but she supposes the world stops for no one. 

Arachne will understand. She’s known the woman for years, her mother’s right hand woman, more business then R&D, the perfect foil to Annabeth’s constant R&D, and she’s always been in her corner, always been there for Annabeth even when the board tried to ice her out. 

It’ll all work out. 

*

All the junior executives are waiting on the driveway along with Arachne, hair streaked with grey and donning a classic channel tweed skirt suit. The sharpness in her eyes and lips ever-present despite the years. 

Annabeth doesn’t hesitate to hug her as soon as the car pulls to a stop and she gets out, leaving Katie to trail behind her. She grips the older woman tightly, soaking in her crisp clean scent, worlds away from the cave. Arachne who’d always sent her christmas presents to her school, who’d made sure Annabeth didn’t spend her birthday alone after her parents had died in a car accident when she was eighteen. She’d whispered everything she needed to know about the other board members into Annabeth’s ear, who was cheating not their wives, who had dug themselves into a money pit and together they’d ensured the success of her mother’s company. Her mother’s favorite child. 

“We were supposed to meet at the hospital silly girl,” Arachne says exasperatedly, but her grip is tight around Annabeth, despite the press and workers surrounding them. “Not here. You don’t have to worry about the company, just rest and recover my darling.”

“Oh you know me,” Annabeth replies, smiling brightly, “Ever the workaholic. Burger?”

“How thoughtful,” Arachne says with a shake of her head, reaching for the burger bag Grover offers her, already falling into place to flank her. “Still, you don’t need a board meeting so soon. Let me handle it.”

“I’m fine really,” Annabeth waves off as she struts towards the press conference room, “besides, everyone will be reassured once they see me in person. It’ll strengthen our position in the market.” All true, but that was besides the point. Their stocks were about to plummet. 

“Will you at least tell me what this is about,” Arachne asks her, smiling and waving to the press, “I can’t help you if you don’t let me.”

Annabeth replies with a small fond smile, “you’ll see in a second,” then she steps up , looking out into the crowd of reporters, all hungry for something, for their pulitzer prize winning article. They lean forward, awaiting her words. 

There’s a certain twisted pleasure at having this much power over people. 

Thalia stands in the back, already in her nice air force suit, all her ranks pinned to her jacket like a girl scout. She hopes Thalia will understand too, even if she is military. 

“Is it okay if everyone sits down,” Annabeth finds herself saying, letting her ice queen person slide away, already sitting down, back to the podium. “A little less formal.”

Theres a stunned silence, as they all look around at each other, chickens with their heads cut off, before following her example, lights flashing, documenting her every move. Nothing she isn’t used to dealing with. 

Taking a deep breathe she starts, hands trembling, “I never got to say goodbye to mother. I never got to goodbye to my mother.” She looks out into the crowd, eyes unfocused, they all bleed together into the press. Not reporters, not people, but the press. That’s what money and power do, keeps you from seeing people. 

Hoe did it take her so long to figure it out?

“There’s questions that I would ask her. I would’ve asked her about how she felt about what this company did-what it does-if she was conflicted. If she ever had doubts.” Try as she might, Annabeth can’t imagine Athena having doubts, a strong relentless woman. But maybe she just didn’t voice them to Annabeth. Maybe if they’d had about twenty more years they would’ve mended their relationship. 

“Or maybe she was every inch the woman we all remember from the news,” Annabeth continues, thinking back on all the times she’d seen her mother on the news, in history class. The hard imposing woman who’d seemed less a woman and more a living legend. 

Her lips are drawn, hands closing into fists in her lap, “I saw young americans-civilians killed, by the very weapons I designed to defend them and protect them.” The image of Chase Industries in her minds eye, over and over again, a second to read it before it blows up. “And I saw that I had become part of a system that is comfortable with zero accountability.”  Her hands looking down at her kevlar clad chest as blood welled up, 

Someone in her company had been dealing under the table. Maybe more than one. And there was really only one way to stop her part in all this. 

“Miss Chase! Miss Chase!”

She motions to one of the reporters sitting close by her, “Miss Chase? What happened over there?”

There. 

Afghanistan. 

Like she was too soft to here where there was. Like she hadn’t been there. 

What hadn’t happened?

“Ah-I had my eyes open,” she answers, standing up, resting lightly against the podium. “I came to realize that I had more to offer this world than just making things that blow up.” She had shelved renewable energy, her arc reactor hidden by the blouse and blazer she had on, in exchange for missiles and-there was a whole department dedicated to medical research she had only the most tangential knowledge of. “And that is why,” she continues, “Effective Immediately, I am shutting down the weapons manufacturing division of Chase Industries.”

Chaos. 

They all rush at her like sharks, smelling blood in the water. Arachne looks at her wildly, grey eyes widened with surprise, the full weight of Annabeth’s statement still ringing through her mind. 

Fine. They’ll talk later. 

Cameras flashing. 

Taking a deep breathe she continues, “-Until such a time that I can decide what the future of this company will be. What direction we’ll take. One that I am comfortable with and that is consistent with the highest good for this country as well.”

“Okay,” Arachne says cutting her off, “press conference over.” 

Annabeth slips aways, away from the stage, the noise of the cameras and people an erie echo to gunshots and soldiers younger than her dying. 

She moves, walking towards Grover and her security detail, Katie smiling at her, shaking her head slightly. She must be pleased, the hippie that she is, but she’s also her assistant and she must know how insane it is. 

What this could cost Annabeth. 

So be it. 

*

The arc reactor in her chest flickers as they drive to her mansion, the car deathly silent. She was expecting more outrage on Katie’s part. About how she should’ve gone to the hospital first. 

But there’s only silence. 

Her chest tightens and she knows she needs an upgrade. 

Funny, now she’s just another machine now. She’s always been good with machines. 

Fucking irony.  

In her lab she’ll be able to mock up something better, with all the best tools and materials that money could by before the stocks tanked. 

Katie asks tentatively, sounding unsure for the first time since Annabeth had hired her ten years ago, “scotch?” She looks at Annabeth like she doesn’t know her. Eyes wide as she studies her. 

Annabeth meets her searching gaze evenly, “No thank you.” She needs a clear head and now she has a heart condition. She’ll need a purer palladium for the system, none of those scraps she’d had to used in the cave. That’s a start. 

“Are we really doing this,” she asks annoyed, realizing Katie’s still waiting for some explanation, wanting to get it over with. If they have questions they might as well shoot.

Katie, who’s spent the last ten years by her side, anticipating her every need, making her life run smoothly, voices, “I-You know that the weapons manufacturing division of Chase Industries is where the majority of the earnings come from. It’s basically the taproot of the company.”

“I know what my company does,” Annabeth utters sourly, “I thought you’d be ecstatic. You’re all for disarmament. Against the Iraq war and everything.”

Katie scowls and Annabeth knows she's in for it. “Don’t make this about me. You’re right, I want nothing more than world peace, but not like this Annabeth. I mean, you can’t say you’re okay after being held captive for so long. “

“I know what I’m doing.”

With a sigh, Katie adds, “I just hope you’re doing this the best way you can. That you’ve thought things through Annabeth. Because for once, I don’t think you have.”

*

Her first night back home, and she doesn’t sleep in her own bed. 

Figures. 

*

“You have nice hands right,” Annabeth says via intercom to Katie, chest open, halfway through heart surgery, if her heart still worked. “Small dainty?”

“What,” is Katie’s reply, more amused then confused after all of Annabeth’s strange requests over the years. 

“Just get down to my lab.” she hangs up, looking over the second generation arc reactor, steadier, more efficient. There’s still room for improvement, but it will do the job for now. No more flickering. 

She’s going to need it while she figures out what to do with Chase Industries. What to say to Arachne when she gets back from New York. 

Arachne had left her to go handle the board, telling her to keep a low profile while she wrestled with the finance suits.

It’s only ten and the stocks have dropped twenty points so far. 

“What is going on,” Katie voices as she makes her way to Annabeth’s side. “Forget it, just tell me what to do.”

Annabeth laughs, “I’m upgrading my heart.”

“Jesus is that’s what’s keeping you alive?” There’s a mix of horror and fascination on Katie’s features, eye’s widening in curiosity, her rich tanned skin blanching as she sees the opened up wall socket in Annabeth’s chest.

“Was, it is now an antique,” Annabeth explains, holding up the Mark II model, “now this will, once you plug it in.”

“Are you sure-I don’t think I’m qualified for this.”

“Of course you are,” she assures Katie, she’ll start to work on the Mach II suit once this is done, “I need your help,” she admits begrudgingly, “And you are the most capable and qualified and trustworthy person I’ve ever met.” 

Katie looks over her work station, Annabeth sitting back, braless, a hole punched through her chest, old arc reactor half out. She’d tried to do it herself and quickly realized that it just wasn’t going to happen. 

She needed a second pair of hands. 

Hands she could trust. 

“Okay,” Katie nods, “just tell me what to do.”

“Okay,” Annabeth states, and she finishes pulling out the old reactor, hearing the snap of the wires underneath, the exposed wire causing an unpleasant mummer as her heart beats. “Just toss this over there and then reach in and gently pull the loose wire out, make sure not to touch the  socket wall.”

“Like in operation?” Katie says, nose scrunching in disgust as she reaches her hand into Annabeth’s chest. This coming from the same girl that didn’t scream at the sight of bugs and worms, happy to dig about in the terrace garden. 

“Yeah,” Annabeth, says, black spots appearing in her vision. “Just be careful not to lift the magnet attached to-okay to late.”

Katie looks horrified, sickly green rising to her tan skin, “should I put it back in?”

“No,” Annabeth says, hearing the monitor beeping like crazy, there was that cardiac arrest. It could be worse, “just plug it in now.” “Okay,” Katie says, voice cracking as she tosses the magnet and wire and reaches in again, the wires clicking into place and Annabeth can breath again. 

Well shit. 

“Thank you,” she says with a sigh. Closing her eyes, letting her heartbeat stabilize. Annabeth twists it the rest of the way into place. 

“Are you going to be okay,” Katie asks, looking down at her with murder in her eyes.

Annabeth just laughs, relieved. She’s been feeling that a lot lately. With a titanium alloy she can make the suit sleeker, more energy efficient, able to withstand handheld missiles. And with this new mach II she’ll have sustained flight. She’s streamline the design. It’ll give her more speed, more maneuverability. 

“Don’t ever, ever, ever ask me to do something like that again.”

“Who else am I going to ask,” Annabeth replies softly, “I don’t have anyone but you.” She can’t imagine asking Grover to help her with this. It’s a little sad, that her closest friend is her assistant. 

Maybe that’s why so many men cheat on their wives with their assistant. 

“What should I do with the old one?”

“Destroy it,” Annabeth waves off, already heading back to her work station, looking over the files and opening a new private folder, “Festus,” she calls out to her A.I. “keep this on my servers only.”

“Gladly Miss,” Festus’ voice rings out through the room.

“You don’t want to keep it?”

“Katie, I’ve been called many things but nostalgic is not one of them. I never look back.”

*

Thalia is mentoring a new crop of air force pilots when Annabeth walks up to her, giving her space to finish and wave them off. Her inky black hair pulled back into a loose pony tail, wearing her jumpsuit with the same ease she wore leather jackets; the Keith Richards of the skies. 

Amongst the sea of cameo green jumpsuits, she looks out of place in her jeans and Barbour blue jacket. Too casual. 

“Hey Chase, feeling better yet?” There’s an edge to Thalia’s voice, reminding her that they’d never really talked after the press conference. She must think Annabeth’s lost her goddamn mind. 

“Shut up Thalia,” Annabeth says, voice full of annoyance, “I've gotten through so many medical evaluations I'm pretty sure Katie called up every doctor in the bay area.” 

“She's a great friend that one.” 

“Well I do pay her for it,” Annabeth jokes. 

Thalia clasps her around her shoulders, “it's good to see you man, it really is.” 

“It's good to be here.” Annabeth sides out of her hold, smiling nonetheless. “Thanks for not giving up on me.” 

“Of course not! Are you crazy! I love you too much bitch!” Her grin widens, offsetting her prominent crooked nose well. There’s lines around her eyes now when she smiles.

God, when did they both grow up?

“I know you do,” Annabeth states carefully, “I'm happy it was your dumb face I saw first. Wouldn't have wanted it any other way.” 

Thalia snorts easily, shoulders shaking with laughter. 

“Which is why I wanted to tell you about something I've been working on Thalia, something big,” She goes on carefully, voice low. She's stabilized the thrusters, flying even at 1% power. Once the suit was finished, she'd be really able to fly, finally live in to her nickname, the modern day Da Vinci, if she ever told the public about it. “I want you to be a part of it.” She knew no better pilot than her friend.

“Oh shit,” Thalia says looking over appraisingly at Annabeth, “You're about to make a lot of people very happy Annabeth!”

Dread pools in her stomach. That wasn't what she wanted at all. Not even close. 

“No-I'm not-,” Annabeth rushes to explain. “This is not for the military. It’s something different. I’m not, It’s different.”

Her friend’s smile drop, serious for once. “Look Annabeth. You've just been through an incredibly traumatic situation. You need some time to process and think before you go about making any crazy decisions.” Says the same girl who'd joined the air force fresh out of high school while wearing fuck the man pins.

“What happened to the girl who ranted about the school to prison pipeline. Who hated Bush?”

“She grew up.” 

For the first time, Annabeth had to wonder if Thalia even cared about the civilian casualties. Or if she was so blinded by the bigger picture. 

“Annie, I want peace as much as anyone else but that's just not the world we live in. Go home, get some rest and we can talk about it all later.” 

“Yeah,” Annabeth replies numbly, already running through the calculations for height and trajectory. She might break a world record if she took ice freeze into account. 

*

“Festus are you up,” she calls out to her A.I.

“For you Miss, always,” the comforting voice of her interface calls out as Annabeth powers on all the lab. Looking over the plans one last time. 

The suit was laid out on the table, her robotic assistants had wielded the components together while she’d been out. It gleamed silver in all its glory. Sleek, it should run like a dream. “Time to bolt me in, run the video, test run # 1.”

“I thought we were on flight test seventy-three Miss,” Festus informs her of all the thruster testing she’d gone through, receiving more than a few blasts of fire extinguisher from butterfingers.

“Maybe I should tone down the sarcasm,” Annabeth teases. 

“My system is merely a reflection of your programing,” the little shit responds. Good old Festus.

Opting for a compression bodysuit and leggings she lets the robots screw her in, the suit coming to life around her, powered by the same reactor that now powers her heart. 

A problem arises when they get to her long hair, loose strands getting in the way. She sighs, annoyed, reaching for a pair of scissors, “Festus, you wouldn’t mind projecting where I should cut for a pass-ible pixie cut?”

“Of course Miss.”

Her dad had often helped Annabeth braid her long blonde hair, always turning slightly green after a summer of swimming. She’d never really learned what to do with her hair other than toss it in a bun to keep it out of her eyes.

Her golden locks fall to the floor after a few cuts. 

“Give it to me straight Festus.”

“You look fine Miss.”

“Robots,” she says with a smile and the rest of the armor fall into place, locking her into her titanium alloy flight suit, equipped with state of the arts defense and weaponry system. Nothing but the best for her. Just in case. 

She still wasn’t sure where she was going with this. What she planned to do when she was finished. 

“Systems check,” Annabeth says, moving about as Festus analysis’ the systems one last time, getting a feel for the suit. She has nearly all her mobility, heavier, feeling strange as she peers through a screen instead of her eyes only, body sequestered from the world around her. 

“Everything seems to be in working order Miss. May I suggest a one percent preliminary flight test?”

Annabeth scoffs, a giddiness taking over her as she realizes how close she is to flight. Real fucking flight none of that airplane bullshit. “Engage Heads up display.” 

“Check.” Festus almost sounds annoyed, as much as a robot can. 

“Import all preferences from home interface.”

“Will do Miss.”

She looks around the room, overlay informing her of all her options, all the tech specs. It’s a heady way to look at the world. 

“All right let’s take her for a little flight.” There’s a buzzing down to her fingertips that not tequila could reach. All the possibilities, all the math and plans coming together at last. Annabeth is giddy with excitement. 

“I would advise caution Miss.”

“Festus,” she says with a smile, hidden underneath her helmet, “Sometimes you’ve got to run before you can crawl.”

“The calibration is complete and I have been uploaded Miss.”

“Alright them,” Annabeth grins, “Pull up the ATC and weather.” And then the thrusters come online and she’s flying like a rocket out of her garage and into the bay like a shooting star. 

The speed makes precision hard to achieve but she knows she’ll get better with practice. It handles like a dream. Banking curves up, down, side to side, as she weaves into the city, passing over the lights of her city. 

With her optics she can zoom in on people, singling them out from far below her, before turning up to the stars. 

“Okay Festus lets see how much this baby can handle,” Annabeth says, heading up into the sky, passing by clouds that promise rain later. Spring in San Francisco is just as rainy as winter. 

“Tread carefully Miss,” Festus says, “we have not field tested the antifreeze measures.”

“Just let me know Festus,” Annabeth snipes back, watching as the height climbs hundreds of feet a second, the suit growing cold around her. “Make a note to improve Insulation.”

“Yes Miss.”

Ice forms on her helmet as they push seventy thousand feet.

“Miss,” Festus warns. 

“I got it. Reduce power to one percent,” Annabeth mutters, and then she’s falling, gravity doing the majority of the work, her thrusters only serving to give her some measure of maneuverability. The feeling of falling races through her body like a live wire, fear and adrenaline mixing together. 

She laughs breathlessly. 

“Miss!”

“Deploy flaps Festus.”

“Got it Miss.”

She slows down, moving to point her thrusters to the ground, to the water beneath her, still high enough to escape the sea breeze. She yells with excitement!

“Fuck it Festus let’s head home,” she calls out, powering back up to flight mode and shooting home like a rocket. 

With this suit, she’ll never be helpless again.

[ask-the-friendly-ink-demon]

Inky Terrors Of The Past Chapter 5 Part 1- The Last Stop

A.N: after a long wait, hopefully you all have been patient, bless you all for waiting this long, i plan to make more than one part to this i don't know how long maybe about 3 parts but anywhos, im glad you all waited for this, so without further to do enjoy chapter 5 of inky terrors of the past! [alsopleasedon'tmindthefactthatinthisonealphadoesn'thavehisglowingete,thatwasmadewhenididintthoughtoftheidea] and oof- i hope you all will enjoy reading this, i plan to make more of my au someday but for now enjoy these three parts of inky terrors of the past on halloween! also before i forget corr belongs to @core4lost that's all as always send me your feedback and let me know if i misspelled anything in this! [also this will be kept under a read more option, same with the other 2 parts cause of how long i made them, even part 3

Jess looked out the window of the lodge as she makes a sigh it has been so long since she last saw her father when he went to the studios she was worried sick it's almost been a month as she makes a sigh and walked away from the window and back upstairs she went onto her bed and stared at a picture of her and Henry as she sighs "Dad.... where are you?..." she said sighing as she tries to fall asleep. meanwhile back in the studios the ink demon was wandering about doing his daily patrol of the day as his new eye scanned the area as it slowly dimmed up and down trying to see if there was anything hiding, the ink demon makes a snort as there doesn't seem to be any as the ink demon turned around to open up a ink portal but his horns perked up overhearing a conversation as curiously filled the ink demon as he made sure his inky aura wasn't up as he followed the sounds to the safe room listening in to the conversation "how can you be so sure this is the way out old man?" he heard the projectionst say as the ink demon grew more interested and listened in some more. Henry sighed "look I know you have doubts but me and bendy looked over this map and the areas every time and we're both certain this is the only way out, through the lift" he said as Lacie sighed "Henry the way over there is littered with searchers, raptors, and butcher clones, not to mention that is in ink demon territory" she said as the retired animator groaned "look you got a better plan?!? or would you rather risk going the long way which is pass joey's office!" he said snapping as the others backed off as the retired animator signed a bit and explained over the plan once more "alright so here's the plan once more, half of you will go here, towards the more safer path and take the stairs up  to the nearest elevator" he said pointing to said directions "well me, bendy, and possibly Boris and Alice will go here in the ink demon territory to turn the elevator on which is pass Joey's office, from there if we don't report back in 280 hours" he said using military time for this part "then leave without us" he said as Norman makes a displeased click "henry, we just got you back and now your talking *bzzzpt* like you might die or something" he said as Henry frowned as Norman realized "oh" he said shutting up now as suprisally none noticed that bendy hadn't said a word since Henry spoke about the plan. corr noticed how tensed the hooded demon seems to be almost as if he knew something was going to happen and later on he would be right something was gonna happen... And it wasn't going to be friendly. Corr tugged on bendy's hoodie as the demon snapped out of his trance, looking down at corr "hey y-you okay??" He asked him as bendy only smiled in both a reassuring manner and a nervous manner "y..yeah I'm alright just thinking" he said as corr nodded he knew something else was up but he decided not to question more about it as they listened to Henry's plan, the ink demon heard enough as he silently snorted and wandered off. 10 minutes passed after that as bendy was getting Susan up as Henry looked around for that inky dog "must of ran off..." He said sighing he was planning on taking that dog home too but looks like that was out of the question, Susan makes a short snort as she got up as she makes a yawn as bendy chuckled a bit "come on girl, time for you to get outta here with us" he said as Susan only merely nodded emitting a soft grunt as she got up Henry asked everyone if they were all ready to go which they all said yes as Henry looked at bendy "well bud, you ready to finally make it out of here?" He asked as bendy nodded with a forced smile "y...yeah I'm ready, let's get outta here alright old man?" he said as the retired animator nodded "yeah, come on everyone" he said as the entire group starts to head off. the group keeps walking as Henry and bendy glanced around at things they saw during their time down here from surviving against the ink demon a lot of times, to clearing out a theater full of searchers and raptors, to fending off an dragon like creature three times and most of all, to working together they all faced some pretty bad hardship in their times but hopefully they all prayed that no more trouble will come their way, though they all knew that it won't be that easy. they stopped at the clearing as they were two ways, Henry told Lacie, Norman, Susan, corr and the butcher gang to head the left way as that was the path the group needs to go as he, bendy, boris and Alice will make their way through the ink demon's territory, the others nodded as they went their separate ways, save for corr who looked around before going after Henry and bendy and the other two toons as he was a curious little bunch and he wanted to make sure they did'int hurt the ink demon. bendy felt corr running up next to him as the demon silently sighed but gave a soft smile to corr as the group walks on alice looks at henry with a stern look "henry... why are we here? in the ink demon's territory?" she asked him as the retired animator ponders at that he already told them all this was the only way. he looked at her and said "the ink demon has something we need.... im going after him" he said as corr stares a bit sad that henry still holds a grudge to the ink demon but he sighed and followed the others as they walked on, later on the group arrived in a almost big clearing similar to the area where Henry and bendy encountered the huge searcher aka the fallen Alice, they looked around ad there were pairs of glowing eyes watching them, either ink snake raptors or lost ones, they decided against it and kept on moving, eventually they had arrived in a huge tunnel like area and Henry notices a small axe like weapon, a hatchet. Boris grabs the hatchet and tires it out a few times before. nodding slightly, the group turning on the makeshift boat as they venture into the dark abyss, halfway throughout the ride they were ambushed by a giant arm like hand, despite boris and alice's efforts, they had to keep moving on the boat, eventually the hand left them alone as they made it out of the tunnel as the boat led them to almost ghost like town underneath the studio, henry stares, confused by that as they got off, as they went to the center of the town. Boris suggested they should search the houses, alice agrees and takes corr with them despite the small demon's pleads as he pouts, henry and bendy looked at eachother "so, what now?" the toon asked as henry shrugged "first thing's first, let's find a way out of this town" he said as bendy nodded "sure thing!" he said as they keep walking, until they stopped when he saw the boards breaking a bit from a boarded up room "huh? what is..." bendy turns to his inked state as he slightly hisses "HENRY.....WAI-" the inked demon got cut off as the boards get chopped off "B E T R A Y E D!" a distorted voice said outloud as someone ran out of the boarded up room having a similar brown supsenders, along with a ripped blue like shirt, and a beast like mask, though despite the height and distorted voice henry knew who that was, his eyes widen "..h.....harold?" he said as the ink corrupted man stops as if pondering at the name before glaring "YOU! YOU ABANONDED ME! LEFT ME TO... TO ROT! ALL BECAUSE OF THAT DEMON EATING ME!" he said as henry and bendy both looked at eachother "h-harold! please calm down he wasnt himself yo-" the ink turned man snarls, his beast like mask opening "LIES! ALL OF THEM! OUR L O R D GAVE ME LIFE AGAIN, AND I PLAN TO USE IT... TO..... CHOP... B O T H OF YOU IN PIECES!" harold snarled out as he ran at them with the axe, henry pulling out his own axe as he and bendy were forced to fight him but he was tough, even when bendy had to use his own raged inked state to even the odds but harold seems to know his weakness. He grabs a holy cross from his pocket and jabs it on bendy's forehead as the inked demon roars out in pain and screeches, swatting away harold as the demon fell to the ground screeching in pain as harold rubs his head making sure his mask was still there as he grips onto the axe, going over to the downed inked demon before henry had enough "HAROLD STOP!" he said, bashing his axe so hard like a baseball bat it broke, but it did cause harold's mask to fall off as the man screeches "N-NO! DON'T LOOK AT ME! S-STAY AWAY!!" he said running and stopping at one of the stairs, shivering as he cowered his face, henry pulled the cross out of bendy's forehead as the cross caused the demon so much energy already he had to turn back to his toon form to avoid losing more energy. henry looks over at harold and goes in front of him, staring at him cowerding, he didint know why but he felt pity for him he was his brother and now look at him, his soul wasnt at rest anymore, he reached his hand out to gently comfort him, before henry almost gasped, being grabbed as he was lifted up as he saw the face of his now maskless brother, his entire face was almost covered in ink, only one eye remained and it was almost similar to those wandering cutout eyes, that was the only thing that remained of him "i though you would saved me! freed me from this hell when you came back henry! but… now…. I’LL FREE YOU NOW!” harold said growling as henry struggled “h-harold wait do- urk!” he was slammed to the ground by harold as he picked up the axe “I WILL FREE YOU FROM THIS PLACE, WITH YOUR HEAD MOUNTED ON OUR LORD’S THRONE!” harold started twitching as henry didint even notice someone coming over slowly “HAROLD PLEASE DON’T-” he was cut off by harold tsking at him with his fingers “SheEp… SheEp…. S H E E P! IT’S TIME FOR YOU T O” he said, lifting the axe up as henry stares tears rolling down his eyes as he tries one last time “HAROLD-” before he could say anymore harold screeches out yelling "S L E E P!" he said as henry finally notices and yells out "LOOK OUT-" he was too late, boris slammed the axe on harold's head as the corrupted ink turned man screeches, falling beside henry as the retired animator stares, horrofied, relief, but sad, all at the same time "t...thank you...... brother..." he said, smiling sadly at henry as the ink melted away from him "s....see you.... on the other side..." he melted away, his soul dissapearing somewhere else. henry looks over at bendy whacking the hatchet on his hand a bit before handing henry the axe, he takes it nodding his thanks "thank you boris... i... i just wished there was a way we could of saved him..." he said as boris nodded, whining a bit "henry!" corr said running up to him and hugging his legs as bendy got up, looking around "hey wait.... didint sammy build this lace?" he said as alice's eyes widden "yes... after he died... the ink demon must of revived harold to keep this place guar-" the others all looked at eachother "you don't think..." henry said as the others did'int know what the answer was but... now they do. their answers were lost ones as a whole almost horde of them were in this room, Henry and bendy looked around as they weren’t too bothered by them, although Alice and boris were a little creeped out as the angel gripped onto her sword as boris gripped on his gent pipe. the horde of lost ones then somehow start to get closer to them as bendy’s aura darkened a bit as he gave a warning hiss to the horde but they did'int seem to listen, alice quickly pointed and yelled “we have trouble up ahead!” she said as both Henry and bendy’s eyes widen as they looked up to see the ink demon on top of a balcony watching them, the lost ones also looked up as corr makes a gulp and tries to talk some sense into the ink demon “h-hey?! come on we just wanna get outta here please?! tell the lost ones to go away!” the small demon said to the ink demon as the ink demon looked down focusing on corr as his eye dims a bit as it looks down at alice and boris and then the lost ones as the ink demon seems to lift up his fingers and snapped them, and the lost ones’s eyes glowed a bright orange like red as all hell breaks loose now. The first lost one screeches and ran up to alice who quickly slashes it’s chest hard with her sword as boris bashed another lost one’s head in with his gent pipe as henry and bendy and corr sort of ran off mostly corr as he did’int want to hurt the lost ones, the fight was brutal as both alice and boris were being attacked nonstop by the lost ones as bendy snarled and turns into his inked state about to go and destroy the lost ones when henry pulled him back “bendy no!” he said as alice yells as she was slashed on her back by a lost one “alice!” boris said as he kicks off a lost one and ran over only to get pinned down by another lost one as henry had enough he told bendy to stay put with corr as he rushes in he closes his eyes as he brings his axe down at the lost one that was attacking alice saying “im sorry…” to it as the lost one screeched out in pain from the blow and was quickly killed by alice as the retired animator and the rebel angel started to fight the lost ones as boris was handling his own group of lost ones, the ink demon watches with a blank stare as he looks down at the carnage that was happening. as the fight went on alice showed signs of exhaustion as she was battered, wounded and sliced up from the lost one’s attacks as only a few more were left as boris panted as he dodged one lost one and gets pinned by another one, henry pulled out his gun and shot the lost one that was on the wolf as it fell down with a thud as a mutated lost one was going for henry from behind, alice notices and ran yelling out henry’s name as she pushes henry out of the way as the mutant lost one mauls her instead as the angel lets out a scream of pain. bendy stared in shock and now in anger as he roars loudly and ran attacking the mutant lost one as he bashes the lost one’s head in repeatedly as he went apeshit on it as boris stared in shock as the angel fell to the floor as henry also stares in shock, corr had his mouth covered with inky tears going down his eyes, the ink demon snarled and snapped his fingers causing the remaining lost ones to retreat as boris setted alice down on a pillar as bendy ran over now back in his toon form as he shakes alice “alice?! come on are you okay??!?!?! please answer me!” he said as the angel’s eyes weakly open as she gives the demon a small smile before she plops against the wall as bendy stares as inky tears dripped down from his eyes as henry looked and glared as he saw the ink demon going away he yelled out “HEY YOU! WHERE DO YOU THINK YOUR GOING YOU SON OF A BITCH!” the retired animator yelled out as the ink demon looked at him before going away still as henry transformed into his toon form in a feat of rage as he chased after the ink demon leaving bendy and corr alone with boris. bendy looked back to see henry was running as he told corr to stay with boris as he looked at alice who looked back weakly "a-a-l i-i" he was cut off by her kissing him on the lips as he was shocked "don't, go on.... go protect that old man of ours" she said with a slight smile as bendy looked at boris and nodded as the wolf nods as corr hugs bendy "please be safe.. i don't want to lose you too.." he said as the hooded demon smiled softly and patted his head "corr, it's me, im not one to give up so easily" he said as he nods as bendy ran off to find henry. meanwhile with henry however he wasn't having the grandest of times it seems the ink demon proven to be more stronger than he though as he dodges most of henry's attacks and henry could barley have time to even attack as the toon turned animator struggled to stay up as he stumbles holding his chest as his eyes flared more orange and then into red as the ink demon noticed and snarled running up to make sure he doesn't transform but henry quickly dodged transforming into his monstrous version of his toon self as it roared and attacked the ink demon now he had the upper hand as the ink demon was slammed into the ground and onto the walls mutiple times. as the monstrous malformed toon turned animator readies to strike again the ink demon snarls and impales henry and slams him into the wall causing a massive crack as the monstrous toon roars out in pain and gets slashed hard across the cheek as he was kicked to the wall as he turned back to his toon self he got up struggling as he held his fists up the ink demon snorted and made his way over and grabbed henry by the bowtie and lifted him up snarling lowly as he raises his claws to finish him off. just then a loud snarl was heard as bendy in his inked state lunged onto the ink demon knocking him over as the two started to claw at eachother as the ink demon kicks bendy off of him growling as the 7 foot tall inked demon snarls and quickly got up growling as the two size eachother up, due to the ink demon's new upgrade he was a lot taller now than he was before and a lot more stronger as his glowing eye glared onto the inked toon as henry soon came up his axe in hand as the ink demon looked at the both of them and it's grin widen as it roars loudly at the two as henry and bendy ran at the ink demon attacking it with all they got despite that henry quickly got downed by a gash to the cheek and a kick to the floor as the inked demon snarls and ran at the ink demon but was uppercutted by it as bendy snarled and tried again but was impaled right through the heart almost as he stumbled holding his chest wheezing a bit as he snarls lowly and was about to try again but he was punched hard by the cheek by the ink demon as he stumbles before being slashed on the back as he emitted a loud roar and was slammed to the wall as the inked demon felt something stomping his chest as he glares at the ink demon who snarled as he raises his claws. a shot rang out as the ink demon snarls in surprise as he felt ink dripping and oozing from the side of his face as henry did'int go down yet the toon turned animator had his shotgun out as he glared at the damn beast. the ink demon slowly turned his head at henry the wound healing in seconds as he stares in shock slowly starting to back away as the ink demon made his way towards him but bendy still in his inked state tried one more time to attack but he was elbowed to the chest hard by the ink demon as he coughs up ink and knelt down before before kicked by the face as he plops on his back as the ink demon snarls and reacted when another shot rang out to his ribcage as he snarls and starts to make his way to henry who kept shooting at him trying to slow down the ink demon as henry felt his gun soon got jammed as he growled in annoyance and turned his arm into a axe arm as he tries to strike at the ink demon who deflected it and henry was punched across the face by the ink demon's gloved hand as he stumbles before being charged into the wall as henry almost had ink come out of his mouth as he was grabbed by the ink demon as he was lifted up he struggles to get out of the ink demon's grasp. the inked demon snarls and as he got back up running to him as the ink demon notices before growling throwing henry away and running at him and punching him so hard the inked toon felt the life drained out of him as he was turned back to his toon form now as he coughs and stumbles his wounds too much for him to handle as he was flickered to the ground by the ink demon's claws as he got back up again but he was so tired and wounded as the hooded demon coughed as he stumbled and fell to the ground as he held his side as the ink demon chuckled darkly “DiD yOu HoNEsTy ThInK YoU cOuLD sAvE hEnrY?” he said now holding up the wounded and nearly passed out old man that had just used up his toon form “An ShaMe aNd eVeN aFteR aLl ThaT TiME I tHOuGht BeINg NICe WouLd MAkE YoU GivE hIm tO Me But No, aLWaY hAve To USe ForCe IT sEeMS” he said as he pinned henry to the wall. bendy struggled to get up buth e could’nt he could’nt do anything he did’int want to use his powers not since the rampage but he had to he has to try. he tried again the ink oozing from his wounds was making it painful as the ink demon noticed and growled dropping henry again “tRyInG To tRaNSForM aGaIn?” He went over and kicked him towards the floor “nOT” he grabbed and slammed the demon on the barrel “GoNnA” he thrown the demon towards the wall making the little toon crash through it “hApPeN” he said as he grumbled and snorted before looking back to see henry trying to get up. the ink demon smirked and limped over and lifted him by the collar. bendy struggled to get up as he fell back down he couldn’t move anymore he was broken. the ink demon damaged him so much that his body cant heal in time he whimpered as he failed henry and the others he felt something thumping. his own heart and his body started to glow. he tried standing up but fell again. suddenly he heard an few rumbled as he turned around to see shawn just as they burried him. as a melted malformed verison of bendy with a crooked smile. it lurched and morphed it’s ink into bendy’s as the demon wanted to scream but nothing came out. henry coughed as he tries again to get out of the ink demon’s grip. the skeletal like creature made an wheezing like laughter as his unmoving smile grew “NoW, Whe-” he stopped when he felt an huge burst of energy. he turned around and froze as he dropped henry. the retired animator stared before his eyes widen in shock. bendy stood in his unstable form growling darkly as the ink demon felt fear rushed through him. the true ink demon was back and it was angry. henry wasted no time in trying to run as before the ink demon could do anything he was met with a punch to the face as bendy snarled loudly beating on his own chest similar to a gorilla as the unstable demon roared loudly at the ink demon and lunged as the ink demon snarled and lunged back the two engaging in a deadly fight. the ink demon snarls as he was thrashed, slammed, rammed, and even tossed around like a ragdoll as the true ink demon held nothing back as he went apeshit crazy on the ink demon as he tried fighting back but to no avail, the ink demon snarls and rams his claws at where the true ink demon's eye was as he snarled out in pain and swatted away the ink demon as he stumbles roaring in anger before the ink demon could recover he was bashed to the wall several times before he gets crashed into it as the two fell into a large clearing in the studio as they both got up as the ink demon snarled and snapped his fingers as hordes of butcher gang clones appeared and surrounded the unstable demon as the large beast roared out and attacked the clones as they attacked back as the ink demon sturggles to get out of the room he did'int even make it one step up as he was grabbed and quickly flung towards the ceiling as the unstable demon was still attacking the clones as he snarls and attacks the ink demon once more the two falling into another room as the ink demon quickly got up but was punched hard to the floor a couple feet away as the ink demon snarls having enough as he starts to form his outer layer of inky armor as he now was dripping ink everywhere as he snarls loudly at the true ink demon who snarls back as they ran at eachother in a rage of fury as round 2 of their fight has begun. henry stopped when he heard the two loud roars of the ink demons fighting as the retired animator quicken his pace hoping he wasn't too late, corr and the others also heard the roar as the small demon looked worried but norman assured him that everything's gonna be fine. sammy and lacie were helping alice walk as boris was trying to keep the butcher gang calm. susan stares off into the direction the sound came from and simply grunted a bit. meanwhile back with the fight the ink demon was losing, he was thrown to the wall as he grunted and stood up as he saw the true ink demon charging at him like a bull as he quickly dodges as the true ink demon hitted his head on the wall as he snarls in annoyance and stumbles about as the ink demon lunged as he started clawing and stabbing at the true ink demon as the unstable demon roars and tries many times to get the ink demon off of him he succeeded when the ink demon got too cocky as he was grabbed and slammed to the ground as the ink demon coughs as he was then kicked towards the wall as he snarls and wheezes in pain as he got up holding his chest as even his outer layer of inky armor seemed to cant withstand the true ink demon's wrath he snarled "AlRiGhT fIne.... No MoRe hOlDiNg bAcK..." he said as he transform into his corrupted state as the true ink demon huffed and snarled as he too started shifting and turning into a more animalistic and beastly version of his unstable form, growing about 24 feet tall, with monstrous like features having curved horns and his second pair of horns growing a by a few more inches, a streak  started to run down his neck all the way to his tail as his spines grew more and his claws almost replace his fingers, he seems to form glowing orange crimson like eyes as his fangs enlarged and shifted to fit into his now almost gator and dinosaurin like mouth and snout, he seems to grow a similar sickle like toe to the raptors as the ink demon knew what form that demon just turned himself into, he turned into a demonic state of the demon's unstable form as the monster huffed and hissed not caring that his seals were burning him as he had enough with the ink demon he was going to make him pay once and for all as the two roared loudly as they charged at eachother, round 3 has begun for them as the true ink demon striked first headbutting the ink demon as he was flung to the air but caught himself as he snarls and ran up and slashed the demonic demon repeatedly as he snarls in annoyance and kicked him off as he charged as the 9'11 foot tall corrupted ink demon dodges and attacks again the two fighting like rabid animals. henry stops to get his barings as he studies the destroyed rooms that the two demons crashed through as he hears a loud echoing roar as he snaps his head and quickly starts again to run. the demonic demon snarls as he held where his heart was he groans as he was slowly starting to feel the seals as both he and the ink demon were full of cuts, gashes, bruises and even bite marks as the corrupted ink demon made a weak growl with a chuckle "W--wHaT's THE mAtTEr? t-TireD aLrEaDy? i WaS jUsT WArmInG uP" he said coughing as he again ran at him but demonic demon did'int dodge as he was slashed into the chest as he felt the ink demon trying to take out his heart he roared loudly and stabbed the ink demon with his tail slamming him on the ground more than 20 times before throwing him at a ink spear as he was impaled the ink demon roaring out in pain from that as he yanked himself out as he held his chest growling as he barley looked up before he was impaled by the demonic demon's hand as he almost threw up ink as the beastly monster growled as he then snarls out in pain as ink ooze from his body he couldn't take the seals pain anymore as he throws the ink demon to the wall as he runs off on all fours. the ink demon noticed as he growls as he was back in his usual form as he glares with his glowing eye "H-HeY! geT bAck heRe Im nOT DoNE wItH YoU YEt!" he said as he gives chase despite being wounded to the bone. the demonic demon was now back in his toon form as he runs and runs he was tired and wounded he looked around for a weapon any weapon he must of dropped his revolver when he and henry were trying to team up against the ink demon as he notices something sharp stuck in a dead edgar clone's body he realized it was a machete he ran over to the blade as he tries yanking it out several times before he succeeded. The toon quickly turned to his inked state and opened up a ink portal and went inside it not to retreat, but to give the ink demon a element of surprise, he waited and waited until he saw the inky aura as he kept as quiet as possible as he heard him calling out for him "CoMe oN oUT yA lITtLe pUnK, i WoN't hURt YA.... MUcH~" he said as he growled and looked around "BlaSt WhY ARen't tHEy anY cuToUts HErE?!" he said as even with his glowing eye he still had trouble trying to find out where people were. bendy waited as he gripped onto the sword some more as he glared a bit. when the ink demon went pass the portal the inked demon lurches out snarling as he rams his claws at the front of the ink demon's head and pierces the ink demon through the spine and out to the chest as the ink demon roared out in pain at that and struggled to get out as the inked demon gripped tighter and pulled the machete even further into the ink demon he was planning on killing him slowly and painfully as the ink demon snarls out even more as he struggles and struggles as bendy kept pulling the sword more and more as he growls darkly as he begins getting flashbacks or visions of times when the ink demon would go out of his way to save them even in certain situations where they could of gotten out of themselves. bendy ponders at each vision as he then gets one last vision, of himself and the ink demon before the ink demon existed he felt inky tears drip down his eyes as he clenched and when he felt the grip of the ink demon weakening he snarls and quickly pulled the machete out and dropped the ink demon as the sketetal inky creature makes a low wheezing sound as he held his chest breathing heavily as bendy turned back to his toon form also tired and wounded as the two stared at eachother before either of them could say anything they both fell to the ground their injuries too much for them to handle as they passed out. henry ran around the corner as he caught wind of two downed figures. he ran over to see it was bendy and the ink demon both were wounded and very hurt as henry checked both pulses he sighed in relief glad that bendy and the ink demon are still alive, he did'int know why he was worried for both their safeties though he sighs and looks at bendy before picking up the hooded demon before walking off pass the ink demon's body before giving the passed out ink demon one last look before walking down the hall a lot has happened for them but henry couldn't give up he recalls all the destruction those two caused just because of him he sighed as he kept on walking down the halls unaware of that he was being watched... by a familiar person.

[sailor-cresselia]

Try and Re-Build

They can't stay here.

This version of Touto is so, so much better off then the one they left. (The one they... replaced? Repaired? … erased?)

But it hurts to be here.

It hurts so, so much to encounter these people, to even see the strangers carrying names and wearing faces that they met and knew, that they fought against and alongside.

They thought about meeting them, and trying again, at first.

But it would be cruel.

Not just for themselves, but for the others too.

Sento and Ryuuga both know full well that they wouldn't be able to separate their friends who lived there from the people who live here, and that’s not fair to these familiar strangers.

It's just too hard, seeing a laughing farmer and his friends, who never had to give up their humanity so their families could live, but who can joke and cheer and relax.

(And isn’t it strange that he still falls for the same girl?)

Seeing politician and his son, who hadn't been worn down and torn to pieces by a war, but are thriving and whole.

Seeing an engineer and a reporter who didn’t have their lives planned, but who got to choose their own paths.

(And isn’t it strange that the dynamics shift, but the choices are still so similar?)

Seeing a pair of goofs with a band, and a successful one at that.

(And isn’t it strange, that even after endangering him, they never thought to tell Tatsuya that Sento wasn’t Satou Taro, did they? They probably should have… but how do you tell someone that? And there was no time. Just one more mistake.)

Seeing a father who runs a booming cafe.

(And they never even knew him the first time around, did they? It was never really him back then.)

Seeing a daughter who goes shopping and sings karaoke with her friends and smiles, who doesn’t carry that awful weight and guilt of being used and tricked on her shoulders.

(And why couldn’t they have seen sooner that she blamed herself? Yet another mistake.)

Seeing a woman who got treatment and recovered.

(It hurts so much that she won’t know him – not this version of him.)

Seeing a man who never had to throw a fight.

(The monkey jokes are harsher looking back – and also couldn’t have been further from the mark.)

Seeing a scientist who openly loves his parents.

(Did she know it was him? Even when he didn’t know who he was, did she?)

(Did she know his father was still alive, too?)

~ ~ ~

Identities are a problem, too. Sento has one mans face and memories for another two, and Ryuuga has a fully-human double born seven months after him. They don’t (didn’t?) exist here – not in a way that fits the shape of this new world.

They have a phone that's a bike, and a mechanical dragon that hasn't woken up. (Ryuuga hopes it will, someday. He grew fond of the little guy.)

They've got two belts, and two bottles - one silver, one gold.

(Neither has tried using them. It feels like it would be bad luck to try, but that it would be even worse to get rid of them.)

Kiryu Sento and Banjou Ryuuga cannot stay in Touto, which is properly a city again, not a war-torn city-district-region-country hybrid.

WAS it a city in their world? They aren’t really sure anymore. Neither of them remember much of politics before the Skywall. Sento only ever really picked up (was given?) memories through Takumi's days in high school, and what happened after Katsuragi Takumi ‘woke up.’ Besides, Takumi was focused considerable more on science than… well, pretty much anything else. Banjou was 13 – he was just a kid! – when the wall went up, and a lot of his youth was blurred and smudged and faded by Evolt.

(Back home, it was Quite A Day when he realized that Misora was the only one there younger than him. Kazumin called him a kid for a week.)

~ ~ ~

They can’t stay here.

So. they leave.

They leave the city that they remember but don't know.

~ ~ ~

And finding work is hard when you don't have a past that doesn’t and can’t match the world you’re in, and everything down to the roads just isn’t the same compared to the ones you know/remember/knew.

History is one of the biggest differences.

~ ~ ~

They look up the history of the other Earth, to see how far back it diverged from their own. They go back 25 years, and there hasn’t been anything that returned from Mars. So that's a good sign, they guess.

(They hope.)

They go back further, to make sure they don’t say the wrong things, and start looking up cultural changes as well, to make sure they can pass for people who’ve been here all along.

They come across something weird.

It's an urban legend fansite, sure, and neither of them is sure how they actually GOT to that page. But that picture is…

It’s a photo from the early 1970’s – discolored by age and grainy from being digitized. It’s off center, and crooked, and looks amateur, but there’s no reason to think it’s not real.

A photo of two men on a cliff, doing posing next to a pair of motorcycles.

Wearing full masks and armored bodysuits.

And captioned as the “first known photo of Kamen Riders 1 and 2 together.”

~ ~ ~

So. That’s not something they had either.

~ ~ ~

The pair who fought as Build and Cross-Z dig deeper. And as they get closer to the present, more and more warriors of justice fighting under the name (title?) of Kamen Rider show up.

There's a period after the early 1990’s where the records sort of stop, and no new heroes show up for a while, but around 2000 the Riders start appearing again.

Some of them are rumors, and urban legends, but others are definitely on record as being real.

And they keep reading, and the closer to the present the more familiar things get.

8 years ago - rumors of a Rider in black with a partner who didn't QUITE pass for human.

7 years ago - a high school that focused on space and science, with sightings of a Rider in silver.

Ryuuga has been to that school, and been rescued by the warriors in those blurry, hastily shot photos.

5 years ago - an archived site for a dance competition that turned into monster fights that turned into battles between members in armor that then stopped reporting, then followed by accounts of describe a city turned into a war zone.

That first armored rider helped get Sento to Ex-Aid’s world. To what might be THIS world.

Neither of them have wanted to talk about the nagging worry they've both had the past month, living here on this other earth.

3 years ago - a temple that has never gone out of their way to confirm the rumors of a Rider in black and orange, but has never gone out of their way to deny them, either.

The concern about what happened that brought them here, alive. What brought them here when neither expected to come out of that last battle with Evolt.

2 years ago - news footage and reports from this worlds Seito, about a digital viral outbreak and the Riders that fought it - and the press conference covering the aftermath, led by a doctor with a face that appears in two sets of memories in one persons head.

The fear that “they didn't get it right.”

7 months ago - News articles about a resurgence of the virus and a giant mechanical hand reaching to the sky.

That “maybe they didn't fix anything.”

7 months ago - terrified social media posts about another earth in the sky, one that had a jagged red scar.

That “maybe they just left home.”

7 months ago - still frames from amateur videos of two Riders fighting a gear themed enemy.

That “maybe they just took themselves out of the equation.”

7 months ago – two riders, a constant and an unknown,

That “maybe they left everything behind -

7 months ago - a rider in gold, with a name and reputation to put to the mask,

“- left everyONE behind -

7 months ago - and a rider in blue and red, never seen before or since.

“maybe everyone else is gone and the people here - these same-but-different people we know-but-don't - are just the alternate versions, not merged or remade or saved, but just preexisting familiar faces that will never, ever replace the ones that I just ran away from and left behind to d--”

And Sento didn't even know he was talking until he couldn't get the words out, until he was choking on fears and doubts and grief and guilt, and sobbing at things that were “all his-and-my fault and he-and-I did this and brought so, so much suffering and then just ran away and I didn’t even have the decency to remember-”

And Banjou grabs him, holding him close in almost a death grip to keep this stupid, egotistical, terrified genius from shaking himself to pieces - physical, mental, emotional, whatever. And he’s shaking too, because he hasn't wanted to think about these possibilities, either.

Hasn’t wanted to think about how maybe they messed up – that he's the one who messed it up, because if nothing else, the other him shows that black-hole bastards or no, he is consistently a muscle-headed fighter, and if anyone that was there that day screwed up the creation of a literal world it would be him…

So, he keeps saying quiet, ragged reassurances to his best friend - only friend now that the others are strangers again - both of them red-eyed and hoarse and SCARED, because they just. Don't know what really happened in and after that gap in reality where space and time and energy were colliding and tearing apart. And that not knowing, that's terrifying, for both of them but neither have dared bring it up for just this reason. It’s so, so terrifying to have so much information and yet still have nothing but questions.

He doesn’t say it, but he can see. It's awful for Banjou, the not knowing. But not understanding isn’t really NEW to him – confused has kind of been his default state since they met and he hasn’t hid that at all – but Sento? Kiryu Sento had really only existed for a year before they met at a factory and a fight, and been manipulated and lied to and trying to find himself and coming up with nothing. He made so much of his identity out of his smarts and on Build and just kept hiding anything that didn’t fit the person he was or could have been or could be – that didn’t have a place in the puzzle of his past. He hid whatever he could fit behind the mask of a grinning nerd and the helmet of a warrior for love and peace.

Then they were thrown into war, and so, so many awful things had happened, and Banjou hadn’t said anything back home, hasn’t said anything here and still doesn’t, but he’d been seeing it for months. He’s seen his friend shouldering worry and stress and doubt until he broke and then hid that behind the same smile and behind his work and the fighting. The war dragged and grew and got worse and more personal and Sento had just kept taking it on himself and bearing it and breaking and kept going anyway.

This is definitely not the time for that talk. It’s even less time for anyone to bring up that half of those fights… that both of them kept going in with no plans for making it out after.

It’s not the time for that, but they’re at a park, the one they stayed in last night, and they should probably find somewhere else for this because they’re two sobbing wrecks who can’t explain this to anyone else. They can barely explain it to themselves.

“We're out of our element here, aren’t we? Listen, man, you can't lose yourself to this, okay? Who else'll be the brains of this outfit? Pretty sure we’re both screwed if it's me.”

He chuckles, half-hearted and hoarse and so, so tired. Looks like he’ll have to take the lead for a while.

“This is messed up. I know. So just… take your time and breath, okay? When you’re ready, we can go and… I dunno, find some of these other Riders, maybe? And we can try to get some answers.

“Just don't GO, okay? We're in this together, Sento, we have to stick together.

“We're all we've got."

[petnews2day]

Cruel woman handed animal ban after dog found starving to death

New Post has been published on https://petnews2day.com/?p=51264

Cruel woman handed animal ban after dog found starving to death

A cruel woman who allowed her dog to become so underweight that her ribs, spine and pelvic bones were clearly visible has been banned from keeping animals.

Xena, a three-year-old German Shepherd crossbreed, weighed only 15kg and scored only one out of five in a body condition rating. The RSPCA said the dog of her stature should weigh and minimum of 27kg. She also also had two skin lesions on her leg and blood tests showed she was suffering from severe malnutrition.

Acting on reports of concerns for a dog at Emma-Marie Thompson home in Millom, RSPCA Inspector Martyn Fletcher visited the Lapstone Road property on January 15 this year and was shown into the backyard where Xena was being kept. In his witness statement, Inspector Fletcher said: “I could immediately see that the dog was in a very poor bodily condition, with its spine and hip bones prominent and its ribs visible.

READ MORE: Battle for the Lake District as thousands oppose rollercoaster plans

“The dogs’ head also had a sunken appearance. It was subdued and uninterested in my presence.

“I would have expected a dog of her stature to be a minimum of 27 kg, so she was severely underweight. There is no other reason for her emaciated condition other than starvation through malnutrition.”

Her her ribs, spine and pelvic bones were clearly visible

Thompson, 31, agreed to sign Xena over into the care of the RSPCA Cumbria West Branch the day after the inspector’s visit. She pleaded guilty to one charge of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog and one of failing to ensure the needs of the dog were met and appeared for sentencing at Barrow Magistrates’ Court on May 30.

In mitigation, the court was told that she was suffering from mental health issues after three bereavements. Magistrates also ordered that she observe a six-week curfew from 7pm to 7am, undertake 25 rehabilitation activity days and pay a victim surcharge of £95.

Xena has now returned to a healthy condition

Since being cared for by the RSPCA, Xena has returned to a healthy condition and has been successfully rehomed with new owners. After the court hearing, Inspector Fletcher said: “This case shows again how important it is for members of the public to report any suspicions that they may have of animal neglect to the RSPCA so we can investigate.

“I am thrilled to see that Xena has progressed so well in RSPCA care and is now a healthy dog who loves her new home.”

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[patriotsnet]

How Many Senate Seats Do The Republicans Have Right Now

New Post has been published on https://www.patriotsnet.com/how-many-senate-seats-do-the-republicans-have-right-now/

How Many Senate Seats Do The Republicans Have Right Now

‘blood On His Hands’: Republican Rips Biden Over Afghanistan

How Could The 2020 Election Impact Control Of The Senate? | NBC News NOW

Over the past 10 days, two things happened that make clear that a) Trumpism isn’t going anywhere and b) it’s going to complicate Republican attempts to retake control of the Senate next November.

major

Senate Majority Leader Mitch Mcconnell Defeated Democrat Amy Mcgrath In Kentucky

McConnell is one of the most high-profile politicians in the country and one of the most reviled among Democrats, helping McGrath raise an eye-popping $90 million for her campaign. However, despite McConnell’s unpopularity among Democrats and her own strong fundraising, McGrath was unable to topple the majority leader, who has held his Senate seat since 1986.

Democrats taking back the Senate majority would be a significant achievement toward delivering on Biden’s ambitious policy goals.

For Republicans, controlling the chamber for the past five years has allowed the party to confirm hundreds of conservative judges, including many younger ones, to lifetime appointments on the federal judiciary.

Iowa Montana And South Carolina

Though Iowa, Montana and South Carolina are all traditionally right-leaning, polls had shown tight Senate races in those states, and the Cook Political Report had rated each a tossup. But come Election Day, Republicans easily won each race.

In Iowa, Senator Joni Ernst, the Republican incumbent, dispatched Theresa Greenfield, her Democratic challenger, by 6.6 percentage points. In Montana, Senator Steve Daines, the Republican incumbent, won by more than 10 percentage points against Steve Bullock, Montanas two-term Democratic governor.

And in South Carolina, Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican and the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, survived a challenge by Jaime Harrison, a former chairman of the states Democratic Party, winning by 10.3 percentage points.

Recommended Reading: How Many Republicans Caucused In Iowa

How Many Republican Senators Are There In California

4.1/5

Total 100

Beside above, how many Republicans are in California? In February 2019, California had 19,978,449 registered voters, comprising 79.09% of its total eligible voters. Of those registered voters, 8,612,368 were registered Democrats, and 4,709,851 were Republicans.

In this regard, who are the Republican senators in California?

California elects United States senators to Class 1 and Class 3. The state has been represented by 44 people in the Senate since it was admitted to the Union on September 9, 1850. Its current U.S. senators are Democrats Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris.

Who are my senators in California?

Kamala Harris Since;2017 Dianne Feinstein

Midterms Tough For Presidents Party

Historically, Republicans could face a more difficult midterm election if Trump wins reelection, as voters grow tired or skeptical of the president after six years in office. In 2014, Republicans gained nine Senate seats in President Barack Obamas second midterm. In 2006, Democrats gained six Senate seats in President George W. Bushs second midterm. And in 1986, Democrats gained eight Senate seats in President Ronald Reagans second midterm.;

The lone recent departure from that trend was 1998, when there was no net change in the Senate. Republicans today might take comfort in that example because the election was in response to their partys perceived overreach on impeachment. But Republicans already controlled 55 Senate seats and President Bill Clintons job approval rating at the time was 66 percent, according to Gallup. Thats 20 points higher than Trumps current ratings. Under a second Trump term scenario, Senate Republicans can only hope that an effective and widely available vaccine comes quickly enough for a strong economic recovery before the midterms.;

While it could take months for senators to decide whether theyre running again, it wont take long for the Pennsylvania race to replace Toomey to enter the spotlight.;

Nathan L. Gonzales is an elections analyst for CQ Roll Call.

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Census Data Sets Up Redistricting Fight Over Growing Suburbs

The once-a-decade battle over redistricting is set to be a showdown over the suburbs, as new census data showed rapid growth around some of the nations largest cities and shrinking population in many rural counties.

From Texas to Florida, some of the biggest gains reported Thursday came in states where Republicans will control the redistricting process, but often in and around cities where Democrats have been faring well in recent elections.

The new detailed population data from the 2020 census will serve as the building block to redraw 429 U.S. House districts in 44 states and 7,383 state legislative districts across the U.S. The official goal is to ensure each district has roughly the same number of people.

But many Republicans and Democrats also will be trying to ensure the new lines divide and combine voters in ways that make it more likely for their partys candidates to win future elections, a process called gerrymandering. The parties successes in that effort could determine whether taxes and spending grow, climate-change polices are approved or access to abortion is expanded or curtailed.

Chart: Actually Most Of The Diversity In Congress Comes From Democrats

The 114th Congress being sworn in on Tuesday is being hailed as the most diverse Congress in history with more women and minorities than ever before. But thats not thanks to the new Republican majorities in the House and the Senate.

Although the new Congress is 80 percent white, an equal amount male, and 92 percent Christian, the majority of non-white and women lawmakers are Democrats. In other words, even though these paltry numbers make up the most diverse Congress in existence, its thanks largely to Democrats that its this way.

There are a total of 81 minorities that are Democrats in both houses combined and 16 that are Republicans, according to data from CQ. The 114th Congress also has 79 Democratic women and 29 Republican women, also according to CQ.

Of the 188 Democrats in the newly sworn-in House of Representatives, 78 are minorities, according to CQ. Despite the rise of new stars like Rep. Mia Love just 12 of the 246 Republicans in the House majority are minorities. In the Senate, percentages are slightly better for Republicans. There are four Republican senators who are racial minorities and 3 Democrats who are racial minorities.

Among specific minorities, there is one Asian Senate Democrat and 10 Asian House Democrats. There are no Asian Republican lawmakers in the House or Senate in the 114th Congress.

There are also two members who identify as Native Americans in the House, both Republican. There are none in the Senate.

Chart: Christine Frapech.

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Why Did House Democrats Underperform Compared To Joe Biden

The results of the 2020 elections pose several puzzles, one of which is the gap between Joe Bidens handsome victory in the presidential race and the Democrats disappointing performance in the House of Representatives. Biden enjoyed an edge of 7.1 million votes over President Trump, while the Democrats suffered a loss of 13 seats in the House, reducing their margin from 36 to just 10.

Turnout in the 2018 mid-term election reached its highest level in more than a century. Democrats were fervently opposed to the Trump administration and turned out in droves. Compared to its performance in 2016, the partys total House vote fell by only 2%. Without Donald Trump at the head of the ticket, Republican voters were much less enthusiastic, and the total House vote for Republican candidates fell by nearly 20% from 2016. Democratic candidates received almost 10 million more votes than Republican candidates, a margin of 8.6%, the highest ever for a party that was previously in the minority. It was, in short, a spectacular year for House Democrats.

To understand the difference this Democratic disadvantage can make, compare the 2020 presidential and House results in five critical swing states.

Table 1: Presidential versus House results

Arizona

Map: Republicans To Have Full Control Of 23 States Democrats 15

Republicans keep control of the House and Senate

In 2021, Republicans will have full control of the legislative and executive branch in 23 states.;Democrats will have full control of the legislative and executive branch in 15 states.

Population of the 24 fully R-controlled states:;134,035,267Population of the 15 fully D-controlled states: 120,326,393

Republicans have full control of the legislative branch in 30 states. Democrats have full control of the legislative branch in 18;states.

Population of the 30 fully R-controlled legislature states: 185,164,412Population of the 18 fully D-controlled legislature states: 133,888,565

This week, Andrew Cuomos star went down in flames. While the smoke clears, lets take a moment to sit back and reminisce about the governors long history with ethical and legal violations.

Cuomos controversies regarding sexual harassment and nursing homes deaths were far from his first abuses of power. In fact, his administration has a long history of it, ranging from interfering with ethics commissions, to financial corruption.

In July 2013, Cuomo formed the Moreland Commission to investigate corruption in New Yorks government. At first it was a success, giving Cuomo good PR. Yet as it went on there were rumors that, contrary to his claim that Anything they want to look at they can look at, Cuomo was interfering with the Commissions investigations. There was friction within the Commission, itself with two factions forming: Team Independence and Team We-Have-a-Boss.

Also Check: Were Democrats Or Republicans For Slavery

How Republicans Pulled Off A Big Upset And Nearly Took Back The House

There seemed to be one safe bet when it came to the 2020 election results: Democrats would easily hold on to their majority in the House of Representatives. Not only that, but the conventional wisdom held that Democrats would pick up more than the 235 seats they won in the 2018 midterm elections.

While Democrats will have a majority next Congress, Republicans vastly outperformed expectations and nearly pulled off an election shocker.

As of this writing, CNN has projected that Democrats have won in 219 seats. Republicans have been projected the winners in 203 seats. There are 13 races outstanding, per CNN projections.

Of those 13, the Democratic candidates lead in a mere two of them.

In other words, if every one of those 13 seats went to the party leading in them right now, Democrats would have 221 seats to the Republicans$2 214 seats in the next Congress.

Talk about a fairly close call for Democrats.

Now, Democrats may end up winning a few of the seats where they are currently trailing, but chances are they will end up at or south of 225 seats.

Compare that to what most quantitative forecasters who look at a slew of indicators predicted. Jack Kersting came the closest at 238 seats. FiveThirtyEight clocked in at 239 seats. The Economist model predicted that Democrats would win a median of 244 seats in their simulations.

Any sort of shy Trump vote was far smaller than a potential shy House Republican vote.

A 4- or 5-point miss is considerable.

How Many Senate Seats Are Up For Grabs In 2022

In the Senate, there will be 34 out of 100 seats available. Special elections may be held to fill the vacant seats in the senate. Those senators elected in 2022 will begin their six-year term on January 3, 2023.

In the Senate, the Democrats have 14 seats up for election in 2022. The Republicans will have 20 seats up for grabs in the election. The Republican party will be defending 2 Senate seats in the states that President Joe Biden won.

Those seats are in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The Democrats are not defending any senate seats that former President Donald Trump won in 2020.

Thirty-two of the thirty-four seats up in 2022 were voted on in 2016. The Democrats gained three seats in the 2020 election. The Democrats have total control of the House and the Senate.

Recommended Reading: Why Are So Many Republicans Leaving Office

Senate Republican Caucus Sends Comments On Rggi Regulation To Irrc

The Senate Republican Caucus submitted a letter to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission prior to its September 1 meeting detailing objections to a proposed regulation that would implement the Governors mandate that Pennsylvania join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative . Read Letter;

2021

Parental control over masking decisions in school is the foundation of a bill introduced by Senator Doug Mastriano and Senator Judy Ward . ;

Lindsey Graham Votes In South Carolina

;Senator Lindsey Graham cast his ballot in Seneca, South Carolina, around 11 a.m. on Tuesday morning, CBS Spartanburg, South Carolina affiliate WSPA-TV reports.

Graham, a close ally of President Trump, is locked in a tougher-than-expected reelection battle against Jaime Harrison in a race that has captured national attention. Harris raised $57 million between July and September alone, shattering the $38 million previous record for the most money raised in a Senate race in that three-month period.

Senator Lindsey Graham, who is running for re-election in South Carolina, cast his ballot and urged Republican voters to “show up in big numbers today to close the gap” after huge early voting numbers from Democrats

CBS News

Read Also: Who Lies More Democrats Or Republicans

Mcconnell Not Troubled At All By Trump’s Suggestion Of Supreme Court Challenge

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell defended Mr. Trump for falsely claiming that he won reelection, although he acknowledged that the presidential race had not yet been decided.

“It’s not unusual for people to claim they have won the election. I can think of that happening on numerous occasions,” McConnell told reporters in Kentucky. “But, claiming to win the election is different from finishing the counting.”

“Claiming to win the election is different from finishing the counting,” Mitch McConnell says, adding that Americans “should not be shocked” that Democrats and Republicans are both lawyering up for the close races

CBS News

He also said he was “not troubled at all” by the president suggesting that the outcome of the election might be determined by the Supreme Court. The president cannot unilaterally bring a case to the Supreme Court, what it’s unclear what case the Trump campaign would have if it challenged the counting of legally cast absentee ballots.

McConnell, who won his own closely watched reelection race on Tuesday evening, expressed measured confidence about Republicans maintaining their majority in the Senate. He said he believed there is a “chance we will know by the end of the day” if Republicans won races in states like Georgia and North Carolina.

Expulsion And Other Disciplinary Actions

The Senate may expel a senator by a two-thirds vote. Fifteen senators have been expelled in the Senate’s history: William Blount, for treason, in 1797, and fourteen in 1861 and 1862 for supporting the Confederatesecession. Although no senator has been expelled since 1862, many senators have chosen to resign when faced with expulsion proceedingsÂ;â for example, Bob Packwood in 1995. The Senate has also censured and condemned senators; censure requires only a simple majority and does not remove a senator from office. Some senators have opted to withdraw from their re-election races rather than face certain censure or expulsion, such as Robert Torricelli in 2002.

Recommended Reading: What Is An Example Of Republicanism

How Much Damage Have Republicans Done In The States

Turns out making cuts to public services to fit an ideology of small government and traditionalism is just not very popular.

Mr. Grossmann is the author of Red State Blues: How the Conservative Revolution Stalled in the States.

The 2018 election marked at least a temporary end to Republicans rise to power in many states. Before their losses in that election, Republicans had full control of 26 states, giving them a sustained opportunity to transform American subnational government.

Liberals certainly feared the worst from this Republican grip on the states. Dark portraits of the Koch brothers network and the American Legislative Exchange Council suggested that Republicans were in a position to fundamentally reorient states to scale back public services, serve corporations and the rich, and impose a conservative social agenda. Democrats, from this perspective, would need years, if not decades, to reverse the trend.

The Republican Party still controls many more state governments and legislative chambers than Democrats nationwide. But the fact is, the Republican results at the state level have not been very impressive. Republican-controlled state governments largely failed to enact policies that advance conservative goals. They have been effective at staying in power but have not altered the reach of government or its socio-economic impact.

Follow The New York Times Opinion section on , and .

How Many Us Senators Are There

Here are the Senate seats that will be critical in 2020

New Yorks Chuck Schumer

There are a total of 100 US senators, two from each state:

Alabama

Wyoming

With the six-year term, about one-third of senators face re-election challenges every two years.

Chuck Schumer of New York became Senate Majority Leader when the Democrats regained the Senate early in 2021.

Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, had previously served in that role for the Republicans.

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Key Races That Could Determine The Senate Majority

To take the majority, Democrats would have to net three seats, should Biden win the presidency, or four seats, if Mr. Trump wins reelection, because it’s the vice president who breaks ties in the Senate. The current balance of the Republican-controlled Senate is 53 to 47.

Here is a rundown of the key Senate races in this year’s election:

[iamartemisday]

Pepperony Week Day Five: Post-Civil War

Pepper had a list hidden away in a secret folder on her computer.  The title was a series of random letters and numbers achieved by closing her eyes and hitting eleven random keys.  Any hacker or burglar would write it off as junk and move on, or so she hoped.  Every couple of days she’d go into the folder and open the single file inside.

Reasons Why I Should Permanently Break Up With Tony

1: He’s completely unreliable.  He can’t shake bad habits and he can’t keep promises.

2: He’s full of himself.  Even when he’s saving people there’s this stink of arrogance like he thinks he’s owed something for it.

3: He hogs the bedsheets at night.

4: His idea of date night is making a Pepper sized suit and racing around the world.

5: David, the deputy director of R&D, is clearly interested in me and is a really sweet guy I’d be lucky to have.

6: He’s never going to stop being Ironman, which means he’s never going to stop risking his life, which means I’ll always have to fear for his life when he’s on missions.  

There was no point in rereading the list, she had it memorized by now.  The latest news report of Captain America’s prison breakout and subsequent disappearance as he and his accomplices went on the lam played outside Pepper’s door.  Interns and secretaries argued passionately about the proceedings, and from what little Pepper picked up, it seemed Stark Industries was evenly split between supporting Cap and supporting Tony.  She hoped no reporters would be asking for her opinion.  At this point, she had no idea what she would say, only that it would be loud and mostly censored.  

She hit enter, going down to the next line.

7: He signed government paperwork without consulting SI’s legal department even though he knows damn well we have the best lawyers in the country who would have weeded out any vague wording or hidden clauses and maybe prevented this massive shitstorm.  Or at least contain it.

She added a few expletives, only to delete them right after.  It was more effective and less painful than punching the wall, and better on her voice than calling him and screaming in his ear.  She sat slumped over, staring at the modern art piece above her couch.  Tony had scoffed the first time he saw it.  He thought it looked like a ten year old playing with MS paint.  Now that she thought about it, this painting was pretty basic.  Just a straight line on a white background.  She could do that in two seconds

An alert came up on her instant messenger and her heart stopped.  She had several hundred contacts, mostly business partners who messaged her daily for status updates.  Realistically, she shouldn’t assume it was Tony when there was only a one in three hundred chance she was right.  Except she was pretty sure most of the other two hundred and ninety-nine people with her info couldn’t activate her messenger remotely when she didn’t even have the app open.

TStark: Hey Pep!

Two words after a month of no contact with an exclamation point at the end.  Yup, that was Tony.

TStark: Sorry if you’re busy but I wanted to talk.

TStark: Nothing important, just thinking of you. :)

Smileys were new, though.

TStark: Okay, that’s not entirely true, a lot of important stuff is going on.  And you probably know most of it.

TStark: You probably want to yell at me.

“Bingo,” Pepper muttered.

TStark: That is absolutely fine.  You can scream your head off until I go deaf and I will take it.  I know I messed up.  I know I should’ve talked to you.  Believe me, it’s all I’ve been thinking about for weeks (okay maybe not all I’ve been thinking about but you know since we’re on a break nighttimes have been kind of lonely so…).

Pepper giggled.  Damn Tony and his charm even when he was trying to grovel.  He could drown a bag of puppies and crack jokes about it, and he’d still get a laugh out of her.  

TStark: I mean, if I were you I’d be on the phone laying into me for hours.  Of course, I could never do it as well as you.  Have I ever thanked you for consistently taking me down a peg every day for the past twenty years?

TStark: If I haven’t, let me give you a kiss right now.

There was a kiss emoji at the end of that comment.  In fact, there were several.  At least fifteen by Pepper’s count.  It made her think of his real lips, how full and pink they were.  The way his facial hair tickled her skin when they kissed.  The glorious beard burn she got when she spread her legs and let him-

“Ms. Potts, the deputy director of finances for you on line two.”

Pepper coughed, though there was nothing in her throat. “Thanks, Sylvia.  Would you take a message?  I’m in the middle of an important meeting.”

Tony had sent three more messages when she checked again.

TStark: Anyway, I was wondering if maybe you wanted to meet up sometime?  Not for a date or anything, just to talk.  I miss our talks.

TStark: Also Dum-E misses you.  I swear I caught him crying the other day over a picture of you.  It was weird, but I’m not one to judge.

TStark: We don’t have to go out.  We could eat at Chez My Kitchen.  I think I’ve finally perfected my omelet making technique.

‘That’ll be the day,’ she thought.  Her hands inched towards the keyboard, fingers burning and mind filling with words and phrases and things that simply had to be said no matter where they went from here.

One more message appeared before she could.

TStark: I just miss you, Pepper.  I miss you so much.

Her heart didn’t twist because it had been aching since his first ‘Hey Pep’.  She pictured him at his desk, or in his suit dictating to FRIDAY, eyes bloodshot and body ragged from life and supersoldier fists beating down on him.  He looked no better than she felt.  

Her list was minimized at the bottom of the screen.  Clicking on it, Pepper read it one more time.  Seven perfectly understandable reasons why they weren’t meant to be.  Why if she did meet him, they should part ways as amicable friends, ready to move on to a new chapter in life.  

By the time Pepper got to the last line, she was more convinced than ever that breaking up with Tony was the best thing for both of them… and so she scrolled down to the next page.

Reasons Why I Should Stay With Tony

1: Tony has done more to better himself than anyone I’ve ever met.  He’ll always have flaws, but who doesn’t?  And who else would work so hard to overcome their flaws even if they still make mistakes?

2: He cares so much about helping people, even when he pretends it’s all for an ego boost.  He’ll go to Hell and back to protect the world.

3: I drink milk from the carton when I’m too lazy to use a glass so I guess I owe him the sheets.

4: And having my own suit would be kind of cool even though it’s also terrifying.

5: David from R&D has awful hair and only ever talks about soccer.  I hate soccer.  I’d be bored to tears with him.

6: Becoming Ironman was the best thing Tony ever did and it made him the man I fell in love with.  The man I’ll always love.

Oh yeah, that’s right.  How could she have forgotten?

Pepper smiled and pulled the chat window up.

PPotts: I miss you, too.

[lockcup5-blog]

The Linc - Eagles listed among teams that could potentially trade for Jadeveon Clowney

Let’s get to the Philadelphia Eagles links ...

Five potential trade partners for the Texans if they move Jadeveon Clowney - The Athletic The chances that the Eagles will land Clowney are very low, but they’re not zero. The big issue that the Eagles — and many other teams — face would be finding the money to sign Clowney to a lucrative extension. That’s an especially tall task in Philadelphia, where the team is going to be building around a high-priced quarterback pretty soon in Carson Wentz. That said, Howie Roseman is not afraid to take big swings. And he views the defensive line as a premium position. Clowney would be a disruptive player who could line up in multiple spots in the Eagles’ scheme. That he’s only 26 has to be appealing to Roseman. A core up front of Fletcher Cox, Derek Barnett and Clowney would create issues for opposing offenses for years to come. If this were a year or two ago, and the Eagles had Wentz on his rookie contract, I could see Roseman making an aggressive push for Clowney. Now? The Eagles will likely kick around the idea internally and might even call. But given what it will take in terms of draft pick compensation and financial commitment, a deal seems highly unlikely. — Sheil Kapadia

The Mack Hollins mystery - BGN Hopefully we’ll see Hollins back out on the field sooner than later. If he can build on the potential he showed as a rookie, I think he can be a solid contributor for this team. It’s just hard to tell how realistic that is at this point. Even if Hollins does return soon, it’s fair to wonder how much his absence has stunted the 25-year-old’s development. (Not to mention going from No. 10 to No. 16 is a bad sign in terms of #JerseyNumberAnalytics.)

Organized Team Activities Progress Report - BGN Radio Michael Kist and Brandon Lee Gowton go over all the happenings from the Eagles’ Organized Team Activities! Wentz, Goedert, a new starter at RG(?), the defensive back configuration and much much more all discussed on this loaded show! Presented by SB Nation and Bleeding Green Nation.

Wentz Lives! - Iggles Blitz It is good to hear Rasul Douglas carried over the momentum from January to the OTAs. He finished the season strong. It sounds like he is ready to really compete for playing time. Interesting that Avonte Maddox was at CB. The Eagles need to find a home for him and let him develop. Maddox is a talented player. You want him on the field.

Carson Wentz brings energy to Eagles practice, along with hope that history won’t repeat itself - CBS Sports Wentz looked spry and agile as he booted out to his right and delivered powerful passes to the sideline off his signature hop-step. He unleashed some perfect deep fades in one-on-one will drills. Things were not nearly as smooth in seven-on-seven and full team drills – “X’s and O’s-wise, things weren’t perfect,” he conceded – though that’s not what this return was really about. This was about just being able to do the same things that all of his healthy teammates could, with no restrictions.

Eagles rookie JJ Arcega-Whiteside and his guardian angels - ESPN When the camera cut to Stanford Cardinal wide receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside during the 2019 NFL draft, he was sitting on the couch hip-to-hip with his mother, Valorie, in their South Carolina home, friends and family all around them. Valorie intended to burst off the couch and break into a celebratory dance when her boy was selected. But when the call came from the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round that Friday night in April, JJ unexpectedly broke down -- so his mom did, too. ”There’s been a few times I’ve seen JJ cry. That was when my mom died, when I found out I had cancer, and one other time -- he had a little brother that passed during childbirth,” Valorie said. “That’s the three times in my life that I have seen him cry. So when he got emotional and cried, my happy celebration turned ... I just went from laughing and screaming to crying right there with him. ”It was a feeling of so many emotions all at once. How can you be happy and crying and ecstatic and nostalgic and all of these things all at the same time? That’s what it was like, just a big kaleidoscope of emotions.”

Fired-up Tim Jernigan brimming with confidence, motivation and swagger - NBCSP “You gotta listen to what I just said,” Jernigan said, pointing out how obvious it was to him. “It speaks for itself, bro. You’ll see the difference in September then. Ask any coach in here, ask any player in here, what Timmy Jernigan look like? I ain’t gotta brag on myself, I ain’t gotta talk on myself. Ask them. I ain’t gotta say one word. It’s on.” Even when he’s getting ticked off by questions, there’s just something about Jernigan’s energy, his swagger, that separates him. It’s something the Eagles feel when they’re on the field too. It’s why late last season, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz stressed how important Jernigan was to the spirit of their defense.

While cast in Aaron Donald’s shadow, Fletcher Cox will go down as one of the best to ever do it - PFF Among the 125 interior defensive linemen with 500 or more pass-rush snaps since 2015, Donald ranks first in pass-rush grade (95.9), total pressures (375) and pass-rush win percentage (22.1%). Cox ranks second behind Donald in all three metrics. And the trend continues, as Donald led all at his position in pass-rush grade in each of the past four seasons (2015-18). Cox ranked second two of the years (2017 & 2018) and third in another (2015). The five best single-season pass-rush win rates in the PFF era (2006-18) all belong to Donald and Cox. Donald owns the three best (2016, 2017 &2018) and the fifth-best (2015), while Cox owns the fourth-best (2018).

In Year 2, Dallas Goedert is poised for a season to remember - PE.com “You have to get used to the speed of things, for sure,” Goedert said. “It takes some time. As soon as you get here, you’re on the move. It’s tough to catch up sometimes. But if you keep your head down and keep grinding, understanding that it’s your job now, things slow down. I feel like it’s all slowed down for me. I can go out there and just play football and not think. That makes me a better football player. I’m pretty happy with where I’m at, continuing to work, continuing to enjoy this.”

Eagles tight end Zach Ertz ready to build on his record-breaking season - Daily News “On paper, we’ve got an explosive, explosive offense,’’ Ertz said Tuesday after the Eagles finished the first of their 10 spring OTA practice sessions at the NovaCare Complex. “We just have to fine-tune everything and be on point. ”Bringing in a guy like Jordan Howard is going to help us immensely. A guy that you can give the ball to behind five really good offensive linemen and say, ‘Go to work.’ “And DeSean coming back is going to be big for us. He’s just so fast. The first play of the Tampa Bay game last year, he goes 70 yards [for a touchdown] on us. We haven’t had that since he left, honestly. [Jeremy] Maclin had it a little bit. But D-Jac is just another animal.’’ The addition of Jackson is intriguing in two respects. He not only gives quarterback Carson Wentz the most dangerous vertical threat he’s ever had, but Jackson’s speed also should open things up underneath for Ertz and the Eagles’ other two tight ends, Dallas Goedert and Richard Rodgers.

Mike Freeman’s 10-Point Stance: Russell Wilson Is Exactly What the NFL Needs Now - B/R Philadelphia defensive lineman Chris Long retired this past week. Though he’ll be remembered as a talented player who helped the Eagles win their first Super Bowl, his impact has gone far beyond the field. When Colin Kaepernick started taking a knee to protest social justice issues, it set off a chain of events that impacted the sport, and society, forever. One of the more striking aspects of the protests, even after Kaepernick was no longer on the field, was the small number of white players who joined their teammates. Long proudly joined those players voicing their concerns over social injustice. He also funded scholarships in his hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia, in hopes of promoting educational equity and opportunity. I cannot emphasize enough how much a number of black players appreciated Long’s actions. Long will be missed. Not just for his good play but also for what he meant to black players during one of the most important times in league history.

Brandon Lee Gowton Talks Eagles - 94WIP From Bleeding Green Nation, Brandon Lee Gowton calls in to talk Eagles’ OTAs and Carson Wentz.

Falcons DE Steven Means will miss 2019 season with torn Achilles - The Falcoholic It’s hard, hard news for Means, a journeyman who found a home in Atlanta and was being primed for a bigger role in the team’s defensive end rotation. He signed a one-year extension in February and was one of the team’s only moves at the position this offseason. The move puts Atlanta in a bit of a bind. Means projected to be a key player in the team’s base defense, a role he grew into in 2018. Right now, the Falcons don’t have ton of depth at the position, and his loss puts the onus on rookie edge John Cominsky to play a bigger role in the rotation. Cominsky came into the University of Charleston as a quarterback, and needs development as an NFL defensive end.

Looks like things are on track for Cowboys to make Ezekiel Elliott highest-paid RB in NFL history - Blogging The Boys Pelissero notes that Elliott’s camp and the Cowboys have been in communication despite ongoing contract talks between the team and representatives for Prescott and Cooper. He also mentions that it seems like everyone involved feels that Zeke will soon be the highest-paid running back in NFL history. Read it again. The highest-paid running back in NFL history. Of course, the barometer for running back salary in the NFL is Todd Gurley of the Los Angeles Rams. He got his long-term extension after his third year (that’s where Zeke is now) last offseason, a huge contract to the tune of four years for $60M. [BLG Note: Good luck, Dallas.]

The 2019 NFL Contract-Year All-Stars - The Ringer Players like Bobby Wagner, Michael Thomas, Dak Prescott, and A.J. Green have contract negotiations on the horizon. If they go into the season on the last year of their deals, their performances could make or break their bank account next offseason.

Why I’m glad the NFL didn’t change its ‘unfair’ overtime system - SB Nation Retired NFL lineman Geoff Schwartz gives his thoughts about the current OT system, the potential PI replay tweaks, and the elimination of certain drills.

...

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Source: https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2019/5/23/18636908/eagles-news-philadelphia-teams-could-potentially-trade-jadeveon-clowney-nfl-rumors-texans-pass-rush

[skysplinter]

2. Correspondence

First chapter here.

Next chapter here.

Latest chapter here.

Commander Thorn placed the datapad back down on her desk, the report still open. Her thin upper lip curled. Across from her, C-244 clacked its digits together in anticipation.

She really didn't know how to put this.

'So,' said the commander. 'The prisoner was... cooperative, I see.'

The orb of light where the archivist droid's head should have been dimmed as it flickered slowly from red to blue. 'Cooperative. Yes, commander,' it told her. 'The prisoner provided answers when asked questions. The answers registered as adequate and relevant to the subject at hand, though there were some minor diversions from the primary topic.'

Thorn pinched the bridge of her nose and scrunched her eyes up tight. She was starting to get a headache, and there was little doubt in her mind as to the cause of it. 'So I noticed in your report, C-2,' she sighed.

'I am detecting a heightened level of stress,' said C-244. Its hinges creaked a little as it leaned over in concern. 'Are you well, commander? Should I notify the medical department?'

'I'm fine, C-2,' said Thorn. She dusted herself down, cleared her throat, and started again. 'It's nothing to worry about. Now, as I was saying - the prisoner was cooperative. This is... progress.'

'Correct. Current statistics register a five-point-two-eight percent survival rate of all interrogators following an encounter with the prisoner aboard our vessel, a marked improvement since our last attempt was logged,' said C-244 calmly, shimmering a cheery shade of yellow. 'I believe I successfully established a rapport with Scourge.'

'Scourge.' Thorn raised an eyebrow.

'They identified themselves as such, commander. I trust I have documented it adequately in my report,' it replied.

She ran her fingers through her short red hair and inhaled through gritted teeth. 'Indeed,' she said. She paused a moment, making a point to look as thoughtful as she could manage. 'At any rate, I do have to admit that simply surviving your little encounter with the prisoner is reason enough for praise. You've done a great job, C-2. Thank you.'

The droid's glow illuminated her office in a bright, brilliant green, well known by C-244's superiors to be its favourite colour. 'Assistance is a primary function of mine, commander,' it said. 'Please request again if you require my aid. On this subject, is there anything else you require of me before I return to my regular duties?'

Her false smile faltered, if only for a moment. 'No,' she said. She rose from her seat to shake C-2 by the hand before gesturing politely to the door. 'No, I think you've done enough for one day. You're dismissed.'

She watched it as it left, still glowing happily to itself as it plodded out into the corridor. Thorn struggled with her smile as it slowly but surely turned into a grimace while she waved her archivist out of sight.

Once she was sure it was gone, she closed the door, returned to her desk, sat down at her chair, and slammed her head face-first into the datapad.

She didn't want C-244 to think that she was mad at it. She hadn't been lying when she told it that it had done a lot of good work, and it certainly was true that it had developed something of a rapport with the prisoner.

The problem was that the interrogation had yielded absolutely nothing of use, and her commanding officers were starting to ask questions to which she simply didn't have the answer. C-244 had successfully eked out the prisoner's personality, which was nice - it was always a good idea to bring a highly dangerous murderer out of their shell - but what she needed was cold hard facts. She needed a planet of origin, a species, a purpose, some kind of explanation as to why the damn thing had been found lurking in the abandoned tunnels beneath Moon Base Two. She needed a name, not some flowery approximation of a monster's justification for ripping humans to pieces.

Of course Thorn recognised that C-2 had done amazing work, because in all honesty? It had. She had expected her resident chief archivist to be returned to her as a twisted metal jigsaw puzzle, but it hadn't; it had walked out of the room with its non-existent head held high, making a bigger breakthrough with their prisoner than anyone else still alive had managed. And it was right to be proud of itself. She was proud of it, even though she was having a hard time convincing herself of that fact.

The problem of the matter was that the heads of the Unified Intergalactic damned Council didn't want a "rapport" with the beast. They wanted statistics. They had allowed her to keep the prisoner because she was the commander of a research vessel, and according to their alleged higher wisdom, the prisoner was a thing that needed researching.

She shouldn't even have reported the life signs when they came up on her scanner. She shouldn't have sent down a team to find the thing, sedate it and bring it on board. If she had been born with any sense, she would have seen it, realized that it was a new and dangerous species that threatened the existence of all life simply by being alive, and left it back on that barren moon where it was. It wasn't harming anyone there, and it wasn't as though it had any way to leave the base it had holed itself up in.

Any other commander in her shoes wouldn't have dreamed of bringing that beast onto their ship - and even if they had, they would have let the stupid thing slip out the airlock "by accident" and log the events "with deep regrets at the loss of potential scientific discovery". She probably could have gotten away with a little bit of praise for that, maybe even the hollow threat of a promotion.

But no, Commander Thorn was too much of a fool to let her prisoner slip out of her grip like that. In her lapse of common sense, she reported the thing to her superiors. Then they had excitedly reported that to their superiors, and those to theirs, and so on and so on. So now she had the secretary of the head of the Council breathing down her neck, buzzing her daily for updates on the situation with "their little discovery", because suddenly this was Important.

She couldn't back out. She couldn't palm the project off to anyone else. She couldn't even shoot the thing out the airlock any more, because of the amount of attention this thing was getting. All she could hope was that one day she would wake up and find the prisoner in a much more forgiving frame of mind, openly offering itself up for a complete dissection in the name of science. The way things were going, however, Thorn wasn't sure whether it was worth putting herself up for dissection instead.

As the commander fumed to herself, a request tone sounded at the door. Her head slumped in her hands. 'Come in,' she said.

The door to her office opened, and she was greeted with a brief smirk by her second in command, Lieutenant Commander Durant. 'Commander,' she nodded. 'You're looking... well.'

'Don't even start,' Thorn murmured. 'There haven't been any more calls from HQ, have there?'

'Only two, unless I'm mistaken.' Durant stifled a chuckle. 'Don't worry, commander. Everything's still being redirected from your private channel. I think you still have eight messages you haven't watched yet. You're going to have to get back to them sooner or later though.'

'Can we not? Can we just forget they ever existed?'

'Of course, commander,' said Durant, an irrepressible grin spreading across her face. 'That is, provided you don't mind being stripped of command of the Lodestar for wilfully ignoring orders given by a superior officer.'

She weighed up her options. 'As much as I may want an extended vacation,' Thorn sighed, 'I suppose you're right. I will review them later, but as for right now - is there a reason for you coming to my office, or is this just a social visit?'

The lieutenant commander approached her desk and handed her another datapad - not a standard Council issue one, Thorn noted. 'Do you want the good news or the bad news first?'

'The good news,' said Thorn. 'I need a little cheering up.'

Durant rolled her eyes. 'As you wish,' she said. 'In that case - the good news. You'll be glad to hear that what I am about to tell you has nothing to do with the prisoner or your superiors whatsoever.'

Thorn nodded. That probably wasn't the best news she could have hoped for, but at least it granted her a momentary reprieve from the usual mess she had been dealing with for the past two weeks. 'And the bad news?'

'The bad news is that we've had an undocumented item transported to our research team by a couple of Earth traders who are being, um, difficult.'

'Define "difficult",' said Thorn, narrowing her eyes.

'They're refusing to leave the ship without payment for their service,' Durant explained. 'I have tried to tell them that payment is handled when registering a delivery, not when deliveries are made, but they don't seem to be fully grasping the concept.'

'You mean to tell me they don't know how delivering cargo works?'

'Apparently not, commander,' said Durant. She leaned over and swiped a hand across the datapad, the image on its surface shifting to a crudely typed note, littered with inexcusable punctuation. Thorn pulled a face as she glanced across it. 'This is their letter of complaint to the commander of this vessel. I thought you should be notified.'

'And they're refusing to leave, you say?' Thorn mused as she read the note. 'These people from the... the "Turner & Wheeler Delivery Company", whatever that might be.'

'Precisely. They're staging a peaceful protest down in R&D Lab Six.' Durant's usually sunny disposition paled a little as she spoke. She wrung her hands together awkwardly. 'They're not being any trouble, commander, but they do need to be dealt with; both of them and their cargo.'

'Ah, yes,' said Thorn. 'Their cargo. What was it?'

Durant looked sheepishly at her. 'Well... that's the thing. It's, um... It's unusual. I... I think you're going to have to take a look for yourself.'

[soletuscreate]

so i haven’t made a personal post since 2015???? maybe 2014????? and my blog has been mostly a queue for several years and any life updates i have posted have been in tags of reblogs so hello again

i’ve been tagged in many tag/ask games over the past forever and i’ve started to feel bad for never doing it and i’ve started to miss doing personal posts again so this will be a very long posts of asks games that i never got around to doing (under a read more) so feel free to keep reading if you haven’t heard anything since i was 20 year old laura and want to hear more about 23 year old laura

(these are all tag/ask games i’ve been able to find in the past year so thanks to everyone who has tagged me in games this year! and apologies if i never got to earlier ones, i hope to do more in the future as i’m tagged in them)

Tagged by @jessiemueller​

RULES: WE’RE SNOOPING ON YOUR PLAYLIST. SET YOUR ENTIRE MUSIC LIBRARY ON SHUFFLE AND REPORT THE FIRST TEN TRACKS THAT POP UP! THEN CHOOSE TEN ADDITIONAL FRIENDS.

 1. Girls/Girls/Boys -Panic! at the Disco  2. Seasons of Love- Rent (the movie version)  3. Take It Back- Ed Sheeran  4. 18- One Direction 5. Vanilla Ice Cream- Laura Benanti (She Loves Me 2016) 6. Migraine (Live from SXSW)- Twenty One Pilots  7. The Sun (Interlude)- Jukebox the Ghost  8. Making the Most of the Night- Carly Rae Jepsen  9. Disloyal Order of the Water Buffaloes- Fall Out Boy 10. Bibia Be Ye Ye- Ed Sheeran

Rules: Complete the survey and say who tagged you in the beginning. When you are finished tag 5 people to do this survey. Have fun and enjoy!!!

Tagged by @jessiemueller​

1: Are you named after someone? my mom had a doll named laura when she was little but otherwise she just always liked the name

2: When is the last time you cried? weirdly i don’t remember???? but it was probably in the past week

3: Do you like your handwriting? yes it’s neat and i get compliments on it but it’s very small

4: What is your favorite lunch meat? ham/turkey/chicken

5: Do you have kids? no and i don’t plan to (but can’t wait to be gay aunt laura)

6: If you were another person, would you be friends with you? probably??? maybe??

7: Do you use sarcasm? always

8: Do you still have your tonsils? yes

9: Would you bungee jump? probably not but it would be a battle between impulsive!laura and anxious afraid of heights!laura

10: What is your favorite kind of cereal? frosted flakes 

11: Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? never

12: Do you think you’re a strong person? -dennis reynolds voice- not physically emotionally??? it depends

13: What is your favorite ice cream flavor? americone dream 

14: What is the first thing you notice about people? how friendly and extroverted they are 

15: Red or pink? red

16: What is the least favorite physical thing you like about yourself? i don’t like being so short but i deal with it 

17: What color pants and shoes are you wearing now? grey jeans and no shoes just socks (but my shoes are grey also)

18: What was the last thing you ate? apple cider doughnut

19: What are you listening to right now? king of anything- sara bareilles

20: If you were a crayon, what color would you be? purple orange or yellow

21: Favorite smell? vanilla or orange

22: Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone? the pharmacy but if it’s a person then my sister

23: Favorite sport to watch? if i had to watch a sport it would be hockey

24: Hair color? brown

25: Eye colour? brown

26: Do you wear contacts? i’ve worn them since 4th grade but i plan to switch to glasses because my prescription is very strong and contacts are starting to bother my eyes

27: Favorite food to eat? pizza or 

28: Scary movies or comedy? comedy

29: Last movie you watched? according to netflix it was short term 12 (last year though i don’t watch many movies) but it was probably carol/waitress/imagine me and you 

30: What color shirt are you wearing? blue and grey

31: Summer or winter? summer i don’t like being cold 

32: Hugs or kisses? hugs

33: What book are you currently reading? none i don’t really read anymore unfortunately

34: Who do you miss right now? my sister

35: What is on your mouse pad? i don’t have a mouse pad

36: What is the last TV program you watched? grey’s anatomy

37: What is the best sound? snow crunching, skates on ice, kinetic sand cutting videos

38: Rolling Stones or The Beatles? neither but i guess the beatles??

39: What is the furthest you have ever traveled? los angeles when i was in high school

40: Do you have a special talent? i remember everyone’s birthdays without trying

41: Where were you born? boston!!!!!

tagged by @thefaultinourscarves

A- Age: 23

B- Biggest fear: as much as i want to leave school i don’t want to actually have to get a job and live independently 

C- Current time: 2:00 am

D- Drink you last had: diet pepsi

E- Everyday starts with: coffee, tumblr

F- Favourite song: there’s at least 10 but my brain keeps playing perfect places by lorde 

G- Ghosts, are they real: definitely

H- Hometown: boston/around boston massachusetts

I- In love with: all of my faves (besides sara bareilles) coming back with albums this year

J- Jealous of: people who supposedly have their life after school (although i know nobody really knows what they’re doing), wlw with girlfriends???

K- Killed someone: no?????

L- Last time you cried: probably in the last week 

M- Middle name: elizabeth

N- Number of siblings: 3

O- One wish: right now it’s to finish my thesis and graduate already 

P- Person you last called/texted: called: my sister texted: also my sister

Q- Questions you’re always asked: “what are you doing”

R- Reasons to smile: cats exist, lots of new music, being gay also to quote ari “the world is beautiful!”

S- Song last sang: i bet you look good on the dancefloor- arctic monkeys

U- Underwear colour: black

V- Vacation destination: usually the cape but if i could go somewhere ireland??? probably

W- Worst habit: changing the subject in the middle of a sentence or otherwise losing focus on something and switching tasks in the middle of doing something

X- X-rays you’ve had: hands feet and my knee because of arthritis

Y- Your favourite food: pizza

Z- Zodiac sign: gemini

tagged by @cassiopeia-chasing-the-moon​

rules: answer the questions and tag 20 blogs you want to get to know better

name: laura

family name: sheepan (close enough and what i use here)

gender: who knows anymore

star sign: gemini

height: 5 feet

age: 23

favorite color: purple

time rn: 2:05 am

hours of sleep: anywhere from 5 to 10 because of summer but could be more or less or average when the school year starts

lucky number: 6

last thing you googled: ed sheeran’s tour setlist and also what jimmy fallon’s ben and jerry flavor was for a previous question but decided it wasn’t one of my favorites (still good though)

favorite fictional character: sarah manning, cosima niehaus, alex danvers, juliet o’hara, rory gilmore, paris geller, lorelai gilmore

blankets you sleep with: 1 in warmer months 2 or more in the winter

favorite artists: sara bareilles, taylor swift, ed sheeran, lorde, haim, the summer set, jukebox the ghost, one direction, all time low

dream trip: ireland??? australia?

dream job: counseling, either grief counseling or in a school 

what you’re wearing right now: jeans and a long sleeved shirt

follower count: 1,958

posts: 102,824 i’ve been here forever and used to hit post limit EVERY DAY 

what do you post about: being a lesbian, cats, tv shows, bands, musicals?? i would get into detail but that would take forever 

most active followers: emofrenchfries, bookaddict7342, wenamedthedogkylo, themovieofmylifeasiliveit

when did your blog reach its peak: 2012-2013

why did you make this blog: charlieissocoollike made a video about tumblr and my friends from high school started making them 

do you get asks on a daily basis: no but occasionally i still do

why did you choose your url: it’s a dumb and outdated taylor swift reference from her unicorn shirt she wore in the 2013 ama’s + ‘after plaid shirt days’ i’ve been wanting to change it for a while but i still have to decide to what

countries you’ve lived in: united states

favorite fandom: orphan black??? sara bareilles fandom??? i guess??? fun and in my experience low fandom drama

languages you speak: english

favorite films: carol

last article you read: probably something about forgiveness for my thesis project

last thing you bought online: super smash bros for 3ds

last person you dreamt of: i don’t know???? i don’t remember a lot of my dreams

a recurring dream: literally adulthood and moving out of my house

phobias/fears: i’ve been developing irrational fears about driving, but also heights, public speaking, the general future

how would your friends describe you: funny, gay, smart??? i guess?? passionate??? loyal??? i haven’t asked recently

if you had $$$ to spend what would you buy first: a car?? clothes???

shuffle your song library and list the first three songs that play: guns for hands- twenty one pilots, undertow- sara bareilles, one night- ed sheeran

TAG GAME

Tagged by @jessiemueller​, @justputyourheartintoit​, @cassiopeia-chasing-the-moon​

rules: answer the questions and tag 20 blogs you’d like to get to know better

nicknames: lau (like law) very occasionally, sometimes laur but only by my roommate

time right now: 2:29 am

last thing i googled: ed sheeran’s tour setlist and also what jimmy fallon’s ben and jerry flavor was for a previous question but decided it wasn’t one of my favorites (still good though)

fave music artist: sara bareilles, taylor swift, ed sheeran, lorde, haim, the summer set, jukebox the ghost, one direction, all time low

song stuck in my head: anything from melodrama by lorde (usually perfect places, green light, hard feelings/loveless)

last movie i watched: probably carol

last tv show i watched: grey’s anatomy

what i’m wearing now: jeans and a long sleeved shirt (blue and grey)

when i created this blog: march 2011

the kind of stuff i post: tv shows, gay stuff, cats, aesthetic posts, musicals, bands

do i have other blogs: i have a journal blog and a 100% 1d blog

do i get asks regularly: very rarely now but sometimes

why did i choose my url: an outdated taylor swift reference (2013 ama’s unicorn shirt + ‘after plaid shirt days’)

gender: who knows anymore 

hogwarts house: hufflepuff

pokemon team: instinct

fave color: purple

average hours of sleep: 8-10 if i don’t have to set an alarm otherwise 5-8

lucky number: 6

favorite characters: sarah manning, cosima niehaus, alex danvers, juliet o’hara, rory gilmore, paris geller, lorelai gilmore

dream job: right now counseling (either grief or in a school)

number of blankets i sleep with: usually 1 but in the winter 2 

tagged by @thefaultinouscarves, @teaspoonemotionalrange​

Name: laura Nicknames: usually none but rarely lau (law) or laur Zodiac sign: gemini 
Height: 5 feet Orientation: super gay Ethnicity: white Favorite fruit: strawberries? Favorite season: spring Favorite book: the fault in our stars or harry potter (4 or 7) ((i know these are boring choices but i don’t read much anymore)) Favorite flower: daisies? 
Favorite scent: vanilla/orange Favorite color: purple Favorite animal: cat/penguin Coffee, tea, or hot cocoa: in order: hot chocolate, coffee, tea Average sleep hours: 8-10 Cat or dog person?: CATS Favorite fictional characters: sarah manning, cosima niehaus, alex danvers, juliet o’hara, rory gilmore, paris geller, lorelai gilmore 
Number of blankets you sleep with: 1 or 2 Dream trip: ireland but if we’re being really ambitious australia  Blog created: march 2011 Number of followers: 1,958  

rules: answer the questions with the first letter of your name, then tag 10 people. if the person who tagged you has the same initial, you must use different answers. you cannot use the same word twice.

tagged by @jessiemueller​

what is your name? laura a four letter word? love a boy’s name? lawrence an occupation? lawyer something you wear? lace a color? lilac a food? lime a place? louisiana something you shout? look out! a movie title? love, actually something you drink? lemonade an animal? llama a type of car? i got run over by a lexuuuuuuuus title of a song? love song- sara bareilles

Tagged by @jessiemueller​

♡ if i were a month: february, june, july, august, october

♡ if i were a day: saturday

♡ if i were a planet: venus

♡ if i were a god or goddess: aphrodite? athena?

♡ if i were a sea creature: do penguins count

♡ if i were a piece of furniture: desk or bookshelf

♡ if i were a gemstone: opal

♡ if i were a flower: daisy

♡ if i were a weather condition: warm and sunny

♡ if i were a color: purple

♡ if i were an emotion: according to quizzes on google: vulnerability or sadness

♡ if i were a fruit: strawberry

♡ if i were an element: water

♡ if i were a place: beach, library, my bed sleeping

♡ if i were a taste: combination salty sweet

♡ if i were a scent: vanilla

♡ if i were a song: i just want you- sara bareilles

♡ if i were a body part: eyes

♡ if i were a pair of shoes: converse 

20 facts about me

The rules: write 20 random facts about yourself so your followers can get to know you better then tag those who you want to know better (no limit) Tagged by: @teaspoonemotionalrange​ who only did 10 so i’m only going to do 10

1. i graduated with a psychology degree in 2016 and i’m currently working on a master’s degree in research psychology (focusing on forgiveness in friendships)

2. for the past 4 summers i’ve worked at a summer school in my town with special needs elementary school kids (preschool to 2nd grade)

3. i believe all time low and 5 seconds of summer are tied for the bands i’ve seen most live (3-4 times each)

4. i only got my license this summer at 23 (7 years after i got my permit the first time then it expired and i got it again last summer)

5. i have two cats (pretty girl and snowball)

6. my lockscreen is a collage of sara bareilles that i made and my homescreen is a different collage that i requested someone on tumblr to make

7. i’m supposed to be a bridesmaid for one of my college roommates who is getting married in 2019

8. i have adhd and you can see what i’m hyperfixating on if you pay attention to my reblogs (right now it’s supergirl but can also be legend of zelda (ocarina of time/majora’s mask), musicals (mostly waitress), and a lot of music you can visit my adhd playlist tag for a sort of comprehensive list)

9. if i’m at a bar (which is rare but happens) my go-to drink is whiskey and coke

10. i realized i was gay on october 24, 2013 (in the most boring way possible just sitting there and “what if i’m gay?” that was literally it)

@hightideswift asked:  Pass the happy along! When you get this, reply with 5 things that make you happy, then send it to the last 10 people in your activity! 

1. my cats

2. driving alone and getting to listen to my music

3. all my faves releasing new music this year

4. i’m theoretically almost done with grad school so eventually i’ll be working and doing my own thing 

5. late at night when i can stay up and watch netflix with snacks or listening to music without interruptions 

@bakedinabeautifulpie asked: 

Once you get this you have to say Five things you like about yourself publicly, then you have to send it to 10 of your favorite mutuals/followers (non-negotiable. Positivity is cool)

1. i’ve liked my clothing choices more now that i’ve had more money to buy my own clothes

2. i like being a lesbian and a part of the lgbt community

3. i like how passionate i can get about whatever i’m fixating on at that moment

4. i like my eyes

5. i like my hair now that it’s short

@jessiemueller​ tagged me in a “characters I relate to” post (it’s hard to separate characters i relate to from favorite characters so include the favorite ones i mentioned earlier 

alex danvers | supergirl

cosima niehaus  | orphan black

amy santiago  | brooklyn nine-nine

jake peralta  | brooklyn nine-nine

rory gilmore  | gilmore girls

paris geller  | gilmore girls

jenna hunterson  | waitress

dawn  | waitress

monica geller  | friends

[jedifighterpilot2727]

That supercorp ellen prompt was great!! I'd love to read what happens next where maybe Kara meets Lena and asks her about the interview, which leads to Lena admitting her feelings for Kara? Only if you want to of course/ have time but all your stuff is great :)

For the purpose of this fic, assume that Kara and Mon-El stayed broken up and Lena knows Kara is Supergirl.

Gal Pals Pt. 2

The sound of boots on her office balcony makes her want to bang her head against her desk.

It isn’t that she’s been ignoring Kara, it’s just …

She’s been ignoring Kara.

Ever since the Ellen interview two days ago, she had been trying to avoid the ‘gal pals’ question. Just thinking about it makes her cringe with the awkwardness of it all. Even though she had completely scoffed at the idea of she and Kara being more than ‘just friends’; she’s still afraid that if Kara realizes that some of their interactions could be considered … well, a little more than friendly; she might treat Lena differently.

But Lena likes how they are.

She likes the late night donut dates, and the weekend brunches.

She likes the tight hugs and the flirtatious smiles, and the way Kara sometimes stares at her boobs when she thinks Lena isn’t looking.

The last thing she wants is for all of that to go away.

Kara is her best friend, and okay, maybe she wants something more; but she would never risk Kara’s friendship - she would much rather pine away in silence.

So she had thrown herself into her work, ignoring Kara’s texts and phone calls, hoping that eventually Kara would forget all about ‘gal pals’.

But for better or worse, Kara is nothing if not persistent, and here she is,  coming to visit Lena at  - she checks her watch - 10:45 PM.

She sighs and finishes her annotations on the next page of the contract she’s working on, knowing Kara will use the keypad lock and let herself in.

“You’re avoiding me.”

She can hear the pout in Kara’s voice, and it makes her smile just a little - fully aware of the puppy dog pout that’s waiting for her when she finally looks up.

“I’ve been busy.” She offers.

“You’re always busy, but you still make time for me.” Kara’s arms cross her chest and her bottom lip juts out even further - if that’s possible.

“I’m sorry.” She says honestly, because she is sorry.

Kara’s face instantly softens.

“Is there anything I can help you with? I don’t really know much about the business side of things, but I can look over R&D reports, or get you dinner from that Sushi place you love in Metropolis …”

“Thank you, really, but I’m fine - just finishing up, actually.”

Kara nods thoughtfully before taking a seat at one of the chairs opposite Lena’s desk. They sit in silence for a moment, Lena finishing up the contract and Kara watching her carefully.

“Want to tell me what’s really going on?”

“What?”

“Lee, you’ve read that paragraph five times, and you have yet to write any notes about it.”

“Oh.”

“Are you avoiding me because you don’t want to have to tell me you don’t want to be gal pals?” Kara says it like a joke, Lena freezes, because that’s exactly what she wants; but it doesn’t mean what Kara thinks it means and …

“You know what gal pals are, right?”  She tries to keep her voice light and teasing, and she hopes that Kara isn’t paying attention to her heart, because she can feel it pound desperately in her chest.

“Like best friends, right?” Those perfect brows are crinkled in confusion and she fights the urge to reach out and smooth it with her thumb.

“Kara … gal pals is like a joke for when someone, especially in the media refuses to acknowledge a lesbian as anything more than friends. Or when the two women involved act an awfully lot like a couple but still insist that they’re just friends.”

“Oh.” Kara’s lips form a perfect ‘o’.

“Yeah.” She leans back in her desk chair and waits for the inevitable fall out.

“So… Ellen was asking if we’re a couple?” Kara finally asks, rising from her chair.

“Basically.”

“Or … “ Kara’s back is to her, and even though she can’t see the other woman’s face, she can practically hear the wheels turning. “Or she was implying that we act like we’re dating, even though we don’t really notice it.”

There it is.

“Kara-“ She begins, but she’s cut off when Kara whirls around, cape twisting in the air.

“Friends don’t act like this, do they?”

She has no idea what to say, no inkling of how to preserve her favorite friendship; so she says the only thing she can say - the truth.

“I like the way we act.”

Kara is silent for a moment, fingers tugging at the cuffs on her suit. Lena waits with baited breath, terrified of the words about to come.

“I like the way we act too.” Kara finally says, so soft she can barely hear it; but regardless, she feels a weight lift from her shoulders.

“I’m sorry if I -“

“No, Lee, you have nothing to be sorry for; I … “

They stand there, eyes locked - for how long Lena isn’t sure. All she knows is that she could lose herself in Kara’s blue eyes - wants to lose herself.

“Join me on the balcony?” Kara finally asks. “Sometimes it’s easier for me to think when I’m under the stars.”

She pushes back her chair and leads the way onto the balcony, moving to lean over the railing, shocked when she feels Kara’s cape drape over her shoulders. If anything, she expected Kara to pull back from physical affection.

“Is this okay?” Kara questions and she nods, leaning into the superhero. It’s cold, and Kara is just so warm.

They stay like that, gazing out at the stars and the city for several long moments before either of them speaks again. Lena’s mind races through every possible scenario, but this is a game of chess she’s never played before, and Kara has always been a skilled opponent anyways.

“So,” Kara finally breaks the silence. “We act like girlfriends, huh?”

“I suppose so.” she says with a chuckle, although her heart is breaking.

“I guess, you lied then.”

“Excuse me?”

“To Ellen. About being gal pals.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t -“

“You’re my best friend, Lena. My best friend. And I love you. And the last thing I want to do is to mess that up, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to kiss you right now.”

“What?!” Out of all the scenarios she had planned in her head, this was not one of them.

“I just - I’m myself, with you. And I want to do things for you like bring you flowers and make you eat lunch when you forget, and sometime you get that adorable little frown when you concentrate and I just want to kiss it away. So maybe I’m a gal pal, maybe I’ve been lying to myself about how I feel about you because I didn’t want to wreck our friendship. But I’ve never had a friend like you. I’ve never had anyone like you.”

Lena swallows thickly.

“So what do you think we should do?”

“I think you should let me fly you home because it’s late.”

“Kara-“

“No, Lena, it’s on me. You shouldn’t feel obligated just because -“

“Kara.” She says it more firmly this time, tugging the other woman to face her. “I’ve been avoiding you because I was afraid that you would be able to see how much I want more with you  and that you wouldn’t want to be friends anymore.“

“You want more?”

Lena nods slowly, breath catching in her throat.

“With me?”

She nods again, a small chuckle escaping.

“Does that mean I can kiss you?”

“Please.”

She barely has time to get the word out before Kara’s lips are closing over hers, arms pulling her tight to the superhero’s chest.

Whatever she imagined kissing Kara would be like? This was a thousand times better.

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

“So Lena, last time you were on my show, you told my that you and a certain reporter were most certainly not dating.” Ellen gestures to the screen behind them-  half a dozen tabloid pictures of Lena and Kara kissing or holding hands. “I have to say, I feel a little lied to.”

“You know Ellen, it’s actually a funny story … ”