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chokememaximoff · 9 months

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Shattered Allegiance I

Natasha Romanoff x Reader series

Abstract:Natasha Romanoff finds herself on a mission to track down a former Avenger turned rogue after being kidnapped and brainwashed by Hydra. As she delves into the heart of Tokyo's criminal underworld, she uncovers the dark and twisted path that led her friend down this destructive road. Amidst intense action, psychological turmoil, and unexpected alliances, Natasha must confront her own past and the harsh realities of betrayal.

Tw:violence,abuse,trauma,panic atatcks,detailed descriptions on injuries all throught the story

The world stood on the brink of chaos, caught in the grip of fear and uncertainty. Across the globe, high-profile SHIELD agents were being systematically assassinated, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. These agents were no ordinary operatives; they were former Avengers, once the champions of hope and justice. Now, their lives were extinguished in a series of ruthless killings that shook the foundations of the intelligence community.

Natasha Romanoff sat in a dimly lit briefing room at the heart of SHIELD headquarters, surrounded by holographic screens displaying images of the fallen agents. The room was heavy with tension, and the sense of loss hung in the air like a suffocating fog. Director Nick Fury, his one good eye fixed on the images before him, leaned forward, his fingers steepled beneath his chin.

"Natasha, we're facing a crisis," Fury's gravelly voice cut through the silence. "We've lost six former Avengers in as many days. All of them were targeted and eliminated with surgical precision."

Natasha's gaze shifted from the holographic images to Fury's stern face. The weight of the situation settled on her shoulders. She had faced threats before, but this felt different. These were her comrades, her friends, and now they were being hunted like animals.

"Who could orchestrate something like this?" Natasha's voice was low, laced with a mixture of anger and disbelief.

Agent Maria Hill, standing beside Fury, keyed in a command, and the holographic screens changed to display a complex web of interconnected data points.

"We've been tracking the pattern of these attacks," Hill explained, her finger tracing lines that connected the assassinations. "There's a common thread: all of these agents were part of the same Avengers team, the one that disbanded after the Sokovia incident."

Natasha's mind raced as she connected the dots. The Sokovia incident had been a turning point for the Avengers. The mission had gone awry, resulting in widespread destruction and civilian casualties. The team had disbanded amidst public outcry and political pressure.

"The team fell apart after Sokovia," Natasha murmured, her memories flashing back to the turmoil of that time.

Fury's eye bore into Natasha, his gaze intense. "There's more to it, Natasha. The mission wasn't just a failure. It was a setup, a trap orchestrated by an organization we thought was eradicated."

The room grew colder as the implications of Fury's words sank in. Natasha's mind raced back to Hydra, the shadowy enemy they had fought against for years. If Hydra had returned, it explained the calculated brutality of the assassinations.

Fury continued, "And there's one more detail, Natasha. The assassin behind these attacks, the one who's systematically targeting our former agents, is one of your own."

Natasha's heart skipped a beat. She had thought herself free from the ghosts of her past. But now, those ghosts had resurfaced in the most horrifying way possible.

"Y/N Y/L/N," Hill's voice was somber as she projected an image of a young woman onto the holographic screens. Y/N, the youngest member of their Avengers team, the one with boundless optimism and an unwavering belief in the power of good.

Natasha's jaw clenched as she stared at the image. Y/N had been a force of nature, a bright light in their darkest moments. She had brought hope to their team, and now that light had been snuffed out, replaced by darkness and violence.

"The world needs to know about this," Fury's voice was resolute. "We can't let fear dictate our actions, but we need to act swiftly. Natasha, I'm putting you in charge of this investigation."

Natasha met Fury's gaze, her resolve hardening. She would uncover the truth behind the assassinations, bring down whoever was responsible, and save Y/N from the path she had taken. As she left the briefing room, her mind was a whirlwind of memories and determination. The echoes of her past were resounding, and the echoes of the fallen Avengers would drive her to uncover the painful truth behind these deadly echoes.

Tokyo stood before Natasha Romanoff like a multi-faceted gem, its neon-lit streets a mesmerizing blend of tradition and modernity. As she stepped onto the bustling sidewalks, the city's pulse resonated through her senses. But underneath the veneer of vibrancy lay a darker underbelly, a realm of secrets, crime, and danger.

Natasha's journey led her through the heart of Tokyo's nightlife district. Neon signs adorned the buildings, casting a kaleidoscope of colors onto the streets below. The air hummed with the sound of laughter, music, and the distant hum of traffic. Yet, as Natasha knew all too well, danger often thrived in the shadows of beauty.

The trail Natasha followed was a web of breadcrumbs left by Y/N Y/L/N, a former Avenger turned rogue. The assassinations had led Natasha to this city, where the pursuit of truth intertwined with the hunt for a fallen comrade.

Her initial investigations brought her to a dimly lit bar tucked away in a narrow alley. The low murmur of conversations and the clinking of glasses filled the air. Natasha's reputation preceded her, and wary glances followed her as she entered. The bartender, a stocky man with a tattooed arm, met her gaze with a mixture of wariness and recognition.

"I need information," Natasha said in a voice that carried a weight of authority.

The bartender motioned her to a secluded booth, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for eavesdroppers. As Natasha took a seat, he leaned in, his voice a conspiratorial whisper.

"You're looking for Y/N Y/L/N," he said, his tone a blend of caution and respect. "Word on the street is that she's been tearing through the city, leaving a trail of chaos."

Natasha's jaw clenched. The image of Y/N, a once-bright beacon of hope, now consumed by darkness, was difficult to reconcile. The bartender's information only fueled her determination to find Y/N and bring her back from the brink.

"Where is she now?" Natasha asked, her gaze unwavering.

The bartender hesitated, then leaned in further, his voice barely audible. "Hydra's got her, but she's wounded. She's been keeping a low profile, licking her wounds while plotting her next move."

Natasha thanked him with a nod, and a roll of bills changed hands discreetly. Money was a universal language in the world of informants and criminals, and the bartender's eyes glinted with a mix of gratitude and greed.

In the days that followed, Natasha delved deeper into Tokyo's intricate criminal web. The city's underbelly was a labyrinth of hidden alleys, underground fight clubs, and illicit dealings. Every step brought her closer to Y/N, but it also exposed her to increasingly dangerous adversaries.

One evening, as Natasha navigated a dimly lit alleyway, a group of thugs emerged from the shadows, surrounding her with malicious intent. Their leader sneered, revealing a jagged scar across his cheek.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" he taunted, cracking his knuckles. "You're in the wrong part of town, sweetheart."

Natasha's eyes narrowed, her body tensing in anticipation. The fight that ensued was a symphony of swift, calculated movements. She dispatched her assailants with a mixture of precision and efficiency, leaving them groaning in pain on the pavement.

Her prowess in combat didn't go unnoticed. From the shadows emerged a figure, dressed in dark attire, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of defiance and curiosity.

"Impressive," the woman remarked, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. "You're not your average tourist, are you?"

Natasha's guard remained up as she studied the stranger. The woman introduced herself as Kaito, a brilliant hacker known for her audacity and penchant for trouble. Kaito's words held a promise of knowledge that Natasha needed.

"I know why you're here," Kaito said cryptically, her fingers dancing over a compact keyboard. "If you want to find Y/N, you'll need my help."

An alliance, born out of necessity and mutual interest, began to take shape. Natasha realized that Kaito held valuable information that could lead them closer to Y/N's whereabouts. Together, they dove into the digital underbelly of the city, tracing encrypted communication channels that Hydra used to relay their orders and directives.

The duo's partnership brought them face-to-face with a rogue's gallery of adversaries. Natasha's combat skills and Kaito's technical expertise complemented each other seamlessly. They encountered Yakuza enforcers with inked skin and steely resolve, each encounter a test of their resourcefulness and resilience.

One particularly tense evening, Natasha and Kaito found themselves in a high-stakes poker game held in an underground casino. The tension was palpable as the chips exchanged hands, and Natasha's unreadable expression earned her both respect and suspicion from the other players. Kaito's nimble fingers danced over a set of electronic devices, feeding her real-time data that helped Natasha make calculated decisions.

As the night wore on, Natasha's winnings grew steadily. But it wasn't just money that she was after. Among the participants was a man rumored to have ties to Hydra's operations in Tokyo. The game became a battle of wits, with Natasha's poker face concealing her true intentions.

With a final, calculated move, Natasha went all-in, pushing her remaining chips to the center of the table. The tension in the room was electric as the other players weighed their options. The man with rumored Hydra ties met her gaze, his eyes narrowing in contemplation.

"I fold," he said, his voice curt.

Natasha's heart raced as she revealed her hand, a royal flush that left the other players in awe. As the chips were pushed in her direction, a subtle nod from the man confirmed her suspicions.

After the game, Natasha and Kaito retired to a secluded corner of the casino. Natasha's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, the night's revelations bringing her one step closer to unraveling the enigma that was Y/N Y/L/N.

As the neon lights of Tokyo cast an otherworldly glow on the city, Natasha and Kaito delved deeper into their investigation. The backdrop of neon-lit streets, hidden backrooms, and high-stakes encounters formed the backdrop of their relentless pursuit. The city's vibrant energy was a stark contrast to the darkness they were unraveling, a reminder that danger often wore a beguiling mask.

With each step, Natasha's resolve deepened. She was determined to navigate Tokyo's labyrinthine criminal network, to uncover the truth behind Y/N's descent into darkness, and to face the challenges that lay ahead. As the shadows lengthened, Natasha's path became clearer, leading her ever closer to the truth that awaited her in the heart of the city.

#natasha x reader #natasha romanoff #hydra #mcu #marvel mcu

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altcomics · 6 months

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Apartment.Gallery

That gap between the door and the floor, a crack where crushed sun leaks in. This is what I see before entering Apartment Gallery. All I really remember about the stairwell is the muddy dark brown wood of everything, cut by hiatuses of off-white walls.

It’s an apartment but there isn’t any furniture. There are the paintings, and barely anything else to take in besides them. Two rooms with pictures: the living room and a small bedroom to the left of the kitchen. And in the kitchen there’s an orange slice keychain on a countertop. People huddle in two’s and three’s, their bodies become one big eye, with their heads the iris and turning peripherally. Then at the end of the night, everyone is crosseyed and bowlegged. Always one eye on the painting, the other on your interlocutor.

The show. Two painters unite. Kevin Larmee and Vogel Morra, hung and organized by Blaise — Kevin’s son, the cartoonist — in Chicago’s upper Northside. Kevin Larmee paints people, docks, water, sunless sky (the Beginning) and moonless sky (the End). And Morra paints people, flowers, vases, windows, fireplaces, chairs, and trees. Larmee and Morra’s paintings are joined by the grace and awkwardness needed to dance. Larmee favors blues and blacks, bruising the canvas as a necessary arrow of love. Morra: purples and pinks.

The opening is like this: a dotted line tracing a butterfly’s ditz through the sky.

by Brianna Perry @precious-silly-thing

for House on Fire (2dcloud)

It’s mostly Blaise’s friends here. They seep through the doorway, many of them seem to be meeting for the first time. Someone asks me what I do and I say I am an artist. It feels less embarrassing to say that here. I ask someone, ‘Are you a painter?’ A mawkish ‘kind of’ comes out of her mouth. Some of them are grad students at the University of Chicago, members of a Javanese gamelan ensemble. Spotted: Ash H.G., a cartoonist with a forthcoming graphic novel called East District. And Katherine Dee, the writer and internet anthropologist. The show’s artists are missing. “They’re both mysterious, so — “ trails off Blaise.

Paintings are the alignment of constellations, the flipping of a lucky cigarette into the first spot in a pack, stubby toes on crushed velvet. The fracture is fifty words for snow. Dipping a brush in dreamless water, shaping its hair into a fine cone. A brush’s bristles can be tweezed easily from hogs, sables, minks, mongooses, horses, ponies, wolves, sheep, rabbits, goats, camels, and oxen. The bristles are bred for this, a descending column of Kundalini blockages. A brush is vestigial. We can paint with slices of clementine if we weather the juice.

Larmee’s pictures are cosmic in subject matter but not in scale. There is a tiny importance to them, like a single petal or a Beanie Baby. When I said Larmee painted people, I include angels in this category. A redheaded angel appears opposite his depiction of two figures in silhouette, where one is leading the other through a building being destroyed in a fire.

Morra’s paintings are predominated by portraiture. The figures are nearly expressionless and anhedonic. It becomes increasingly important to the viewer to determine if the scene painted is candid or posed. Argument for candid: the space surrounding the figures is inchoate, tohu-bohu Rastafari. Argument for posed: Everyone who poses for Morra instantly become an image. Morra’s people scrape by with very little definition: a dot that’s an eye, a line that’s a mustache. The figures are saved from facelessness. It’s not anonymity, it’s privacy.

There’s mackerel, rice, beer, an idiom of wine whose name I can’t recall. Stephen tells me the name of the wine and I ask ‘Is that a director?’

The sun’s setting, each ray in danger of falling off the central axis. Larmee’s paintings illuminated in ring-like formations, the sun contouring each painting like melted popsicle circumscribing a mouth. The paintings are all surface: there is no pretense given to stain. It’s a painting. The application of paint is thick, white light is pressed and squeezed out between figures or waves.

Morra lets more light in. There are passages of color above solid blocks of pigment. The subjects of Morra’s paintings are alone. This painter favors the margin. Men sit in corners or against walls, ever brooding. Only the trees feel collective— as faceless, inconspicuous, upright weather vanes. The brushstrokes staccato across the picture plane, each tree having its own auric shield. A tree in the foreground, cooped in pinks. Morra’s paintings are all wall, retaining walls to be specific.

Rock-em sock-em puddles of grass indiscriminately line the bottom of Morra’s painting of trees. This is a terpene-lined pastoral. In the living room, Larmee’s dorky grisaille and oceanic ground respond in kind. The dharma of every picture is that each brushstroke precipitates on the surface of the canvas, foggy warm breath making opaque condensation drawings on the pane of the viewer’s mind.

People fall in and out of the apartment.

And there’s a declining population by 6:30. Conversation has given way to current events. I feel good, because I have talked to everyone there an adequate amount.

One last note: Larmee’s paintings are business-casual, Morra’s are a loosened necktie after a long day at the office. Morra’s paintings struggle to unmoor themselves, the untucked canvas looping around the picture plane like ice cream birthday cake frosting.

The opening’s over. Stragglers sit crosslegged on the floor or perch on the window sill. The sky is purple and blue allover, high noon finally celebrating its quinceañera. It’s getting late, people return to their lives. All we have left is a painting between us, a sick twisted jeremiad dedicated to autumn.

Apartment Gallery is an apartment and gallery on Chicago’s north side. Vogel Morra and Kevin Larmee ran from September 30th to October 23rd, 2023.

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hoodiedeer · 28 days

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idk what prompted it but a few days ago i started thinking about the organ trail directors cut ost again and it has been stuck in my head ever since. and according to steam i havent played for 4 years so i feel like its just calling out to me. also even tho that was after the final cut/complete edition ive never played that

so something possessed me to start a suicide difficulty run of this game i havent played in years and has new mechanics I know nothing about. but we are thriving. i am locked in

#shut up green #i didnt expect to get nearly this far but its not too bad #i just have to put a lot of thought into what to prioritize and stuff #well also. i got the snow cone machine upgrade which is probably doing a lot of heavy lifting now that i think about it #organ trail

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notwiselybuttoowell · 10 months

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Tree protection activists stood silently at the back of the Seattle City Council chambers on Tuesday. The city's urban canopy wasn't on the meeting agenda so the group conveyed its message with signs that read "Save Our Trees," "Put Climate Justice on the Agenda" and "Don't Clear Cut Seattle." Organizers said they want to send a signal to city council that too many trees in Seattle’s urban forest are at risk because of housing developments. One tree in particular has become a flashpoint for this ongoing debate. Several groups have rallied in recent weeks around a massive red cedar in the city’s Wedgwood neighborhood. It appears protected for now, after intervention by the Snoqualmie Tribe. But as a new tree ordinance takes effect this Sunday, July 30, the question looms of how Seattle will protect its largest and oldest trees. On a recent morning in Wedgwood, birdcalls mixed with the sounds of construction. You could hear all kinds of songbirds —flickers and nuthatches, wrens, towhees and chickadees — near the cedar people are now calling Luma. It towered above, on the edge of a lot that’s been cleared for six new housing units. Up high in its branches was a tree-sitter who had been there for days. She said her name is Droplet and that she was there on Wednesday when the Snoqualmie Tribe came through with a state archeologist. “I got to look down and watch the Snoqualmie Tribe evaluate Luma and do ceremony. And it was the most incredible thing I've got to witness,” she said. After the ceremony and site inspection, they concluded that Luma is a culturally modified tree, its limbs bent into a kind of living trail marker, likely pointing the way on a route connecting Lake Washington and Puget Sound. “So instead of cutting down a tree and building a signpost, it was done in a way that allowed the tree to remain living and healthy,” said Jaime Martin, the executive director of governmental affairs and special projects for the Snoqualmie Tribe. Under state law, the tree is now subject to protection as an archeological site. The developer, Legacy Group Capital, will need a permit from the state Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation before they can modify it. The state said getting one will take at least 60 days, including 30 days for consultation with the tribe that registered the artifact. Legacy Group Capital did not respond to a request for comment. She said Seattle has no protections in place for culturally modified trees – not in its current tree ordinance and not in the new one. ”Basically, the city has a huge blind spot. And that's how to work with tribes and how to have meaningful consultation,” Martin said. Both the city and the tribe have stated their desire to work to fix that. However, tree activists say the Wedgewood cedar is just one example of how Seattle is failing to protect its largest trees. Numerous amendments proposed by the city’s appointed Urban Forestry Commission meant to address this and other concerns did not make it into the new tree ordinance. Calls for a better balance between the needs of developers and those of tree protectionists fell on deaf ears. Despite assurances that fixes could be made before the new code takes effect, it appears nothing is in the works. And any future amendments will take months, if not years, to implement. Councilmember Dan Strauss, who chairs Seattle’s Land Use Committee and presided over the update of the ordinance that passed in May, declined to be interviewed for this story. But he spoke at a council briefing earlier this month: “At the final passage of the tree protection ordinance, I stated the desire to clean up and continue refining this ordinance. I still believe that today,” he said. He said council will craft and pass a resolution outlining the scope and process for amendments. This will happen either in September or December, depending on the responsiveness of stakeholders. In the meantime, the Snoqualmie Tribe has called on Mayor Bruce Harrell to use his executive power to delay enactment of the new tree ordinance.

#seattle #culturally modified trees #archeology #snoqualmie #coast salish #trees #urban canopies #urban development #luma #tree ordinance

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mariacallous · 1 year

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Thanks to COVID-19 and a host of geopolitical factors, the 2020s are setting out to be a turbulent decade. The pandemic left a trail of economic and social crises in its wake: An increase in health, stimulus, and social expenditures over the past three years added to the fiscal burden of several countries, and the aftershocks of tightening monetary policies in advanced economies tipped countries such as Sri Lanka, Zambia, and Ghana to default on their debt. Russia’s war in Ukraine, meanwhile, has raised global food and fuel prices, harming the world’s most vulnerable. And the threat of global warming is only growing.

Amid this polycrisis—a term popularized by this magazine’s columnist, Adam Tooze—the World Bank is more important than ever. Founded in 1944, the organization is the oldest and largest multilateral development bank on the planet, with 189 member states. It provides low- and middle-income countries with a variety of long-term policy-based loans for social, governance, and infrastructure projects. In this way, the bank is distinct from the International Monetary Fund, whose mission is to promote fiscal stability through the provision of emergency loans to countries experiencing debt crises.

The World Bank is now undergoing a leadership transition. The bank’s president is traditionally an American nominated by the United States. Departing President David Malpass led the organization through a tepid COVID-19 response and was criticized for his ambiguous stance on climate change. Now, U.S. President Joe Biden has nominated Ajay Banga, an Indian-born American who ran the payments company Mastercard for a decade, for the role. If confirmed by the World Bank’s board of directors, Banda’s success will hinge on being able to do more with less.

Well-meaning advocates such as Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley want the World Bank to pursue an expansionist reform agenda. This means the bank would increase its existing lending to countries and widen the scope of its engagement to new areas, especially by investing in so-called “global public goods,” such as fighting climate change and proactively preventing pandemics. Mottley has proposed a large-scale reform of the global financial architecture known as the Bridgetown Initiative. Among other measures, the initiative seeks to increase multilateral development banks’ concessional lending—loans with favorable terms—to $1 trillion. The World Bank’s own evolution roadmap for reform also plans to increase lending in middle-income regions where other financiers are very active, such as Southeast Asia. Yet these sorts of expansionist reform proposals overestimate the bank’s capacity to take on new responsibilities on its own and using public finance. Banga himself acknowledges that “working alone, [the World Bank] will fall short of what is required.”

Expanding the World Bank’s lending and scope will not make it more effective; in fact, doing so would overload an organization already stretched thin. In today’s polycrisis, the World Bank cannot go it alone. The global infrastructure investment gap is already $15 trillion, and at least $150 billion is needed annually in Africa alone to build hospitals, power plants, and electric grids. But without cutting-edge financial innovations, the bank’s capital base is unlikely to expand. In theory, the World Bank’s total capital base is $298 billion, but in practice only $19.2 billion has actually been paid by donor countries and thus is available for lending. The remaining $270 billion is callable capital comprising guarantees from donor countries and has never been drawn upon.

Take the bank’s concessional arm, the International Development Association (IDA), into which rich countries pool resources to be packaged as loans to the poor countries. It is unlikely that wealthy donor countries will significantly increase their IDA contributions this year due to projections of slow economic growth and the war in Ukraine, among other geostrategic considerations.

The United Kingdom is an important bellwether for these funding trends. Historically the third-largest IDA donor after the United States and Japan, the U.K. in 2020 cut its total aid budget from 0.7 percent of gross national income to 0.5 percent “until after 2027/28 at least.” These cuts affect the U.K.’s contributions to multilateral organizations, especially the World Bank, which the British government confirmed would receive more than 50 percent less from 2022 to 2025 (about $1.7 billion) than from to 2020 to 2023 (about $3.7 billion).

The U.K.’s 2022 aid strategy also explicitly states that London “intends to deliver more aid directly to countries, rather than via multilateral institutions such as the World Bank.” This may be at least in part because the U.K.—like the United States—is gearing up for competition with China, which is seeking leverage commensurate with its economic weight at the bank. China wants to expand the bank’s shareholder voting power to have more of a say in how the organization is run. This would also increase Beijing’s own contributions to the IDA. But it is difficult to see the United States, U.K., and European Union—which has explicitly identified China as a “systemic rival” and “economic competitor”—giving the country more power at the bank, even if doing so could ease the IDA’s operations.

On the whole, IDA contributions will not increase materially without new donors—and as long as traditional contributors such as the U.K. prefer to channel their foreign aid bilaterally or for domestic purposes. This trend is likely to accelerate: A growing share of the U.K.’s bilateral aid is currently being redirected domestically to Ukrainian refugees and could increase multifold if extended to Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts in the coming years. Meanwhile, U.S. contributions to IDA replenishment cycles have declined since 2010, and the EU is grappling with an economic slump.

With these limited resources, the World Bank must respond to the polycrisis by refocusing on its core strengths. Then, it must use the right blend of instruments to advance these redefined priorities, coordinating better with other development actors and strengthening its own staff morale.

First, the World Bank must go back to the basics. At its core, it is a policy bank that finances the development needs of client countries. But in a world where development needs intersect with the imperative of drastically reducing carbon emissions, the bank should help low- and middle-income countries figure out how to integrate climate action into their industrialization. The World Bank should make sure any climate financing it provides is not a replacement for these countries’ productivity and growth priorities, but instead an enhancement.

For instance, in West, Central, and East Africa—where eight out of 10 people lack access to clean cooking fuels and instead use charcoal derived from cutting down and burning trees—the World Bank should help finance pipeline infrastructure to expand access to liquified petroleum gas from gas-rich countries such as Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania. While natural gas is a fossil fuel that the world should eventually transition away from, it is a much cleaner option than cutting down trees for biomass, a strategy widely used by rural populations in Africa.

In other words: Rather than pushing climate solutions that are conceived in and respond to historically high-emitting rich countries’ green priorities—such as replacing gas stoves with electric ones—the World Bank’s climate finance should reflect borrower countries’ growth, poverty reduction, and industrialization priorities. After all, for the nearly 600 million Africans who lack access to a steady source of electricity, the immediate adoption of electric stoves is wildly unrealistic.

Second, the World Bank must harness its lending, advisory, and analytical instruments to close productivity gaps in low- and middle-income countries. A crucial driver of productivity growth is infrastructure, from roads and bridges to electricity and digital connectivity. In fiscal year 2022, the World Bank’s infrastructure lending was only $10 billion—one-third of the $30 billion borrowed by African countries that year. One way for the World Bank to increase this infrastructure lending would be to up its direct financing of projects in low-income countries. But more fundamentally, the bank could encourage the private sector to invest in low- and middle-income countries. It is impossible for the organization to be the only authority responsible for closing infrastructure financing gaps around the world.

The World Bank can attract private capital by lowering the investment climate risk in low- and middle-income countries’ markets. The private sector is often reluctant to invest in these countries due to monetary and fiscal instability, as well as the unpredictability of procurement, licensing, and contracting processes. But the bank can deploy its analytical expertise to identify investment-ready projects and conduct feasibility studies on them; provide technical assistance around environmental, social, and fiduciary responsibility standards as well as policy and regulatory reforms; and provide guarantees and insurance mechanisms to the private sector through the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency.

The World Bank’s technical assistance was instrumental to China’s economic transformation from a poor country in the 1970s to the world’s second largest economy today. The bank promoted better project management, competitive bidding, and technical improvements in the country’s numerous infrastructure projects of the 1990s. This means the new World Bank president has a template to get private capital into low- and middle-income countries and does not need to reinvent the wheel. Rather, the bank’s next leader should build on the elaborate groundwork already laid by the organization’s 2017 Maximizing Finance for Development initiative, which sought to achieve these exact same objectives but was largely derailed by bureaucratic politicking.

Third, the World Bank must ensure its data remains credible. The bank’s impartial and rigorous analytics—from flagship global reports to regional- and country-specific analyses—are essential in a world that is increasingly polarized. Researchers, policy advocates, and decision-makers rely on the thousands of economic and social indicators curated in the bank’s public data bank to do their jobs. It is a true global public good. The World Bank must continue setting the global development debate by ensuring its analytical work is grounded in data, draws from its deep institutional memory, and stays free of political bias. This will strengthen the bank’s credibility—on everything from public debt to infrastructure finance and climate change—and thus enhance its convening power among the world’s major and middle powers.

Finally, the World Bank’s new president must be strategic in working with important stakeholders inside and outside of the institution. For one, the bank must work to retain top talent. Some of its brightest minds have left due to frustrations with the organization’s bureaucratic structure and political stances. Fixing the bank’s retention problem will require reducing the uncertainties associated with its frequent and haphazard organizational restructurings. Within the past six years alone, the bank’s macroeconomic, trade, fiscal, finance, and private sector divisions have been merged, separated, collapsed, and restructured more than four times in ways that have seriously dampened staff morale.

Furthermore, a stronger commitment to increasing the pipeline of staff from low- and middle-income countries who rise to middle and upper management—particularly those of African descent—will be crucial to retaining top talent from diverse backgrounds, who often experience higher attrition rates. Staff of African descent are poorly represented in the World Bank’s middle management even though the Africa region accounts for 83 percent of total IDA commitments in fiscal year 2022. This lack of representation in the bank’s infrastructure sectors is one important reason the organization has a small footprint in these critical sectors in Africa.

Outside the organization, the new World Bank president should proactively seek ways to work with other major development actors, from regional development banks and international financial institutions to corporate philanthropies and institutional investors such as sovereign wealth funds and pension funds. There are regions where the World Bank’s role as development lender is eclipsed by regional development banks, such as the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in Central and Southeast Asia or Chinese policy banks in Africa. While the World Bank still has an important role to play in these regions, a better appraisal of its value-addition will be essential to clarifying its role.

The World Bank’s leadership transition offers an opportunity for the institution to retool its mandate to effectively address the polycrisis. Although the bank is no longer the top development financier in most parts of the world, it remains critical to global development. It will be incumbent on the World Bank’s new president to redefine the bank’s purpose in a crowded development finance landscape where the needs are high but geopolitics—especially intensifying U.S.-China competition—can be debilitating. So much will depend on being able to do more with less.

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smmpanels-posts · 1 year

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The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Great Social Media Manager

An incredible online entertainment director is, as Ron Burgundy would agree: "The balls".

It's undeniably true's that each business should be dynamic in online entertainment. The consistently changing requests of the cutting edge shopper expects brands to think quick and adjust rapidly to remain one stride ahead.

The job of a web-based entertainment chief has engaged the mass age of socially-dynamic web clients. It's hard not to. Particularly when some could feel that you can acquire oodles of cash from posting Facebook refreshes. Barely.

ALSO VISIT:-Facebook Presentation Secrets for Social Media

Being an online entertainment chief is similar to being a professional comic. You need to rapidly comprehend your crowd and your commitment with them is crucial. To achieve this, you want to be aware in the event that the crowd is snickering at your jokes and you want to know this progressively. In the event that you can do this, then, at that point, you have previously won the group.

All in all, how would you turn into a social chief? More forthright, how would you turn into an extraordinary social supervisor?

The response will amaze to some. You, right off the bat, need to need it. Second, you need to adore it. Third, you need to learn it. What's more, regardless of whether you mark this multitude of boxes, you ought to ask yourself: "Am I a social individual?" In the event that the response is no, turning into a virtual entertainment director is likely not really for you…

So we should investigate the details.

LinkedIn shows 57,910 outcomes for "web-based entertainment chief" Virtual entertainment has now overwhelmed pornography as the number 1 movement on the web 97% of all buyers look for neighborhood organizations on the web 71% of buyers getting a fast brand reaction via virtual entertainment say they would probably prescribe that brand to other people 93% of advertisers utilize virtual entertainment for business With regards to trouble of execution, almost half (49%) of B2B advertisers put virtual entertainment showcasing at the top, trailed by satisfied promoting (39%), Website design enhancement (26%) and versatile (25%) 77% of B2B advertisers utilize a blog as a component of their substance promoting blend By and large, 25% of advertising spending plans are currently spent on satisfied improvement, conveyance and advancement 78% of private ventures draw in new clients through friendly destinations When requested to rank their organization's social business development on a size of 1 to 10, the greater part of worldwide business chiefs provided their organization with a score of 3 or underneath However, the measurement that is generally applicable to this article is:

Only 12% of those utilizing social advertising feel they really use it successfully. Being a virtual entertainment chief carries with it a few critical advantages inside an independent setting. The most conspicuous being the way that you work for yourself. You settle on the choices and reply to nobody. You send the solicitations and you set the approaches. Hell, you could sit in your undies the entire day on the PC assuming you needed to.

The other is cash. It is a sought after job, yet one that organizations are as yet battling to deal with. A few organizations understand and comprehend the worth web-based entertainment could bring to their endeavor and will put vigorously in hearty virtual entertainment crusades. Working for yourself, you can choose how to appropriately set your expenses and cost.

One more appealing explanation is the low obstructions to passage. With low beginning up expenses and a lot of web-based assets (like this one!) to quickly diminish the learning fix, anybody can send off an independent social administration business inside a short space of time.

I'll recount to you my story not long from now on the whole, we should investigate the fundamental abilities you'll have to turn into an extraordinary virtual entertainment chief..

Principal Abilities:

Showcasing Information

You ought to have a decent handle of the fundamental promoting standards. Some training in promoting would be gainful, yet if not you can find numerous quality assets on the web.

Experience

Your experience doesn't be guaranteed to must be restricted to life encounters. Have you dealt with your own web-based entertainment profiles for some time? Do you have at least some idea how to actually keep up with your own social records and comprehend what clients anticipate?

Amiable

I addressed this toward the start of the article. In the event that you are not a friendly individual - somebody who could do without imparting a lot and isn't exceptionally cordial, then, at that point, turning into a virtual entertainment chief simply isn't really for you. Without a doubt, you can take cover behind a catchphrase and screen for some time, however clients will normally need to meet, talk on the telephone, or have Skype meetings sooner or later.

Project The executives

You don't must have a Prince2 endorsement, however you truly do should have the option to oversee projects and your time well. It's run of the mill for web-based entertainment administrator's to work with various clients at any one time. Monitoring everything is significant so it doesn't get overpowering.

Mechanical

Virtual entertainment exists on the web. Subsequently, you want to have a specific level of PC proficiency. Having great information on friendly innovation will improve your administrations and guarantee you are staying up with the latest with the most recent social patterns and advancements.

Relational Abilities:

Correspondence

It sort of should be obvious that on the off chance that you will address an organization and drawing in with their clients, then, at that point, you should serious areas of strength for have abilities.

Character

Organizations tend not to need to employ individuals with no character to follow up in the interest of their image. It doesn't resound well with them, or their crowds.

Responsiveness

I've addressed this a couple of times - online entertainment is extremely quick moving. Suppose one of your social tasks was to a great extent zeroed in on client support and you didn't answer client grumblings or questions for a really long time. Individuals online need quick reactions. Having the option to satisfy these necessities can stand your client (and you!) in great stead.

Pioneering

To turn into an online entertainment supervisor in an independent limit, you must be a self-starter. You ought to exceed all expectations and face a couple of monetary challenges en route. In the event that you don't get some work that pays sufficient in one month, what will this mean for you?

Performing multiple tasks

An incredible online entertainment supervisor should have the option to complete a great many undertakings successfully.

Association

You ought to constantly be very efficient while conveying web-based entertainment the executives administrations. I utilize a wide range of customary devices like schedules, white sheets and undertaking records to keep myself coordinated. I additionally utilize numerous web-based authoritative apparatuses, for example, Thunderbird for getting to all my email accounts in a single spot, Dropbox to effortlessly impart reports to clients and bookmarks to monitor every one of the sites I habitually visit.

Key Reasoning

Having the option to thoroughly consider crusades before they occur and some of the time breaking new ground when required, are incredible resource for have as a web-based entertainment chief. Clients will generally need to know how you will accomplish something prior to allowing you to make it happen, so having the option to introduce an unmistakable and brief methodology is fundamental.

Adaptable (with movement)

In opposition to mainstream thinking, an independent web-based entertainment chief needs to leave his office here and there! In the event that this is an issue for you, you ought to ponder beginning another calling. Practically every sizeable venture I attempt includes different gatherings with the client. You ought to have sensible pitching abilities, as you might be expected to sell your administrations eye to eye as well, prior to being recruited. You might try and select to take on in-house work.

More extensive Abilities:

Copywriting

Each great online entertainment supervisor is an extraordinary essayist. Composing structures the underpinnings of numerous parts of internet showcasing, be it making promotions, composing web journals, drawing in with clients, prearranging deals duplicate or composing public statements.

Visual communication

Essentially all online entertainment stages give the usefulness to alter the connection point and consolidate your own marking. On the off chance that you are sharp with Photoshop (or comparative plan programming), you are strategically set up to offer these administrations as a feature of your virtual entertainment bundle. Likewise, making content, for example, infographics, flags or pictures is standard practice for a virtual entertainment chief.

Promoting

Each virtual entertainment director ought to have sound information on promoting. Be it Pay-Per-Snap (PPC) publicizing or flag promoting, you ought to know the intricate details of each discipline and comprehend how to improve each configuration.

Advertising is intently attached to online entertainment showcasing, as in both include dealing with the spread of data between a business and the general population. You might begin not expecting to have a profound information on PR, as regularly oversaw by bigger brands have a premium in convincing partners, financial backers or the general population to keep a specific perspective.

Measurable

All that in advertising ought to be estimated. You ought to occasionally gauge and break down your social showcasing execution and produce reports to your clients to exhibit your worth.

Website design enhancement

Understanding what virtual entertainment means for website streamlining will at last further develop crusade execution. In 2012, there was a normal of 5,134,000,000 pursuits on Google consistently. In the event that you figure Search engine optimization doesn't make any difference to your social exercises, reconsider.

Conventional Advertising

Despite the fact that you for the most part won't be engaged with conventional promoting rehearses while undertaking a virtual entertainment the executives job, you ought to comprehend what the two types of showcasing mean for one another and how each can be best utilized to supplement the other.

Video Altering

This will most likely be the most un-utilized of your more extensive abilities, yet in any case it can help you in your social showcasing positions. I've had a couple of clients that expected introductions or show recordings to be altered prior to being utilized inside their online entertainment crusades. I'm without a doubt no master, yet having a healthy degree of information in utilizing Windows Film Creator (or comparative video altering programming) can divert that video document directly from the camera into a lovely, YouTube-prepared video.

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edforall123 · 1 year

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Things To Know About higher certificate in business management

What is Business The executives? The U.S. economy is loaded up with different vocation choices. higher certificate in business management From cultivating to assembling to medical care, the decisions accessible are pretty much as changed as our populace. higher certificate in business management As per the latest U,S. Registration Agency study, there were around 23 million firms open in 2004 (Measurements of U.S. Organizations, 2004). Almost 3/4 of those business elements were independent ventures without any representatives on finance, while less than 1,000 organizations utilized somewhere around 10,000 specialists. The one thing that they all share for all intents and purpose is the requirement for business the executives. What is business the board? As a rule, demonstration of dealing with a business venture includes the preparation, putting together, coordination, control, and authority of assets toward the objective of satisfying a need in return for remuneration. Whether the organization comprises of numerous specialists or essentially the proprietor, compelling administration of the business is fundamental for progress.

The disciplines that are normal among most organizations incorporate the accompanying monetary administration; Ideals and promoting capabilities · satisfaction and coordinated operations (how the organization finishes its commitment to its clients) consumer loyalty and critical thinking legitimate and administrative consistence; correspondence capabilities; innovation the executives. Organizations with workers additionally require employing methods work force the board Keen on finding out more? Why not take a web-based Business The board course? business administrative commitments.For bigger organizations, the board capabilities are split between a few group. For instance, organizations with numerous representatives have a HR office, which handles recruiting, terminating, private issues, protection and different advantages, and finance the executives Supervisors at the highest point of the organization association, generally known as senior administration or upper administration, are engaged with coordinating the business.

These positions require great initiative abilities, alongside broad information on the business. Exploring the organization through evolving guidelines, confounded work issues, or expanded rivalry is the essential focal point of these people. Obligations commonly incorporate creating techniques, arrangements, and rules. Ranking directors are engaged with making the organization's central goal, targets and vision. Exercises additionally incorporate determining and arranging. Contingent upon the size of the organization, upper administration might be answerable for planning the execution of the approaches, practices, and projects of the business.The following layer of the executives in sizable organizations comprises of center administration positions. The essential job for these workers is to lead, control, and spur divisions of the organization and report to upper administration. Since their capability is more restricted in scope inside the organization, they are not liable for making wide, directional choices like that of senior administration. Center supervisors ensure the bearings coming from top administration are carried out inside their divisions.Beneath the center chiefs on the authoritative outline are the office heads or bosses. Their central obligation is to ensure organization approaches, systems, and occupation capabilities are being trailed by cutting edge laborers, who play out the work movement for the organization.

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smmpanelhere · 1 year

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The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Great Social Media Manager

An extraordinary web-based entertainment supervisor is, as Ron Burgundy would agree: "The balls".

It's obviously true's that each business should be dynamic in web-based entertainment. The always changing requests of the cutting edge shopper expects brands to think quick and adjust rapidly to remain one stride ahead.

The job of a web-based entertainment supervisor has spoke to the mass age of socially-dynamic web clients. It's hard not to. Particularly when some could feel that you can procure truckloads of money from posting Facebook refreshes. Barely.

ALSO VISIT:-Facebook Presentation Secrets for Social Media

Being a web-based entertainment director is similar to being a professional comic. You need to rapidly comprehend your crowd and your commitment with them is crucial. To achieve this, you really want to be aware on the off chance that the crowd is chuckling at your jokes and you really want to know this progressively. In the event that you can do this, then, at that point, you have previously won the group.

All in all, how would you turn into a social chief? More direct, how would you turn into an extraordinary social supervisor?

The response will shock to some. Right off the bat, you need to need it. Second, you need to adore it. Third, you need to learn it. What's more, regardless of whether you mark this large number of boxes, you ought to ask yourself: "Am I a social individual?" In the event that the response is no, turning into a web-based entertainment chief is likely not so much for you…

So we should investigate the details.

LinkedIn shows 57,910 outcomes for "online entertainment supervisor" Virtual entertainment has now overwhelmed pornography as the number 1 action on the web 97% of all buyers look for nearby organizations on the web 71% of purchasers getting a fast brand reaction via virtual entertainment say they would probably prescribe that brand to other people 93% of advertisers utilize online entertainment for business Regarding trouble of execution, almost half (49%) of B2B advertisers put web-based entertainment promoting at the top, trailed by happy showcasing (39%), Search engine optimization (26%) and versatile (25%) 77% of B2B advertisers utilize a blog as a component of their substance promoting blend All things considered, 25% of showcasing financial plans are presently spent on happy turn of events, conveyance and advancement 78% of private ventures draw in new clients through friendly destinations When requested to rank their organization's social business development on a size of 1 to 10, the greater part of worldwide business chiefs provided their organization with a score of 3 or underneath In any case, the measurement that is generally applicable to this article is:

Only 12% of those utilizing social promoting feel they really use it successfully. Being an online entertainment chief carries with it a few vital advantages inside an independent setting. The most unmistakable being the way that you work for yourself. You go with the choices and reply to nobody. You send the solicitations and you set the approaches. Hell, you could sit in your underwear the entire day on the PC in the event that you needed to.

The other is cash. It is a popular job, however one that organizations are as yet battling to grapple with. A few organizations understand and comprehend the worth online entertainment could bring to their endeavor and will put vigorously in powerful virtual entertainment crusades. Working for yourself, you can choose how to in like manner set your expenses and cost.

One more alluring explanation is the low obstructions to section. With low beginning up expenses and a lot of internet based assets (like this one!) to quickly diminish the learning fix, anybody can send off an independent social administration business inside a short space of time.

I'll recount to you my story in practically no time on the whole, we should investigate the fundamental abilities you'll have to turn into an extraordinary virtual entertainment director..

Essential Abilities:

Promoting Information

You ought to have a decent handle of the essential promoting standards. Some training in showcasing would be advantageous, however if not you can find numerous quality assets on the web.

Experience

Your experience doesn't be guaranteed to must be restricted to life encounters. Have you dealt with your own online entertainment profiles for some time? Do you have any idea about how to actually keep up with your own social records and comprehend what clients anticipate?

Friendly

I addressed this toward the start of the article. On the off chance that you are not a friendly individual - somebody who could do without conveying a lot and isn't exceptionally cordial, then turning into a web-based entertainment director simply isn't so much for you. Certainly, you can take cover behind a watchword and screen for some time, however clients will as a rule need to meet, talk on the telephone, or have Skype meetings sooner or later.

Project The board

You don't must have a Prince2 endorsement, however you really do should have the option to oversee projects and your time well. It's normal for online entertainment administrator's to work with different clients at any one time. Monitoring everything is significant so it doesn't get overpowering.

Innovative

Virtual entertainment exists on the web. Thusly, you want to have a specific level of PC proficiency. Having great information on friendly innovation will improve your administrations and guarantee you are staying up with the latest with the most recent social patterns and advancements.

Relational Abilities:

Correspondence

It sort of should be obvious that on the off chance that you will address an organization and drawing in with their clients, then, at that point, you should areas of strength for have abilities.

Character

Organizations tend not to need to employ individuals with no character to follow up for their image. It doesn't resound well with them, or their crowds.

Responsiveness

I've addressed this a couple of times - virtual entertainment is exceptionally quick moving. Suppose one of your social tasks was to a great extent zeroed in on client care and you didn't answer client grumblings or questions for a really long time. Individuals online need fast reactions. Having the option to satisfy these necessities can stand your client (and you!) in great stead.

Innovative

To turn into an online entertainment chief in an independent limit, you must be a self-starter. You ought to exceed everyone's expectations and face a couple of monetary challenges en route. On the off chance that you don't get some work that pays sufficient in one month, what will this mean for you?

Performing multiple tasks

An incredible web-based entertainment supervisor should have the option to do a large number of undertakings really.

Association

You ought to continuously be very efficient while conveying online entertainment the board administrations. I utilize a wide range of customary devices like schedules, white sheets and undertaking records to keep myself coordinated. I additionally utilize numerous web-based hierarchical devices, for example, Thunderbird for getting to all my email accounts in a single spot, Dropbox to effortlessly impart reports to clients and bookmarks to monitor every one of the sites I habitually visit.

Vital Reasoning

Having the option to thoroughly consider crusades before they occur and at times breaking new ground when required, are incredible resource for have as an online entertainment director. Clients will quite often need to know how you will accomplish something prior to allowing you to make it happen, so having the option to introduce an unmistakable and brief procedure is fundamental.

Adaptable (with movement)

In opposition to mainstream thinking, an independent online entertainment director needs to leave his office some of the time! In the event that this is an issue for you, you ought to contemplate beginning another calling. Practically every sizeable venture I embrace includes numerous gatherings with the client. You ought to have sensible pitching abilities, as you might be expected to sell your administrations eye to eye as well, prior to being recruited. You might try and select to take on in-house work.

More extensive Abilities:

Copywriting

Each great online entertainment supervisor is an extraordinary essayist. Composing structures the underpinnings of numerous parts of internet showcasing, be it making advertisements, composing web journals, drawing in with clients, prearranging deals duplicate or composing public statements.

Visual computerization

Basically all online entertainment stages give the usefulness to modify the connection point and consolidate your own marking. In the event that you are sharp with Photoshop (or comparable plan programming), you are well-positioned to offer these administrations as a component of your virtual entertainment bundle. Essentially, making content, for example, infographics, flags or pictures is standard practice for an online entertainment director.

Promoting

Each virtual entertainment administrator ought to have sound information on promoting. Be it Pay-Per-Snap (PPC) promoting or flag publicizing, you ought to know the intricate details of each discipline and comprehend how to upgrade each arrangement.

Advertising is intently attached to online entertainment showcasing, as in both include dealing with the spread of data between a business and the general population. You might begin not expecting to have a profound information on PR, as commonly oversaw by bigger brands have a premium in convincing partners, financial backers or general society to keep a specific perspective.

Measurable

All that in advertising ought to be estimated. You ought to occasionally gauge and break down your social promoting execution and produce reports to your clients to show your worth.

Website design enhancement

Understanding what virtual entertainment means for website streamlining will eventually further develop crusade execution. In 2012, there was a normal of 5,134,000,000 quests on Google consistently. In the event that you figure Website optimization doesn't make any difference to your social exercises, reconsider.

Customary Advertising

Despite the fact that you by and large won't be engaged with conventional showcasing rehearses while undertaking a virtual entertainment the executives job, you ought to comprehend what the two types of promoting mean for one another and how each can be best utilized to supplement the other.

Video Altering

This will presumably be the most un-utilized of your more extensive abilities, yet by and by it can help you in your social promoting positions. I've had a couple of clients that expected introductions or show recordings to be altered prior to being utilized inside their online entertainment crusades. I'm without a doubt no master, however having a healthy degree of information in utilizing Windows Film Producer (or comparable video altering programming) can divert that video document directly from the camera into a wonderful, YouTube-prepared video.

Regardless of whether you have every one of the essential abilities to turn into a virtual entertainment chief, there is still degree to work on your administrations by utilizing different social instruments and programming. I'll rapidly recap on two distinct bits of programming I utilize that might end up being useful to you I

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untilteddocument · 1 year

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After-Action Archive Phoenix Point 1st Gig - The Festering Skies

Welcome again, one and all, to the After-Action Archive! I've been writing and posting these up in Discords I'm part of, and in the interests of archival and having easier access, now that I have a Tumblr I'm putting them up here with some edits and extra information where I feel necessary. Bear in mind, these are nowhere near plentiful enough to count as a full LP, but consider it a sort of highlight reel. With that in mind, let's dig right in.

The good thing about this mission is, it's pretty cut-and-dried, storyline-wise, so there won't be as much lore and pathos as last time. Hell, every faction collaborated to an unreal extent because they recognized the problem at the center of this mission as unilateral and unambiguous.

So, what's the problem?

It's important to note that the Pandoravirus doesn't "just" turn people into monsters. This isn't a zombie apocalypse with the serial numbers filed off. It's rewriting the entire ecosystem.

The beasties we fight on missions are just the things small enough to notice us. I don't have the screenshot, but the Phoenix Project can also come across a beached mutated whale, oblivious to the moral dilemmas of the tiny oil apes watching it struggle. In another, a ghost ship turns up in two different locations, and it's all but said outright that the Pandoravirus plus a few hundred tons of combined organic material made it possible. There's a reason that every faction uses the air and land and eschews the sea. Here be dragons, indeed.

So, the problem, going back to the initial point, is that the air and land have become contested territory.

Mount Egg eventually hatched into a massive Pandoran kaiju, the aptly-dubbed Behemoth. Reportedly miles wide, it rampaged across the landscape, more than capable of flattening any haven in its path. Worse, it's surrounded by a thick swarm of Pandoran fliers, the Festering Skies, that aid in making any attack we have access to impossible. Periodically, some fliers head out on raids, only adding to the potential devastation.

All factions immediately took measures to arm their aircraft and even collaborate on some weaponry designs, but all they proved able to do was annoy or bore it. After enough actions were completed by the Behemoth or its fliers, or else enough got disrupted by the air forces arrayed against them, the Behemoth would withdraw to the nearest coastline and retreat into the ocean, until such time as it saw fit to emerge once again.

Its ability to emerge from any ocean-connected coastline encouraged aggressive expansion, constructing effective bridges out of bases and points of interest to intercept it wherever it may appear. It also demanded a large air force, seeing as it could attack while people were already busy with the usual land-based Pandoran forces. Still, as nerve-wracking as its rampages were, they also provided information that led to a solution. Sometimes, instead of just damaging or destroying a haven, the Behemoth or its fliers would decide to infest it (if the player is attentive enough that it never happens on its own, the game provides a mission with one at a predetermined point). The Corruption Node at the center of these infestations, when researched, pointed to a possible way to defeat the Festering Skies, and following other research left by our last director, Randolph Symes III, provided the payload to be deployed upon doing so: the virophage.

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

Quick note: Spoilers ahead!

Following Symes's breadcrumb trail led to a startling finding: we were not alone on this planet.

We were preceded by the Antediluvians, some precursor species who were beseiged by the Pandoravirus...and won. They deployed a terrible counter-weapon, the virophage, which culled the Pandoravirus into dormancy, but also killed enough of their own number to ensure extinction. They did this to save humanity, and the knowledge that capitalistic society had effectively thrown that chance away broke Symes in his last days.

Spoilers end.

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

Anyway, with both keys in our possession, we finally had the means to navigate the Festering Skies, land on the Behemoth itself, and finish it off for good.

Our winged steed is the Masked Manticore, which looks like a regular Manticore aircraft after crashing through a slaughterhouse, but has the benefit of being faster than the Disciples of Anu's Tiamat-class airships but still having their enhanced transport capacity for eight soldiers (or five soldiers plus one vehicle). More importantly in this case, it's also capable of fooling the Festering Skies into accepting it as one of their own, allowing a crucial chance to approach.

In honor of its deceptive abilities and in keeping with the aquatic theme of the Pandorans, I decided to name mine the Devilfish, an archaic common name for that master of disguise, the octopus (it currently applies to a few actual fish, including a type of eagle ray). It also sounds cool as fuck.

Anyways, after landing on The Behemoth, we would seek to kill it by injecting the virophage into specific spots on its body while fending off attacks from Pandoran guards and trying not to get jolted too hard by it stomping around on the landscape. It was time to bring a titan to heel. On that note...

Devilfish Squad, Roll Call

I mentioned a vehicle and five soldiers, and that's what I went with for this one too. Much like Cavalry Squad, I decided to try an Aspida with two technicians and three defenders. Here, then, is Zappa's sibling, Shaka (not named for Shaka Zulu, but rather for the Hawaiian/surfer shaka/"hang loose" hand sign).

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

Recruited from a New Jericho haven specifically for this squad, here is Valeria Katalin! For that mission, she wore a standard full suit of TechOps armor, armed with a newer VDM Enforcer piercing PDW and toting two basic Watcher Gauss turrets. Haven't figured out what I wanna multiclass her into yet, though honestly she's pretty good as-is anyway.

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

One of my newest soldiers, Elsa Ellis and her comrade were, much like the trio in Firefighter Squad, rescues from Pandoran ambushes who joined up with us. A Sniper by trade, I cross-trained her as an Infiltrator, similar to Facundo Ibrahim, for hard-to-counter damage. Likewise, I also gave her an Echo bionic head, though the rest of her is wearing Styx-class infiltrator leg armor and Acheron-class sniper body armor. She's currently outfitted with a Phoenix Project original Gungnir-class virophage sniper rifle and an Eros-class crossbow.

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

Speaking of, Ms. Ellis's comrade is Cormac Cardoso, a Heavy by initial trade, though I cross-trained him as a Technician in part because he struck me as the support of the two when in the field. For this mission, I was still figuring out his kit, so in the meantime I had him with a New Jericho Anvil-class heavy helmet, an Agile Legs mutation, and a Neural bionic torso so he can mount tech arms and carry a lot more stuff. For weaponry, since he had a machine gun when I found him, I gave him a Deceptor machine gun, plus an Enforcer PDW and a combat shield because why the hell not.

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

Since I didn't wanna have just green troops heading into the fray, I called in some heavy hitters to support them, Jacob Eber arrived with much the same kit he had before, though this time he has a very interesting upgrade.

Tangential to the main questline is a breadcrumb trail you can follow to trace the steps of a Phoenix Project researcher, Alexander Danchev. Certainly an eccentric, he took Pandoran samples in order to try and develop living weapons, and while his research did bear some fruit, he ended up paying the price. Sophia Brown's Samnu armor is his work, just like Jacob Eber's new weapon.

The Danchev AR is a living assault rifle which never needs reloading and, while it doesn't shred armor by itself, the acid damage it inflicts can do a number on armor and HP over time. Its only downfall is low durability.

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

Joining him from my pool of veterans is Nicole Rodriguez, who is yet another Assault/Sniper with a pretty standard kit. She's wearing a Banshee-class sniper helmet with the rest of it being Odin-class assault armor, and she's toting a New Jericho Raven-class piercing sniper rifle, a Piranha-class piercing assault rifle, a Synedrion Hephaestus-class laser pistol, and two New Jericho Purifier incendiary grenades.

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

Very unlike most missions, this one split the team up. Each half of the squad started on opposite sides, unable to meet up due to massive dividing ridges in the center. Jacob, Nicole, and Shaka (Team East) were on one side, and Elsa, Cormac, and Valeria (Team West) were on the other. Team East started out facing a couple of Arthrons and a Chiron behind cover, while Team West started out with a couple of Tritons. Both also had to deal with Explosive Eggs, basically proximity mines that exploded a turn after you got close enough or hit them with something.

Either way, the spots for virophage injection were marked, and of course they were closer to the center region of the Behemoth, so everyone had some running to do. Running, by the way, which proved difficult due to the Behemoth's regular stomps, which had the delightful (it was not delightful) side effect of Dazing every single non-vehicle member of my team (I do not recall the Pandorans being similarly affected). On the plus side, near the injection points were the Behemoth's gills, which I could destroy to make it less stompy.

Team East's strategy relied on Shaka doing scouting while Nicole and Jacob took out the Pandorans from range. It should be noted that Shaka's paralysis did come in especially handy due to an Arthron with the Tar Shadow ability. If a Pandoran with that ability dies in any way except through fire damage, it spawns an Arthron Umbra, a dangerous melee attacker that isn't impervious by any means, but gets the first move and usually makes it count. Paralysis, being nonlethal, handily sidesteps this as well, making Shaka a particularly apt addition. Even when it wasn't necessary, spare paralysis shots definitely took heat off of the squishier members of the team.

The Chiron wasn't much trouble, since the worms it launched were easy targets for Jacob's pistol plus Rapid Clearance, and Shaka was able to approach with little problem. After dealing with the initial rush, Jacob and Nicole were able to destroy the two gills on their side, reach the respective injection sites, and start the injection process while Shaka ran interference, paralyzing anything that got close for the two rounds that each of them were busy handling the injection.

Team West, meantime, composed of the comparative greenhorns, had their work a bit more cut out for them, but they definitely proved equal to the task. Without a vehicle to do the scouting, they had to push forward themselves, no small feat since they were fighting the Pandorans more suited to long range combat.

Still, they did have a couple of aces up their sleeves to play: Valeria's turrets. With access to the technician's Remote Deployment ability, she was able to throw them into place, leaving more room (and action points) for her to focus on gunfire and movement. While they were immobile and could only fire once a turn by themselves, Manual Control meant that their already-considerable firepower was multiplied. Furthermore, being as small as they are, they proved difficult for the Tritons to hit consistently.

With Elsa pushing forward, popping anyone in her way before she could get detected, and with the two technicians following behind while sparing time for shooting and commanding the turrets, they were able to make progress, albeit slowly and with some retreating (and some close scrapes thanks to the stomping). Worse, the turrets were eventually destroyed by a Siren and an Arthron (though they did take down several enemies, including a Myrmidon, a Siren, and a Triton).

That destruction, however, was predicated upon them having the best effect possible: distracting the Pandorans such that they completely missed the trio hiding behind one of the near-center ridges and starting the injection process on their side. With the Pandorans wandering around the far end of the map, they met with surprisingly little resistance after the initial push. The injection process concluded with no other interruptions, and with a thunderous shuddering groan, Godzilla fell at Bambi's feet.

Fitting for the halting of the worldwide threat, for one shining moment, everyone united in celebration.

The Festering Skies were brought down to earth, and the land and skies were safer for us again!

The seas are still totally fucked, though. Not touching that for a while.

#phoenix point #after-action archive #1st gig #long post

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petnews2day · 2 years

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Zoo Nights, Rose City Book Fair, and ‘Cats’: 9 things to do this week

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Zoo Nights, Rose City Book Fair, and ‘Cats’: 9 things to do this week

Well, hello, summer! The weather hasn’t really been cooperating, but the flood of returning events continues this week along with some new items. Looking for information on Pride and Juneteenth events? Check out our coverage at Oregonlive.com/events and hereisoregon.com. Also this week we see the return of the Rose City Book & Paper Fair, a few dance performances and “Cats” back at the Keller Auditorium.

Although the statewide indoor COVID-19 mask mandate has been lifted, some venues or artists still have restrictions in place. Check website venue information for specific COVID safety requirements.

Mountain bikers tackle the trails at Chehalem Ridge Nature Park, a hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding area south of Hillsboro. Oregonian file photo. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Chehalem Ridge Nature Park grand opening

Metro unveils its newest park in a day of free food, guided tours, hands-on activities, and a ribbon cutting ceremony. The park is outside of the Cornelius/Forest Grove area, and free shuttles will take visitors from the designated parking area at Centro Cultural, 1110 N. Adair St., Cornelius. There will be no public parking at the park itself. Chehalem Ridge offers 10 miles of trails and more than 1,200 acres with views of the Tualatin River Valley and the Coast Range.

Events 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, June 17, Chehalem Ridge, the park’s parking lot and equestrian lot will be closed to general parking and reserved for event participants and those with mobility concerns. Details bit.ly/3mwa7gD; free.

Open Space Dance presents “sheen.”Photo by Jason Hill

“sheen”

Open Space Dance welcomes a world premiere by international choreographer Kellan Whitmore exploring the archetype of “The Hero,” organizers say, while including inspiration from ancient creation mythologies. Whitmore has performed with the Alonzo King LINES Ballet and Tanz Theater Munster of Germany. Regional Dance America presented him with the National Choreographic Recognition Award in 2005. The program also includes The Young Artists Co. performance of Franco Nieto’s latest creation, “terremoto waves.”

7:30 p.m. Friday, June 17, Royal Durst Theatre, 3101 Main St., Vancouver; tickets $30-$60; openspace.dance/event-details/sheen

The Oregon Zoo will be open after hours every other Friday through the summer. Oregonian file photo. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian

Zoo Nights

Come take a stroll through the Oregon Zoo at night. From mid-June through mid-August the zoo offers extended hours, music on the lawn and special keeper talks and educational fun for kids and adults every other Friday. The first Zoo Nights event features the Garcia Birthday Band, a Portland group that celebrates the music of the Grateful Dead.

5:30-8 p.m. Friday, June 17, Oregon Zoo, 4001 S.W. Canyon Road; admission $19-$24; oregonzoo.org

“TOO MUCH, or maybe not enough”

Pathways Dance Company offers a mixed program of contemporary modern dance featuring works by co-artistic directors Amelia Logan and Kelly Koltiska. The evening will explore themes of connection, technology, climate change, vulnerability and whimsy.

7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, June 17-18 and 24-25, New Expressive Works, 810 S.E. Belmont St., tickets $20-$30; app.arts-people.com

Rose City Book & Paper Fair

If you enjoy browsing used, rare and antique books, this is the event for you. Organizers of the Cascade Booksellers Association’s annual Rose City Book & Paper Fair expect thousands of items, including first editions of literary classics; historical figures’ letters, journals and other papers; books with decorative bindings; vintage and antique children’s books; rare regional histories, maps, photographs and prints.

2-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, June 17-18, DoubleTree Hotel, 1000 N.E. Multnomah St.; $5; cascadebooksellers.com

Portland Revel’s spring performance Un Pajarito Canta.Photo by David Kinder

Portland Revels spring performance

Portland Revels returns to in-person performances with “Un Pajarito Canta” (A Little Bird Told Me), an original production featuring original songs, dancing and storytelling. Written by Yasmin Ruvalcaba Saludado, the story draws on traditional Mexican culture as well as Mayan mythology and modern sources. The story unfolds as a small town comes together to help a new community member find her voice and share her story.

7 p.m. Friday, June 17, Hidden Creek Community Center, 5100 N.E. Hidden Creek Drive, Hillsboro, and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 18, The Rockwood Center, 17805 S.E. Stark St. Free; portlandrevels.org

Bike Rodeo

The Police Activities League of Southwest Washington invites from kindergarteners through sixth-graders to a bike rodeo that teaches biking safety, offers an obstacle course and free safety inspections, and includes a chance to win a free bicycle. Bring your own bike and helmet.

9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 18, Evergreen High School, 14300 N.E. 18th St., Vancouver, free; facebook.com/PALofSWWA

Broadway in Portland welcomes the return of “Cats” to the Keller AuditoriumPhoto by Matthew Murphy

“Cats”

One of the biggest hits in Broadway history returns to Portland’s Keller Auditorium. The music of Andrew Lloyd Webber highlights this wildly popular spectacle that’s toured across North America and in more than 30 countries.

Opens 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, and continues various dates and times through June 26, Keller Auditorium, 222 S.W. Clay St.; tickets start at $29.50; www.BroadwayInPortland.com.

The Dark Back Aristocrates are part of Cirque du Soleil’s upcoming tour U.S. 2022.Image courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil “Alegria”

Likely Cirque’s most iconic production, “Alegria” returns to the Portland Expo Center for a month of shows, performing under one of the company’s signature big tents. The show has been reimagined for a new generation as the first stage shows debuted in 1994. Dive into a mystical world sprinkled with visual poetry and astounding acrobatics.

Various times through July 17, Portland Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Drive; tickets start at $49; cirquedusoleil.com/alegria

– If you have live or virtual events you’d like to see highlighted at OregonLive.com or in the weekly printed A&E section of The Oregonian, please email submissions to [email protected] at least three weeks prior to the start of your event. Digital images or links to videos are helpful.

— Rosemarie Stein, [email protected]

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ragnarachael · 2 years

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omggg 43 or 47? u choose hehe

i went ahead and chose 43.) "i've had a terrible day at work so just kiss me"! this is a drabble for my tva!loki x tva director!reader series!! (talk about me bringing THAT back from the dead dskjhsd)

loki taglist: @mushroomlupin @miniminwriting @mariahlaufeyson @lam-ila @sineads-art @rosaline-black @a-lonely-gray-couch @lokis-little-love @lokis-tigress

FINISHING UP DRABBLES FROM VALENTINES DAY!

Work was long. It always is lately, and even though Maddie, your assistant, is always willing to help you pull-through the shit you've got to fish through now that you're a director. The poor girl is insane as you, bless her.

"I'm home!" You exclaim once you're entering the apartment, shoes immediately kicked off near Loki's, and your bag plopped onto the ground just adjacent from them on the floor.

You can hear a soft clanking from the kitchen, and your body easily directs you to where you need to go.

And that’s where you find your husband cleaning dishes, his hair pulled into a cute little ponytail in the middle of his head, trying to organize the mess he has on his hands.

“Hey,” you say again, a bit softer as to not startle him, your arms sliding around his waist firmly so you can stand on your tip toes slightly to give your chin a perch on his shoulder. “How was your day?”

Loki takes a breath, the small smiley-face scrubbing thing you insisted on getting slowly coming to a stop on a plate as he all but melts into you. “Full of cleaning. Did you know just how disgusting we’ve left this place?”

You know Loki is saying it in a fond way. Because if you didn’t have to go in Monday to Friday, 7 am all the way to a nice almost 8 pm just to be sure your team didn’t go batshit crazy without some assistance, you would be helping.

That was technically the plan. But, duty calls.

“I mean, we did just have a huge rush of cases. Both my team and yours,” you explain quietly, a little bit of guilt nipping at the edges of your tired mind. “It’s hard to keep up when you’re trying to keep the multiverse in one piece, you know?”

Loki hums in understanding, placing the things in his hands down, and moving to grab at a dry dishrag on the counter to wipe his hands off. “I know. How was work?”

You take a breath, tightening your grip. “Work.”

“Was it that bad?”

You giggle then, Loki’s chuckle vibrating you slightly. “A bit. Everyone loves to think I can solve the entire TVA’s problems, rather than just my teams. So much paper I’m shocked I don’t have a paper cut, there’s some weird anomalies coming from Earth-616 again. This time, it’s getting a little worse there.”

Loki groans lightly. “616 always gives us bloody trouble.”

“I knoow,” you groan back, your chin moving from his shoulder to press your face into his back. “You’d think the ex-sorcerer supreme could cut back a little. I sent out a few agents to scope out the scene. I hope it’s not what we’re thinking.”

Loki goes a little silent at that. you hear the muted plop of the rag and he turns in your arms, your face dramatically dragging against his shirt.

“What were you thinking it is?” Loki questions gently, his arms now going around you. And you’re more than happy to meet his gaze after pulling away from his shirt. You must have some dopey look on your face, because Loki looks down at you fondly and grins. “Hi, dear heart.”

“Hi,” you mutter before breathing through your nose. “Uh, we’re thinking it’s something..serious.”

“Serious how?” Loki presses gently.

“Well,” you trail off, looking down between you and Loki’s bodies. “Maybe serious enough for another Multiversal War.”

During you and Loki’s time at the TVA, you’ve both heard about the last one, and this time, was no different. Except you may be about a fraction of a second away from living what’s in the reports.

“Oh.”

“Yeah,” you start, snorting. “Oh is right. Me and Maddie hope that’s not what’s happening, but last we heard there’s something going on. And it wasn’t great.”

Loki frowns as you look up at him. You can’t read minds like him, so you have no idea what he’s thinking. And you’re not quite sure if you’d like to. If anything, your thoughts may be the same about this situation, but you’re home now. You don’t want to think on it.

“But, yes,” you start again, gathering Loki’s attention once more, “I’ve had a terrible day at work, so just please kiss me.”

Loki’s frown goes away in favor of a smirk, leaning closer to you once he’s decided that he’ll move on from the last topic.

“Yes, director.”

#loki x reader #loki odinson x reader #loki laufeyson x reader #loki odinson drabble #loki laufeyson drabble #marvel writer #tva!loki x reader #tva!loki x tva director! reader #tva

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alluringjae · 3 years

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queen of hearts - sjn

summary: for the first time, one of your star students hasn’t been fetched right after class. but when she finally does, you weren’t expecting such a fine man to be her father.

pairing: johnny x female reader

word count: 5.5k

genre: fluff, romance, comedy | ceo and single dad!johnny + ballerina!reader + modern day!au

warnings: mentions of an absent parent, johnny being an overthinker, sexual innuendos (ten saying dilf hehe), slight explicit language, technical terms of ballet, a mini reference to mean girls

author’s note: sooo i came in touch with my former dance life, which led me to write this. there are links for the variations i used; their names are underlined when they’re mentioned. i am going to get technical with ballet terms here (even when my ballet knowledge decreased), so to any dancers reading, i really did my best, so please don’t come for me or do correct me for any mistakes.

although one character and her dance background, plus the name of the setting, are real, everything else about it is still a work of fiction.

i miss dancing, no cap.

leave me some feedback, constructive criticism or hellos!

Ballet student and teacher by day, a soloist of the Korean National Ballet at night.

This was your daily routine, and it wasn’t the typical 8-5. But it’s debatable whether or not it was worse, because you’re always going overtime. That’s the thing when you’re an overachiever. Nonetheless, you loved what you do. It’s the lifestyle you gradually built since your preschool days.

Mornings on the weekdays were mostly vacant since all the kids were still in school. You’d start at 10 am for a warm-up class for the company. Before you delved into teaching and assisting, you’d train right after your lunch break. Partnering class, en pointe class, 1-on-1 sessions with choreographers, self-practice, then the company night class, that’s the organization of your week.

Now adding the teacher title, you mostly handled kindergartners to 5th graders in the academy aspect of the company. Your first teaching class would start at 1 pm. It’s when the younger students who finished their morning classes zoom into your assigned dance studio. One class would last an hour and a half, then you have a 30-minute break in between another class with the older kids. Their lesson repertoire was more strenuous due to the added across-the-floor lessons and jumps. Water was always your best friend, water refilling stations located everywhere in the company building.

You wouldn’t say you’re a strict teacher, but you weren’t shy to correct anyone from wherever you stood. You’d lightly align their arms or back properly so your students were working on the correct body parts. Compared to the other teachers, a lot of students enjoyed your kind yet frank approaches. Your former students, who’ve already gone to the higher levels, missed your lively presence and wished repeatedly that they want you back as their teacher.

“Teacher (Y/N), I miss you so much! Teacher Ten is so intense. I get the jitters especially when we’re en pointe on the floor.”

“Teacher (Y/N), Teacher Sicheng and Teacher Seulgi scare the heck out of me during partnering class. Especially when I tried to lift my partner, I keep losing focus because of Teacher Sicheng’s never-ending comments!”

Not to be sadistic, but you’d simply laugh at their minuscule complaints. Even if they’re struggling in the academy, those comments were directed to fix their techniques if they wanted to breakthrough.

“Kids, you’re going to be fine! They wouldn’t say or do those things just because they wanted to. They’re here to push you to the next level, like how I used to do with you. It’s a cut-throat industry after all.”

This was always your reply, bittersweet and truthful. Not everyone makes it, unfortunately, so if you’re really striving, you’d do whatever it takes. Throughout your career, you��re relatively impressed with how far you’ve come.

Trainee at 17, Corps de Ballet at 18, Demi-Soloist at 21, and Soloist at 23.

You’ve been a soloist for 4 years. The final stage, which was to become a principal dancer, is your running goal. Becoming a soloist was praiseworthy enough because you’ve seen so many give up in the Corps, but claiming a spot as a principal dancer has been the ultimate dream. Since you’ve watched Swan Lake for the first time at 4 years old with your parents, that’s where you found a passion for dancing and the stage. Here you are years later, practicing numerous variations daily, performing in opera houses, and mentoring all these gifted kids.

Your last class with elementary kids, which began around 5 pm, reached its end once all the students curtsied in front of you and scurried to their mothers or their nannies. The remaining plan on your agenda today was the company class at 7:30 pm, which exceeds the average hour and a half. It’s worse during show season. There have been times everyone went beyond midnight to polish every scene from head to toe.

Currently, there’s no upcoming show for the public, though the annual summer recital for the students was around the corner. Selected members of the company were chosen to perform individually in it, which was both exciting and intense. It’s also because it’s an evaluation on whether you’d get promoted in status or staying put. You’ve partaken in 3 recitals in the past, two of which elevated you from the corps and demi-soloist ranks. The recent one, however, didn’t change your soloist ranking.

It was a major first in your career in ballet, and after finding out the result of the latter, it emotionally pained you. Recalling how much soul you put into that piece, the rejection from your artistic director clenched your heart. Though in time, you moved on from it and viewed it as a stepping stone. Also, Sicheng and Ten personally stormed your apartment to pull yourself together with wine and pizza after going on a short leave.

Since you were trainees, Sicheng and Ten were your best friends in and outside the company. Working daily to occasional barhopping, that’s your youth summed up. It wasn’t because you didn’t like the girls you’ve worked with (though a lot of them were fake and bitchy), but these two were frank and humorous as hell. Together, you’d help each other with your goals rather than be competitive. Over time, Ten leveled up to a principal dancer for 2 years running while you and Sicheng were still soloists. The way you’d watch Ten take all the big roles, that’s where you want to be one day.

Back in your last teaching class, the entire dance room was vacant. Since it’s mainly used for ballet classes, you’d either run through anything you’ve practiced from the company classes and polish it or warm up a little bit more.

Except for today, this was the only free time to sew a new pair of pointe shoes because your current ones were dead. Dead in a sense that the hard shell turned soft, which won’t be able to support you when you’re up on your toes. You’re not taking any risks of minor injuries especially when you’re in the current lineup of company members performing for this upcoming recital again. You have to prove to everyone that you deserve a position as a principal dancer.

As your legs sprawled in a half middle split, your sewing equipment laid in front of you like you’re about to perform surgery, a tiny girl stood by the ajar studio doors. In her neat bun and holding on to her small duffel bag, you’re convinced everyone has gone home already since it’s quite late.

You may have your priorities as a company member, but she was still your student.

“Minji!” You shouted her name, speedily waving your hand. You’re not one to have favorites, though you couldn’t help wonder how extraordinary she was. She’s always taking charge in demonstrating the lessons to everyone and improving every session in the 3 years she’s joined the academy. “Come in! Come in!”

At age 7, she’s gotten taller through the years, above the average from how you see it. She must have amazing genetics. Her legs sauntered in seconds to you. Sitting down across you, she marveled at your setup. Specifically, at the fresh pointe shoes.

“Are those yours, Teacher (Y/N)?” She perked up, caressing its soft fabric and playing with the mini bows of the drawstrings.

“Yes, it is, Minji!” You answered while trying to insert the thin thread through the small eye of the needle. “Why are you still here? Is your nanny stuck in traffic or something?”

“My nanny went on sudden leave, so my dad’s the one fetching me. But I think he’s running late from his job.”

Oh, this was a first to know about her father. In all the years she’s been your student, you rarely caught sight of him, even in recitals. Maybe he sat in an unknown section, but you’re pretty much acquainted with all the parents of your students. Even if some were snobbier than the rest because they wanted their child to have more stage time, you still got to know them out of respect. Quite odd, if you said so yourself.

After deep concentration, the thread triumphantly passed through the eye so you tied the two ends of the thread in a double knot. Seeing as Minji attentively watched you, you tasked her to cut the ribbons of your shoes according to the trail of pencil marks. This was so she wouldn’t cut it too short or too long. While she did that, you hammered your shoes against the floor to soften the hard front, bending the shank back and forth so the arch of your feet could move without difficulty later.

Minji wasn’t expecting such loud sounds, her entire body shaken awake. Her facial expression was priceless, explaining to her, “Once you get your first pointe shoes in a few years, this is one of the basic things you need to do so your feet won’t hurt too much while dancing.”

“Will you be there to teach me how to make my pointe shoes?”

“Absolutely! Come to me first then I’ll mentor you all that I know.”

The process of sewing and breaking new pointe shoes engraved your mind since your adolescent years, with changes along the way. Inspired by some tricks from your former teachers, but there were some differing rituals you followed. There’s no definite process of it, just as long you’re comfortable to dance after.

With your feet, you stepped on the hard boxes of the shoes to soften it more, creating a popping sound. Followed by sewing your elastic bands in. For your ribbons, you liked to burn the edges with a lighter so the thread of it won’t run. Kindly asking your cute assistant for the lighter beside her, you scanned the edges back and forth the flame. In seconds, the edges had a distinct mark, fully closed. From there, you slid your feet to your shoes to make final sewing adjustments. Sewing your ribbons took you another few minutes, plus adding superglue inside the shoe so the shoe won’t collapse when it unstiffens and scratching the shank with a cutter so you won’t slip later while dancing.

Voila, the final product is done! Hopefully, it can last you a week at least.

“Wow, Teacher (Y/N), it looks pretty!” Minji applauded, collecting the mess you’ve both made to dispose of later. You, on the other hand, gave her your thanks once you applied some bandages on your big toes and put on your toe pads. Slipping inside the shoes and tying them, you rose up back to your feet and headed to the bar to break them in. From plies-relevésto forced arches, the shoes gave you the sensation that they were an extension of your feet. The ease flowed through, meaning you were ready to practice your variations.

While you stepped your shoes in rosin for friction, your curious student moved to the front where the mirror lied to watch what you’ve prepared.

“What variation are you dancing to?”

“This is the Gamzatti variation from La Bayadere.” You replied, tapping the play button on your phone and racing to your position on the side. Talking a short ballet walk, you strongly prepared your arms before the music of the orchestra takes off.

This variation consisted of a lot of jumps and turns. Grand jetés, attitude turns, chaîné turns, you needed a lot of core control and proper spotting so you won’t get dizzy. The thrilling music lessened your nerves because you enjoyed learning this piece from one of the principal dancers, smiling and letting the music guide your legs. Once you nailed 3 consecutive grand jetés, the variation ended with a sus-sous and the wrists of your hands flicking upwards.

Holding it for 5 more seconds, you landed back on your feet with heavy breathing and a need for water. But before you could, small claps and cheers from Minji in front erupted. Momentarily, you’ve forgotten her presence because dancing solo puts you in your own space. You’d never let anyone take you away from it.

“Teacher (Y/N), that was wonderful! Are you performing that in the summer recital?”

Yikes, she’s right but she wasn’t meant to see it yet. Solo performances from the company members for the recital were top secret, only unveiled during the production rehearsal. Well, you didn’t think this through, but you didn’t mind.

“Can you keep a secret?”

Time ticked a lot faster today, only 10 minutes left until the company class on the ground floor whereas you were in the second. Just a few steps down the stairs away, yet Minji was still here. You only presumed that within your hour break, her father could’ve made it already. But maybe he’s stuck in traffic or at work.

“Minji, my class starts soon. Have you contacted your father?”

“I already texted him earlier, but he hasn’t responded. This happens often, he’s a busy man.” She bowed in front of you suddenly. “I’m sorry, Teacher (Y/N) for the hassle.”

“Oh no, please!” You shook your hands so she’d stop. Because this situation was relatively new, you were unsure of how to handle it. Or that was until you remembered what Ten texted you earlier. “Minji, the blinds of the main studio are going to be lifted so anyone from the outside can view us practicing. Would you like to watch until your dad gets here?”

With her insistent nodding, she situated herself in one of the seats in the front row. When you entered the main studio, your two close companions already carried a metal barre to the center and leaned towards it while observing you walking to them in your flat shoes.

“I see we have a bit of an audience here.” Ten glimpsed at the young girl, astonished by the many dancers prepping and chatting away with their cliques from the glass barrier.

“Her dad isn’t here yet, and you did say the blinds were up today. Might as well give her a show while she waits, you know.” You lifted your right leg to the top barre, stretching it with your arms.

“Hmmm, shouldn’t her dad be more cautious though? It’s getting late and it’s a Thursday. Doesn’t she have school or something?” Sicheng pointed out, discarding his muscle tee to straighten out his leotard.

“That’s not my business though. She’s just my student, and since she’s still here, I have to entertain her while she waits.”

Before your friends said anything back, the artistic director of the ballet company strutted her way to the center of the room. It’s a common rule here that once she entered, everyone must be silent to listen and race to any free spot in the numerous barres spread out if they haven’t.

“Alright, everyone. We’ll do the typical barre, then before doing across the floor exercises, I’ll be requesting those performing solos already in the recital to dance any variation tonight as another evaluation on who deserves to perform twice.” She eyed the pianist directly beside her. “Proceed first with two demi-pliés then one grand plié. Don’t forget to do the port de bras of each position.”

As the live piano music played, your focus was divided. Partly properly executing the exercise while your artistic director roamed each barre area, partly thinking about what variation to perform. This was a first for the company, and everyone was just stunned to hear the breaking news. It’d be nice to get an extra opportunity to showcase to people your potential.

30-40 minutes flew by quickly. As the guys carried the bars to the side to clear out the floor and the girls changed to their pointe shoes, the artistic director ordered all the performers of the recitals to stand in a line in front of her. Everyone else was seated around the room, so the interested eyes of everyone were on you. There were 10 performers, half are from the corps and the other half are either demi-soloists or soloists. You and Sicheng stood beside each other, internally shaking with nerves under the intimidating eyes of the artistic director. She used to be a principal dancer for the Stuttgart Ballet in Germany before moving back to Seoul, making her undeniably capable of leading all of you.

“Okay,” From her seated position observing the 10 performers, her finger pointed at you directly. “Ms. (Y/L/N) (Y/N), you perform first.”

Your nerves intensified and more sweat streamed out your upper body. Even if going first felt more relieving, no one was ever brave enough to perform individually in front of the esteemed artistic director. Principal dancers aside from Ten that you’re close with were intimidated when they have 1-on-1 or partnering sessions with her. But anyhow, in less than 2 minutes, you’d be done. This wasn’t the first time she’s had your full attention either, so you’ll treat it like the other individual performances you’ve had.

You smiled to yourself when the other soloists left you alone, while you gave the name of the variation you’re dancing to the pianist. Running to the side to put on a practice tutu, the artistic director asked, “What will you be dancing for us tonight, (Y/N)?”

“I’ll be dancing Queen of the Dryads from Don Quixote.”

The last time you did this variation was 3 years ago during the recital that didn’t change your position as a soloist. Even if this variation hurt to think about for a while, it was still one of your favorites to watch and do. Moving on, you could only muse how powerful and beautiful you felt at that time. This isn’t an easy piece to perform in your opinion. Yet according to the members of the company, this was their favorite solo of yours.

As the starting notes unfolded, you took a deep breath and elegantly walked into the frame. You only wished you wore your fake crown again for this. Minimal smiling and light arms, you imagined yourself as an actual queen who captured the eyes of many. In this case, your fellow seniors and juniors held their breaths at the captivating sight of you.

Off you go into a series of glissade jeté developpé on relevé at elevating heights, then a fouetté arabesque and another arabesque on relevé before ballet walking again to the side to dance across the stage. Sissonne to the front, right developpé to the front on relevé, pique to prepare for a single pirouette, you gracefully did a chassé to the front twice and stood on your toes with a sus-sous.

Doing it a few more times, the climax of the entire variation was nearing. Returning to the center, you took another deep breath and lifted your left leg for the Italian fouettés. Spotting to the front and back while maintaining your balance, the variation approached its end with lame duck turns, posing with your arms were positioned at a 45-degree angle, your back slightly arched and your left leg doing a tendu derriére. Your eyes reflected at the mirror in front, surveying your alignment. Once your 5-second hold was finished, you properly put your arms down and closed your back leg into 5th position.

The applause from everyone in the room roared, Ten and Sicheng wolf-whistling even for more support. It’s a usual thing every time any of you perform individually, and no one minded it. The artistic director grinned, giving a quiet clap from the front before calling out the next performer, who was from the corps. Bowing to everyone hastily, you paid more attention to spot your student by the window. She was smiling ear to ear, waving both hands at you.

“You did amazing, Teacher!” She mouthed. Hearing words of praise from members was one thing, but hearing them from students was another. You’re so used to watching them and giving them your compliments that you often forget that you’re a dancer first before a teacher. Seeing them all delighted, saying that it motivates them more, showed that you’re doing a great job teaching them. You’re a reflection of what you pass down, and all you want was for them to be the best they could be.

From her jolly expression, a tall masculine silhouette hovered a part of the window. Her instinct of giving a brighter smile when the hand of said silhouette patted her head then carried her duffel bag again, that could only mean one thing. Excusing yourself to the artistic director, you stepped out to bid your goodbye and maybe meet her father. Minji and the tall man were about to leave the building if it weren’t for your breathy voice calling them out.

“Seo Minji and Mr. Seo?”

They stopped their tracks. Minji was fast to react, familiar with your voice and racing towards you for a sweaty hug. Meanwhile, your focus shifted once the masculine silhouette came into full view. You finally understood why Minji’s growth spurt spiked up, noticing that he was taller than Sicheng.

The top buttons of his shirt were off, yet he kept his formal blazer on. His hair was a bit tousled, some strands falling in front of his forehead. He must’ve run here. Peeking through were some roots of his scruff growing. His eyebags were almost as dark as his brown hair. Yet by the way his Rolex remained spotless, you blatantly assumed that he was more than well-off. Especially when the ballet academy was one of the most prestigious ones in Seoul.

Out of all the parents you’ve met, none of them appeared youthful like him.

“Teacher (Y/N)?” Thanks to Minji, you moved your staring eyes away from him. This was another first, since meeting only the fathers of your students wasn’t your norm. Meeting young-looking fathers, to be specific.

“O-Oh,” You ate your words, suddenly blanking out. “You’re leaving me without saying goodbye, Minji? Not polite of you.”

“My father was rushing right after watching your performance, and I don’t know why.” She responded, her finger scratching the top of her head in confusion. Speaking of said father, his strong presence appeared right in front of you. The wrinkles of his forehead creased while his eyes barely looked at yours.

“Uhm,” His fingers toyed with his Rolex. “I apologize for my tardiness. I got caught up in work and all, plus her nanny le-”

“Mr. Seo.” You halted his rambling, already aware of the situation. Like father, like daughter. “It’s fine. Minji loved watching us practice while waiting, and she wasn’t a bother either. You have nothing to worry about.”

“Phew.” He swiped an imaginative bead of sweat from his forehead, displaying his relief with his playful nature.

At age 23, Johnny Seo started his own company in the fashion scene and it grew internationally in the coming years. Then when Minji unexpectedly joined the picture, he’s been multi-tasking to make ends meet. Lately, as a CEO, he has had meetings and conferences on a daily. So, his position as a single father was always tested. It worsened when he rarely has proper time to spend any time with Minji unless it’s the weekend or late in the evening. Breaking it down, it wasn’t because he didn’t want to meet you. It was more like he couldn’t when his schedules were packed from head to toe.

Having the guilt of taking your precious time, “Seriously though, I am sorry for being late. Her nanny resigned suddenly, and I have no time to find her replacement.”

“Mr. Seo, again, don’t worry about it. As her teacher and a company member, I am practically here 24/7 so it won’t be a nuisance at all if this happens again.”

“Thank you so much, Teacher (Y/N). That is your name, right?” He planted his palm on his forehead, stressed. “Being a single parent is hard. I am always forgetting things.”

A part of you couldn’t restrain from feeling sorry for his struggle. Taking care of a child should be the work of both the mother and father, not one of them being absent. You’ve feared this would harm Minji, but she’s a strong girl.

“The fact you didn’t forget to fetch Minji despite the late time is still something to be happy over. I’m not a parent or anything, but parenting, in general, is a challenge.” You added an insight, patting the head of the young girl beside you. “Cut yourself some slack, Mr. Seo. I’m sure Minji still loves you, right?”

Minji shouted a big yes, now clinging to the leg of her father. “It’s okay, dad. Really.”

Over the years, Johnny has been doubtful of his parenting skills. He was an only child, and he struggled to ask for guidance from his own parents due to the shame of having a kid at a young age. So, he’d ask for help from his other friends and co-workers. No matter how many times they’ve reassured him that he’s doing well, he’s an overthinker who always reflected on the bad scenarios. There’s also that pressure to find someone who can fill that absent position not just for Minji, but for himself too. No matter how many girls he’s asked out or been set up with, he failed in the love department badly.

It’s the soothing way you voiced out your truth that made all these negative thoughts running through his head freeze briefly. Over the past 3 years since Minji started ballet, she always had a great story about you to share. One of them was how ballet made her a lot happier because of your influence. If he had at least an hour of his day to meet any of his daughter’s mentors, it would’ve been you.

“Do feel free to call me Johnny instead.” He casually introduced himself, taking his hand out for you to shake. “Mr. Seo makes me feel like I’m at work right now.”

Despite his informal approach, you understood his intentions and returned the action with a promising smile. “Pleasure to finally meet you, Johnny.”

“Pleasure is all mine, Teacher (Y/N).”

Earlier, the nerves from performing in front of the artistic director died down fast. But for some reason, they rose back up when you’ve spoken to this man in a matter of minutes. As someone whose feelings don’t flourish in a single glance, why did this man specifically deliver you such a strong effect?

If it weren’t for Ten calling for your name by the door, you would’ve held on to Johnny’s hand longer, which would’ve been inappropriate. Letting go first, this was your cue to return to your class.

“I must head back inside, Johnny. Don’t sweat on fetching your daughter late, though she is still a student with school the following day. Right, Minji?”

Minji nodded as Johnny kept that mind, knowing where he has to improve next. “Yes, Teacher (Y/N). Thank you again, sincerely. I’ll definitely see you again in the coming days until Minji has a new nanny.”

“That’s no problem with me at all, Johnny.”

Soon as Johnny held his daughter’s hand to exit the studio and you were re-entering the studio with an impatient Ten, he swerved swiftly as if he forgot something.

“Oh by the way Teacher (Y/N), I saw your whole performance awhile ago. I was blown away, you deserved the applause.”

Although you could only distinguish his silhouette, you didn’t suppose he watched you from head to toe. Most parents or nannies would’ve dragged their kids out of the studio once they find them like they were on a tight schedule, so this was novel to experience. That performance showed your prime too.

“Thank you, Johnny. See you again soon.”

Giving a final nod, you led yourself back to the studio, not bothering to acknowledge the erupting heat on your cheeks and entire body. Not to sound narcissistic, but compliments weren’t foreign to you. You’re conscious of the hard work that you put in your talent and if they pointed out your greatness, why would you deny it? However, receiving one from Johnny was like gearing your engine with new fuel.

Before you could try to reject these harboring feelings, Ten was fast to pick up on it. You cannot hide anything from this man at all because body language was like another language he’s fluent in (aside from the other 5). Unlucky for you, the saga continued.

“You’re so into dilfs, (Y/N)!” He shrieked in your ear, nudging your shoulder repetitively. He placed things in his own way, yet they always shocked you because it was so inappropriate. Typical Ten for you.

“Shut up, Ten!” You objected, watching the other performers. You’ve improved in ignoring his remarks over time. That was until Sicheng sat down beside you after his solo and got up in your business. That placed you in the middle of boys from the water sign clan of astrology. They just loved getting down to your love life, going raunchy and whatnot.

“Who’s into dilfs, Ten?”

“A Miss (Y/N) beside you, who met Minji’s dad awhile ago, was basically eye-fucking him.” Ten elaborated, planting his elbows on your leg and gave you a sneaky glare. “Minji’s dad is fine as fuck, guys! I’m telling you, like a literal god! I’m surprised this is the first time he showed up here after 2-3 years?”

“How come (Y/N) is always getting students with good-looking parents? Especially the single moms.” Sicheng slumped his shoulders, attempting to get your attention too. “Is he that hot, (Y/N)?”

“Yah.” Sighing with annoyance, you’ve given up trying to appreciate one of the corps dancers with her rendition of Dulcinea from Don Quixote. “Don’t speak of Johnny like that. You barely know the man, yet you talk about him so unprofessionally."

“Oh, Johnny is his name, huh?” Sicheng sing-songed, bobbing his head. He’s certainly going to stalk him later on social media, you felt it in your chest. Like it was ESPN or something.

“Talking about being unprofessional, yet you’re here referring him as Johnny, not Mr. Seo.” Ten barked back, his lips pursed and one eyebrow lifted.

Just as soon as you could retaliate, the artistic director’s velvety voice boomed the room.

“Alright, thank you to the performers. I will deliberate with the staff and principal dancers over the weekend, and let you know the results on Monday. Now please, let’s proceed to the center.”

Everyone began to spread out on the wide floor, snatching a good position so they could monitor themselves in the mirror. Maybe you’ll defend yourself later after class because now, you needed to beat everyone else and have a crystal-clear view of yourself doing these following exercises.

In the meantime, Johnny was in the middle of driving Minji home. He had a designated chauffeur, but he gave him the night off because he wanted to spend time with Minji. Around this time, she’d be sleeping soundly, but instead, she’s boosting with so much life. She hasn’t even eaten dinner yet, which was the first thing on Johnny’s agenda now.

Playing Coldplay in the car, Minji belted some lyrics from her favorite songs while Johnny smiled to himself while listening to her attentively. Taking a breath, her thoughts reverted to her fantastic ballet teacher and shared them with her father.

“Dad! Don’t you just think Teacher (Y/N) is so cool? Ugh, I want to be just like her when I grow up.”

“Oh, to become a ballerina like her, you have to work hard every day and memorize lessons fast. Are you up for it, Minji?”

“Absolutely, dad! I want to pull off perfect jumps and turns like her one day!”

In the other after-school activities Johnny enrolled Minji in the past, none of them compared to the passion she had for ballet. Her work ethic was alike to Johnny’s: if they want something, they’ll do whatever it takes to make it possible.

Aside from being a star student in her school, she’s aiming to be a star ballerina. Being the supportive father he is, Johnny was on board to do what it takes to make it happen. Unlike his parents trying to mold him into the next heir of their company, he’s all ears to the dreams of his daughter. His only dream for her was to be live long and happy, not to merely pass on anything.

Johnny lost so much in his young life, so he doesn’t want to lose Minji in any way. As much as he loves his profession, he wanted to be an active father as much as time allowed it. He mostly received complaints from others that he’s not prioritizing his time well, but after hearing your kind words, this heavy weight on his shoulders decreased. All this doubt started to vanish after meeting you for the first time.

“Dad! Isn’t Teacher (Y/N) so beautiful?” Minji honored whilst gazing at the twinkling night sky. “She loves what she does and shines at it.”

Johnny was accustomed to his female co-workers throwing themselves at him due to his attractiveness, more than flattered even to have them feeling weak for him. Yes, there were times he used it to his advantage, some he frankly turned down.

However, the radiance you carried whether you’re dancing or not was something Johnny couldn’t cease wondering about. Unknown to him, he’s the one getting weak. Behold, an unlocked first for the confident CEO.

“Yes, Minji. I do think Teacher (Y/N) is absolutely beautiful.”

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eternally-writing · 3 years

Text

backstage business | jjk

genre: smut and fluff

rating: R (18+, minors dni!!!)

pairing: Jungkook x reader

theme: idol!au, bighit worker! reader

word count: 2.0k

warnings: swearing, unprotected sex (practice safe sex!!), sorta exhibitionism, orgasm denial, cunnilingus, oral rex (f receiving), dirty talk, creampie, brief gagging kinda

synopsis: Working as a stylist for Bighit meant that sometimes you could give a little extra attention to Jungkook.

Banner by me!

--♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡--

“Y/N-shi, can you help me with these buttons on my shirt”

The voice calling out to you from behind a dressing room door tore you away from fixing Taehyung’s tie and off to him. Talking to some of the other stylists, you snuck away to tend to your job.

As you opened that dressing room door, you immediately felt yourself get pulled in and pressed against a broad chest.

“Jeez, mmph, someone’s eager. Hello to you too Jeon”

You could immediately feel his wet, hot lips attacking any of your exposed skin, and you could secretly hear Jungkook murmuring to the heavens, thanking them for making you wear and off the shoulder top to work today.

“I missed you so much bub, couldn’t keep my eyes off of you all morning”,” Jungkook breathed to you in between kisses, barely taking long enough breaks in order to get a whole sentence out.

“Oh really? How much”

Jungkook looked up at you and grinned, his eyes darkening with a sinful glance in them.

“Let me show you love”

He immediately started unbuttoning your blouse, sliding his hands down to cup your chest. The feeling of Jungkook’s hands on your chest was something that you would never get enough of. As his mouth attached to your nipple, you couldn’t hold back your moans. Jungkook was lapping at your chest like he hadn’t eaten anything all day (truth was, he hadn’t) and he was absolutely enchanted by the way your body reacted to his tongue.

“Shh, babygirl, everyone’s right outside that door trying to get ready. Do you want them to know how much of a slut you are?”

Truth was, a part of you really did, but alas, you needed your job so silent quickies with Jungkook in dressing rooms would have to do.

“M-. more kook, I need more of you”

Feeling like teasing you, Jungkook slowly trailed his hands over your body.

“More of me here?” he innocently inquired as he began by reaching up to move your hair behind your ear.

Your breaths became irregular with his touch, but both of you knew that was not what you had in mind,

Trailing his hands down, he brought them to your waist, squeezing the supple flesh there tenderly. “Here?”

You shook your head, growing impatient with need.

His hands then landed on your thighs, rubbing them ever so slowly while gazing at you with a sultry look.

Unable to take it anymore, you took his hand and hastily brought it to cup your pussy. Immediately groaning in relief, you started to grind down onto his open palm and let your juices coat his skin.

“So wet just for me? What a dirty girl. I bet you’re already wet enough that I could just do this”

Without any warning, Jungkook plunged one finger into your core, the feelings sending shockwaves throughout your system. The raw scream that arose from your chest was loud enough to make the mirrors on the wall shake.

Jungkook tsked you at your eagerness and cocked his head to the side.

“If you can’t keep quiet babygirl, i’m going to have to shut you up myself. You’re gonna by good for me right baby? Gonna be my good girl?”

You nodded feverishly at Jungkook’s words, but there was no way you could stop the sounds of pleasure from escaping you.

You thought Jungkook would keep his lips on yours to keep you quiet, but instead, you felt his mouth under your skirt, gripping your thong between his teeth and pulling it down your legs.

Taking a moment to appreciate how your panties were absolutely soaked, Jungkook felt a moan slip through his lips.

“You remember your safeword right?”

You nodded.

“Say it back to me babygirl.”

You spoke confidently, with an air of excited in your voice. “Pizza”

“Tap me twice if you can’t talk okay?”

Now accepting your nod as a response, Jungkook stuffed your panties into your face, allowing you to taste your wetness on your own tongue as he moved back down to your core.

Plunging his finger back into your core, your groans were now successfully muffled on your own thong, but nothing could hide the way your body writhed under Jungkook’s ministrations.

He then switched his tongue attacking your sex, then bringing his hand to your clit, rubbing in circles.

“S-so, fffucking, gooood, kook” you moaned, the words still decipherable to Jungkook’s ears though your barricaded mouth.

His tongue dipping deep into your core, Jungkook was devouring every last bit of essence in you. His mouth was buried into your cunt, his nose even brushing against your cunt to add extra pleasure.

As much as Jungkook knew he needed to keep you quiet, the sound of your moans was the most beautiful sound on his ears, and he would do anything to hear it.

“Need to hear you babygirl, I miss your moans already”

Taking the cloth out of your mouth, Jungkook placed you up on the sink and bunched your skirt up, allowing him perfect access to your dripping cunt. Enjoying the newfound freedom, you couldn’t stop yourself from whispering out praises for Jungkook.

“I’m so c-close Kookie, don’t stop please, don-, don’t stop”

But then he did stop.

Thinking only with your pussy and not with your brain, you were about to start berating Jungkook for stopping you from reaching your high, but before you could get the words out Jungkook beat you to the case.

“Want you to cum around my cock babe, I need to feel you right now”

You started to fumble with the same buttons that you had to come in here to undo, wanting to feel Jungkook’s skin on yours.

As Jungkook’s cock was released from his pants, you whined as you saw the way his perfect cock was leaking with precum, the tip red and swollen and ready to be inside you.

Pressing a passionate kiss against your tips, Jungkook began to tap his cock against your clit, teasing you by rubbing the head on your pussy.

“Ready for this, babygirl,” he taunted you with a smirk on his face.

You definitely were not above beginning, and you knew that was exactly what he wanted.

“Please. Please Jungkook, I need you so bad. I’ll do anything for your cock right now.”

As your praises for Jungkook fell from your slips, you could feel his cock twitch at your entrance.

Without warning, Jungkook began to slide into you, feeling his cock stretching around your pussy.

“Ohh fuck, I love your pussy Y/N,” moaned out Jungkook in pure ecstacy

“It’s all yours Jungkook. I’m all yours”

You clenched your pussy in pleasure, bringing Jungkook along with you as his mouth formed a perfect o-shape. His thrusts then became even faster and stronger as he buried himself deep enough into you to have his pubic bone meet your clit with every thrust.

“Shit baby, this pussy is all mine. Gonna make a mess in this pussy”

You moaned at Jungkook’s words, both of you too wrapped up in pleasure to even remember that the rest of BTS and their crew were on the other side of a very thin door. You could feel Jungkook’s thrusts start to get sloppier as he then buried himself to the hilt inside of you, releasing ropes of his cum into you with a groan.

“Sooo fucking good Y/N, oh my fuck”

Realizing that you hadn’t cum yet, Jungkook took his hand to your clit, rubbing in circles just the way you liked it to bring you to your edge. Soon you were also a writhing, moaning mess on top of the dressing room sink, and you could feel yourself begin to lose control of your body. As your organsm washed over you, Jungkook kept pounding into you, letting you ride out your high on his cock.

Coming to your senses, you hopped off the sink. Before you could get to putting your clothes back on, you felt Jungkook’s cum running down your thighs, in a way that was way too obvious so you wouldn’t be able to go outside looking like that. Staring up at Jungkook with your eyes as wide as saucers, you were met with his doe eyes, which were contrasted by the smirk painting his lips.

“Looks like I have to clean you up then baby”

Jungkook then dipped down to lap at your cunt again, cleaning up the lines of cum painting your things softly. Placing soft kisses on your thighs, Jungkook kept murmuring sweet nothings right into your equally sweet core.

Hearing the hustle and bustle of outside picking up made you realize that you had probably spent way too long in here apparently “trying to button up Jungkook’s shirt”.

As you were buttoning up your own shirt and pushing down your skirt, you felt Jungkook’s eyes on you.

“My panties, Kook, please?”

Instead of handing them to you, you caught him stuffing them into his pocket.

“I’m taking them as a little reward for me princess, that’s okay right?”

And looking at those doe eyes, how could you ever say no.

Peppering kisses all over your face as a thank you, Jungkook began outting on his clothes as well as he couldn’t wipe a stupidly bright after-sex grin off of his face.

Before you walked out the door, you took one last look back at Jungkook, who looked absolutely spent from your rendezvous.

“Next time, say you need help tightening your corset or something Kook, it’ll buy us more time,” you mentioned with one last wink before you sauntered away.

--♡--

The set of today’s shoot erupted in cheers and thank you’s as the director called cut on the last scene of the day. You were thankful the shoot was over; your feet ached from running around organizing clothes all day, and the wetness between your legs had only increased as you watched Jungkook looking so sexy as he performed. You wanted nothing more than to be in Jungkook’s arms again as you started to clean up the set alongside the other stylists. The boys being the respectful men they were, would always come by individually to thank everyone, even when they had been filming since 4am and hadn’t even had a chance to eat lunch yet.

When Jungkook came over to you, he tried to give you a platonic hug in an effort to conceal your secret hook ups from the boys and your co-workers. He couldn’t stop himself from whispering in your ear.

“Thank you for the gift today Y/N, this shoot was a lot of fun thanks to you”

To any onlooker his words would have seemed completely normal, but only to you and Jungkook did you understand the true meaning of his sentiments.

Passing him off with a pat on the back, you then became face to face with Jimin.

Instead of the regular thank you’s you’d received from the other members, he instead leaned in to whisper in your ear.

“Could you be a little quieter next time you fuck our maknae? Next time we won’t even be able to film a bangtan bomb outside while you guys are going at it like rabbits in there.”

You couldn’t hide the way your jaw (and Jungkook’s) dropped at his words. Unable to speak, he carried on.

“I’m just joking with you though. Keep doing what you’re doing Y/N, it looks like you make our maknae really happy”

In a slight look of shame, you cowered into Jungkook’s chest, while he laughed loudly at the situation.

--♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡--

If you liked this please interact/follow! Thank you for reading♡

- Emily

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darling-i-read-it · 3 years

Text

Bloody Knife

Hannibal Lecter x fem!reader

Word Count: 1.3k

Warnings: murder, aka the reader murders someone, knives, blood

Author’s Note: I hope you enjoy darling! I’m always up for a little bit of fictional murder lol

Requested: by @russian-soft-bitch, Hello Queen! How've you been? If that's okay, can you please do a thing where reader committed her first murder to protect Hannibal but didn't see that Will was there too, Hannibal x reader, please! As messy as you wish, I love when there's a lot of blood lol Thank you in advance, hope you're having a good day!

Summary: the request

I don’t own these characters. They belong to author/director/creator

(not my gif)

You fixed your hair in the rearview mirror of your car. Behind the reflection of yourself was the familiar setting of Hannibal’s office. The hope was that you wouldn’t need to stay for very long but Jack Crawford wanted you to vet Hannibal before allowing him to tag along on to crime scenes.

This wasn’t anywhere near your first visit. You had been coming weekly like a patient, though you talked more about him than about yourself. You enjoyed his company. He enjoyed yours.

You stepped out of your car and onto the parking lot pavement. It was a muggy afternoon. You were happy to get inside. It always had a distinct smell about the office. It was pleasant and welcoming but with a tinge of bitterness. You laughed a bit to yourself as you thought about that. It was much like Hannibal himself.

The door to the patient room opened and Hannibal walked through, a small smile on his face.

“Y/N! Right on time,” he noted, checking his watch. You nodded.

“I like to be punctual.”

“I admire that. People who are punctual are often more organized in their thoughts.” You nodded, walking into the session room. You carefully admired the books on the walls, as you always did. You wondered if one day you would get to go up onto the second floor and see what they were yourself. You wondered if some of them were patient records, perhaps some psychology textbooks. Hannibal seemed like the kind of person to have those in plane view but unreachable. “I must confess, I thought you would stop coming. Now that Jack has me on cases I imagine there's no more need for our chats. Though I do love having them.” You shrugged.

“I suppose I just like talking to you Hannibal,” you admitted. “You’re one of the most intellectual people I’ve ever had the pleasure of speaking with. Not to mention you always keep me on my toes.” You put your bag down in one of the leather seats and walked over to the desk. “I like people who keep me on my toes.” He smiled fondly.

“A good trait to have,” he admitted. He sat down in one of the chairs. You trailed your fingers along the edge of his desk and sat down on it.

Hannibal had a feeling you were on to him. It was the same feeling he got when he spoke to Will Graham but you were closer to the truth. You had been declining his dinner invitations from the very first time. But you didn’t run away. You stayed closer in fact.

“How did you enjoy going along to the first crime scene?” you asked. Hannibal shrugged, watching you from the chair.

“It was enlightening. I had never seen Will Graham step into another's shoes before. Not in person.”

“It is a feat to behold,” you muttered, looking down at the drawings Hannibal had on the table. They were all in pencil. He must have done them himself.

“Do you believe-” he started but was abruptly cut off by the door opening. You and Hannibal turned your heads slowly, like you hadn’t been startled by the interruption at all. A man was standing in the doorway. He was breathing in an animalistic way, like he had just run for miles. He had sweat pouring down his forehead and it made his shirt cling to his chest. He was holding a knife in his hand, a rather large one. Your eyes went wide and you stood up. Hannibal slowly stood as well, turning to the man.

“I thought you didn’t have a patient,” the man breathed.

“Alex,” Hannibal said carefully. “This is my friend, Y/N. She isn’t a patient.” Alex looked at you with intense eyes. The hand that was holding the knife shook. He took a step forward and Hannibal didn’t move. You took deep breaths as the man turned away from Hannibal and walked toward you.

“You can’t be here,” he said, voice crazed.

“Alex,” Hannibal demanded. Alex was just a few feet away from you now. At the sound of Hannibal’s urgant voice he turned quickly, brandishing the knife far in front of him. You felt around carefully on the desk behind you. “Why are you here?”

“You know why I’m here! I came to you with sleeping problems and you made me a murderer!” Your fingers wrapped around a letter opener. You gripped it tightly, took a step forward and stabbed the man in the back of the head. The letter opener didn’t go far in but it was enough to get him to collapse from pain. He dropped the knife. You picked it up quickly, pointing it awkwardly at him.

He started to get up and you slashed his throat with one swing.

He fell back to the ground and started to bleed out. He gagged. You and Hannibal stood there in silence as Alex’s lips moved, begging for air but nothing came. It didn’t take very long for him to stop moving at all.

You looked at the knife in your hand, breathing out a sharp breath.

“He’s dead,” Hannibal said.

“Yes,” you said. “Obviously.”

In the hallway there was a soft thud. You and Hannibal both looked up and saw that the pencil sharpener on the secretary desk had fallen down. Will Graham met your eyes worriedly, cursing himself for running into the desk. Your eyes went wide and you dropped the knife quickly.

“He was threatening Hannibal,” you said quickly. “I...I didn’t mean….”

“You’re twenty minutes early for our 7 o’clock,” Hannibal observed to Will. You remembered what he said earlier, about being on time meant you had your life together. Will clearly did not.

“My bad, I didn’t know I was going to walk into an actual homicide,” Will said dryly. You were still amazed he wasn’t freaking out. Him or Hannibal. It seemed like this was a regular occurrence for them.

“Would you care to pitch in on making sure Alex here isn’t found?” Hannibal asked. Your eyes went even wider.

“We can call Jack and explain to him what happened! We can’t just..we-”

“Are you going to tell him that after the man was disarmed and down you slit his throat anyway?” Hannibal asked. He picked the knife up, took his handkerchief out of his pocket and washed the blood off of it.

“I’ve got a bad knee,” Will said. “I’m sure the two of you could handle it. Should we reschedule for tomorrow?”

“What?” you said, bewildered. “You aren’t….what?!” Hannibal put his hand on your shoulder. You had a spray of blood on your clothes. You just noticed.

“Tomorrow at 7 sounds wonderful Will.” He turned to you. “It’ll be alright. I’ll walk you through it myself.”

Hannibal Tag List: @michaelmyersthestabbyboi, @elisaa-shelby, @russian-soft-bitch, @lov3vivian, @ceruleanrainblues

#hannibal lecter x reader #hannibal lecter imagines #hannibal imagines

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