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signalwatch · 2 years

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Kevin Conroy Merges With The Infinite

Here at The Signal Watch, we're absolutely heartbroken to hear that actor Kevin Conroy has passed.

Conroy voiced Bruce Wayne/ Batman across innumerable cartoons, video games and other projects. For generations of Bat-fans was the definitive portrayal of the character.

In 1992, when Batman: The Animated Series hit the air, I was a Senior in high school, and - I don't think unreasonably - skeptical of any new Batman cartoons that might appear, believing that they'd be of about GI Joe or Transformer levels in quality of story and art, the same voice actors working from show to show. I don't think it was snobbery. I was just now older and stuff aimed at 8 year olds was not in my wheelhouse anymore.

You don't often remember the first time you saw a cartoon, but... boy, do I remember that one. It was the pilot Man-Bat episode that was an absolute showcase for what they were doing stylistically and technically. I had not heard of Bruce Timm at the time, but I knew someone had read and understood the comics. And, look, I am a fan of the Michael Keaton/ Tim Burton Bat-films, but they're their own thing. They bear almost zero relation to Batman of the comics. This was the storytelling of the comics, but with a look and feel that borrowed one part from the Anton Furst designs and one part from Dick Tracy and one part from the Fleischer cartoons. Absolutely gorgeous stuff no one had seen on TV before.

The point is, I don't know what I expected a Batman cartoon to be in 1992, but I remember Batman opening his mouth and a baritone, gravelly voice came out that was somehow exactly how Batman should sound. Even more incredible, when he removed the cowl and spoke as Bruce Wayne - he had an actual alter-ego.

And then my girlfriend at the time called and I remember "uh-huh"ing my way through the conversation as I watched this incredible show unspool in front of me. And given the way shows worked back then, I lost my mind knowing this would be on five days per week. How? I do recall trying to explain what was happening on TV to my ladyfriend, and her saying "Ok, cool. Anyway..." You will note, that romance was not to last.

This was 1992, so social media didn't exist. If BBS's covered it, I didn't know because my family hadn't had a computer since the Apple IIe was boosted in the infamous break-in in Spring of 1991.

So, by myself I watched this show somewhat religiously. I didn't have friends into this stuff, so it took a visit by my brother from college before I could do the "LOOK. LOOOOOOOOOK!!!" thing I wanted to do so badly.

My first year at the University of Texas, I found myself reunited with JAL (he of the podcast), a pal from my days growing up in Austin (I moved to Houston in 1990) and I think we'd been hanging out for maybe an hour when JAL said "you know the guy who plays Batman looks just like Scott Summers" (that's X-Men's Cyclops to you and me). It was maybe 2-3 years before I saw a picture of Kevin Conroy, and, wow, was JAL right.

Kevin Conroy brought gravitas and drama to Batman. While I understood the wild-eyed danger of Michael Keaton (who I think showed his true menace perfectly in the Spider-movies), he was not Batman as I understood him to be from multiple comics per month that I'd read for a few years now. Nor were two 2-hour movies the same as 30 minutes, 5 days per week. Timm's design, Dini's story aesthetic - all fantastic. But it was in making Batman rumble through your TV's tinny speakers that Conroy brought the myth of a Batman to life.

This was a voice that would send shivers up the spines of criminals, but Conroy also humanized it when it was right to do so. He was genuinely acting, not reading off lines on a page. In part, you can thank the always amazing Andrea Romano for working with the showrunners to find that sweet spot that went from that first episode of Batman to the final scenes of JLU. And in the years to come, when Conroy would step back in front of the mic, he was both a reminder of the greatness of the era and a pointer to what WB could have done better in every project after Romano retired.

By the early 00's, Conroy was appearing in DVD extras and then online, and at Cons. His fans got to know who he was, and he did not disappoint. While a mere mortal of good humor, he very much understood what it meant to be the voice of Batman to multiple generations of fans, and he never took it lightly or seemed to think it was silly or just a job. He got what people looked for and heard in his performance.

It was a nuanced performance over the years, including the surprisingly resonant Batman: Mask of the Phantasm to Batman sitting with Ace as she blinked out in that one episode of JLU. No matter what the edgelords would think a *real* Batman was like - we'd know. Conroy had brought it to life.

During the CW's daring Crisis on Infinite Earths riff, he actually did play Bruce Wayne, so the role was not limited to animation.

In those interviews, etc... I genuinely liked the guy. He seemed like the kind of person you'd want to include in your "you can have dinner with any six people" kind of conversation. But, mostly, I don't think you can measure how much Conroy helped push Batman and superheroes from a novelty when it wasn't a campy disaster or mediocrity for undiscriminating kids to set the stage for everything that would come after - from video games to the MCU. I'm not sure you get the recent Batman film without Conroy's Batman carrying Batman for decades and people growing up believing that taking Batman seriously is a normal thing to do.

I'm absolutely stunned at Conroy's passing. He was only 66. I'd heard nothing of illness, just what he might be up to next. Like Chadwick Boseman passing, it's catching me totally by surprise.

What I can say is that Bat-fans and comic folk are a bit like baseball fans. Many consider Conroy the ideal version of Batman - myself included - and like a good baseball fan, we'll pass down the names of the greats for a hundred years. And the good news is, there's so much of a record of that performance. We'll be able to return to it again and again, and it will guide performers for generations.

https://ift.tt/DOvEXL7

#The Signal Watch #Kevin Conroy Merges With The Infinite

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ecoamerica · 2 months

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youtube

Watch the American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 now: https://youtu.be/bWiW4Rp8vF0?feature=shared

The American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 broadcast recording is now available on ecoAmerica's YouTube channel for viewers to be inspired by active climate leaders. Watch to find out which finalist received the $50,000 grand prize! Hosted by Vanessa Hauc and featuring Bill McKibben and Katharine Hayhoe!

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cupofidiot · 7 months

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When the treaty of Versailles was finally signed on the 28th June 1919 it impacted Germany in many different ways such as Germany's armed forces being greatly downsized and having to take on war guilt. But some could argue the most influential penalty the Weimar Republic faced was the colossal war reparations.

These Reperations strained the German economy massively until around 1924 where some recovery was seen. Of course to many off the German people the Weimar Republic seemed like a shadow of its former glory and were bitter towards the French, British and their own leaders in the Reichstag.

At the turn of the decade in 1929 the world faced the Walstreet crash which threw the world into economic dismay. As the Prussian Dimplomat Wenzel Furst von Metternich said "When America sneezes the world catches the cold" I think we all know the story from here, The National Socialist party rises to power with Hitler taking over.

Now comes the dilemma. Hitler made the promise of work and bread to the German people among many other things and he did manage to deliver by implementing a national labour service. Of course throughout this entire process He has been unbelievably antisemitic with the Numembourg laws. Jews can no longer marry and must be sexually sterilised. Jewish children cannot go to most schools. And later during Krystallnacht Jewish businesses and synagogues are horrifically destroyed.

Now let's put ourselves into the shoes of an 'Aryan' German during 1937-1939 (by using that term I am in no way trying to state that it exists. It was a race completely made up by Adolf Hitler) You have just watched the succesful Jewish butchers down the road get closed. You know it's because of the new government but you can just go somewhere else. This government has brought us work and food. They fixed the roads and the economy. Is there really a point in speaking up?

Your neighbours are completely enthralled with Hitler and his speeches. Their children are in the Hitler youth. "If you speak against the government you will be made an outcast or maybe worse. The pros just outweigh the cons"

This doesn't make these people bad or inherently evil. It just shows how desperate things were for Germany in the early 20s and that the treaty of Versailles was much too harsh.

This unfortunately is one massive step that brought Hitler to power. He picked out a group small enough to not effect too many when criminalised but large enough to make an impact.

In the end he was defeated by the might of the East and dedication and spirit of the West. He tragically took the lives of 36 million, soldier and civilian. His mark will forever be mourned and remembered forever. Lest we never let anybody repeat what he did again

#history #historical #germany #ww2 history

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bnhaikyuuwritings · 3 years

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Hey there!! New follower here i just wanna say im so inlove with the way you write and i cant get enough of it !! Can you do some HCs with Mezo Shoji and Snipe from BNHA? (separately and Snipe gets less love and i want him to shine-) And if you can add, the s/o is a singer :D Thank you !!!

i’m actually bummed Snipe doesnt have an actual name yet lmaoo unless im dumbdumb. also i love shouji ;-;

——

Snipe

- His southern drawl is endearing to the ladies, and he knows it well. Yet, he still manages to mess up any interaction he has with a woman he finds the slightest bit attractive.

- He first met you in plainclothes at a local coffee shop near his apartment. He knew it was love at furst sight when you took a black coffee, dumped a cup of sugar in it, and drank it like a shot.

- “Well, you dont see that everyday.” He drawled, drawing you attention. He gulped when your stare turned icy and you set your hands on your hips.

- “Making fun of a stranger?” You said coldly. Snipe proceeded to apologise profusely, asking how he can make it up to you. He trued to stand up, but ended up knocking the chair backwards in his haste. Your glare broke and you let out an lovely laugh.

- “Buy me another coffee, how about that?”

- He is an absolute gentleman, and at least once a week you’ll find flowers delivered to your work, embarrasing in front of your coworkers.

- Despite being a top hero (and extremely busy), he always makes time for anniversary’s, birthday party’s, family reunions. Even if he has to take the time off months in advance, or if he has to work overtime.

- He is a master at darts. It’s actually how he got you to go on a second date. You hit him when he told you his quirk allowed him to manipulate objects in the air.

- On his off days, he will sleep in until the late afternoon.

- He loves to cook, and loves to make food for you and experiment with food. Baking cookies is his specialty.

- He loves your singing voice, and it can lull him to sleep like a baby.

- When he furst heard you sing, he sat in silence and listened. He ended up scaring the living daylights out of you when you ended up turning around and finding him sitting there in awe.

- He always tries to sing duets with you at karaoke, and you always try to say no. But with his country drawl you cant deny how fun a country duet is.

Mezo Shouji

- He was prepared to take his feelings for you to the grave if he had to. Relationships and him just never worked out. He would rather be your friend for as long as possible even if it meant never getting to be with you the way he truly wanted.

- He remembered when you volunteered to be a singer to the Class 1-A band, and getting to hear you sing so passionatley. Your voice was absolutley beautiful.

- He remember you had to stay after class one day, and he forgot his bag. He passed Aizaw in the hallway.

- “(Y/n) should still be in there, if not, you’re out of luck.” Aizawa said with a shrug. Mezo picked up the paced, slowing when he heard a soft humming coming from the room. He stepped into the doorway to hear your tune better.

- You swayed back and forth, humming something beautiful. He could sit and listen forever.

- “Shoji?”

- He was so embarrased. And you were equally as embarrased considering how red your cheeks were.

- “I’m sorry to intrude.” He send, bowing slightly. You rushed to pick up your stuff quicker, obviously not wanting to be there any longer.

- “The song. It was beautiful.” He murmured. You stuttered out a thank you.

- “To make up for it, I can uh, walk you home. Or at least to the nearest mart to get you a pork bun.”

-You smiled, obciously more relaxed, nodding with a smile.

#bnha x reader #snipe x reader #bnha imagines #mezo shoji x reader #shoji x reader #shoji mezo x reader

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zaddyzemo · 3 years

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helmut zemo x reader x heinrich zemo

⚔

cw: power imbalance, sexist language, abusive behavior, emotional manipulation, dub-con, attempted impreg

summary: your loyalty to the House of Zemo is tested when the 12th baron travels through decades to aid his son in restoring their legacy and carrying on the bloodline

author's note: for more context, check out this Avengers: Ultron Revolution clip and the two pre-serum Helmut Zemo x Reader drabbles written in that universe

as an octogenarian, Helmut Zemo is now older than his father ever was. however, watching Heinrich remove his purple cowl for you to assess the damage done by Captain Roger's fist to his face, he saw that thanks to the Super Soldier serum and time displacement, the two of them were physically the same age. "the swelling should go away by morning, sir," you smile at the face you've become familiar with through faded photos and the genes his son inherited from his side. "there is no damage to your cranium." Heinrich hissed when you touched up his stitches. "if it weren't for Zemo 2099, a little bruise would've been the least of my worries."

he wasn't talking to you, however, and he hadn't been since Helmut had brought him back to his now old castle along with the cyborg Zemo 2099. he ignored you in favor of berating his son, and you hadn't seen the baron look this humbled before. his mask was still on his hanging head and you suspected he kept it on to hide his pained expression. "I am grateful for his assistance in our battle against the Avengers. and for keeping you safe, Vater."

"his assistance? he practically fought every single one of them off on his own while you stood there like the weak link you are." Heinrich pushed you aside so that he can properly yell in Helmut's face all the insults your master would've plunged his sword through the one speaking them, but he didn't dare move a hand against his father. standing perfectly still and silent, he was falling back into the role of the perfect soldier since he failed at being a good son. he only shifted when the man screamed "the only reason you're still standing here is that you're my true heir's great grandfather."

the thirteenth baron was nobody's great grandfather. truth be told, he was nobody's father. in eighty years, there's been no shortage of women between his satin sheets and there's been more than a few men. however, there's never been a baroness. so preoccupied recreating his father, Heinrich Zemo's work and restoring their legacy he was that he ironically didn't spend a single second on producing an heir. you suspected that he didn't wish to subject his supposed brood with the same trauma he went through. he's always had a soft spot for children and you only found out once he took you in that the orphanage you grew up in was one of his many estates. he grew up an orphan himself, but he's always had his blue blood to help him gain access to all the resources he needed. as far as he was concerned, every child in every orphanage he ever built was his heir.

however, Henrich Zemo didn't see it that way. he saw his son flinch at the mention of offsprings and figured out that he doesn't have a grandchild in this timeline. "you've not produced an heir?" when Helmut couldn't meet his eyes and the shame in them was visible through the mask, Heinrich raised his voice again. "YOU HAVEN'T EVEN GIVEN ME AN HEIR? HOW IS THE HOUSE OF ZEMO SUPPOSED TO SURVIVE WITHOUT AN HEIR?"

"Vater-"

"did you try and fail as you do in everything? did you not even try?"

"Please, Vater-"

"what about das mädchen?" he pointed you out as you were packing the medical supplies. "did you not sire a child by her? i'd even name a bastard born from a bed wench my heir if it meant the Zemo name will survive until 2099."

"she is not a bed wench, she is my apprentice-"

his attempts at protecting your honor were weak and so was his voice. as powerful and proud of a man he was around his allies and even enemies, he was pathetic in front of his parent. he was silenced with nothing but a slap.

"how you survived all these decades without me I do not know and, truth be told, I do not care to know." Heinrich Zemo watched his son straighten his crown on his head and his mask on his face. he was not just disappointed, he was downright disgusted. "if it weren't for my title, my fortune, and my Super Soldier serum, the house of Zemo would've died with me."

"with all due respect, baron," you snapped, smoothening the bed sheets where he sat earlier. "your son has sacrificed everything for the survival of the Zemo name. if it weren't for him, you wouldn't be here in the first place."

he looked at you as if you were a stain on his boot. "how dare you speak to me that way? Helmut, how dare you let her speak to me that way?"

"you are dismissed, mein fräuline."

"even if she were a lady, she should know not to speak unless spoken to."

that was when Heinrich Zemo acknowledged you. and approached you. his eyes he had passed on to Helmut, but you've never seen them look down on you as if you were the dirt under his sole before.

"I'll see to it that she never speaks to you that way again, Vater," Helmut made one last attempt at deescalating the situation, but he already had you backed against the bed. his old bed. "she will be punished for her insolence."

"yes, she will." Heinrich raised his hand up in the air and struck you across the face with the back of it. "she will learn her place in my palace." the lesson seemed to be going well as you were too shocked to say a word and your master was practically mute where he stood frozen in place. the sting of the slap didn't hurt nearly as much as the shame. "she belongs beneath us." he grabbed you by the jaw and forced you to face him again. "and she will not speak over us. do you hear me, madchen? you are never to speak unless spoken to. is that clear or are your little peasant ears so dirty and clogged that you haven't heard a word I said?"

you tried looking back at your master, the thirteenth baron, but the twelfth wouldn't let you. he squeezed down on your jaw. "yes, sir."

"now was that so hard?" he loosened his grip and stroked the handprint he left on your cheeks and the tears that fell on top. you nodded instead of opening your mouth again. "of course not. you were born to obey, mein kleines lamm. and i was born to lead you lest you wander astray. no harm will ever come to you as long as you do as you are told. you will be safe, as long as you serve the house of Zemo. have I make myself understood or should i speak plainly so that you can follow along?"

"I've read all the books in the castle library, sir, including your journals. I can follow along with your words just fine."

when you saw him smile for the first time, you recognized it as Helmut Zemo's lips stretched across a row of carnivorous teeth. they were lions who've developed an appetite for lowly little lambs like you. "she's a mouthy one, isn't she? clever, too." father then turned to look at his son as he pushed the hair off of your shoulders and exposed your cleavage. "I see why you'd keep her close and even let her wear your own mother's clothes." then, he yanked your hair back and twisted it along with the rest of your body. when your back was against his chest, he came close to your ear and caught it between his canines. "you're lucky us Zemo men have a weakness for reckless women. you're always asking for it and we're always willing to set you straight."

"Vater, what are you-" Helmut found his voice, but he had yet to find the strength to step in between you and Heinrich.

"if you won't make a baroness out of this peasant girl, then I will." he licked the bitemark and buried you face-first into the bed covers. "my lineage will not end with you," he held your head down while lifting your skirts. "if you are too weak to sire an heir, then I'll do it myself."

you struggled, but he was too strong. his hands on you had a powerful grip as they parted your legs and ripped your underwear on the furst try. his hands also awakened the same ardor his son's did whenever he touched you. you were burning with shame and need in equal measure.

"you've kept a young, clean and ripe little cunt in my castle for years and you didn't even once consider it," Heinrich placed his pelvis between your thighs which were trembling in fear and anticipation. one of his fingers, his thumb, traced the lips and the leakage they were covered in. he did this several times, testing you. "look at this, Helmut. she's already wet and ready to receive me. she was made for this," he sinks his finger in and your cunt closes its warm and wet wall around it. "look at how she swallowed me whole. she was made to carry my royal brood," he chuckled, ecstatic to be so enthusiastically enveloped by you. "as lowly as you are, I'll turn you into the lady this fool never could, little lamb," he addressed you, but his words were meant to provoke his supposedly foolish son. still, you moaned into the mattress and even moved against his thumb, your body ready to be bred just like he said.

you almost missed the sound of Helmut hitting his father across his already bruised face, you were that preoccupied with whining pathetically at the loss of the feeling if being penetrated. all of a sudden, you were flipped over, your spime sinking into the mattress as your master - your true master - looked down at you with a bare face and a lustful gaze.

you sucked in air, breathless from Heinrich's ministrations and Helmut's manhandling. you didn't dare fight him ripping open your corset. finally, you could breathe snd he could behold your heaving breast which he marked as his with his teeth every night.

"I never impregnated her because I didn't want to, not because I couldn't," he looked back where his father lay on the floor. "i watched her grow under my own eyes, under a microscope, and I am very much aware of her fertile womb, father. and it is mine to turn into a bed wench, servant, assistant and even the mother of the next generation of Zemos, if I so desire." his large hands grabbed you under your knees and spreading you wide enough for him to slot himself between your legs. "she is mine."

"finally," Heinrich found his voice and his footing again as he stood up. "a show of strength," he watched you surrender to his son fully, arms flailing as you scratched the sheets in search of a grip. Helmut had entered you up to the hilt and split you open in one stroke. seeing his boy bury himself into your belly fully and noticing the bump his cock created in your abdomen, he grabbed him by his wide shoulders from behind. "you sound like the lion cub i never got to raise. you almost make me proud."

Helmut was heaving, his wide chest expanding as he lost himself in the luxury of your luscious cunt. he turned towards his father and his words of praise. "I am not a child anymore, father. I am a man. I take what is mine and tear apart all those who stand between me and what is mine." at this, he pulled out only to plummet back in. in a flash, his pace was fast and you found yourself mewling, a cat in heat or maybe a sacrificial lamb. you were his to devour.

"yes," Heinrich rubbed at Helmut's shoulders as his breathing got heavy. "yes, that's it," his hands moved lower, sliding down his spine and holding onto his lips. when the song stopped to slap the underside of your thigh, the father chuckled. "that's my boy," he squeezed his sides as they snapped against you, the sound of skin slapping against skin bringing the smirk back to his father's face as his son chased his carnal release. "mein guter junge," he nuzzled his ear. "now, come inside. come inside that cunt. that's your cunt, my boy, now claim it."

you tossed your head back as he lifted your hip up in the air and slid his cock so deep in your cunt, you saw stars on the ceiling.

"fräuline," Helmut grunted, burying himself deep inside your guts. "fräuline, you're mine." he tossed his head back against Heinrich's shoulder. "give me a son, mein fräuline."

"yes," your tongue lolled out as your eyes rolled back. your brain was a blur as you agreed to be a broodmare for the house of Zemo. "yesyesyes."

"come inside," his father pressed his lips against his earlobe. "make me proud," he kissed the shell of his ear. "come inside that cunt and give me an heir."

there's nothing he wanted more than to spill his seed inside of you. well, maybe getting more of his father's praise. once he emptied himself inside your womb, he got a pat on his head, sweaty head slicked back as you got a pat on your full tummy. "mein guter junge."

"Vater."

#baron zemo #baron zemo x reader #helmut zemo x reader #heinrich zemo x reader #heinrich zemo #helmut zemo

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tydy-the-megnet · 5 years

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Romance, a “How To” Guide

Because I’m always a sucker for pick-up lines. Or... Chat-up Lines, in this case, heh.

...

Chat Noir was stood above Parisian rooftops with his partner in heroism Ladybug. The lights of the city shone brilliantly beneath them, illuminating their conversation.

And what a shocking conversation it was, Chat mused.

“Wait, you have a crush on Adrien Agreste? Like, a real one, not just a celebrity crush?”

“Yeah,” Ladybug raised her shoulders, curling in on herself and trying to hide her embarrassment, “He’s in my class, and -- I don’t know.” She trailed off, biting her lip and gazing wistfully toward the sparkling skyline.

“A-and you came to me for help?”

“Yeah. I hope that’s not too awkward--”

“No!” Chat flinched as soon as the word left his mouth. He had answered too quickly, too excitedly. He caught Ladybug’s eyes and tried to play it off, “I’m just, uh, surpurrised that you would tell me this. We don’t usually share such personal information.”

Ladybug glanced at him, a shyness creeping into her expression, “Yeah, but we’ve been partners for a long time. It was bound to happen eventually.”

“But, if you start, um, d-dating Adrien, wouldn’t I find out who you are?”

Ladybug reeled back, “D-date him!? No! No way! I couldn’t!”

“What? Why not?”

She floundered for a moment, trying to come up with an excuse while her partner watched expectantly, “B-because! I just couldn’t! I wuh, wouldn’t even know how!”

“I’ll help.”

Ladybug froze, eyes stuck boring into Chat’s.

“Yuh, you would?”

“Sure,” He shrugged, smiling easily, “Anything for you, M’Lady.”

The heroine found her eyes narrowing at the laidback posture. Wasn’t he always claiming how in love he was with her?

“But,” she searched and searched, looking for some sign of deception, “Why?”

His smile changed at that, she noticed. It took on an odd quality, like he was in on some secret. That didn’t ease her nerves.

“Because I want to see you happy.”

She was touched, and a smile slowly graced her face as well, “Okay, whatcha got?”

“Well,” He said, in his overly grandiose manner, “Furst, you need some good chat-up lines!”

“No way.”

“But M’Lady, they’ll work! Trust me!”

“They don’t work on me.”

“Ah, but you aren’t Adrien Agreste.”

“I don’t think you’re lines would work on anyone.”

“That hurts, Bugaboo. I’ll have you know the ladies love me outside of the mask.”

“That so?”

He grinned. The expression seemed so him, like an earnest, breathless, unended expression of pure Chat-ness. She found she couldn’t look away.

“Absomewtely. So, pawlease trust me when I say Adrien Agreste will love it if mew walk up to him and start using tailor-made lines just fur him.”

Despite his own confidence, Ladybug held fast to her skepticism. And she told him as much, saying in no uncertain terms, “If this doesn’t work, I don’t know if I’ll be able to forgive you, Chat Noir.”

But, somewhere deep in her heart, seeing her partner’s unwavering confidence gave her hope.

What did she know? Maybe he had years of experience charming girls. Maybe she was the only girl it didn’t work on. Maybe she should give his advice a shot.

...

So Marinette found herself waiting for a good time to drop the line Chat gave her. He had said he didn’t trust her to come up with her own line, and she had been offended; however, she mused, she still wasn’t completely sold on the idea anyway, so maybe coming up with her own line wasn’t the best idea.

She breathed, trying to control the flustering heat that accompanied any thought of the ridiculous line. It would be so embarrassing.

And if it didn’t work, she was going to mangle that mangy cat.

But until then, she waited. She waited and watched the gorgeous boy who sat in front of her.

Then, as school ended, and everyone started leaving, she took her chance.

Waving Alya off, Marinette took even, deliberate steps, trying to psych herself up for the big moment. She looked over at Adrien. He was looking all around, probably looking for someone.

Part of her didn’t want to interrupt him, but that was quickly and brutally overcome by her desire to get to him before whoever he was looking for.

“Hey,” She said, observing with rapt attention when he turned to face her. She tried not to overthink his expression, which looked like an odd mix of so-excited-he-would-explode and so-nervous-he-could-vomit.

Considering her own temptation to just explode into vomit at that moment, she decided she could relate.

“Hey, Marinette. What’s up?” He gave her a smile that almost seemed hesitant, but she ignored that completely.

“You know,” She said instead, “I could make you a whole new outfit in, like, a week. But if you come back to my place, I could take your outfit off in, like, five seconds.”

His eyes widened, as did his smile, and Marinette’s heart nearly exploded without vomit.

Then that smile turned into a roguish grin that looked both entirely too at-home on his face and simultaneously absolutely foreign.

He took her hand in his, delicately, and she was certain he could her the thrum of her heartbeat. But he didn’t acknowledge it, instead, he brought her hand to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles, “Why, that sounds delightful. You make me feel entirely too hot in these, anyway.”

And in an instant, the explodey-vomity feeling was gone, replaced by an empty sort of wonder that was slowly being replaced by the lovely recognition that this-was-totally-happening-oh-my-god.

Then she slowly, cautiously, moved her hand, entwining their fingers as she gave him a smile. And Adrien looked -- oddly enough -- starstruck, and she didn’t know quite how to feel about that, but she didn’t think it could possibly be a bad thing. So her breath sped up, and her heart was going even crazier, and Adrien was beaming at her like the cat that got the cream and --

Wait.

Marinette stared at those green eyes all the time, but now she noticed the hue; she stared at his lips just as often, but now noticed his smile; she dreamt about his hair, but now noticed the locks.

“Marinette?” He asked, brow furrowed, when he noticed she was no longer responding.

Her face had gone slack, she believed. She wasn’t quite sure, since she couldn’t really feel it. She didn’t see Adrien lift his free arm to her eyes, either. She didn’t really take in anything after that glorious moment.

...

Adrien was getting worried. He was certain that Marinette was Ladybug, and she had seemed so happy a second ago, and he was ecstatic that she went through with his plan.

Now they could fall in love, have eight kids, and get a dog together.

Except, she wasn’t saying anything, and now he was less sure.

Hadn’t everything gone according to plan?

“Marinette?” He asked again, more hesitantly this time. Cautiously, he looked around, making sure no one was in earshot. “Um, M’Lady?” He whispered, leaning forward.

Violently, Marinette flinched back, and Adrien flinched back, and suddenly they were out of each other’s personal space, and their hands were separated, and Adrien wasn’t quite sure what was happening until he fell backward.

Then all he felt was the cold, hard ground beneath, and the warm, soft body of Marinette on top of him. And her lips -- he felt those, too.

#adrienette #adrien agreste #marinette dupain-cheng #miraculous ladybug #ladybug #chat noir #ladynoir #marichat #ladrien #romance a how to guide #fanfiction #a kinda meh ending #but at least i got back in the writer's spinny office chair #i was gonna do a thing about oblivio #then i didn't #shrug

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ecoamerica · 2 months

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youtube

Watch the 2024 American Climate Leadership Awards for High School Students now: https://youtu.be/5C-bb9PoRLc

The recording is now available on ecoAmerica's YouTube channel for viewers to be inspired by student climate leaders! Join Aishah-Nyeta Brown & Jerome Foster II and be inspired by student climate leaders as we recognize the High School Student finalists. Watch now to find out which student received the $25,000 grand prize and top recognition!

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goodenoughstories · 7 years

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Floating

Allison sat on the steps to her house. The brisk, Autumn wind blew her brown hair into her face. A creaking sound came from behind her. She was startled as she turned around abruptly. "Its just me. Aunt Patti said that it's getting late." Allison's cousin Jaden said as he sat down next to her. "Are you okay? You've been really tired lately." He said with concern.

"Its just my parents. Their relationship is dead and home doesn't feel... home-y anymore. I'm still trying to adjust. That's what wrong." There was a silence. "I don't know what to do or where to go a lot of times. Nobody around me knows what its like and I always have to put on a smile and push through but that's really hard to do when it feels like you're dead inside." Allison started to sob. Jaden held her.

"I don't want to tell you sugar-coated lies. I don't know how this will turn out. But I want you to know that you can always vent if you have to." Allison's body shook as sobs left her. "Ally.." Jaden said quietly. Allison looked up, her eyes red from crying. "You know I care about you, right?" He asked. "Yeah. I know." She said. Jaden helped her to her feet. "Let's go inside." He said as he opened the door. They walked inside. Allison took off her grey sneakers and her hoodie. She sat her shoes down and hung her hoodie on the coat rack by the door. She went to the bathroom and turned on the cold water. She sighed. She was really tired. She could feel it in her very core. She splashed cold water onto her face. She turned off the water and dried her face with a towel. She exited the bathroom. "Do you want to eat Allison?" Her aunt asked. "No thank you aunt Patti. I'm exhausted."

Allison walked up the stairs to her bedroom. She grabbed her purple pajamas and her furry purple and white striped socks. She took off her clothes and put on her pajamas.

She turned on her CD player and put in a Luther Vandross CD. Superstar was the furst song. The lyrics filled the emptiness within her. She got into her bed. She placed her head on her pillow. Next to her bed was her dresser. She took the photo of her and her parents smiling and faced it away from her. Her eyes shut slowly as she sleepily hummed along with the music.

Allison woke up, or so she thought. She felt like she wasn't in her body. She looked around and she wasn't. She saw her body, resting peacefully under the covers. "Fuck. I'm dead." She swore. A soothing voice spoke. "You aren't dead. You're just not in your body." Allison looked around to find who was speaking to her. "Wow, I never would have guessed, considering my body's over there and I'm over here!" She said sarcastically. Something tugged at Allison's shirt collar. She gagged. "What the hell!" Allison shouted. Her bedroom window swung open. "Get to movin'. You've got 4 hours to find peace or you'll be miserable forever." The voice said, sternly. Allison was shoved out of the window. She watched as her body shifted under the covers. She was floating rather quickly through the night sky. A woman in silver appeared next to her. "Who are you?" Allison asked. "I'm Matilda, your guide. I'm here to keep you from getting into any trouble." Matilda said as she took ahold of Allison's arm. "Why am I not in my body in my bed? Its freezing out here!" Matilda looked back at Allison as she headed towards a building. Allison looked straight ahead and shrieked. "Calm down. I see you didn't listen to what I said before. You're supposed to find peace. You've got parent troubles, don't you?" Matilda asked. "Yes." Allison responded as they passed through the building. Allison saw her mother sitting at a desk with two large stacks of paper behind her. "Ten more files Andrea!" Someone called out to Allison's mother. "Okay Richard!" She called back. Andrea ran her hand through her hair. "So many greys.." Allison said. Andrea grabbed a picture of her and Allison off of her desk. She looked at it for a while and then placed it down.

Matilda took Allison's arm and they passed through the building. They headed towards a warehouse. Allison saw her father shutting off machinery. He headed up a staircase and turnt off the lights to the room. Allison watched her father get into his car and drive to a lot full of buses. He had a grey jacket and an ID on when he left the car. He went to a booth and showed the woman inside his ID. "Your bus is ready to go Darren." The lady said. "Thanks Stacey." He heads to the bus set aside for him and opens the glove compartment. He pulls out an energy drink. He starts up the bus and drinks the whole energy drinkm

Allison looked at Matilda. "So my dad works two tiring jobs and my mom's job is physically aging her. How is this supposed to help me find peace?" Matilda stopped for a moment. "I'll show you how. Hold on tight." Allison clung to Matilda as they appeared in front of Allison's home. There was something different about it. She sees a car park in front of her house. "Didn't the get separate cars?" Allison asked but was shushed. "Watch, girl." Allison sees her parents, appearing much younger than they were a little while ago. They enter the house, together. Allison enters the house. "I'm so tired." Andrea say as she takes off her coat. "I couldn't agree with you more Andrea." The couple walks upstairs to a little door. Darren knocks on it softly. "She's asleep." A voice says. The two enter the room. "Thanks Patti." Andrea says. "Anytime." Patti says as she kisses a very young Allison's forehead and leaves. The two sit at the foot of the bed. "I'm always so tired when I get home. But, as soon as I see her, our baby girl, its feels worth it." Darren says. "I'd do this for a thousand years just for her." Andrea and Darren sat together, watching their child sleep. "No matter what happens to our relationship, we have to work together for her." Andrea said. "Of course." Allison was pulled out of the house. "So, did you find you peace yet?" Matilda asked. "Not really, but I feel a little better about things. Thanks Matilda." Matilda waited. "You aren't being sarcastic, are you?" Matilda questioned. She wasn't walking into this one. "No. I'm being completely genuine. Now-" Allison yawned loudly.

"I'm tired, in a good way. Can I go home?" Matilda held Allison's hand. "Yes, you can go home now." She said as they appeared in front of Allison's aunt's house. Her bedroom window was still open. Allison floated towards her body. "How do I get back in there?" She asked Matilda. "You just lay down." Allison laid on her bed and got back into her body. "Good night, Allison. I'll see you around." Matilda said as she closed the window and drifted away with the breeze.

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spnbaby-67 · 7 years

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"The Surprise"

Hi yall, this is my furst ever one shot, and im kind of nervous. Special thanks to @theshygirlao3 for her help and courage to post. Hope you like it. Not sure how to add tags so im learning. You come home from your 4th day straight of 12 hour shifts from the hospital and all you want to do is grab a bowl of chocolate ice cream and binge watch Supernatural. You’re currently on Season 6 Episode 18 for the millionth time, but hey, who’s counting? You love the show and it’s basically the only one you prefer to watch anyways. The show itself has helped you through so many ups and downs. Plus, you are very attracted to Jensen Ackles, but then again who wouldn’t be? Although you love both Sam and Dean equally, your past life is so much like Dean’s. You’ve been there. You kind of know what it feels like to be the one who holds everything in, so your love for him is undeniable. His pain is so similar to yours, so much so that your heart just feels for him, which in return makes you want to wrap your arms around him to hold him, to soothe his pain away, and tell him everything will be ok. But just as it happens, you know you won’t ever get the chance to do that. Or will you? After a hot shower, changing into your favorite PJ bottoms and top, grabbing your bowl of ice cream, then snuggling comfortably into the couch to finish the rest of the season, the doorbell rang. “Damn it.” you said as you put the bowl of ice cream on the table with a thud and a huff, “Thank god for Netflix.” You got up from the couch, slightly aggravated. “Whoever this is, better have a damn good reason to interrupt me.” You marched to the door. Your heart stops when you see the love of your life at your door with an army green duffle bag falling slowly off his shoulders as his left hand reached up to rub the back of his neck, showing his tiredness from driving, “Hey, baby girl,” he says sleepily. Your face lit up so much that it took you completely by surprise, “JENSEN!” you yelled happily, almost knocking him backwards when you jumped into his arms to hold him. “Oh my god! I thought I wouldn’t see you for another three weeks!” Grabbing his arm, you pull him inside the house, shutting the door behind you. He smiled the best he could, but you could tell he was wiped out, “We actually finished wrapping up early. We had the wrap party and everything else within the last few days. I drove from Vancouver to Texas to be with you.” He walked over to your bar area by the kitchen to lean against it. “Oh, baby, I’m so glad you’re here, but you do know that a plane would have been less tiring, right?” you wanted to giggle, but knew he was tired and didn’t want him to take it the wrong way. A small smile curled upwards on the right side of his mouth, flushing out a dimple. “I know, but how would I have gotten your surprise here?” You looked at him confusingly, “What surprise, Jensen? You know you don’t have to bring me anything. As long as you come home to me that’s all the surprise I want.” You drape your right arm around his neck and stand on your tiptoes to kiss him. He breaks a bit to look at you. ��I know that, that’s why I love you so much, {Y/N}. You make me happy and all my cares go away the minute I see that beautiful face.” He winked at you as he put two fingers under your chin to stop you from shying away. You could feel the crimson flood your cheeks and you knew you were red as a tomato by now. ‘How does he manage to do this to me all the time?’ you say to yourself as you look at him. “I love you, Jensen.” Your eyes dance with each other as you both stare deeply. “I love you, too, {Y/N}.” He put his arms around your waist and pulled you tighter to him. You look up at him. “Wait! What’s my surprise?” He looks at you and asks, “You really want to know?” “Of course! If it took you two days to drive from Vancouver to Texas to get to me, then yes, I want to know.” You started to go through his pockets to see if you could find it. He giggles at the slight touches. “It’s not in there. Well, part of it is.” He held his hands tight around it so you couldn’t see it just yet. “Aww! Come on, babe! Let me see.” You gave him the sad puppy dog eyes that Jared taught you how to do. He shook his head. “Don’t give me that. Damn it Jared… Remind me to punch him when I see him.” Unable to resist your pout, he rolled his eyes and put an arm around you. You laugh and look at him lovingly. “He taught me well.” He hadn’t noticed it yet, but you had paused the TV on Dean looking at Sam, perfect timing with his mouth opened. He saw it now. “Seriously? You had to pause that?” “Well, I was binge watching because that’s the only time I get to see Dean Winchester and this one is my favorite episode.” He took you in a headlock and rubbed the top of your head gently, “You can have Dean Winchester anytime you want him.” He let you go and gave you a wink. “Now, do you want your surprise or what?” You jump up and down with excitement. “I do! I do! Where is it?” He takes you in his arms and once you reach the door he puts his hands on your eyes so you couldn’t see, “Sorry, not yet. Step down. Okay, one more step. There you go. On solid ground now.” He directed your walking since you couldn’t see. “Jensen, come on, baby! What is it?” All you could see was his hand covering your eyes and darkness. “Okay. On the count of 3, I’ll remove my hands. Ready?” We was standing behind you, his chest so close to your back you could feel the heat from him. “I’m ready.“ Your heart sped up as you waited impatiently, wondering what on earth it could be. “Okay. 1…2…threeeeee.” He drug out the 3 a bit to raise your excitement. He took his hands off your eyes and you blinked a couple of times to get adjusted to the evening sun that was facing you in the distance. Your mouth dropped completely when you saw it. “ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?” You turned to look at him. “Nope! It’s all yours, baby.” He was smiling so big he couldn’t contain it. “Oh my god, Jensen!” You jump into his arms and he twirled you around a couple of times before firmly placing you back down. He pulled the keys from his pocket and tossed them to you. “Go check it out. It’s a 2018, too,” he smiled as he stood there looking at you. “EEEEEEKKKKKK!!! I love you, baby!” You kiss him and then run to the driver’s side of your brand new sleek black 2500 Heavy Duty Diesel Denali pickup truck. You’d been wanting one for so long and even worked extra hours at the hospital to get it. You had saved over $20,000 in your bank account because you wanted to show people you could do something on your own. You climbed in to admire the beauty it offered, amazed that Jensen knew you so well with what you wanted. But then a small frown came to your face as he jumped in on the passenger side. “What’s wrong, babe? Don’t you like it?” He looked at you with concern. “I do. I really, really do, but I was saving money to get it. I can’t take this, Jensen.” “Hey, don’t worry about it. You did pay for it.” “What? How?” “Remember when we set up that joint account at the bank and you transferred your savings into it?” He saw you nod your head yes. “Well, I set that up so that your money grows and when I saw that you had enough saved, I took that amount and matched it so you were able to get the truck. It’s all in your name, babe. It’s 100% yours.” Tears fell from your eyes as you looked at him. “I dunno what I’d do without you, babe. Thank you so much! I love you.” You leaned forward to hug him tight and give him a kiss. The sound of the leather seats made you smile against his lips.

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