#whose hotter vote

[spatialwave]

cooler, sweeter, hotter.

➸ pairing: nam-gyu x fem!reader ➸ word count: 2.6k ➸ tags: nsfw, smut, semi-public, dirty talk, rough, no protection, nam-gyu and reader are switches. ➸ notes: requests are temporarily open for squid game content! writing for nam-gyu, thanos and dae-ho! i have a few in my ask box that i'll get to soon :)

part 2 ->

You sat on your bunk, your eyes settled ahead at nothing in particular, as everyone around you began splitting off into teams after the conclusion of the recent vote. As someone with enough debt to make your parents disown you, you wore the blue circle on your jacket, though not so proudly.

You were selfish; you always had been.

That’s why you were sitting on your bunk and staring blankly as the time ticked away. Uncaring that just beyond the open floor of the dormitory sat dozens of players who missed their beds, homes and families—stuck there because of everyone who voted to stay. 

You let out a sigh, hands moving between your crossed legs as the coursing sensation of desire washed through you. It was only human to feel such things, wasn’t it? It had been nearly three days since you were stuck in this hellhole and weeks since you’d felt the touch of another that was more than just someone gripping you for dear life.

You had a fool-proof plan, having watched the patterns of most players and noted when the bathroom would be at its quietest before it emptied for the night—an escape to break off from the dorm and hide away in a stall until you found release.

However, the sound of your name being whispered stirred you from your thoughts, blinking a few times as your gaze snapped to your left and landed on player 124. His name was on the tip of your tongue as your eyes connected with his, watching the way he crossed his arms on the side of your bed as he sat on the stairs next to it.

“Nam-su,” you muttered, cocking an eyebrow at him.

“Nam-gyu,” he corrected, irritation growing, but he stamped it down to earn your favour. After all, he was more perceptive than others gave him credit for, and he’d noticed the way you’d squeezed your thighs together when voting—when grabbing your meal. He was as needy as you.

You rolled your eyes, clicking your tongue. “What do you want? I’m trying to rest.”

He smirked; the fingers that poked out from the confines of his long sleeves tapped along your untouched bedding. Still firmly tucked in.

“You seem… frustrated,” his voice was low as he spoke, eyes staring up at you as they narrowed, “I am too.”

The remark sent a shiver up your spine, unsure if you should indulge in his words or brush him off. Perhaps it was a lucky guess at how you felt, or he was referring to something else—you had almost screwed up Gonggi when playing in the previous game, so it was fair to assume. 

You sighed, turning your head away and looking across the dormitory where you saw others sitting and finishing up their food slowly. In particular, a young woman whose stomach was so bulged out that she appeared she’d give birth any second. Poor girl.

“Why? Is the game frightening you?” You asked, keeping your gaze ahead as you shifted. You couldn’t deny the ache between your legs, the desire that hoped he felt the same. He wasn’t exactly the type you’d go for back when life wasn’t a game, but you’d take what you could get.

“Not that kind of frustration,” he huffed, irritation bubbling. Ready to curse at you under his breath and give up if you pissed him off more… Well, he would���ve given up. He needed this—badly. “Don’t act. You know what I mean.”

Your eyes flickered to his, sparkling with curiosity. Slowly, you leaned your body on the head you placed over the bed between his arms and where you sat. Your fingernails gripped the bedsheet, and your mouth watered.

“What makes you think you could help me?” You murmured, testing him to see how far you could push his buttons.

“Because you’d have said no already.” He quipped, a tiny smile pulling the corners of his thin lips. Nam-gyu pulled back from the bed, tapping the surface with his hands like a drum as he looked around, “Talk later. Have to use the washroom.”

The hidden invitation sent molten fire into the pit of your stomach, watching as he pushed himself away and tucked his hands back into his sleeves. Without even glancing your way, he slowly walked towards the bathrooms where a few other players came out of—likely empty. Fuck, you really didn’t want to go into the men’s washroom.

Swallowing your pride, you waited a few minutes before sliding off your bed and descending the steps. You walked silently through the dormitory until you reached the hallways leading to the washroom, the first door guarded by two masked workers. As you walked further, you made it between two washrooms, male and female. You wondered for a moment which room he would’ve gone in, looking between them until you heard the sound of a stall shutting in the women’s.

Your feet carried you quickly, hungry for Nam-gyu’s touch, which you hoped was satisfying. At this point, the worst fuck ever would be the best.

Just as you entered the washroom, you quietly walked along the stalls to the left, eyeing up each door. Chewing on the inside of your cheek, you opened a few to no avail until the next door opened, and you were tugged into the stall by a tight hand on your unzipped sweater.

“Fuck,” you hissed, eyes landing on Nam-gyu as your back pressed against the now-closed stall door. Your cheeks flushed, breath heaving in your chest, “How’d you get in here?”

“Just walked in,” he answered, cornering you like a predator and prey. Surprising, considering that you hardly viewed him as the dominant type or at least someone who was capable of dominating you. “The guards don’t give a fuck, so I’m gonna’ roll with it.”

Your thighs spread, inviting his leg that pushed between yours and provided your aching cunt with necessary friction. It was instant the way you rolled against him, hesitant hands lifting to his zipped sweater and grabbing at the clothing that was too big for him.

“Shut up and fuck me, I don’t care about the guards.” You whimpered, grabbing at his neck and yanking him forward until his lips crashed against yours. He whined into your mouth, eyes falling shut as you both resorted to stifled whimpers and moans to communicate.

You rubbed your clothed pussy on his thigh, feeling the wetness soak through your underwear and tracksuit. Likely leaving a wet mark over his leg, he didn’t seem to care much. Two rough hands grabbed at your waist, pushing up the fabric of your sweater and shirt as his nails dug into your skin. You mewled into his mouth, hips moving quicker as the pressure against your heat built up your climax.

The sweater that hung around your body was pushed from your shoulders as he pushed his tongue between your lips. It danced with yours, devouring your moans as the shirt came next—parting the kiss so he could pull your shirt from your body. Nam-gyu leaned back, eyes landing on your exposed chest and focusing on your hardened nipples. A quiet growl rumbled in the back of his throat as he leaned down and captured one of the buds into his mouth, rolling it back and forth between his teeth as he sucked. His other hand grabbed at your neglected breast, massaging the globe as he whined pathetically as he sucked on you.

“You like my tits?” You asked him, your hips moving a steady rhythm against his tensed thigh.

He answered with a muffled sound of acknowledgment, eyes opened to peer up at you. It was then you saw the flicker of enjoyment. He liked you taking control.

“Mm,” you moaned, your hand lifting to his hair and brushing through the strands as you tilted your head back. You breathed out, bucking your hips, “Just like that. You’re so good—“

The praise did wonders as Nam-gyu continued to suck, furthering his touches by pushing his hand past the waistband of your pants. Fingers slipped underneath your panties, finding your wet folds and pushing through them as you shuddered. Your hand tightened in his hair, forcefully pulling him from your chest as he whimpered. Obediently looking up, lips slightly parted as he waited for you.

You rubbed your hips in tandem with his touch, his fingers brushing against your pussy and bumping against your throbbing clit every so often. It was too much, already feeling as though you were going to reach the peak if he kept up his ministrations, so you pushed him back until he crashed against the toilet.

You were quick to follow him, smirking at his wide-eyed expression as you wrestled his pants down his hips until his cock sprung free.

“Fuck,” he huffed, looking down as you stroked his length that felt nice and big in your hand—wondering how well it would fill you. You squeezed your hand, thumb wiping at the bead kd pre-cum at the tip as Nam-gyu brushed his hands back over his hair, eyes rolling back at a rather slow pump of your hand. “Don’t tease me.” He growled.

“Fine,” you smiled, licking over your teeth as you pulled your pants down your legs and kicked them to the side. Leaving your underwear on, Nam-gyu reached forward and tugged your hips until you

straddled him, the other hand pushing the fabric to the side.

A quiet gasp left your lips, hands landing on his shoulders to steady yourself as he easily guided your entrance to his cock. It was hot and wet against the tip, easily pushing inside you. Your thighs trembled, unable to keep yourself up as you buried your face into his neck, whimpering as his cock penetrated as he reached the hilt. You were right, and he filled you well—almost too much as your cunt stretched to fit him. Your fingernails dug into his shoulders over his shirt, his sweater hanging down his arms.

“You’re so fucking tight,” he whispered, his breath hot as he licked the shell of your ear, “Bet you like my cock, don’t you?”

The sudden dominance of his voice sent a shiver up your spine, but it hadn’t surprised you. If there was anything you knew about Nam-gyu, it was that he had one of the biggest egos ever—rivalling Thanos. You weren’t always one to indulge in inflating a man’s ego, preferring to take control into your own hands, but you couldn’t deny that in this moment, you’d do anything to get fucked well. 

“I do,” you whispered against his neck, licking and biting at the skin as his hands grabbed at your hips. He lifted you up, angling himself better as he guided you back down as your ass slapped against his thighs, “Ah, shit—“

“So pretty,” he murmured, smiling as you began to fuck yourself on his cock without any of his help. Greedily pulling your hips up and slamming back down so he could fill your pussy up like you desperately needed, “fucking yourself on me like a good girl. Are you a good girl?” 

You were forced to look at him, fingers digging into his shoulders as he grabbed at your chin and titled your face to look at him. He wore a lopsided smirk, his hair falling out from behind his ears as his body jerked with each rough slam of your hips. His right hand wrapped around the side of your neck, tight as you felt the cold ring around his middle finger touch your skin. His thumb pressed at the base of your throat, a painful pressure that made your walls clench tight around his cock.

You whined, “I am. I’m a good girl.” 

Nam-guy’s lips stretched into a sly smile, his eyes shining in satisfaction as he pulled you forward and crashed your lips to his. He shoved his tongue into your mouth, moaning into it as his hands returned to your hips—nails digging into your skin. He met your hips with him, swallowing all your whimpers and whines as your cunt tightened, a hot pressure building in your low abdomen. 

“Don’t come yet,” he groaned, licking at your lips before dragging his own over your jaw. He licked and nipped at your skin, his hot breath tickling your skin as he stretched you unbelievably thin. “Hold it for me.”

“Nam-su—“ you whined, hips twitching and thighs tensing as your juices left a mess between your bodies.

“Nam-gyu,” he warned, a hand reaching up into your hair and giving it a harsh tug that had you yelping in pain. He attacked your neck with his mouth and teeth, leaving a scattering of marks that you knew would leave bruises in its wake. “Fuck—I’m so close.” He choked on a moan, half-lidded eyes watching you as he pulled back and admitted the red marks over your skin.

When his grip loosened in your hair, you leaned forward and nuzzled your face back against his neck. Allowing him to take control as he fucked you at a relentless pace, the culmination of your moans echoing through the bathroom. You whined against his skin, reaching a hand between your bodies as you rubbed at your clit, desperately searching for your release.

Nam-gyu had begun panting your name under his breath, sounding like a pathetic, needy thing, but you didn’t have the energy to tell him so—both of you chasing after the high you craved. 

With a few more harsh thrusts and circlings of your fingers, the tightness in your abdomen burst. A rush of euphoria crashed through your body, and you croaked out a loud moan that left your throat raw. Nam-gyu slammed into your heat a few more times, hands gripping at your hips so tight you wouldn’t be surprised if they left marks.

“Shit,” he hissed, a moan catching in his throat as he buried his face into your neck as he came. He hadn’t bothered pulling out, and you didn’t try to stop him as your pussy milked him—his hot cum filling you until it couldn’t anymore, and it spilled out, coating his cock. 

There was a shared silence as you both caught your breath, clinging to each other as your releases went as quickly as they came. It left you with a feeling of relief but also with the gnawing reality that Nam-gyu likely wasn’t going to leave you alone after this. You noticed how he was attached to Se-mi after the race, angry when she didn’t give him the time of day. The thought annoyed you for a moment, wondering how persistent he would be for the remainder of the games.

But as you pulled back, watching the way he leaned back with his eyes closed and panting, jaw sharp and lips parted. You realized there were worse people out there who could be fighting for your attention—he was far more attractive than half of the guys you slept with, less so than the women. 

Maybe you could convince Se-mi to buy you drinks after the games as a thank-you for getting him off of her back.

“Can we… do this again tomorrow?” Nam-gyu asked, his eyes still closed as his cock softened inside you. They cracked open just enough to get a look at you, straddling his hips, a tiny smile pulling at the corners of your lips.

“What makes you so sure we’ll both be here tomorrow?” You asked as your hands lifted to his sharp jaw, caressing either side gently. 

Nam-gyu murmured, “I don’t lose.”

“Hm,” you hummed, your index finger tracing his bottom lip—sending a shiver up his spine, “I guess we’ll see if you can keep up.”

[lukkabloom]

Fun facts abt residents & castle trio according to Ikevamp Radio (ヴァンなま) Part 7

Episode idk the number but Happy 7th Anniversary Ikevamp!!

(Hoping they don’t private the stream like so many of the other ones)

It’s with Morishin (Sebas’s VA) ONLY so I’m kinda bummed about that… but he always makes every episode chaotic so I guess that��s a plus (no this isn’t Sebas hate)

(The headless Arthur and Vincent in the background I CAN’T HAHAHHA)

This years theme is TABOO so we’re getting gacha & events with these themes :)) in JP at least

So apparently in the Ikesen livestream, on June 3, it was determined that the nickname for Yamada Shiro, the artist for Ikevamp and Ikesen, would be “Shiro-chan” (it’s cute)

Morishin is like “Shiro-chan are you watching??” and then proceeds to worry if it’s appropriate to say that (but everyone in chat just spams “Shiro-chan!!” in the comments)

Morishin touching Leo’s boob mousepad LMAOO (also the fact that apparently he was told in the rehearsal that he was allowed to grope it) → and then told by the comments that maybe he touched it too much

After the ads, Morishin said “... So I was told that I was seen by Shiro-chan..” while groping Leo’s boobs??? HAHAHA 

So the first segment is called “Open the Forbidden Door: Ikevamp Taboo Quiz” where they use the youtube live chat feature to ask the viewers questions & they answer

The first question is [TABOO Level 1] Out of these options, one person is hiding their TABOO… their least favorite food. Which of these people are lying? 1: Charles (likes souffle) 2: Isaac (likes sandwiches) 3: Vincent (likes pancakes) 4: Mozart (likes cookies) WAIT THEY ANSWER VIA IN-GAME VOICE LINESS???

Charles: Things I like? Let’s see…. I like souffles. They’re delicious as a meal or as a dessert, and while we are waiting for them to bake, we can talk a lot with each other.

Isaac: My favorite food? Hmm… If I were to pick one, it'd be sandwiches. I can eat it while I’m reading or doing research.

VIncent: Woahh! It’s a fluffy pancake! Yup, it’s my favorite food! I like eating it with butter. Hey, can I eat these? 

Mozart: Cookies, scones, and the like… How can you eat those foods that get messy and fall apart a lot?

Question 2!! [TABOO Level 10] (the jump from levels what the—) According to the Ikevamp election 2024 “The forbidden couple ~Whose hand will you take tonight?~” Story event (which will be available in the future), which of these kink (?) options are not available in the story? 1: Hypnosis play 2: Honey play 3: Brush play 4: Ice play

(the difficulty level increased suddenly…) the one with the highest vote was the brush play?? (what is that? Don’t answer that pls) But the correct answer was option 1: Hypnosis play

3rd question  [TABOO Level 30] Whose lower abs (iliopsoas muscle) is this? (There’s an image of it) 1: Faust 2: Jean 3: Leonardo 4: Shakespeare

The most voted answer is Leonardo, which was the correct answer (from the 4th anniversary birthday card)

4th question  [TABOO Level 50] Whose xxx (nipple)  is this?? (there’s also an image) 1: Theo 2: Arthur 3: Comte 4: Dazai

The chosen answer was Arthur which was correct!! (image from the 2018 election of Arthur’s sexy wet illustration)

5th question  [TABOO Level 70] According to Sebas’s story on the “7th Anniversary Let’s speed up the main routes campaign” which words can be best replaced as xxx from the original line? The line being “Why is it… that the more you touch me here, xxx” 1: my heart beats rapidly 2: my body becomes hotter 3: you become sweeter?? (idk how to translate this accurately it’s an expression) 4: my dyungyun bangyuns (similar to option 1 but more comical)

The options were more diverse, with 3 being the most popular choice, but 4 being the 3rd most popular choice (darn it). The correct answer is… Numero 3

6th question  [TABOO Level 100] The ultimate forbidden action in ikevamp is, of course, blood-sucking. Listen to this please: (insert audio) Whose sounds was that? 1: Galileo 2: Vlad 3: Napoleon 4: Drake

Galileo got the most votes, and he was the correct answer!!

Morishin as confused that the more the level increased, the more they got the answers correct

Also we’re able to listen to the other options sucking blood (how is this allowed on youtube???)

The next segment is “Hidden Secrets: Taboo Talk” using X (Twitter) they introduce the viewer’s taboo episodes.

Morishin said that it wouldn’t be weird if Comte (or everyone in Ikevamp) would participate in Paris Olympics (happening rn) with their buff bodies HAHA

Next Morishin introduces the different pictures of this campaign where viewers could slide their fingers on screen (on the characters) and remove their clothes /// (again HOW IS THIS AVAILABLE ON YT???)

Now we get to see how people decorate their avatars :)) love the big Moussette one

NEXT!! We get to see amazing fanart with the theme of TABOO!! THEY’RE ALL SO PRETTY & AMAZING I love it when official companies appreciate their creators and communities

In the “I love yu” segment (love that it’s been here since the beginning) 

(it’s only Sebas here so I’ll just have his name once) Sebas: *Hums* Today was such an amazing day. Who would’ve thought that we would be able to go to the beach as a leisure activity? The observation details were everywhere! It was almost too much by myself. As soon as I get out of the bath, I shall start taking notes in my journal. *GASP!!* I felt a signal of wanting to know the contents of my diary!! Are you curious? You want to know, yes? Of course. I’ll go to the center of the bathtub and shout my love of these historical figures.

Arriving at the beach, everyone couldn’t take their eyes off of your figure in a swimsuit, but the ones to take the initiative were Master Arthur and Charles. Because surprise, it was them two who had chosen your swimwear. “You can enjoy the beach to the max with a girl’s swimsuit” is what they said, not even willing to hide their true intentions. The two—as the sexy representation—stared at you in your figure, enjoying the beach to the fullest.

Following them, Masters Napoleon and Isaac took some time walking by the shore. I was watching them from under the parasol, but their figures depicting young love was something out of a drama. Holding your hand tightly as you were blown by the salty winds, showing the future of the cutest love triangle… On which channel could I watch the second episode?? Oh, my apologies.

After the walk, the ones who invited you for lunch were Masters Leonardo and Drake. The large fish that Drake caught was swiftly chopped by Leonardo, completing an exquisite sashimi lunch. Of course, the soy sauce was provided by myself.

After lunch, a drawing event was held by the van Gogh brothers in the sand. The three’s challenging tastes clashed, completing a squid-like product the more you look at it, the more you love. Everyone’s satisfied expressions were brighter than the sunlight in the summer, and is that wholesome moment—allowed to be viewed for free??

After that, you were invited by Dazai-san and Faust to sunbathe, but as soon as I heard that they want to “xxxxxx” you, I, Satou Akihiko, could not stand by and watch! I replied. I stumbled on my words from the aggressiveness, but please understand my consideration. 

Leading you to Master Jean and Shakespeare, the three of you listened to the sound of waves. The three of you shared your own world there—mmm, very romantic. 

When Herr Mozart and Vlad invited you out into the shade, your cheeks were very warm, as if you had a heat stroke. Cooling off in the shade… I would like to experience that as well. I am waiting for your invitation. 

At last, it was dinner time, and you were invited to a seaside restaurant by Comte and Galileo. While you were enjoying the seafood dishes, the two were sipping on their wine. As a historical maniac, the scene was a delicious dish. Sebas can eat much more!!

Of course, I was able to enjoy time with you too. Sitting by the shore, laughing “ahaha, ahaha” and “Hey~you did it,” splashing water together. Your face was glowing with the drops of water, something from a dream. 

When the others are with you, they look so happy. To be able to observe them is something I enjoy. However, there is a side of me that wants to keep you all to yourself. This way of thinking… may be taboo for a butler like me. But it should be okay if it’s something I do in my head. Here, let me think of a confession of love I want to say to you at the beach.

“Even if I know that this is a forbidden love, my feelings for you cannot be stopped. I want to take you to the far ends of the sea, where no one will know of our circumstances. That is how much I love you.”

With this, I, Sebas, will be able to overcome this challenging summer. Well, before we overheat, let’s get out of the bath and start writing in our historical figure journals. The fact that I have this journal is something the others must not know—a taboo. 

AAAND that’s the end of the segment

They have a new PV (yayyyy) and it looks so HOT??? It should be released by the time this post is out

Leo’s sequel will be out this winter (for the JP players)

Lol I literally forgot how much fun I have watching this (as well as how much time it takes to translate this in one session haha)

Also if anyone wants me to translate/want me to expand on more things, I can take things into consideration and (maybe) do it

If anyone got this far, have an amazing rest of your day/night!!

[billboard-hotties-tourney]

FAQ

Decided to answer any questions/address any complaints all in one post as we move into the next round:

BILLBOARD HOTTIES TOURNEY/MISS BILLBOARD TOURNEY:

How am I meant to vote in the tourney? The vote is supposed to be for the best-looking/hottest musician/singer/composer/etc, not for whose music you think is better. Looks should be based on pre-1980 looks, not anything after that.

How can I submit propaganda? What can I submit? You can submit photos, videos of performances/interviews, and even songs. Between rounds, the best way to submit propaganda to be used for the next poll post is through the asks or submission box. DMs are also accepted but not preferred. Submit as much propaganda for the post as you like; if it's got a direct link or you have the direct image, it'll work. During rounds, asks and submissions are still welcome, but DMs are not. Instead, tag billboard-hotties-tourney in posts to get them reblogged here. Please do not spam this blog with propaganda. One submission per nominee per day per person, PLEASE. If you submit more than one per day, it will be ignored. You are still welcome to reblog poll posts and add unlimited propaganda there. Any negative propaganda submitted to the inbox will be ignored. If you want someone to lose, find positive propaganda about their opponent.

Why did you use the pictures you did? Why did you use the songs you did? Since this poll was supposed to be for musicians pre-1980, I'm only using pre-1980 images for the polls and pre-1980 songs for the propaganda. It's why you didn't see the classic Tony Levin look, or any modern-day Geddy Lee images, for instance. You can always reblog with post-1980 pictures, but as for the original poll posts, there will only be pre-1980 images. As for the song selections, I tried to pick songs that are either a popular song of theirs, or songs that may be lesser-known but still highlight their musical ability.

TANTALIZING TUNES TOURNEY:

How am I meant to vote in the tourney? Your choice should be based on what the hotter/sexier song is, not necessarily which song you prefer. Choices should NOT be based upon the artist or how the artist looks when they perform it. Choices should also be based upon the version of the song in the running, not a different version of the song.

ALL TOURNEYS:

Where is ____? If you don't see a person/song, they either weren't submitted and not considered by me, or they were eliminated in a previous round. If they were here at some point, they have a tag.

Is it too late to submit ____? Yes.

Why are these two frontrunners paired against each other already? Every pairing is random; it's all down to the luck (or lack thereof) of the draw.

Where is the propaganda I submitted? Either it definitely didn't fall into the pre-1980 category (although if you see any that slipped past me, feel free to correct me,) the image wouldn't attach to the post, or the person's face was obscured to the point where it wouldn't have made sense to keep it. Please also do not send NSFW pictures, I don't want butt naked people on my posts.

Can I submit propaganda for a person/a song no longer in the running? No.

What happens in the event of a tie? Due to the previous rigging of a tie, the rules for what happens in the event of a tie have changed. If there is a tie for a poll, the two will no longer advance together, but instead, there will be a second poll that lasts 24 hours to determine the winner. If there is another tie after the second poll, neither will advance.

Thank you for your understanding here! Please let me know if you have any questions not answered here, and enjoy the rest of the tournament.

[ordonianhero]

For the 3 sentence challenge (if you're still doing third) : hug

It was hotter than Death mountain out as the peak of summer was hitting in whose ever Hyrule this was. Non of them could figure that out, cause the heat was dry and blistering. Some of the chain members chose to removes some layers as they continued through the mountain range. How was it that here as they walk where there could still be snow on the mountain it could be this Hot? Sweat dripping from their faces, parched mouths, and and the over welding urge to just collapse from the heat. “How hot do you think it must be?” Asked Hyrule. He was fanning himself. Wild who put on his vote outfit shrugs and says, “Beats me, but it sure reminding me of the Gerudo desert. Time being stoic and trying to keep moving forward, agreed. That or the Fire Temple. Then as they started heading down they spotted a stream. Which ment there was a lake near by. Continuing on. They made a turn and started heading up up up. Till they reached the clearest lake they had every seen, surrounded by wild flower, high mountains capped with snow run off. A fish leaped out of the water. Dragon flies were dancing. All of them happily rushed to get a closer look.

Before anyone could say anything Wind quickly removed his tunic top, his weapons and shoes. Running straight for the water. And squealing with delight. “Come on in. It’s nice!” He yelled. His voice echoing. “Well guess we’ll make camp here in the mean time. I dont think we will be tracking much father in this heat. So might as well.” Stated the elder hero. Which comically was followed by the others strolling out of their hot garments and plunging into the cool water. Twilight dunk his head under water, before popping back up and letting out a sigh of relief. Which then resulted in wind splashing him. Rancher turned his head and grabbed lake weed and flung it at the sailor who squeal. Hyrule wasn’t much of a swimmer so he stuck to where legend was. Wild wasn’t good at swimming either and stuck by them as well. Four being small had to stick the shallows, but was cool enough. Sky looked adorable as he just manage to float. Warriors, stood in the water, splashed his face, and that was about it. He could keep cool that way. Time hadn’t even come in the water yet. However, seeing his Brother no going all the way, his inner gremlin pinged.

“Not going all the way in?” TIme asked, innocently. “And what, swim in a fishes toilet water…yeah I shall pass getting anymore lake smelly.” He response, waving his hand off towards Time. Oh that would not do. The Old man just smirked. Walking over to Him. Enjoying how much cooler his feet felt. He waited, calculating the right moment to Grab the Captain in a hug and dunking them both in. Rancher spotted the gleam in the old man’s eye. He was was allowing Wild to pig back ride him as he got them both into deeper waters. “Lame” said the Vet, who was now sitting in the shallows with Hyrule and Four. “Yeah! LA-“ and before wind could finish that statement, They all heard The Captain Yelp as he was bear hugs and then pulled into the water by Time himself. He flailed and squawked as he attempted to get free the the Old man. “I swear on the sever sages I will…..I will tell on you to Malon for this.” “Oh she’d find it funny.” Warriors mange to get free and desperately, like a wet cat, swim back to shallower waters. But in all, he did feel refreshed, just now he smelt of lake water. He sighed. “You’re all children.”

[dc-polls]

I've been wanting to get into this whole poll tournament craze bc let's face it, I can't not bandwagon when it comes to fun fandom stuff. So here's a new account and a fresh poll to gauge interest!

Hot or not: Submit characters and specify era. Vote for who is hotter, with hotness being up to personal taste/interpretation.

Poorest little meow meow: Submit characters that fit the tumblr definition of the phrase. Prelims to set ranking, then tournament.

Unpopular opinion: Submit unpopular opinions about comics, characters, storyline, fandom etc. Vote based on correctness and unpopularness.

Best obscure character: Submit obscure characters. Prelims to rank obscurity, then tournament.

Weirdest team or team up: Submit hero and/or villain teams as well as one-off team ups that are strange either because of the characters, their power sets or other factors. These must be from official storylines and not fandom pairings/groups.

Least realistic character: Submit characters whose powers, back stories, etc make no sense especially if they defy logic in-universe.

Best glow up: Submit characters or teams who got way cooler, more powerful, or just plain better in source material.

Build a team: First round submit types of characters, power sets, classes, etc you think would make a solid super team. Second round submit characters to fill those slots for two teams. Third round we pit the teams head to head.

They would not fucking say that: Submit specific lines or actions from source material. Vote based on how much of a character assassination it is.

Unlikely duos: Submit two characters who have not teamed up in the source material (part of a larger group is okay). Prelim to determine only the weirdest, most unlikely duos. Vote based on which duo would win by powers, strength or even cartoonish antics.

That really happened: Submit a story arc, interaction, line of dialog, etc from source material that is so buck wild it's hard to believe it got published. The type of thing you'd tell a non-comics fan to break their brain. Prelim to determine accuracy. Vote on wildest thing that happened.

Reblog to help spread the word, and while you're at it put in the tags if you'd be into multiple or if there's something else you'd like to see!

[osmiumpenguin]

Say there, random Tumblr people. Because I have neither the time, nor the money, nor the shelf space to do otherwise, I keep a list of all the books I wish I could buy, instead of just going out & buying them. But with the solution to one problem, another arises: decision fatigue. There are so many books on my list, I can't just choose one all by myself! And so I like to resort to the strange & idiosyncratic solution of asking random people for help. People like you! Please vote (and I wouldn't object if you told all your friends to vote) in this completely unnecessary poll, whose entries are the seven books currently at the top of my Buy This list — and help me choose which one I shall buy next? I pledge to buy a copy of whichever book wins. The losers will wrap around to the bottom of the list, and if this ridiculous business has any traction on Tumblr, you may see them again.

[the-90s-music-colosseum]

All my favorite albums got eliminated a while back so now I'm most excited for hottest musician competition.

I'm excited too! One thing I've been wondering about is when the hottest musician tournament starts, how we're going to make sure people are voting for the hotter musician and not just the one whose music they prefer. Food for thought... hopefully I'll figure something out before the tournament starts!

[newstfionline]

Monday, July 17, 2023

Canadian Politicians Who Criticize China Become Its Targets (NYT) The polls predicted a re-election victory, maybe even a landslide. But a couple of weeks before the vote, Kenny Chiu, a member of Canada’s Parliament and a critic of China’s human rights record, was panicking. Something had flipped among the ethnic Chinese voters in his British Columbia district. Longtime supporters originally from mainland China were not returning his calls. Volunteers reported icy greetings at formerly friendly homes. Chinese-language news outlets stopped covering him. And he was facing an onslaught of attacks—from untraceable sources—on the local community’s most popular social networking app, the Chinese-owned WeChat. Mr. Chiu and several other elected officials critical of Beijing were targets of a Chinese state that has increasingly exerted its influence over Chinese diaspora communities worldwide as part of an aggressive campaign to expand its global reach, according to current and former elected officials, Canadian intelligence officials and experts on Chinese state disinformation campaigns. Canada recently expelled a Chinese diplomat accused of conspiring to intimidate a lawmaker from the Toronto area, Michael Chong, after he successfully led efforts in Parliament to label China’s treatment of its Uyghur Muslim community a genocide. Canada’s intelligence agency has warned at least a half-dozen current and former elected officials that they have been targeted by Beijing, including Jenny Kwan, a lawmaker from Vancouver and a critic of Beijing’s policies in Hong Kong.

Heavy rains swamp Northeast again as flash flooding claims at least 5 lives in Pennsylvania (AP) Heavy rains pounded an already saturated Northeast on Sunday for the second time in a week, spurring another round of flash flooding, cancelled airline flights and power outages. In Pennsylvania, a sudden flash flood late Saturday afternoon claimed at least five lives. Other parts of the East Coast were experiencing heavy rain, including Vermont. Authorities there said landslides could become a problem Sunday as the state copes with more rain following days of flooding.

San Francisco’s downtown is a wake-up call for other cities (AP) Jack Mogannam, manager of Sam’s Cable Car Lounge in downtown San Francisco, relishes the days when his bar stayed open past midnight every night, welcoming crowds that jostled on the streets, bar hopped, window browsed or just took in the night air. He’s had to drastically curtail those hours because of diminished foot traffic, and business is down 30%. Empty storefronts dot the streets. Large “going out of business” signs hang in windows. Shampoo, toothpaste and other toiletries are locked up at downtown pharmacies. And armed robbers recently hit a Gucci store in broad daylight. San Francisco has become the prime example of what downtowns shouldn’t look like: vacant, crime-ridden and in various stages of decay. But in truth, it’s just one of many cities across the U.S. whose downtowns are reckoning with a post-pandemic wake-up call: diversify or die. As the pandemic bore down in early 2020, it drove people out of city centers and boosted shopping and dining in residential neighborhoods and nearby suburbs as workers stayed closer to home. Those habits seem poised to stay. Data bears out that San Francisco’s downtown is having a harder time than most. A study of 63 North American downtowns by the University of Toronto ranked the city dead last in a return to pre-pandemic activity, garnering only 32% of its 2019 traffic.

Europe sizzles under heat wave (AP) Scorching temperatures across Europe forced the closure of the Acropolis in Athens for a second day as officials warned Saturday of even hotter weather next week, when the mercury is forecast to top 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in several popular Mediterranean tourist destinations. In cities, those venturing out at all drenched themselves in fountains while others sought out pools, the sea or shade in hopes of relief from the heat wave caused by Cerberus. The high-pressure anticyclone coming from the south was named after the three-headed dog in ancient Greek mythology who guarded the gates to the underworld. Fifteen cities in Italy, most of them in the country’s center and south, were under heat advisories signaling a high level of risk for older adults, the infirm, infants and other vulnerable people. In Greece’s capital, where the temperature was forecast to reach 41 C (105.8 F), officials decided to keep the sun-baked Acropolis monument closed from noon to 5:30 p.m. as they did Friday. In Turkey, coastal cities in the south and southwest reached the high 30s (about 97-102 F) and low 40s (104-109 F).

La Palma wildfire (AP) More than 4,000 people were evacuated as a wildfire rages “out of control” on La Palma in Spain’s Canary Islands on Saturday, destroying around a dozen homes, authorities said. The blaze has affected an area of about 4,500 hectares (11,000 acres) and officials warned residents that the situation could worsen because a heat wave has made the terrain tinder-dry. “The fire has spread very fast,” Canary Islands regional president Fernando Clavijo said. “The fire is out of control.” Spain saw record high temperatures in 2022 and this spring as it endures a prolonged drought. Authorities and forestry experts are concerned that the conditions are ripe for a difficult wildfire campaign after seeing virulent fires as early as March.

Small, Hidden and Deadly: Mines Stymie Ukraine’s Counteroffensive (NYT) It was a grisly scene of bloody limbs and crumpled vehicles as a series of Russian mines exploded across a field in southern Ukraine. One Ukrainian soldier stepped on a mine and tumbled onto the grass in the buffer zone between the two armies. Nearby lay other Ukrainian troops, their legs in tourniquets, waiting for medical evacuation, according to videos posted online and the accounts of several soldiers involved. Soon, an armored vehicle arrived to rescue them. A medic jumped out to treat the wounded and knelt on ground he deemed safe—only to trigger another mine with his knee. Five weeks into a counteroffensive that even Ukrainian officials say is off to a halting start, interviews with commanders and soldiers fighting along the front indicate the slow progress comes down to one major problem: land mines. The fields Ukrainian forces must cross are littered with dozens of types of mines—made of plastic and metal, shaped like tins of chewing tobacco or soda cans, and with colorful names like “the witch” and “the leaf.” Ukraine’s army is also hindered by a lack of air support and the deep network of defensive structures the Russians have built. But it is the vast array of mines, trip wires, booby traps and improvised explosive devices that has Ukrainian forces bogged down only a few miles from where they started.

For Ukrainians isolated by war, English lessons offer a lifeline (Washington Post) The Ukrainians logged on in the dizzying days after Russian troops surged across the border. They logged on by candlelight after rocket attacks knocked electricity offline. They logged on as air raid sirens warned of danger. And so it was again one recent day, that 15-year-old Jane Gerasimchuk logged on to Zoom from her home in Dnipro, about 60 miles from the front lines of Russian’s invasion of Ukraine, so she could practice speaking English with a volunteer in Maryland. The call is part of a program called Speaking English Language Overseas or SELO—which sounds similar to the Ukrainian word for village—that pairs English tutors with groups of Ukrainians in the countryside who might not otherwise have a chance to hone their language skills with a native speaker. But what started as online language classes have become much more amid the deprivations and depravities of war—an escape, a lifeline to the outside world, a therapy session and an unusual window into the lives of ordinary Ukrainians at a time when simply carrying on with day-to-day activities has become an act of bravery. “When the bombs started, it was really hard to deal with what was going on,” Jane said in an interview. “I decided even if there was war, I would get better and I will grow.”

India’s favorite girl never grows up. But her wit is less welcome. (Washington Post) Nearly two decades after India’s independence, a little-known cooperative of small town dairy farmers in 1966 launched what became the most successful advertising campaign in the country’s history and helped transform India into the world’s largest producer of dairy and dairy products. The economic business model developed by Amul, the dairy cooperative, spread throughout India as did its cartoon advertising mascot: a young girl with blue hair, a polka dot dress and an endless stream of witty one-liners commenting on the events of the day. The girl quickly became India’s most recognizable cartoon character, a cultural icon that spared no public figure. But more than 8,000 ads later, she has had to tread carefully in a new India, within the shrinking space to poke—even in jest—at politics. “From then to now is a story of how India has changed—in terms of tolerance, humor, in terms of regime, in terms of what we can do,” said Rahul daCunha, who took over his father’s advertising agency and the Amul butter portfolio in 1993. “My dad was courageous. He never stayed away from a topic. Today, I don’t have that luxury.”

Antarctic ice levels undergo ‘massive decrease’, data shows (Reuters) Antarctic sea ice levels reached record lows last month, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Monday, a development climate change experts described as worrisome. WMO said that Antarctic sea ice levels last month—the hottest June ever recorded—were at their lowest since satellite observations began, at 17% below average. “We’re used to seeing these big reductions in sea ice in the Arctic, but not in the Antarctic. This is a massive decrease,” Michael Sparrow, Chief of World Climate Research Programme, told reporters in Geneva.

[jailbird-junkrat-writes]

Whose Hotter Polls

Because I like polls. Vote who you think is hotter. I did not include Baston, Winston, Orisa or Hammond. I think they are the only ones I didn't add.

I will be scheduling them for the upcoming weeks. Please, if you wanna make some fun propaganda posts about why your blorbo is the hottest that'd be rad and will be reblogged.

Remember this is just fun.

they will be tagged as whosehotterow if intertested or you wish to block that tag.

They will start to be posted on the first of Dec <3

[maieconofolio]

Climate Change

"Let's save our planet because we don't have any backups."

Picture from xtock / shutterstock

For the North American region, specifically the United States, Climate change is at the front of many of our lawmakers’ minds. Young people vote for people who plan to make changes that will help to remedy climate change (Martín et al., 2019). Climate change deniers can’t dispute the fact that summers are hotter than before and winters are shorter than ever. Many states in the U.S. are reporting record breaking wildfires, droughts, hurricanes, and tornadoes, with each year breaking the last year’s record (Long, 2014). Our natural resources are being tested with each change in weather patterns and the economy is taking the hit for crop loss and crop failure. The culture within the U.S. is having to make changes as well. The common act of a gender reveal party for an incoming baby has become extremely hazardous for the environment after the paint cannons caused multiple fires in California (Meeks & Silverman, 2021). 

References

Long, T. (2014, October 22). Climate change and its effects on natural resources. MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/climate_change_and_its_effects_on_natural_resources

Martín, C., Kousky, C., & French, K. (2019, September 23). The challenging politics of climate change | Brookings. Brookings Institution. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-challenging-politics-of-climate-change/

Meeks, A., & Silverman, H. (2021, July 21). A couple whose 2020 gender reveal party allegedly sparked a deadly wildfire in California has been charged in the death of a firefighter. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/21/us/gender-reveal-el-dorado-wildfire-charges/index.html

[ruiniel-rb-tolkien]

@daddiest-tolkien-elf Secondly Adar (haven't voted yet)

best Tolkien OC devised on screen (for me, personally, don't knock on my door I won't answer)

best fit for your kinkfic (it's there; it's right there)

ok but real talk he has determination and admirable (haaa....) ambition in his ruthlessness

Complicated character: a villain whose motivation isn't chaotic evil (as far as we're shown at the time of this post), but rather a practical one: to make space for his people. It's difficult as a viewer to hate his character as an antagonist, because of the supreme acting skills for one in conveying a tormented, vengeful character who NOW just wants to make things better for others more like himself, the only family he has left. He can stay in the Sun, they can't. We'll fix that, he said. He has Empathy, as shown in at least two scenes, and he is capable of emotions (albeit for his brood only), as shown when one of them is dying, and he offers the mercy of a swift death. He doesn't kill unless there's purpose to it (he releases Arondir, as a messenger, to give the people a chance to surrender).

Still unclear if he was actually part of Sauron's larger plan to turn the Southlands into Mordor, or whether he acted independently remembering (possibly) Sauron's old plan. But probably defected from under Sauron at one point (talk about BD Energy)

There's an origin story there just dying to be told. I mean come on? Former Elf, one of the first Orcs, stood toe to sabaton with Morgoth (likely), endured the worst torture (of the soul) and came out of it with remnants of his former life still ingrained in him: the memory of The River, the sage blossoms, the (filmverse) practice of new life in defiance of death, he still speaks Quenya

Has some of the best lines in the show so far (my opinion):

"My children have no master. " "They are not children they are slaves." "But each one has a name, a heart..." "A heart created by Morgoth." "We are creations of The One, Master of the Secret Fire, the same as you... as worthy of the breath of life, and just as worthy of a home."

[The One here is Eru Ilúvatar who masters the Secret Fire / Flame Imperishable set at the heart of the world and part of every fëa/soul of living beings. It's what makes sentient creations capable of independent thought and will.]

Let's go back to "new life in defiance of death": to me this gains a slightly different meaning when looking at who he was and who he is now. Perhaps his Elvish self ended, and it was a death of sorts, but still he lived on, and chose a new path.

He's hot

He's hot when he speaks Black Speech (the one Sauron devised and had been changed/evolved into what orcs used presently, let's call it orcish)

He's hot when he kills

He's hot when he speaks

He's hot when he stares AND when he cries

He's hot when he loses

To me he's hotter than everyone else on the show (my opinion, see door comment at the beginning)

Anyway I love himtrop

Daddiest Tolkien Elf: Round One

Adar versus Finarfin:

Adar:

His name literally means 'father'. I mean, come on.

Literally Lord Father. Daddy inside and outside four walls. Sexy evil Uruk. Optional: you can call him Adar for extra spice? Even Atya if you’re feeling extra spicy and in the mood for Quenya?

The name says it all (in Sindarin)

Adar is just sexy.

Finarfin:

He is the ONLY ONE with the good sense not to get involved in everybody else's shit, and just does his own thing, which is honestly supreme big dick energy

Feel free to add more propaganda and tag me (@daddiest-tolkien-elf), so I can reblog it here! Or send in an ask!

[thekillingmoonmoon]

Hello darlings!

Due to my wee hiatus, I managed to miss my blog’s anniversary, my 350 follower milestone and I’ve barely made it back in time for my birthday. So, I’m throwing one huge celebration to say thank you. Thank you for supporting me, and thank you so so so much for sticking around til I came back

HOW IT WORKS:

The power is in your hands! Throughout the month of August, you will have the opportunity to vote on the next two series and decide on whose story I get to write. The highest voted ideas for each manga will be written next.

AND

I will draw one username at random from the list of voters to receive a personalised fic request.

What do you need to do to win:

Be over 18 (no minors allowed)

Be following me

Vote for one or more categories in the event

VOTE HERE

THE CONTESTANTS

jujutsu kaisen

1. ceremonials

looking for heaven, found the devil in me

Pairing: Geto Suguru x Reader x Gojo Satoru Warnings: NSFW, smut, blood, violence, death, religion, mlm (the geto x gojo is strong) Length: 5+ chapters #CeremonialsAU It's been ten years since Riko died. Ten years, and the Church of Light has fallen into a darkness that even the Holy Sun and Moon fail to illuminate. The Church is waning, and it needs the power of to Star Maiden to survive, the power it so tragically lost a decade before. But much has changed since Riko was chosen as the Star. Shadows run through the veins of the Church, tainting the blood of its proselytes, corrupting even the light of their Messiahs.

And you have been chosen. The new Star. The Holy Maiden chosen to lead the Celestial Church back into the Heavenly light. Despite the fractures in your own glow. Despite the shadows lurking in the wake of your new comrades.

2. cherry wine

Sweet and right and merciful I'm all but washed In the tide of her breathing.

Pairing: Vampire!Choso x Vampire Bride! Fem!Reader Warnings: NSFW, smut, brief descriptions of violence, blood, death, strong themes of religion, death, blood, Length: 5+ chapters #CherryWineAU There is a castle, high on the mountains above the town, where the Lord lives. No-one knows his name, but the townspeople fear him, fear the dark, fear the thought of him in the dark. He is to be your husband, he is to be your death.

3. cigarette daydreams

Funny how it seems like yesterday As I recall, you were lookin' out of place Gathered up your things and slipped away No time at all, I followed you into the hall

Pairing: Bodyguard!Fushiguro Toji x Naoya’s Fiance!Reader Warnings: NSFW, smut, blood, violence, death, “infidelity”, misogyny Length: 5+ chapters #CigaretteDaydreamsAU

Toji has nothing to live for. No wife, his kid sold off, and no job. Until he gets a call from the people he hates the most, the Zen’ins. You’re sweet, a little bit naive, and about to be dragged into the worst family in Jujutsu history. But will Toji escort you to your doom?

4. bad reputation

A girl can do what she wants to do and that's what I'm gonna do An' I don't give a damn 'bout my bad reputation

Pairing: Biker!Sukuna x Stripper!Reader Warnings: NSFW, smut, descriptions of violence Length: 3 chapters  #RoadhouseBluesAU His name burns, scorching your tongue hotter than his kiss. You know better than to follow Sukuna into his Hell, but what if you fall for the flame?

tokyo revengers

1. the city

don't call it a fight when you know it's a war

Pairing: Toman Timeskip! Hanma Shuji x Fem! Reader / minor Kisaki x Reader Warnings: NSFW, smut, drugs, blood, violence, death, guns, sex work, “infidelity”, Reader is as off the rails as Hanma Length: 5+ chapters #TheCityAU Your life ended the day you were sold to Toman. Your life as the eldest daughter of a Yakuza Legend ended, but you lived on, as the forgotten property of Kisaki Tetta. Forgotten, abandoned, until Hanma Shuji stumbled, bloody, beaten, and laughing, into your boring world.

2. wishlist

I wish I was a radio song, the one that you turned up

Pairing: Bassist! Akashi Takeomi x Fem! Reader / a little Guitarist! Wakasa x fem! Reader Warnings: NSFW, smut, childhood friends to lovers, idiots in love, brief descriptions of violence, brief descriptions of drugs, grunge Length: 5 chapters #WishlistAU The Black Dragons started as a dream, a dream born in the Shinichiro’s grease-stained motorcycle workshop, born between beaten-up machine parts and the strings of Shin’s old guitar. Now, the Black Dragons are legends, returning home after a record-breaking world tour. Five years have changed you, but your childhood crush on Takeomi hasn’t.

3. villains of circumstance

There's no magic bullet, no cure for pain What's done is done, 'til you do it again Life in pursuit of a nameless prey I've been so close, I'm so far away It's so hard to explain, so easy to feel I need you now, nothing is real Save me from the villains of circumstance Before I lose my place

Pairing: 1920s Gangster! Tokyo Revengers x Fem!Reader (character to be decided) Warnings: NSFW, smut, brief descriptions of violence, drugs, sex work and death Length: 5+ chapters #VillainsOfCircumstanceAU There is a life of gold and glamor deep in the grease and grime of the downtown districts. There is no law, only the lawless, and the lowlife gangsters who run the show. Lowlifes, murderers, and thieves, and you’ve never been in better company. Because here, in the darkness and the dirt, you can fulfil your dreams and desires. [same format as RoadhouseBlues AU]

4. gun in my hand

Why did love put a gun in my hand? Oh, was it for redemption? Was it for revenge?

Pairing: Bonten! Hitto Kakucho x Undercover Detective! Fem!Reader x Tachibana Naoto Warnings: NSFW, smut, violence, guns, drugs, death, Sanzu, grief, blood, mental health Length: 5+ chapters #GunInMyHandAU They took your partner, so you’ll take down their entire world. With the help of your friend, and fellow detective, Tachibana Naoto, you infiltrated Japan’s most dangerous organisation, Bonten. With the sole goal of tearing Sano Mikey’s empire apart from the inside, you find yourself rapidly losing touch with yourself and your morality as you get more and more entangled with the organisation’s earnest third-in-command

DISCLAIMER: all work here is original, please do not copy, repost, or use without permission. All images/gifs are either my own, sourced from popular media, or retrieved from royalty-free sources.

[suitofvibraniumarmor]

Ficmas #2: Secret Santa

The little pieces of folded paper in the bowl held excitement for some and not-so-much-excitement for others. Still, the vote had been that they would do Secret Santa this year, and that even those who weren’t so excited would put in excitement-level effort.

Y/N tried to judge from everyone’s faces whose name they might have drawn from the bowl. A couple of people looked positively terrified, while a couple of others seemed to be pleased with their draw. None of them, however, looked so torn as Bucky. Y/N approached him with some measure of hesitancy and asked if he was okay.

Bucky nodded. “Yeah, all good. Have to figure out how to handle this, I guess.”

Her eyes went to the small piece of paper he held up. “Oh, I see. Do you – are you looking forward to Christmas?”

“Maybe a little more now.”

That gave Y/N some reassurance that she hadn’t made his life miserable by involving everyone in Secret Santa. With a small smile and a brief nod, she left him to his thoughts.

Tony nudged her on her way out of the common room. “Just curious, Y/N, is that –” He pointed at Bucky. “The thing you’d like to see under the tree Christmas morning? In something nude, perhaps?”

Y/N’s cheeks heated brighter and hotter than chestnuts roasting on an open fire. She made a quick exit, dragging her embarrassment back to her room and trying to think about anything other than Tony’s comment. He didn’t tease her, typically, unless he had a reason to – which meant that he could see that Bucky Barnes made her more nervous than anyone else on the team.

“That is very not good,” Y/N mumbled to herself.

A couple of days before Christmas, they all gathered to exchange their Secret Santa gifts.

Clint and Bruce had drawn each other and both invested in a round of golf at a local course, so that worked out. Nat had drawn Tony, gifting him with a book entitled Why Is It Always About You? Nat couldn’t stop laughing, but Tony didn’t quite see the humor. Y/N gave Steve a coffee table book covering all the major events in world history.

“Good information – more reliable than the internet in some cases,” she told him.

Steve smiled and hugged her. “Thanks, Y/N/N. I appreciate it.”

“Sure,” she returned, hugging him back. “So, hey, I was thinking, we should get out tonight, all of us, and do a little team celebration before some people leave for the holiday and the New Year.”

“Oh, yeah, no, I don’t think – nah, not tonight.”

Y/N frowned and turned to ask someone else, but they all were making hasty getaways, too. She discreetly smelled under her arms and then checked her breath – no, that wasn’t it. Feeling very confused and somewhat self-conscious, Y/N headed for the training room to distract herself from … whatever had just happened.

She was out of the shower after working out and trying to decide if she wanted wine or whiskey while she cooked supper in her suite. She had pulled the wine bottle down from the shelf when someone knocked on the door. She considered not answering it, but a bruised ego was no reason to be rude.

Bucky was on the other side of the door, looking nervous. Y/N felt her stomach flip and flutter like the contents of a snow globe.

“Bucky, hey. What’s up?”

“Well, it’s me – uh, I mean, obviously, it’s me. But I’m saying I’m your Secret Santa. I know everyone traded gifts earlier, but I – well, my gift to you is a little different. Will you come with me for a minute?”

Y/N bit her bottom lip and hesitated for only half a second before sliding her hand into Bucky’s. He smiled shyly and led her toward the common room. Just outside the doorway, he turned to her and told her to close her eyes.

Y/N raised a brow. “Close my eyes?”

“Please? Don’t worry. I think it’ll be worth it.”

She gave in and closed her eyes. Bucky took both of her hands this time and slowly guided her into the common room. He positioned her just so, then told her to open her eyes.

The room was lit up with only multi-colored Christmas lights hung along the ceiling, plus the white lights strung around the Christmas tree. A projector screen was set up, paused on the opening credits of It’s A Wonderful Life. On the floor were plenty of pillows and blankets over a huge air mattress.

“I know this gift is supposed to be for you,” Bucky started when you didn’t say anything right away, “but I’ve been trying to tell you for a while that you – I like you, Y/N. I didn’t know how to do something special enough for you, something you deserve, so I did have some help from the others, but –”

Y/N cut him off with a kiss to his cheek. “This is perfect, Bucky. Thank you.”

His nerves gave way to relief and he helped you onto the air mattress. The two of you settled in, not quite cuddling but certainly not in your own space, either. Bucky found the remote and pressed play.

By the time George was offering to lasso the moon for Mary, though, Y/N was laying against Bucky’s chest, and he had an arm draped comfortably over her. He kissed her temple, garnering her attention. He tilted her chin up and brushed his lips over hers.

“Merry Christmas, Y/N.”

She smiled against his mouth. “Merry Christmas, Bucky.”

AllOfTheThings: @captain-s-rogers @letsgetfuckingsuperwholocked @hurricanerin @im-not-an-armrest-im-short @shynara51 @sea040561 @pinknerdpanda @xtina2191 @beakami @heartsaved @fullprunerebelstatesman @blackwidowismyhomegirl @averyrogers83 @jennmurawski13 @connie326 @whitewolfvibraniumdreams

[withastolenlantern]

It was hotter than he wanted it to be, especially for October, which was a thought the Earl Swansea found himself having with increasing frequency. He’d always hated this part of Southeast Asia; the humidity was intolerable, even here in his suite high up on the thirty-sixth floor. Hot afternoon sun streamed in through the large french doors separating the office proper from the terrace that looked out over the Singapore Strait. Or at least what remained of it: every time he visited this branch the city-state had reclaimed more land from beneath the waves, expanding its real estate to keep up with its ever-growing population. If he squinted hard he could just make out the corresponding buildings in Batam, a scant few kilometers now across the narrow waterway, but the Singaporean government would always maintain at least a minimal distance between the cities. A hundred years may have passed since the Malaysians had cut the island nation off from their mainland brethren, but the slight was never forgotten, and the current generation was just as keen to maintain their independence from their neighbors, especially since rejoining the Commonwealth.

He closed the curtains over the doors and sank back into the padded leather of his chair, loosening his tie with an exaggerated motion and pulled a cool bottle of water from the mini-fridge built into the desk. A holo displaying myriad charts and figures documenting the impending collapse of his empire. “How the hell did he keep it together?” he mumbled, rubbing at his temples.

Ross had idolized his father growing up. It was impossible not to: the man was a titan of industry, a peer in one of the world’s oldest kingdoms, a driving force toward a new economic and social contract. He’d dined with kings and scholars, athletes and actors, and yet his charisma was like a social black hole, pulling everyone’s attention toward him. This trip to Singapore only further enforced the notion that he still trailed in the old man’s shadow: at six-foot six the first earl was an imposing figure, looming over nearly everyone in stature as well as import, and James could still feel himself shrouded beneath the umbra, both physically then and metaphorically now.

The board had summoned him to make their demands on restructuring and his only real defense had been slouched shoulders and meager counters. He still controlled a thiry-six percent stake, which made him the majority shareholder, but without a plurality he is still beholden to the whims of others whose interests are frequently otherwise aligned.

“What do you want me to do?” he’d groused. “I can’t make more consumers. We’re part of the reason the global unemployment rate is up around eighteen percent. There’s only so many ditches that can be dug, and last time I checked I don’t see any of you voting in the Commonwealth Council to support redistributing your dividends toward some socialist bullshit like UBI. We’ve idled as many of the fabs as we can. We’ve cut our in-house staff thirteen percent in the last four years. There is only so much blood we can squeeze from these rocks.”

The pleas were met with silent disapproval from around the table. “For christ’s sake I walk through a throng of angry protestors outside the building in Cardiff daily, calling for my head on a pike. How many of you can say the same?”

His mobile chimed an alert and he sighed wearily as he waved a hand to open the incoming message. The holo displayed a split image of two gowns, both as elaborate as they were no doubt expensive, and a text banner scrawled across the bottom asking Which do you think? It had been somewhat of a blessing that coming here to be chewed out by the board meant he was absolved of attending his wife’s latest charitable endeavor. Her philanthropic efforts were excellent PR for the Consortium, and he was glad she found something to keep her occupied. And maybe they did do some good. He’d accompanied her on a trip to Zambia where the Foundation was helping fill in some of the infrastructure gaps the Chinese had ignored as they’d moved in to exploit the mineral wealth and cheap labor force. But the cynic in him knew deep down they were more about the social spectacle and her desire for recognition than any real devotion to improving the human condition, and he had no patience for those kinds of theatrics. And he absolutely could not be asked to give a shit about what she wore.

I’m sure either will be lovely, he responded in the most non-committal way possible.

His mobile chimed again, and he ground his teeth in irritation. “Woman, you will be the death of me,” he groaned under his breath.

He motioned to open the message before realizing it was a live connection. “What?” he growled, more in frustration than anger.

“Sorry boss, didn’t mean to interrupt.” The American’s face came into focus; he was sweating profusely and the sun was a bright orange semicircle just over his shoulder. “I’ve got bad news and worse news. Which do you want first?”

[salsa-and-light]

“if people are writing laws to protect the rights of identities, it should be real identities that people actually have.”

Ideally laws should protect everyone. Most prejudices harm more than just their intended victims.

But in any case, this doesn’t make sense.

People shouldn’t ask to have their rights respected because they don’t exist?

What are you actually trying to say?

Because it sounds like you're endorsing a legal philosophy where discrimination is only invalid if it's a matter of identity.

Which isn't true and doesn't make any sense either.

“If a normie ever hears the word “femboy catgirl” they’re gonna turn right the fuck around and vote in the other direction. “

Maybe, heck- even probably.

But as much as I sympathize with that concern..

I think that we’re past the point where we should be worrying about the opinions of people whose bigotry is only held back by three strings of dental floss.

Think about the practical applications of this idea,

To a bigot, the most chaste kiss is going to be too much. Any deviation, any act of Queerness is going to be too far.

So, pragmatically.. if there's no benefit to restricting ourselves then we might as well do what we want anyways.

And on a social level you can't compromise with people who are fundamentally unwilling to compromise.

But you can force them to adjust their perspective.

If someone is too hot in a room and they refuse to agree to any compromise, then the solution is to make it hotter.

If someone doesn't like a room temperature that's above 68°, maybe you can't make them like that, but if you force them to be in a room that's 80° they'll probably shut up about the rooms that are in the seventies and things that are only a degree or two off probably won't even register by comparison.

So if we are to change our personal habits for the furtherment of Queer liberation then what we should be doing is "turning up the heat", as it were.

Because who is going to give a damn about a woman with a pixie cut when there's a tattooed bald woman next door.

Who's going to freak out about a man with painted nails and a sissy walk when there there's drag queens on the television

Who's going to care about binary trans people when their are nonbinary genderfucks.

Obviously, these contextual comparisons don't solve bigotry and abuse, but if you're not in a safe enough position to be however you want, it's vastly preferable to be a little fruity then it is to be the most radically Queer person that someone has ever seen.

And you can't have that, if the most radical expression of Queerness are cis gender-conforming gay people who dress like Mormons.(No shade to them of course, it's just not pushing any boundaries).

Visibility has its downsides, absolutely, but it's a bit late to do anything about most of those, so we might as well go ham to get the benefits.

"Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Trans People can all be explained in a concise logical matter and can convey a sense of normalcy to the average person."

This entirely irrelevant to me.

Really, the fact that you consider explainability to be a relevant factor is entirely mind-boggling to me.

Because everything I've said already about the effect of context on bigotry, but also because I seem to have a different philosophical axis here.

I do not want to live in a world where people have full human and rights and dignity, so long as they live in a way that everyone can understand.

I want to live in a world where people have full rights and dignity regardless of the understanding of their neighbors.

The freedom to be weird and incomprehensible is what separates us from Salem.

And just for the record, there's still a lot of people who don't even understand gay people and even for those who do there are still plenty of cis gay people who have other things going on that will befuddle "The Straights™".

"There is no way you could say the words “femboy catgirl” without a sit down and a three hour explanation to someone who wasnt terminally online."

A Femboy-catgirl is a boy who enjoys dressing like a girl and like a cat, probably at the same time, for sexual or nonsexual reasons.

Easy-peasy, thirty seconds maximum.

I don't think it should be relevant, but it's also not that hard.

If you need three hours, go off, but the problem is not that it's too complicated, the problem is that people refuse to learn or engage with Queerness.

I can't tell you how many people who still think that drag queens and transwomen are the same thing.

And that's a pretty basic distinction.

You say that it's hard to explain to anyone who's not "terminally online", but these people definitely have internet access.

They aren't just conveniently-mysteriously out of the loop; to live in the English-speaking world today, you have to be constantly and actively avoiding Queer people and Queer topics if you want to remain ignorant about them.

"Making these weirdo identities known to the general public will, unironically make them go “eh, maybe these people dont really need these rights"

Yeah, I'm going to repeat myself and say that we shouldn't be worried about the opinions of people who are one step away from being unapologetic bigots; because their "tolerance" isn't worth anything. It would be easier and more effective to force them to be nice than to try to appease them. I don't think that we should force them to be nice to be clear, but politeness at gunpoint is far more reliable than politeness in exchange for compliance

Saying that our rights are dependent on the good will of our betters is a blatant admission that we do not have rights, because rights essentially exist to stop the people who say that we shouldn't have them.

A mouse living in walls does not have equal right rights to the tenants, it simply hasn't been intrusive enough to inspire lethal force.

That is a clear and obvious difference.

People who see you as a pest are not going to grant you equality out of the goodness of their hearts, that is something you have to enforce, by hook, by crook or by legally concealed firearm.

Visibility may be a double edge sword, but it's vastly preferable to living in the walls and waiting hoping that the shoe doesn't drop onto you.

Note the assumption that all LGBT people automatically support each other.

Even though many TERFs/“Gender-critical feminists” are lesbians.

Also, many people specifically say that their issue is not with LGBT people, it’s with “degenerates” hiding behind a minority label.

Including some LGBT people who don’t want to get dragged down with the pervs.

Most of the people who talk about “degeneracy” will apply that label to straight, non-trans people too.