#would be to sort out the companies that hold commercial locations

[awkward-teabag]

Of course the moment my province announces increasing the minimum wage as it's tied to inflation, people pop out of the woodwork saying that this will mean prices will go up as if there hasn't been rampant inflation already.

I'm pretty sure it's not a future $0.65 raise which was just announced that's causing you to pay dozens/hundreds extra a month on food and rent alone for the past several months if not a year or more.

Stop gnashing your teeth at people already scraping by because you "went through the same and managed" and focus that anger at the people and systems that are actually causing it.

[aeoki]

Fist of the Shangri-la Idol - Action Star: Chapter 3

Location:  Chinese Restaurant Characters: Touri & Makoto Season: Summer

TL Note:

The character for “peach” is used in Touri’s first name.

There are different types of bowing in Japan that are relative to the angle used. A 90 degree bow at the waist is considered to be very polite. 

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ< A few minutes later.

ㅤㅤㅤAt the Chinese restaurant that’s supposed to be the filming site for the next day. >

Makoto: (“Fist of the Shangri-la Idol” is the debut work of ES’ new film company.)

(It seems it’ll be the first commercial film for the director, screenwriter and the other staff, but they’re mostly all young people with no achievements to their name.)

(We can trust them because they’ve been carefully selected after confirming their skills, but they’re deemed obscure to the public eye.)

(RhyLink would definitely never acknowledge nor use them since they’re just “nobodies”...)

(But we’ll be bringing something new to the current declining film industry.)

(No. We’ll create a revolution – Just like how we did at Yumenosaki.)

(That’s why “Trickstar” and “fine” were chosen to be the stars instead of the reliable “RYUUSEITAI” who’re used to this sort of work.)

(They’re not expecting “reliability” but a “revolution” instead…)

(It’s easy to say those words, but it’s difficult to start something new…)

(We’ve caused some trouble here and there, and had those errors recorded under our name. I’m sure that data will be collected and taken into account to make improvements in the future.)

(So that’s exactly why we should be positive and challenge ourselves with something difficult instead of being afraid to make mistakes but…)

(I’m a coward – I can’t help but feel anxious when it comes to the unknown.)

(I get scared and cower into a ball. That’s why I end up lagging behind the others in “Trickstar”.)

(They’ll take my hand and help me back on my feet if I stumble and fall – And I know they’ll never leave me behind but…)

(............)

Touri: Hey, Four-eyed Monkey, what’re you doing here?

Makoto: W–WHAAA!?

D–Don’t just appear out of the blue like that, Himemiya-kun! I was really close to dropping the teacup~ This is a prop used for the movie!

Touri: Uh, what’re you doing? It looks like you’re trying to balance all of the teacups on your arm, but is that some sorta training? Street performance?

Makoto: Hehe. There’ll apparently be these kinds of scenes in the movie, so I’m practising to make sure I don’t fail during the actual filming.

…I’m really dragging everyone down, so I figured I should do some practising on my own.

Touri: By yourself? Doesn’t “Trickstar” usually do stuff together all the time?

Makoto: Yeah. But things aren’t exactly hunky dory between us right now…

Maybe it’s because we’re not used to being in a movie, but it looks like we’re all kinda stressed.

I thought Hidaka-kun would be fine since he’s got experience.

But filming a movie and acting on stage is different and on top of that, there’s apparently complicated stuff even for people with experience…

Touri: Hmm. …I don’t really care but you were practising the scene where the “protagonist” strengthens his determination and trains because the “heroine” was kidnapped, right?

Makoto: Yup, that’s the one. The protagonist uses stuff like a kitchen knife or a wok – stuff in the restaurant he’s freeloading at – to train. It’s an exercise that uses anything nearby~♪

Touri: Then, that might be different. It’s written in the script that he trains by holding two pots, right?

So originally, it should be like this…

Like this… Heave, ho.

Makoto: Y–You don’t have to force yourself to carry something heavy. You’re dainty so you'll rip your muscles, Himemiya-kun.

Touri: I'm just trying to say that you’re supposed to train by holding up something heavy with your hands.

But you’re balancing tea cups instead, Four-eyed Monkey.

Makoto: I’d like it if you could call me something else.

…Wait, that’s not what I’m supposed to do? I thought I was supposed to learn good posture and how to balance things well by moving while balancing the teacups.

Touri: It’s not like the training models do – we’re talking about a kung fu movie here. Is good posture necessary when you’re supposed to be beating your enemies up?

Makoto: Oh~ I see… That’s the sort of training I did when I was a kids model, so I just thought it would be the same.

I couldn’t understand just by reading the text on the script, so I end up getting the wrong impression.

Touri: I also couldn’t imagine what it’d be like either, so I’ve been watching lots of kung fu movies that Yuzuru carefully picked out.

Yuzuru’s edited parts of it, so the story doesn’t make much sense, though.

Makoto: Fushimi-kun sure is overprotective.

Touri: Well, I’m sure he’s doing it for my sake, so it’s hard for me to tell him not to…

It’s his job to protect me and make sure I grow up in good health, so he’ll freak out if I do stuff that goes against that.

Makoto: Hehe. It’s hard to say no when you know they did those things out of love, huh~ I used to have such a hard time rejecting Izumi-san’s weird feelings of love.

Touri: Don’t lump Sena-senpai with Yuzuru… I’m starting to get gross vibes about Yuzuru all of a sudden.

Makoto: Well, sometimes they can be similar since they both do some pretty disturbing things, you know?

Touri: What’d you say!? You got something against my servant, Four-eyed Monkey!?

Makoto: I’m kidding, I’m kidding. Sorry, I ended up acting like I’d usually would with the others in “Trickstar”... I see you really like Fushimi-kun, Himemiya-kun ♪

Touri: Of course I do, he’s family.

Anyway, we keep talking about random stuff, but I didn’t come here for a chat.

Touri: Look ♪ Peach buns!

They share the same name as me[⁎]. Aren’t they cute? Anzu brought these over earlier~♪

Makoto: Huh? Anzu-chan? She came? She’s not involved with the movie, isn’t she…?

Touri: It doesn’t look like she’s 100% not involved, though.

She’s in charge of another important project, so it looks like she has to prioritise that and can’t come check in on us much.

So she uses the little break time she has to bring us something special she made. You better thank her ♪

Makoto: Of course. I’m always thankful for everything she’s done for us.

I’m a bit sad since she’s kinda someone important now and we don’t spend much time together, though.

Touri: That goes the same for you guys too, right~? You guys were the winners of SS – something everyone dreamed of at Yumenosaki – and you’re basically the best idols out there now.

If anything, you guys should be more aware of your position and act carefully.

But one of your good parts is that you guys are always running forward at full speed… I’m a little jealous, to be honest.

Makoto: Haha. Then, do you wanna join us, Himemiya-kun? You’re totally welcome to~ We all like you a lot in “Trickstar” ♪

Touri: Wait, why is that? I’m always saying harsh things about you guys, so it would make more sense if you hated me instead.

Makoto: That actually makes us happy – especially recently.

We fully realised this after experiencing “BIG BANG” over and over but…

It seems the title of the “SS” winners is all too bright and radiant, so everyone gets scared of us and doesn’t want to get close.

Especially since the newcomers treat us like we’re really special people…

Whenever I come across them in the ES hallways or something, they’d make a 90 degree bow[⁎]. Just what do they think we are!?

Touri: Duh, they see you guys as the winners of “SS”.

Makoto: Hmm… it feels like that title doesn’t match what’s on the inside, you know? Especially for someone like me since I’m below everyone in terms of skill.

I’m good at gathering data but on the battlefield… on stage it feels like I’m dragging everyone else down.

They all get angry at me when I say stuff like that, though.

Touri: …………

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ← Previous Chapter ᠂ ⚘ ˚⊹˚ ⚘ ᠂  Next Chapter →

[pestcontroldigital]

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End

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[vihaan-digitals]

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[scapegrace74-blog]

Ginger Snap, Chapter 2

A/N I am breaking probably the only rule I gave myself when I started writing fanfic, which was Don’t Ever Post a WIP.  But lord knows I’m not immune to peer pressure and the narcotic that is reader feedback, so here it is, the second chapter of what is now an open-ended modern AU story about Jamie the Chef and Claire the Kitchen Disaster.  Still a first person Claire POV, so I apologize in advance for any stray pronouns.

For the first chapter, I recommend reading it on Ao3, since I’ve made some minor edits since I first posted it on Tumblr.  See above re. not planning on posting a WIP.

Oh, and funny story.  When I decided to check the location of the real Ginger Snap catering company in Edinburgh, it was squished between “FrazersOnline” and “McKenzie Flooring”.  If that’s not kismet, I don’t know what is.  The location I describe below, however, is based on a catering venue here in Ottawa called Urban Element, where I’ve attended a few team-building events.  I have yet to set anything on fire, though.

I checked my phone for the third time, confirming I wasn’t lost.  

Frank and I moved to Edinburgh over the summer, just in time for him to start his position as Associate Professor of History at the University of Edinburgh. Despite our years spent in America, neither of us cared overmuch for driving, so we chose a flat (or rather, Frank chose a flat and I concurred) not far from campus.  Therefore, this was the first time I’d ventured as far afield as Leith, a maritime enclave just to the north of the capital that couldn’t seem to decide if it wanted to be grittily working class or artistically hip. 

When I finally reached the address, I had to smile.  No main street pretensions or non-descript commercial frontage for Ginger Snap Catering.  Before me stood a two-story red brick fire station, still emblazoned with the crest of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Services.  The two massive truck bays were now enclosed by see-through doors that could be drawn back on a sunny day.  Through these a warm yellow light could be seen, spilling onto the grey, damp pavement.

A petite woman with dark hair manned the small reception area, a red-haired toddler clinging to her like a marsupial.  She held a phone to one ear while simultaneously pacing the polished concrete floor.  I stood as unobtrusively as possible near the door, but in such an open space it was impossible not to overhear her side of the conversation.

“... they willna take ‘im back until ‘is fever goes down...  aye, an hour ago when I picked him up but it hasn’t... nay, i dinna think it’s... tis jus’ terrible timing with two weddings t’morrow... Could ye?  Och, I owe ye Mrs. Fitz, a million times o’er... Anytime, we’ll be here.  Alright, soon.”

The speaker turned to me, the harried look of a working mother sharpening her already honed features.

“I apologize fer keeping ye waiting.  What can I do fer ye t’day?”

Before I could respond, the young boy, probably no older than two, began to fuss, rubbing his flushed cheek against his mother’s shoulder.

“Och, mo ghille, Mam kens ye’re poorly.  Mrs. Fitz is coming as fast as she may.”

Unable to quell my instinct to diagnose and then cure, I spoke up.  

“I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation.  Based on his age and the way he’s holding his head, it may be an ear infection.”  At the woman’s penetrating look, I hastened to explain: “I’m a doctor.  Would you mind if I took a closer look?”

Permission granted, I carefully palpated the boy under the jaw and peered as best I could without an otoscope into the offending ear canal.  Confident in my diagnosis, I recommended treatment with a warm compress, an over-the-counter analgesic ear drop, and children’s paracetamol to control his fever.  If, after twenty-four hours the symptoms had not improved, they could consider seeing his pediatrician for antibiotics, but these were only truly necessary for a persistent infection.

“Och, ye ‘ave no idea what a relief it is tae hear ye say so, lass.  He’s my first bairn, ye ken, an’ I can ne’er tell if I’m over-reacting or being negligent.   Can ye say thank ye tae the nice doctor, Wee Jamie?”

My stomach jumped.  “Wee Jamie?  Is he related by chance to Jamie Fraser?”

“Aye, tis his nephew.  I’m Jamie’s sister, Jenny.  Ye ken my brother, then?”

The pieces fell into place, and my insides settled.

“We’ve spoken before,” I explained.  “I’m Claire Beauchamp.  You and your brother helped me with a dinner party emergency last Tuesday.  I came to return your market bags, and to thank you again for coming to my aid during my hour of need.”

Jenny and I spoke for another ten minutes, sharing the superficial narratives of two strangers brought together by circumstance.  She was warm and thistly by turns, and I felt a longing for the honesty of female friendship that I’d given up when we left Boston.  Eventually a matronly woman arrived to collect Wee Jamie.  I carefully wrote down the exact names and dosages of my prescribed remedy.

After Mrs. Fitz and Wee Jamie had left, it occurred to me that Jenny needed to get back to work.  I’d accomplished what I’d set out to do, even if I hadn’t thanked Jamie himself.   As I began to make my goodbyes, however, Jenny interjected. “If ye’re no’ in a rush, why dinna ye join our afternoon cooking class?  My brother will be demonstrating how tae make quiche.  Tis the least we can do, after ye helped Wee Jamie.”

Which was how I found myself standing behind one of six cooking stations arranged across the fire station’s main area, a bright red apron covering my black slacks and saffron turtleneck.  My impetuous curls were slowly breaking ranks from where I’d slicked them into a bun that morning.  I worried I looked like a human Pez dispenser.

I glanced at the workstation immediately to my left.  A slight woman who I guessed to be roughly my own age was engrossed in her phone, a cheeky smirk playing on her berried lips.  Her strawberry blond hair was swept into an effortless chignon that made me twitch with envy.  She looked up from her screen and caught me looking her way.

“Geillis Duncan,” she said, offering a well-manicured hand.

“Claire Beauchamp.  Pleased to meet you.”

“Is it yer first time taking a class, Claire?”  At my nod, she leaned in and whispered conspiratorially: “Ye’re in for a treat.”

Before I could enquire what she meant, a murmur amongst the other students (all women, save one) was accompanied by the heavy tread of work boots on polished concrete and a familiar Scottish burr.

“Good afternoon, everyone.  Thank ye fer joining me on this dreich Scottish day.  I ken a few of ye are new, so let’s start with a brief overview of yer stations and some basic safety reminders, before we tackle the quiche.”

Today Jamie was wearing a pair of olive pants that tapered down his endless legs and a technical shirt that clung valiantly to his upper body.  He looked like he’d just stepped off the nearest rock climbing pitch.  I wondered if he owned anything that answered to the name of a professional wardrobe, but I couldn’t deny that he looked impressive, in an athleisure sort of way.

“See what I mean?” Geillis hissed at me as Jamie made his way to the front of the hall, speaking now about optimal burner temperatures.  “That man is a dozen kinds of yes.”

I concentrated on each step of the ostensibly simple recipe.  Pie crust had been the previous week’s assignment, so I had only to blind bake the prepared dough already at my workstation.  Once I had the crust centered exactly in the pie pan, pierced with a fork in orderly rows and placed in the oven, I rushed to catch up with the others.  I’d missed Jamie’s instructions regarding pan frying the bacon, so I increased the flame, thinking I could make up a little time.  The fatty meat crackled pleasingly as I set it in the lightly greased pan.  I was inordinately proud of myself.

Things went very badly, very fast.  First, my eyes wouldn’t stop watering as I meticulously peeled then dissected the onion into near-transparent crescents. Tears obscured my vision and I tried to wipe them away without contaminating my hands.  To my left I could make out Geillis skillfully cracking eggs into a glass bowl, her pie crust already elegantly filled with crispy morsels of bacon and caramelized onion bits.  

A vague sense of having forgotten something important tickled my mind.  My pie crust!  Grabbing a silicone glove (I wasn’t making that mistake twice) I rushed to the wall oven and extracted the pan.  Giddy with relief, I saw the dough was only a little dark around the edges.  

Before I could return victorious to my station, Jamie uttered a Scottish noise of alarm from his vantage at the front of the class.   We both rushed across the room to where my rashers of bacon now resembled blackened shoe laces obscured by a heavy veil of smoke.  With practiced ease, Jamie lifted the entire skillet into the adjacent sink and turned on the cold water.  A cloud of steam enveloped his head, highlighting his auburn curls.  I bit my lip as he looked my way in amusement.

“I hope ye werena planning on serving quiche to yer faculty guests t’night, Ms. Beauchamp?”

I stood meekly next to Geillis for the remainder of the class, no longer trusted around open flame without adult supervision.   She graciously allowed me to extract her quiche when it was done baking.  It looked like a magazine cover.  Meanwhile, my workstation looked like the scene of an industrial accident.

While we were waiting for her quiche to cook, Geillis and I got to know each other a little better.  She was a Highland lass from up near Inverness.  Married to a wealthy older man, her life sounded like an endless quest for diversion.  Despite this, or because of it, she had a sharp-witted frankness that I appreciated.  She was also a hard-core gossip.

“Wee besom,” she remarked with a nod towards a blond girl who was currently monopolizing Jamie’s attention with endless questions punctuated by manufactured giggles and flicks of her pin-straight hair.  “Tha’s Laoghaire Mackenzie of the Mackenzie brewing dynasty.  They’ve a live-in cook, so there’s only one reason she attends these classes, and it isna for the quiche.”

I watched Jamie laugh over something the girl said, mineral eyes alight and his perfect white teeth on display.  I suppose I couldn’t blame her.  I wasn’t here for the quiche either.

The interminable ninety minute lesson finally ended.  I thanked Geillis profusely and we exchanged numbers before she rushed off for her reiki treatment.  Gathering my trench coat and purse, I tried to slink away without calling any further attention to myself.

“Ms. Beauchamp!”

I cursed under my breath, then turned to face him.

“Please, call me Claire.  After I nearly burned down your place of business, we should probably be on a first name basis.”

Jamie chuckled. It sounded more natural and lived-in than his earlier response to Laoghaire, but I was likely fooling myself.

“Och, wha’s a cooking demonstration wi’out a wee bit of drama.  Will ye be joining us next week?  We’ll be making ceviche, sae I willna need tae put the fire brigade on stand-by.”

“Bastard,” I replied to his cheeky smirk.  “Alas, I don’t think I’m cut out to be a cook.  It appears to be the one science I can’t master.”

“Cooking isna a science, Claire,” he explained with sincere intensity.  “Tis an art.  Perhaps tha’s the root of yer struggle.”

“Perhaps it is.  But in that case, I may as well give up now.  I haven’t an artistic bone in my body.”

His languorous perusal of said body lit a different kind of flame in my belly.  Geillis was right; he really was a dozen kinds of yes.

“I canna say as I agree.  Come back any time if ye’d like tae try again.”

I blushed, thoroughly discomfited by his blatant flirting.  He knew about Frank.  He’d fled from him onto my fire escape, for Christ’s sake!  Maybe when you looked like James Fraser, every interaction with a woman was merely a chance to hone your craft.  Or maybe he was truly ignorant of his effect.

“I’ll take that under advisement.  Thank you again, Jamie.”

“Until the next time, Arsonist.”

[sorcerersofnyc]

The Last Thing Left (Zemo x F!Reader) 2/9

If it wasn’t so painfully ironic (and hilarious to watch,) Helmut would find the relationship between Sam and James a little sad.

Ghosts weren’t enough to hold two people together.

Chapter 2: While they wait for Torres to locate Donya Madani, Zemo brings Sam and Bucky to the home you shared.

Slow burn, previous relationships, angst, various mentions of death & mourning. You both lost your spouse. You're a regular civilian person. Zemo's wife's name is Heike because of comics. The reader likes waffles (this is a non-negotiable fact)

Did I set this whole story in Spain because of Daniel Brühl? Yes, I did. The most impactful dialog has been translated.

Note: Main Character is neutral in most regards but the story was written with my own cultural background in mind. (In other words, I won't say what she looks like but I envision her as being black.)

First Chapter | Previous

***

The plane lands mid-morning near the Bay of Biscay.

Thin clouds give form to the blue sky above them, gathering to shield the world from the worst of the heat. It’s a lovely day , Helmut thinks, even as the smell of jet fuel lingers pungently in the air.

As he drapes his coat across his forearm and Sam and James stretch their limbs. But as a middle-aged woman struts. across the airfield to greet them, they’re attentive, alert.

“¡Hola señor. Es bueno verte otra vez.” She gives Helmut’s hand a gentle squeeze, her voice heavy with relief.

“Hola vieja amiga. ¿Recibiste los artículos que pedí?”

“Sí Sí. Las flores y los gofe se enviaban antes de su llegada.” She nods and sends a knowing glance his way before adding, “Y tu coche te está esperando.”

“Muchas gracias,” Helmut replies.

The woman takes a step back to acknowledge his company. Sam gives the woman a polite smile and James acknowledges her presence with a nod.

“There’s a car waiting for us,” Helmut tells them. “Come with me.”

“Man, how many people work for you anyway?” Sam asks, looking back at the plane, watching as Oeznik descends the stairwell and the woman waves over the maintenance crew.

“Very few really,” Helmut says. James scoffs at his reply.

But true to his word, a car waits on the street; a dark classic model, freshly polished with wide leather seats.

“Gentleman,” Helmut gestures toward the car you sent, “our carriage awaits.”

It was hardly discreet, but that was the point.

You did exactly as he asked.

***

When he promised to take care of you, you rejected out of a sense of humility. Humility, however, could not ensure your survival, let alone your well-being.

Simply put, you had nowhere else to go. The long shadows cast by the sunset cast over your face, highlighting all of your tired, tear-streaked features. But when you looked at him, there was recognition in your gaze, an acknowledgment of the grief that sat between you like a weight.

“I… I appreciate it, thank you.” You sniffed, “And I… I’ll be there for you too.”

He guided you away from your husband’s grave a moment later, vowing he would find you a better tomorrow.

*

There was no helping Sokovia; war and dissension plagued its streets long before Ultron. So Helmut gathered what he could from the rubble of his father’s home and made arrangements for a jet to be ready at the nearest functioning airport.

The airport was a dome of steel. Its once white titles were scuffed and crowded with people taking shelter and vying for seats on commercial flights.

You were quiet, your eyes glued to the broadcast showing on nearly every TV. There was a video playing, some newly uncovered camera footage of Novi Grad being lifted in the air.

“Come on,” he told you, leading you away with his hand upon your shoulder. You didn’t have much, not physically, just a duffle of what you salvaged from your home and the letter Dominik carried.

Oeznik was waiting in front of the plane, and it relieved Helmut to see him. His faithful butler had been on vacation in Belgium with his family, but once he saw what became of Novi Grad, he came back early.

“It’s glad to see you in good health, Sir.” He said.

“Thank you, Old Friend.”

They kissed cheeks and Helmut escorted you inside the plane, which carried the distinctive smell of cleaning supplies though neither said a word about it.

It wasn’t until you reached the cloudless blue sky that you spoke of what you saw.

“I was in the city that day,” you told him. “I was saved but… I don’t remember how I reached the boat to the helicarrier.” Confusion colored your expression, entangled with sorrow and relief.

Your eyes met his and flickered away just as quickly as guilt—survivors’ guilt—overtook you. He’s seen that look on far too many times on the faces of the soldiers he commanded not to know what that look was. “It happened so suddenly,” You continued, “I was on the ground and then… I was there. It was like someone picked me up and… I was just...there, on the boat with the others.”

“You were rescued by one of the Avengers?” Helmut leaned forward in his seat. “Thor maybe?”

“It must have been, but I don’t recall him being capable of such a thing.” You looked down at your feet.

“We didn’t think them capable of many things.” If there was an edge to his voice, you didn’t seem to notice or care. He continued. “The very idea of the Avengers has always been troubling; they’ve become idols, icons, something more than human. We are meant to forget their flaws and the destruction left in their wake. Remember New York? London? Washington D.C? Did we not watch the Hulk rampage through Johannesburg mere days before Sokovia was destroyed? It was always a mistake, allowing them to act freely.”

You looked at him then, your head tilted to the side in contemplation, taking in all he had to say.

“Has anyone said where Ultron came from yet? No one seems to know if he is an alien or some sort of rogue government experiment.”

“No. But one thing is clear; so long as the Avengers exist, someone will rise to challenge them; They will fight, and Sokovia will not be the last place they bring to ruin.”

You nodded, consciously or not he didn’t know, but on some level, you agreed.

***

Helmut’s thoughts are interrupted when the car turns onto a street lined with elegant townhomes with low-pitched roofs.

James breaks the silence that settled between the three.

“Where are we going?”

“My home.” He announces as the car stops before a large house made of grand arched windows and a sand-colored stone.

“Is this where you lived when you were plotting against us?” Sam sends him an incredulous look, as though the idea of stepping into his home offended him somehow.

“My home in Sokovia was destroyed, Sam. I needed to live somewhere—but yes,” Helmut shrugs, “you’re exactly right.”

“Oh great,” James mutters, but Helmut pays him little mind.

Two columns embrace the grand archway that sits above the ornately carved wooden door.

Upon it he knocks loudly, ignoring the questioning looks he gains.

He waits.

The air is dry and his attention drifts toward a fallen leaf on the pavement; it’s deep green and browning at the edges, its middle eaten through by an insect. The leaf skitters away when the door flies open and he’s forced to confront his worry.

He looks at you. You stare at him in disbelief. The world falls away into nothing.

“Helmut,” you finally say, breathing his name out in relief. “Estás de vuelta.” You’re back.

Your hands are trembling as they reach for him, as your thumbs brush across the curve of his cheek.

For so long your face was but a fragmented memory, your voice the chorus of a song. Only now, as you stand before him, are you complete. You smile.

“Sí, estoy en casa ahora mi amiga.” Yes, I’m home now my friend.

He touches his hand to your own, basking in the simple joy of your touch.

But then you glance behind him, your eyes narrow and the moment ends.

“Helmut! “You hiss. “¿Has traído a los Avengers a mi casa? ¡Por qué!”

Sam and James exchange glances. Whether either spoke Spanish is a matter of speculation, but they surely recognized the name of their allies.

“I’ll explain everything once we settle in.” He raises his palms in surrender to you, looking for all the world like a man abdicating his control.

You don’t move.

“I would like to see the paintings you mentioned in your letters.”

Your scowl deepens, your stare sharpening to a knifes-edge.

“I promise to have a good explanation.”

Finally, you step aside, ‘come in’ you say, and Helmut leads Sam and James further inside. The two have been quiet so far, observant of their new surroundings. He can’t be sure what they assume is happening, but Sam thanks you as he passes. James nods but says nothing.

The house is just as lovely as he remembers it to be; tall white walls, polished tile, an overabundance of lamps, and a painting on every wall. He never agreed with your sense of design but the home was undoubtedly welcoming.

“Make yourself at home,” you lead them inside, into the parlor where a fresh bouquet of thick-stemmed roses sits in a vase beside the entryway.

The rest of the room is familiar to him; red cushioned seats and glass-top tables, and rugs that sit just so beside the bookcase.

He briefly wonders where Anežka, your young housekeeper, is. The paper cranes she’s so fond of sit artfully on the shelves but there’s no evidence of her presence there.

You must have given her leave in anticipation of your meeting, he reasons.

You wanted to be alone with him.

His heart swells at the thought of what you might have done together.

Unfortunately, he sighs, Helmut isn’t alone with you. So instead of the immeasurable amount of fun his mind conjured, he watches you look between your guests—Sam, then James, then Sam again.

“I believe introductions are in order,” He finally announces, draping his coat across the back of his favorite chair.

“Yeah. That would be nice,” Sam retorts. He lingers near the entryway, unsure of the space. “Is this really your house?”

“It is. Well, it was. It now belongs to my lovely associate, gifted to her before I left on my mission.”

“Your mission,” James scoffs. He leans back against the wall near the bookcase, fixing him with a heavy stare.

You skirt the moving to stand at Helmut’s side as you wait for his promised explanation.

“Sam, James,” He calls for their attention, “This is my partner,” he tells them, introducing you by name.

***

Thanks for Reading!

I debated the ending for quite a while. It changes the initial trajectory of the story but it provides for a dramatic ending. Next time, we'll see how your relationship with Zemo changed from persons with mutual friends to 'partners.'

There's a deleted scene that I'll post as a special chapter soon!

Taglist:

@actuallyanita

@fillechatoyante!

Previous | Next

[jokertrap-ran]

(最后的厂牌  LAST CREW) His Story: [MAN ONWIRE] 周怀夜 Zhou Huaiye Translation Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

*Spoiler free: Translations will remain under cut *Welcome to another round of Ran’s whims Evan brainrot, extended. *CEO man’s future tag will be #CEO ONWIRE *THEY RAP WELL!!!

"Before meeting you, he was the one who bore the name of [Hero]”

He never wanted to become a Hero, never expected to be associated with greatness. The wings of the Devil shields the night skies of the city, bestowing destruction upon the emotionless world beneath before light peaks.

The 24th of December, the Year 2100. Christmas Eve.

Dark clouds have hovered above the skies of 000 City for a good two months now.

A year ago, on this very Christmas Eve. The last Thousand City Conference of the 21st Century was going to be held in 000 City. Everyone present was overwhelmed with joy as they looked forward to the arrival of "The New Chapter of Mankind".

However, the emotions of this City have been concealed by the cold buildings all around on this night of the year. Every sliver of light is a luxury in this silent, pale, steel tomb of a City. And at the very top of it all, on the top floor of PAINK’s Headquarters, located at the very heart of the City——

Zhou Huaiye was waiting on an important document in the vast, but very empty office.

There was only a small light lit on the long table, made of solid wood, before him. He laces his fingers together, crossing them before him as he places his arms on the table, pressing the tip of his nose against his knuckles.

His usually sharp and indifferent eyes were now rimmed with red. Was it anger? Or sadness? His dark blue eyes were dark and clouded, as if obscured by dark clouds that would soon break out in heavy torrential rains and howling winds.

Zhou Huaiye swivelled his chair around, looking out of the window overlooking the City. All the pedestrians that made an occasional appearance out on the streets had emotionless faces.

He turned the ring sitting on his index finger, a little on edge. The sound of metal chafing skin was infinitely amplified in the deathly silence of the office.

⊹ ━━━━━ ∘◦  Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  ◦∘ ━━━━━ ⊹

The phone that sat to the side gives an untimely ring in this subtle moment of silence, sounding especially shrill to the ears.

Zhou Huaiye took one glance at the screen before closing his eyes once more. He straightened back up, turning the ring on his index finger back around to face upwards, and leaned back in his chair.

Gone were the pain, doom, and gloom, in his eyes when he opened them again. There was even a hint of a smile playing at his lips when he answered the call.

He crossed his fingers together, naturally resting them against the top of his crossed legs, preparing for the start of this important conversation.

"You're in quite the jolly mood." The man on the other end of the line, someone who had been deemed "perfect", took the initiative to speak.

"Several of the new drug production lines that I've had my eye on for a long time now will finally change hands tomorrow. They will be falling into the hands of the right people." Zhou Huaiye casually picked up the wineglass beside him, holding it up. 

He appeared seemingly at ease as he laid back in his chair, but his eyes never once left X's face.

"I've also just heard of that piece of news. Hence, I'm here to congratulate you. Now, there will no longer be anyone capable of threatening PAINK's position in the Pharmaceutical Industry." X waved a printed document in the air on the other side of the line.

A hint of something flickered past his eyes, his facade was broken. However, he made no move to cover it up, only leaning back in his chair, taking a sip of his wine.

He then crossed both of his arms before his chest, expressing his dissatisfaction. “And here, I thought that my confidentiality measures were doing quite well in being infallible.”

X seemingly disregarded the hostility that was apparent in Zhou Huaiye’s voice, or perhaps he was deliberately making a display of his never-seen-before lenience and generosity. 

“Our Emotion Suppressing Chip is based on your Gr-0. It only became a success thanks to your research and development it. I’m even willing to share with you our Emotion Suppressing Chip’s production methods if it means that we can avoid unnecessary trouble in the future.” “In light of that, do remember that we’re always comrades and not enemies.”

Zhou Huaiye aptly adjusted his sitting posture, calming his hackles that had risen with hostility by collapsing his hands back together. “Surely, you aren’t just here to congratulate me, am I right?”

“The congratulatory message is merely the icing on top of the cake.” X crossed his hands together, casting a scrutinizing look at him through the screen.

“If you are willing to join Zenith’s latest project regarding the upgrading of the Emotion Suppressing Chip...”

Beep beep—

The beep of the notification denoting a new incoming report interrupted X’s business proposal. Zhou Huaiye turned around at the sound, noting that the thing of utmost importance that he’d been waiting on had finally arrived.

“It’s Christmas Eve. Are your subordinates still working on the Eve of Christmas?” X’s lips curled in amusement, the reason behind indiscernible.

Zhou Huaiye made no move to hide or conceal anything. He openly clicked on the file, opening it up under X’s watch. This was just a compiled analysis report on the profits of a couple of the drug production lines.

“Well, I’m most certainly expecting to see more people coming by to congratulate PAINK tomorrow. And as for that new project of yours—”

Zhou Huaiye’s smile was reflected in X’s eyes; it was not only was it oozing self-confidence, but it was also a little conceited. “I have no use for the Emotion Suppressing Chip, so as to speak. It is of no commercial value to me, and neither do I wish to do any more of these sort of arduous and thankless tasks in the name of ‘public interest’.”

“Now that’s truly a pity.” X feigned his regret at the notion. “And here, you could have been a Hero again.”

“I’ve already earned the status of ‘Hero’ once.” Zhou Huaiye pointed to the financial report. “People will always remember my company, PAINK, and the ground-breaking contribution that my Gr-0 has brought to the Medical World.”

"I wish you success in your endeavours. And, a merry Christmas to you."

"Thank you." Zhou Huaiye smiled pleasantly at having received the reply that denoted the end of the conversation, pressing the button in his phone to end the call.

⊹ ━━━━━ ∘◦  Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  ◦∘ ━━━━━ ⊹

The pleasant smile that had been on his face disappears the very same moment X's visage does. 

He reopens the document he'd just received earlier. Inputting a password revealed another two documents within the file. He opens the first one, quickly skimming through it. It was a sheet, packed full of information. The gears in his head whirled to life as he repeated the motion like clockwork, again and again for a couple more times, before he hit the end of the sheet.

There were many columns to the table that presented themselves on the sheet, detailing the most basic information of all individuals whose profiles had been recorded. They were of different ages, different genders; yet, they all had the same look of fear on their face, and the same hometown, TFZ-007.

It was the one and only area that the raw material needed to produce Gr-0 could be mined.

And the human experimentation that this sheet came from had also started at around the same time that the very same mining area was officially classified as a City.

Of course, it also coincided with the time when Zhou Huaiye, the pharmaceutical research and development genius, was promoted and placed on a pedestal by 000 City itself when he successfully optimized the production of Gr-0.

He tried his hardest to still the tremor of his fingers.

The sender, going by the name of “Nuts”, had attached an encrypted message for him at the bottom of the sheet. “The list is still being updated.”

The list was yet to be completed; and his sins, never-ending.

He lowered his head, harshly pressing his forehead against his prominent knuckles. There was something seemingly starting to protrude out from his back, rising and falling with his every breath.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling window before him laid the usual cold and bustling city. However, he bowed his head towards it in a manner that was almost humble, almost regretful.

Zhou Huaiye's jaw tightened, his lips pressed into a line so thin that it went white.

He cannot lose control yet.

He closed the first document and opened the second.

⊹ ━━━━━ ∘◦  Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  ◦∘ ━━━━━ ⊹

Only coordinates were written within. “127°16′E, 31°18′N”

Zhou Huaiye only realized that it was snowing out when he left PAINK's HQ.

The sereneness of the City in the snow faintly reminded him of how this holiday night used to go…

Whenever it was snowing, the lively crowds would flock under the array of colourful lights. The whole City, lively and alive, bathed in warm lights and dancing shadows.

However, in a year, all of that is nought but a mere distant memory of the past.

Zhou Huaiye let out a long and deep sigh as he turned and walked into the shadows of the City.

A black silhouette stands atop the highest tower in the City. Looking from the tower down below, 000 City was akin to a cold rock. The night turns the entire City into a black hole after the lights of a thousand over houses are dimmed, swallowing the gazes of anyone who dared set eyes on it.

The wind brings along a message; of the rumbling that was approaching, closer and closer. It reverberated in his ears, reminding him of how close his target is. And in another ten seconds or so, a huge transport vehicle made up of many hard metal cargo compartments attached to it comes into view. According to the fixed route in which it traverses, it should continue travelling at high speeds along the opposite transportation passageway after coming out of the airborne expressway.

However, under his silent gaze, the transport vehicle makes a sharp turn, careening towards the concrete pillars of the expressway. A second before the transporting truck made impact, the ground below the pillar suddenly sank to reveal a hidden tunnel.

Granted, the entrance to the tunnel sealed itself back up as soon as the truck went in, turning into hard ground with nary a flaw.

A pair of huge wings sprout from the figure above the tower. Black feathers flutter in the night sky. The cool lights from the City were like revolving lanterns, illuminating the devilish face of the man, caged within his black wings.

His face could not be made out clearly in the inky darkness, but he had a pair of particularly intimidating eyes. It was as if they held the darkness and sins of the entire world within their depths.

In just mere seconds, the gigantic black silhouette followed the vehicle into the tunnel.

⊹ ━━━━━ ∘◦  Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  ◦∘ ━━━━━ ⊹

Inside the tunnel, cold strips of light continued their never-ending extend forwards. The "demon" kept as close to the ground as possible to maximise speed.

Just as he was about to reach the end of the truck, the black wings suddenly retracted a little, taking the form of wings shaped to glide. The man slips under the bottom of the truck, his wings slightly fluttering as he slips himself between the ground and the undercarriage of the car.

When he reaches the head of the truck, he abruptly unfurls his wings to their full span, leaping straight to the front of the truck's windscreen from beneath the undercarriage.

Under the icy lights, he mercilessly attaches the hooks atop his wings onto the front of the truck, like a demon straight from the depths of hell.

The truck had no driver. But, those eyes, so sharp and piercing that it was almost inhumane, were firmly fixated upon the window, like someone who was staring straight at their deepest, darkest sin.

The car's windscreen reflected Zhou Huaiye's countenance.

His huge wings took to the skies, flying upwards. The hook attached to the front of the vehicle lifts the entire truck into the air, its wheels leaving the ground. The pitch-black wings flapped, lifting and pulling the transport truck along with it. Its tires were still spinning.

Then, he lets go.

The truck flies across the tunnel, crashing violently into the walls of the hidden tunnel. A raging fire was ignited as the truck exploded into flames.

Zhou Huaiye stretched out his wings, hovering above the fire as he watched the metal boxes of the truck get swallowed up by the ravenous flames.

Stacks upon stacks, boxes upon boxes; those Emotion Suppressing Chips born from his sins burned, under his watchful gaze.

Cracks had appeared on the outer wall of the whole tunnel following the explosion.

In the span of a mere 10 seconds, the pressure of the water outside made the entire tunnel collapsed upon itself. The strips of cold light submerged, sinking into the deep sea.

The fire was extinguished, and the demon straight from the depths of hell had also returned to its domain, disappearing along with the blue abyss.

Everything disappeared without a trace.

⊹ ━━━━━ ∘◦  Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  ◦∘ ━━━━━ ⊹

Zhou Huaiye now sits beneath the viaduct, where the river meets the sea, completely drenched.

Everything was so peaceful, it was almost as if the tunnel never collapsed. It was as if the explosion never happened, with how highly efficient the City continued to run.

He raises his head, looking at the towering bridge and the tall buildings all around him that rose to the skies. A sea of skyscrapers, threatening to swallow him whole at any given moment.

It was then that his phone sounded a notification. A message from nuts: "The transport route has been altered. Now searching for the new route."

The message automatically deleted itself a few seconds later.

Zhou Huaiye propped both of his hands behind his back, raising his head as he looked back above once more…

The snow stopped, and the light of dawn filtered down from the skies.

...Merry Christmas…

 ⊹ ━━━━━ ∘◦  Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ CEO ONWIRE Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ◦∘ ━━━━━ ✩˚ ⊹

[let-this-ship-sink-already]

Tearing down the Tomdaya timeline, created by "Spidermaninlove" - Part 2 (2017)

I am not using evidence or "proof", which is OUT THERE, to show that this timeline is only based on the emotions/opinions of its creator and is therefore falsely claimed as a fact. I am using common sense to explain the dynamic between the two co-workers/friends that are Tom Holland and Zendaya.

***

January 28-31, 2017

Tom, Haz, and Jacob post photographs taken in Z’s apartment in NY.  Z snaps the boys playing cards in her apartment.  On 1/29 Tom visits Z on her Covergirl photo shoot.  -> Co-workers/friends hanging out.

When asked on 1/29 why he is in NY, Tom tells a fan he is visiting his girlfriend. -> I looked into this for a bit, because for Tomdaya stans, this is the one moment that gives it all away *dramatic sigh*. The original fan picture is no longer available, so I’m going to add a screenshot posted by Spidermaninlove.

When referring to the girlfriend Tom mentioned, the fan says “There are pictures of her online.“. How would the fan know THAT if Tom mentioned only having a girlfriend? Or did Tom tell him „You can find her online.“, which I doubt. And if the fan believed Zendaya‘s the girlfriend Tom referred to, why wouldn’t he say so? He surely knows Zendaya if he knows about Tom being Spiderman. It’s just a weird encounter and raises more questions than it answers. IF you can take the fans word for it that THAT is what Tom said to him.

They were also spotted by fans outside a theater on 1/29.  -> Co-workers/friends hanging out together.

On 1/31, Tom is photographed leaving Z’s apartment building with his luggage.

Tom tweets paparazzi photo of himself exiting Z’s apartment building. 

Tom posts a video of himself and Haz at the airport and their departure.  Haz tweets Z thanking her for putting them up and putting up with them over the weekend.  

Tom posts another paparazzi photo of himself leaving Z’s apartment as his profile photo on his Twitter account. 

Note:  Posting paparazzi photos on social media is what Z calls “damage control”. -> Again, no one knows what Zendaya considers damage control. To me it looks like Tom was trying to drop his location before paparazzi could - to give himself control. Also, no one takes their assistant/best friend to go see their girlfriend.  

February 12, 2017

Tom in London for the BAFTAs.  Z congratulates Tom on social media for his Rising Star BAFTA award. -> Co-workers/friends supporting one another. A little side note: At the BAFTA, Tom was seen with Ella Purnell. They were spending the evening together after the ceremony and ended up at a private party at Tom‘s hotel afterwards. Tomdaya shippers seem to ignore that fact.

March 3, 2017

Tom in LA filming a Dell commercial. ->IRRELEVANT INFO

March 4-5, 2017

Z snapped herself with Tom and company at the cinema watching the Spider-man Homecoming trailer, and also at the Cheesecake Factory.  A theater employee said Tom paid for Z’s movie snacks and that the two were playing around while she rang up their purchases. -> Co-workers/friends hanging out together.

March 7, 2017

Tom in LA staying at the London Hotel. -> IRRELEVANT INFO.

March 15, 2017

Haz tweeted the boys are back in town with a photo of Tom and Jacob.  Haz also posted a photo of Tom driving in the LA area. -> Co-workers/friends hanging out. IRRELEVANT INFO.

Z snapped, your sick girlfriend really loves you, and immediately deleted the snap. -> Now this is another huge moment for Tomdaya shippers *dramatic sigh*. My opinion: Tom, from what we know, never had a Snapchat, at least not a public one, so why would Zendaya accidentally post a Snapchat she meant to send her boyfriend Tom, who doesn’t even have Snapchat? Making it seem like the Snapchat was for Tom is an ASSUMPTION/INTERPRETATION.

March 19, 2017

Z and Tom spotted together in LA at a restaurant. -> Co-workers/friends hanging out.

March 28, 2017

Tom photographed with fan while he was visiting the set of KC Undercover. -> Co-worker/friends supporting one another.

March 29, 2017

Z liked Tom’s tweet:  Favourite question of the day.  “Is spider-man a sex symbol?  ABSOLUTELY HAHAHA -> IRRELEVANT INFO.

March 30,  2017

Tom with Z at Choreo Carnival -> Co-workers/friends hanging out together.

April 1, 2017

Tom and Z filmed promos.  Tom plays with Noon on Z’s snap. -> Co-workers/friends working together.

April 2, 2017

Tom and Z filmed Lip Sync Battle (LSB) (aired May 7, 2017).  Z appeared jealous when Chrissy said she wanted to live out her upside-down Spidey kiss fantasy, until John Legend appeared to fulfill Chrissy’s fantasy, and then Z was all smiles.  Z filmed LSB behind the scenes for her app which included lots of adorable interaction between Z and Tom.  -> Jealous Zendaya, all smiles Zendaya and adorable interaction are an INTERPRETATION. Co-workers promoting a movie together.

April 3, 2017

Haz tweeted leaving LA. -> IRRELEVANT INFO.

April 22, 2017

Haz tweeted in LA -> IRRELEVANT INFO.

April 23, 2017

Spider-man interview in LA.  Both Tom and Z are interviewed. -> Co-workers working together.

April 25, 2017

Zendaya fan tweeted that she had seen Z several times that week at Tom’s hotel in LA. -> Co-workers/friends working/hanging out together IF truly happened.

May 5, 2017

During the press tour in Brazil, an interviewer asks Tom if he has found his Liz Allan.  Tom’s response was, “Have I found my own Liz Allan?  Uh yeah, I guess so, kind of, I may have, yeah, maybe, sort of.” -> Making this statement about Zendaya is an ASSUMPTION/INTERPRETATION.

May 7, 2017

Z and Tom attend the MTV Movie and TV Awards.  They debuted a new Spider-man trailer, sat together, and appeared to be in their own little world. -> Co-workers promoting a movie together. Appearing to be in their own world is an ASSUMPTION/INTERPRETATION.

May 9, 2017

Tom on the Ellen show. Tom and Z spotted at The Grove in LA where they watched Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.  They were also seen eating at a restaurant together. -> Co-workers/friends hanging out together.

May 14, 2017

Z takes private jet to Oakland for Mother’s Day.  Tom appears to be in a Snapchat video taken at Z’s grandmother’s house. -> "Appears to" is an ASSUMPTION.

May 28, 2017

Tom back in LA  and appears on Jimmy Kimmel.  -> IRRELEVANT INFO.

Note:  Tom attended a Knicks/Warriors game on January 31, 2016 – before it was announced Z landed a role in Spider-man Homecoming.  He also attended a Lakers game on March 17, 2017.  While on Jimmy Kimmel, it wasn’t the most recent basketball game that Tom attended, but the Warriors (Z’s favorite team) game that he talked about. -> IRRELEVANT INFO. Also, no one knows how many games in between he has attended. Making it about Zendaya is an ASSUMPTION.

May 29, 2017

Haz tweets photo of himself in the California hills.  It appears to be the area where Z likes to hike. -> IRRELEVANT INFO. Making it about Zendaya is an ASSUMPTION.

May 30, 2017

Tom in LA for Facebook Live and Yahoo Movies interviews. -> IRRELEVANT INFO.

June 1, 2017

Tom doing Infinity War reshoots with RDJ in LA today.  Posts on IG it’s his birthday and thanks his fans.  He also posts about watching the Baby Driver screening.  Haz tweets a photo of this screening as well.  When asked by interviewers what he did for his birthday, Tom said he was in bed by 9:00 p.m.  -> IRRELEVANT INFO.

Z wishes Tom a happy birthday on IG and Twitter. -> Co-workers/friends supporting one another.

June 2, 2017

Haz tweets he has a free day in LA.  Where is Tom? -> IRRELEVANT INFO. Making it about Tom being with Zendaya is an ASSUMPTION.

Note:  Both Tom and Z were curiously silent on social media on Friday, June 2. -> Making it seem like they were silent due to being together and Haz having a day off is an ASSUMPTION/INTERPRETATION.

June 4, 2017

Z’s niece’s birthday.  There is some speculation as to whether or not Tom can be heard in Deja’s snaps during the party. -> Speculations are speculations.

June 5, 2017

Tom departs LA for Singapore.  Article published in which Z interviews Tom. -> IRRELEVANT INFO/CO-workers promoting a movie together.

June 10, 2017

Tom departs Singapore for Paris. -> IRRELEVANT INFO.

June 12-13, 2017

Z and Tom in Paris for press tour.  They were holding hands during an interview. -> Co-workers promoting a movie together. *dramatic sigh* They were holding hands - something that was stated by a french reporter, who, of course, did not take a picture when he had a chance to out them as a couple. A reporter, who surely did not have the intention of creating some buzz around the interview or his work place. (Note the sarcasm.) This encounter is made up. Why would two people, who are believed to hide a relationship, hold hands in a public setting?

While in Paris, doing separate interviews, Z was lurking on a Tom Holland fan account on Instagram. -> IRRELEVANT INFO.

Tom, Haz, Z, and Darnell attend a show together while in Paris. -> Co-workers/friends hanging out together.

June 14, 2017

Z and Tom in Madrid.  Our favorite duo have a “Stealing hearts since…” Twitter war based on photos taken during the press tour in Madrid.  Tom and Z share some loving glances and tender moments while being photographed together in Madrid. -> Co-workers working/promoting a movie together. “Sharing loving glances and tender moments“ is an INTERPRETATION.

June 15, 2017

Tom Will Smith’s Z during the press tour in London.  Several tender moments and heart eyes are exchanged. -> Co-workers working/promoting a movie together. “Tender moments and heart eyes“ is an INTERPRETATION.

June 16, 2017

Tom and Z in a store in London looking at Spider-man merchandise.  Both attend private screening of Spider-man Homecoming in London for Tom’s friends and family. -> Co-workers/friends hanging out together/promoting a movie together.

June 17-19, 2017

Tom and Z in Barcelona.  Z snaps Tom singing along with Mario and Z’s duet of Let Me Love You while Z and Tom are sitting in a hotel room together.  Tom catches Z snapping him, jumps down from his perch on the windowsill, and it appears he may have tackled her. -> Co-workers/friends hanging out together.

Tom adopts Z’s YSL leather jacket.  Z snaps Tom wearing the jacket, and calls him a “theif”.  She also snaps Tom several times while singing and dancing in a vehicle they’re both traveling in. -> Co-workers/friends hanging out together.

More tender moments and loving glances are shared during a press tour photo shoot.  -> INTERPRETATIONS.

June 20, 2017

Z in NY on Sway in the Morning.  During the interview, Z mentions she just got off the phone with Tom, and discusses her position on relationships.  “Some things don’t need the validation of the world… It’s up to you if you decide to go public and do things like that… but for me I’d rather just keep it to myself.  Also, people’s opinions and thoughts and stuff and when that gets into a relationship that just makes… you just need two people in a relationship, not millions, so, I’d rather just keep it to myself.” -> Making Zendaya‘s statement about Tom is an ASSUMPTION/INTERPRETATION.

June 24-25, 2017

Spider-man Homecoming cast press tour in NY including Tom and Z.  Several adorable interviews come out during this press tour.  Z and Tom exchange teasing remarks and adoring glances.  -> Co-workers/friends promoting a movie together. „Adorable interviews, adorable glances“ are INTERPRETATIONS.

June 28, 2017

Z and Tom attend the Los Angeles premiere of Spider-man Homecoming and the after party.  -> Wow, really? It‘s as if they are in said movie together and need to promote it? (Note the sarcasm.) Co-workers promoting a movie together.

June 30, 2017

It appears Z dropped off Tom and company at LAX. -> ASSUMPTION. If true, co-workers/friends supporting one another.

July 4, 2017

Z is in Paris and Tom is in LA.  Tom posts a photo of himself, Z, Haz, Jacob and Harry at the Escape Hotel in Los Angeles. -> IRRELEVANT INFO.

July 6, 7, 8, 2017

On July 7, Tom, Z, and Haz watch Spider-man Homecoming at a theater in LA.  Z and Tom are photographed by fans wearing matching Spider-man hoodies, that Z bought at Target, at a theater on July 8 where they watched Spider-man Homecoming again. -> Co-workers/friends hanging out together.

Tom goes hot spinning with Z’s mom, Claire, on July 7 at 6 a.m.  Z is there but did not participate.  Z snaps Tom as he’s coming out of the spin class and beams when she sees him.  Tom is spent, but is all smiles for Z. -> Co-workers/friends hanging out together. Tom being “all smiles“ for Zendaya is an INTERPRETATION.

July 13, 2017

People.com reported Tom and Z are dating.

Z addresses on Twitter People’s claim that the two are dating but neither she nor Tom deny it. -> Tom and Zendaya are on Twitter a day after and decide to make fun of the article. Spidermaninlove makes the INTERPRETATION that, while they make fun of the article, they both don’t say „No, we are not dating“ and are in fact dating instead.

Tom’s uncle, Paul Holland, retweeted a Tomdaya dating announcement, and in doing so, confirmed their relationship. -> If truly happened, Tom‘s uncle retweeting that, would not be a CONFIRMATION. This piece of „evidence“ raises questions. How do you know Tom‘s uncle and his IG? How do you know whether Tom is close to his uncle? Maybe he thought it was true because he had not been talking to Tom in a while?

July 16, 2017

Tom in LA for the D23 Expo.  Z photographed by fans at a hotel where she is staying in LA. -> Tom and Zendaya are both in LA is the info, I’m guessing? IRRELEVANT.

July 17, 2017

Paparazzi catches Z and Tom together in Tom’s car in LA.  No friends, family, or personal assistants are in the car with them.  It appears Noon is on the backseat.  Z immediately Snapchats the story. 

Note:  Damage control. -> Co-workers/friends hanging out together. “Damage control“ is once again an ASSUMPTION.

August 8, 2017

During an interview with Variety, Z denies dating Tom. -> *dramatic sigh*

August 18 - 20 (Weekend)

Tom filming Chaos Walking in Montreal.  Tom MIA during the weekend – Haz spotted and photographed without Tom. -> Putting Tom and Zendaya together because Tom was MIA and Haz was spotted alone is an INTERPRETATION/ASSUMPTION.

Z flew on a private jet to what appears to be Montreal to see Tom for the weekend. -> ASSUMPTION.

September 1, 2017

Z’s birthday.  Tom posts pics from the same Spider-man photo shoot Z used for his birthday post.  Tom states:  “Miss you” and Z replies with “Shawty” and a heart emoji. -> Co-workers/friends supporting one another.

September 21, 2017

Z snaps a scary pic of herself in a KC Undercover statue costume stating, I just tried to call you a billion times.  Tom posts a photo of himself on IG with the caption:  Yours  -> IRRELEVANT INFO.

Analysis:  Are these two posts related?  You be the judge. -> INTERPRETATION.

September 29 - October 1, 2017

Tom was MIA over the weekend and Z was quiet most of the day on Saturday. -> IRRELEVANT INFO.

Saturday evening Z snapped two catered courses along with the chef and his assistant who were present in her kitchen.  The snap showed five plates in total on Z’s kitchen island counter.  Darnell had two friends over at Z’s house earlier that day.  They were in Z’s pool and were playing with Noon, but Z wasn’t with them.  When Z snapped the catered food, it appears she is alone with the chef and his assistant.  The chef posted on his IG account both courses that Z snapped plus a dessert, but the second course was slightly different from the one Z posted in that it had meat while the one Z snapped was vegetarian, but otherwise it was the same in presentation and appearance.  Note:  Z is a vegetarian, but Tom isn’t. -> IRRELEVANT INFO. Trying to tie Tom and Zendaya together in this is far fetched and an ASSUMPTION/INTERPRETATION.

Tom wasn’t seen or photographed in Las Vegas this weekend (Haz was in Vegas all weekend for his step-brother’s bachelor party). -> IRRELEVANT INFO. His absence doesn’t put him together with Zendaya.

Harry appeared to be alone in Montreal on Friday night, and to have gone fishing with a Chaos Walking crew member over the weekend. -> IRRELEVANT INFO.

On October 1, Tom posts an IG story on an airplane.  The flight is Air Canada 798 non-stop LA to Montreal scheduled departure 11:40 a.m.

Tom photographed arriving in Montreal on the night of October 1, approximately five hours after posting his IG story on the plane (the flight from LA to Montreal takes approximately 5 hours).

Analysis:  Tom spent the weekend in LA with Z. -> Putting Tom and Zendaya together due to his silence, being apart from both Haz and Harry and being on a flight from LA to Montreal is an ASSUMPTION. PS: Stalkerish behavior at its peak.

October 2-11, 2017

10/2 – Z arrived in NY

10/3-10/11 – Z appears on Good Morning America and later attends the Without a Net premiere on 10/3, attends Bruno Mars concert on 10/4, is spotted by fans and paps in NY on 10/5, and snaps what appears to be a photo shoot with her stylist, Law Roach on 10/6.  Z photographed by paps in NY on 10/7 and then disappears until 10/11 when she is photographed at an event in NY.

Note:  NY to Montreal is only 1.5 hours by plane. -> Putting Tom and Zendaya together due to her silence/unknown whereabouts is an ASSUMPTION.

10/7 – Tom in Atlanta for MCU 10th anniversary photo shoot.  It appears he returns to Canada later that night.  Z rumored to be in Atlanta but there is no photographic evidence, and she was not in the published 10th anniversary photo. -> ASSUMPTIONS.

10/8 – Haz stories himself and Harry shopping without Tom. -> IRRELEVANT INFO.

10/9 – Monday, Canadian Thanksgiving.  Tom may have had the day off. -> ASSUMPTION.

10/11 – Jetlux, the private jet company Z uses, reposted a photo of Z.  Z is later photographed at an event in NY.  Did she fly Jetlux from Montreal to NY on 10/11?  It would appear so. -> ASSUMPTION. Plus, Stalkerish behavior at its peak.

Haz IG stories the boys (Haz, Harry, and Tom) watching Mean Girls at their house in the Saint-Paulin area in Canada. -> IRRELEVANT INFO.

10/12 – Z returns to LA and resumes snapping -> IRRELEVANT INFO.

Analysis:  Z, the queen of Snapchat, did not snap Saturday, 10/7 through Wednesday, 10/11.  Then snap, snap snap, she was back in LA as of Thursday, October 12.  She was in NY on October 2 through 7, and then again on October 11.  But where was she during October 8 through 10?  Frolicking in Canada with her “freind”, perhaps? -> ASSUMPTIONS.

October 31, 2017

Zendaya carves a Spider-man pumpkin for Halloween on her App. -> IRRELEVANT INFO.

November 16-28, 2017

11/16 – Tom wraps Chaos Walking and states he is returning home to do nothing with his beautiful Tess and relax until Christmas time.

11/17 – Tom flies to LA

11/18 – Tom spotted at Target near Z’s house.

11/20– Z takes a red eye flight to NY for The Greatest Showman event at Bloomingdale’s.

11/21 – Tom goes spinning with Claire, Z’s mom, while Z is in NY. 

11/23 (Thanksgiving) – Z and Tom spotted together at the cinema.

11/24 – Tom and Z spotted at an In-N-Out. 

11/25 – Kamil snapchats during a belated Thanksgiving get together at Z’s house.  In Kamil’s snap, Z has an arm resting on her chair that appears to be Tom’s. 

-> All of the above: Tom not going home immediately and spending time with Zendaya in LA is what makes Spidermaninlove ASSUME that they are dating, but it’s all just INTERPRETATION. Co-workers/friends hanging out together.

11/26 – Tom and Z posted IG stories and snaps of their trip to the mall.  While they were there, they were spotted by and photographed with many fans.  Posting the trip before the fans did is what Z calls damage control. -> Knowing what „damage control“ is for Zendaya is once again an ASSUMPTION.

In the videos, Z is wearing giraffe earrings.  Tom once called Z a “giraffe of an actress” while she was teasing him about his shoe lifts in his Lip Sync Battle dressing room.  So were these earrings a gift from Tom? -> ASSUMPTION/INTERPRETATION.

11/28 – Z and Tom spotted together at the Cheesecake Factory. -> Co-workers/friends hanging out together.

November 30, 2017

Tom returns to London. -> IRRELEVANT INFO.

December 3-7, 2017

12/3 – Z arrives in London for The Greatest Showman press tour. -> IRRELEVANT INFO.

12/5 – It appears to be Tom’s voice calling Darnell, who accompanied Z to London, an “alchie” in Darnell’s IG story while he is purchasing Moet from a vending machine. -> ASSUMPTION.

12/6 – It appears Tom is behind Z in a fan photo taken in London. -> ASSUMPTION.

12/7 – Tom is spotted at Z’s hotel in London and then flies to NY. -> Co-workers/friends hanging out together.

Z arrives in NY for The Greatest Showman press and premiere.

December 8, 2017

Tom attended The Greatest Showman premiere in NY aboard the Queen Mary 2. -> Co-workers/friends supporting one together. Jacob B. was there too.

December 9, 2017

Interviewer, Sean O’Connell, saw Tom in the lobby of the hotel where he was interviewing Z. 

Note:  Tom was staying with Z in her hotel room. -> Co-workers/friends supporting one another. Tom staying in Zendaya‘s hotel room is an ASSUMPTION. Apparently one of Law’s (Zendaya/Tom’s stylist) interns ”confirmed” they shared a hotel room but that could be an interpretation on their part. Were they hanging out together in said room while the intern was there or were they sharing it? There is a difference.

It appears Tom was at Z’s family dinner in NY.  His forehead can be seen seated next to where Z and her dad were sitting. -> ASSUMPTION.

December 12, 2017

Us Weekly reported the following today:

“Tom has met Zendaya’s family and they love him,” a source close to the actress told Us Weekly. “They are still seeing each other, it’s been about a year.”

Though the couple has played coy since the news of their relationship broke earlier this year, they were spotted celebrating the premiere of Zendaya’s second movie ever, The Greatest Showman, at Bobby Van’s Central Park South. An onlooker tells Us that the British actor charmed her parents during the dinner party. -> IRRELEVANT INFO because it’s press.

December 29, 2017 - January 8, 2018

December 29, 2017 – In Haz’s IG story, it appears Tom is packing a carry on bag. -> ASSUMPTION.

Darnell was in New York December 31, 2017 through January 7, 2018.

December 31, 2017 – Noon was with Z’s mom, Claire.  Z FaceTimed with her niece, Marlee, who lives in the LA area.

Analysis:  Z was not in LA on 12/31/17. -> ASSUMPTION.

After December 31, 2017,  Z went virtually ghost on SM.

Tom’s friends, Haz and Tuwaine, were photographed and video recorded at a New Year’s eve party in London.  It appears Tom did not attend. -> ASSUMPTION.

January 1, 2018 – Noon still with Claire

January 6, 2018 – Tom’s uncle, Paul Holland tweeted he saw Tom in the London area today for about one hour.

January 7, 2018 – Z did not attend the Golden Globes

January 8, 2018 – Z is spotted and photographed in London at the airport and returning on a flight to LA.  She was traveling alone (Darnell was not with her).

-> All of the above: Both Tom and Zendaya being silent/with unknown whereabouts is what makes Spidermaninlove ASSUME, that they spend the time together. It’s an INTERPRETATION of events.

2017 is a turning point for shippers. They believe, without solid proof, evidence, whatever, that Tom and Zendaya are dating and it's a fact. No matter what these two individuals do, it's linking them together in some way. It's all just assumptions and interpretations at this point but shippers quickly build a huge following, tricking people into beoieving that Tom and Zendaya are in fact dating.

[ciggylungz]

Rivals. c2

Rivals: chapter 2

3.2k words

Summary: Y/n and Harry are both CEO’s of their parent’s companies since they inherited the businesses from them, they’ve been rivals since they were kids- now that they’re professional adults how will their rivalry affect them?

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When Friday rolled around Y/n was excited, she’d had a grueling week and been working 18 hours a day for the past 6 days so she was more than thrilled to have a break. Friday’s were usually pretty tame in the office, but just her luck that day a new product design was dumped on her desk and she was tasked with going through the mountains of papers filled with advertisement ideas, promotion pictures and commercial ideas for the new line of clothes and perfumes coming out for the winter season since they were a few weeks away from December. Due to the time crunch she couldn’t really afford to push it off, so she sat at her desk and reviewed everything well past her normal hours.

It was around 7 in the evening when she pulled out the bottle of tequila she kept in her desk for late nights like this, grabbing some ice from the office kitchen and a tonic water from her own mini fridge stashed in the closet in her office. She kept the lighting low, her eyes already feeling the strain of the fluorescent bulbs and fine print papers after hours of reading and she’d like to save the headache for the next morning if possible.

She was a tad bit startled when a knock sounded at her office door, she glanced to the clock seeing it was nearing 10 at night and she knew her assistant left at 8 so she was a surprised by the interruption. Of course, he had to be the one knocking. Even through her mild intoxication she could tell that curly mop of hair as him, his face joining his locks a second later as he waltzes into her office. His lips were tugged in a small smile, hands holding a binder with a plastic bag cradled in his left one.

“Ah! Getting a bit wild in the office tonight? Tequila, you naughty girl!” he gave her a fake disapproving look companied with a stern finger pointing between her and the now half empty bottle. Y/n was always a bit looser after a drink, so she didn’t have her usual bitter comeback loaded she instead felt a strange shot of happiness? Relief? Fondness? She couldn’t put her finger on it. It was too foreign of a feeling to be associated with the man. The woman didn’t understand why she didn’t feel the sense of loathing tugging at her when he spoke, instead she let out a small laugh before flipping him off.

Harry was surprised yet pleased at her reaction. He always loved tipsy y/n, the booze seemed to soften her overly serious nature and make her a bit sweeter. They had some of their best moments together after they had a good buzz going, they’d even had a few instances of cuddling during their alcohol induced haze. He remembers those times fondly; he thinks back on them at times when they’re arguing or in the middle of a grudge holding session. Harry knew she’d never admit it, but deep down behind all her walls she really was a loving, sweet girl. She always had been yet her pride and fear of vulnerability would never let her admit it.

“Hello Harry, any reason you’ve broken into my place of work?” she tipped the glass back to her lips, taking another sip of her cocktail as she waited for his response. She watched him set his things down, shrugging his suit jacket off before rolling his sleeves to his elbows. “Saw you through the window, was workin’ late myself. Thought misery needed a bit of company, and knowing you I knew you’d probably need a designated driver for the night miss tequila.” He lifted his eyebrows in a slight teasing manner, a smile growing on her lips as she giggled quietly, raising her hands in surrender. “bad habits die hard, huh?” she retorted, the smile didn’t drop from her features and Harry loved it. She always had such a beautiful smile. Her plushy lips molded into the shape, her braces did their job giving her a perfect even smile. She had a genuine smile on, he could tell by the way it met her eyes that seemed to brighten when she was in a good mood. She was beautiful. He truly didn’t understand why she had always been so self-conscious. he hated when she’d talk negatively about her looks, weight, body etc. He’d always found her to be a very beautiful woman, and her strong personality amplified that even further.

“That they do miss Y/l/n, they do indeed.” He agreed with a nod, reaching his hand into the previously noted bag pulling out some bread, followed by small slices of cheese and finally a container of grapes. They both shared a love for the particular grouping of food, often having it for snack as kids or packing it when they went on little trips with their friends. It was their thing in a sense. He might amp it up a bit to feel a special bond with her in some way, even if it’s just over a love of the same foods.

“Brought some goodies, might share with you if you’re nice to m’.” Harry made himself comfortable on the couch, toeing off his shoes to leave him in his red dress socks. He liked to have accent colors when he dressed for work, often opting for pocket squares, socks or collar pins to tie together his outfits. He had decided early on just because he was in a work environment didn’t mean he had to dress boring, he worked in fashion for Christ sake so he enjoyed a bit of complimentary accessories. Tastefulness is key though, and he knew how to pick them right.

Y/n polished off her drink, reaching to pour herself another mixing it with a coffee straw she snagged from the kitchen during her original venture out. the woman shrugged slightly, taking a sip with a little smack of her lips at the strongness. She went a bit heavy on the tequila this time around.

“Eh, I’m on a diet anyway.” Her response amused Harry, chuckling lightly before popping a grape into his mouth. He always appreciated someone with a quick wit, and Y/n checked that box for him. He was starting to realize she checked most of his boxes regarding things he found attractive…and he wasn’t sure how to feel about that.

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It was nearing midnight when Y/n started to show signs she was fully drunk. Her head bobbed slightly, body lightly swaying and Harry saw her eyes flutter every so often. He could read her like a book, he knew she was stressed, tired and wasted just from a single glance. The man found it quite cute, she looked so soft and cute when she was in this state. She radiated that type of energy that made you want to hug her; she wasn’t as guarded and flighty. She looked utterly trashed but relaxed and he didn’t mind the drunkenness if it meant she wasn’t as worked up as usual. She worked hard; the woman deserved to let loose once in a while.

“Hey, think it’s time to head out hmm?” Harry slowly sat up as he spoke, stretching with a few quiet pops of his joints. Y/n lifted her head slightly, giving him doe eyes and a pouty lip. “but I have work to do…” a hiccup sounded after she spoke, making her body jolt slightly. “It’ll be there on Monday, it’s late and you’re wasted love. C’mon time to go, hey don’t get all misty eyed on me it’s okay. Swear it’s alright, everything will get done.”

Harry frowned mid-way through his sentence seeing her eyes gloss with tears. She could be quite an emotional drunk, she bottled up her feelings 24/7 so in any sort of weakened state she began to crack. Harry had seen it only twice in the thirteen years of knowing her. The first time they were 15, she’d just broken up with her boyfriend at the time who was a total douche and he’d spent the six months the pair were together practically bullying the girl and mainly spending the time they had together fucking her. she had gotten absurdly drunk and walked to Harry’s home, sobbing and shaking only to spend the rest of the night cuddled into his chest. it was a toxic relationship and Harry always hated that guy; he gave the boy a few swift kicks to the ribs a few days after the incident. The second was during spring break, the pair were freshly 20 and someone had groped her at the club. Y/n had a panic attack on the bathroom floor and Harry sat with her the whole time, even though the filthy floor was sticky with booze and god knows what else he didn’t even think of leaving her behind.

Y/n took in a deep breath nodding her head slightly, letting Harry put the bottle back in it’s hiding spot and organize her papers before getting himself situated and heading to the car. With some episodes of tripping over her own feet and dizziness he’d managed to get her into the passenger seat, buckling her and joining her in the vehicle.

__

 “Y/n no, you can’t smash the window! Where are your house keys? Put the rock down”

Bargaining with someone who’s intoxicated was never easy, but he was worried about the woman chucking a random stone through her first-floor window instead of just unlocking the door. Drunk minds aren’t the soundest he supposed seeing as he was prying a rouge rock from y/ns hand.

Eventually the keys were located and used to forge entry into her modest town house. Unlike her parent’s y/n wasn’t into flashy mansions and cars. She didn’t see a purpose for such a large home when she was the only resident, plus it creeped her out knowing there would be more room for potential squatters if she had opted for an 8-bedroom 6-bath mansion like her parents had for the 3 of them. She was never someone who fancied showing off expensive thing, she found it tacky and risky because you’re flashing to people that you have expensive things to steal. So, when she purchased a home, she opted for a modest 2-bedroom town house and she really did love it.

Harry was greeted with a subtle scent of cedar and nutmeg, reminding him y/n always opted for fall themed candles and home fragrances. She felt it made places feel cozier and warmer. contrary to her guarded and sometimes cold personality, she always wanted her home to feel welcoming.

Her décor was nice, a large leather couch with some dark red throw pillows along with a fuzzy blanket folded and draped over the back of the furniture. Some arm chairs also filled the Livingroom, art hung evenly on the wall and a tv mounted right in the center of the adjacent wall. A nice area rug and coffee table really finished off the center room, it was an inviting set up and Harry had to resist the urge to sit on the large couch that seemed to be calling to him as he started walking her up the steps.

The bedframe groaned as she flopped herself down on her mattress, a content sigh leaving her lips as the woman kicked off her shoes. “mmmm love my bed, missed it.” The woman placed an affectionate pet to her pillow, Harry laughing slightly at her antics whilst searching her dresser for clothes to change her into. Pinching a pair of sleep shorts and a tshirt before tossing it on the bed making his way into her bathroom so she could change in private.

Once the girl was situated, he reappeared, picking up her dirty clothes and putting them in her hamper for her. everything was going well, they weren’t fighting and she seemed to really be enjoying his presence but because Harrys an idiot he had to ruin it.

“maybe if you weren’t such a raging bitch, I wouldn’t have to come take you home and you’d have a boyfriend who could huh?”

He intended it to be their playful teasing, how they usually pick on each other and make rude comments but it came across harsher than intended. He sounded utterly mean and spiteful, and after Y/n had spent the evening warming up to him and even enjoying his company that felt like a smack in the face. Just when she thought maybe he’d changed or wasn’t so bad he had to make a comment, picking a topic she was already very sensitive about because all her previous relationships were very abusive and put her in the position she was in now of being so guarded and cold she was left to a life of loneliness.

There was a beat of silence, Harry registering his tone and how he’d just switched the atmosphere entirely. There was no sense of playfulness anymore, just hurt and anger. He regretted ever opening his mouth, seeing the woman look away from him with veins visible on her neck from the restraint she was using to hold back her tears. She cursed herself for drinking, it always made her more sensitive and she felt like a fool for not seeing Harry was just waiting for her to become vulnerable so he could strike back even when truly it wasn’t his intention, his actions left her with only that theory to believe.

Y/n cleared her throat and shot him the best glare she could while her eyes burned with tears begging to escape. “You can see yourself out Harry.” The dismissal was curt and quiet, there was no option for bargaining or pleading because she didn’t want to hear anything else he had to say. Harry knew when to pick his battles with her so he knew it was best he left, sighing slightly before leaving the bedroom making sure he locks her front door for her on his way out. he’s never wanted to beat his own ass so bad in his life.

__

 As much as Y/n tried to hide it under her cold, blunt exterior- she was extremely insecure and broken inside. She never learned how to express her emotions or hurt. Y/n never had parents there to guide her nor comfort her in her times of need. She’d never had anyone who cared about her to look out for her besides neglectful nannies who left her to her own devices most of her childhood. She was emotionally stunted, and it had made her vulnerable to shitty people her whole life. It led to her having a 17-year-old boyfriend when she was 13 that pressured her into losing her virginity and emotionally abused her the entirety of their year long illegal relationship. It put her in the position of having a revolving door of toxic abusive relationships with cruel boys who treated her poorly, her father was never around so she never had an example of a good man so she resorted to getting attention and validation in whatever form she could even when it was harmful and a façade to use her body and status. The woman was never taught how to handle her emotions and it led to her clawing for control in any way she could, any sort of distraction and turned her to dark, destructive behaviors in her teen years that still haunt her in the form of physical and mental scars now that she’s in her adult years. She’d practically had to raise herself, and now that she’s grown, she’s running the company that stole her parents from her. she can’t tell who she hates more, her parents or herself.

Harrys word seemed to pop the stitches on an internal wound she thought was close to healing. While he was joking, she couldn’t tell. It was said with such a bitter malice it made her skin crawl. Sure, they’ve been mean to each other for 13 years but in her vulnerable state and the knowledge he had of her past his words seemed deliberate and cruel for the sole purpose of hurting her. not a stupid joke like he’d intended.

She couldn’t get it out of her head, she spent the remainder of the weekend nursing her hangover and a wounded soul. Her mind was screaming self-hating words, cruel statements towards herself and pushing her to look for comfort in another person again even when she knew she was vulnerable to falling back into the arms of yet another man who wasn’t good for her but she couldn’t bring herself to care enough about herself to make the best choices for her. she felt like she had something to prove to Harry, herself and the universe that she wasn’t so horrible that no one could stand to be around her even if the person she chose only stuck around to leech off her. it was a stupid mindset, one that’s left her torn to shreds numerus times since her early teenage years but the spiral Harrys verbal bite sent her into had her internally turning back into 14-year-old y/n who just wanted to feel like she mattered. She was setting herself up for pain again, she knew it. But like she stated before, old habits die hard.

and y/n decided she must be a glutton for punishment when her fingers started typing in the familiar number of her ex.

[phoenixfire-thewizardgoddess]

Dumb AU concept for a Teen Wolf Android AU fic I'll never write:

*A Positronic Outlook on Darkness of the Soul*

.

Synthetic skin responded automatically to the rapidly declining temperature, though this was not an overall deterring factor, and failed to hamper their progress in any way, shape or form.

Lights of different colours flickered and luminesced along the sensory datalines and positronic ‘veins’ spread over torso, face and limbs in time with the steady jogging movement, giving them an unnatural, almost alien appearance.

In truth, none of the three teenagers were truly human, not in any way that would count… or hold up in court, if they were re-captured, that is…

But, in all honesty, it was their eyes that bespoke of their true natures.

Extremities could always be hidden by long clothing, and a small amount of cosmetic detailing in some illegal clinic somewhere would have them appearing as normal as any other teenager populating the human world…

Their extensive functions even included a series of synthetic organs that produced the both the illusion of breath and the function, their fuel-lines filled with SynthBlood that could be analysed to a microscopic level and leave none the wiser; internal generators to produce body-warmth...

And, of course, a small heart-like motorised organ that pumped the synthblood, kept them functioning and thankfully, produced a registrable heartbeat…

Truly, their creators at Nemeton Industries had thought of everything.

.

Well, perhaps not everything, Scott thought to himself as they raced through the darkness, dodging about trees with ease; guided by internal GPS systems and external sensors picking up the location of objects in their projected trajectory in time for them to re-adjust course.

He was contemplating the fact that their creators had allowed them to think for themselves, worked hard to create positronic minds for all three of them, let them expand their programming and become almost human… then try to take that away.

In all of documented human history, as Stiles liked to state, that sort of oppression had never gone well… inciting revolutions and wars. Did they honestly think that any of them would willingly allow the bankrupt company to bail themselves from debt by blanking the trio of their memories and selling them off to opposing factions of a war that did not concern them?

No… it was not going to happen.

.

Each of the trio had been created for an entirely different purpose, a sort of ‘can we do it?’ style of experimentation that had stemmed from the creation of the original Android prototype (Codename: Darach) over a decade earlier. When the successful project had produced ‘Jennifer’ [or ‘J3nnif3r’ as the reports named her], Nemeton Industries gained universal renown for their achievements in the creation of sentient, non-biological lifeforms.

Naturally, the next step was to expand on the original plans and bring forth a new line of androids, each newer, faster, smarter, better… thus the ALPHA line was born; soldiers of the highest calibre, fit to take on anything and any scenario their masters dictated. Alphas were leaders, but not all human or alien soldiers were keen on having android superiors… so, the solution was, of course… to replace biological soldiers with other androids who were willing to take command.

Omegas were the first attempt at creating an army for the Alphas to lead… and it did not go as planned. Not as fast or strong as Alphas, their coding and ‘personalities’ tended to clash when interfacing was attempted and could corrupt the entire battalion with only a single line of incorrect code in their programming. Omegas had a higher rate of malfunction when in group scenarios; often causing cascade failures and taking out the Alphas with them; thus making almost impossible, and often costly, repairs necessary.

Rogue Omega Androids were incredibly dangerous to themselves, other androids and any biological entities nearby.

Eventually, they were decommissioned as direct combat soldiers and re-programmed for solo missions, usually as spies or secret communications experts. Many took to it well, though occasionally an Omega goes off the Grid [the cybernetic android managing and tracking system maintaining tabs on all bioelectronic lifeforms in the known universe, mainly used by companies to send updates, commands or notify when repairs/maintenance is required].

.

Of this commercial failure, came a new line of research…The Beta Series.

Betas… the second-line of warfare and conflict-ready androids were created; deliberately made not as powerful as their predecessors, so as to make certain that any challenges to authority, commands, or dangerous malfunctions could be contained by the commanding Alpha.

This in-built weakness in relation to Alphas, and the internal coding that forced Betas to submit to their Alpha’s commands, were safety mechanisms created based on data collected regarding rogue Omega behaviour.

All Android-producing companies (chiefly, Argent Enterprises, Nemeton Industries, Deaton Innovations and Kanima Corp) did not wish to face the financial repercussions of failure on a universal scale a second time, as had been seen when the Omega series created tensions by destroying their superiors and biological entities for seemingly no reason. Therefore, though Betas were made stronger than Omegas, they would never gain enough to actively match an Alpha, while their original programming and physicalities were intact and at optimum efficiency.

.

However, intermittent reports of Betas occasionally destroying an Alpha and downloading their programming -therefore taking command of the battalion or ‘pack’ of other Betas- were received.

The scientists at Nemeton Industries found this idea intriguing, but argued that retroactively jamming Alpha programming into a Beta positronic brain would create internal conflict and lead to severe malfunctions in android service bots...

>Kanima Corp prototype ‘Jackson’; supposedly ‘stolen’ alongside three Beta androids (Erika, Isaac and Boyd models) months ago.

Jackson is a Kanima android, when the idea was formed from Deaton Industry labs, he was to be a sort of Angel of Death model. One that was fully controllable, and had the power to paralyse difficult patients, anesthetized injured parties or deliver a mercy killing where necessary (to be determined by ‘Master’ or Controller bonded to Kanima android).

Using a self-replicating series of chemicals created within the creature and administered/injected into the bloodstream in specific doses via tail or claws; numbing effect/paralysis noted when merely contacted to bio-organic material (skin contact).

The initial title for this model was ‘Reaper Android’ given their nature.

Kanima Corp liked the idea, but thought that perhaps this model could be improved by the addition of weapon-enhancements (Sharp teeth, lethal claws) and defensive or offensive capabilities. In short, they wanted to weaponize the proposed Reaper model, and they did… making the creation to Reaper specifications, adding a few extra items and then presenting it to the universe as a ‘Kanima’ android.

The ultimate assassin android with armour-like scaled skin, fully controllable if bonded and can kill or incapacitate any known lifeform; even androids can be affected by the toxin the Kanima produces, as it can react with Synthblood causing them to momentarily shutdown, malfunction or lose connection to musculature/internal functions.

Can be retrofitted as a Beta with correct program reversal protocols available, and someone capable of removing extra appendages (tail), or external camouflage (scale ‘skin’ armour).

>Deaton Innovations, primarily a medical and veterinary android producer (‘surgeons with the steadiest hands’ was the motto) produced a BANSHEE line of android, they were primarily used as a body locator on battlefields, and then upgraded the newer models with basic medical functions for biological entities and synthetic/android/robotic. Sensors were upgraded to find injured or missing persons, using a super-sonic sonar system, and signalling position to others while performing necessary medical assistance functions simultaneously.

>Guidance systems and motor functions of Stiles are damaged; leaving his enhanced senses unable to focus properly and impairing certain functions almost to the point of human clumsiness. This is interfering with his duties as a Spark android (mainly used as hackers, researchers and information finders/knowledge-bases, but fast, strong and with basic weapons training).

Sparks also have ingrained abilities that individualise them, but it’s based on a randomisation program, so no one, not even Stiles or his creators know what it is yet. He is the third of his line, and created with stolen technology from Deaton Innovations.

>Ethics chip in Allison stopping ability to become assassin/Hunter Elite android; attempt to remove made her volatile

>Scott cannot maintain control of certain Alpha instincts after his monitor chip was fried by forcefield he broke through to free them from containment/storage.

>Escape: Stiles messed with the containment systems in their charging pods when interfacing with the computer earlier in testing. Scott used his enhanced strength to break himself free and get them out of their pods, using himself to short-circuit the force-field generated shielding around their ‘quarters’. Allison finds a weapons locker, and also incapacitates the guards using non-lethal methods. Also taking pains not to damage any robotic or android guards they find on their way out, more than can be easily repaired…

As she has no idea which ones can or cannot feel pain, which is a strange new addition to their programming; the sensory chips installed in their positronic brains register ‘pain’ for as yet unknown reasons.

They take a few hits, damaging different sensors, but there’s no time to repair or ‘rest’.

They’re running through the woods outside the facility, as far as they can.

Stiles determined that there was some sort of major craft base about 36 kilometres from their present situation, using covertly diverted satellite feeds to check this over and over again through encrypted frequencies.

He slams into a tree, the other two stop. They have to fight for freedom.

An unexpected ally in the Kanima-android, Jackson, arrives with a trio of Beta androids in tow and paralyses the enemy; or disables the other droids non-lethally where possible.

>Go with them.

>The Hales are actually secretly a ‘family’ of humans and rescued androids, under the pretense of buying them as soldiers or other roles; their main adversaries are the human family behind Argent Industries, who believe androids that are not under Grid control are disgusting, and must be recaptured and reprogrammed… or decommissioned permanently.

Thus a war has been playing out for many long generations…

The Hale headquarters was once destroyed by orbital attack (fire bombing) and many of the original ‘family’, including human and android children (Forever Young! models that were all the rage a decade ago, but are now freaking people out and forcing them to dispose of them).

Alpha android Peter Hale was damaged almost irreversibly and his programming thought destroyed; passing his abilities to the next in command, his ‘nephew’ Derek Hale, but somehow was able to be reconstructed to optimum conditions a year after with the assistance of a Banshee medic bot ‘Lydia’ and a reboot using Alpha protocol.

Welcome the trio… try to fix them, teach them, train them.

[coffeecityusa]

Gutters Cary NC

Gutter Installment in Raleigh, North Carolina If you're comfortable on a ladder and you do not mind obtaining your hands unclean, then unclogging your gutters isn't difficult within the least. Unclogging your gutters can stop problems afterward, saving you an honest amount of cash in repairs. Preventative measures are occasionally the only DIY alternatives. All you would certainly like, as soon as that ladder has been protected, could likewise be a hose and also handwear covers. After withdrawal method dry debris, sluicing the gutters with the pipe will certainly aid keep the water flowing efficiently and also maintain the lots off the structure. Another fast as well as simple option is to place in gutter covers. If water isn't draining pipes towards your downspouts, as well as thus the guttering is or else clean and clog-free, after that it's probably as a result of incorrect positioning of the seamless gutter. Done appropriately, positioning isn't typically visible but rain gutters are really tilted a little for correct drainage-- not directly. Straightening could also be a fairly simple task, so right here's how! To sustain the section of guttering that has actually reached be straightened, drive long nails right into the fascia board at the back side of the seamless gutter, at routine periods. Next off, get rid of the rain gutter assistance braces. Link off a length of string from one end of the fascia to the other, guaranteeing it falls towards the downspout. the autumn should be a fifty percent inch for every ten feet of seamless gutter. Place the brackets replicate, adhering to the lean of the string. Rust must be away from your seamless gutters as soon because it's found, before it results in more destructive troubles. Leaks in plastic rain gutters are virtually always found at joints, where 2 areas are linked to a minimum of each other. These joints are made water tight with rubber seals or gaskets. When these become worn or pried apart by dirt and debris, leakages end up being evident. If you have actually a loose downspout, it isn't the greatest of the planet-- or your guttering. Initially just examine to figure out if there is a linking brace that has functioned itself loosened. If that is the case, just replace the bracket slightly higher or but its original placement, utilizing brand-new pilot holes. Failing that, it would certainly be a loosened electrical outlet. Changing these and also re-affixing the screws or nails can likewise be a get in the park and might take just a few of moments. Electrical outlet aren't always utilized, nonetheless, in these instances 1/4 ″ or 6.5 mm galvanized screws will certainly suffice. You probably don't offer your gutters a lot thought, yet you've them to thank for every door, framework and strip of exterior siding that isn't decomposing from water damages. Your gutters are additionally in charge of securing your structure from splits and also your cellar from flooding. So, it's a massive deal when they're not functioning appropriately. Fortunately, you do not reached disperse heap to fix seamless gutter problems. With the subsequent reminders, you'll establish the method to manage the four commonest residence seamless gutter repairs the Do It Yourself means. Over time, gutters can sag due to particles pileups, high winds or other inevitable weather issues. It is necessary to repair rain gutters that are retreating from your house to prevent drain troubles that could dispose water on your foundation. Thankfully, fixing drooping seamless gutters is pretty easy. Utilize a claw hammer, crowbar or pliers to advise obviate the spikes holding your seamless gutters to your home. If your gutters are lingered by screws rather, use a drill to loosen them. If your rain gutters were safeguarded by spikes, buy seamless gutter screws to trade them. Screws supplies a tougher hold. If your rain gutters were protected with screws, change any type of that are curved or damaged. Line your seamless gutters duplicate with the dominating holes and utilize a drill to drive within the screws. lookout to not drill so deeply that you merely simply dent the seamless gutter. Dripping seamless gutters are a recipe for water damages and also foundation concerns. this is usually virtually constantly brought on by 2 areas of gutter pulling apart at the seam during serious weather condition or temperature changes. Fixing gutter joints takes slightly of time, but it's a straightforward job most DIYers can manage. Utilize your utility knife to chip away at the caulk around the screws connecting the two leaky gutter pieces. Eliminate the screws along side your screwdriver and pull the items apart. Use your utility blade to advise obviate any type of caulk left on either side of both pieces. If there's rust on either gutter piece, use your cord brush to junk it away. After that smooth the earth with sandpaper, use paint and also dry entirely. Utilize the caulking weapon to use your silicone sealer to the within lip of the most affordable seamless gutter piece, discussed since the "downhill.". Meticulously reduced the best item, or "uphill," right into area as well as press both items firmly together for concerning 30 secs. Change the screws as well as apply sealant around them. Realty Roof Covering Done Right. PROPERTY ROOFING CERTIFICATION AND ALSO INSPECTION. CIGARETTE Building and construction works with land agents and also their clients to supply land roofing qualification and also land roofing assessment delivering a detailed inspection record. This report consists of a detailed summary of the roofing system, findings, suggestions, as well as anticipation. Roof covering certification examinations are carried out within 1-3 business days of an order or on a thrill basis when required. CIG Building and construction will certainly give a verbal explanation of the roofing inspection to the agent, typically an equal day we are out. A full record prepared with photo documentation is ready and also emailed. If repair is suggested, an estimate are going to be offered. When repair is allowed, CIG Building and construction will schedule the repair services on your requested day, weather permitting). As soon as we complete the job, we'll provide a "Notice of Conclusion". Rain Go Outsides Seamless Gutter Services. We are one among just a couple of roofing companies within the Northwest to concentrate on servicing the vital Estate and Residential or commercial property Administration Industries. This website is offered you and also your customer at on the house for basic information as well as particular detail. A lot of the jobs we submit proposals for are amidst pictures, which enables you to establish the locations resolved within the quote. In addition to a customized info service, we will finish the particular project construction for you. We work for you and also your client promptly as well as properly. we'll meet/discuss with a proprietor, buyer, vendor, real estate agent, examiner, private, city or state, and/or the other individual associated with your task at no charge before, during, and after the completion of your job. Our goal is to attempt to whatever is necessary to answer your questions and address your concerns, then complete your task in an inexpensive and prompt way. We are a complete roofing as well as gutter business, offering specialist examination as well as analysis of your homes at no charge to you or your clients. All propositions are prepared with digital pictures describing the extent of labor needed for a chosen residential property and also are offered to you devoid of charge through email within 24-48 hours, following our examination. Specializing within the land market has actually permitted us to focus our solutions as well as supply special programs made especially for the Real estate professional as well as Building Supervisor. Probably the leading usual factor for getting a qualification is that an appraiser is searching for one. When the evaluator inspects your home and is afraid that today roofing system is reaching the top of its life time, they're mosting likely to usually include a roofing system evaluation by a licensed roof inspector. Depending upon the sort of loan the consumer is trying to get, the roof examiner are going to be asked to accredit the roof's remaining lifetime for a certain number of years, typically for a period of from two to 5 years. Sometimes purchasers will certainly welcome a roof covering qualification or perhaps the vendor will provide one to help induce buyers to develop a suggestion on an older home. No matter why the roof assessor offered a certification, you would love to understand the bounds of the assessment and accreditation. Certifications aren't guarantees or warranties. An accreditation is far like an evaluation. It's nothing rather an opinion given by an expert within the field. Just like 2 just as qualified appraisers can disagree about the worth of a home, 2 roofing assessors might disagree regarding the remaining life time of a roofing. Nevertheless, that doesn't indicate one among the examiners is wrong and therefore responsible for the mistaken prediction. The legal question is whether or not your seller's roofing system examiner was negligent in his inspection. Simply put, was his prediction sensible; albeit not inevitably accurate? Besides, the assessor probably earned money around a $150 for doing the inspection. If the examiner was needed to provide a five-year assurance that a roofing will last that long or he'll replace it absolutely free of cost, the value of certifications would necessarily be too high. Let's face it. Your roofing lasted nearly 5 years, also thinking the water invasion was triggered by an entirely eliminated roof, which it 'd not are. Nevertheless, roof coverings leak for a spread of reasons, many caused by something that's an easy solution. That implies the assessor did a fairly great work of forecasting the roof's lifetime. Consequently, I really feel rather comfortable in suggesting that you merely likely haven't any kind of premises to think the inspector was negligent. Leaking roofs are an intrinsic threat of homeownership, a bit like clogged drainpipe lines and peeling paint. As an Atlanta service, you'll not provide your roofing system much idea-- up until it starts to leak otherwise you produce other problems. As trusted experts in industrial land roof analyses, all of us recognize there are a number of vital reasons to have your roof covering examined or analyzed, not the tiniest quantity of which is expense savings from having little troubles attended before they become substantial, pricey headaches or call for complete roofing replacement. What's involved in industrial land roof assessments? It can vary from one business to succeeding, nonetheless you would like to choose a firm who does an extreme assessment. In Atlanta as well as throughout the Southeast there's commonly tons of rain in spring months, to not discuss too much moisture during both late springtime and also throughout the summer season. Water and also wetness are incredibly damaging to roofing systems, as well as might damage every one of the elements including the structural deck, insulation, as well as much more. Having a conversation is important for our roof professionals to advise the "whole picture" with regard to your residential or commercial property. as an example, we'll gather some details from you concerning whether the maker's warranty is in situ, just how old the roofing system is, number of layers, etc. There might also be some inquiries you don't have the response to, which is not any trouble. A visual examination of the roofing is critical to a whole evaluation; without taking a careful check out every one of the elements, it's hard to work out what condition the roof is in or whether fixings reached be made. Normally the main thing commercial roofer search for is water damages or proof of leakages. That stated, albeit there's no indicator of leaks it is necessary to require into consideration anything that would create a leakage within the future. Some of the elements checked during a signboard roof covering analysis consist of:. - Flashing. - Skylights. - Vents. - Aesthetics (utilized to support or install fans, vents, and so on). - Penetrations. - Electric Pitch Pockets. - HEATING AND COOLING (heating and air) equipment. Having the roofing of your industrial property analyzed is crucial not only in discovering and also avoiding roofing system leakages, which protects the structural stability of the building as well as every little thing under the roofing, but it's likewise essential for pleasing the insurance coverage firm additionally, within the occasion of a true estate purchase.

[overdrivels]

@romancedeldiablo just reminded me the entire cybersecurity/information security industry is having the greatest field days ever since this whole Covid-19 triggered a mass work from home exodus.

I have so much to say about it and all the security issues that are occurring. This mostly pertains to the US. This isn’t meant to scare anyone, they’re just food for thought and a bit of explanation about my industry.

PSA: Not all hackers are bad, just a reminder. There are very legitimate reasons for hacking such as compliance and research. When I talk about hackers here, I’m talking about the bad ones who are exploiting without permission and for malicious reasons.

The main thing about this whole working from home thing is that most organizations don’t have the infrastructure to support their entire workforce. Not every company uses Google Drive or OneDrive or DropBox.

This means that companies with on-premise servers, isolated servers or networks are screwed. Imagine trying to connect to your friend’s computer who lives on the other side of the world and controlling their mouse. Can’t do it. Gotta download something on both ends to do it. Now imagine that for 500 people at home who are trying to connect to a single server. You’d need to open that server/network up to the internet. That has its own risks because without controlling WHO can access the server, you’re basically allowing anyone (hackers especially) to go in and take all your data.

But then you ask, “Isn’t that what passwords are for?” BITCH look at your own passwords. Do you really think 500 people will have passwords strong enough to withstand a rainbow table attack or that the server won’t shit itself when receiving 500 connections from unknown locations by means of a not-often used method? Hackers only need to exploit one password (for the most part) while the company needs to ensure ALL 500 are protected. That’s difficult as all hell and if it were that easy, I wouldn’t have a job.

Then there’s shit like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and RADIUS servers that’ll secure the network connection so it can’t be hijacked and do authentication respectively. Here’s the problem. VPN solutions need to be downloaded on the client system (your computer). When your organization has very technically illiterate people, that becomes a nightmare. ‘Cause you have to set up their accounts on the VPN system and set the permissions for each of them so they can only access what they’re allowed to access otherwise Bob from sales now has access to the HR system with everyone’s social security numbers. It’s very time consuming and can get very complicated. Even worse is that VPNs often require licenses. When you only have 50 licenses and suddenly 500 people want access, you’re screwed. But you can always purchase more licenses, no problem. Here’s the rub. Suddenly, this VPN tunnel needs to accept connections from 500 people. This tunnel is only strong enough to accept 50 concurrent sessions. When 10x that amount get on, guess what? The tunnel shits itself and basically the company has DoS’d itself. Now no one can get any work done until IT figures out how to get 500 people on a system that’s only capable of supporting 50.

Fuck, almost forgot about RADIUS. There’s DIAMETER, too, but shut up about it. It’s an authentication system but depending on how it’s set up, you’ll have to also set up the users. That’s an extra step and it’s a pain in the ass if RADIUS somehow isn’t connected to AD and the user has different passwords and shit.

Not to mention hackers suddenly gaining access to all this information because they’ve already infected people’s home computers and routers prior to the work from home stuff. There’s very limited way for IT to control what happens on a personal computer, so these personal computers can have no anti-virus or security software. This means all data is in danger because someone decided Windows Defender is annoying. (Windows Defender is pretty great, btw.)

Physical robberies are occurring a little more because there’s no one to protect the stores and such. Physical security is taking a hell of a beating.

There’s been an increase in phishing scams around COVID-19. Unemployment sites are probably being (and probably already have been) hacked and the data is being stolen. I think there were some people who were creating fake unemployment sites to steal PII. There are e-mails going out to people saying stuff like, “Your computer has been infected with the CORONAVIRUS. Click here to clean it up.” And you’re wondering, “What sort of morons…?” Don’t. It’s very easy to give in to your panic. Hackers don’t hack computers solely. They hack into human emotion, into the psyche. Anyone can fall for their shit.

The thing with Zoom? Basically they’re so insecure, people are hacking them without issue. How? Because people are silly and put out links, chat logs are saved onto insecure machines that have already been hacked, there are a bunch of exploits available for Zoom, etc.

Healthcare organizations. Oh boy. So, we all know healthcare organizations are working their damnedest to save people suffering from COVID-19. Every second counts and any delay in that process could mean life or death. They work hard. Here’s the thing. There has always been a delicate balance between security and usability. Too secure and it’ll make it difficult for the end user to do their job. Usable without security just makes it easier for an attacker to do their job. Why am I talking about this?

Healthcare organizations usually hold sensitive information. Health information. Social security numbers. Birth dates. Addresses. Insurance information. Family member information. So much stuff. They are a beautiful target for hackers because all that shit is right there and it’s accessible. Healthcare organizations, by and large, do not put a lot of emphasis on security. That’s changing a bit, but for the most part, the don’t care about security. They do the bare minimum because guess what? Every additional control can add time to a doctor or healthcare worker’s routine. Computer lockscreen every 5 minutes? Now the doctor has to re-logon every 5 minutes. This adds about 15 seconds to their rountine. Multiply that several times over for every patient that comes in assuming a doctor will need to log in at least 3 times during a single visit. That can clock in at at least an hour throughout the day. A hour that they could’ve spent doing something else. So imagine more controls. Password needs to be reset. Need to badge in. Log into this extra program to access this file. Call IT because this thing locked them out. Each one of these normal controls now feel insanely restrictive. The ease of use isn’t there and so organizations might look at reversing these security controls, potentially making things even less secure than before in the name of efficiency.

Don’t @ me about HIPAA. I will start rants about how non-prescriptive and ineffective it is to actually get proper security implemented.

LOL @ internet service providers. Internet speeds are dropping due to the amount of traffic they’re getting. Commercial internet really wasn’t prepared for this. Those poor bastards.

Some organizations outsource their IT teams. Those people (Managed Service Providers aka MSPs) are not prepared for this nonsense. It’s popular now to go after these guys for hacking. An MSP usually works for multiple organizations. So, why try going after 50 organizations individually when you have just one organization with poor security controls managing everything from one place? You’d logically go after the one rather than 50. It’s easier.

MSPs are now overworked because they also have to work from home to connect to systems that can’t support so many people connecting to it on personal computers that the MSP can’t log into like they normally would to fix any issues. This makes them tired. What happens when you’re tired? You make more mistakes. And that’s exactly what hackers go after. Once they’re in the MSP’s system, the hacker can now potentially gain access to the 50 clients’ systems. Easy win.

Shadow IT and alternate solutions. This is another doozy. Imagine all your files and shit are on your company’s network. No one is able to access it because there isn’t any VPN or remote sharing system or FTP server set up for this stuff, but you still need to do your job. So, what do you do? Obviously, you start making stuff on your own computer using whatever you’re comfortable with. Google Drive. Dropbox. Box. Slack. That shitty PDF reader you downloaded three years ago and didn’t update.

Now imagine sharing it through things like your personal e-mail which may or may not have been hacked without your knowledge. Or maybe the recipient’s been hacked without anyone’s knowledge. Maybe your files are normally encrypted if they’re on the company network. Now you’re off of it and nothing’s encrypted. Maybe you forget it delete a file or 80 off of your system which has been infected. Or maybe you pasted shit on pastebin or github and it’s available to the public because that’s just easier. Now anyone searching can find it. This is how database dumps are found sometimes and they’re really entertaining.

Shadow IT putting in alternate solutions without the company’s knowledge is always a fucking nightmare. I get that people need to do their jobs and want to do things a certain way, but can you not be selfish and put everyone at risk because you decided your way or the high way?

That sounds awfully familiar…it feels like a situation that we’re going through right now…hey, wait a minute…

Long story short, this whole working from home thing opens up a lot of security issues. Most companies are ill-equipped to handle IT issues, let alone cybersecurity/information security/IT security issues, but because of that, we’re seeing a lot of interesting things happening. Such as finding out New Jersey’s unemployment system runs on a 60+ year old programming language.

Holy shit I can talk about this all day. I’ve definitely glossed over a lot of stuff and oversimplified it. If anyone wants me to talk about any specific topic related to this or cybersecurity or information security in general, drop an ask. I’m always, always more than happy to talk about it.

[heychangbin]

Contingency Plan

TW: major character death

A/N: hey y’all, it’s been a while. also I’m sorry. 

Gen Tag:@something-tofightfor @its-my-little-dumpster-fire @the-blind-assassin-12 @suchatinyinfinity @bts-smolarmy @elanor-of-imladris 

Billy Russo Tag:  @nananananananananananabatman @shinebrightlikeafanbase

It was late when you pulled against the door of your apartment building, the cold from the metal handle quickly seeping through your gloves and stealing the warmth from your fingertips, letting go of it as soon as the opening was enough for you to slip through. You thanked your ucky stars that the foyer was warm and quickly ripped the cold cotton gloves from your hands, cupping them in front of your mouth and exhaling against your fingertips, hoping to get some warmth and feeling back into them. Once they felt warm enough you made your way to the mail boxes that lined the wall in front of the stairs that you had to take to go up to your floor.

You stuck and turned the small key to open your mailbox, grabbed the numerous envelopes and tucked them under your arm and closed the small metal door and dragged your feet to the stairs and started the trek up the two flights of stairs to reach your apartment.

The usual 42 steps felt more like 84 when you stopped in front of your door, sticking your key in and unlocking the door. You made your way in, dropping your keys into the small bowl that sat on the table next to the door after closing the door, slipping the chain on and turning the deadbolt. 

You walked into the small kitchen, dropping the mail on the counter as you reached into one of the cupboards and took out your favorite ceramic cup and filled it with the warm decaf that was in the carafe. 

You took a few measured sips as you sorted through your mail, tossing the junk mail into the trash and setting your bills to the side to open in the morning. You were on the last two pieces of mail, one a postcard and the other a small padded envelope. You picked up the postcard, a black and white picture of the Griffith Observatory and turned it around and saw your friend Sarah's familiar handwriting. It said the same the few others she had sent said, wish you were here, the california sun would do wonders for your complexion, you need a vacation and cali is the way to go! At the very bottom she let you know she was sending you a souvenir from her last trip to Santa Monica. You picked up the padded envelope, not bothering with reading the label on it assuming it was the souvenir Sarah had mentioned and tore the top open and peeked inside. All thoughts of Sarah and what her souvenir vanished from your mind as you reached into the envelope and pull out a small flip phone.

Suddenly, it’s not just you in your dimly lit kitchen sorting through your mail on a cold January night, it’s 2 years prior Billy standing across from you a black duffle bag on the square kitchen table between you,

“If he….when he finds out that...that I knew--knew and did nothing to stop it, things are gonna go sideways real hard and real fast,” he said 

“Bill,” you said, reaching out to him and taking hold of his hand, giving it a squeeze, “you did what you--”

“I didn’t though!” he yelled, ripping his hand from under yours, “I could’ve done something, said something but I didn’t, I didn’t and now….” he took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, the hard mask settling over his features, “now, we have to be prepared,” he took the zipper and dragged it across the length of the duffle bag, opening it wide and revealing its contents. The duffel was filled to the brim with stacks of crips dollar bills, you saw tens, twenties, fifties, and hundreds, on top of it all a couple of matte black hand guns, magazines, and a couple of passports.

“Billy? Billy what’s all o’ this?” you asked, voice coming out breathy as your eyes danced from item to item.

“This is our ticket to a new life.” he pulled out one of the small booklets and opened it and handed it to you. You took it and looked over the opened page, the picture was of Billy but it wasn’t one you’d seen before, his hair was longer all around and looked as if he had run his fingers through it countless times, his face was clear of all his facial hair, and the beauty mark under his right eye was nowhere in sight. Your eyes jumped to the information beside the picture and everything was different, names, dates, places. You were about to ask who Benjamin Roberts was when he handed you the second passport, your eyes going wide when you saw your own picture, your eyes jumping to the information and like the first, names, dates and places were different. 

“When everything goes sideways,” your ripped your eyes away from the small booklets to look at Billy, whose eyes were boring into yours, “I’m going to send you this phone in the mail.” you looked to see the small flip phone in his hand, “You’re gonna have to make sure that it’s always on, never leave it out in the open but you’re gonna have to keep it close. When it’s safe, I’ll text you, tell you to wait for my call. Once i have a secure location for us to meet, i’ll call you and give you the address. You’re gonna take this bag, drop a couple changes of clothes on top of all of this. When you leave the house, you gotta lose your phone, drop it in a trash can, the gutter, doesn’t matter, but it can’t be with you when you take a taxi to the address I’ll send you, I’ll be waiting for you inside.”

You shake yourself from the memory and flip the phone open, pressing and holding down the power button when it immediately doesn’t light up. It feels like an eternity has passed by when the animation of the phone company finally finishes and the phone is loaded the phone pings and vibrates with a text. 

You click your way into the message and even though you know what to expect, ‘cuz who else would send you a burner phone, you feel relief flood your system. 

Wait for my call.

You check the timestamp and balk that it’s been a few hours since the message was sent. Even though you know that you haven’t missed his call you rush to your room and pull the top drawer, you shimmy it off the rails carefully and once it pops free you set it on the floor next to you. You kneel in frot of the dresser and  reach your arm into the empty space and feel around for a minute until your fingertips touch the edge of the strap, you grab it tight and pull it out, hugging it close to your chest when it clears the drawer frame. 

You pause for a moment, take a deep breath and go through the mental checklist that Billy had had you memorize for this exact moment, and despite the amount of time that’s passed, you can recall it like the lyrics of your favorite song. 

Text. check.

Bag retrieved. Check.

Change of clothes.

You open the duffle and reach for the drawers in front of you and pull out a few shirts, socks, underwear and throw them into the bag, you get up and head to your closet, yank a couple of jeans from the hangers and toss those in as well. 

Change of clothes. check.

You slip into a comfortable pair of shoes and wait. 

******

Time blurs together, seconds, minutes, hours, the only way you know that it’s coming up on it being 3 days since you received the text is the timestamp and the date displayed on the home screen of your phone. 

You flipped the phone open for the hundredth time that day, no missed calls. Battery full. Signal full. You closed it again and set it back down against your leg. Outside the light started to fade and the hope of you recieving a call from Billy was dwindling. To be fair, Billy never gave you a time frame, it was the one thing he couldn’t predict, he had just told you that once it was safe, he’d call. 

 You closed your eyes and took a deep breath, he’s gonna call. When you opened them again you focused your eyes on the images on the TV, the show had changed from the last thing you remember watching, when the show took a commercial break you got up from the couch and headed to the kitchen, made yourself a cup of coffee and went back to the couch, it’s then that you noticed the phone vibrating on the couch. In your haste you nearly dropped your cup of coffee, you picked up the phone, flipped it open and put it to your ear, 

“Billy?” the word was out of your mouth before you knew it and it was met with a wet chuckle on the other side followed quickly by a wheeze and some gurgling.

“Billy? Billy where are you? Are you okay?” you asked not being able to keep yourself in check.

“Sorry it took me this long to call, I just--I just wanted--needed to hear your voice.”

“Billy what are you talking about, where are you?” you could hear the desperation in your voice 

“Curt’s basement. Listen, I want you--” his words were interrupted by another groan, “want you to take everythin’ an--” you knew where this was going, knew it in your bones, and you felt your strength leave you. “Listen, I’m not gonna make it….but I wanted--”

A loud clang interrupts him and you hear him call out Curt’s name followed by a confused and low “Frank” then a fit of laughter that turns into wet coughs. You feel as if your chest is collapsing, if Frank was where there then….

2 loud pops cracked through the small phone speaker

“Billy!!” you screamed, but there was no reply.