#Defensive driving principles

[techdriveplay]

A Comprehensive Guide to Defensive Driving Techniques

Defensive driving is more than just a set of skills; it’s a mindset and a commitment to safety on the road. This guide aims to provide drivers with an in-depth understanding of defensive driving techniques, empowering them to anticipate and respond to potential hazards and reduce the risk of accidents. The Defensive Driving Mindset Situational Awareness Develop a heightened sense of…

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#Adhering to speed limits #Adverse weather driving #Adverse weather strategies #Aggressive driving avoidance #Blind spots #Calm driving #Continuous education #Defensive Driving #Defensive driving behaviors #Defensive driving commitment #Defensive driving courses #Defensive driving culture #Defensive driving education #Defensive driving habits #Defensive driving knowledge #Defensive driving mindset #Defensive driving philosophy #Defensive driving practices #Defensive driving principles #Defensive driving responsibility #Defensive driving skills #Defensive driving strategies #Defensive driving techniques #Defensive driving tips #Distraction-free driving #Driving techniques #Expect the unexpected #Focus on the road #Fog driving #Following distance

[rhaenin-time]

If you reread the Dance portion of Fire and Blood after spending near any amount of time reading about how Empress Matilda was written about — not about Matilda herself, not the history, but specifically the historiography about how chroniclers and historians constructed narratives around Matilda — the story, Rhaenyra's story, becomes a lot less "ambiguous."

GRRM doesn't just know history, he knows historiography. He knew what he was doing. And it's a shame, and a little troubling, that so many people — including the writers of HotD — don't see it.

#fire and blood #asoiaf #defending rhaenyra out of principle #it's sus how so many people seem determined to commit to uncharitable interpretations #when that was THE WHOLE POINT #that how you interpret Rhaenyra says far more about you than it does about her #and if reading that made you angry or defensive you might want to think about WHY #rhaenyra targaryen #team black #because 'team green' is an invention to drive engagement #hotd critical #hotd sexism #anti team green #hotd

[mylifeisfruk4ever]

"What the fuck?"

Selina felt that those three words were enough to describe her whole relationship with Bruce Wayne. First as Batman, then as Bruce.

She had thought there might be something between them. Luckily it had passed, and a weird friendship had developed between them. Which might make some people turn up their noses since she was a thief and he was a vigilante but Bruce hasn't been so uptight lately and as long as Selina didn't kill and steal only who deserved it, they were fine.

Still, what the heck?

"Oh, Brucie is growing up," Harley said, all too pleased.

She was upright on the bed, while Pamela sat on the other side trimming her nails, seemingly ignoring the ongoing conversation.

Fuck house arrest for both of them. Why had she accepted? Oh yeah, they were friends.

Alsp, Bruce hoped that with her, Pamela and Harley could direct their impulses towards more correct forms of fighting for their principles, without involving innocent people.

So far it wasn't going to be great, but at least Harley had dumped her clown ex, for good this time, so it was a win.

(Probably more thanks to Pamela than her, but details.)

"Let me get this straight…you, mister, I don't look anyone in the face and if you talk to me for more than five minutes I'll start crying, you want….I can't believe I'm about to say it…learn how to seduce a man."

"Exactly," Bruce replied, as he petted one of Selina's cats.

"Just…why?"

"Who cares?" Harley broke in.

"He finally wants to step outside his boundaries! You have my respect!"

"It's not about going outside my boundaries. It's about planetary security."

"Really?" Selina said, half joking.

"Superman is powerful enough to destroy the planet."

This knocked Harley over, and Pamela finally stopped pretending not to pay attention.

Selina didn't know whether to laugh hysterically or slap him on the head, "Do you want to seduce Superman?!"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"To discover his weaknesses and use them against him when his powers drive him insane."

"Wow, talking about trust issues," was Harley's comment.

"I like to be prepared," Bruce said.

"What did the boy scout do to make you fear that he might become world dictator at the slightest provocation?"

The man pouted adorable, and grumbled. Selina still wasn't an expert at translating each other's mumbling but she swore it was something like smiling too much, and I don't trust him, he's got something to hide.

Harley said, "Isn't Superman having an affair with that reporter? Lois Lane?"

"She is General Lane's daughter. A close relationship is not advisable."

"She seems to know him well. Why don't you ask her?"

"She wouldn't answer me, so as not to betray him. Everyone says he's a hero."

"And you obviously don't believe it," Selina suspected.

"No."

"What makes you think he might be interested in men?" Selina asked him.

Harley laughed, "Cupcake, no completely straight man would wear pants that tight."

"Same conclusion I came to."

Oh good. The fate of the world was entrusted to a pair of tight trousers.

"Besides, I've done some research on him, and I might be his type. At least physically. What I lack is the ability to seduce him to lower his defenses and believe me harmless."

"Ability you think we have?" Selina asked, not sure whether to feel offended or not.

"Gotham is very sexist," Bruce said.

"You did your best to manipulate men who thought they knew better."

Pamela smiled, "I'm liking this one."

“I told you Brucie's one of the good ones,” Harley genuinely smiled as she said it.

"And he's a weirdo, like us."

Selina wanted to moan. This is what happens when you make friends with strange vigilantes. She said, "So Superman has a thing for brunettes. Good to know. Have you thought about what to do in case your brilliant plan fails?"

"It won't fail," he said confidently.

"You don't know," she insisted, trying to give him some common sense. A futile undertaking, it was Bruce she was talking to.

"Superman is overconfident. He will fall into the net."

"Definitely not dressed like that honey," Harley commented, taking a long look to Bruce.

"What's wrong with the way I'm dressed?"

"You look like a creepy stalker," Selina said. Army jacket, hat, scarf to cover her face and mascara for her eyes. Bruce was a walking fashion insult. They're definitely going to have to fix his wardrobe, make him wear things that flatter his body and…

Oh god, she was totally on board with that plan, right?

Read more

#fanfiction #books #au #quote #superbat #superbattinson #battinson #the batman #gotham #gotham sirens #selina kyle #bruce wayne #harley quinn #pamela isley #the batman 2022 #autistic bruce wayne #batman fanfiction

[skieswords]

Ruin Me {Luke Patterson x OC}

Summary: Finley is Los Feliz High’s golden girl. Straight As, captain of the cheer squad and the dance team, dating the captain of the lacrosse team, and the pride and joy of her parents. But her childhood best friend and her have had an agreement since they were 16. No feelings, no strings, nobody knows. Especially not her boyfriend.

Warning: Smut. 

Word count: 12.2k

Based on Lustra’s Scotty Doesn’t Know.

“Fuck, that was good.” 

Finley rolled her eyes and pulled the sheets up to her chest, turning to face Luke as dropped down beside her, running a hand through his sweaty hair. He sat up on his elbow and smirked down at her, taking in her flushed face and messed up hair. 

“You good?” 

He held a fist out to her, and she rolled her eyes but smirked, and fist bumped him. 

“Shut up.” 

Luke pretended to bow to a non-existent audience, chuckling as he dropped back onto his pillow. Finley looked at the clock on the wall and sighed, sitting up with the sheet wrapped around her, and gathering her clothes from around the floor, where they’d been scattered earlier. 

“You know, you really shouldn’t worry about covering up in front of me. I mean, the things you just let me do to you- why do you even bother?” 

Pulling her shorts on, and frowning at her messed up hair, Finley rolled her eyes once again at her old best friend, and smoothed down her shirt. 

“It’s the principle of it. We have sex, we finish, I leave. That’s how it is.” 

Luke shrugged, and rested his hands behind his head, sitting up against his headboard.

She wasn’t wrong. This was how it had been since the start of their Junior year. Finley had been dating the lacrosse team captain for 4 months, but he’d made it very clear he wanted to wait a while before doing the deed. Being the respectful and loving girlfriend she was- she’d turned to her best friend. Luke Patterson, notorious for breaking hearts at Los Feliz high, was more than happy to help her out, coming up with an arrangement that meant he got an easy fuck, and she got her needs satisfied. There were no feelings whatsoever between the two of them, and they didn’t speak outside of making plans and seeing them through. Cheating on Scott wasn’t easy- but she told herself it was just temporary, and it was better than letting their relationship suffer because she felt neglected. God knows she’d helped Scott enough times, simply by walking around his bedroom in a sports bra, or making out with him for an hour. He was a nice boy, destined for college, who came from a nice family and a nice church. A church that she’d attended with him quite a few times. He was too nice, sometimes. 

Luke was the polar opposite of Scott. 17, in a rockband, on the brink of dropping out of school, and swearing off God since age 12. They’d been best friends all through middle school, but that all changed when they reached high school, and Finley had started to rise through the social ranks, quickly earning queen bee status. Now, as captain of both the dance team and the cheer team, she was expected to behave herself. Walking to class hand in hand with her golden boy boyfriend, pass all of her classes, attend cheer practice, coach the dance team, go home and study. Cheer at Scott’s game on Fridays after school, get a milkshake with him at the diner afterwards. Spend Saturdays at cheer practice for a few hours, then heading straight to her best friend Sasha’s house for a study session, before having dinner with her entire family. Sunday’s were her favourite though. She’d wake up early, dress simply, and drive to the other side of town. She’d tell her parents she was going to see Scott, tell Scott she was going to church, and tell Sasha she was going to the gym. In her defense, she was working out. Just not quite the way her best friend thought. 

Monday saw the Los Feliz 1995 Junior prom queen walking through the halls, high ponytail secured with a bright blue scrunchie, cheer skirt perfectly pressed, and trainers so white they looked new. The walls were papered with posters about the upcoming dance, the theme having been decided by her and a few of the girls from dance. A romantic weekend in Paris, they’d decided, with roses decorating the tables, and a colour theme of red and white. Hopefully it wouldn’t clash too much with the Valentine’s dance, the theme for which was still to be confirmed, despite it’s arrival in less than a month. There were a lot of dances at Los Feliz, thanks to the musical and dancing talent in their school. Luke’s band was playing the next homecoming dance, after Finley put a good word in for them, feeling like she owed Luke something. She didn’t know how it didn’t eat away at him, sleeping with someone elses girlfriend. But then she caught sight of him leaning over Jessie Wilson, a Junior who’d recently joined the dance team, and was reminded once again, that Luke was the definition of a player. Finley wrinkled her nose as Luke pushed a strand of hair off of Jessie’s face, the younger girl nearly melting into a puddle at Luke’s feet. Luke noticed her watching, and sent her a wink, making her scowl, as she tried to subdue the blush creeping up her cheeks. 

“Hey babe, you alright?” 

Finley smiled up at her suddenly appeared boyfriend, and pressed a kiss to his cheek, pushing all thoughts of Luke in the janitor’s closet out of her mind. 

“I’m fine, just thinking about the routine for Friday’s game. Are we still on for milkshakes?” She smiled sweetly, intertwining their fingers. Scott shrugged and ran his free hand through his sandy curls, his eyes fixed on something in the distance. 

“Yeah, sure.” 

He started walking towards the english room, tugging her gently alongside him. 

“I was gonna ask you- do you fancy coming to my church with me on Sunday? My pastor wants to see you again, and speak to you about running that cheer camp I mentioned?” 

Finley’s eyes widened, and she cleared her throat. 

“I wish I could, but I told my pastor I’d stay behind after the service and help with the kids... I’m so sorry.” 

Finley smiled apologetically, but was surprised when Scott flashed her an adoring grin, reaching out a hand to brush a strand of hair off her face as they reached her class. 

“Don’t worry about it- that’s incredible. You’re incredible. I don’t know how you find the time for all of these things. How’d I get so lucky?” 

He leant down and pressed a kiss to her temple, before waving goodbye as he headed to the science labs. Finley laughed half-heartedly as she waved back, turning and walking into english with a quiet groan. 

Maths was next period, but as Finley sat down in her desk, someone appeared on her shoulders, his musky aftershave identifying him before he could speak. 

“Don’t touch me, Lucas.” 

Finley shrugged her shoulders, forcing him to sit back in his seat, the desk behind hers. 

“Funny, that’s not what you were saying yesterday.” 

He was muttering, but Finley caught it, spinning round to glare at him as he chuckled. 

“Not funny. Someone might hear you!” 

She glanced around her fearfully, shooting a convincing smile at the group of cheerleaders towards the back, before dropping it and continuing her glare. 

“Relax, you don’t have to be golden girl all the time you know. No-one cares if you drop the act for once in your life.” 

Finley groaned, and turned back around, making sure her ponytail flicked him in the face as she did so. 

“Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten what it feels like.” 

His voice was soft in her ear, and she closed her eyes as his fingers ran through a handful, begging the memories of many previous Sundays to stop playing through her mind. 

“Hey Finley, what’s up?” 

Sasha’s arrival saw Finley lean forward, forcing Luke to remove his hands from her hair, watching her with a smirk as she spoke to her best friend. 

“Hey Sash, I’m good. How was your weekend? Sorry I missed your call on Sunday, I was at church.” 

Sasha winked at her, and giggled. 

“You’re still telling him you go to church on a Sunday? Poor boy, if only he knew.” 

Finley laughed nervously and drummed her pen on the desk, twirling her ponytail around a finger. Luke’s ears perked up at this; had Finley told Sasha what was going on between them? Finley laughed alongside her friend, the nervous tone in it only picked up by the carefully listening rockstar wannabe, who knew her inside out. Literally. 

“Of course. Honestly, don’t know how he believes me. He thinks this body comes from just cheer and dance? No, it’s the 4 hour weight session with Charlie every Sunday. I’ll tell him one day, but for now, I’ve got to keep in shape.” 

Finley ran her hands down her sides at this, and arched her back slightly, knowing Luke’s eyes would be on her. They were, and he smirked at her action, kicking the leg of her chair gently so she knew. 

“Of course, got to keep him interested. And, of course, there’s the matter of homecoming.” 

Sasha winked at Finley, who blushed and looked at her desk, silently praying Luke had stopped listening for some reason. 

“Yeah, duh.” 

Saved by the appearance of their math teacher, Finley sighed with relief and pulled out her textbook. Luke diverted his attention out the window, his mind drifting to what could possibly be happening at next Friday’s homecoming that he’d missed.

*

The week passed in a flash, with Finley avoiding Luke at all costs. They reached Friday morning not having spoken since Monday, when Luke finally cornered her in the hallway after lunch, while everyone else was in class. 

“Luke. Hey.” 

She blinked up at him, towering over her lithe frame as she leaned against her locker. 

“Fin. You still on for Sunday?” Finley looked around her fearfully, pushing him lightly in the chest once she was satisfied the corridor was empty. 

“Shut up. Yeah, same as always.” 

Luke narrowed his eyes at her, leaning in close so she could feel his breath on her face. He was hardly an inch away, his cocky smirk almost pressed up against her lips. 

“Luke-” He reached his thumb up and pulled her bottom lip down lightly, his eyes growing dark and hungry, before laughing and walking away, shoving his hands deep in his pockets. Finley groaned and brushed down her clothes, willing away the fierce blush that had appeared on her cheeks. That boy was going to be the death of her. 

*

“Game night, wooo! Favourite night of the week. I get to rock the field, and then spend time with my perfect girl.” 

Finley smiled weakly at her over excited boyfriend, his lacrosse uniform on, leaning against the wall as he watched her paint careful blue swirls on her face. 

“Yeah, should be great. You’ll be awesome.” 

She pressed a chaste kiss to his cheek, checking her uniform in the mirror one more time. White and blue uniform, blue bow tied around her ponytail, blue face paint swirling on her cheekbones. The epitome of bobcat spirit in a couple stood in front of her, and she found herself wondering for the 1000th time that week, why she wasn’t perfectly content. Scott was so sweet, and he cared about her. She’d met his family, and they all adored her, she’d met his pastor, who’d also loved her. They were perfect for each other. But why wasn’t it enough for her? Banishing those thoughts from her mind, she plastered a smile on, and cracked her knuckles. Time to win a game, and show the school why she deserved to be queen bee.

The bleachers were filled with a sea of blue and silver, signs held high above the Los Feliz students’ heads, Bobcat posters lining the walls of the field. Finley was dancing around in front of the bleachers, cheering for the bobcat team as they scored yet again, doing a handspring before jumping on Sasha’s back and running around yelling happily. She loved cheering, always had done since she had joined the squad in her Freshman year. The other girls were chanting, clapping and jumping on the sidelines, watching with wide grins as their captain and vice ran round the bleachers, now on opposite sides. Sasha gave Finley a look, who returned it with a nod, before launching into a complex tumbling routine simultaneously. Pairing a triple back handspring with a full twist and a back somersault, she landed it with a proud smile, panting slightly. Sasha, now directly opposite her, bowed to the screaming students, and ran over, wrapping an arm round her best friends’ waist. 

“I knew we could do that. That had to look sick.” 

Finley nodded, walking into the group of Bobcat cheerleaders and organizing them into place for stunts. With the base group formed up, Finley watched carefully as Sasha was tossed up in the air, alongside Leila. With Finley as their captain, and the smallest on the team, it made sense for her to be top flyer. Taking a deep breath, she broke into a run, before throwing a back handspring and feeling herself getting caught by girls at the front, who boosted her to Sasha and Leila, who pulled her up onto their hands. Three tier pyramid, her foot firmly lodged in Sasha and Leila’s hands, her arms high above her head. She beamed as she looked around the bleachers, knowing she’d impressed everyone. It had been a long time since someone had managed to get the bobcat cheer team in as good a place as Finley had it. She was talented, and being the kind of person she was, it wasn’t difficult to get people to listen to her. But her pride was short lived. Someone slipped beneath her, and she cursed quietly under her breath, tensing her entire body. Sasha stumbled, letting go of Finley, who’s entire weight was now on Leila, who was far too small to handle her on her own. Finley groaned and threw herself backwards, tucking into a ball and hoping for the best. She’d landed back somersaults from that height before, but without a steady base, she had no idea where this would go. She did land it, but a sickening crunch as she did so made her fall to the floor in agony, clutching her ankle and yelping. The first person to her side was Sasha, who was blurting out apologies through tears, pulling her into an awkward hug, while Finley rolled her eyes and tried to calm her through gritted teeth. 

“It’s okay Sash. Can you go get ice or something?” 

Sasha nodded and ran off, and Finley peered at her ankle. It seemed fine, maybe a little twisted, but not broken. Movement out of the corner of her eye made her look up, and she caught sight of Luke, leaning against the side of the bleachers, his eyes trained on her. He looked... worried? Finley didn’t have time to contemplate this, as she felt someone wrap their arms around her, and carry her over to the side, resting her against the bench. 

“Hey babe, are you alright? That was a nasty fall.” 

Scott stroked her face gently, his face red and his hair plastered to his forehead with sweat. 

“I’m alright Scotty. Go win this game for me, okay?” Scott nodded and pressed a kiss to her cheek, before running off. 

“Scotty? Really? God you two are sickening.” 

Finley rolled her eyes at Luke’s tone, rubbing her leg. 

“What do you want, Patterson? I’m a bit busy, if you hadn’t noticed.” 

Luke nodded and knelt down, holding up an ice pack. 

“Shut up and let me help you.” 

Finley snapped her lips shut and winced as Luke pressed the ice to her ankle, holding it in place with surprisingly gentle fingers. 

“That was stupid. You knew you might fall.” 

He sounded bored, but there was a hint of concern in his voice that Finley hadn’t expected to hear. 

“I was fine. I’ve done it a million times before- Sasha just slipped.”

Luke snorted, and adjusted the way he was kneeling. 

“Yeah well Sasha just slipping, nearly had you landing on your head. Get some better cheerleaders, won’t you? Half of them aren’t even hot- swear that’s literally the whole point of you guys.” 

Finley resisted the urge to smack him, and took a deep breath. 

“They’re good. And don’t be so degrading. Girls shouldn’t be valued based on how they look.” 

Luke met her eyes with a judgy look, laughing softly. 

“Relax, sweetheart. I wasn’t insulting you. You’re as sexy as ever.” 

He trailed a hand up her leg lightly, causing her to tilt her head back with her eyes closed as he reached the hem of her skirt. 

“Luke.” He took his hand back and smirked. 

“Finley.” 

Looking around them, and checking the scoreboard, Finley grabbed his shoulder. 

“Where’s your car?”

Luke raised his eyebrows, but helped her stand up. 

“Seriously? Okay, whatever. This way.” 

He wrapped an arm around her waist and helped her towards the school, waving at the coach and a few of the cheerleaders. 

“We’re going to get more ice for her foot, we’ll be back in a bit.” 

They hardly noticed, waving them off without a second thought. As soon as they were in the school, Luke had Finley up against the lockers, his hand going straight between her legs and stroking her through her shorts. Finley gasped as his lips found hers, desperate and forceful, searching for more. She wrapped her arms around his neck and moaned into his mouth, tilting her head back as he moved his mouth down her neck, biting and sucking gently at the fair skin. Finley groaned and pushed him off her, starting to limp down the corridor. Luke followed her, wrapping a hand around her throat from behind, and slamming her up against the lockers. 

“Don’t fucking move. I’m not done.” 

His hand returned to her core, the gentle movements of his fingers torturous, even through the material of her shorts. He chuckled when she moaned, and held her throat tighter, watching the skin around his rings turn white as the cool metal bit into her skin. 

“This is fun.” 

His voice was low and husky in her ear, the sensation of his breath on her skin causing the hair on the back of her neck to stand up, and sending a shiver down her spine. 

“Car. Now. Please.” 

Luke smirked and let her go, resting one hand on her waist as they walked along the corridor, their pace quick and determined. When they reached the battered red truck, Luke unlocked it and pulled the seat forward, helping Finley climb in, and clambering in after her. Her hands were on him as soon as he sat down, straddling his lap and pushing his jacket off his shoulders as she connected their lips again. Luke smirked into the kiss, sliding his tongue along her lower lip, and deepening the kiss when she moaned. 

“You’re so needy. I love it.” 

Finley rolled her eyes, and sat up. 

“Stop talking. Seriously. It makes you like, way less attractive.” 

Luke rubbed his hands up and down her sides, his eyes growing dark as he admired her. 

“So you think I’m attractive? Good to know.” 

Finley groaned and rolled her hips into his, desperate for some kind of relief, but also wanting to distract him. 

“We’ve been doing this too long for your dumb jokes, Lucas. Hurry up.” 

Luke snickered and put his hand on the back of her neck, dragging her down to his lips again. 

“Yeah yeah, whatever.” 

They continued making out in the back of Luke’s truck, only breaking apart for Luke to pull his shirt off, before starting again, the heat of the kiss gradually increasing. Their teeth were clashing, tongues sliding against one another, nipping at each others lips. It was impossible to tell where Luke ended and Finley begun. Luke’s hands moved to the hem of Finley’s cheer top, sliding it up and over her head, releasing her ponytail at the same time. 

“That bow’s so fucking stupid.” 

Finley rolled her eyes and pressed their bare chests together, moaning at the warm contact. Luke’s hands moved to her hips, throwing his head back against the seats as she ground down on him. 

“Fuck, Fin. Get that off.” 

He tugged on the waistband of her skirt, and she smirked, moving off him to slip it down her legs, leaving her in just her underwear. She straddled him once more and moved her hands to his belt, while he kissed her chest, leaving marks along her collarbones, making sure they’d be concealed by her clothes. Finley was struggling with his fly, when she tilted her head back, distracted by the feeling of Luke’s mouth on her nipple, his tongue flicking over it while his other hand kneaded her breast. He looked up and met her eyes, his pupils dilated and eyes hungry. The smirk that he adorned when he noticed how turned on she was made everything worse, and Finley returned her attention to his fly, pulling it down and groaning with relief. 

“God, I hate jeans.” 

Luke grinned and shuffled down, letting his jeans rest around his ankles before pulling her into his chest, slipping his hand between her legs as he kissed her. 

“Shit you’re wet.” 

He moved his hand from her, and stroked himself, pulling her towards him. Finley hesitated, rubbing his bottom lip with her thumb. 

“Do you have-” 

Luke groaned impatiently and reached for his jacket, sitting on the seat beside him. Finley snatched the wrapper from him, tearing it with her teeth, and rolling her eyes at the look on his face. One of his hands was trailing up and down her bare spine, the other gripping her hip so tightly she was sure it would bruise. It would, she knew that. He was bad for leaving bruises on her- but she loved it. 

He jumped as she wrapped a hand around his cock, sliding the condom over it, before returning her hands to his hair, pulling their lips back together. Luke lifted her up slightly, groaning as she sunk down onto him slowly, letting out her own delicious moans at the feeling of him inside her. She rested her head on his shoulder for a moment, before rolling her hips into him, and letting out a high pitched gasp. Luke’s own groan was desperate, and he silently pleaded with her, his hands gripping at her ass. She gave a slight nod, and he moaned with relief, bucking his hips into her once, and grinning as she threw her head back with the pleasure, her mouth open and hair framing her face. 

She was breathtaking, and Luke brought his lips to her neck, biting at the spots he knew would drive her crazy, while he picked up a steady pace, pushing her ass down onto him as she rocked her hips in time with his thrusts. Finley pulled at his hair, her eyes closed in bliss, cheeks pink and lips red, bruised from his constant attacks on them. Luke’s thrusts were getting faster, and less careful, and Finley could already feel the familiar knot in her stomach forming, heat pooling in her lower abdomen. 

“Fin-” 

Finley leaned forward, resting their foreheads together. 

“Yeah, I’m with you.” 

One of Luke’s hands made it’s way up to her hair, yanking her head back as he sucked on the sensitive skin below her collarbone. He let her go, grinning at the weak look she gave him. In that moment, he knew she’d do anything for him. But he was getting dangerously close to the edge, and Luke wasn’t one to leave a lady hanging, so he brought his hand down in between them, his thumb circling her clit gently. She moaned desperately and fell forward, her breathy moans echoing through Luke’s head as she sucked on his earlobe. 

“Fuck-” 

Luke groaned and bit down on her shoulder as he came, feeling Finley’s walls clench around him as she followed right after him. Chests heaving and skin flushed, they stayed like that for a few minutes, Luke’s hand drawing circles on Finley’s bare skin. She closed her eyes, basking in the afterglow of their quickie, breathing in Luke’s distinctive scent. Her mind drifted to all of the Sunday afternoons she’d spent wrapped in his strong arms, and she heard a question nagging in the back of her mind. Why did she always feel so safe with him?

“We should probably get back.” 

He nodded at her soft voice in his ear, and groaned quietly as she lifted herself off of his lap, watching as she collapsed onto the seat beside him and reached for her clothes. Luke pulled off the condom and dropped it into a bag of trash, before dragging his jeans back up his legs, and fastening his belt. They were good at dressing themselves quickly- They’d started sneaking around when they were 16, and now nearly 2 years and lots of quickies later- it was like second nature to them both. However, Luke thought to himself, it had been a while since Finley had dragged him away from a public setting like that. In fact, it had been a while since they’d met up anywhere other than his house on Sundays. 

They’d stuck to a very strict schedule throughout their senior year, with Finley being terrified of getting caught and only wanting to see him at weekends. He couldn’t help but wonder why she’d dragged him off. It wasn’t like her at all- she hadn’t done it since summer after junior year, when they’d spent the majority of afternoons either in his truck, or in the back of empty movie theaters. She couldn’t get enough of him that summer. But then when they’d gone back to school, it had been back to once a week, no eye contact in the corridors, treating him like he was scum. 

Luke pulled his shirt over his head and watched as she climbed over him, jumping out of the truck, and checking her ponytail one last time in the wing mirror before running across the car park. She stopped a few meters later, and turned back, waving awkwardly. Luke rolled his eyes and waved back, before switching to the front seat. Looked like her ankle was just fine now. 

Finley went for milkshakes with Scott after the game, some of her cheer friends and his lacrosse buddies tagging along for the ride. She’d gone to the bathroom before going back to the field, doing a quick once over herself to check there were no visible reminders of her encounter with Luke. On Sundays he tended to be a bit more careful, making sure only to mark her in places that her uniform would cover, but clearly the backseat of his truck, in the dark, meant the same rules did not apply. Just above the collar of her cheer top, a trail of deep purple marks were clearly scattered across her collarbones, and so she had to run to her locker and pull on one of Scott’s hoodies, before legging it out onto the field for the final 5 minutes. 

Scott scored three goals in the time she watched for, and when he came running up to her afterwards, he’d scooped her up and spun her round, kissing her for the entire field to watch. Finley had been semi-grateful for that. While it made her stomach churn and her mind race with guilty thoughts, it also explained her flushed appearance and slightly messed up hair. But as they were getting milkshakes, Finley found her mind drifting further and further away from the homecoming dress choices that her friends were discussing, and not even Scott’s hand on her hip could keep her focused on what she needed to be thinking about. Which was definitely not the dark-haired guitarist who constantly reminded her she’d never get enough of him.

In fact, said guitarist was sitting in his studio with his bandmates, poring over a chord progression he’d had written for weeks. 

“I just can’t work out what lyrics will go, you know? I don’t have anywhere to pull them from right now.” 

Luke shrugged at his bandmates, who sighed hopelessly. They’d all hoped to have something new for the dance, something that would show the senior class of ‘95 that Sunset Curve were the band to watch. But Luke had nothing. He was content. He had great friends, the band was doing well, and besides the occasional fall out with his parents, nothing was too difficult at home either. Not to mention he was regularly fucking the hottest girl at school. 

“Dude, you need to work out something. Otherwise we’re gonna have to turn to Reggie. And we really can’t do that.” 

Luke groaned and threw his pencil across the room. He never thought he’d be asking for something to go wrong in his life. 

“I’ll have it by Friday, don’t worry. I’ll work something out.” 

Alex sighed with relief and clapped him on the shoulder, before heading over to his drums and taking his seat, flipping his hair off his face. 

“Until then, let’s practice what we do got. Ready?” 

Luke nodded and grabbed his guitar, pushing all thoughts of new songs to the back of his mind. He’d find inspiration at some point, he was sure. 

*

After yet another long winded argument with her parents about college, Finley climbed behind the wheel of her car and groaned. They were adamant she’d be going to Stanford or USC- and while she had the grades, that’s not where Finley wanted to be. She loved LA, and she loved California, there was no doubt about it. Waking up to the sun every morning, and always being within driving distance of the beach was a definite plus- but her heart was set on Boston. 

They’d visited the city last summer, to spend time with family, and Finley had fallen in love. She adored everything about it. It was busy and beautiful, the buildings historic, the people friendly. Not to mention it’s top rated universities. You’d think that having two parents with PHDs would mean being pushed towards Harvard- but not in her case. They were adamant she was to stay on the west coast, within a couple hours drive of them. They were unmoving on the topic, unwilling to listen to Finley’s reasoning, or even her aunts’ arguments, who had both phoned and fought her corner over the past few weeks. 

She pulled up on Luke’s street, parking a few houses down just in case someone they knew should walk past and recognise her car, before walking up to the bungalow, taking a moment to check Mitch’s car was gone. Satisfied, she unlocked the back gate and made her way round to the garden, where unsurprisingly, Luke was sitting, strumming away on his guitar with a worried expression. 

“Hey Patterson. What you up to?” 

Luke looked up at her voice, and the worried expression fell away as he set down his guitar. 

“Nothing much. Trying to work out some new stuff for the dance. How you doing?” 

Finley shrugged, dropping into the seat next to him and chucking her keys on the table in between them. 

“As good as I can be.” 

Luke frowned and examined her face. There were tired circles under her eyes, and she looked drained. 

“Fin, you good?” 

She glanced up at him and noticed his eyes trained on her. 

“Yeah, of course. Just the parents being dicks as always.” 

He leant forward in his chair and rested his elbows on his knees. 

“Want to talk about it?” 

She shrugged again, frowning and fiddling with the fraying hems of her shorts. Luke would understand, she told herself. Emily and Mitch have been discouraging him from the band from day one, he knows how it felt to have your dreams sat on by your parents. The thoughts in her head encouraged her to open up, and try as she might, she couldn’t disagree with them. 

“College stuff. I want to go to Boston, they want me to stay in Cali. It’s just... I dunno. They don’t get it.” 

Luke nodded and leaned back, looking into the leaves of the large oak tree that sat in his back garden, casting shade over most of the little house. Finley felt herself relax, and started to spill her guts, sick of being alone with her thinking. 

“I love Boston. I love the city, the people, the schools. It’s Harvard, god dammit, how can I turn that down? And my little cousins, I never get to see them, but I want to watch them grow up so badly. It’s just all so unfair. They want me to do what they want me to do, not what I want me to do.” 

She groaned in frustration and let her hair out of its ponytail, toying with the scrunchie in her hands. 

“Parents are like that. I think a lot of the time they try and live vicariously through their kids, you know?” Finley raised her eyebrows at Luke, a light smirk appearing. 

“Woah, that’s a big word Patterson. Careful, people might think you’re smart.” 

He rolled his eyes at her, and chuckled slightly, running a hand through his hair. Finley noticed the way the muscles in his arms moved when he did so, and bit her lip slightly. 

“You know what I mean. Your parents always regretted leaving the move to LA so late. They wanted to grow up here and go to school here, but they didn’t get the chance to, so they’re trying to get you to do it. It makes sense. It sucks, but it makes sense.” 

Finley nodded slightly, continuing to pick at her shorts. She sometimes forgot that Luke had been her best friend before all this. They’d become best friends when she moved to Los Angeles, on her first day at Los Feliz middle school. Both of them had been put into the performing arts programme immediately, her for dancing, and him for singing. He’d picked up a guitar on their first day, and had fallen in love with it instantly. She still remembered the look of awe on his face as he strummed the strings awkwardly. Finley smiled at the memory and stretched her arms above her head, shaking all negative thoughts from her mind. 

“So, what’s worst with you then?” Luke groaned and glared at his guitar. 

“The boys want a new song for Friday. Something that really makes Sunset Curve stick in everyone’s minds. But I got nothing to write about. No inspiration. Nothing. Nada. Zilch.” 

He flopped against the back of his seat as he finished speaking, holding a hand over his eyes dramatically. Finley smirked and stood up, beginning to stroll towards the house, slipping her shoes off as she reached the back door. Luke watched her go through his fingers, raising his eyebrows at her as she stopped and looked back at him. 

“Well do you want me to give you something to write about or not? Get over here.”

Luke grinned and jumped up, chasing after her as she ran into the corridor and up the stairs, only making it to the landing before he caught her round the waist and she started shrieking. He picked her up and spun her round, pushing her up against the wall gently. Both were panting through their smiles, a pretty blush dusted over Finley’s cheeks. She grinned down at Luke, reaching a hand up to run it through his hair, and cupping his cheek gently. He leaned into her touch, his eyes fluttering closed as he felt his heart rate slow slightly. They lived for their Sundays together, when they could forget about everything and everyone, and just be exactly who they wanted to be. It was going to be weird when she left for college, he thought.

I’m going to lose him forever, she remembered. 

Her thumb stilled against his cheek, and Luke opened his eyes, finding her bright blue irises darkened with lust, and heavy with want. He didn’t get a chance to notice the traces of fear in them before she crashed their lips together. Her hands slipped around his neck to pull at his hair, and he let his hands wander underneath her, pulling her off the wall and stumbling towards his bedroom. He kicked the door open, pulling away from her for a moment as he avoided his dresser, dropping her on the bed. 

“Get your clothes off. Now.” 

Finley grinned and obliged, tossing her shorts and t-shirt in a heap next to his bed. Luke unbuckled his belt, and pulled his shirt over his head, dropping it on top of her clothes, before climbing over the top of her, and rejoining their lips. Hands automatically moving to his hair, Finley tugged softly as she parted her lips and let him explore her mouth with his tongue. He rolled his hips into her gently, smirking against her mouth as she whined and bucked towards him, desperate for more contact. 

“Easy tiger, we’ve got all day, remember?” 

Finley bit his bottom lip in response, dragging him back down to her and hooking her legs around his waist, pushing his jeans down with her feet. She raked her nails along his back, feeling a shiver run down her spine as he groaned in her ear, and gasped when he pressed his hips into her, feeling his cock pressed against her stomach through his boxers. 

“Stop teasing.” 

He snorted and rocked his hips into her again, watching her face carefully as her eyes rolled back in her head. 

“But it’s so fun.” 

His voice came out as a whisper, laced with teasing and a hint of feigned innocence. Finley let out an exasperated sigh, and lifted her head to meet his lips, kissing him with a new fire. Luke gave in, and drifted a hand down in between them, stroking her through the material of her underwear. He circled her clit through the soft cotton with his thumb, smirking at the pained gasp she let out at the sudden contact. 

“Luke.” 

He rolled his eyes, but decided to be nice, pushing the material to one side and slipping a finger inside, shortly joined by a second one. The moans that tumbled from her lips as he moved his fingers inside her were delicious, and went straight to his cock. He curled them against her expertly, drawing out desperate sighs and moans as he hit all of the spots he’d memorised so long ago. 

Finley writhed on the bed beneath him, her bottom lip caught between her teeth. Luke breathed heavily through his nose, searching desperately for some restraint as he watched her arch into him continuously, the most incredible noises leaving her lips. 

“Luke, I need you. Please.” He groaned loudly and nodded, gripping her hip with strong fingers. He smirked at the deep red marks left behind, knowing it would take a few days for the evidence of him to leave her body. 

Luke smacked her thigh gently, pulling his boxers down his thighs. She looked up at him expectantly, desperation radiating off her face. 

“Turn round.” Finley’s eyes lit up as she realised what he meant, and she shuffled around on his bed until she was on her knees, the warmth of his skin heating the back of her thighs. It disappeared for a moment, and she frowned, but was soon panting ecstatically as his tongue drew pictures over her slit. She felt his thumb rubbing at her clit and moaned, burying her face in his pillows. Almost as soon as her skin hit the soft cotton, her head was yanked up by her hair, sparks flying down her spine and straight to her clit.

“Uh uh. Let me hear you. Let me hear how good I make you feel.” Finley whimpered and arched her back as far as she could- which being a dancer, was fairly impressive. Luke watched with appreciative eyes, his hands massaging her ass. He smacked it gently, smirking at the moan she let out as their skin connected. 

“You ready?” Finley groaned and shook her hips slightly, Luke chuckling as her ass jiggled impatiently. 

“Take that as a yes.” Luke put a hand on his cock, stroking it a few times as he stared at Finley spread out in front of him. He knew he was the only one to have seen her like this; panting and moaning for him desperately, her pussy dripping with excitement. Her usually perfect blonde hair was splayed across his bed, messy and tousled from his relentless grabbing. He guided the head of his cock to her entrance, grimacing as she let out a high-pitched moan at the feeling of him entering her. She couldn’t sing, he knew that- but by god, the noises that came out of her were beautiful. 

Bottoming out, Luke took a deep breath as he focused on Finley’s back. Toned and perfect, he couldn’t help but run a hand down her spine lightly, smiling at her appreciative moan. It took only a moment before she was pushing back against him, begging him to move. He obliged, slamming into her harshly as their moans filled the room around them. 

“Fuck baby. You feel good today.” Finley moaned in response, meeting him thrust for thrust. Her arms were stretched out in front of her, gripping his bedsheets tightly. She looked completely wanton, her mouth open and gasping, fists clenching at the sheets with every move Luke made. 

“Harder, Luke, please.” Luke grinned and put both of his hands on her hips, steadying her as he thrust into her at a bruising pace, his own chest tightening as he watched his cock disappear inside her over and over again.

“Shit Luke, just like that. Fucking hell, I’m so close. Shit, shit, shit.” “Who knew you had such a dirty mouth on you?” Finley looked back at him with dangerous eyes, trying hard to keep her cool as Luke continued his pace. 

“You have no idea how dirty my mouth is.” He smirked and grabbed a handful of her hair, yanking it harshly. She whimpered, but the way her mouth fell open told her he loved it.

“I do. But why don’t you give me a reminder?” Luke let go of her hair and let her fall back into the pillows, slamming into her a few more times before pulling out and flipping her over. She crawled up the bed as quickly as she could, lying on her front and taking Luke’s cock in her mouth. Her tongue circled his tip expertly and he grabbed her hair, pushing her head as much as he dared. She took it like a champ, deep throating him through moans as her hips ground against the bed. Luke started panting himself, feeling his balls tighten as the ridiculously sexy girl continued to suck him off, her moans getting more intense as he got closer to coming. 

“Just like that Fin. God you’re so good. Keep going. Love that pretty little mouth of yours.”

Finley moaned around his cock, and Luke groaned, resisting the urge to ram his cock right down her throat and come right there and then. Alas, his efforts were useless, and he fisted her hair desperately as he felt himself explode.

“I’m cumming. Jesus fuck, Fin. Don’t stop.”

He groaned loudly as his load flooded her mouth, her instant swallowing not going amiss. She continued to suck him gently for a few moments, before letting him slip out of her mouth, grinning up at him. He panted and dropped onto his heels, staring at her in wonder. 

“Okay, yeah, reminder needed.” Finley tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear, smiling shyly as she looked up at him. Luke’s hand cupped her face, his thumb swiping over her lips gently. His eyes were dark and wild, cheeks a shade of red that only Finley could cause. 

With only a few hours until Luke’s parents would be home, Finley shuffled back up the bed, spreading her legs with a devilish smile. Her hands dipped in between them, soft moans leaving her lips as she played with herself, on full display for Luke’s eyes. He groaned and fell on top of her, connecting their lips in a hurried kiss, his hands wandering over every inch of skin he could reach. 

He wasn’t about to let their Sunday go to waste.

--

“Have you picked it up from the tailors yet?”

Finley nodded at Sasha, grinning like an idiot. They’d been discussing the upcoming homecoming dance for the past 3 periods, ignoring everything that their teachers said. It was expected, the heads of the dance committee weren’t exactly going to be focused on school the week of their prized project.

“Have you tried it on?” Finley nodded again, pulling her phone out of her pocket and showing Sasha a photo. Sasha clapped her hands over her mouth and squealed, grimacing an apologetic smile at their teacher when he glared at her. “Scott is going to die. I just know it. That’ll be the dress, he’s going to cave. 100%.”

Finley smiled and shrugged, her eyes flicking over to where Luke was sat in the corner. As always, his eyes were trained on whatever was going on outside, his pen drumming absentmindedly on his desk. Finley wondered for the hundredth time that day whether or not he would mind her ending their Sunday arrangements. The purity ring on her ring finger had been Scott’s latest attempt at taming her, and it had been the first one that had sunk in. Scott really did love her, and saw a future with her. Despite his insistence that they couldn’t have sex until they were married, he’d given her this whole speech about commitment, and how he wanted them to be committed to each other emotionally before they were physical. In all honesty, Finley had been cringing internally the entire time, but the hopeful look on his face had been enough for her to fake this huge adorable reaction, almost crying as he slipped the ring on her finger.

The crying hadn’t been hard- she’d realised in the same moment that she really needed to grow up- which entailed not sleeping with her childhood best friend every chance she got. Scott was worth the wait, she was sure. 

She waved goodbye to Sasha as they parted to go to their next classes, squealing quietly when Luke appeared against her locker, signature cocky smirk in place. She scowled at him and shooed him over slightly, swapping her books out for whatever was at the front. He watched with an amused expression, noting the multiple subjects that she definitely didn’t have that day going into her backpack. 

“Something up princess?” She scowled even harder, slamming her locker shut and stalking away from him. He fell into step with her though, whistling through his teeth in the most aggravating manner. 

“New addition?” Finley stopped in her tracks as she registered what Luke was talking about. The ring on her finger glinted against the lights, the fair sized diamond being hard to miss. She sniffed and nodded nonchalantly, flipping her ponytail over her shoulder.

“My boyfriend likes to spoil me.” Luke sighed and squeezed Finley’s arm, letting his finger trail down the bare skin of her bicep for a brief moment. The shiver that ran through her hadn’t gone amiss, and he smirked, taking her hand in his to examine the new jewellery.

“You engaged now? Going to be Mrs Lacrosse buff?” Finley rolled her eyes at him and snatched her hand away, ignoring the cold tone in his voice.

“It’s a purity ring.” Luke coughed loudly, spluttering as he tried to control his laughter. Doubled over in the hallway, Finley looked around desperately, horrified by the few people in the corridor who might overhear their conversation. She shoved him harshly into an empty classroom, slamming the door shut behind them.

Luke continued to laugh, running a hand through his hair as his eyes sparked dangerously. 

“So what, he really believes his princess is all his?” Finley shrugged, dropping her hand to her side, out of sight. Luke stepped closer, taking in a deep breath of her perfume and groaning lightly.

“He really doesn’t know anything about you.” Finley frowned and stood up taller, trying to appear confident.

“He knows me better than anyone. He knows everything about me.” Luke nodded, eyes wide in mock sincerity.

“So he knows exactly what to do to you? Knows how to get under your skin?” He stepped closer, forcing her to take a few steps backwards until her back connected with the wall.

“He knows that if I kiss you here-” He let his lips brush over her neck, grinning as she whimpered. “That your knees will start to give?”

Finley locked her knees and did her best to hold her face in place. Luke put an arm against the wall, looking down at her with eyes she’d learned to fear. His torture eyes. Eyes that she’d seen looking up at her from between her legs as he’d forced her to the edge, over and over again, until she was begging for him to touch her, anywhere, everywhere. “He knows that if I touch you here-” His hand slipped behind her, squeezing a good handful of her ass in her shorts, a quiet moan betraying her. “That you’ll instantly look for something else?” He looked down pointedly, smirking at her hips, which had automatically moved forward, searching for him.  “He knows what I do to his perfect little princess, his girl, pure and sweet, every single weekend? He knows how you beg to ride me, how you scream for my cock, how you’re ruined for anyone else?” Finley was practically drooling now, looking up at him with desperate eyes. His words were going straight to her core, a painful heat spreading throughout her abdomen.

“He knows how you look on your knees, mouth open, tongue out, begging for everything I’ve got like the beautiful little whore you are?”

His voice was menacing, quiet. Mean. Finley groaned and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down to her for a furious kiss. His arms stayed in place, one against the wall above her head, and the other using her ass to pull her closer, grinding their hips together. His tongue slipped into her mouth, rough and fast and furious, his kiss practically searing her skin. He broke away all of a sudden, looking at her with significantly kinder eyes.

“He has no idea, that when you walk into that gym on Friday night, it’ll be me you want on your arm. That it’ll be me taking off your dress after the dance, and it’ll be me worshipping your body for hours after he’s safely in bed asleep. He hasn’t got a clue.”

Finley looked up at him silently, thoughts swirling. 

“Luke.” He smirked, eyes trailing over her body. She lifted his chin so that his eyes were on her again, but held him still as he leaned in to kiss her again.

“Luke, no. I can’t. Not anymore.” His face contorted, confusion running rife through his eyes for barely a moment. He knew this would happen eventually- but he thought it would be mid-sex, a goodbye they could finish properly.

“What?” She sighed and stepped out of his hold, wrapping her arms around herself like a safety blanket. 

“We can’t do this anymore. It’s not fair on Scotty.” He scoffed and stood up straight, adjusting his jeans slightly. 

“Sure. Whatever. Have a good night with Scotty. Maybe if your lucky, he’ll graze your ass by accident.” He pulled a face as he strolled out of the door, leaving Finley to watch him with a sad face, her bottom lip falling prey to her teeth. It hadn’t gone better than expected- but it also hadn’t gone worse? It was just weird. But weird was okay. They were in entirely different social circles. No-one would ever notice weirdness between them. 

---

“Are you sure about this?” Alex’s eyes scoured over the lyrics one more time, shooting Luke a concerned look.

Luke nodded, ruffling his hair one more time in the mirror. 

They were in the bathroom by the gym, waiting for more people to arrive before they went on. Luke had been up all night, scribbling furiously in his songbook. Sleep evaded him, memories of Finley fluttering through his mind. Her laugh, the way she pulled his hair when he had his tongue in just the right place, the smell of her perfume, the way her eyes looked when she had his cock halfway down her throat. Her smile, the way her hair felt between his fingers, the rage that simmered in his chest when he saw her simpering at the dumb brute she called a boyfriend. 

Reggie frowned as he read over the lyrics one more time. 

“Who’s Fiona?” Luke shrugged and pushed off the sink, turning away from the mirror.

“Dunno.”

Alex rolled his eyes and nodded, tucking the paper in his back pocket. Bobby was chuckling away to himself in the corner, more excited to pick up one of the heartbroken lonely girls after the dance than for the actual performance. 

“We should go set up. We’re on in less than an hour.”

Luke nodded, thrusting his hands deep in his pockets as they left the bathroom.  The hallways were littered with brightly coloured balloons, blue and silver streamers hanging from the ceiling tiles.

The boys shared a look as they pushed on the double doors to the gym, Luke’s chest clenching as he took in the scenery. Finley had outdone herself this time, he realised. Fairy lights were strung from wall to wall, giving the room a homey glow that he was sure looked romantic to some people. There were tea lights in jars scattered around the edge of the room and on the various tall tables, occupied by countless girls in brightly coloured dresses and their dates. 

Luke’s eyes scanned the crowd without his permission, looking for the flash of red he knew held the body he couldn’t stop thinking about. He scoffed as he realised she wasn’t here yet. Typically, she wanted to make an entrance. 

“Good, boys you’re here! If you guys are ready to set up that would be great, we want to get going as soon as possible.” Sasha smiled at them brightly, eyes sliding to Bobby as she simpered. Luke nodded curtly and headed for the stage, rolling his eyes as he heard Alex complimenting her dress. Personally, he found it heinous. Pale pink and puffy, she looked like something you’d find in a grandmother’s house. 

Enthralled in making the stage look perfect for their set, Luke paid no attention to the clamours and cheering that suddenly broke out in the gym, only turning when Alex kicked his shin. The drummer nodded towards the doors of the gym, and Luke felt his stomach cave in as red filled his mind. 

Literally.

His mind flooded with images of that dress lying on his bedroom floor, or even better, bunched around her hips as he thrust into her. Finley stood in the doorway blushing, her arms wrapped around Scott’s big one. Luke stared and stared and stared, his eyes trailing over the red satin, appreciating every inch of her from afar. Her skin was glowing, hair falling in soft curls around her face, eyes dark with makeup. She looked like something straight out of the dreams he’d been ignoring since he was 15. 

Their eyes met across the dance floor, Finley flashing him a small smile and breaking free from Scott to wave. He rolled his eyes and waved back, though he couldn’t help the slow up and down he gave her. He knew she’d see it, and he wanted her thinking of him the whole night. 

He stood watching as she twirled in Scott’s arms, strumming his guitar a little too harshly as he imagined how her dress would feel under his calloused fingertips, how the heat of her skin would feel against his as they danced, how her perfume would get him drunk on her. He couldn’t deny the jealousy that flooded him as she kissed Scott softly during a slow song, turning his back to jam with Alex for a few bars. 

Alex eyed his best friend carefully, sensing that something wasn’t right. He’d called Luke out on a crush he was harbouring before, but he’d never thought it was this intense. The entire dance, Luke had a face like thunder, and he played like he was never going to play again. It didn’t escape any of the boys how their frontman was constantly drawn to the same side of the stage, his eyes only leaving his guitar for moments at a time. 

“Alright folks, we thought we’d take this opportunity so graciously given to us by your homecoming queen-” The room broke out in cheers and applause as Finley flushed pink and dipped her head, suddenly the picture of innocence and modesty. Luke felt his words like venom, and grimaced as he gripped the mic harder than necessary.

“-To show you some new stuff we’ve been working on.”

More cheers broke out, but Luke relaxed knowing they were for the band, rather than Finley, who was frowning slightly at the front of the crowd. Luke chuckled to himself, knowing she was in for a shock. 

“You alright babe?” Finley looked up at Scott with sweet eyes, squeezing his arm gently. She’d been staring at Luke all night, catching herself admiring his arms a few too many times. He was always beautiful when he played, sweat soaking his curls and running down his forehead, fingers moving so expertly on the strings. She spent an entire song biting her lip at the sound of his hoarse voice, clamping her thighs together at her body’s automatic response to his growly singing. 

As soon as Luke had announced a new song, she’d tensed considerably. He’d complained about having nothing to write about, and she could only think of one thing since then that he would write about. 

The opening chords started, and Finley smiled at the rocky feel. At least it wasn’t some slow ballad. 

Luke smirked down at his guitar as he played, meeting Alex’s eyes with a knowing look. Alex’s jaw went slack for a moment as he realised who was standing right in front of Luke, groaning internally as he thought about the trouble his best friend was about to get himself into.

Scotty doesn't know that Fiona and me Do it in my van every Sunday, She tells him she's in church but she doesn't go Still she's on her knees and Scotty doesn't know

Finley’s mouth dropped open as she stared up at the stage, equally infuriated and turned on at Luke’s blatant admittance. He was prancing around the stage, looking somewhat cheerful for the first time that night. 

He knelt at the edge of the stage as he started the chorus, grinning at the girls reaching up and screaming at him. 

Scott watched in blind ignorance, tapping his foot along with the drums. 

“It’s pretty good babe, don’t you think?” Finley forced a smile, wiping her clammy hands on her dress. 

“Yeah, bit rocky for my taste but it’s so good!”

Scott wrapped an arm around her waist and brought her in to his side, kissing her hair. 

I can't believe he's so trusting While I'm right behind you thrusting Fiona's got him on the phone And she's trying not to moan It's a three-way call and he knows nothing, nothing

Finley clapped a hand over her mouth and tried not to let her nervous laugh escape, eyes never leaving Luke as he danced around the stage, bouncing around with the exhausting amount of energy he always seemed to have.

Luke caught Finley’s eye for the chorus once again, smirking at her expression. He could tell by the glint in her eye that she was pissed, but the knowledge he was getting to her went straight to his cock, and he nodded at her, before turning away and playing to Alex for a bit. He turned back to the crowd for the bridge, meeting Finley’s eyes as he sang. 

The parkin' lot, why not? It's so cool when you're on top His front lawn in the snow Life is so hard 'cause Scotty doesn't know                                               Scotty doesn't know

His eyes left hers momentarily as he smirked, turning to Scott instead. It was painfully obvious, and he winked at the lacrosse player before heading back to the mic, letting his eyes move between the two of them with an evil smile. 

I did her on his birthday

Scott went still beside Finley, his hold on her waist loosening as he took a step sideways, face crumpled into a combination of confusion and laughter. 

Finley looked up at him with a slightly fearful expression, but played it off, stroking his arm gently. 

“I’m going to the ladies room, babe. I’ll be back.”

Scott nodded slowly, eyes trailing back to Luke’s as Finley disappeared from his side.

Luke watched Finley leave, letting the final chords of the song ring out for a few moments as the school went nuts. He met Alex’s eyes, which were filled with judgement, but also a hint of amusement. 

“We’re gonna take a quick break folks! Enjoy the dance!”

Luke slung his guitar off of one shoulder, barely checking it was stable before running off stage and out the back door. He raced to the girls bathroom, rolling his eyes at the screams of indignation that ensued as he strolled in. 

“You coming out to scream at me or what?”

Finley stormed out of a stall, eyes like thunder, and stopped right in front of him. He smirked, but quickly wished he hadn’t as her hand connected with his cheek, the slight sting spreading across his face. 

“How dare you.”

Luke shrugged, eyes dropping to Finley’s lips as she trembled with rage. 

“Let’s not act like I’m the one in the wrong here. I warned you you’d be coming home with me tonight.” Luke’s voice held a dangerous tone that Finley knew all too well, and she had to stop herself from clamping her thighs together, not in any hurry to give him any more reason to rile her up. 

“I ended us. I told you I’m with Scotty.” Luke chuckled and took a step forward, smirking as Finley took a step back. He stalked her slowly, smile widening as her back hit the wall. 

“Tell me honestly, that you’re not turned on right now.” Finley scoffed and looked away, her hands splayed against the cool tile of the wall. She couldn’t begin to think about how she was feeling. 

Luke reached a hand up and grabbed her jaw, forcing her to turn back to him. His eyes were dark and round, and she felt herself thawing under his gaze. His tongue darted out and wet his lips, smirking as he caught her eyes following his movements. 

“Answer me, sweetheart.”

Finley scowled and rolled her eyes, her breath catching as Luke’s eyes hardened. 

“Attitude.” His voice was low and sharp, a commanding tone that almost had a whimper escaping Finley’s mouth. She bit the inside of her lip, eyes darting to the door. If she made a run for it, she might be able to convince Scotty she was just chatting to her friends.

“Luke, I’m with Scotty.”

Her voice was shaky, and held no conviction whatsoever. Luke smirked and trailed a hand down her side, squeezing her hip tightly as she whined quietly. 

“Of course. So if I reach under your dress right now, you’re telling me I won’t find you soaked for me?”

Finley shuddered, nodding. 

Luke nodded back, his hand slipping further down her body until it reached the slit in her dress, exposing her thigh. He trailed his fingertips along the smooth skin, chuckling when she flinched at his touch. 

“Tell me to stop and I will.”

His voice was kinder, but it held weakness. He didn’t want to stop. He didn’t want her to stop him. 

His hand trailed up her thigh, chest heaving as he listened to her breathing quicken. Her arm snapped up, grabbing his wrist, just as he reached the apex of her thighs. Luke sighed in defeat, ready to pull away, but groaned in surprise as she dragged his hand to her slit, letting out a moan as his fingers found her, drenched and ready for him. 

“No underwear? Planning on giving Scotty a show tonight were we?”

Luke’s voice was hoarse as he thrust two fingers into her, knees buckling as she clenched around him. Finley’s arm wrapped around his neck, pulling him down to her and kissing him feverishly. 

“No. Only you. Always only you.”

Luke sighed into her mouth, letting one hand snake behind her and pull her close while the other tortured her clit. 

“Always so ready for me.”

She whimpered into his mouth as he sped up his fingers, thrusting into her while his thumb pressed harshly on her clit, drawing out pornographic moans from her as her hips bucked against him, searching for more. 

“Tell me what you want.”

Finley whined in his arms as he pulled away, his fingers dripping with her slick. He raised them to his mouth, eyes never leaving hers as he sucked them clean. She groaned as he brought his hand to her mouth, dragging down her bottom lip, swollen from her biting. 

“Tell me what you want from me, pretty girl.” His eyes searched hers desperately, pleading with her desperately to give him the answer he wanted. 

“Ruin me.”

Luke groaned and dropped his hands to her waist, dragging her against him and claiming her lips. He kissed her with everything he had, his tongue forcing its way inside her mouth as he backed her against the sinks, hand dropping to his belt as her hips hit the porcelain. She moved to turn around, but he grabbed her wrist, shaking his head at her. 

“Nuh uh. Want to see your face when you cum on my cock.” Finley’s knees buckled, letting him kiss her again as he freed his cock, lifting her with one arm so that she was sat on the sink. He stroked himself a few times, leaning his forehead against hers as he pushed into her. His head fell onto her shoulder as he bottomed out, a low groan vibrating across her skin. Finley whimpered and bucked her hips, begging him to move. Luke stayed still, drunk on the smell of her perfume and the feeling of her skin on his. 

“You going to fuck me? Or am I sitting here for nothing?” Luke’s head snapped up, grinning at her breathless tone and flushed face. He grabbed her hips, pulling her to the edge and thrusting deeper inside her.

“Sorry princess, didn’t mean to leave you hanging.”

He grabbed her jaw with one hand, keeping her steady with the other, and started fucking into her at a furious pace, their kiss a mess of teeth and lips and tongue, each of their moans indistinguishable from the other’s. Finley’s hands found their way under his t-shirt, clawing at his back desperately as he hit every spot she needed. He broke their kiss, lips falling to her chest and freeing her tits. His tongue circled her nipple, biting down softly and groaning at the high-pitched moan that echoed around him in response. The lewd sounds of her dripping cunt taking him over and over again filled the bathroom, and he dropped his hand to her clit as he felt himself hurtling towards his finish. 

“You ready sweetheart?” Finley moaned in response, tugging on his hair and trying to get impossibly closer. Luke pressed down hard on her clit, kissing her again as he felt her clench around him, her orgasm rushing through her body like lightning. She whimpered as he kept thrusting, hands clawing at his neck. Luke groaned into her mouth, biting down on her lip as he felt himself spill inside her. 

They stayed there for a few moments, Luke shuddering against her as she panted desperately. 

“Sh, sh, I got you. Right here baby. Always so good for me.”

Luke’s lips found her temple, pressing a kiss into her skin as she trembled in his arms. 

Finley’s arms tightened around his neck as he pulled out, and he didn’t let her hold break as he did up his belt, arms coming back to hold her as soon as he was done. She was still shaking, and he could feel her heartbeat through their clothes. 

“I got you. You’re fine baby. That’s my girl.”

Finley dropped her head against his chest, fighting to control her breathing. She was panicking, but Scott hadn’t even crossed her mind. The sweet words leaving his mouth, the reassurance; they confirmed what she was already terrified of.

“Your girl.”

Luke nodded against her, his head resting on her shoulder.

“Only want to be your girl.” Luke smiled and kissed her neck softly. 

“Always have been, sweetheart. That was never going to change.”

Finley buried her head in his shirt, the aftershocks of her orgasm finally drifting away. She sat back slightly, looking at him with a fear stricken face. He stroked her cheek gently, smiling at her with such sincerity she could’ve cried. 

“Cmon, let’s get you cleaned up.”

Finley giggled quietly and nodded, letting him help her off the sinks. He grabbed toilet paper from one of the stalls, and dropped to his knees to wipe gently at her inner thighs, pressing kisses into them as she played with his hair. 

The softness was unusual for them, but it felt as natural as breathing. 

He kissed her one last time, grabbing her hand as they left the bathroom. He knew they’d deal with it at some point, but he hadn’t expected to bump into Scott round the corner. He dropped Finley’s hand, shooting her a look as he stepped in front of her.

“Patterson, want to tell me what you were doing singing a song like that about my girl?”

Scott was red in the face, surrounded by his lacrosse buddies. Luke laughed and shrugged, twirling one of his rings around his finger. 

“Your girl? You sure about that?” Scott scoffed and stepped towards him, muscles bulging through his button-up shirt. 

“Don’t play with me. The whole school knows she’s mine.”

Luke grinned, dark and dangerous as he raised his eyebrows at the lacrosse captain. 

“Oh yeah? Who’s cum is dripping out of her pretty little cunt right now then? That yours?”

Scott’s face went beet red, and Finley stifled a laugh from behind Luke, her breath catching as she caught Scott’s gaze. His eyes trailed over her, taking in her dishevelled appearance, and the marks that littered her throat. 

“Oh shit, I forgot. You don’t even know what her cunt looks like, do you? Well I mean, I could tell you, but shit, it tastes so much better than it looks. Seriously dude, you’ve been missing out. Don’t know what man in his right mind wouldn-” He was cut off by Scott’s fist slamming into his jaw, throwing him backwards a few feet. Finley caught him, looking up at him with panicked eyes. Luke shook his head, giving her a weak smile with watery eyes. 

Scott took one step towards them, but Luke turned back to him before he could get close to Finley, moving in front of her again. 

“Nah, I don’t think so.”

Scott barked a laugh and sniffed, looking at Finley over Luke’s shoulder.

“Should’ve guessed. Always had you pegged for a whore.”

Luke rubbed his jaw one last time, and stepped forward.

“Big mistake buddy.”

Finley barely got a breath in before Luke swung, blood spurting from Scott’s nose seconds later. Luke shook out his fist, wincing at the pain in his knuckles, but grinned at Scott kneeling down, clutching his nose desperately. 

“Do yourself a favour and keep my girl’s name out your mouth. God knows she’s kept yours out of hers. At least, when my cock’s inside her that is. Have a nice night.” Finley smothered a laugh with her hand, looking up at Luke in awe as he slung an arm around her shoulders, kissing her hair softly as he guided her around the lacrosse team, all fussing around Scott. 

“Cmon baby. We got an afterparty to get to.” He winked at her as they pushed out the doors into the parking lot, strolling towards Luke’s truck. Alex would have his head for leaving before they could pack up the kit, but Luke’s mind was very much focused on other things. For example, getting his head between his girl’s thighs as soon as humanly possible. 

-------

It only took me two years to finish this! (I’m so sorry if you thought I died)

#lukepattersonsmut #luke patterson imagine #jatpluke #lukepattersonnsfw #lukepatterson #luke patterson smut #luke patterson x reader #luke #lukepattersonfanfiction #lukepattersonimagines #jatpsmut #jatpcast #jatpimagine #jatpimagines #julieandthephantomssmut #julieandthephantoms #julieandthephantomscast

[jurygarroth]

made graphics for the way I think of MCD!Aph and the primary guard squad in my headcanon/rewrite world

transcript for the first one is under the cut because it's a lot of text but thank you for letting me cook :3

Aphmau

full of good intentions, despite facing danger she earnestly believes in the good in others, builds a community out of trust and kindness

starts to doubt her decisions more and more, impostor syndrome is made worse after finding out she’s Irene’s reincarnation. learning about Irene’s messy past gives her a sense of hopelessness, struggles with whether or not to compromise her values to be a true savior

Garroth’s betrayal had a large part in shaking her faith in people, though she would never admit it

Garroth

fixates on ideals of chivalry and virtue as a contrast to the greed of his father and O’Khasis high society

does not know what he wants in life. runs away from expectations at home only to fall headfirst into his own paranoia. has the capability to lead but defaults to others

self-sacrificial because of sense of duty

Laurance

most emotionally self-aware and always had confidence in his sense of identity, which made becoming a Shadow Knight a special kind of torture for him. acutely aware of his identity falling apart around him

has always been stubborn but now clings even harder to his principles to keep his old self alive

self-sacrificial because he truly believes he is disposable

Katelyn

life built out of regrets: not telling Jeffory her feelings, joining the Jury of Nine, following Zane’s orders and hurting innocents etc.

trying to repent and dedicate her life to good but is terrified of making the wrong choice again, reacts defensively when her character is insulted because she knows part of it holds truth

overarching (and connections)

struggles with identity, rejecting a “past self” or (supposed) “true self”

the weight of decisions in an unforgiving world

Katelyn and Garroth: two sides of the same guilt-ridden coin (subconsciously aware of how similar they are and it drives them crazy)

Garroth and Laurance: unstable sense of self manifests as reliance on an ideal representation of good as an anchor (Aphmau)

#minecraft diaries #aphmau #aphmau mcd #garroth ro'meave #katelyn the firefist #laurance zvahl #and happy 8 years of existence mcd <3 #sorry that last row of the stats was made to put garrance on blast for their aphmau codependencies. those guys are so crazypants #my art #ASK ME ABOUT THEM IF YOU WANT i don't even know if this coheres but i'd love to talk about blorbos #mcd

[yourtongzhihazel]

I want to get into Marxist theory and I agree with everything on principle. But, I am iffy about stuff like reeducation/labor camps, or the idea of needing censorship for everything, or needing to murder civilians (bourgeoisie, non military ppl). Like I am not naive in thinking that revolution is bloodless but I am still uncomfortable about it. I thought to do the thing that I always do is to simply repress my feelings while holding into these ideas but I don't think that is sustainable. Do you have any tips on like overcoming these feelings, or am I like a lost cause?

Like the other anon who sent something in similar, I would first advise delving into the philosophy of dialectics and of materialism. Moralistic idealism, which is essentially the philosophical background of liberalism, puts weight on 'good' or 'bad' things and actions, which often times is useless and holds back change (in the abstract sense). On Contradiction is a good, short intro into the Marxist way of thinking.

Marxist theory/framework is also extremely useful for organizing irl and understanding the world in a clear, materialist manner which lets you critically analyze world events, their driving forces, and their possible outcomes. Even if you don't want to fight in the proletarian army, having it in your back pocket is helpful.

The final point is that the bourgeoisie as the class is waging war against your class, the proletariat. It does this by using the violence of the state, as justified through liberalism, to commit heinous crimes across the world (to put it simply). They are, in effect, holding you hostage at gunpoint to force you to work otherwise they will shoot you with the gun that kills you through homelessness, hunger, lack of healthcare, etc., etc. On top of that, they hold the world hostage, pointing a gun that kills global south people through invasions, sanctions, death squads, coups, and genocide just to steal all of their resources and labor. The bourgeoisie employ re-education/labor camps on scales which dwarf that in the Soviet Union or the PRC; over a quarter of the world's prison population is in the united states who work them as slaves. What was abu gharib and what is guantanmo bay if they aren't modern day torture centers and political prisons. Censorship exists on a grand scale due to bourgeois ideological superstructure. They lie through omission as much as they do through misrepresentation or outright falsehoods. In the face of this overwhelming violence and class war, the proletarian revolution cannot constitute violence for violence's sake; it is a matter of self defense.

If you can't square the circle of self defense, then I don't have much else to say other than your abstracted morality is gravely at risk of being exploited by those who seek to distort the world in service of the reaction.

#hazel's press releases

[adventuringblind]

Drive with you Forever

Chapter Eleven: The end leaves room for more

Max Verstappen x Charles Leclerc x Lando Norris x Reader

Chapter summary: The end is just the beginning....

Warnings: depictions of abuse. Toxic media, mentions of murder and death, court trials,

Notes: have no fear, this may be the end of one story, but I promise there's more to come for these four ;)

Previous <-

Masterlist

The media had caught wind of what happened. It was an absolute PR nightmare. She’s sent Christian an email with the entire footage and not just what was leaked. She was thankful he understood.

How did nobody understand what she’d been through? Why did they feel the need to make her feel worse?

She couldn’t eat. She couldn’t sleep. She couldn’t think.

Her tears had run out days ago. The lack of fluids in her body causing dehydration.

She’d gone dark. Nobody had heard from her. The boys only using their media platforms to make statements about how things needed to change and their positions.

They’d been gone for pre-season testing. She was staying with Hanna and Seb since the paddock felt like to much right now.

Nobody had heard from whatever this group was calling themselves now. Her fathers small army. More interestingly, everyone had yet to hear from Jos Verstappen. The man who’d been seen helping pin his son to the ground and get away without a scratch.

“It’s quiet without them.”

“If it gets to bad I can hop on a plane with you to go see them.”

She shook her head. Grateful for the offer, but they needed to focus.

Lando especially since he had to navigate another new teammate this year.

Sergio had taken over her spot permanently. Max had already driven with him for half a year, .so it wasn’t as new to him.

“Do you think I’ll ever get back to normal?”

Seb looks at her with fascination. “Normal is overrated. Bees are far from normal and they are great.”

“Are you really comparing me to a bee?”

“It’s not a comparison, it’s a compliment.”

~

They boys find themselves catching up with everyone in between sessions. The air around them trying to be calm but it was obvious there is a massive elephant in the room.

“Can we ask about what happened? Like are you three okay?” Asks Alex. He’d always had a kind nature and wants to make sure his friends had the support they need.

“Nothing much to say other then the media sucks.” Hisses Max. Everyone else nodding in agreement.

“Y/N is hiding now because people are ripping her to pieces.”

The grin that appears on George’s face doesn’t go unnoticed. “We could always make a bigger statement.”

“What would that entail?”

“If all twenty drivers stand as a united front then maybe people will start to listen.”

“And how exactly do we do that?”

“We boycott.”

~

The first race of the season is always an exciting moment. She felt like a child again creating her spot for the next two hours on the couch.

But when the television was turned on, the drivers were nowhere to be seen. There were no interviews. Nothing.

The commentary Box was doing nothing but singing her praises. Mentioning every victory and achievement she'd made in the sport.

Then, across the Grid, the drivers, her friends pratically her family, were holding a flag out with the words 'Self-defense is not murder. We stand woth Y/N.' Written across in bold letters.

But then her boys were not there.

No, they were on the podium with their own signs. All words about how the media needs to stop the hate.

She cried.

Seb and Hanna were smiling like idiots because they knew.

It hadn't taken much to get everyone on board. Only a few days to organize. The entire F1 grid, driver, teams, commentators, engineers, mechanics, team principles, are all standing as a united front on her behalf.

For the first time in weeks, her tears were of pure joy.

~

She went to the next race. Still out of the prying eyes of gossips. But she wanted to be there. Her place is in the racing world.

An hour before the race, Lando came running into the redbull garage with Charles in tow. Successfully scarring her and Max out of their chairs.

"You two look like I said we'd do your favorite things tonight. What did you do?" Max playfully glares at them, pulling a laugh from the female next to him.

"Look at it! It's the best thing I've ever read in my whole life!" Charles gestures to Lando's phone.

"Didn't you cry at shakespear and claim it was also the most beautiful thing you'd ever read?" The female quips.

"That was different. This isn't tragic."

Max takes Landos phone from him. The Brit look like he might pass out from the happiness.

Breaking: Jos Verstappen and US head of experimental sciences arrested for alleged kidnapping and attempted murder.

Her and Max stood in shock. This is a joke, right? There is no way they might get to love in peace.

"It's great right! Kind of- I'm not sure I guess how I should react. Are we happy or sad-" She shuts Lando up with a kiss.

"Best news ever."

The Redbull staff shoots them all confused glances as they crowd into Max's small driver room. The four of them need a moment with nothing but the fact they could potentially put this behind them and start moving toward better mental health.

They took a minute there, and then they ran to Christian. He dropped everything to tell the rest of the team.

Next came Carlos and Daniel. They cheered and hollered in joy for the four. The relief in their faces cause them to smile.

It wasn't long until the entire paddock knew.

But then it was time to race, and they had to leave each other's arms. Goodluck kisses on each if their foreheads.

While she waited for lights out, she called Seb.

"Did you see it?"

"See what?"

"They're gone. They're really gone." She chokes.

"That's amazing news! I take it you'll be celebrating tonight?" She can hear the suggestive wiggle if his eyebrows.

"Not sure yet. Everything is so ovedwhelming." She sighs. "I'm free now."

"Oh love, you were always free. I'm just glad you can see it now."

"It just felt like with him running around I couldn't breathe. Like he could appear at any moment."

"But you don't have to worry about that now. Whatever happens next we'll take it day by day, just ad we always have."

Step by step. Day by day.

They would figure it out.

All good things take time, and now it's finally her turn.

~

The trial was far too long for her liking. It took three days to pronounce him guilty, sentenced to life in prison for a shopping list of offenses. Some she didn't even know about.

It was never her fault her mother died during childbirth.

It was never her fault. None of it was. She was just made to believe she'd been to blame.

After the trial, she'd gotten a permanent position as a redbull strategist. A position she loves and intends on keeping for years to come.

Jos was sent to the Netherlands and also given jail time for his offenses. Max had sarcastically wished him well as the older Dutch was escorted out.

Now 2023 is in full swing. Only on race number four but it felt like it had been years.

Technically speaking, it had.

Seb, Hanna, Charles, Lando, Max.

They had gotten her through so much.

And as she lay with them. Their smiles wide as they recall funny stories from their past, she knows she is safe. She is loved in their arms.

This is not the end of her story.

After all, the end is just the door to a new beginning.

~

@styles-sunflower @purplephantomwolf @boiohboii @reblog-princess-blog @jjsprobablywrong @jayda12 @faithm120601 @eugene-emt-roe @lpab @yaaadii @80sloverry @spongebeck3101 @eviethetheatrefreak @chanshintien

#x reader #fanficion #f1 fic #formula one #formula 1 #racing #angst #max verstappen #f1 fanfic #charles leclerc x reader #lando norris #max verstappen x reader #charles leclerc x you #charles leclerc #redbull racing #formula racing #lando norris x reader #max verstappen x y/n #max verstappen x you #mclaren formula 1 #charles leclerc fic #mclaren racing #fluff #f1 #lando norris x you #charles leclerc x y/n #max verstappen f1 #ferrari racing #redbull f1 #mclaren f1

[butchgtow]

Introduction to Armchair Activism

Fundamentals

"Yes, Everyone on the Internet Is a Loser." Luke Smith. Sep 3, 2022. YouTube.

An activist movement can be a place to build community with like-minded people, but action is its foremost purpose, not community. To allow yourself and other activists to remain effective, you are obliged to abandon your personal dislikes of other individual activists. Disagreements are worth discussion, but interpersonal toxicity is not.

Connect with in-person community and do not unhealthily over-prioritize online community. Over-prioritization of online community is self-harm.

Luke is a loser, but his channel is teeming with entry-level digital literacy information and advice pertaining to healthy use of technology for us cyborgs.

"Surveillance Self-Defense: Tips, Tools and How-Tos For Safer Online Communication." Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Hackblossom, outdated, is discontinued. The EFF project Surveillance Self-Defense is up-to-date, comprehensive, and follows personal educational principles of simplicity and concision.

To learn more about general (not focused solely on personal action) cybersecurity, visit Cybersecurity by Codecademy and Cyber Security Tutorial by W3Schools. Both contain further segueways into other important digital literacies.

Direct recommendation: Install and set up the linux distribution Tails on a cheap flash drive.

Direct recommendation: Develop your own home network security schema.

Direct recommendation: Always enable 2FA security for Tumblr, disable active / inactive status sharing, and learn to queue reblogs and posts to protect against others' interpretations of your time zone.

Direct recommendation: It's both possible and relatively simple to host your own instance of a search engine using SearXNG.

Zero-Knowledge Architecture.

As a remote activist (even if also a hybrid activist), none of your action should be taken on, using, or interfacing with non-zero-knowledge-architecture services. Tumblr is, of course, a risk in and of itself, but you should not be using services provided by companies such as Google, Microsoft, or any others based in or with servers hosted in 13-eyes agreement nations.

Search for services (email, word processor, cloud storage) which emphasize zero-knowledge architecture. Businesses whose services are structured as such cannot hand over your data and information, as they cannot access it in the first place. If they cannot access the majority of your metadata, either - all the better.

Communications for Armchair Activism

"Technical Writing." Google.

Contained within the linked page at Google Developers, the self-paced, online, pre-class material for courses Technical Writing One, Technical Writing Two, and Tech Writing for Accessibility teach activists to communicate technical concepts in plain English.

"Plain Language." U.S. General Services Administration.

Plain language is strictly defined by U.S. government agencies, which are required to communicate in it for simplicity and quick, thorough comprehension of information.

"Explore Business Law." Study.com.

Extensive courses are offered to quickly uptake principles of business law such as antitrust law, contract law, financial legislation, copyright law, etc. Legal literacy is often the difference between unethical action of a business and its inaction. Legal literacy is also often the difference between consideration and investment in your policy idea and lack thereof.

"Business Communication." Study.com.

Now that you're able to communicate your prioritized information, you may also initiate writing with bells and whistles. While other activists care most about the information itself, business communication allows you to communicate your ideas and needs to those who you must convince worthiness of investment to and win over.

Logic.

Learn it through and through. Start with fallacies if you're better at language and work your way backwards to discrete mathematics; start with discrete mathematics if you're better at maths and work your way forwards to fallacies, critical literacy, and media literacy. State that which you intend to state. Recognize empiricism and rationalism for what they are. Congratulations: you are both a mathematician and a law student.

Economic Literacy for Armchair Activism

"Microeconomics." Khan Academy.

"Macroeconomics." Khan Academy.

The globe operates on profitability. Women's unpaid labor is a massive slice of the profitability pie. While it's possible to enact change without understanding all that drives the events around you, it's impossible to direct or meaningfully manipulate the events around you beyond your scope of comprehension.

Understand economics or be a sheep to every movement you're active in and to every storm that rolls your way.

#masterpost #armchair activism #remote activism #hybrid activism #cybersecurity #literacy #digital literacy #women in tech #radical feminist community #mine

[shituationist]

the drexler-smalley debate on nanotechnology is interesting to me. it's also interesting that it's largely forgotten. young people today are mostly unaware of what kind of hype nanotechnology had going for it in the early 2000s, which has now all but died down. there was a point where singularitarians were worried about the possibility of "grey goo" taking over the earth before "AGI" did. nowadays it's rare to hear them talk about nanotechnology at all.

drexler was the nanotechnology hype man. to a lesser degree, so was smalley. both believed in the potential for nanotechnology to address human problems, but drexler was the "grey goo" guy who believed in nano-scale mechanical synthesis of arbitrary molecular compounds. smalley on the other hand viewed nanotechnology as essentially a specialized branch of chemistry, and believed that nanotechnology would have to - to put it bluntly - obey the laws of nature that govern normal chemical synthesis.

smalley's contribution was criticized for relying on metaphor, but this isn't really the case. smalley tries to get drexler to step away from science fiction and towards how chemical interactions really work. drexler's case is more defensive and much weaker than his own advocates let on. smalley argues that if you want to do chemical synthesis, you can't break physical laws to do it. he tries to demonstrate why hypothetical nano-scale mechanical "fingers" would fail to synthesize chemicals in the desired fashion, limiting what kinds of materials can be fabricated.

drexler rejects that hypothetical machinery and then shifts the terms of the debate back to relatively ordinary bio-chemistry. both mention ribosomes, which produce enzymes, as prototypical "molecular assemblers". smalley is pleased by their convergence on this point. he tries to drive home his point further about the limitations of what hypothetical engineered ribosomes could produce, and how the vision of self-assembling nanobots is unrealistic given the way natural "molecular assemblers" really work. but drexler shifts the focus again back to the mechano-synthesis of his dreams/nightmares, envisioning molecular assemblers as a nano-scale factory floor complete with conveyor belts and a kind of mechanical smushing together of molecules, analogous to macro-level manufacturing processes.

smalley wasn't having it. his concluding letter begins with: "I see you have now walked out of the room where I had led you to talk about real chemistry, and you are now back in your mechanical world. I am sorry we have ended up like this. For a moment I thought we were making progress." you can hear the disappointment in his tone.

and it got worse: "You are still in a pretend world where atoms go where you want because your computer program directs them to go there. You assume there is a way a robotic manipulator arm can do that in a vacuum, and somehow we will work out a way to have this whole thing actually be able to make another copy of itself. I have given you reasons why such an assembler cannot be built, and will not operate, using the principles you suggest. I consider that your failure to provide a working strategy indicates that you implicitly concur--even as you explicitly deny--that the idea cannot work."

smalley then goes on to talk about how drexler's idea of "grey goo" has scared children who are interested in science and how he should be ashamed of himself. at that point he's just rubbing it in. but the debate ends there, too. smalley dies a few years later. drexler, for his part, seems to have given up on the "grey goo" idea when the funding for nanotechnology research started to dry up. he's an "AI" risk guy nowadays, collecting consulting fees for "AI safety" types of things. in retrospect, it seems like smalley was right. the direction of nanotechnology research went towards practical chemistry inspired by ribosomes and enzymes and limited by the physical qualities of those systems, the kinds of limitations smalley describes. drexler's "self-assembling nanobots" are nowadays regarded as a kind of science fiction by eminent researchers in the field. smalley's key points, that there are limitations to what biological "molecular assemblers" can produce and the constraints on how they can be produced, have withstood a couple decades of scientific research.

[northern-passage]

i've shared some of Alex Freed's narrative writing advice before and i recently read another article on his website that i really liked. particularly in branching/choice-based games, a lot of people often bring up the idea of the author "punishing" the player for certain choices. i agree that this is a thing that happens, but i disagree that it's always a bad thing. i think Freed makes a good case for it here.

...acting as the player’s judge (and jury, and executioner) is in some respects the primary job of a game’s developers. Moreover, surely all art emerges from the artist’s own experiences and worldview to convey a particular set of ideas. How does all that square with avoiding being judgmental?

[...]

Let’s first dispel–briefly–the idea that any game can avoid espousing a particular worldview or moral philosophy. Say we’re developing an open world action-adventure game set in a modern-day city. The player is able to engage any non-player character in combat at any time, and now we’re forced to determine what should occur if the player kills a civilian somewhere isolated and out of sight.

Most games either:

allow this heinous act and let the player character depart without further consequence, relying on the player’s own conscience to determine the morality of the situation.

immediately send police officers after the player character, despite the lack of any in-world way for the police to be aware of the crime.

But of course neither of these results is in any way realistic. The problems in the latter example are obvious, but no less substantial than in the former case where one must wonder:

Why don’t the police investigate the murder at a later date and track down the player then?

Why doesn’t the neighborhood change, knowing there’s a vicious murderer around who’s never been caught? Why aren’t there candlelight vigils and impromptu memorials?

Why doesn’t the victim’s son grow up to become Batman?

We construct our game worlds in a way that suits the genre and moral dimensions of the story we want to tell. There’s no right answer here, but the consequences we build into a game are inherently a judgment on the player’s actions. Attempting to simulate “reality” will always fail–we must instead build a caricature of truth that suggests a broader, more realized world. Declaring “in a modern city, murderous predators can escape any and all consequences” is as bold a statement on civilization and humanity as deciding “in the long run, vengeance and justice will always be served up by the victims of crime (metaphorically by means of a bat-costumed hero).”

Knowing that, what’s the world we want to build? What are the themes and moral compass points we use to align our game?

This is a relatively easy task when working with a licensed intellectual property. In Star Trek, we know that creativity, diplomacy, and compassion are privileged above all else, and that greed and prejudice always lead to a bad end. A Star Trek story in which the protagonist freely lies, cheats, and steals without any comeuppance probably stopped being a Star Trek story somewhere along the line. Game of Thrones, on the other hand, takes a more laissez-faire approach to personal morality while emphasizing the large-scale harm done by men and women who strive for power. (No one comes away from watching Game of Thrones believing that the titular “game” is a reasonable way to run a country.)

These core ideals should affect more than your game’s storytelling–they should dovetail with your gameplay loops and systems, as well. A Star Trek farming simulator might be a fun game, but using the franchise’s key ideals to guide narrative and mechanical choices probably won’t be useful. (“Maybe we reward the player for reaching an accord with the corn?”)

Know what principles drive your game world. You’re going to need that knowledge for everything that’s coming.

[...]

Teaching the player the thematic basics of your world shouldn’t be overly difficult–low-stakes choices, examples of your world and character arcs in a microcosm, gentle words of wisdom, obviously bad advice, and so forth can all help guide the player’s expectations. You can introduce theme in a game the way you would in any medium, so we won’t dwell on that here.

You can, of course, spend a great deal of time exploring the nuances of the moral philosophy of your game world across the course of the whole game. You’ll probably want to. So why is it so important to give the player the right idea from the start?

Because you need the player to buy into the kind of story that you’re telling. To some degree, this is true even in traditional, linear narratives: if I walk into a theater expecting the romcom stylings of The Taming of the Shrew and get Romeo and Juliet instead, I’m not going to be delighted by having my expectations subverted; I’m just going to be irritated.

When you give a player a measure of control over the narrative, the player’s expectations for a certain type of story become even stronger. We’ll discuss this more in the next two points, but don’t allow your player to shoot first and ask questions later in the aforementioned Star Trek game while naively expecting the story to applaud her rogue-ish cowboy ways. Interactive narrative is a collaborative process, and the player needs to be able to make an informed decision when she chooses to drive the story in a given direction. This is the pact between player and developer: “You show me how your world works, and I’ll invest myself in it to the best of my understanding.”

[...]

In order to determine the results of any given choice, you (that is, the game you’ve designed) must judge the actor according to the dictates (intended or implicit) of the game world and story. If you’re building a game inspired by 1940s comic book Crime Does Not Pay, then in your game world, crime should probably not pay.

But if you’ve set the player’s expectations correctly and made all paths narratively satisfying, then there can be no bad choices on the part of the player–only bad choices on the part of the player character which the player has decided to explore. The player is no more complicit in the (nonexistent) crimes of the player character than an author is complicit in the crimes of her characters. Therefore, there is no reason to attempt to punish or shame the player for “bad” decisions–the player made those decisions to explore the consequences with you, the designer. (Punishing the player character is just dandy, so long as it’s an engaging experience.)

[...]

It’s okay to explore difficult themes without offering up a “correct” answer. It’s okay to let players try out deeds and consequences and decide for themselves what it all means. But don’t forget that the game is rigged. [...]

Intentionally or not, a game judges and a game teaches. It shows, through a multiplicity of possibilities, what might happen if the player does X or Y, and the player learns the unseen rules that underlie your world. Embracing the didactic elements of your work doesn’t mean slapping the player’s wrist every time she’s wrong–it means building a game where the player can play and learn and experiment within the boundaries of the lesson.

#every choice you make while designing your game says something about your experiences and your world view #whether you think it does or not #i think abt that interview with hozier where he talks abt all art being political & someone in the comments tried to disagree #by saying a child's drawing of their house cant possibly be political & someone else replies: #but it is. what does a house look like to them? is it one story or two? is it a trailer? an apartment? these things imply something #about that child's lived experience #another post i reblogged on kithj that talked abt these games like the forest or far cry where you play as a random white guy #that is being hunted by the evil native people. and the game requires you to just indiscriminately kill them #without thinking about it bc it's a game and you're the protag. that says something whether it was intentional or not #allowing the player character to do or say certain things without consequences communicates something to the player!!! #this does not mean you should punish them but that you should think about your narrative design and your choices and their outcomes #think about what makes sense in your world #and think about what it could imply in the real world. to the player #and think about all the different paths you can explore with them in this way #writing

[republicsecurity]

The Evolution of Conscript Protection: Mandatory Introduction of Armour Suits

Abstract:

In this paper, we examine the historical trajectory leading to the mandatory introduction of armour suits for conscripts serving in the Security Forces, Life Guards, and Paramedic Corps. The Conscripts Rights Organization (CRO) played a pivotal role in advocating for this measure, primarily to ensure the physical safety and well-being of conscripts during their service. While the introduction of armour suits offered enhanced protection, it also came with certain drawbacks, including increased training complexity, conditioning requirements, and the imposition of technological interfaces such as Heads-Up Displays (HUDs) and mandatory helmet usage. Furthermore, the influence of defense contractors in driving this development is explored, shedding light on the economic interests at play.

Introduction:

Conscript service has long been a hallmark of societal obligation in our dystopian reality, with individuals mandated to serve in various capacities for the betterment of the state. However, concerns regarding the safety and welfare of conscripts during their service have persisted, prompting calls for enhanced protective measures. The Conscripts Rights Organization emerged as a prominent advocate for conscript rights, pushing for reforms aimed at ensuring the physical integrity of those serving their mandatory terms. One significant outcome of their advocacy efforts was the mandatory introduction of armour suits for conscripts in key service branches.

Historical Context:

The roots of the mandatory introduction of armour suits can be traced back to a series of incidents highlighting the vulnerability of conscripts to physical harm during their service. Reports of conscripts sustaining injuries or even fatalities in the line of duty sparked public outrage and prompted demands for better protective measures. The Conscripts Rights Organization, galvanized by these events, began lobbying for comprehensive reforms to safeguard the well-being of conscripts.

Key Drivers:

The Conscripts Rights Organization identified several key drivers behind the push for mandatory armour suits. Foremost among these was the imperative to minimize physical harm and casualties among conscripts. Armour suits offered a tangible solution to this pressing concern, providing enhanced protection against various threats encountered during service, including ballistic, chemical, and biological hazards. Additionally, the CRO emphasized the principle of conscript rights, arguing that individuals compelled to serve should be afforded adequate protection as a basic entitlement.

Challenges and Drawbacks:

While the introduction of armour suits represented a significant step forward in conscript protection, it was not without its challenges and drawbacks. Training conscripts to effectively utilize and maintain armour suits posed logistical and resource challenges, requiring additional investment in training infrastructure and personnel. Moreover, the conditioning required to acclimate conscripts to the use of technology interfaces such as HUDs and helmet-mounted communication systems presented psychological and behavioral hurdles. The imposition of strict protocols regarding helmet usage, particularly during public interactions, also raised concerns about the erosion of individual autonomy and privacy.

Influence of Defense Contractors:

An often-overlooked aspect of the mandatory introduction of armour suits is the influence of defense contractors in shaping this development. As providers of advanced protective technologies and equipment, defense contractors stood to benefit economically from the widespread adoption of armour suits among conscripts. Their lobbying efforts and collaboration with governmental agencies played a significant role in driving the policy agenda towards mandatory implementation.

Conclusion:

The mandatory introduction of armour suits for conscripts represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of conscript protection and welfare. While aimed at enhancing the safety and security of individuals serving their mandatory terms, this development also underscores the complex interplay between societal obligations, technological advancements, and economic interests. Moving forward, it is imperative to strike a balance between ensuring conscript safety and preserving individual freedoms and rights in the context of mandatory service.

[worldofkaeos]

This manual is inspired by @lucy-j-carlyle 's plastic bag idea

The Lockwood and Co. Ghost-Hunting Manual

by Lucy Carlyle and George Cubbins, transcripted by George Cubbins and edited by Holly Munro. (Anthony Lockwood? He's too busy flashing his pearly-white teeth on the front page of every magazine in London.)

Handy Agent Tool-Kit for Defence Against Ghosts

Remember, the three principle defenses, in order of effectiveness, are silver, iron, and salt.

Rapier — an agent should never do without one. If you forget yours, you're a wimp. Admit defeat (something I agree on, for once)

Iron fillings — used to create protective circles, mostly against type one manifestations, as stronger type twos can often easily move them. Agents also run the risk of damaging the circle by accidentally stepping on it. (Haha, guess who did this) (it's not me, it was you, Lockwood.) (I'm living with maniacs.) They can also be thrown, causing similar effects to a salt bomb.

Magnesium flares — works well against type twos. Explodes into a shower of beautiful light and temporarily neutralises the apparition or drives them away, until you realise that you're indoors and the whole place is on fire. (Totally not based on experience, totally.)

Iron Chains — for stronger ghosts (Type Twos). At least one per agent to create a protective circle, number of chains depending on the strength of the ghost. (If you do not bring this along with you, well, I hate to recount the details of my second case in Lockwood and Co again. To say a hefty fine is the least of your worries.)

Salt Bombs — causes minor explosions of salt that drive them away or even cause them to dematerialise for a short time. Weak form of defence, usually used against weaker ghosts (Type Ones). Bring at least four of these or lavender sticks, if you want to keep your teammates and yourself happy and healthy.(Safety is never an option, too bad, thou artless, beef-witted coward!) *winks* (shut up Tony, thou bawdy, pottle-deep popinjay!)

Sufficient Lavender sticks/Lavenders - smells nice, works... not so nicely for stronger ghosts and when the smell fades. If you don't know what it means, you can figure it out yourself. Though we are not liable for any of the acts of stupidity you are about to commit. (they mean it's best to always pack fresh lavenders, and avoid old stalks as their scent may not be strong enough to contain the source.) (Oh shut up, Holly)

Ghost-seeing goggles for the old codgers experienced supervisors and field operators (geez, Lucy, really)

Candles, full box of matches, torches, lamps with the shutters, the likes

And lastly, but most importantly, Plastic bags (see note here*)

*This is the latest tool for defence against ghosts, discovered by formidable agent Lucy Carlyle. (she's just under five feet six inches 🤨) (LOCKWOOD!!) Bring at least 5 plastic bags, wrapping them around your agent duffel bags, your backpack, and the occasional annoying teammate or supervisor. At least they'd no longer be a useless pile of ghost-cow droppings an obstruction (George! Lucy! Censored for, well, sanity purposes)

Gosh, I do need to make a Lockwood and Co Ghost Hunting Manual on ao3 or sth (published after teg)

(read the tags, if you'd like)

#lockwood and co #lockwood & co #l&co #lockwood and co headcannons #lucy carlyle #george cubbins #george karim #anthony lockwood #holly munro #quill kipps #teg #fittes manual #but revised #now titled: the lockwood and co ghost-hunting manual #george and lucy are feral #lockwood is a goof #kipps loves to throw insults from the sofa #holly is the only sane person here and is trying to control these wild geese #DO YOU EVER FEEL LIKE A PLASTIC BAG

[frownyalfred]

Hello! I’m not Jewish and I just learned about Pikuach Nefesh. Being Jewish yourself, I’m guessing you have a lot of thoughts on this and how it relates to Bruce’s no-kill policy. I’d be really interested in hearing them if you want to make a post!

Hey friend!

I absolutely have thoughts, but I must begin with a disclaimer:

My perspective does not cover all Jews, nor is it the authority on what is or isn't Jewish. I grew up Reform/Reconstructionist, in an ethnically Ashkenazi Jewish family, and these are just my thoughts as a Batman blog.

Another important note: different types of Jews hold the halacha (rules/principles) of Judaism to be far more important in their lives. An Orthodox Jew will observe halacha much more strictly than a Reform Jew. Despite what some people will tell you, this doesn't make either of them better. Just different.

Whew, okay. Now that that's out of the way, let's get down to business.

What is Pikuach Nefesh?

In very general terms, Pikuach Nefesh (hard ch sound in the back of your throat) allows Jews to override other religious "rules" or values in the pursuit of preserving or saving a life.

A good example of this is a an Orthodox Jewish person, who, following halacha, will not drive or operate items with electricity during the Sabbath (Shabbat). But what happens if someone has a heart attack and they need to call 911? Pikuach Nefesh would permit them to use electricity, despite it being Shabbat.

If a Jewish person who keeps total kosher is in a situation where they will starve if they do not eat non-kosher food, they are permitted to eat non-kosher food.

Exceptions

There are some notable exceptions to Pikuach Nefesh, which I suspect is what your question is getting at. The threat to an individual's life generally has to be known, urgent, and not abstract.

Murder is another large exception, with some conditions. Generally, the intentional act of killing another person, or injuring them to the point where they might die from their injuries, is not an act that can be permitted by the principle of Pikuach Nefesh.

The slim exceptions to this include highly specific cases of self defense of oneself or another against an aggressor. One may kill to preserve a life in very strict situations, but they cannot murder. There are even times where killing is obligated, such as war.

So how does this relate to Batman/Bruce's no-killing rule?

Okay. So. I've had a lot of discussions with folks about this, and the answer I've learned is: it doesn't. Not really.

Pikuach Nefesh refers to the principle that a Jewish person should preserve life over almost any other rule or halacha. It does, actually, permit Bruce to kill under very specific situations. It does actually forbid him from gravely injuring people and doing so in the name of fighting against abstract threats, which are both things he does in canon.

The last time I wrote about this, I was definitely off about the details of Pikuach Nefesh in regard to Batman. I was corrected and I stand by that correction. I didn't grow up in the Orthodox faith and I don't observe much of their halacha, which is where a lot of religious theory questions arise from. I'm not an expert, and my explanation is only as deep as my own experience.

I think a good way of looking at Pikuach Nefesh is not as a way to define what, if any, killing is acceptable, but rather, what are we obligated to do to save a life?

The more important Jewish principle shaping Batman's ideology (in my opinion)

"Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire."

This is much more of an important focal point for Bruce's Jewish-influenced ideology. The flipside of this quote, from the Talmud, is equally important: "Whoever kills one life, kills the world entire."

Bruce's no-killing rule is famously tied to his parents' deaths during his childhood. In a way, his entire world ended with their murder. He sees his mission to clean up Gotham as a way to prevent that loss from occurring for anyone else.

Saving one person, like he tells Barry in Justice League, is enough. That is a viciously Jewish thought. It is frequently quoted in reference to those who acted in support of Jews during the Holocaust, doing what little they could against a fountain of evil.

Conclusion

In that regard, yes -- Pikuach Nefesh tells us that preserving a life is the most important thing above all else. But Bruce's no-killing rule would swiftly be broken if he followed the principle of Pikuach Nefesh closely, in that he would a) likely have to kill someone in self-defense at some point in his duties and b) it would not allow him to injure or hurt people to the extent that he currently does in canon.

More importantly, Bruce's no-killing rule is a better reflection of the Talmudic quote that "he who saves/kills a life, has saved/killed a world entire."

It is not much of a stretch, in my opinion, to connect Bruce's trauma from losing his parents at young age to his outright refusal to kill later in life. The more interesting question, in my mind, is if the creation of this no-killing rule truly was shaped by Batman's Jewish creators and their view on life and death, especially post Holocaust.

Comics became more widely available during and after WWII and the Holocaust, during which time many -- many -- Jews entered the field as writers and artists. Their influences on the characters we see today are obvious, often intentionally Jewish, but just as often un-intentional.

Was Batman's no-killing rule a product of the post-WWII Jewish comic writers who shaped his character? Was it a coincidence that lined up well with the Talmud, but not necessarily all the conditions of Pikuach Nefesh?

How else does Batman represent, or not represent, the goal of Pikuach Nefesh (the necessity that a person act in the preservation of human life, above almost all else)?

#sorry for the long ramble here #I hope this doesn't become inflammatory #jewish bruce wayne #jewish batfamily #jewish batman #asks #again: no expert #two jews three opinions #bruce wayne #batman #dc #pikuach nefesh #again if I got this wrong #i apologize

[kaltacore]

i know many people are afraid of being rude and roleplaying as someone besides people pleaser (which is not not-understandable tho. especially for the first time players) but i think bg3 is the game that tries to motivate you not to be agreeable and obedient all the time. usually in rpg games with approval systems there are one or two characters who will approve of you being an asshole mostly for the sake of it but that's it. also actively challenging character's beliefs in most cases will just gain you a whole lot of disapproval and no actual change. meanwhile in bg3 there are many characters who will approve of you losing it in some situations and disapprove if you act too gullible and let everyone use you.

also following someone else's orders and desires every time won't get you far. if you'll blindly support your companions' initial goals (and they're very insistent and defensive about it and questioning their ideas may also naturally result in disapproval) it won't automatically get you their best ending and in the most cases it is literally the opposite. shadowheart wants to become dark justiciar real bad but if you support her on that path she'll be claimed by the evil goddess she unconsciously resisted her whole life. astarion wants to get ascended but helping him do it won't drive away his fears and just will lock him in the same cycle his master was trapped in. lae'zel worships vlaakith and is really hesitant to give up her faith and everything she was taught no matter what she's witnessed and not challenging her beliefs will make her just another sacrifice for a tyrant. if you play durge and decide to accept their father (which is also actively encouraged by durge's sidekick and, well, the other present option is an inevitable death) they'll forever lose their freedom and will become their father's dreadful instrument with no will of its own. if you decide to give gortash the netherstones as a goody two shoes you are when he asks he'll fuck you over on principle. this game lacks a truly unique completely evil run for sure. but it does reward your character for questioning other people and standing up for themself and does punish them for being too lenient when they shouldn't be

#also this gave an idea for a totally disastrous goody two shoes playthrough which would be. absolutely disastrous and FUN because of it #the road to hell is paved with hood intentions or so they say #anyway. i think it's really encouraging in terms of roleplay. it's more fun when you play more evil-leaning character #and it doesn't automatically make the whole main cast hate them #and also if you want a good ending for you faves you have to actually listen to them but not only that #you have to analyze them! draw conclusions! decide whether they really need that thing or if they make themselves believe they want it! #that's really cool thing to do i think. knowing how easy it is to get approval in rpgs simply by being agreeable but now it has layers yk #anyway i love characterisation in this game and how it manages to deliver a cool rp experience. yeah #bg3

[acesw]

The Timekeeper group but instead of arcane skills, they have bending arts

Welcome to A.D. once again going insane in the head with character analysis and reverse 1999. I decided to analyze the characters in the timekeeper group and associate them with bending arts from ATLA that suit them best.

Non Benders: Vertin, Sotheby

Benders: Sonetto and Druvis (Water), Regulus and Lilya (Fire), APPLe (Earth), Vertin* (Air)

1. Airbending is a defense-reliant but versatile bending art, and it's associated with freedom and seeking enlightenment in life through that and peace. I think it's fitting for Vertin to have been born with this art, or it awakened in her after the spiritual convergence in TLOK. (In TLOK, the harmonic convergence in 171 AG awakened airbending in several non benders around the world. Though this is only a possibility.)

Although, at the same time, I think it would be more fitting for Vertin herself to be a non bender. She's more known for her physical strength after all. It highlights the fact that Vertin is significantly weaker in mythic power as opposed to a lot of main characters. Rather, she adapts and adjusts using her current strengths: physical ability and high perception. So I think for that matter, she would be knowledgeable in bending but also utilize chi blocking in her fighting style.

2. Waterbending is about change taking focus on the constant flow of the water and energy to utilize their art. Its fighting style is fluid and graceful, with its benders acting similarly and making it able to maintain this constant flow within their techniques and themselves. It's quite fitting for (especially) Sonetto and Druvis. In Druvis' case, she's able to manipulate the plants around her thanks to plantbending, an extension of waterbending that allows one to manipulate plants because all plants have water—from vines to roots, to even trees on the full moon.

Meanwhile, Sonetto's steadfastness and gracefulness compliment really well as we see when we look at her usage of her arcane skill. She would be quite focused and skilled at mastering this bending art; and as we see in its weaknesses, water bending relies on the user's internal life energy, thus its power and control being reflective on the emotional state of its user.

A known flaw in Sonetto is her passion and tendency to become emotional when faced with certain conflicts, and on occasion she overuses her power with a lack of control. It fits the description of weaknesses found in waterbending. But otherwise, her strength in being able to learn fast and her overall style of casting spells reflects greatly on the general style waterbending follows.

3. Firebending is an aggressive bending art that has quite a straightforward meaning: power. It originally developed and fostered on one's unwavered determination to reach their goals and desires, but was twisted into being fueled by hate and rage because of the 100 year war in the series. It still maintains the same principles, but its power intensifies from hate, rage, and anger. Its fighting style is easily used for offensive with very aggressive strategies, but these offenses can be turned into defenses too.

For Regulus, I can see her originally utilizing her anger because of the intensity of her emotions (and her tendency to be easily annoyed /joke), but as she learns more about herself and continuing to develop her art, she slowly shifts towards balancing it with her dedication towards the role she leads in life, and her unwavering resolve to give up on what she wants to do.

Lilya on the other hand can initially come off as her power coming from her temper and aggression as well, but it's not exactly the case. Because she’s skilled at what she does as a pilot, this will reflect her mastery and skills in her bending art for fire. She’s determined to be one of the greatest, and consistently victorious, and that drives her power in her skills. And in spite of her coming off as careless because of the behaviors she exhibits, she's excellently agile and precise, all the while taking the offensive in her attacks.

4. Earthbending is a bending art that relies on acting decisively with one having a wide range to their environment and many opportunities at hand. It has a maintained balance of offense and defense capabilities, and mastering it requires utilizing the neutralization of jing, or in other words, knowing how to rightfully time an action and the decisions that follow. Even then, the lack of precision is a great benefit, as Earth is reliant on brute strength rather than agile and precise movements.

With APPLe, I think he finds a good balance between strength and knowledge, and utilizing that when it comes to using his power. He knows that he does not need great precision, but being able to time things just right as well as being knowledgeable on the environment around him is enough to make good use of his bending art. His personality reflects the way he fights, and I see it being more defensive + counter attacking, while also being very clearly capable and not afraid of going on the offensive.

5. Lastly, as we know, it's possible to create potions in the world of ATLA. Thus, it's possible for Sotheby to maintain her role as a potions maker. It's hard to think of the possible bending art that Sotheby can have, so I rather settled on her being a non bender since her main highlight is her knowledge on potions and the environment around her. I like to think that she utilizes this and the growing technology to be able to create opportunities to help her friends, with the guidance of Vertin and APPLe.

I like doing these associations as well as creating ways to integrate their abilities in other universes (i.e. JJK). I might do this more or start a series with these👍👍

#reverse 1999 #vertin #sonetto #druvis iii #sotheby #apple reverse 1999 #regulus reverse 1999 #lilya reverse 1999 #atla #these are always fun to do

[pluto-planitia]

THE RETRO ROCKET: Originally the pet project of a hobby spacecraft refurbisher, this model of spaceship was designed for planetary scouting, able to support up to three ponies over a long period of time. It's a very, very old design at this point though, as this spaceship was found in a junkyard, and handed over to Pluto after she had spent years helping them source parts and do work on its systems, essentially paying for the ship through labor.

Shaped like a football, it possesses four engines. A center drive engine, and three maneuvering/booster engines. Its launch system is the slow-but-proven Passtrat, or 'Ascension' method, involving the inflation of a helium (or other lighter-than-atmosphere gas) balloon from its nose-cap, lifting off and then riding it to the edge of the planet's atmosphere, before a controlled deflation-and-retrieval of the balloon is timed with the ignition of the main rockets, which then push the ship the rest of the way into space.

The ship possesses multiple floors, the bottom-most of which contains the fuel tanks and access to the primary engine. The second floor possesses a small health bay (which Pluto has doing double duty as a science and specimen lab,) a storage room, and a 'mudroom' that contains the primary airlock and various equipment lockers. Above that floor is a singular large living area that includes both a kitchenette and the cockpit, which is suspended vertically above the living area, with a singular 'sunroof' that doubles as an observation window when the ship is on a planet's surface. Her own personal bedroom uses a strap-in hammock, which can be used both in zero-G and in gravity.

Defensively, the ship only has a basic hull shield, and a singular pulse laser to its name, usually relying on its relatively small size and maneuverability to get out of engagements. Interstellar travel is possible due to a 'Wink Drive', a magitech engine that uses similar principles to unicorn teleportation in order to send the vessel shooting from one star system to another.