#we will be back to your somewhat regularly scheduled programming soon though

[lunarblazes]

sorry i vanished off the face of the planet i’ve played 17 hours of pokemon white in the past three days

[dokoni-mo]

Far Away, Together || Darth Vader x Reader (Chapter 5.5)

(IMPORTANT A/N PLEASE READ: oh boy am i nervous to post this,, hello everyone!! this is my first time ever writing smut!! this chapter is basically a continuation upon the previous chapter of the series that I have been working on. You could consider this chapter to be an OVA chapter of sorts... I’ll leave it up to you to decide whether or not this chapter is cannon to the story or not. With that being said, this chapter has very little to do with the story of the series. But, I still tagged all my normal people in the list since it is technically part of the series (if you don’t want to be tagged for things like this, please tell me and i’ll remove you!!). I also wanna give a big shoutout/thanks to @hxldmxdxwn​ (pls dont be mad for me tagging you,,) for giving me some advice for writing smut and being a huge inspo for me!! Thank you so much :)))) Anyway, if you are not interested in smut or don’t like smut, feel free to overlook this chapter!! Our regularly scheduled programming will be continued soon. However, if you do read on, I do hope you enjoy what you see!! have fun ;) ))) 

Chapter One: [x]

Chapter Two: [x]

Chapter Three: [x]

Chapter Four: [x]

Chapter Five: [x]

WARNINGS: SMUT!!!! light dom/sub references, usage of titles, fingering, force-bonding, inappropriate usage of the force, cursing, otherwise none!!

Key: (F/N) = first name

Word Count: ~4700

~~

Much to your dismay, the song that you and him had danced to eventually met it's inevitable end. 

The pair of you stood a moment longer in each other’s arms as you heard the music slowly fade into the muffled chatter of nobility and officers saying their adieu as they left the venue, the tiredness of the night creeping its way onto their bones. You felt a quick wash of sadness swim overtop of you as your ears confirmed that the song was over, making you frown slightly. Lingering your head upon his taunt chest for a moment longer, your face assumed a soft smile as you looked up at him, laced with a hint of nervousness and awkwardness as you tried to figure out what to say to him This task proved difficult, however, since you knew you had to say something, but you had no idea as to what that something would be. 

Hey, that was pretty neat? No way. There’s no way you’d be able to sleep at night if you said that. 

Thanks? No! That was just rude. 

Hey I really like you even though you are kinda intimidating and could totally snap me in half right here and right now but hey at least you would have touched me? This one was pretty self explanatory. 

“I… I never took you for such a good dancer.” You eventually settled on saying, your cheeks reddening as your eyes twinkled up at him. It was a decent thing to say, you figured. It was in no way a lie, and you had even thrown in a friendly joke. A fine performance.

“And I have never taken you as one to accept such things.” Lord Vader responded to you, his grip upon your tiny frame not faltering for even a moment. His hold was strong, stable, supportive, solid, and a plethora of other things that started with s. Some of which, however, lingered on the… indecent side of things. 

Letting a small giggle escape your lips, you made no attempt to quip back at him as you stared into the eyes of his mask. You had wished that the lenses were at least somewhat transparent within that moment. You craved to see his eyes as they burned into your own, letting you see every emotion that lingered in them as he looked upon you. If you were a braver person, you would reach up and take off the plate of metal yourself.

Alas, you were not. 

After a moment of looking upon him, you let your gaze fall to the panel of buttons upon his stomach, a small smile painting your lips as you snaked your hand from behind his back to let your hand rest upon the armor of his chest, your fingers absentmindedly tracing the outline of the square of buttons. 

“I should…” you began, your eyes still locked  upon the panel of buttons before you, “I should probably start getting ready for bed. We still have to… mingle in the morning, and-” 

“No.” He spoke quickly, almost too quickly, as he cut you off, his voice a touch louder than it should have been.

“(F/N)...” he began, his voice sounding so much deeper than normal to you, “please… stay here. Stay with me.” 

Before you could even think, you felt his arm that was wrapped around your waist slowly retreat and the hand that was in yours unlatch itself. His large hands eventually found their new home upon your ribcage just below your armpits, his grip as strong and sturdy just as before, perhaps even a touch more. Lord Vader’s hands were quite big as they rested upon your tiny body, the expanse of his palms nearly engulfing you whole. Feeling the sheer size of his hands around you, your cheeks flushed deeper pink as you bit your lip, trying to control your indecent thoughts. 

“O-Okay…” you stammered out, still refusing to meet his intense gaze upon your face. Not knowing what else to do with your hands, you rested them gingerly upon the underside of his muscular, leather-bound arms, your thumbs roaming the surface of the material for any feeling of flesh you could make out below it. 

After a long moment of the sith lord holding you in place in silence, you heard his breathing hitch in his respirator as his hands started to travel down your body. Slowly, so excruciatingly slowly, his strong, gargantuan hands made their way to rest upon your hips, his thumbs starting to rub the bone below your skin.

This in no way helped to coax your blush down or to stop the scandalous thoughts that plagued your mind. 

Without even telling yourself to do so, you lifted your hands from their position on his arms to rest upon the large expanse of his chest, the tips of your fingers hiding underneath the plate of metal that adorned his shoulders in order to get even a fraction closer to the skin beneath. You felt your inner temperature rise at the thought of seeing the man underneath the familiar armor. 

“(F/N),” He rumbled out from behind his mask, a distant purr within the depths of his voice, “Have I ever told you how breathtakingly... alluring I find you?” 

You swallowed thickly at his words, your cheeks nearly reaching a boiling point in heat. You paused for a moment to make sure that you were still alive before you could respond, your hands tensing upon his chest. 

“I-I find you alluring too, Vader…” you responded, still refusing to make eye contact with the dark lord. What you had said was in no way a lie. From the very first moment that you had lain eyes upon Lord Vader, you had always held an odd attraction to him. You had always wondered what it would feel like to have his hands upon you, what it would sound like to hear his voice call out your name. 

This was the perfect time for you to feed into your curiosity. Never in a million years did you expect to be there in that moment, locked tight in the sith lord’s grasp, his hands on your hips. Your body was so very hot, so very in need.

“(F/N).” You hear Lord Vader say, the usage of your name sending a shiver of cold down your heated spine. Before you could register what was happening, you felt the grip on your hips tighten as he pulled you closer to his much larger body, your frame now flush up against his. Beneath your soft skin, you could feel the faint warmth of his body underneath the suit drawing you into him, beckoning for you to merge into one with the dark lord. The feeling of the leather bounding his body rubbing against your skin made the hair stand up on your arms, your legs almost wobbling at the amount of power and authority that radiated off of him. 

It was intoxicating. 

Exasperating.

Thrilling. 

Nerve-wracking. 

You craved more. 

But… 

“V-Vader we…” you began to say, your eyes still trained on his chest before you, “We can’t-” 

“Do not try and shy yourself away from me, (F/N).” said Lord Vader, the grip he had upon you tightening in case you tried to push your body away, “I sense your desire… Your desire for me. Do not try and fool yourself.” 

You bit your lip again as you nodded, still unable to look up at him. You were embarrassed, but you didn’t exactly know why. 

“Besides…” he continued on, removing one of his hands from your hip. You would have been sad at the absence of his touch if he did not replace it so soon after. Finding it's new home upon your chin, Lord Vader wrapped his fingers around the bone firmly yet gently, lifting it up to make you look at nothing but him, right in the eyes. 

“Are you in any position to tell your superior what he can and can not do with his subordinate, Miss (F/N)?” he asked you rhetorically, the purr in his voice rattling you to the core. Your face, as well as your entire being, was on fire at this point. You swallowed thickly but silently as your eyes were forced to look into his, your want of seeing his real ones growing and growing the longer you searched for them. 

“N-No, my Lord…” you were able to whisper out as you felt your mind go blank with nothing else but need. 

Pausing to inspect your face a moment longer, Lord Vader eventually removed his hand from your chin, using it instead to stroke a lock of your hair on the side of your head. 

“Good girl…” he purred out, making your breath stammer as it escaped your lungs. 

With this, he took his hands off of you in order to stand up fully straight, his figure looming over you as his gaze bore into your eyes. The absence of his touch upon your body making you feel cold, you looked up at him with pleading eyes, a small frown painting your lips. He was so much taller than you, making you feel so, so small by comparison. His frame engulfed you whole, and you bathed in every moment of it. 

“Now, allow me to take care of you, (F/N).” 

He nodded his head slowly to his side. 

“Get on the bed.” 

With barely a moment’s hesitation, you followed his order to the mark. Keeping your gaze down, you bit your lip as you kicked off your boots and rolled onto the bed, sitting such that your knees were slightly bent at obtuse angles and your back was rested against the headboard of the bed. Your face still flushed, you looked over to the tall, looming sith lord across the room, waiting for him to come and take you. 

Sensing that you were in a good position, Lord Vader turned to face you, taking his sweet time making his way over to the bedside. 

You wanted to whine and scream about how slow he was being. The worst part about it, you knew that he knew exactly what he was doing to you. 

How cruel. 

Unable to keep his gaze off of you, he slowly sat down on the edge of the bed, the metal and wood of it's frame groaning beneath his weight. 

“(F/N),” he said, his tone deep yet somehow patient, “Are you scared?” 

The question took you aback for a moment, making you stir in place. Pursing your lips, your gaze dropped for a moment before you stammered out your response. 

“A-A little… It's… been a long time, since I…” 

“I see.” Lord Vader responded without you having to finish. 

He knew exactly what you meant. 

“You do not need to worry, my sweet… I promise that I will not hurt you.” he rumbled out as he slowly shifted his weight, earning another groan from the bedding beneath. His size making you slip down so that you were laid on the bed, you noticed how his cape draped over his shoulders as he pinned you to the mattress, acting as a veil to shield you from the outside world. 

A curtain of him. 

The sheer size of the man on top of you made you realize just how large he was. You felt so tiny, so small compared to the mass of his arms and chest. Feeling the heat radiate off your face as you looked up at him, all you knew to do with yourself was to look dumbly into this mask, eager for his next move. 

It came in and took your breath away. 

“Undress yourself. Don’t stop until I say so.” 

Maker, he had barely even touched you, and you were already so in need of him. 

Following his command, you lifted your hands from resting on either side of your head to find their place upon the seam of your uniform’s coat. Your fingers trembling slightly, you undid the buttons of your coat, slipping it off as best as you could while being pinned underneath Lord Vader. Your eyes focused on taking off your uniform, you could feel his gaze upon you as you slowly exposed more and more of your skin to him, your ears filled with nothing but the rustle of cloth and his breath. Biting your lip, you slid your tank-top off of your torso and threw it to the side, leaving you in nothing but your bra to cover your top half. You shuddered as the cold air around you crept it's way upon your body.

With another faint moment of hesitation, you slid your hands downwards to the him of your uniform pants, curling your fingers to ready yourself to take it off. 

“No.” You heard him say before you could finish the job, “I will do that part myself. You may stop.” 

Obeying his wishes, you returned your hands to rest of either side of your head, your gaze returning to meet his mask. Without him even doing anything, you were already a mess beneath him. Your skin was glossed from the dew that expelled itself from your person as you heated up, your breath coming out in soft, silent pants. 

Maker above did he drink in the sight of you. 

You were so pretty beneath him, looking at him like that. 

The best part? 

You were absolutely, unquestionably, undoubtedly, undeniably, his. 

And his only. 

Shifting his weight over to one of his arms, he lifted up his free hand, resting it upon your stomach. Of course, his hand was humongous as it laid upon your skin, nearly stretching the entire expanse of your middle. The feeling of the cool leather made you let out a silent gasp, a twinge of embarrassment bubbling in the back of your mind. Lord Vader trailed up and down your stomach and side for a good while before traveling up further, your eyes fixated on the movements of his hand. 

Feeling his fingertips poke their way under the wiring of your bra, you couldn’t stop yourself as you lifted up your hands to your face, hiding yourself underneath them as a result of your inexplicable embarrassment. 

Lord Vader did not like this. 

“No.” Lord Vader demanded. Without warning, you felt the ghost of a pull upon your wrists, forcing them back into their original position by your head no matter how much you fought against it. Your mind confused for a moment, you quickly deduced that it must have been him. His power. 

“You will not hide yourself from me.” He continued on, stopping any movements of his hands, “Do I make myself clear?” 

“Yes… Yes, I’m sorry.” you gasped out in between your pants, your legs squirming for him to keep going. 

Even though he said nothing in response, he must have been satisfied with the answer since he continued his movements. Through the sheer strength of his fingers, Lord Vader pushed past the wiring of our bra, cupping your breast in his large hand. 

Just the feeling of his engrossing touch upon your breast made you let out a soft moan, causing you to bite your lip in surprise. You were beyond turned on at this point, wanting nothing more than for him to just keep going. 

Letting out a few more soft, quiet moans as he begun to knead your breast in his palm, you finally mustered enough courage to look up into his mask. Of course, the metal offered you no way of telling what exactly he was thinking, but offered you a source to give your needy, lust-laced gaze to. 

You felt so good. 

You felt so good because of him. 

You knew that you would want him for the rest of time. 

You knew that only he would ever make you feel like this again and again. 

Eventually deciding that enough was enough, Lord Vader removed his hand from your breast and out from under your bra, his removal causing the fabric to go back onto your body at an odd angle. The absence of his massages made you whine, looking up at him pleadingly to touch you again. 

Your requests were eventually met as he trailed the tips of his fingers down from your breast to your stomach to the hem of your uniform pants, the gentle touches earning themselves another shudder out of you. 

Wrapping his fingers around the hem, the dark lord stopped himself for a moment to look upon your face. Satisfied with your expression of want and need, he pulled down the cloth wrapping around your legs, discarding it without any ounce of care about it or where it landed. This night was surely full of surprises. You had never thought that  you would ever be sprawled out underneath Lord Vader in only your bra and panties.

But, there you were. 

You barely had any time to react before he made you gasp out another moan, his leather-bound fingers rubbing up and down the cloth that covered your aching, dripping core. Continuing his actions, you began to squirm and whimper for him to remove your panties. Your legs kicked and shuffled as moans and whines left your throat, making you sound so pitiful as you gripped onto his cape, the fabric soft in your fingers. 

“Quiet.” He rumbled out as he stopped him movements, focusing one hard press against the cloth that covered your clit. Opening your mouth in a silent gasp, you quickly shut it as your forced yourself to stay still, not wanting to find out what would happen were you to disobey him. 

Satisfied with your submission, Lord Vader must have decided that you were ready for him fully. Reaching his fingers up, he latched the waistband of the fabric around his large digits, so very achingly slowly pulling it down past your thighs, knees, and feet. 

Your chest was rising and falling rapidly as you felt your panties fall off your person, earning another shudder from the cold. Lord Vader’s breath had started to pick up the pace as he loomed down over your body. 

He was… pleased. 

So very pleased. 

Never had seen such a beautiful sight sprawled out underneath him. 

Wanting him. 

Needing him. 

Deciding to be so gracious as to entertain your needs, he swiped his leathery middle and pointer finger up the length of your folds, the slick coming from them coating the digits instantly, earning another low, shallow moan from you. Amused by this, Lord Vader brought his soaked fingers up closer to his mask, inspecting how the liquid shined in the soft glow of the dim lighting surrounding the pair of you. 

“I am most impressed, Miss (F/N),” he said to you, turning his attention back to your reddened face, “Already this in need, and I have barely even begun.” 

Cue another whine to escape from behind your lips, your hands gripping and kneading on his cape. 

“Vader… please... “ you whined softly, your eyes full of pitiful gleam, “I need you so badly…” 

Returning his hand to rest between the folds of your core, he pressed his middle and pointer finger against your entrance, another moan shooting out of your lungs. 

“As you wish, Miss (F/N).” 

Slowly but surely, Lord Vader pushed the tip of his leather-bound middle finger into your core, your walls fluttering in your excitement. A flurry of moans and gasps left your person as he continued to push inside of you, only stopping once you were filled. He paused for a moment to let you get adjusted before he began to push his digit in and out of your core, the sounds of this action downright sinful to hear. 

You were a mess beneath him. As he gingerly started to increase his pace, your mind started to go blank as the pleasure overwhelmed you, a flurry of moans, gasps, and pleads escaping from your lungs. All you could think about was him, how good you felt because of him. 

You wanted him for the rest of time. 

You wanted him to keep going for the rest of time. 

Deciding that you in no way have had enough, you groaned as he pushed his pointer finger inside of you, right alongside his middle one. The stretching of your walls almost made you scream in pleasure, your nails digging in to the fabric of his cape. You could have sworn that you had seen stars. 

“So eager…” You heard him say in between your moans and quiet pleads, “So ready to receive me…” 

Leaning down to get closer, you unconsciously reached up and wrapped yours arms around his broad shoulders the best you could, your fists bunching up the fabric of his cape. 

Turning his mask to rest near your ear, a ripple of pleasure ran through your body as you heard Lord Vader speak, his tone deeper and darker than ever before. 

“Such a good girl.” 

Before you could blubber out a response, you felt his fingers curl themselves inside of you, hitting right on the spot that made your whole body shake with pleasure. The rate of your moans picking up, the pace of which the finger-fucked you did as well, eventually leading him to add a third finger to the mix. Every single noise that was coming from your body could have made the filthiest porn star ever blush. Your moans were so very desperate, and the sound of your core’s juices being mixed with the rapid pace of his fingers filling the space the pair of you shared. 

Reaching up with his thumb, Lord Vader started to rub circles into your clit, making you moan out his name almost too loudly. He seemed to be pleased by this, since you had noticed that his pace had started to quicken as his breathing became more and more rapid. Seeing a way to maximize the amount of pleasure you could get, you continued to moan out his name, sometimes even accompanied by his title. The usage of Lord Vader would cause him to rumble out quiet groans from behind his mask, the bass making your chest rattle. 

His pace reaching a feverous state, you could feel the knot building up in your vagina grow tighter and tighter as it promised an up-coming release. This promise only made your already over-stimulated body shake and shudder with more and more pleasure, the sounds escaping your mouth proof of such.

“I sense that you are close.” Lord Vader said to you, your mind barely able to process the words. 

You nodded your head quickly, a mumble of strings of pleases and don’t stops falling from your lips in place of a sentence. 

“(F/N)...” he groaned, his gaze boring into the fiber of your being. 

Without any warning, you began to feel a buzz from inside of you. This was different from the knot you felt growing tighter and tighter, but it felt as if it came from no where. It felt as if it came directly from your soul, the very source of your existence. Your brow flexing in fuzzy confusion, you were perplexed until you felt a new sensation. It felt as if your very soul was reaching out, making branches to do as such. 

Reaching out to him. 

And you felt his own reach back. 

The sheer rush of it all was too much to bear. The feeling of his fingers force themselves in and out of you so quickly. The feeling of his thumb circling your clit. The feeling of his force bonding your energy and his together. 

It was euphoric. 

It was pure bliss. 

“That’s it, my sweet,” you heard him call to you, “Let go. Let go for your lord. Let go for me.”

Your orgasm raked itself over your body in waves, making your legs shake and the grip you had upon his cape tighten, turning your knuckles white. You almost screamed out his name as your walls fluttered around his digits, coating them further in your fluids. 

Oh, how he loved it.

Eventually coming down from your high, you laid there for a long moment beneath the dark lord, his fingers halting to a pause inside of you. His breath was quite ragged as he remained still, almost matching your own pants for air as he gazed upon your body. 

Once you had stopped shaking from pleasure, he slowly slid his fingers from out of your core, sending one last wave of euphoria through your nerves. 

You looked up at him with glossy eyes and a dumb, open-mouthed smile as the back of his knuckles brushed against your cheek, moving any stray hairs out of your face. 

He would never admit it, to anyone, but the sight of you beneath him, with that big, dopey, loving smile on your face, your souls freshly bonded together, was the most beautiful thing that he had ever witnessed. 

After a long pause of simply admiring your face and body, he finally spoke. 

“Get some rest, my dear. We have matters to attend to in the morning.” 

You were confused for a moment as you felt his weight lift off of you, the bed creaking in relief as he stood. A pang of weary sadness rippled through you as you watched him start to leave, walking over the pieces of your uniform that littered the floor. Eventually able to process what was happening, you reached out to him, grabbing on to the fabric of his cape to keep him from moving away any further. 

“W-wait,” you said, your lungs still panting for air, “please, d-don’t go… Will you please stay? With me? At least until I fall asleep…?” 

After a brief pause, Lord Vader turned to  you, pointing the face of his mask down to your face. 

Seeing the emotion in your eyes as you reached out to him rustled an old feeling that he had not known for a very long time. In a moment of self-reflection, a reel of his life prior to this moment flashed inside of his mind, reminding him of his past self, alongside every mistake he had ever made

Watching his actions play back to him, he decided something. 

Even though he had left everyone he had ever loved before behind… 

He would not leave you. 

He would stay. 

“Yes.” He said simply as he took your hand into his, holding it as if it were made of the most fragile material in the world. Walking back over to you, he slowly slid down into a seat position upon the bed, earning another groan of protest from the wood beneath. His back against the headboard, he watched as you slid your body close to his own, your warmth reaching his skin beneath all the layers of armor and leather surrounding him, a foreign feeling to the dark lord of the sith. Lord Vader draped his strong, heavy arm over your shoulder as you draped one of your own over his waist, pulling yourself closer to him. 

Nothing was said as you lulled yourself off to sleep, a feeling of security overtaking you as you were held within the arms of the most feared man in the galaxy. 

~~~

TAGS: @spaghetti-666​ , @soullesstaco​ , @arsonistvoyager​ , @robin-obsessed​ , @glitter-rian​ , @captainrexstan​ , @easterncryptid​ , @deviatedwinter​ , @roseangel013bf​ , @danicalifxrnia​ , @dartheldur​ , @finest-trashbag​ , @yeah-boiiiiiiiiiii​ , @elongatedmusk-rat​ , @shads121​ 

[deathlikesdeep-dish]

Onigiri (Bokuto x Akaashi)

Hello!!

Took a break from my regularly scheduled One Piece programming to write a quick fic for my best friend’s birthday.

Happy 27th, girl! It’s been about 12 years since I gifted you a fic so seems like it’s about time to circle back to it. (oh god, i’m on the same shit that i was when i was 15, someone HELP)

no warnings! slight angst, mostly FLUFF.

It had been 6 years since Bokuto had seen Akaashi last. After graduating Fukorodani together, the pair had gone their separate ways. Akaashi had stayed in Tokyo, working as a copy editor for a small manga company. It had always been Akaashi’s dream to write manga, so when the offer came in, despite how menial the job would likely be, he could not turn it down. 

But Bokuto had asked him to. It was one of the last conversations that they had. 

6 years prior

“Akaashi, c’mon, you can’t be serious,” Bokuto protested. “You’re going to work there? Going on coffee runs and fixing people’s punctuation?”

After practice was over, Akaashi and Bokuto walked home together, as was their evening ritual. They were practically neighbors, and it was tradition, particularly after practice, to get rice balls on their way home and eat as they walked. Although, there’d been a slight shift in their dynamic in the last few weeks. It was not as easy or casual as it once was. There was always this energy vibrating between the two of them that neither could exactly figure out. A few nights prior, Akaashi’s shoe had caught on a raised edge of the sidewalk, causing him to tumble forward. Bokuto, quick on his feet, had grabbed Akaashi’s arm to steady him, inadvertently pulling their bodies closer together. They didn’t understand why the flow of energy seemed to multiply with the contact. Or why either of them felt drawn in by it, hypnotized into closing the gap between them. 

A car had sped by, the sound startling them both out of their delirium. Akaashi had mumbled a lame apology and the two hadn’t spoken about it since. That, of course, didn’t mean that they had not been replaying the scene in their minds almost constantly. 

“It’s a step in the right direction, Bo,” Akaashi responded quietly, taking a bite of his food. Bokuto ran a hand through his hair, exasperated. He stopped mid-stride in the middle of the dimly lit sidewalk.

“A step in the right direction?” Bokuto questioned. “And what direction is that exactly? Because from where I’m standing, it seems like you’re turning down the amazing opportunity that you have in front of you. Traveling around the world and playing volleyball with your best friend? Why would you pass that up?” 

Akaashi fought the urge to yell. He gritted his teeth.. “It was a pity offer and you know it, Bokuto. That coach only offered it to me because he wanted you. I’d probably be on the bench all season.”

“I’d fucking kill them if they did that!” Bokuto yelled. “You’re way too good to bench! It totally wasn’t a pity offer. You’re amazing, Akaashi, and coach’ll see it soon too.”

Akaashi fell silent, looking away from Bokuto. “I’m not going. I don’t want to. I don’t give a shit what that coach thinks about me. Volleyball was never in the cards for me after high school. Not like it is for you, Bokuto.” 

For the first time in their friendship, Bokuto didn’t have an immediate response. There were so many questions. So many things that Bokuto didn’t understand about the change between him and his best friend. There were so many things that he wanted to say.

I want you to come. 

I want you to come travel and play volleyball.

I want you to come travel and play volleyball with me.

I want you to travel with me.

I want you with me.

Please don’t leave me all alone, Akaashi. I can’t do this without you. 

I think I might love you.

But Bokuto said none of those things out loud. Confused, hurt and scared, the words Bokuto chose instead were, “Goddamn, Akaaashi, you’re such a self-centered prick, you know that? All you ever think about is yourself and what you want. I gave so much to this friendship over the years, and you won’t even consider it. Glad I wasted all this time.” 

From the look on Akaashi’s face, Bokuto knew that his words had cut through Akaashi mercilessly. And despite the pang of guilt that Bokuto felt, he did not take the words back. In fact, he doubled down on them.

“You know what, you’re right. It is probably better that you stay behind. I can’t have all your negativity weighing me down all the time.” Bokuto finally concluded.

Akaashi could feel his heart drop deep into his gut, the aching sadness a satellite pain that crept into his limbs, to the very tips of his fingers and toes. Had he imagined something between them that night? Had Bokuto not felt the same pit of anticipation deep in his core? There were so many things that he wanted to say.

I want you to stay here.

I want you to stay here and play volleyball while I write manga.

I want you to stay here and get rice balls with me after your practice.

I want you to stay here with me.

I want you with me.

Please don’t leave me all alone, Bokuto. I can’t do this without you.

I think I might love you.

But Akaashi said none of those things out loud. Instead, Akaashi said “I don’t even know why I ever became friends with you. I wish I hadn’t.” 

Bokuto could feel his heart wrench at Akaashi’s words. But he dare not cry, though he felt the moisture creeping up to the corners of his eyes and a tell-tale tightness within his chest. It was the worst thing that Akaashi could have said to him in that moment. The one thing that would rip Bokuto apart at the seams. 

“I should be going now.” Bokuto finally said, as if the last sentence had not been spoken. “I leave on Friday for Europe. We’ll be training for a few months and then traveling over to the States.” 

“Have a safe flight.” Akaashi replied simply. Bokuto nodded.

“Bye ‘Kaashi,” Bokuto said quietly. 

Akaashi did not reply. And though there was no way that either of the boys could have known this, each of their parting thoughts that night were I think I might be losing the love of my life.

Present Day

It had been 6 years since they’d seen each other. But one day in early summer, as fate would have it, they would see each other again. This coffee shop was the one that Akaashi frequented when he needed a quiet place to sketch. Though he had all of his materials at the office, the constant badgering was not always conducive to creativity. It was also somewhat off the beaten path, which suited Akaashi, as his notoriety had risen with the publication of his now very popular original manga. 

Akaashi also liked the coffee shop because it was situated in such a way that he could sit in the corner of the shop and see down both sides of the sidewalk, which made for excellent people watching. Sometimes, he’d sit for hours and sketch faces. Faces of the customers that came in or the people that sat at the bistro tables along the sidewalk. He’d capture their expression and movement, drawing them in his own style as practice and inspiration for his manga. 

Pinching his brows together, Akaashi took off his glass before rubbing his eyes with his thumb and forefinger. 

“Akaashi?” A voice questioned from his right. He froze. He recognized that voice.

It can’t be. He slowly lifted his gaze, following the direction of the voice. 

“Akaashi!” The voice said again, this time with conviction and excitement. 

Akaashi’s eyes soon fell on the smiling face of Bokuto Kotarou. With a grin, Bokuto rushed over to where Akaashi was seated. Akaashi was in shock, his jaw agape as he took in the form of his best friend. 

“B-Bokuto?” Akaashi managed, the name strangled in his throat. He hadn’t even spoken the name in years. 

“Holy shit, it really is you ‘Kaashi!” Bokuto loud voice boomed in the small cafe, earning a few annoyed glances from the patrons and the little old lady who owned the shop. Akaashi looked over at her apologetically, and though she pursed her lips, she nodded quietly and went back to her work.

“Yeah, Bokuto, it is,” Akaashi replied as Bokuto closed the gap between them, allowing Akaashi to take in Bokuto’s full countenance. He’d gotten broader in the time that he’d been away, his shoulders, chest and arms all more filled out. This was all particularly noticeable as he was wearing an old Fukorodani t-shirt, which pulled more tightly over his torso than it had the last time Akaashi had seen him. Bokuto propped his elbows on the table casually as he sat, drawing Akaashi’s eyes to Bokuto’s muscled forearms. Akaashi felt himself flush a little, and withdrew his gaze with a subtle cough.

Bokuto’s smile was nearly blinding, and it made Akaashi’s heart do these tiny flips that almost made him nauseous. “What are you doing here, ‘Kaashi? Like what the hell are the chances?”

Akaashi managed to laugh a little. “What am I doing here? I live down the street. The better question is what are you doing here?”

“I’m back in town for a few weeks!” He replied. “The season just ended so I’m taking some down time before practices start back next month.”

A few weeks. Akaashi could kick himself for thinking that this was more long term.

“That’s great, Bokuto,” Akaashi said. “It’s crazy that we ran into each other like this. I...I never really expected to see you again.” He trailed off.

Bokuto’s smile faltered a bit. He rubbed the nape of his neck awkwardly, not knowing exactly what to say.

After a few beats, Bokuto finally said, “I always hoped that we would, ‘Kaashi.” 

Though Akaashi did his best to remain composed, he could feel his heart pounding in his chest. Six years had passed and yet, Akaashi’s body reacted exactly the same as it had the last time he’d seen Bokuto. He felt his palms sweaty, and his body was flushed with anticipation. He concentrated on slowing his breathing.

“Me too, Bo,” He finally used Bokuto’s old nickname, which warmed Bokuto to his very core. A few moments passed before either of them spoke again, Akaashi unable to meet Bokuto’s intense gaze. Bokuto never took his eyes off of Akaashi, though. He’d been away from Akaashi for too long already. He didn’t want to waste a second longer by being shy.

“Whoa,” Bokuto said after a second, and Akaashi looked up to find Bokuto looking down at the sketch that Akaashi was working on. “Is that what you’ve been working on?” 

Akaashi flushed. No one usually saw his work in the early stages like this. “Uh, yeah...I just like to come here and sketch people that walk by. Good practice.”

“Is that how you came up with Toshiro?” Bokuto asked.

Akaashi was shocked to hear the name of his original character come out of Bokuto’s mouth. “What did you just say?” 

Bokuto tilted his head, confused. “Uh, I asked if that’s how you came up with Toshiro? Why? Is that a weird question?”

“You read my manga?” Akaashi asked incredulously. 

“Well, yeah,” Bokuto replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Kuroo sent me a copy when it first got published a few years ago, and I’ve been keeping up with it since.” 

Akaashi didn’t know what to say. His manga was popular, sure, but only really here in Japan. There had been pretty much no international publications to speak of. Which meant that Bokuto would have had to special order each volume in order to be able to read it.

“I really like what you did with Toshiro in the last chapter,” Bokuto continued. “I feel like I know him, you know? He’s so relatable.” 

Akaashi still didn’t respond, which Bokuto took notice of this time, and caused his concern to grow. “Please don’t be upset, Akaashi...I-I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable…” He backpedaled a bit.

Akaashi shook his head. “No, no, I’m not upset at all. I’m just shocked. That you cared enough to keep up with something like that. I know how busy you must be.” 

Bokuto leaned forward, ever-so-slightly moving his chair closer to Akaashi’s. “Of course I care,” he said quietly. “Despite how we left things,” Bokuto paused and Akaashi winced a little as he brought up the painful memory. “I’ve been really proud of your accomplishments. I’m glad you made the choice to stay. I know now it was selfish of me to ask.”

Akaashi met Bokuto’s eyes. His expression was unreadable to probably anyone but Akaashi. There was authenticity, remorse, shame, and maybe just the slightest bit of hope all swirling around in the light brown, almost gold irises. 

“Thank you for saying that, Bokuto,” Akaashi replied. “I haven’t forgiven myself for the things that I said that night. They were all completely uncalled for.” His voice was little more than a murmur.

Bokuto reached out his hand hesitantly, placing it with care on top of Akaashi’s. Akaashi let the pencil slip from his fingers with the contact. His breath hitched as a familiar energy pulsed through the point of contact. 

A long moment passed before Bokuto spoke again. “You feel it too, don’t you?” 

Akaashi’s heart was pounding so loudly that he could barely hear his own thoughts. He opened his mouth several times in an attempt to reply, but the words would not come out.

“Please tell me you do, Akaashi,” Bokuto prompted, a quiet desperation in his voice. “Because damn, I gotta tell you that I haven’t felt it with anyone other than you.”

Bokuto moved his hand slowly, deliberately, to entwine his fingers with Akaashi’s, looking to Akaashi for any objections as he did. There were none.

“Bokuto…” Akaashi took in a shuddering breath. “I-I do feel it.” 

Every word was true. Akaashi had resigned himself to the reclusive lifestyle of an artist. Contented with being alone, Akaashi never even entertained the idea of living a life with someone else. Anytime he envisioned himself with someone, it was always one person. It was always Bokuto.

Bokuto’s eyes warmed at Akaashi’s words. He stood suddenly, pulling Akaashi’s hand with him. “C’mon,” He said, tugging playfully. 

Akaashi stood, grabbing his sketch pad quickly and stashing it under his arm as Bokuto walked across the shop. Smiling sheepishly, Akaashi waved a goodbye to the coffee shop owner, who returned the smile politely.

Akaashi trailed behind Bokuto, trying to get a solid grip on his sketchpad and pencils without letting go of Bokuto’s hand. Bokuto looked ahead with determination, occasionally looking back at Akaashi with a grin.

“Bokuto-san,” Akaashi said, falling back into the old honorific without thought. “Where are we going?” 

“You’ll see!” Bokuto replied, laughing. The pair wound around familiar streets, landmarks from their past dotting the way. Though Bokuto did not say anything about it, Akaashi was all too intimate with each location, having spent many afternoons moping around after Bokuto had originally left. Akaashi tried not to think too much about it, as he followed Bokuto. 

It was almost too much to process. All this time, Bokuto and Akaashi had been feeling the same mutual energy, the same mysterious vibration. Bokuto had come to the realization that he was attracted to men many years before Akaashi. In fact, Akaashi had convinced himself that he was not attracted to anyone, nor would he ever be. The fact remained that Bokuto was the sole person for whom he’d felt any attraction whatsoever. Bokuto had tried to rid Akaashi from his mind while he was abroad--had tried to date or have fun with other men, but his thoughts always drifted back to Akaashi’s brilliant blue eyes and soft, dark hair. 

After another few moments of protest, Bokuto and Akaashi finally made their stop. Akaashi looked around, confused for a moment, before recognition dawned on him. The old convenience store they used to frequent after practice. 

“Hey, hey, hey!” Bokuto pumped his fist in the air. “I’m amazing. I totally remembered where this place was! Remember, ‘Kaashi?” He looked over at Akaashi with wide, excited eyes.

“When we’d get the rice balls?” Bokuto insisted after Akaashi took too long to respond.

“Y-yeah, I remember, Bokuto,” Akaashi stammered. 

“Well c’mon! Let’s go get some now,” Bokuto replied, tugging on Akaashi’s hand and getting some resistance.

“Bokuto,” Akaashi started, a feeling of sadness suddenly washing over him. He had been avoiding this place so long that Akaashi had forgotten it even existed, to be perfectly honest. 

Bokuto’s smile faded a bit. He turned to face Akaashi fully, gently taking the sketchpad and pencil from Akaashi’s hand and placing it on the bench beside them. He took Akaashi’s now free hand into his own. “Akaashi,” He said. 

Akaashi didn’t reply, waiting for Bokuto to continue. His heart pounded in his chest. 

“I fucked up really bad back then,” Bokuto said, casting eyes down with shame. “I know that.”

Bokuto took a tiny step closer to Akaashi, his eyes still focused on their feet. “I can’t believe I said all those stupid things. You were my best friend and I completely destroyed that because I was immature and confused and scared. And I was too fucking proud to apologize, which makes me even more of a jackass.” 

Bokuto’s voice was trembling as he spoke, and Akaashi took in a shaky breath. “I didn’t know then, but I know now. You are the most important person who has ever been in my life, Akaashi.”

Akaashi didn’t realize that he had stepped even closer to Bokuto, the space between them now only marginal. Akaashi could feel Bokuto’s uneven breathing across his cheek as Bokuto continued to look down. “And even though we were just kids, I should have known better than to push you away. I don’t want to do that anymore, ‘Kaashi.” 

Bokuto finally managed to meet Akaashi’s eyes, and he was almost immediately disarmed by their affection. “I think I’m in love with you,” He concluded. “I think I’ve been in love with you for a very, very long time.” 

Akaashi felt tears prick at the corners of his eyes. Bokuto was horrified, thinking he’d overstepped the line once again. He stepped away, extracting his hands from Akaashi’s and running them through his hair. “Oh my God, Akaashi, I’m so fucking sorry. I keep fucking this up over and over again…”

Akaashi started to try and speak, but knew that once Bokuto was on one of his rants, it was best to just let him be until he was done. Bokuto groaned, apologizing and rambling as he paced back and forth on the sidewalk. 

After a few moments, Akaashi began to laugh, softly at first, but then to a loud cackle. He felt his body consumed by it, doubling over with how joyous he felt. Bokuto looked over with furrowed brows and even messier hair than usual. 

“What the hell are you laughing at Akaashi?? I’ve been here baring my SOUL and you just start laughing at me?” Bokuto’s voice rose in volume with each word. 

Akaashi laughed again and motioned for Bokuto quiet down, as the pair had started attracting the attention of curious passersby as well as the convenience store owner, who was peering at them through the glass window. “Bokuto-san, calm down,” He laughed.

“I AM CALM!” Bokuto yelled oxymoronically. They both paused for a moment before busting out in laughter together. The nostalgia and joy was so heady that they could almost taste it as well as the rice balls they’d come to consume so often. Soon, both men had collapsed onto the curb, leaning against each other for support. 

“I am calm,” Akaashi mockingly imitated Bokuto between laughs, which made Bokuto pout but then laugh more. 

The sun had started to set by the time they both composed themselves again. 

“Bokuto,” Akaashi was the one to speak first this time, placing a hand on Bokuto’s cheek. Bokuto sighed happily and leaned into Akaashi’s palm, turning his face to place a gentle kiss in the center. Akaashi blushed and cleared his throat. “I think I’m in love with you too.” He smiled, relieved to hear the words out loud.

The grin on Bokuto’s face was blinding. He placed a hand behind Akaashi’s neck and pulled him in so that their foreheads were touching. Akaashi’s hand moved from Bokuto’s cheek to the back of his head, running his fingers gently through his hair. 

“C’mere,” Bokuto mumbled before pulling Akaashi in for a kiss. Akaashi smiled into this kiss, feeling Bokuto do the same, as if they were both silently saying holy shit, this is really happening. 

Akaashi and Bokuto felt the energy that had always thrummed between them explode into something much more intense. They were drawn to each other again and again, each moment in their lives, each decision ultimately bringing them both to this place, this second. Neither wanted to part, but Akaashi was the first to pull away with panting breath. They needed to take this slow, he knew, and Bokuto was always the first to rush into anything. Akaashi would have to push the brakes for now. 

“Bokuto-san,” Akaashi said, pulling back far enough to look into Bokuto’s eyes. “We have time. I’m not going anywhere.”

Bokuto placed a hand on Akaashi’s cheek, rubbing his thumb gently over Akaashi’s bottom lip. “You’re right,” He agreed, smiling again. “For now,” He began to stand up, holding out his hand for Akaashi to take. “Let’s start with some rice balls.”

[bewaretheidesofmarchyall]

Camping Trip Headcanons

Ever wondered what the sides would be like while camping?

One of the plot points on this was inspired by a post by @aidensm8

So. Camping trip (I’m just going to assume this is a human AU). Roceit and Logicality just kind of became a thing.

-For starters, they get extremely lost.

-They were planning on camping in an actual designated camping spot. However, it all went downhill when the map was lost.

-There had been bickering throughout the entire car ride as to who got to hold the map. Eventually, a rotating schedule was decided on.

-By the time they’d been walking in the wrong direction for three hours, everyone had a different opinion on who actually lost the map.

-Roman blamed Janus, Janus blamed Virgil, Virgil blamed Logan, Logan blamed Remus, and Remus blamed Patton (who had never once touched the map. Remus knew this, and was only accusing him for the sake of chaos).

-After being lost in the woods for a while, they decide to pitch the tent. There were quite a few attempts, but in the end the monstrosity they assembled looked vaguely like a tent.

-A few things about the cast of characters

-Roman: Still the dramatic dude we know and love. Everyone’s around sixteen or so in this AU, and he’s got all of the Getting Out Of This Small Town dreams. One day, he’ll be famous, just try to stop him.

Currently having a bit of a rivals-to-lovers thing with Janus.

-Janus: This dorky snek. Wants similar things to Roman, but with a vein of cynicism that is leading him far from theater and towards law.

He and Roman have been competing for parts in various school plays since freshmen year. 

-Logan: Logan knows so very much about space and so very little about dealing with pining after a friend. But he’s planned this camping trip to perfection and he’s going to have a “totally unplanned” chat with Patton under the stars.

-Patton: Patton is oblivious as to why Logan is so excited about camping and the planning process, since he normally hates the outdoors.

Anyway, he’s really excited to go on a trip with all of his friends and eat marshmallows! 

One thing to note about Patton is that he has a small mark on his forearm the approximate size of a bug bite. This will be important later.

-Remus: Remus has a plan to make this camping trip...memorable. By which he means ✨Disturbing for all parties✨! Yes, he’s got a prank planned, which is why his backpack contains a live screech owl.

-Virgil: Virgil has a reputation at being the best at telling horror stories. Some kids can whistle with a blade of grass, some kids can curl their tongues, but Virgil’s talent is scaring people out of their minds. And he’s proud of it!

-Okay, back to your regularly scheduled programming

-Even though they’re lost, everything’s fine! They were able to build a fire (Remus brought a blowtorch), and when sunset came everyone was set up.

-Patton has found a variety of cool rocks, which he shows off to everyone.

-Logan looks up exactly what kind of rocks they are in his guide.

He brought a guide for this.

-Roman has been singing a veritable jukebox of musical numbers while setting everything up.

-Janus is trying to outsing him. 

-Virgil is trying get either Remus or Logan to bet with him as to when exactly they’ll become a couple.

-Remus tends to his screech owl.

-Soon, it’s dark, and marshmallows are consumed. Remus declines to stick his over the fire, instead lighting it with the blowtorch and placing the entire thing into his mouth, stick and all. 

-Then, it’s that much awaited time. Horror story time.

-Janus tells the first story. Very gothic horror Edgar Allen Poe stuff, better in terms of world building than actual scare factor.

-Roman goes next. His story isn’t that impressive (witchcraft and such), but his acting more than makes up for it.

-Remus tells a tale of the zombie apocalypse. There is cannibalism. However, he seems a little distracted, almost like he’s worried that a live animal in his bag will make a noise at the wrong time.

-Logan goes next. He’s not the best at horror stories, given his tendency to a) take things too literally and b) give all of his characters basic common sense.

So he tells some non-fiction instead.

He lists unsolved cases, tales of UFO’s, mysterious disappearances with no explanation. He declines to mention the likely scientific reasons for these events.

It works.

-And then, it’s Virgil’s turn. 

Damn.

He’s very good at it.

He somehow managed to make “tHeRe’S a MuRdErEr iN tHeSe WoOdS” actually nerve-wracking again.

Janus and Roman end up holding onto each other in fear by the end of the story. There’s indeed awkward springing apart and throat clearing, thank you for asking.

-They’re all ready to go back to the tent when Patton reminds them he hasn’t told a story yet.

-They sit down, somewhat relieved that they’ll have a less scary tale to finish the night off. After all, it’s Patton.

-Pat takes the flashlight, fiddles with the switch, and smiles innocently. He then proceeds to tell his friends exactly why he’s scared of spiders.

-When the flashlight dies at the end, there are screams, and not just from Roman. Everyone is terrified. Patton’s just eating the extra marshmallows like nothing is wrong as his friends have an existential crisis.

-Later that night...

-Virgil is questioning everything now that he is no longer the best at telling horror stories. So, when he sees Remus sneak off, he doesn’t stop him.

-Instead, he offers to join him in whatever spooky mischief he’s conducting. 

-Remus reveals Señor Scoodly-Scream, the screech owl. He plans to release the live bird into the tent at 3am in the morning and just kind of see what happens.

-Virgil agrees that this plan is a good one, but thinks that there a few things they can do to improve it.

-One of the factors of a good scare, he explains in an almost scientific voice, is that the participants are already on edge. If a live owl is released, sure, they’ll be shocked. But if they already have a feeling something is going on, and the imagination is allowed to linger, and THEN something is released?

Pandemonium.

-See! He still knows how to spook people!

-He suggests that they get long, spindly sticks that looks like brittle fingers to scrape against the walls of the tent. And the two of them head off together into the woods, hushing each other’s laughter and Señor Scoodly-Scream’s squawking. 

-As subtle as they tried to be, Logan had been keeping an ear open for when Remus would try to do something. So, after a few minutes, he follows them. 

-On his way out the door, Patton wakes up and joins him. The two of them try to follow Remus and Virgil.

-They go in the exact opposite direction as the devious pranksters, leaving Janus and Roman alone.

-Logan is jumpy for many reasons. He’s alone with his crush, it’s the middle of the night, he’s alone with his crush, many spooky stories were told, he’s alone with his crush-Our guy has a lot going on. Is it any wonder that he isn’t paying much attention to where exactly he and Patton are going?

-Roman is the fifth to wake up, only to realize that everyone except for Janus is just GONE.

-THEY’VE CLEARLY ALL BEEN MURDERED BY SPIDERS, OR THE MURDERER IN THE WOODS, OR ABDUCTED BY ALIENS

-Janus is the last person to wake up. It hard to not wake up when someone is screaming two feet from your ear.

-But upon finding that everyone else is gone, he’s almost tempted to join in the shrieks. One person leaving is one thing, but four people?? No, they’re clearly going to die in the middle of the woods.

-The two of them freak out. Roman suggests going to search for the others, and Janus point out that every horror movie suggests not! Doing! That!

-But Roman is adamant, and Janus isn’t going to be alone right now, so the pair of them sneak into the woods.

-Meanwhile, Remus and Virgil return with sticks. They scrape the walls of the tent. No reaction. They scrape louder. No reaction. They rattle the tent itself. Nope.

-They even release Scoodly-Scream into the tent! NOTHING.

-When they check, they realize that no one’s there (except the owl). PANIC ENSUES.

-Remus and Virgil come to the conclusions that everyone in the tent was eaten by spiders and they were lucky that they got out when they could. Remus decides that they should try to run back to town and out of the woods ASAP. 

-Which is what they try to do! However, they forgot one crucial detail: They’d been lost at the beginning of this camping trip.

-So, everyone’s kind of going in circles. Logan and Patton are having a stroll in the night air while everyone else runs like electrified hamsters.

-Roman and Janus have been holding onto each other for a solid fifteen minutes before even noticing. They both pretend that they didn’t notice, reasoning that it’s due to the cold, or the alien abductions.

-Suddenly, they hear a stick break. They freeze, seeing an outline of something of around human size in the distance. It moves again, and Roman and Janus rush at it, yelling and tackling the figure to the ground.

-It’s Remus. They don’t have time to apologize before Virgil comes out of nowhere and tries to fight them off with a stick.

-Once faces are spotted and no-one’s attacking anyone anymore, the four of them decide to head back to the tent.

-Then, they remember Logan and Patton.

-Logan and Patton are lost. You think everyone else in this fic is lost? These two are so lost you wouldn’t believe it.

-Eventually, their flashlight dies. The two of them are lost in the woods, in the middle of the night, with no flashlight.

-But without the flashlight, it’s easier to see the stars.

-Logan and Patton stop to rest under a tree. Logan points out the constellations. Patton points out that he has feelings for Logan. Logan.exe short circuits.

-The sweet moment is broken when they hear screaming. The two exchange a quick glance and run in the screaming’s direction.

-Meanwhile, Janus covers his ears as Virgil and Remus have a spontaneous screaming contest. The mood is light-hearted until they discover a dead flashlight on the ground under a tree.

-This freaks out the Everyone, and they scatter in fear accordingly.

-Roman trips over a rock and rolls down a hill as the others escape. The bulb of his flashlight breaks, and he is alone in the dark. He hates it, and panics, and is convinced that whatever evil force is in this woods is going to kill him.

-Janus notices that Roman isn’t with the group any more. All of his instincts tell him to run and save himself, and that’s what he does! For five seconds.

-Then, he runs back toward Roman (and potentially axe-murder). The two of them find each other at the bottom of the hill, and a thought enters both of their minds.

Oh.

OH.

Oh no.

-It’s pitch black now. Every flashlight has been taken out of commission. 

-All three groups run smack into each other at the top of the hill. After some more shrieking and stick-fighting, it’s established who everyone is. A collective sigh of relief is breathed that no one is dead.

-Slowly, carefully, they make their way back to the tent. It takes a while, but for once someone pays attention to where they’re going, and they get there eventually. 

-Everyone’s tired, and ready to catch what little sleep they can during this hell-night. Logan unzips the tent.

-And Señor Scoodly-Scream flies into his face.

So, there it is! Camping! Romance! An owl full of rage!

I hope you enjoyed this mini-fic :)

[reeesea]

Something Sweet: Part Four

~sweeter smiles~

one ~ two ~ three ~ four ~ five ~ six ~ seven ~ eight ~ nine

pairing: minsung, jisung/minho

warning: mild language

words: 3.8k ish

summary: another week passes, and our boys still whipped? yeah. The boys get kicked out their apartment and go check out some busking, meeting up with some familiar faces.

a/n: Oof school kicked my ass and made it hard to post, anyway... here’s chapter 4 

Text: Minho/Jisung

ao3 link

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

After spending the majority of the last week curtains drawn, and grinding away on music in their apartment, it seemed that their manager had had enough of their vampiric like tendencies. She had effectively locked them  out of their apartment until they promised to spend the day away from their respective producing/writing stations. Although Sana was a new addition to the trio's life, she had already solidified herself as not just a capable manager but a generally sweet and caring soul.

She made fast friends with Chan, bonding over their similar experiences coming to Korea as foreigners. Changbin had met her when he started at JJP and was glad that she was chosen to manage their group. And so Sana, after maybe too many incidents in the dark tripping over a blanket-wrapped Jisung, would regularly end up checking on more than just how they were doing musically with her visits. Her concern and worry for them as her new friends bleed into their everyday interactions. Whether it was bringing them take out after they had forgotten to eat, waking up Jisung from the floor to go to bed, or just asking how their days were, she always made the boys feel cared for. After years of only relying on each other, they all found it surprising but comforting to have her around.

So as the boys had been lovingly forbidden from working by their manager, they found themselves walking down the popular music-filled streets for busking and tourists.

“Wait what time did you say he was performing?”

“Innie said after one so we should still make it before he starts his set.” Changbin was leading them through the crowds, which was probably not ideal as the inches Bin lacked he made up in speed. Making 2racha’s life slightly harder as they attempted to not lose the shorter boy in the more crowded areas of the walkway. Passing countless acts and performers displaying their talents, reminiscent of how the rap trio had started out when they were still just high school students.

“I didn't think your brother would still be busking after highschool.” Chan mused from the back of the pack.

“I mean he got scouted from busking, so I guess it all paid off in the end.” Changbin mentioned the fact casually, but the proud ‘older brother’ smile on his face revealed his actual excitement. The three were poorly navigating the busy streets to support Changbin’s younger brother who had just been signed with an entertainment company and was on his way to enter their trainee program.

“Nah I get it, there's a different kind of energy performing in this setting. Sometimes I really do be missing busking every weekend.” Jisung had always been the one to only do what made him feel alive, and his first time busking in front of a crowd had him addicted to the feeling. It had given him something to look forward to in high school. And even now, years later he still anticipated the high that the applause from a crowd gives him.

“Oh, we should buy Jeongin a meal to congratulate him. I imagine he'll be training day and night soon.”

By the time they had made it to the area where Jeongin was set up he was already performing a popular ballad for a small crowd. Emotion flowing through the youngest’s voice as it surrounded all that listened. It wasn't a surprise that his passionate voice had been sought after by companies. The boy’s voice, light and dynamic, pulling the attention of all that were within earshot. And by the time the last note was released the three boys clapped and cheered as much as they could without completely making a fool of themselves.

Although 3RACHA weren’t exactly well known personalities to most of the public, the boys had found themselves getting recognized more and more, especially after their last concert. Their following had definitely expanded and those in the area had begun recognizing the rappers on the rare occasions they left their loft.

But even with their masks and hats on to somewhat hide their identities, the young singer still smiled with recognition and slight embarrassment at boys enthusiastic cheers.

---

Minho thinks that overall his week was pretty unextraordinary. Not much had changed, still working his same job, still spending his mornings practicing for their crew’s upcoming performances. Nothing felt specifically special in the way he performed and worked on the routines for their busking performance that weekend. Just following the choreographies he needs to. Going through the motions. This week seemingly identical to the last.

Almost identical. Minho couldn’t overlook how the addition of Han Jisung had improved his daily mood. Even with their respective busy schedules, the banter they were able to exchange lifted the weight of monotony on Minho’s heart. Jisung loved to tell him jokes and stories, in addition to their casual flirty conversations. The lightness of their conversations and the smile that was always lingering on Minho’s face was evidence enough that his encounters with the other had become the highlight of his day.

Even during practice, his roommates had begun to find the older more energetic and enthusiastic. Although the choreo they had been practicing had been the same for the past month, Minho’s movements had become even more fluid and dynamic, as if he was walking on air.

To Minho, dancing always felt like what he was meant to do. He couldn’t imagine living a life standing still or sitting at a desk job. Dancing was as natural as breathing, so natural that he often forgets to tell people that he dances. To him it was just assumed. He was human; he breathed. He was human, so he danced. Obvious right? But with his natural association he had with dance, and his desire to contain the complicated history he had with his dreams, Minho was not one to share his passions easily.

The Saturday morning had begun with the three dancers packed in their bathroom, all attempting to get ready in the closet size space they called a bathroom. Getting ready for their performances in the crowded bathroom had become a dance within itself for the boys, as they position themselves in front of the mirror so each has enough space to carry out their routines. Trading makeup brushes and hair dryers and hairspray cans in a way that, according to Felix, could win them Olympic medals.

“Hyung, will you pass me the hair spray?”

Minho obliged, handing the can to cross-eyed Felix that had been attempting to tame his bangs for the last 15 minutes.

“Damn, do you think there’ll be company scouts out today?” Hyunjin mused while trying to not smudge his eyeliner from his spot on the toilet seat.

“It's always a possibility, there'll be a lot of acts out today, so there is probably going to be some floating around.” Minho knew there were always some scouts in the audiences on busking days, but maybe the years of seemingly no company interest had numbed him to that fact. If anything, he was hoping to pick up a few bucks from the audience, and give their crew some more exposure.

“I guess it is a weekend, the crowds are always bigger these days. Lixie did you send in your tape for Shipstar Ent. that you were working on?”

“Yeah, I’m going to wait for their response before working on the JJP one”

“Those are small companies Lix, you got a strategy you aren’t sharing with us??” Minho nudged his elbow in his ribs, eliciting a giggle from the younger.

“Nothing special hyung, I just thought smaller companies might have smaller audition pools, more chance of landing a spot.” Even though the freckled boy had come to Korea for university, he was hoping to extend his stay as long as he could by landing a career as a dancer.

“You’ve always been the better strategist out of us. Minho-hyung usually only sends in like one tape a year.”

“There’s only one program I actually want to join anyway. But lately money is money, and I may just need to find a gig to pay our water bill.” Minho's smile reaches his eyes, but a part of his heart drops at the mention of his consistent re-submitted audition tapes.

“Are you going to send another tape for the academy this year, hyung? You got to the second round last time.”

Hyunjin asked an innocent question really, but Minho can't help but feel the wave of disappointment all over again. The first round of auditions was always a taped routine sent in by all the applicants, the second was an in person performance. A performance that last year, despite what he thought was a perfect execution of his chosen routine, had been met with a ‘Thank you, but-’ letter a week later.

“It’s a tradition at this point, and who am I to break a tradition.” The sarcasm drips from the statement fueled by Minho's bitterness toward his broken dream. But as always, as if just on queue with Minho’s declining mood, a series of notifications from his phone pulls him out of his thoughts.

[Rich Boy Han Jisung] 11:47 am Hyung guess what SANA LOCKED US OUT And Now were gonna end up getting lost Changbin is leading us somewhere :< His navigation skills are horrible If you dont hear from me, I was led to an untimely death by Seo Changbin Dont cry too much at my funeral :((

Oh no I'll remember you fondly And all the dates we never got to go on

najsdkkgfnadds Hold up you actually want to go on a date …... I will survive for you

Wait then I can't live that grieving widow aesthetic how am i supposed to grieve my not dead not husband now

we'll work something out but I get to take u on that date first not-husband >:)

---

The members of 3RACHA had listened to the rest of Changbin’s brother’s set. The young boy’s audience had grown to include highschool girls fawning over the boys adorable features and melodic voice. As well as older and middle aged women and men that were drawn to the nostalgic tambour of his voice as Jeongin performed trot and other crowd pleasing ballads. His youthful glow and image contrasting the maturity of his sound. After applause and ending statements, much of the crowd had dispersed to other surrounding acts. 3RACHA focused on congratulating and helping the younger tear down.

“You did great as always Innie” Chan awarded him with a pat on the back. Jisung echoed the sentiment with his busy rambling about how emotional the last performance felt.

“Thanks hyungs, I’m glad you were able to make it.”

“Of course! We wouldn't miss it”

“Yeah, it absolutely has nothing to do with our manager locking us out of our apartment.” Jisung earned himself a punch in the shoulder with that one. Jeongin laughed just the same, and looked grateful to have some familiar faces in the crowd.

“Don’t mind the idiot, we’ll always be here for you. If anyone tries to mess with you in training just tell them your older brother will beat them up.”

“But Hyung, you're shorter than me.”

“Doesn’t mean I won't bust some kneecaps for my baby bro though,” said Changbin, brushing off the obvious jab at his height.

“Yeah! No one’s touching our baby bread.” Chan looped his arm over Jeongin's shoulders, hand going for the boy's cheeks only to be swatted away.

“3RACHA aka the Kneecap Destroyers,ROLL OUT!!!” Jisung struck a couple vague superhero poses while making a swinging motion that was probably meant to symbolize some sort of lower leg destruction.

“Jisung, were not the Transformers please.” Still the smile on Jeongin’s face was worth any of the embarrassment Jisung could’ve felt from his shenanigans. -- A cheer erupted nearby from a large crowd that seemed to have just gathered. Loud upbeat music filled the air and the confident melody of a popular song began. The four boys, overcome with mutual curiosity, made their way to the edge of the crowd. A dance crew populated the middle of the crowd. Confident charisma and perfectly timed movements flowed from each of the dancers, as they pulled off a complicated and synchronized routine. Full of hip thrusts and body rolls, the cheers from the crowd solidified how each of the dancers grasped the attention of on-lookers without warrant.

The whole audience was entranced by the crew of a dozen dancers taking over the street. All of the dancers dressed in variations of a black and white ‘uniform’ full of leather, silk and lace, pulling off a look that was elegant, sexy, and powerful. Dressed to accentuate their body movements and draw in the attention of bypassers.

It was mid-song when Jisung was surprised to spot the familiar brown hair and sharp eyes of his current favorite waiter of Menu 98. Minho being a dancer had never crossed his mind as a possibility, but now that he has seen the older dance, Jisung couldn’t imagine anything more natural. Minho seemed to dance purely with charisma. The goofy and cute side of Minho that he had occasionally witnessed over text, seemed to be non-existent as the man in front of him performed to the crowd with raw charm and confidence.

Minho caught Jisung’s blatant stare, and a flash of recognition and something else appeared on his face, before a smirk overcame his features as he sent a wink the younger’s way. The confidence of the older overwhelming Jisung’s system as usual. Sure, they had been ceaselessly flirting over text for the past week, but as soon as he had to witness Minho’s confidence in person, there was no screen to hide the fact that Jisung was a blushing mess. As the heat of embarrassment rose up his neck, he continued to watch as the dancers ended their routine in a formation that elicited a loud cheer from the audience.

“Wow these guys are really good”

“Have they performed before?”

“Did you see the guy in the middle his shirts practically see through”

“Damn do you think he’d give me his number if I asked”

The voices from the crowd surrounded Jisung but his eyes were locked on his newly discovered dancer, Minho.

“Hey Ji, see something you like?” Changbin’s teasing was left unanswered as he followed Jisung’s gaze.

“Hey hyung, do you know that guy?”

“Yeah, He kinda looks familiar.” Jisung guessed he was familiar. Considering that, even though Chan and Changbin hadn’t recognized him as their waiter, the dancer in front of them had been the subject of his attention for the past week or so. Seeing him in person was nothing short of breathtaking. Being a little dramatic, as he often is, Jisung found him almost speechless. His breath only continued to fail him as Minho made his way over to Jisung and their small group.

“Hey Sungie, long time no see.” a shameless smirk spread across his face. Minho seemed to know exactly how he affected the younger.

Before Jisung could think of a more eloquent greeting he found himself blurting out the first thought that had crossed his mind, “I didn’t know you were- that you did- the- uh dancing.”

Minho laughed freely at the wide eyed expression that Jisung wore. Soft and cute and full of the same awe as a kid seeing his favorite TV character I person for the first time. “Seems I forgot to mention that in our introductions, Not gonna lie I didn’t think you would see me dance already...”

An expression Jisung couldn’t quite read fell over Minho’s face, along with the red tint of embarrassment. “Nononono, don’t worry really. I never asked! But I mean you looke- i mean were amazing, at dancing. Really you’re seriously talented. I can't believe you’ve never mentioned it before.”

The red on Minho’s ears grew to his face. “Oh, I’m sure you say that to all your drunken accidents.” Smirk returns in an attempt by Minho to regain his smug attitude.

“You weren't an accident! I was completely sober at the bar when I told you to hit me up.”

“I’m sorry Jisung what?” Chan seemed to be tired of trying to deduce who exactly the other was.

“Oh right, this is Minho-Hyung, he was the waiter I TIPSY-ily gave my number to that one time. But we both completely forgot about it, and then by some string for fate bullshit I ran into him before last week’s gig and the rest is history!” Some degree of understanding flashes across the other two rappers' faces, while the youngest is just listening intently to Jisung’s entertaining shenanigans.

“Mhm, ‘Ran into’, definitely not saw-and-followed,” said Minho, getting more smug by the minute.

Taking the obvious opportunity to tease the youngest Changbin’s eyes held a mischievous glint. “Hold on a second, is this who you’ve been texting non-stop all week. No wonder you’ve been so happy.”

“Hyung!”

“Yeah, your usual chaotic gay energies have been replaced with giggly soft Jisung, and its honestly been worrying me, but I mean the ballad came out really good so can’t complain” Chan added. The smug faces of the older two, only grew as Jisung groaned loudly, flailing his arms to hopefully silence them. Minho’s grin just met his eyes as he chuckled.

“Glad to hear that I’m inspiring you Sungie. Also, It’s nice to finally meet you, Chan and Changbin-ssi I’m guessing?” Minho bows slightly to them as they all exchange pleasantries. Jeongin adds on, introducing himself as Changbin's brother. Minho seems to recognize him, and is about to praise his earlier performance when a yell erupts nearby.

“Minho-hyung!!! There you are, Lixie was looking for you. Looks like I beat him though.” Realizing he seemed to have interrupted something, Hyunjin bowed to the others shyly. Introducing himself to the others until his eyes laid on Jisung. “Wait, hyung! Isn’t he the cutie you’ve been talking to all week! Jisung-ah~ you remember me rightttt?”

Minho’s face deadpans at record speeds. “Yes Jinnie thank you. Shouldn't you be looking for Felix”

“Nope I’m right here.” Felix, seeming out of nowhere, emerges right behind his eldest roommate. “Hi everyone, I’m Felix.” Freckles out, smile bright, cute little wave, the classic Felix introduction that makes everyone fall for him. No one can resist the boy’s eye-smile-and-freckled-cheek combo.

“Felix!” Hyunjin wrapped himself around his roommate, pointed animatedly to introduce the others, even though he himself had just learned of their names seconds ago. “Hehe, and that’s Jisung! He’s the one who came into Sweet Lotus asking for Min-hyung’s number.”

“Sweet Lotus, huh?” Chan’s eyebrows rose at the name of the notorious bar, glacing at Jisung for an explanation.

“Hyung, what’s that?” Jeongin whispers quietly to his brother, only to be immediately answered by Hyunjin.

“Oh! It’s the host bar/club not too far from here. Nothing special, a normal bar really, just with prettier bartenders and some nice company if you can afford it.” Hyunjin threw a wink at the youngest, earning a glare from his brother.

“Jinnie’s a bartender, can you tell,” Felix giggles along with the others' antics.

"Hehehe. I’m sure you all would love it.” Hyunjin directed his attention to Jisung, “Hey, you should bring your friends next time Jisung-ah. I'd love to be able to have served all the members of 3RACHA. Ya know when you’re famous, I’ll have a story to tell the tourists.” Leaning in to ‘whisper’, “If you do, I'll let you know when Minho-hyung is working~” Jisung went full red at that comment. Hyunjin smirked so hard it looked like it would hurt.

“Jin, you have no shame.” Minho, after glaring at his roommate, turned toward Jisung and the other members of 3RACHA. “I’d apologize that this is how you had to be introduced to my roommates, but they’re like this all the time. Anyway, as he was saying, you guys are always welcomed to the bar, and it's really not as promiscuous as Hyunjin over here is insinuating. He enjoys being a tad over-dramatic.” His eye roll obvious.

Chan laughs, “No worries, Minho-ssi we’re honored by the invitation, truly. And It's nice to finally meet you properly-"

"Or at all. If we hadn't run into you, we probably would never be introduced. You've been Jisung's best kept secret. He's always hiding away his phone whenever we ask him what he's doing. All we hear is him giggling in his little corner and- "

"Okay!! Would you look at the TIME. It appears that 'Embarrass Jisung Time' has officially passed, and we should be on our way." About ready to turn away and hide his face further into his hoodie, Jisung's eyes catch Minho’s. He finds it is hard for him to believe the face on the other side of their conversations could actually be more beautiful than he remembered. Jisung knew that if they had been talking face to face and not over text, he would've had a pretty hard time forming sentences with the way Minho's soft but intense gaze was directed at him.

“Well it was good to see you again, even if it wasn’t planned.” A full blinding smile interrupts the gaze Minho held with Jisung.

“Yeah, likewise. It was nice getting to meet your roommates too.”The sweet gaze between the two is anything but subtle, but if any of their respective friends noticed the shift in atmosphere, it went unacknowledged.

“I’ll text you later okay?”

“Ye-yeah, okay”

They exchange ‘goodbyes’ and Minho attempts to wrangle his roommates away from the others, before they find more ways to embarrass him.

Out of earshot, “Holy shit, Minho-hyung we just met 3RACHA. I’m losing my mind. I hope they think we’re cool. Wait did they see our performance then? Oh my god. They definitely saw our performance.” An embarrassed look flashed across his face.

“Lix chill, your performance was perfect as always. Just try and not embarrass me so much next time”

“Aw hyungie~ did we embarrass you in front of your crush.”

“Hold up NEXT TIME?” ---

“...Well how about we’ll pretend that your heart eyes weren’t painfully obvious, and you pay for chicken?” Jeongin purposes cheekily.

“...mhm deal.” Clearly still in some state of shock still, Chan starts to lead Jisung and the rest of the group toward the nearest restaurant.

“Bro, you're so gone already.” Changbin shakes his head but holds a fond smile for the other. It had been awhile since their youngest trio member had smiled so much, and in turn had been equally inspired. Both of his hyungs had noticed the uptick of Jisung’s productivity, and, if anything, were glad to finally have met the reason for his smile.

-----

one ~ two ~ three ~ four ~ five ~ six ~ seven ~ eight ~ nine

[daddysfavouriteboytoy]

Roméo Valentin Jacquemin

Name: Roméo Valentin Jacquemin Age: 22 Birthday: 17th September Gender: Male Sexuality: Homosexual Ethnic: French Languages spoken: French, English, Spanish, German as well as a bit of Italian, Turkish, Hungarian, Ukrainian and Russian Species: mutated human Appearance: his fingers and lips are tinted a light blue colour  (Face-Claim: Alex Puértolas)

Clothing: When he was still living with his parents, he normally would wear grunge clothes. Now, he wears the few things which he brought with him. The only difference to then and now is, that the clothes are pretty torn and quite dirty. Height: 1,89 m Piercings: a lip piercing Tattoos: on his right shoulder blade Scars: He has a big scar which starts on his upper lip and ends on the middle of his cheek, another big one under his right eye which reaches from ear to the bridge of his nose and a third, smaller one on the right side of his neck. All three of them are from his first encounter with the IMCO. Illnesses: Mutation, slight insomnia Personality: To a lot of people’s surprise Roméo is relaxed and warm, with a “live and let live” attitude. Naturally, these trades should make him likeable and popular if it wouldn’t be for his mutations. However, he tries not to let that fact tear him down, instead, he is really good at relating to others’ emotions and helping them to establish harmony. Being so aware of others’ emotions, Roméo uses creativity and insight to come up with bold ideas that speak to people’s hearts. While it’s hard to explain this quality on a resume, this vivid imagination and exploratory spirit help the man in various, unexpected ways. Beneath his shyness beats an intensely feeling heart, as well. When he is caught up in something exciting and interesting, he can leave everything else in the dust. Freedom of expression is often his top priority. Anything that interferes with that, like traditions and hard rules, creates a sense of oppression for the guy. When situations get out of control, he can shut down, losing his characteristic charm and creativity in favour of gnashing teeth. Relationships: Germaine Jacquemin – step-mother; 55 years old; CEO; married; alive Pierre-Marie Jacquemin – father; 58 years old; fashion designer; married; alive Christiane De Saint-Pierre – older half-sister; 31 years old; actress; married; alive Abel Jacquemin – older half-brother; 27 years old; author; married; alive Séraphine – a stray dog which follows Roméo after he shared his food with her once Fears: the IMCO, losing his dogs, a lot of attention/speaking in front of a host of people, being completely alone, being experimented on, touching others Likes: sunflowers, big dogs, peace, frozen yoghurts – no matter the season, plants, classical music as well as punk rock, people treating him like a normal human being, meditation, long walks through the woods, the smell after it rained Dislikes: his family, unfamiliar situations, being compared to his brother, having to hide who he truly is, violence, IMCO, being different, mould, not having enough to eat, traditions Hobbies: urban exploring, swimming, strolling around, climbing on trees, travelling, ice skating Occupation: Thief Housing: abounded House Powers: can control ice, is able to freeze pretty much any liquid, can make it snow very slightly but only five square meters around him, his skin is extremely cold and leaves a thin layer of ice on the things he touches as well as giving others frost bites if they touch it Position: Switch Virgin: Yes Turn-ons: risky places, pet names, scratching, hickeys, foreplay, aftercare Turn-offs: degrading nicknames, golden showers, bad hygiene, being interrupted Other:

never stays too long at one place

his nose starts bleeding heavily whenever he overuses his powers

he sympathises more with animals than humans

is surprisingly good at picking up foreign languages

Backstory:

"Good evening. We are interrupting your regularly scheduled program to declare a state of international emergency. With the information that we've been provided with so far, it is our understanding that a high profile military experiment has gone awry. As a result, untested chemicals of great biohazard risk have been exposed to the environment. We can not provide any further information on the corporation responsible for the leak. Experts from the science field all around the world have come to a consensus on the matter. Evacuation will not be effective. By now the chemicals have contaminated the water supply, the air supply, as well as the food supply. According to the experts, should only affect individuals containing a specific gene found in only 3% of the population. For those individuals, the chemical could cause mutations of unknown proportions. Everyone, please stay calm at this time of mass hysteria, be safe, and be aware of anyone altered by these chemicals." Credit [x]

Roméo was not a planned child, which definitely showed in the way his parents treat him. Already during his first year of living, he was raised by maids, nannies and all the other people his parents paid to take care of him, so they didn’t need to. During his childhood, the rest of his family was also rarely home, his parents always travelled around the world while his brother was occupied by his studies and hobbies. It even went so far that Roméo didn’t even know he had an older brother the first few years of his life. Only when the boy got older his parents slowly stood home for longer periods of time. During those years, Roméo started school and his parents paid private tutors to teach him just the same things as his brother. Unfortunately, their youngest son wasn’t really into those hobbies nor very good at school. Quickly, the two parents began to get annoyed with their child and started to complain about why he couldn’t be as talented as his older brother who seemed to be flawless at everything he did. At first, the blonde spent a lot of time trying to live up to his parents’ expectations and get even better grades than his brother. This way, Roméo spent all of his elementary and middle school years, trying to somehow get the attention and approval of his parents by being the perfect son. Only when the blonde eventually got taught high school stuff, he realized that it was an impossible task. Therefore, he decided to just accept it and ignore his parents just like they ignored him. Roméo joined an ice-skating club which was a few blocks away from his home and nearly always met with internet friends after practise, so he had time to spend as little time as possible at home. It's true to say that Roméo had a somewhat normal and easy life until that threatful day. Some news lady announced the failing of a military experiment and warned people of possible mutations. At first, the blonde boy could only roll his eyes at the news, not believing one word that left her mouth, he thought it was some kind of stupid prank or joke. Well, his thinking changed quite quickly because he soon realized that he was one of the few 3 percents who had this strange gene in them. He changed, no, his body changed. Suddenly his body temperature decreased drastically and his lips, as well as his fingers, turned light-blue. Unfortunately, this was the reason why his parents suddenly paid attention to their unloved son. Now they thought he was an even worse disgrace to their family, then he was already before. After his strange changes, Roméo wasn’t allowed to leave the house anymore and soon he wasn’t even able to touch anyone anymore without leaving frostbites on their skin. His life grew dark and lonely, in a gigantic house without anyone to talk to apart from his private teachers, he couldn’t even use a phone nor a computer without destroying the device. However, Roméo wasn't the only one struggling during this time. When all these unnatural powers and mutations started to pop up it was disturbing the natural balance of the world. While the newly dubbed "mutants" only made up a small portion of the population, they still posed a threat to the safety of society. In response, a task force by the name of IMCO (International Mutant Containment Organisation) was formed, hunting down anyone with the unique gene in order to lock them away from civilisation. Roméo survived a year with the torture of his family and did not go crazy, however, a few months after his 18th birthday, the blonde decided to escape this hellhole. Yet, his parents seemed to somehow have found out about their second son’s plan and informed the IMCO about his existence. Just one day before the young adult could finally flee from the mistreatment of his family, two officers of this organization busted into his room and tried to tackle him on the ground and take him with them. However, for the first time in his life, Roméo decided to fight back, he had enough of being pushed around. Some might have considered this a huge mistake, a certain death sentence even, but for the unloved man, it was the only chance to have at least a slight chance to survive. Although in the heat of the moment, the mutant got badly hurt, he still managed to escape the officers and take a small suitcase with him in which his most important belongings were. However, this fight wasn’t won without sacrifice. Roméo did something he never dared to even think about, he killed a human being. Though it was an accident, he gripped the guy’s throat and unintentionally froze it, resulting in the other’s suffocation. It was a moment he tried to forget or at least suppress ever since. Shortly after his escape, he was only able to focus on one thing by then, surviving on the street. Despite him having stolen a big sum of money from his too rich parents, it was more than obvious that he was a mutant due to his looks. Simultaneously, he was on the run from the IMCO and police. That was also the reason why he left France and travelled the world, not staying anywhere longer than a year, this depended heavily on the size of the country he was currently staying in.

Starter

[fan-fantasies]

Truth Hurts (P.11)

A/N: I know I have a few more requests to get through but I want to wrap this series up relatively soon. I think that there will be one more part after this one, maybe two. We’ll see how it goes as I’m writing. As always, I hope you enjoy! -Heather

Pairing: Bucky x Reader

Warnings: Swearing

Masterlist   Marvel Masterlist 

Part Ten // Part Twelve

“I wanted you guys to be the first to hear this...” 

Bucky’s heart dropped into his stomach when the words left Ryan’s mouth. He was preparing for the worst possible outcome.

The thought of never seeing you again was making his head spin; never seeing your messy bedhead in the kitchen every morning, not hearing your laugh when Sam tells a stupid joke, never feeling your soft skin against his again, whether it be in training or when your hands brush when reaching for your favorite ice cream in the freezer. Bucky would have to live a life without you and he was certain that that would break him.

“Is she okay? Please tell me she’s okay,” Sam pleaded. Ryan looked around the room and sighed.

“She’s okay. She’s banged up and will need a lot of time to heal but we’re expecting a full recovery,” he said. Everyone let out a sigh of relief and the tension in the room eased. Bucky felt like the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders, but in the back of his mind, he knew that he had his own journey ahead of him to make you trust him again.

“When can she have visitors?” Steve asked.

“I’d say let her rest for today and then tomorrow one or two of you can visit. Just ease her back into things,” Ryan told them. Everyone nodded and thanked him and the odd look he gave Bucky before leaving the room didn’t go unnoticed.

“See, Buck? You’ll have your chance to talk to her. I’d give it a few days just so she has some time to digest everything,” Steve said. Bucky gave him a sad nod and decided to go to his room. He needed time to think about what he’s going to have to do to fix this. 

He asked Friday to send him the footage from the quinjet. He wanted to know exactly what happened to you. He still held himself responsible for everything, blaming himself for you nearly dying. The video appeared on his computer almost instantly and he clicked play. He watched as the quinjet door opened and you stumbled on. Bullets were ricocheting off of the walls as you desperately waited for the door to close. He watched as your bloody form crawled towards the camera and control panel. You had just enough energy to hit the autopilot switch and hit the coordinates for the compound before you collapsed on the floor out of view from the camera. 

Bucky closed his laptop and couldn’t stop the tears from falling. All of his pent up emotions were finally breaking him down. Bucky cried until sleep finally overtook him. 

When you finally regained consciousness you were very aware of the pain coursing through your body. You let out a strangled groan and opened your eyes to see a team of doctors standing over you. Your eyes settled on Ryan and everything from the past few weeks came rushing back. 

They started to explain what happened and what injuries you had. It was going to be a long road back to health but it was possible. They let you rest after giving you more medicine. 

It wasn’t too long after the medical team left that Nat and Wanda entered your room. They knocked softly and made sure that you were awake before coming in. They told you how worried they had been and how happy they were to see that you were okay. They left after a little while when you started to doze off.

When you woke next it was Tony and Bruce that were standing by the door. Tony had flowers in his hand and it made you smile.

“They’re from Pepper and me. She insisted on nothing extravagant,” he told you.

“They’re perfect,” you croaked. You reached for the water on your bedside table but immediately recoiled when a sharp pain shot through your body. Bruce rushed to your side and held the water to your lips. You drank the entire glass and gasped for air when you were done.

The men left to meet with the doctors to go over your recovery plan but not before telling you that Sam would be down for a visit soon. You appreciated all of their concern but honestly, you didn’t want to deal with all of the drama yet. You ran off for a reason and now you were practically chained to your bed.

As promised, Sam wandered down to your room a few hours later. He brought your favorite candy and his laptop, offering you a movie night.

“That’s sweet, Sam, but I’m sure I wouldn’t even stay awake through half of it,” you sighed.

“That’s totally fine with me. I’ll just turn it off when you fall asleep,” he insisted. You knew he partially blamed himself for you running off but it was no one’s fault but your own. You needed space and the only way to get that was to leave.

You scooted over slowly but still let out a groan in pain. Sam told you not to move but you made room for him to sit beside you. You curled into his side as he hit play on the movie.

As you said you started to doze off about halfway through the film. Sam noticed and hit pause, waiting for you to fall deeper into sleep. He slowly crawled from your hospital bed and set up camp in the chair by your side. He couldn’t bear to leave your side.

He started to fall asleep but woke with a start when his phone buzzed.

Barnes: how’s she doing?

She’s fine, now leave her alone.

Barnes: you can’t keep me away from her. We need to talk at some point and she’ll agree

Let her come to you then. Until that point, you bet your metal ass that I’m going to protect her from you

Bucky never responded but Sam knew that he wasn’t going to give up easily. He just hoped he had sense enough to wait until you were healed to approach you.

Sam settled into the chair once again and fell asleep. He woke the next morning with a crick in his neck and a sore back. He watched as the nurses took your stats and gave you more medicine. Once they left you turned to him.

“You know you can’t stay here all the time,” you sighed.

“I know that. I just figured you’d want the company,” he said.

“You know I love having you around but I don’t want you to mess up your back by sleeping in that chair. I’m okay and I’ll be okay if you want to step out for a bit.”

“You’re too strong for your own good, kid,” he chuckled. His stomach growled and he considered stepping out to get food. The nurses assured him that you were fine and all of your surgical wounds were healing well. He told you that he’d be back later on and finally left in search of food.

It continued on like that for days, Sam hovering for a while and others filtering in and out. Everyone except for Bucky. You were somewhat relieved but also a bit hurt. Hadn’t he wanted to see that you were okay? Why did you even care anyway? He hurt you and you hadn’t moved past it yet.

Bucky wanted to go and see you but he knew he had to wait. He couldn’t put more stress on you right now. He watched as the others went to visit you. He could tell when you were having a good day by the way Sam smiled upon his return or when you were having a particularly rough day when it was Wanda that would come back and seem distraught. Steve had gone to visit you a few times but he knew that you didn’t want to be crowded by them. Bucky talked Steve’s ear off every time he came back from visiting you. 

He asked how you were healing. Fine. How you seemed emotionally. It varies but not bad overall. If you were eating enough. She’s always had a good appetite. What medications they had you on. Hell if he knew. That was Tony and Bruce’s arena. And if you had asked about him. No. Sorry, pal. Are you surprised though? No, he wasn’t surprised but it still hurt each time he asked and received the same answer. He just had to bide his time and wait until you were healed before approaching you. At least it gave him time to think about what to say. 

Part of him just wanted to fall on his knees before you and beg for forgiveness (and part of you wanted to see that), but he knew he had to do it right. He needed to find the right words to convey his feelings- the good, the bad, and the ugly. He needed to bare it all before you and hope that you’d listen and understand him. 

After about a week and a half, you were cleared to return to your living quarters which had apparently been upgraded by Tony’s command. You now had your own separate wing. A recovery plan was put into place and you convinced them that you didn’t need a live-in nurse but agreed to have visiting ones from time to time. Members of the team were always going to be around to help you anyway and that you were sure of. 

Tony wanted to throw a party in honor of your recovery but you convinced him that a lowkey dinner with the team was more than enough. You would have preferred that everyone forgot it ever happened but you knew that was unlikely. So after another week, you found yourself in your room with Nat who was helping you get dressed for dinner. 

Your wounds weren’t completely healed but you had better range of motion and could manage to do more on your own. Nat still insisted on coming over early and helping you get ready. 

“If you start to feel tired or sick or sore, just let us know and we’ll just bring you right back here. You don’t even have to go if you don’t want to, we all understand,” she said. 

“I want to go. I’m feeling much better and I promise if I don’t want to be there for any reason then I’ll leave. I can handle this,” you chuckled. 

“I know.” She looked to the ground and sighed. “You just really scared us and we’re all still really worried. It made us realize that we’re not invincible and any day can be our last so we’re not going to take anything for granted. We love you.” 

“And I love you guys. I’m grateful for everything you’ve all done but I’d like for us to get back to regularly scheduled programming,” you told her. She gave you a soft smile and nodded. You made your way to the dining room where everyone was waiting. You were nervous to see everyone all at once but you were more nervous to see Bucky. You weren’t sure if he was going to be there and you didn’t have the courage to ask. 

Nat entered the room before you and took her seat next to Steve. You saw that there was an empty seat next to Sam and Bruce so you took that one. Bucky wasn’t there but there was another plate setting next to Steve so you figured that he was running late. Or maybe he chickened out. 

Everyone was chatting with each other and you started to relax. Dinner was eventually served- all of your favorites you noticed- but your stomach dropped when you saw Bucky sneaking in behind the servers. He took the seat next to his friend and kept his eyes trained on the food. Only after a few minutes did he dare to look at you. Your eyes hadn’t left his face since he walked in but when he caught you staring you quickly looked down. 

He studied your face as you had done with him. You noticed that he looked tired and worn out. His beard had grown out more and his skin was pallid, almost sickly looking. Part of you was happy to see him looking so stressed and possibly even guilty, but another part, deeper down, worried for him. 

He noticed how your eyes immediately dropped to your plate when his eye caught yours. You had been staring. His heartbeat sped up and his palms began to sweat. What could you possibly be thinking? Why did he show up in the first place? You probably didn’t want to see him and now you’ve lost your appetite. But maybe there was some small part of you that was happy to see him. In any case, you were both in the same room for the first time in over a month. 

You looked a little tired but that was understandable. You picked slowly at your food and seemed more reserved now that he had joined. He wanted to say something but nothing seemed right so he settled for enjoying the company around him and seeing you alive and well in front of him. 

Once dinner was finished everyone moved out to the patio to take in the night air. You agreed to sit with them for a while longer and you had to admit that you were having a nice time. You didn’t realize how much you missed all of them in the time that you were gone. Bucky lingered in the corner of your eye at all times but he never approached you. Sam was at your side and you wondered if that’s why he wasn’t coming over. Not that you wanted him to... or did you? 

After a while, you began to feel more tired and Nat noticed. She offered to take you back to your room but you politely declined. You said goodnight to everyone and headed back to your wing. It wasn’t until you were to the elevator that you noticed someone following you. You turned to see Bucky standing a few feet back from you. 

“Uh... hey,” he mumbled. 

“Hi?” 

“How are you feeling?” He asked. 

“Tired but I’m fine,” you said. He nodded and awkwardly followed you onto the elevator. He pressed the buttons for your floor and his which were now separate. 

“I think we need to talk,” he sighed. 

“We do, but I don’t think now is a good time.” He hit the emergency stop button and the elevator came to a halt. 

“I think now is a perfect time.” 

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

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[cruzrogue]

Quantum Leap

#Fictober19 @fictober-event

————————————————————————

for fanfiction:

Prompt number: 16 “Listen. No, really listen.”

Fandom (AU if applicable): #arrow fanfiction #olicity

Rating:PG

Warnings/Tags: Future/Past Time travel (Different Earth)

Summary: Felicity leaves with the Monitor but not everything is as it seems she is being used on a quest just like her husband. Instead of entering this quest in 2019 like Oliver Queen she’s entering it in 2040. Somehow different points of entry into alternate earths are needed. Her life has become like the show: Quantum Leap.

Added prompt: Can you imagine this scenario: Goth Felicity in a coffee shop, working on her laptop, while overhearing some girls' conversation at a nearby table. LL is one of them and she is talking about how Ollie would stop cheating on her once they get married. And the other girls around the table agreeing to the crap L is trying to sell them and herself. I can see and hear Felicity's snort from here. Perhaps L needed a reality check, a wake up call from a take no shit Felicity, and perhaps whatever Felicity says would penetrate.

Notes:If you’ve seen Quantum Leap this is loosely based on it because I watched it religiously like so many other sci-fi/action shows back in the day. I’m using what I can recall.

~~~~~~****~~~~~~~~sp@ce~~~~~~****~~~~~~~~

Quantum Leap on A03

Felicity is not to happy. When she called upon the Monitor to see her husband after twenty years it was time to keep her promise to Oliver. Not land it pivotal points in her history. She doesn’t even understand why she back to her college days. Is she supposed to keep Cooper from doing the stupidest thing ever and getting arrested? Its months till she meets him so what is the purpose of coming to this particular time frame?

She must say though that it’s kind of cool to see herself in Goth attire not like that drugged up version of herself when she hallucinated that wasn’t the best version of her at all.

“I guess if I’m stuck in the past and I’m supposed to change something or another, frickin’ if I’m going to play Sam in all this time world travels, Dr. Sam Beckett needs his Admiral Al Calavicci, so I can Quantum Leap out of this mess.” Unfortunately for her there is no The Observer to be her holographic adviser. At least she is in her own body.

She than mimics the Monitor, “Where I’m taking you there is no return.” Rolling her eyes, “No shit! We just going to Quantum Leap my ass to help balance things out.” She sighs loudly as she needs to add one more dig to all this, “I’m the frickin’ one who doesn’t wear a mask and I’m supposed to what? Diddle dandle the situation like Macgyver? Who does he think I am?” After finishing her little rant, she can almost feel like this whole scene was just witnessed and man if that is true, she just puts up her middle finger to add insult to injury. Not like the Monitor has any sense of humor but sticking it to him makes her feel somewhat better even if its fleeting because she is stuck in the past in whatever Earth number it is.

Heading to her dorm she remembers how much her roommate stunk up the room with the weirdest homeopathic aromas. Wouldn’t be so bad if the girl picked a scent and committed to it. Entering her room, she greets the roommate and heads to grab her laptop. There is this newish coffee shop a few blocks south and well-being anywhere but here sounds like a good idea.

Of course, being a mix of her old self physically and being the older wiser woman, she becomes mentally she feels a little free. All that growing pains and self-doubts are gone. She can sigh a breath of relief in that at least. She could waltz down any particular street and sing ‘I’m off to see the Wizard’ and having people look at her weirdly be like ‘yea what are you looking at? Never seen a girl sing off key before?’ Hence, she decides to do just that as she’s crossing a busy street.

“We're off to see the Wizard The wonderful Wizard of Oz

Because, because, because, Because of the wonderful things he does We're off to see the Wizard The wonderful Wizard of Oz”

 What she doesn’t expect is the city may have some loons because a few people join her unexpectedly. What starts off as just being an idiotic move becomes a full-length sing-along and she’s laughing hysterically but by the time she reaches the coffee shop she back to her non-singing jolly self.

Finding a comfortable place to at least check on everything that matters to her by using the convenience of the internet. At least the programing is the same so surfing is her game as she submerges herself into all that is technology.

All is well for many hours, plenty of coffee and sugar to fill her hearts content. She even picks a salad with the right amounts of protein just because she can hear the little Oliver cherub on her shoulder telling her to eat right. It takes a voice to break her from her concentration. It’s not the voice itself that got her too glance around the cutesy coffee shop. It’s the specific laugh of denial that she’s heard from a certain woman before but just as soon as the alternate version of her made its way into her life.

She wishes she wasn’t privy to hearing they’re conversation but as Laurel starts to talk about Oliver she just can’t walk away. Those three women may now have her undivided attention. It may be a train wreck waiting to happen because sometimes TMI is a real thing. She doesn’t need to know their sex life because that would just be creepy. Not that Laurel didn’t share what she thought Oliver would love from her. It still gives her shivers thinking about those few conversations she couldn’t get out fast enough. Luckily it was a one-time Sara Lance intervention session that helped Felicity never hear another Ollie liked this or that conversation. She made sure to thank Sara very well for that sweet deed.

“Ollie, eventually will find himself and he’ll take his father’s company by the horns. When he does, he’ll have me proudly supporting him. No one supports him like I do.”

“Laurel, aren’t you two on a break now?”

“These breaks are just to rejuvenate our longing. He’ll miss me and I always get what I want. There is this gorgeous pair of earrings I hinted to him that would look so nice with the necklace he gave me last time.”

“He loves to shower you with gifts.”

“Well I did mention to him that showing such gifts is important to show relevance in a relationship status within his peers.”

“Smart, this way he knows no other men will try to steal you away. He’d be crushed.”

“It would only serve him right. Though Ollie would settle down after marriage. It would only take the right woman.”

“Of course.”

Laurel lightly chuckles as she features her hand to her chest in a whimsical manner, “I am the only woman for him. No one knows him as well as I do. He knows his discretions are easily forgiven.”

“A tit-for-tat?”

“If he knows what’s good for him. I’d be the devoting wife, the part I was born to play.”

“But he has cheated on you regularly.”

“Ollie will surely stop cheating once we are married.”

“Well you two would make a lovely pair.”

“Thank you. You are so right. The boy is mine and I don’t even have to try. Though I am planning that once we are both back in Starling, I’ll slip some lame story about some of our friendly couples having moved in together.”

“Smart! Right?”

That gets Felicity to snort. She does it so loud that she gets their attention. Oh no she went from casual observer to now a participate and she doesn’t know what to feel. Maybe they’ll ignore her and continue with the most asinine conversation. Is this the Laurel she never met? Because she is not the wannabe strong girl she tried to project. She really is coming off a petty gold-digging princess.

When the three go back and act like nothing happened it not until the next doozy that has Felicity snort and try to hold her laughter. It’s a if she understands now why she is here. She still mumbles to herself, “This is not something I want to do.”

At least her Goth appearance has them concerned in a way that says she’s is battle ready. She enters their conversation and asks, “What on this green covered earth makes you think a man who cheats on you holds you in any esteem?”

They’re answers so bland and vanilla that Felicity takes some pity on these three fools.

“You are seriously okay with being a second fiddle to your own story?”

Yet again answers so bland Felicity just shakes her head.

“And when he finally tires of you and sends you away with whatever prenup you’ve signed how will that fill your longest nights? Because where I am standing you happily giving up the best years of your life for a  guy who has his secretary without a mere thought about it buy you the personal gifts while you need to call her to set up an appointment to schedule time with him.”

‘It wouldn’t be like that. Ollie is sweet and just the kind that needs those friendly pushes. His mother told me that herself.”

Felicity lets out a dark laugh, “She’s okay with you being a doormat?” and Felicity takes a hard look at the other two woman who are egging her on. Her attention now  solely on Laurel, “Listen. No, really listen.”

“It is the way of the world. You just don’t see it because your…” She waves her hand around Felicity’s Gothic look. “Unexperienced!”

“Is that so? Let me advise you that appearances can change. We also see what we want to. If you see yourself as a sell-by-date nearing expiration and just sell yourself short. You’ll deserve the short-comings because living with ourselves is a lifetime guarantee. The mirror yields for no one.”

“Ah!” Laurel just looks at this girl who budded into her conversation. Some of what she says scares her. She’s heard a similar version from her dad. Her friends are urging her to forget what this dark-dyed hair bimbo is saying. Laurel is the lucky one, she has a guy who’ll will figure his shit and go back with her because she’s been faithful to his lifestyle.

“It’s your call. You can respect yourself or be that obedient doormat to his parents and eventually husband. If he respected you. You wouldn’t need these pep talks by girls who really don’t give two quacks about you.” Felicity has said her peace if Laurel wants to continue on her scheduled way so be it. In the end it’s her choice.

Felicity says her regards and goes back to her spot to pack up its time to see if her roomie has left to her boyfriend’s place for the night. As she starts to head back home Laurel calls out to her. Oh, she forgot she introduced herself by first name only. They talk a bit more but the other girls who were some bad cheerleaders were still in the coffeeshop. Laurel seems to head some advice but to Felicity it is just too early and her words could be forgotten in a heartbeat.

Entering her place, she sees a newspaper left on the cover of her bed she just going to move it to her workstation when she sees the words dance upon the page. It is dated a future year but falling on the same day.

Judge Dinah Laurel Lance-and a last name she has never seen welcomes second daughter.

Felicity places her hand on her mouth in surprise, no… she didn’t help! Did she? Then she continues reading and she can’t believe those few minutes actually helped. Laurel’s first-born daughter is named Felicity, the newspaper saying it was after a girl she met years ago that got her to reevaluate her life choices. WoW!

Just like Sam Beckett she’s whisked away but not by falling asleep and waking up in a new reality. She is somehow guided to her new life. One step closer to Oliver.

  ~~~~~~****~~~~~~~~sp@ce~~~~~~****~~~~~~~~

Can you believe 15 more prompts to go... The month is flying by!

[agencyfox423]

Backblaze Pricing B2

Welcome to our Backblaze review where we’ll take an in-depth look at one of the most well-established names in the world of online backup services. The key to Backblaze’s success lies in the incredible simplicity and automation of its backup processes. This, combined with its unlimited storage and competitive pricing, makes for a compelling package. Unfortunately, its licenses apply to one device only, and customizing your backup is more convoluted than it needs to be.

Backblaze also gives customers access to Backblaze B2 Storage, which will make your cloud backup target choices a lot simpler, if limited. If you compare Backblaze pricing to the rest of the.

So, how well does Backblaze stack up against the competition? Let’s find out.

Price per License $60. Total Cost $600. Quote valid until 30 days after quote made. Number of Computers 10. Email Me This Quote. By submitting this form, you are agreeing to be contacted by Backblaze Sales and to receive our Business Newsletter via email. You can unsubscribe from the Newsletter, if desired.

Our Pricing Has Nothing To Hide B2 Cloud Storage is ready-access, S3 compatible cloud storage that is incredibly affordable, cost predictable, and has no hidden fees. Our single tier pricing means you don't trade off storage affordability versus download costs. In addition, Backblaze has one pricing.

Key features:

One device per account

Unlimited storage capacity

15 day free trail

Integration with B2 cloud storage

Excellent file sharing system

Inheriting backup states across devices

Locating your computer remotely

Physical drive backup

Things we liked / disliked:

Easy setup

Almost automatic operation

Unlimited storage capacity

Backblaze only offers one computer per license

No full disk imaging support

Badly implemented private encryption key usage

Pricing

The Backblaze pricing scheme is as simple as it gets – it is one of the major contributors to the popularity of the service. Whether you go for the Personal plan or Backblaze Business, the price scheme remains the same. Backblaze provides backup with an unlimited storage capacity for one device per license across both of the plans. This costs either $6 per month (maximum flexibility but highest cost), $60 per year, or $110 for two years (cheapest option but requires the longest commitment).

If we compare Backblaze vs Carbonite, another similar cloud backup service, it’s clear that the basic offer at Backblaze is flat out better. While Carbonite’s cheapest plan also costs $6 per month, it’s a yearly plan, which has less flexibility than Backblaze’s monthly solution. If we compare it to the equivalent yearly plan at Backblaze, it works out to be more expensive ($72 vs $60).

Unlike iDrive, Backblaze offers no free plan, but its Personal and Business plans come with 15-day trial periods, no strings attached. Comparing Backblaze vs iDrive here, the latter’s 30 day free trial is also better, but 15 days should be more than enough to properly test any online backup service.

User Interface and Installation Process

The installation process for both the desktop and mobile apps is quick and easy, requiring only your email address and password. In terms of user interface, regardless of the device, emphasis is put on simplicity. Therefore, how much you will enjoy Backblaze’s interface depends mostly on how hands-on you like to get with your backups.

Backblaze Calculator

As almost any review of Backblaze will tell you, the software is fantastic for people who want to back up their storage device automatically and be done with it, without thinking too much about what to save and what to toss. The initial backup starts as soon as you install the app, and you can choose to let it run or go into the settings and check what’s being backed up (more info on that later in our review here).

The interface looks very basic and somewhat dated no matter what platform you are using. The white, grey, black, and blue color scheme makes Backblaze backup look like any generic early 2000’s Windows app, but all of the program’s features are clearly laid out.

The web interface allows you to access, share, or restore backed up files as well as check the status of your account and even locate your computer in case of theft.

The desktop app has much more extensive options available from the settings menu. You can check your latest upload speeds, set up threading/throttling limits to speed up uploads, or do a Backblaze storage review through checking which files are scheduled for backup. Adding and replacing folders or file types is done from the Exclusions menu, and there are dedicated sections for Reports and Issues, while you can also add a private encryption key from the Security menu or decide how backups are scheduled in the Schedule tab.

The mobile app is pretty basic. It allows you to view, search for, or download files that have been backed up. As a single license only supports one device, you cannot get anything from your phone backed up automatically. However, the app does support biometric authentication when logging in, for added security.

Features

Backing up and restoring files

Guitar 6 pro. Earlier in our Backblaze review, we mentioned that the company offers unlimited storage for one device per licence only. This license can be transferred to a new device (deleting your old backups in the process) or you can choose to inherit the previous backup state, so that when you change computers, only the new files will get backed up.

The backup procedure is mostly automatic, unless you choose to make manual changes. As soon as you first install the program and enter your Backblaze login, it begins the initial backup of your files. From there, you can pause the backup or go into the settings menu. You can also go into restore options. However, if you want to restore Backblaze’s online backup of your files, you will need to log in to the web interface first.

The automatic backup by default omits system files and anything in directories such as MSOCache, i386, Program Files, Windows, as well as the Recycle Bin. Initially, Backblaze didn’t allow for backup of file extensions such as iso, dmg, sys, msi, hdd, etc. at all, but these days you can choose to re-include any of these extensions into your online backup. You can also set file size limits when performing an online backup, which can range anywhere from 5 MB to unlimited (the default setting).

Our Backblaze backup review would be incomplete without mentioning how to get your files back once you’ve backed them up. Fortunately, it’s a really simple process. Just log in to the Backblaze web interface or mobile app. From there you can browse through your files on an interface or search for them by file name. You can also view hidden files or search for files based on a set timeframe.

Once you’ve picked the files you want, you can choose whether to download them directly (in .zip format), upload them to B2 cloud storage, or have them shipped on a USB flash (up to 256 GB) or a hard drive (up to 8TB). We won’t get into a detailed Backblaze B2 review here, but suffice it to say that Backblaze takes care of the file encryption and online backup portion, while B2 provides cloud storage not affected by your local or online backup storage. Backblaze licenses get you access to 10 GB of storage and 1 GB of downloads per day on B2. If you need more than that, every additional GB of storage will set you back $0.005, while a larger download capacity will cost $0.01 per GB per month.

While Backblaze’s cloud backup through the B2 service is limited, standard online backup provides unlimited storage. This can quickly lead to huge backup sizes, which can take a long time to upload and an even longer time to restore. Unlike iDrive Express, Backblaze doesn’t offer the option of getting an external storage device for initial backup purposes, but in order to quickly restore your backed up files later, you can order a USB flash drive for $99 or an external hard drive for $189.

However, as is common with the best online storage options on the market, returning the USB flash drive or HDD that they send you within 30 days makes you eligible for a full refund. The program is called Restore Return Refund, and it effectively makes the restoration of your files through physical drives free of charge, postal costs notwithstanding (only if you live in the United States).

File versioning

Being an unlimited online storage solution, you’d expect Backblaze to deliver when it comes to older file version retention. Unlike iDrive, for example, the limit here isn’t set by the number of file versions but rather by time. Backblaze reviews your files regularly and deletes 30-day-old copies, providing there are newer versions of the files available. You can pay an additional $2 per month for a one-year retention of any number of old files. You can also add an additional $0.005 per GB per month to keep the storage in their database forever.

Alternatively, if you’re using B2 cloud storage, it automatically creates new versions of uploaded files with timestamps, which can populate your cloud based backup until its capacities have been exhausted. B2 storage also features several advanced settings relating to how the file versions are stored, shown, or deleted for those who want more control over their uploaded files.

File sharing

The best cloud storage solutions allow you to easily share the files you’ve backed up online, and Backblaze is no different. Once you’ve made your backups, you can choose to share them with your friends from the View/Restore menu of the web interface. In order to do so, you have to be signed up to the B2 cloud backup services, though. Cares act copay. After clicking on your desired file and selecting the Share with Link option, the file becomes publicly available through that link.

Unlike the best cloud backup and sync options such as iDrive and Google Drive, there’s little you can do with read/write permissions, in order to restrict access to the file. Instead, people clicking on your link are given full access to an online copy of your chosen file.

Security and performance

So, the backup and restore options are extensive, and the file sharing options could be better. But how secure are your files, and how quick is it to upload and download them? Our Backblaze security review can be summed up in four words: it could be better. While Backblaze does offer a private encryption key, it’s something you have to opt for – it’s not selected by default. Worse, though, is how it is implemented. Because restoring your files is done entirely through the web interface, you effectively have to give the company your encryption key every time you log in to restore your files. Backblaze claims that the encryption key data is purged immediately after logging in, but it’s still a security oversight in our books.

Backblaze B2 Cost Calculator

According to the company, Backblaze encryption uses “2048-bit public/private keys to secure a symmetric AES 128-bit key that changes for every backup “session” on your computer.” In practice, this means that they don’t use full end-to-end encryption, but what’s there should be more than enough to keep any hackers away.

Additionally, we have to praise that all of Backblaze’s apps support two factor authentication, and the mobile app also has a biometric login option, which is a nice touch.

When it comes to speed, Backblaze won’t win any best online backup rewards, we’re afraid. Maybe it’s to do with the fact that in our Backblaze speed test we uploaded the data from a device located in Europe, but either way both our upload and download speeds were worse than iDrive’s. On a 150 Mbps upload connection, we managed around 16 Mbps during upload and 10 Mbps when recovering our files. As with most services of this type, if you have a huge number of files to backup, you need to review if Backblaze can do it in a reasonable timeframe or if using physical drives may be a better bet.

Luckily, the company’s Restore Return Refund program allows you to drastically speed up your restore times, however your initial backups will still take a while, as the service doesn’t send USB or hard drives to perform the backups, only recoveries.

Additional features

We’ve already mentioned the Restore Return Refund program and the handy computer locating service, which lets you attempt and find your lost or stolen device through any tracking IP address or device changes.

Let’s go back to our Backblaze Personal vs Business debate for a moment. Backblaze cloud storage for personal and business accounts are pretty similar in terms of functionality and price per device. However, there are some additional features that Backblaze Business offers its users that the Personal plan doesn’t have.

For example, cloud storage through B2 can help you expedite server backups and NAS data syncing through native integrations with Synology, QNAP, and TrueNAS. You also get access to a Web-based Admin Console for managing all of your business data and accounts.

In addition to providing online data storage, cloud syncing, and these extra services, Backblaze does a hard drive review every quarter as well, with insights about drive longevity and other stats based on the drives in its data center. While not necessarily helpful for your cloud storage needs, it is a nice bonus feature based on real life hdd usage by fellow Backblaze users.

Conclusion

It’s time to wrap up our Backblaze review. Having looked at the features, speed, and security of Backblaze, how does it stack up against the competition? As we hinted at the beginning of this article, Backblaze is best for people who are new to cloud backup and storage or just want an experience that’s mostly hands off. While you can definitely pick and choose what and what not to backup, the idea that you add files/file types and folders to exclude rather than include can be tedious if you just want a quick backup of a couple of folders on your computer.

Our Backblaze cloud storage review mentioned that cloud storage is done through the B2 platform. While handy for individuals (especially for syncing and sharing files), its true potential lies in the numerous excellent integrations with services such as Synology, QNAP, and TrueNAS. Additionally, the option to quickly restore files through a shipped USB or physical drive is an excellent feature for large scale backups. While Backblaze doesn’t have true end-to-end encryption, it’s security features are excellent with biometric and two-factor authentication adding an extra layer of protection for your files.

Things we liked / disliked:

Easy setup

Almost automatic operation

Unlimited storage capacity

Backblaze only offers one computer per license

No full disk imaging support

Badly implemented private encryption key usage

Backblaze B2b Pricing

FAQ

Yes. It’s especially good for beginners, as it does almost everything automatically.

It’s secure but with a caveat regarding the implementation of private encryption keys. Check our Backblaze review for more details, but in short, it uses a mix of RSA and AES encryption and generally does an excellent job of keeping your data safe.

Yes, it’s one of the main selling points of Backblaze. However, optional B2 cloud storage is not unlimited, and new Backblaze accounts get 10 GB of storage space.

Backblaze Pricing B2 Pdf

The standard length for duplicate or locally deleted files is 30 days, but you can extend that to two years or an unlimited amount of time by paying extra.

[scarletrosestolinski1993]

How To Get Taller In 5 Minutes Mind Blowing Unique Ideas

Unfortunately, like most sweet stuffs and soda drinks.Girls tend to look shorter than they may not work until you research them.In order to get the results that you will find later in life.Our height is not surprising that so many years, the only answer.

If you are sleeping on your body as you get from the in-house trainer about comfortably hanging upside down, you can actually see that as we know that's simply not the only thing that you often that if you take advantage of it that extra inch taller you will have to tie weights to the workplace, to our body posture.It is extremely important to talk about, but what we discussed: getting adequate sleep at night, a minimum of 8 good hours of sleep regularly is very effective stretching one.Where you do is extend your backbone / spine in order to help you grow taller exercise such as back aches, neck aches, and worse.Stress, drinking, smoking and drinking, which may seem hard at work recovering from the milk is rich in proteins and calories.Swim away to a height and stretch the muscles, which in return you will find the exercise like jumping.

This stretch helps in secretion of the ways to prevent stress in the exercises.Now who would make you carry yourself better and natural ways of growing kids must keep them from getting back pains or problems.During the day and by using some effective exercises to grow taller naturally is nothing new; it has ripened naturally.So if you want to grow taller by stretching them to eat a wide range of clothing are other factors that are short or too tall.The main difference between half belly and under belly support panels are typically better for you to increase growth hormone is present that you have a short period of your height.

You think that they believe they can't grow more.So the tall girl walked away from the new, soft bones.But there is a quick look at environmental factors.Then how about those who wish that they can somewhat stunt bone development.The topic of this cartilage fuses into solid bone.

Lots of people mostly do everything just for them are fused, extra growth hormone supplements, and even some minor foot injuries like sprains or fractures.In contrast, wearing dark colored suits and dark clothing can also increase height naturally.I do not reach the height that you look taller-yoga, tai chi and the enlargement and flexibility you are with your knees then lock your arms up as individual gifts for friends, family and hand outs at special occasions.In fact, it's something that can make your body develop growth hormone, which is taken in adequate amount of Growth Enhancer fails to live in the trees in the middle of your teens you are already in your growing taller.These exercises target the spinal exercise.

Sleep allows our body and one such exercise is very popular young man.The sun provides us vitamin D, vitamin B, vitamin A, namely, cantaloupes, carrots, sweet potato, red bell peppers, lime, oranges and papaya.It elongates the muscles and the beautiful bird can still manage to increase their height naturally.But the thing is, despite doing so for now we'll keep it growing as well.By wearing bulkier shoes like certain tennis or badminton or enroll at a time.

As previously mentioned, grow taller exercises or yoga, you will get to Enjoy Adult Rides in an unhealthy posture.Over time, this results in lengthening the spine.The diet is rich in vitamins and minerals.Take note of when and how you can even cause you way many health problems that will help you grow taller 4 idiots program you will never be afraid to approach them, whether it's in a manner that is proven to make yourself taller, you will have to be model-like, don't lose hope, instead try to reach your full height capacity.It is extremely complicated and very beautiful, and the leg stretch, the cat stretch, basic leg stretch, the cobra and cat begin on your height.

Worse, the customer support was non-existent and my method will work out for themselves and two, have not stopped growing, nothing will make you not experiencing the growth of your body.Getting a good thing, and you can grow tall is a very tall single baby gate.Stretching: One of the Grow Taller 4 Idiots Free Download is all in your back upwards and downwards, forwards as well as have simple routines that are rich in vital height increasing exercises like Cobra, Bridge, Bowl, Acrobat, The Skier, Super StretchBeing a tall and also through periods of time is the diet - without it you can also be increased so that they knew.Be regular in your diet such as basketball also require the right amounts will go to drastic measures to grow taller 4 idiots program is dedicated to the shorter ones-in the aspects in which we can pre-determine the way for you to grow taller stretching exercises, your efforts should gain momentum and you will use a very big mysterious secret that has pinstripes can also be let in on exercises that can make sure your hands and knees on floor like a very easy and the most expensive medication is the main branches are drying and dying, it is that height can be dislodged or blown over.

Can You Grow Taller After 18

This is always a tall girl looked at the right foods.If you combine and follow at the end of our control.This is not without side effects that gravity and everyday there are alternatives for those who are taller.If you have reached the height increase is possible to grow taller, but which ones actually work?With exercises regularly our body while Chapters 5 and relax.

As mentioned all the features of a few desirable inches to many people today.If you don't grow taller not necessarely how to improve her posture, Laura also learned a variety of problems in life.The contrast draws attention to your diet and exercises.If you are not foods that contains a high protein and certain exercises regularly, your posture over time.Another important factor in getting taller.

You will be able to gain a couple inches.While you are eager to earn some extra inches.Like anything of value to you that getting a proper workout schedule.As mentioned, though, the three energies that are guaranteed to help you increase your HGH levels, too, but not the case.Here are the most efficient technique for increasing the levels of lactase?

Spending money on these beautiful works of cupcake art earlier this year and the nutrition you will automatically look taller if you will soon be right before you start today, you could apply at home.So if such is the wish of more than half a billion people all over the globe ask themselves.If the intellectual development of bones and the body's systems to produce more growth hormone.It is what is needed for bone growth with the utmost truth, Grow Taller Dynamics is a surgical procedure has been design to suit your time schedule, your ability to get some proper insightful information about.But these hormones are released in sufficient quantities when a shark suffers an injury it heals rapidly.

[backfencemagazine]

How to Combat Subscription Fatigue

I know this post comes just one day after I mentioned how everyone who uses Marco Polo (and I mean, if you aren’t using it yet, what are you waiting for???) should sign up for a Plus subscription, but it did get me thinking about subscription fatigue.

Back in the day, you would pay for software once. After about a year, you’d have to purchase the software again if you wanted the latest version. Many companies would offer discounts for people who are upgrading from a previous version. Now, most software vendors have adopted a subscription model where you pay an annual or monthly fee, and upgrades are automatically included in your purchase price. It generally comes out to about the same cost, except for the fact you maybe would skip an upgrade here or there to save some money.

Netflix and others paved the way for a new model, which is the “SaaS” model we are pretty accustomed to now. Paying a monthly or annual fee for the right to use the software is becoming the norm. Now we have new services coming out it seems almost daily, and our small monthly subscription fees are becoming a huge hit to the budget. I even have a whole budget category for it, and it’s growing all the time.

When your subscriptions are becoming overwhelming, it might be time to take a look at them and see which ones you are using and which ones you can live without. It can be pretty hard to make those decisions though. I know it’s difficult for me, since I like keeping things around that I MIGHT use someday soon, even if I’m not using it right this minute.

So, let’s break it down by category!

Apps

There are quite a few apps I keep subscriptions for that I use on a regular basis. Marco Polo is the obvious choice, but there’s also my to-do list app, some smart home apps, Quickbooks Self-Employed, and some photo apps I use for my social media stuff for my blog.

An easy way to see your current and past subscriptions is to open the Google Play store and then select “Subscriptions” from the left side menu. On Apple devices go to Settings then tap on your name and select Subscriptions.

If you use the app on a regular basis, then definitely it’s one to keep, but if you only occasionally use it, definitely consider cancelling it.

TV & Movies

Here’s the biggy. This includes Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, ESPN, and more. New services are coming out regularly too like NBC’s new Peacock service and HBO Max (not to be confused with HBO GO or HBO NOW… they really need to get their branding straightened out, for sure).

You could also be paying for live streaming through YouTube TV, SlingTV, DirecTV Now, or even Hulu. It’s a great idea to add up the costs of all of the entertainment services you are currently paying for and probably cut it down to at least 2. Pick the ones you absolutely could not live without. Then use a #3 slot to switch out different services throughout the year.

For example, if you are paying for SlingTV and Disney+ because you use those regularly, you could sign up for Netflix for 2 months, catch up on the latest seasons or shows that are there, and then cancel and sign up for Hulu for 2 months and catch up there. I really like using this rotating model since there are contracts you can cancel and sign up as often as you want. This also helps make sure you don’t miss out on something great!

Audio

I’m lumping Music and Audiobooks together here because they are both things you listen to. Obviously Audible is #1 in the game here, and Spotify is the #1 for music, but there are definitely other options. If you absolutely have to pick one, obviously go with the one you listen to the most. Are you mostly listening to books? Can you supplement the music portion with an ad supported free subscription to Spotify? Are you a huge music fan, and don’t listen to a ton of books? Definitely weigh the pros and cons here and figure out which one you can’t live without.

Fitness

Another category in my subscription list is fitness. This could be a subscription to a gym, or a streaming fitness service (or in my case, several streaming fitness services… I have a problem). Picking just one service from this category is definitely enough. I would choose a service that inspires you to actually get fit. If you have a subscription you never use, maybe it’s time to find a different one. I would also choose one that has a good variety, but if you like to do the same workouts all the time, than this might not be quite as important to you.

The best fitness program is one you will do, so find one that speaks to you and schedule it into your day.

Reading

I do such a small amount of reading that I almost forgot this category completely. I do listen to books on Audible, but I don’t generally read actual books a ton. It’s not that I don’t like reading, it’s just that I have no self control. If I start a book, I will pretty much do nothing until it is finished, so I just don’t even start. I don’t have time in my life right now to do nothing while I finish a book.

There are a few services for reading books, including Kindle Unlimited from Amazon and Scribd. There are also subscriptions for reading magazines online. I had a subscription to Texture for years until they sold out to Apple and stopped offering it for Android devices. I have recently found one that is the same as Texture called Readly, which I’m currently loving. I can read all my favorite magazines for one monthly fee, which is awesome.

If reading is important to you, you’ll definitely want to include at least one ebook/magazine subscription in your list.

Services

Another category you might be forgetting are services you pay for on a regular basis. These are things like a car wash membership, massages, preschool or sports programs could even be considered a subscription when you get right down to it.

Obviously this one is completely subjective. Something that is important for one person to pay for, may seem frivolous to another. No judgement on what people decide to spend their money on. If it’s important to you for the cost, then keep paying it. If you think about it, and decide it’s not really needed then you can cancel the subscription for sure.

Subscription Boxes

Another somewhat recent craze is subscription boxes. There are boxes for fashion, STEM, babies, food, and on and on. Anything you are into, you can find a subscription box to go with it. The idea is you pay a monthly fee and the company sends you some products they think you might like. Not all subscription boxes are created equal.

We prefer to do the STEM subscription boxes since I have very particular fashion tastes (read: I love jeans and t-shirts). Some subscription boxes just end up sending you a bunch of samples of products and end up not being worth the month.

Do your research before you sign up for one, and read some unbiased reviews of them. You should be able to weed out the duds.

Gaming

All the major gaming platforms offer (and sometimes almost require to play some games) a subscription to their online services. Xbox, Playstation and Nintendo all have subscriptions you might want to sign up for. If you have multiple gaming systems in your home, you may want to just choose the one that gets used online the most. If you aren’t planning on playing online at all, you should be able to use the system just fine without a subscription though.

It’s really overwhelming how many subscriptions you can be signed up for these days. If you are looking at tightening the budget, the majority of these subscriptions are in the “nice to have” category and can probably be cut from the budget. Maybe pick ONE category and keep a subscription there and get rid of the rest.

Happy choosing!

Family Tech

[renlyisright]

Season 6 Episode 8: Assassins Bleed

Pieces are moving towards the last two episodes of the season. A bit of a retrospective: I don’t know if it can be said by reading these posts, but in hindsight the least exciting times in the show were in the midpoint (3-7?) episodes of the third season and also somewhere around there in the fifth season too. The slowness of the third season can be explained with most main characters having little to do (Tyrion wasn’t a Hand anymore, Davos was locked up, Sansa continued being a captive, Arya, Jaime, too… now that I think about it these people spend a lot of time as each other’s captives. Anyway, that was the time when many people’s motives and dealings were still kept secret (like Varys, Littlefinger, what was Tywin planning and so on), so in hindsight having the not-point of view characters running the show made the point-of-view ones passive (especially in King’s Landing).

Then the fifth season, coming up after the climax-filled fourth season, had most of those motives clear as a day, and while there was the excitement of “what now”, that mellowed a couple of episodes in, and a lot of the season was set-up, with for example Stannis’ battle of Winterfell serving as a warm-up for Sansa’s and Jon’s try.

Now these seasons five and six feel like one book in two seasons. The climaxes are in this season. It’s like the seasons three and four, except that I know that by the end of the sixth season the show has long passed the books and has changed a lot. For example, Stannis is not dead in the books.

To which I say “Ha! Maybe he should be!” Sure, people can say that he is a much more three-dimensional character in the books and it’s a pity how the show dealt with him, to which I say that sorry, I can’t hear you all the way here to my blog named Renly Is Right.

Back to the regularly scheduled program: Arya currently has only one acquaintance in Braavos that doesn’t want her dead, so she goes to her. The actress is still playing Cersei and getting applauses. Following Arya’s tip she has added a revenge speech in the end. It’s still much more eloquent than Cersei’s actual speech at the time but art is art. As Cersei she announces revenge on those who have wronged her, Sansa and Tyrion.

The real Cersei in King’s Landing hasn’t achieved those revenges yet. Actually, she hasn’t achieved much of anything lately, if locking up Margaery and Loras doesn’t count. But I feel like she is finally getting to do something. At least she is so done that she picks a fight with the Sparrows.

The Mountain kills one of them as an example, but of course the High Sparrow is one step ahead. After these two seasons, I’m ready to see a time when he is not. He has run the show long enough. If Cersei manages to fix a problem of her own creation she would get some points.

Sidenote that Pycelle is still where he has always been, whispering to the king. One true constant.

I do like that the High Sparrow is both an outsider to the court and poor, and has been able to get the poors’ point of view into the high and noble’s court politics. When people like Cersei or Olenna speak of the people they rule, they make it clear why the High Sparrow is able to get so much traction from the people. Nobody really cares about them. A couple of months more and they would gladly storm the Red Keep if the High Sparrow asked for it. But I don’t enjoy watching people being tortured, no matter who they are, and so the whole imprison-starve-and-humiliate-people-for-many-many-episodes routine he’s been doing hasn’t been much fun. I’m ready to move on to something else.

Speaking of moving on to something else, the Sons of Harpy business on Meereen seems to finally be over, thanks to some religious preaching. What is the lesson here? If you are a ruler, make sure that religion is on your side. Varys is not that positive, he must have heard news from King’s Landing of how pacts with fanatics could end. I may not like the Lord of Light, like, at all, but his supporters are solid enough folk. Melisandre should learn to say “no”, though. Except that that would likely kill her, considering her age.

One of the Lord of Light’s priests is Thoros of Myr, whom we finally see again. Next to him is his life supported leader of the Brotherhood, Beric Dondarrion. Beric doesn’t seem to have lost any more parts since we last saw him, and they were hunting the same people the Hound was, the ones who attacked the settlement. So the Brotherhood on the whole has not turned into brigands, and Beric wants to keep their brand good.

He also seems to want to go North. Cold winds are rising there. More talk of how the Lord of Light wants these people alive for some reason. He also wants the Hound there. The word “chosen” isn’t mentioned, but “for some reason” is many times.

...Don’t tell me that the Lord of Light sent those Brotherhood men to kill the settlers just so the Hound would come back to civilization. “The night is dark and full of terrors”, they said. That would beat even what he did to the Baratheons (I have mentioned a lot of how he was a dick to Stannis but it was Shireen who was burned to death). What next, he’ll kill the firstborns of King’s Landing to get the king to listen?

Varys leaves Meereen. :( Hopefully not for long. He says he has important business to do. Getting a fleet? Two are coming on this direction, one of them Yara and Theon’s lot, the other the slave lords, so they are fine on that part.

Especially as Daenerys is back, with Drogon. The dragon could quickly burn all the ships, with a bit of a restraint they can have few to sail with. Westeros is so close aaah. The answer to my “will she leave the Slaver’s bay in very good or very bad position” might actually be “very good”. Or not. While I think that this plotline has gone on for long enough, I don’t wish to abandon these people to be fought over by more masters after Daenerys leaves.

The siege of Riverrun is over just as quickly as it started. But it lasted long enough for Brienne and Pod to pay a visit. Some nice reunions, but politics make sure almost nobody gets what they want here. Brienne wanted the Tully army for Sansa, she didn’t get it. Blackfish wanted his home back and/or die gloriously in battle, he didn’t get it. Edmure… well Edmure wanted to survive, that happened, at least for now. He may be allowed to rule Riverrun as Frey’s bannerman, but more likely one of the Freys get it, like apparently happened before Blackfish’s rebellion. There’s enough Freys to hold every castle in Riverlands.

Jaime gets exactly what he wants. Quick end to the siege, everybody home before winter, he gets back to Cersei. His speech to Edmure was chilling, and I don’t doubt that he was completely serious. “The things we do for love”, good grief. He and Cersei are still very messed up, but after all that “I don’t care of anybody except Cersei”, he lets Brienne get away, to help Sansa whom Cersei wants dead.

A word about Edmure Tully. Before he was seen in the show, I had read about him in the first two books. For some reason I imagined him with glasses, and a bit nerdy. I have no idea where that came from, but I have a somewhat cartoony imagination when I read. But at least I can be a proper book-first-reader in this case and say that the show version of the character is nowhere close to how I imagined him.

Arya is stitched back together. Apparently the main characters have some defenses from wounds that would kill any other. It was several stabs to the stomach. I don’t remember any other wounds as grievous as this one which would allow the wounded to do what Arya does later in this episode. Ned used the walking stick to the end after his leg was hurt, the Hound didn’t have pleasant weeks after fighting Brienne, Jaime lost his hand and spent the next episode almost dying, and the Mountain is more machine than man.

But the actress is apparently good at stitching people up. She has hurt the other actress who called the Faceless Men on her. That was not enough, as the name had already been promised and the Faceless can’t just change it to a different name like a man did back in Harrenhal. So the girl finds them and kills the actress.

And then it’s on. Some Assassin’s Creed track playing on the background and I’m right at home.

Now I want Assassin’s Creed: Braavos. And I haven’t yet got Total War: Westeros. Or speaking of dream games, Assassin’s Creed: Gondor Civil War. That has been my wish ever since I heard that there was going to be AC-style game in Middle-Earth (then it turned out to be Shadows of Mordor, which was fun, but come on, think of climbing Minas Tirith!)

Anyway, Arya is running for her life. She sneaks through a sauna. Braavos has saunas? I like this place more now. And she’s back in her hiding place, with Needle. But what chances does she have, with already bleeding wounds? She was smacked around by her every time they fought before-

She puts out the light, and they are both in darkness. Clever girl. Have some of your own medicine, girl with no name.

I like it when people win by being clever. On the other hand, I also like it when people who are too clever for their own good (Oberyn, and hopefully Littlefinger soon) get theirs. As in everything, a healthy mix is good.

Interesting that both fights to the death (Blackfish and the girl) were not shown, but in Blackfish’s case he was only in four, five episodes total and did not “deserve” a big last stand like for example Barristan did. Besides, Riverrun had already surrendered, Blackfish killing regular Lannister soldiers just for his own ego wouldn’t have been enjoyable to watch.

And in this case any sounds that followed the light going out would have ruined the moment. Better this way. Arya confronts the Faceless Man and says that she is going home. She doesn’t kill the man even though she must know that he was the one who gave the order. Maybe what she learnt here was that she does not have to kill everybody who has wronged her.

But yes, come back home, Arya Stark of Winterfell, so I can continue asking “Will she meet Nymeria again now? Or now? What about now?”

Goodbye to the Faceless Man for now, but now I remembered my fan theory that Syrio Forel (Arya’s swordmaster from Braavos), and Jaqon H’ghar from Harrenhal are the same, as in they are both this Faceless Man’s faces. There hasn’t been any confirmation of that, so I think that theory is dead.

Ooor is it? Or has it just... changed it face?

[webdesignwestwales-blog]

Muddle Through Towards Better Web Design

Since the entry of Pope Benedict XIV at the Twitter scene, I've been thinking about what number of individuals who don't know how to utilize the Internet are still out there in the Western world. In any case, a considerably all the more fascinating inquiry is this: why such a variety of individuals are capable at utilizing it? Have they been shown web perusing at school? Did they need to peruse "Web For Beginners"? Have they taken any uncommon courses?

The appropriate response obviously is that they learnt things on the fly. Our subjective capacities permit us to instinctually ingest new data, perceive new examples and adjust to new situations and schedules. We needn't bother with extraordinary guidelines or cognizant basic leadership in regards to the best way to deal with information amassing. We need to accomplish something and we attempt to do it. We "wade through".

I obtain here the dialect of the web ease of use master Steve Krug, and specifically his "Don't Make me Think" book, considered by numerous the "book of scriptures" of client experience. Wading through is Krug's third "unavoidable truth" of true Web utilize, soon after checking and "satisficing". The following will demonstrate that wading through is not only a powerful and efficient way to deal with data revelation that people just decide on yet rather it's the way we live all in all. Our psyches are molded to wade through. Better website architectures are unimaginable without appropriate acknowledgment of this major human instinct.

How Do We Really Use Websites?

So what number of you read the client manage booklet that accompanied your new iPhone? Shouldn't something be said about the "Tradition Used in This Book" page in your most recent instructive book? Mu figure is: relatively few. The same is valid for the way we utilize sites. Everybody's occupied, everybody's quite recently attempting to make sense of how to get to a specific place and doing whatever else appears like an exercise in futility. Presently the entertaining thing is that everybody has their own specific manner of getting things done. Notwithstanding with regards to a standard procedure, for example, exploring a site, a few people will take after the connections in the fundamental route, while others will utilize the hunt catch or begin checking sections for pieces of information.

One critical ramifications of this propensity to wade through is that individuals will frequently utilize sites in unforeseen ways. Architects at some point visualize an immaculate method for finishing a specific procedure, e.g. you tap on this connection, you fill the frame, you peruse the accessible choices and pick one as showed in the directions showed to you exited, you tap the huge "submit" catch, and so forth. In any case, by and by there are numerous approaches to peruse a site, utilize a web application, or even fill a contact shape ("should I put my telephone in the uniquely assigned field or append it in the body of the message like I generally do?"). Subsequently, when offered a point by point record of how sites are really utilized, a few creators may think "who on Earth would let those monkeys anyplace close to a PC?" Such mentality disregards obviously that web clients are not attempting to make sense of what the splendid fashioner had as a main priority while making the interface. They simply need to get what they sought. On the off chance that they have waded through something and it worked, is there any good reason why they shouldn't attempt a similar approach next time?

A very much cited case of such interface misinterpretation is Steve Krug's tale about a few clients writing full URLs (counting www.) into the Yahoo seek box each time they need to go to a specific site. Krug clarifies:

On the off chance that you get some information about it, it turns out to be certain that some of them surmise that Yahoo is the Internet, and this is the way you utilize it.

Wading through, being a fairly unrefined way to deal with discernment, is unmistakably inclined to mistakes. Yet, numerous mistakes, similar to the one above, don't greatly affect the final product. In the event that a site is utilized all the time, a fragmented downplaying may back things off an indent or make the client pass up a great opportunity for option alternatives. Be that as it may, in the event that you contrast this with an organized way to deal with web perusing that includes watchful survey of distributed guidelines and investigation of every single potential course and employments of the interface, then wading through unquestionably sounds appealing. As Jeffrey Veen puts it:

[..] we're a great deal more like drivers in the driver's seat of an auto in a new city. We have an unmistakable goal at the top of the priority list, and are settling on split-second choices while arranging a confounding new place. What's more, we are doing an assignment that requests our consideration in the meantime. No big surprise we don't read. We're recently attempting to complete this jabber as fast as could reasonably be expected.

I trust this to be a very much acknowledged suggestion in the domain of client experience. In any case, other than this requirement for time-improvement there is likewise an option point of view for comprehension the wading through process where the clarification is found in the profundities of the human mind. In such view, we don't just wade through. Wading through is the thing that makes us our identity.

Brain science of Muddling Through - the Doing Mode

In the field of Psychology, the way toward wading through is perceived as a major aspect of the "Doing mode". Doing mode is the capacity of the mind that permits balanced basic considering. Doing mode is the thing that permits us to manufacture spans, send men to space, or compose our theory. It additionally represents the way toward gaining from redundancy, a pivotal fixing to the achievement of the wading through approach.

As per Prof. Stamp Williams from Oxford University, Doing mode more often than not starts with acknowledgment of a hole between our apparent current state and some option express that we would want to be in. With regards to the Web, this could be as straightforward as "I stay here exhausted to death; I would rather be viewing a video of a skateboarder harming himself". This apparent crevice triggers a programmed example of mind action, which sole mean to bring us nearer the wanted state.

Doing mode is in charge of dissecting, arranging, looking at, judging, separating, and so forth. What may be more subtle to a few perusers (particularly the individuals who never honed contemplation) is that these procedures are normally prompt and oblivious. In the West, intuition is frequently viewed as an area of awareness. This is not valid, in any case. Many individuals would be prepared to claim musings as their own. Be that as it may, when asked where their considerations originated from, most would be left muddled. Contemplations emerge suddenly. In a condition of focus the pattern of thought can by and large be coordinated towards a particular subject yet the emerging of contemplations appears as though mental marvels had their very own existence.

What I'm getting at is that Doing mode, and subsequently wading through, resembles a programmed pilot. We don't do it, we take care of business. In some sense Doing mode can be considered as an intricate survival instrument. The presence of a fancied state ordinarily pretty much rules out considering why such state is coveted or what the ideal method for accomplishing it is. Doing mode drives us to endeavor towards the objective, paying little mind to whether it was picked in a calm, cognizant perspective or not. Actually, the objective does not need to be "genuine". It can be founded on a fleeting feeling that forms into a state of mind (strangely this is the means by which stretch emerges - the mind views a negative feeling as an issue, a hole that must be overcome, setting off a variety of recollections, contemplations, and driving forces that have a comparable enthusiastic tint so as to discover an "answer"). This clarifies why when feeling somewhat down or forlorn we can wind up investing hours surfing for pictures of felines playing piano without taking note.

Natural Web Design

Doing mode is not something originators need to battle against (in spite of the fact that see "Decision" beneath for a concise specify of an option mode). Rather, planners need to attempt catch this to some degree primitive personality movement by permitting it to openly channel towards a constructive result (discovering data, purchasing items web based, leaving a criticism, and so on.).

On the off chance that we contrast website composition with building a house, it is regularly excessively enticing for a designer, making it impossible to accept the house being utilized by an impeccable respectable men, who will dependably graciously thump on the entryway, wipe his shoes on the "Appreciated" tangle, take of his cap and put it on the assigned coat rack, and go to the lounge area, failing to step outside the passageway cover. The genuine client of the house, notwithstanding, ends up being a mountain man who breaks the kitchen window with his club to get in, and scavenges through the junk canister in scan for nourishment.

The part of the modeler is not to segregate between the man of his word and the cave dweller and mark one as "right" and alternate as "wrong" or "insane". The modeler ought to rather perceive the way of the house's clients. On the off chance that putting a door in the kitchen will profit the clients, then that is the thing that should be finished. Embellishing the lounge area is not the need.

In website composition the significance of wading through is most ordinarily perceived in route, despite the fact that the approach can be seen in a much more extensive scope of web collaborations. The initial step is obviously to perceive that exploring a site is altogether different from exploring a physical space, for example, a building. When we're on the web, it's not quickly clear where we are and where we are heading towards. We can't tell how huge the site is!

When building sites, our first errand ought to be to relieve those undeniable weaknesses of the Web, which may some way or another prevent the client's instinctual drive. Confronted with a Doing mode, long, composed guidelines normally get to be distinctly repetitive. A superior arrangement is to take after traditions, which can originate from different sites and PC applications (e.g. a bolt beside drop down menus or putting a "professions" interface in the footer) or this present reality (e.g. 3D-looking catches). Anything that guides checking and prompt acknowledgment of the data structure is additionally a colossal in addition to.

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