#also also the new set is amazing but my god does it make colour balancing difficult

[joshuas]

sue me

♫ pairing: han jisung x gender neutral reader

♫ genre: college/university student!au, slice-of-life, crack, fluff, best friends to lovers

♫ word count: 3.9k

♫ warnings: nil of note!

♫ summary: just chaos and lawsuits?

♫ tagging: @fluffyskzclub​

♫ a/n: the seventh addition to my christmas drabbles! i don’t really know what i’m doing anymore ;-;

♫ skz christmas drabbles: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

The door jingled as three figures huddled through the store together,

“It’s so cold!” One of them — Jeongin, exclaimed, bringing your attention to them from your organising,

“Lucky it’s warm in here. Hey, guys!” You waved as they approached, looking at the display of records and CDs behind you.

“Y/N!” Jisung approached you first, pulling you in for your signature handshake.

The taller boy, Seungmin, scoffed, looking down on the two of you,

“I can’t believe the two of you still do that elaborate greeting.”

“You’re just salty that you haven’t been friends with someone since childhood and had the awesomeness to come up with something like this.” Jisung defended.

Bitterness bubbled in your stomach,

Right. Friends.

The two of you had established your friendship way back in daycare when you lent Jisung your crayons... reluctantly, at that. But you were kind of desperate to make friends, so you accepted his request. What you had underestimated though, were his motives. Jisung had no intention on actually giving your crayons back. Long story short, hair was pulled, paper was thrown, including scissors at one point, all resulting in Jisung eating your crayons so that you would never get them back. You had never been more shocked in your entire life... well you were two-years-old, so there wasn’t much that you had experienced. However, your parents, after hearing of this fight, insisted on taking you to visit Jisung in the hospital (he had just digested crayons, it’d be concerning if he didn’t at least get it checked out), giving him a CD of your favourite songs for him to listen to. How a two-year-old was supposed to appreciate that was beyond you, but when he came back to daycare with a set of colour pencils and drew pictures beside you, the two of you were inseparable since.

However, once you had gotten into university, the two of you had exchanged more than friendly comments, making you reconsider his place as your best friend after all. I mean, did he make your heart flutter? Yes. Did you miss him whenever he wasn’t around, even when he was being a pain? Yes. Was he incredibly talented, handsome and amazing that you couldn’t help but fall for him?... Yes! You had been trying to figure out ways to hint to him what you really thought of him, but he was about as clueless as Cher in the movie Clueless. And seeing as New Years was round the corner, you had resolved to yourself that you’d confess to him as one of your New Years resolutions... It was now just a question of how...

As Jisung pulled you in for the final part - a hug, you inhaled his familiar scent, interrupting your internal monologue, your mind calming from its racing, seconds before.

“How may I help you guys today?” You brushed your clothes, trying to maintain an air of professionalism.

“Jisung dragged us all the way here to get some of your famous ramen.” Jeongin explained, sighing.

“You came all the way to a music store... to try my ramen?” You asked confusedly.

“I don’t understand the logic behind it as well. But we did come all this way, in the snow as well.” Seungmin looked at you pointedly.

“...okay. Wait here, I’ll make it.”

“Oh my god, I love you Y/N,” Jisung called out as you went to the staff room, your heart skipping a beat at his comment.

Sighing, you turned on the kettle,

Why is he like this? How does crayon eating boy have this much power over me?

“Be careful, it’s hot!” You passed the steaming bowls of ramen and chopsticks to each of the boys, as the four of you sat around the till.

Bowl dangerously balanced on his elevated leg as he tried to pull apart the wooden chopsticks, Jisung flashed you a grateful smile,

“You know, Y/N, one day you’re going to make someone extremely happy with—“ He yelped as he jolted from the force of taking the wooden chopsticks apart, the bowl tipping off his leg and onto the carpeted floor. The red ramen soup soaking into the light carpet, staining it.

“Oh no! Y/N, I’m so sorry!” Jisung exclaimed, frantically grabbing at tissues from the counter, dabbing them on the ground.

You bit back a smile,

Of course, it was Jisung. But ugh it’s going to be a pain to get that dry cleaned...

“I might just have to sue you for that!” You said sarcastically.

Jisung looked at you wide-eyed,

“Oh! I— isn’t there anything else I can do? I can help out at the store for the rest of the break!” Jisung said frantically.

“Ohhh, no I’ll have to have sue you. Company policy.” You hid a smile, deciding to tease him further.

“Oh. Um, okay.” He blinked, unaware, “Let me just get a lawyer to represent me— Seungmin! You’re a lawyer, right? You need to represent me for this case.” Jisung grabbed Seungmin’s arm, looking at him pleadingly,

“I’ve literally only had one class and isn’t this a jo—“ Seungmin broke off as you stared him down, imploring him to partake in the practical joke you were playing on the other boy.

You sighed, “Okay. Seems like it’s sorted. We’ll meet up in two weeks. Hopefully, you’ll have your money ready, because I’m going to win this.”

“It’s Opposite Day. So you won’t, and I will, okay?” Jisung gave you a quick smile, dragging Seungmin towards the door.

“But, my ramen!” Seungmin complained.

“No time, we need to win.” Jisung dragged Seungmin out of the store.

You shared a glance with Jeongin,

This is going to be interesting...

“You aren’t a parent, nor a teacher, what are you doing here?” Jeongin warily watched you approach, narrowly avoiding the little kids running through your path.

“I need your help.” You said solemnly.

“How did you know I was doing work experience at the daycare?” Jeongin raised an eyebrow sceptically.

“Believe it or not, Seungmin can be extremely candid and direct when Jisung is harassing him on the other side of a phone call. Also, you’re working towards your teaching degree. It doesn’t seem too weird that you’re working at a daycare.” You noted, taking in your surroundings.

“Oh, alright. What can I help you with?” Jeongin said reluctantly.

“I need you to dress up like an old businessman and pretend to be my lawyer.” You said quickly, thrusting a back-rubbing cane into his hands before getting ready to bolt.

“Wait! Why?” Jeongin looked at you sceptically yet again.

You sighed,

“Look, I need Jisung to think it’s the real deal, otherwise...” You stopped, squinting at the two figures attempting to act casual outside the daycare.

“Oh my god, are they spying on us?”

“It was most definitely Jisung’s idea.” Jeongin joined you, staring as Jisung attempted to casually lean against a car, trying to converse with a stony-faced Seungmin, not long before setting off the car alarm and yelling at Seungmin to run.

You watched the two of them take off,

“Looks like we’ll need to up our game, Mr Yang. Or should I say... Prosecutor Yang?” You smiled pleadingly at him.

“Fine...”

“Let me get this straight, we’re spying on them now even though this whole lawsuit thing isn’t actually going to happen?” Jeongin asked, bringing his jacket closer to him as he entered the University café.

“Well, it’s not like we can’t put any effort in because then we’d be admitting defeat to this... joke? Regardless, we need to win.” You pushed your cap further down after nodding at Chan in acknowledgment.

You sat down in a secluded area of the café, Chan approaching to greet you,

“Why is it always that chaos is brought to this café by this friendship group?” Chan looked pointedly at Jeongin as he shrugged.

“How do you know that shenanigans are to take place? Can’t we just enjoy our coffee in a secluded area of the cafe in our spy clothes without suspicion?” You asked, slightly defensive.

“...no. Anyway, what can I get for your spy mission?” Chan asked, eyes glinting with amusement.

“I’ll have an iced americano.” Jeongin.

“And I’ll have a—“ you broke off as Chan interrupted you,

“New York Cheesecake? I know. Jisung and you come here to get some like every Friday. Speaking of Jisung, why are you sitting over here instead of with them over there?” He pointed to the two boys huddled at the table, Seungmin slightly bored, checking his phone regularly, and Jisung talking animatedly to him. Jisung, noticing Seungmin’s disinterest, grabbed his phone, getting up and placing it in the trash can before heading back to a very much annoyed Seungmin.

“It’s... a long story. Very chaotic! You probably wouldn’t want to hear it.” You ushered Chan away, Jeongin looked at you smugly,

“You and Jisung, huh? It’s almost as if you were... soulmates. Now I think I know why you need my help.”

You scoffed,

“I don’t need your help.”

“Oh really? Then I guess I’ll get going—“ You pulled him back into his seat, the chair scraping as it was pulled erratically from both directions. The commotion caused Jisung and Seungmin to pause, looking at you two, eyes widening in recognition.

You looked at Jeongin, panicked, before throwing the money at a stunned Chan and rushing out of the cafe.

“Don’t give my cheesecake to Jisung! We both know that he’ll eat it instead of giving it to me.”

[09:38] (Jeongin) Hey, make sure you come on time.

[09:40] (You) Why do we have to go to the shops for this?

[09:41] (Jeongin) sadly the courts were all booked out with proper criminal cases, so the shops will have to do to resolve this fake lawsuit. just get ready and come quickly!

[09:43] (You) fine, fine. I’ll get my finest attire on. See you soon.

You placed your phone on your bed before dressing up to the best of your ability, steeling yourself as you looked in the mirror,

I will tell him how I feel... no matter how complicated this lawsuit thing becomes.

“Look who finally decided to show.” Jisung drawled, sipping at his soft drink. You looked him up and down appraisingly, ignoring your beating heart... he cleaned up more than nicely.

“Okay, shall we get started?” You clapped your hands, sitting opposite Seungmin and Jisung... and next to a very poorly disguised Jeongin.

“Interesting outfit choice, Jeongin.” Seungmin noted.

“What’s even more interesting is that Y/N selected Jeongin as her representative. He’s not even a lawyer!” Jisung looked at you triumphantly.

“Neither am—“ Seungmin interrupted, Jisung shushing him before he could complete his sentence.

“I thought you were going to dress up like a business man! Not some young mobster. This isn’t a fanfic. You’re not the main character.” You hissed under your breath, leaning slightly towards Jeongin so he could hear.

“And what? You are?” He scoffed, before smiling widely at the two in front of him.

“Right, so Jeongin and I have discussed the case beforehand.” Seungmin nodded at Jeongin.

“We’ve decided that we’ll put together a bunch of trials, and whoever wins those will win this lawsuit.” Seungmin proposed.

“I... feel like this isn’t how lawsuits work.” Jisung said doubtfully.

“This is what I was taught in law school!” Seungmin defended.

“Gotta trust the guy who attended law school.” You pointed out.

“What do you mean attended? He’s still at law—“ Jisung broke off as Seungmin cleared his throat, pointedly.

“The first challenge being, who can make the two of us the best milkshake.”

“Ready to lose, Y/N?” Jisung raised an eyebrow competitively at you.

“You wish, Han Jisung!” You sprinted to the other side of the food court, lining up as Jisung hurried after you, ending up directly behind you.

[20 minutes later]

You sighed loudly,

This is taking too long.

You politely pushed in front of people to the front of the line,

“Hey, are you guys right or do you need help? Because I can help out if you want. It’ll help you get through this queue a lot faster.” You asked the worker at the register.

“I can too!” Jisung sidled up beside you as you narrowed your eyes at him.

The worker looked at you sceptically before sighing in defeat,

“You know what, you may as well help because we’re so swamped. Grab some gloves and a hairnet and get started.” The worker let you through.

That was easy enough.

This is not easy.

“Chocolate ice cream thick shake for Sara!” You called out, frantically pushing the lid on the shake before handing it to the customer. Jisung rushed beside you,

“No-fat, non-skim, skinny latte with soy milk, one and a half sugars and a drizzle of vanilla for Jacques?” Jisung called out,

“Actually, can I change my—“ Jacques started.

“No.” Jisung deadpanned.

“Ready to admit defeat?” You smirked.

“Never. We’re yet to make the best milkshakes for Seungmin and Jeongin.” Jisung ran to the blender, chucking in as many ingredients as possible.

“Two can play at that game.” You said resolutely, approaching another blender, using as many ingredients as possible.

This is either going to be a disaster or a five star Michelin dish in the making.

“Stop. Stealing. The. Caramel. Sauce.” You gave Jisung a death glare as you wrestled the sauce bottle, the manager of the store glaring at the both of you,

“Alright, that’s enough. The two of you need to leave. You basically ditched serving the customers and did this. I don’t even know what this is but you need to stop using our resources for it.”

“Wait but it’s the finishing touch!” Jisung pleaded as the manager shook his head resolutely.

You scoffed,

“Whatever. It’s not like we’re getting paid for this or anything. Which we should! In fact, I have a lawyer friend that could help me sue you. He’s very good and wins about... 100% of his clients’ cases.” You threatened.

The manager pinched the bridge of his nose,

“Half of the orders that you served came back with complaints so you really did nothing.”

“The people really don’t appreciate our talents.” Jisung gasped, offended.

“If you guys think you’re talents are in milkshake making, you really should reevaluate your...um...life choices.” The manager said sheepishly.

“Whatever, be prepared for a lawsuit! Let’s leave, Jisung.” You grabbed your milkshakes, grabbing Jisung’s arm and dragging him out of the store.

“100% track rate, you say? Have you admitted defeat already?” Jisung raised an eyebrow.

“Oh, shut up, Jisung. I was obviously talking about Jeongin.”

“Right...”

“Um. What is this?” Seungmin scrunched his face in disgust, looking at the... mess of two drinks in front of him and Jeongin.

“Milkshakes!” Jisung said excitedly.

“I know that. But why did it take so long to make... you didn’t poison it, did you?” Seungmin looked at the two of you skeptically.

“Just drink it and tell us who wins.” You sighed as they picked up their drinks, tentatively sipping and then tasting the other,

“We need time to confer, so we’re going to give you the next challenge. You’re going to have to... pick out the best present for each other, and we’ll judge that once we see it.” Jeongin shooed the two of you away, winking at you as Jisung took the lead, striding towards a craft store.

As you browsed around the store, closely following Jisung, you stopped at the crayons section, exhaling a small laugh.

Jisung turned around, confused, eyes wide, settling on the packet of crayons,

“I dibs getting that for you.”

“You can’t dibs getting a present for someone.” You said incredulously.

“Um, well if it’s a competition, yes I can.” Jisung retorted, hands on hips.

“So you’re telling me, that the best present you could ever get me is crayons? You wouldn’t get that for me normally?” You rolled your eyes, exasperated.

“Why should I?” Jisung said, confused.

“Let me remind you. Twenty or so years ago, a young Jisung eats my crayons in retaliation for getting told to give them back. Young Y/N visits young Jisung in hospital, giving him a free record as a gift. And Jisung never reimburses Y/N with another set of crayons. You know, with your track record, it’s not even accidental. It’s serial. Like serial killing but serial property damage. Honestly, I could extend that to this lawsuit, as well.” You defended.

“Okay one, it’s too late to do that... isn’t it? I don’t have enough money for both! And two, is all you’re saying that your ideal gift is a pack of crayons?!”

“Are you admitting defeat already?” You smirked.

“Pfft no! Give me— that—“ He grabbed the pack of crayons from you, heading to the counter to pay as you grabbed another pack, lining up behind him.

“You both bought each other the same gift?” Seungmin raised an eyebrow at the two of you.

“Not intentionally! Please don’t disqualify us.” Jisung defended, apologetic.

“You literally went to the same store.” Jeongin deadpanned.

“That’s—“

“Whatever, I don’t have time for this. I need to go to the hospital in a bit. Okay, here’s what you can do. Explain to us why you bought the gift for said person, and we’ll judge based on your response.” Seungmin checked his watch, leaning back in his chair.

“Jisung, you go first.” Jeongin gestured for Jisung to start.

“Okay, well the short story is that Y/N told me that it was their ideal gift. The long story is that Y/N called me a serial property damager, and I really can’t afford that being added to my list of offences and be sued further.” Jisung said a matter-of-factly.

“Oookay... anyway, Y/N! What’s your reasoning?” Seungmin turned to you.

“Hmm... okay well when I was a child, Jisung stole my crayons and ate them, somehow we became friends, and he never bought me crayons to reimburse me, so I decided to be the bigger person and buy him crayons to share. Honestly, you’d think he’d know how to by now.” You tutted as a soft pink colouring flooded Jisung’s cheeks.

“...what?” Jeongin blurted out.

“It doesn’t matter! Jisung and Y/N are both... odd personalities. I mean, no wonder they’re best friends.” Seungmin dismissed.

There was that “f” word again...

“Anyway, I don’t have time for this. We’ll deliberate again as you do another challenge. You’re going to have to race each other around the entire shopping centre. Whoever comes first, wins... that round. Obviously. Otherwise, there would’ve been no point to these other challenges.” Seungmin dismissed the two of you, getting you to start at the same time.

Is this what my life has come to? Racing the literal love of my life to show that I’m serious about a fake lawsuit?... I really need to reconsider my lifestyle choices... and friends.

You and Jisung were neck and neck, you huffed as you sprinted next to him,

“Why are you so caught up on this whole lawsuit thing? You and I both know that it’s fake.”

Jisung glanced at you through the corner of his eye, “Hff— I— hff— know that but fake lawsuit or not, it was one of my New Years resolutions to win it.”

You stopped,

“You can’t be serious.”

“Dead serious.” He stopped in front of you.

“Well— I... who am I to stop you from achieving your goals? I forfeit.” You stepped back, relieved to be out of it.

“You can’t be serious,” Jisung said, slightly shocked,

“I need you to finish this! I can’t just win by default. That defeats the whole purpose. Actually try.” He challenged.

“This is so stupid, though.” You grumbled.

“You’re the one that proposed it. Why did you, if you don’t want to do it?” Jisung raised an eyebrow expectantly.

“I— ugh. To be honest, it started out as a joke but then I saw how serious you got about it! So, I decided to play along so I wouldn’t let you down.” You sighed.

“You’re right, I paid Seungmin $100 to represent me.” He sighed in sync with you.

“...you really need to stop doing that. First Minho, now Seungmin? Are you going to pay the entirety of your friendship group for being your friend?” You looked at him disappointedly.

He rolled his eyes, “Speaking of friends... why did you play along?” He asked, curious.

You inhaled sharply,

Now or never. No more friend-zoning.

“Do you know what my New Years resolution was?” You asked.

He shook his head, clueless,

“It was to confess my feelings for you. I’m not as great with words as you are, but Han Jisung, I like you. A lot. Even if you do crazy things like eating my crayons.” You closed your eyes, unwilling to view his reaction... only for a slight pressure to meet your lips.

Your eyes fluttered open, only to meet Jisung’s as he kissed you softly.

He pulled back, bringing you into a hug,

“You’re always going to hold that against me, aren’t you?” He chuckled, whispering that to you.

“We just kissed and that’s what you’re concerned about?” You lightly smacked his chest.

“Well, what else am I supposed to say? I kissed you. I don’t think that best friends do that. Do I need to say it explicitly? Okay then, I like you too!” He said, confused.

You rolled your eyes,

“Whatever. We better get going if we want to finish this race, and help you achieve your life goals!”

“Oh my gosh, Y/N. You’re such a supportive... lover? We’ll figure it out.” He held out your hand, dodging past people as you both sprinted down the mall.

You slowed as you approached Seungmin and Jeongin, dropping your hand from his grasp. Jisung turned back to you, confused.

You ushered him forward, smiling encouragingly,

“Go! Finish first. Achieve your goals.”

He paused, before taking your hand again, dragging you over to Seungmin and Jeongin, they looked up, equally as confused as you.

“We both forfeit.” He said, in between catching his breath.

“What? Why?” Jeongin started, as Seungmin groaned,

“You’re telling me, that I spent the time that I could’ve been sleeping, only for you to forfeit. You know what? It’s fine. Neither of you won anyway because drinking your milkshakes was the worst thing we had to suffer through since the time you both made us cake!”

You reeled back in mock offence, Seungmin sighed,

“I’m sorry if that was harsh. I’m working nights at the hospital.”

“Wait. What does a lawyer have to do at a hospital?” Jisung questioned, confused.

“Do— do you guys even listen to the things I say? I quit law school after one lesson and went back to medical school.” Seungmin said, exasperated.

“And no! You can’t have your money back. We’re leaving now anyway, so bye!” He grabbed Jeongin, running away from the two of you as fast as possible.

“You know, I lied about my New Years resolution.” Jisung spun you around to face him, your hand meeting his bicep.

“Oh no! How could I ever trust you again?” You sighed dramatically.

“Y/N— I was trying to be sentimental and tell you that our resolutions were the same but you ruined the moment!” He pouted, annoyed.

You laughed, grabbing his cheeks (jeekies ahhhhhhhhh they’re so cute right—),

“I’ll sue you if you don’t stop being so cute!”

“Ha! I’d like to see you try.”

➳ part eight?  |  masterlist!

#districtninewriters #kdiarynet #fluffyskzclub #han jisung #skz x you #jisung x you #han jisung x reader #han jisung x you #stray kids x reader #jisung x reader #jisung #skz #stray kids #stray kids x you #stray kids imagines #skz imagines #stray kids blurbs #skz blurbs #skz x reader #skz oneshots #stray kids oneshots #skz fanfic #stray kids fanfic #kpop imagines #jisung blurbs #jisung imagines #han jisung imagines #skz fluff #stray kids fluff #skz crack

[intothewickedwood]

Sims 4 Pack Ranking

Wondering which Sims 4 pack to buy? Here is my personal ranking. 

Expansion Packs

1. Seasons

Great pack! It brings so much to the game! Weather gives the game a sense of realism. Being able to control the sim calendar is a God-send! You can add your own holidays and schedule events! Traditions are fun and bring family and friends together. I love throwing a Black and White bash on New Year’s Eve and a Dinner party on Christmas Day. It also helps you keep track of your sims’ schedules. Not to mention swings, sprinklers you can play with, kiddie pools, flower-arranging tables, snow activities, scarecrows, water baloon buckets, roller-blading and ice skating rinks and so much more! CAS and Bulid and Buy are also wonderful! And finally you can choose sims’ hot weather and cold weather outfits!

2. Cats and Dogs

I am biased because I love animals. Pets are a great addition to the family. You can train dogs, take them for walks and play with them. CAS for them is amazing! Brindleton Bay is a great seaside new world. And you can create and own your own vet!

3. Island Living

Certainly not everyone’s favourite pack but I absolutely love it! Sulani is a gorgeous world. Living the island lifestyle is one of my favourite’s to experience in this whole game. And now you can vacation their for a wonderful honeymoon or family trip! There’s mermaids (which you can become or create), sand activities, water activities like swimming, jet-skiing, canoeing, diving, scuba-diving and playing with dolphins. CAS and Build and Buy are amazing!

4. Discover University

My one issue with this pack is that I think it takes too long to graduate, especially when you’re playing on short lifespan. But apart from that, I have so much fun completing each students daily and term check-lists and it feels so good for your sim to enter a career at a higher level, already armed with the necessary skills. Living on campus is fun, especially in dorms. You can play table tennis, juggle a football or join the rabbit-hole team, build robots, ride bikes and more!

5. Get Together

Another pack that is not everyone’s favourite. I personally find it to be an essential. I use clubs all the time to allow family and friends to get together and socialise autonomously or to create specialised clubs where they complete hobbies autonomously and raise their skills. I find the nightclub experience so fun and take my sims out to one every friday in their clubs or by hosting a dance party or both! And the world is gorgeous! I love the little cafe’s!

6. Get Famous

I end up having a lot of performer sims, so the fame system and perks come in very handy. And your sim can get famous doing anything with the help of a drone and a video recording station! I think it adds to the game working towards your sim becoming not only a painter but a world-renowned one! There’s even a music station where you can create your own beats! The actor career is my favourite in the whole game. It’s so fun having your sims dress up in different costumes and perform a sword fight on set.

7. City Living

The City is beautiful. The festivals are amazing! My favourite is the spice festival because yes to my sims experiencing new cultures! I love living in an apartment. There are so many quirks, like your neighbour forcing their way in to borrow your shower or for game night. Love shooting hoops, setting off fireworks and adding all the new dishes to unique restaurants.

8. Snowy Escape

I’m still learning about this game as it’s fairly new. Love exploring the new culture. Their aren’t as many things to do at the festivals as I feel their were at those that came with City Living. Great food to add to restaurants. Snowboarding and skiing are really fun and it’s great that kids can do it too and that all ages, including todllers can snowboard. As someone who goes on a lot of walks, I look forward to trying out hiking. It looks really fun! I just feel this pack could have packed in a little more.

9. Get To Work

I’ve had this game for ages and I’m still yet to buy my own retail store. I need to get on that! I haven’t played the scientist career yet but I’ve played the doctor one and the law enforcement one and they do get boring after a while if your playing them actively everyday. Perhaps I should not play actively some days in the future. I think I just need to play with this one more.   

10. Eco Lifestyle

I was really dissapointed when I heard this game was coming out. I’m all for saving the environment but I wasn’t sure it was something I’d have fun playing with in the sims and I haven’t really had much fun with it. Candle making is kinda fun but I hate that you have to have bits and pieces to make them as they are not easy to get. The only thing I really like in this pack is juice fizzing and the neighbourhood action plans. Free-love is a great addition for my polyamorous sims but it sucks that once they’re out of the neighbourhood, they get jealous again. Living off a dumpster is a fun challenge but it gets boring after a while. I don’t really like CAS or build and buy that much either.

Game Packs

1. Parenthood

Great pack! Adds so much depth to family play and I am pretty much exclusively a family player, even when I play with supernatural sims. I love that parents and guardians can shape their children’s personalities. Build and Buy is so pretty and colourful! It screams family play! Love the kids school projects. Love being able to ground kids and put them on time out, disciplining and encouraging them and even ordering them to do things. 

2. Vampires

I looove playing with supernatural sims! In general I prefer witches and wizards and magic to vampires but this is just a solid pack. Build and Buy is beautiful and allows you to create unique gothic and historical buildings. CAS is very cool too! Forgotton Hollow is gorgeous. I absolutely love the look of it! I want to live their! I don’t care how creepy it is. The vampire powers system is so good and gives you a great goal to work towards. I get such a thrill using powers on and biting other sims at night. It looks so spooky! Super speed is so useful! And I love creating vampire clubs and having them have epic looking vampire duals, letting them spar and train eachother and turn other sims into slaves or vampires or vampire slaves! Much darker than the other games. I just wish kids could have vampire powers and have a vampire form.

3. Realm of Magic

I don’t know what it is but this game doesn’t seem as in depth as Vampires. It should but it somehow doesn’t. But it’s still a very good pack that satisfies my Potterhead needs well enough. You can create so many different types of spellcasters but I personally like going to the magic realm and learning all the spells and potions. It’s so fun duplicating yourself and setting sims on fire or conjuring a meal out of nowhere. Build and Buy is beautiful and duels are epic! I only wish kids could cast spells and it wasn’t so easy to learn all the spells and complete the aspirations.

4. Dine Out

A lot of people say this game is glitched and it does take, like a whole day to have a 3-course meal but I personally enjoy that. I like taking family or friend groups out to beautiful restaurants from the gallery on a Sunday and letting them socialise their all day while waiting for their meals and enjoying the atmosphere. I use this pack all the time. I love owning restaurants. I love choosing the menus and creating restaurants that reflect different cultures’ cuisine. Running one is really fun. It’s hard to get a balance, especially while starting out but with perks you can watch your restaurant thrive.

5. Strangerville

I played this through for the first time recently and I really enjoyed it! Much more than I thought I would. I love the possessed sims. They are so freaky. It’s a shame that it doesn’t feel like a game you’d want to play again but the world is nice. 

6. Jungle Adventure

I confess. I entered a (I think it’s called a) temple for the first time at the end of last year. It took me forever to figure out how to get to one but when I finally did I found the game play a bit lackluster. But it’s a beautiful jungle-y world that is worth visiting for a vacation and exploring the culture is fun! Build and Buy is also amazing. And I liked adding the new cuisine to my restaurants.

7. Outdoor Retreat

I haven’t played this one in ages but I remember I had fun doing it. Basically, you could have a similar camping experience in Selvadorada or any other world. But it’s fun for the winter log cabins and if you’re looking for a more forest-y vibe.

8. Spa Day

Gorgeous Build and Buy! Worth it for that alone but I feel this pack could have been a stuff pack if you look at it compared to what we’re going to get in, say, Paranormal Stuff. Working on the wellness skill is cool. Teleporting is useful but a bit slow. I like having my sims go to a yoga class, meditate, get a massage and go to the sauna.

9. Star Wars: Journey to Batuu

I’ve seen like 2 Star Wars films and had no idea what was going on both times. Similarly, I was pretty confused while playing but I can’t deny I had fun completing the missions, fighting with lightsabers and chilling with my droid. I did get board after a while though. It doesn’t really fit in the game but I’m happy for Star Wars fans. I’d be estatic if they did a Harry Potter, Once Upon A Time or X-Men pack!

Stuff Packs

1. Kids Room

By far the best for me. You get so much stuff for kids. Love the addition of Voidcritters! The kids clothing is adorable and the Buy objects are incredible! Perfect for kids and creating unique rooms for them!

2. Toddler

Love the new toddler play equipment! It is so, so cute to watch them play. The CAS is so adorable as are the Buy objects. I have yet to use play dates but they sound great for my families!

3. Backyard

Love the water slide. My sims have so much fun on it. And the objects are great! Perfect for building a family garden. It makes me want to use the garden more in the sims.

4. Spooky

Not everyone’s favourite but I love spooky things (I was deprived of Halloween as a child!). I use it all the time to have spooky dress-up parties or for spooky night clubs or lounges. It’s the perfect thing to flesh out Spooky Day from Seasons.

5. Romantic Garden

I just think it’s pretty lol. CAS is really nice as are the buy items. The wishing well is fun and great to cheat with to bring back dead sims quickly, I recently discovered. There’s nothing more wonderful than going to a beautiful flowery garden at night with your sims couples.

6. Bowling Night

I find bowling pretty fun in the sims. It’s great for a night out with the family. I am biased because I love bowling with family on special occasions in real life. It’s great for sims birthdays and Build and Buy is so unique as is CAS.

7. My First Pet

Again, not everyone’s favourite but the items are freaking cute! Perfect for kids rooms and having a pet rodent is pretty cool as are the new CAS for Cats and Dogs. I wouldn’t be opposed to them expanding another pack like this was used to do in the future.

8. Luxury Party

I use the buffet table and the chocolate fountain all the damn time.

9. Perfect Patio

For the hot tub mainly! But the Buy items are great.

10. Cool Kitchen

I just love having my sims eat ice-cream on a Sunday. There are so many flavour combinations!

11. Movie Hangout

I love my sims having movie night with popcorn lol. And CAS and Build and Buy are pretty cool.

12. Vintage Glamour

CAS and Buy items are awesome. I love the vanity table and that kids can use it. The butler is useful but only a few of my sims live that kind of life.

13. Tiny Living

I was so disapointed when this pack was anounced but actually having a Tiny House comes with a lot of useful benefits. And Build and Buy and CAS are so pretty. Wish the furniture was tinier and the bed didn’t kill your sims all the time! I would actually like to use that bed!

14. Laundry Day

I was upset that simmers voted for this. It adds realism, so I’ll give it points for that.

15. Nifty Knitting

Again, I was upset that simmers voted for this but the Buy items are so colourful and pretty. Knitting can be kinda fun and some of the knittables are cute, especially the baby grows! Plopsy is a fun addition but I haven’t been able to make much money off of it.

16. Moschino

Love the update to photography. I use it with one fashion forward household. I hate CAS and Build and Buy.

17. Fitness

I never use the climbing wall but I like the wood design on the Buy items.

#sims 4 #the sims 4 #ts4 #sims #the sims

[derpcakes]

So we watched (nay, Experienced) the BBC/Netflix Dracula series

Brought to us by everyone’s favourite team, Steve Moff and Mark Gatiss, promising to be an innovative and exciting new vision of the classic novel

Boy it was definitely something!!!

First I will say: obviously Moff is not my favourite TV writer and my fam and I did go into this with a bias. I’m happy to report, though, that it’s going to be one of these shows that haunts me forever, because if it had just been bad I could have said “bleh” and deleted it from my brain. But because parts of this were genuinely cool, interesting, and fun, and parts of it genuinely had potential, all the bits that were bad stand out as so much worse and the whole thing feels as cursed as a 500 year old undead count. 

Things that were enjoyable and well put-together:

Van Helsing has been gender-swapped into a vampire-hunting nun and her cat-and-mouse game with Dracula is rife with belligerent sexual tension. I was ready to hate this, and ready for like, Sherlock and Irene Adler 2.0, but their dynamic was actually pretty fun to watch! Their power balance is kept even throughout most of the show, and Helsing is never struck down because of ~womanly failings~ or infantilised. She’s consistently really clever and, even if there are some cringey one-liners, I found her and Draccy’s playful quest to murder each other one of the most fun parts of the show. It could’ve been better, but it was enjoyable! (I also like how Helsing isn’t Young and Hot, but is a capable older lady, and her actor and Draccy’s even seem about the same age. Amazing)

The second episode is a spooky murder mystery/horror mini-movie on a ship, with a cast full of interesting characters who all had different things going on and different relationship dynamics that were compelling to watch. There’s even an interracial gay couple! And they’re like, written pretty sympathetically and to be layered and flawed in ways that didn’t feel too stereotypical! And they don’t die first!! Wack! I understand the bar is on the ground, but it’s still worth a mention

Some fun with vampire lore: Draccy absorbs knowledge and traits from people he drinks blood from (which is how he learns languages. Get Duolingo, dude, stop eating people), leading to the intriguing suggestion that myths like “vampires will die in sunlight” and “vampires are afraid of holy symbols” have kinda become real to him even if they don’t literally work, because he’s swallowed so many people to whom these superstitions and beliefs were law. I’m sure this isn’t the first time this has been done, but groundbreaking or no it was kinda neat

Things that were not enjoyable and well put-together:

EVERYTHING ELSE

Episode 1: a weird speedrun of most of the original novel, feat. weaponised nuns and a weird fixation on whether or not Jonathan Harker and Draccy boned. They did not. Dracula pops out of the body of a wolf and he’s Whole Ass Naked. Him and Van Helsing have a power play where she stands just on the threshold of a convent and calls him a little bitch, knowing he can’t come and get her. A knife is licked. 

Episode 2: aforementioned cool ship horror story. Definitely the best ep. It really makes me think about hbomb’s critique that Moff is pretty good at doing standalone stories (and pilots), but when things are tied into a bigger narrative things get zonkers. 

Episode 3: Things Get Zonkers!!

Let me just. Okay. I have the most to say about this one because this is where things really got batshit. And yet, also really boring? How does that figure? Anyway:

Dracula emerges from under the sea and finds that 123 years have passed and he’s now the star of a Modern AU. Upon setting foot on British sand he is immediately accosted by what appears to be an anti-vampire task force. There’s a helicopter. It is later explained how they knew to pounce on him at this exact moment, but holy god it was wild to watch the entire British Secret Service descend on this one wet bastard in a suit

The editing shifts aggressively in the direction of Sherlock. Mark Gattis is there playing an amazingly annoying character. There’s a fuckign.... Underground Secret Society devoted to studying vampires and they put Drac in a Designated Glass Prison for Smug Geniuses (also as seen in Sherlock). Van Helsing is dead but her great-great-grand-niece is played by the same actress and. Okay. Van Helsing, vampire hunting nun, possesses her descendent and rises through the ether to roast Drac one last time, and he’s DELIGHTED TO SEE HER AGAIN. 

And she has cancer, right, so her blood is poisonous when Draccy tries to bite her, but in the end, right, the end of the episode, right, the final shots of the show, he comes to a place where he’s willing to die, and she’s already dying, and so he drinks her blood and they die together on a table while cinematic metaphor vision shows them having sex in the middle of the sun

There was a badly CGI-ed vampire baby. Jonathan Harker falls from a tower and a scene later they flash back to this event by reversing the footage of him falling down, meaning we just see him go VWOOP up through the air, bouncing off the wall on the way. Van Helsing says the words “come boy, suckle” when she’s goading Drac into drinking her blood. The show sits in a weird middle ground where the characters talk about sex a lot (”dID yOu HaVe sExUaL iNterCOURSE with COUNT DRACULA?”) and Drac is clearly meant to be super magnetic and sexy but the characterisation and cinematography is not horny at all. People have these sexy-type dreams of their lover of choice when Drac is drinking their blood but even those are very boring and weirdly chaste, except of course for the final one where, if I  can take the chance to remind you, Van Helsing and Dracula have symbolic Mind Palace sex inside the centre of the solar system

I can’t speak too much on its quality as an adaptation since I actually haven’t read the book, but splitting the story so that some characters (the Harkers, Van Helsing) existed in the time the story is set, and some (Lucy, Dr Seward) exist in The Modern AU felt very strange. Was there any reason to set the third episode in modern times, apart from the fact that I guess they wanted to do their Sherlock thing again? Or, perhaps, because they wanted to do their Jekyll thing again?? Oh my god, that’s what the editing reminds me of - the small clips of Jekyll I’ve seen. The zooming. The slow-mo. The emphasis on The Monster Man’s weird goddamn teeth

(Also, I don’t really feel qualified to dig too deep into it, but I will say there felt something a bit uncomfortable about Lucy being black in this version, while also being written to be very promiscuous and vain. idk. Also, since it happened in an ep of Sherlock as well, “weedy white Nice Boy rescues the Very Cool woman of colour he has a tragically unrequited crush on” is now an official Moffattis trope)

Count Moffatula is an experience. Its pacing is buck wild. The speeding through the original plot and the mish-mashing of elements in the Modern AU section feels like another expression of contempt for the source material on Moff’s part. Someone says “reality is overrated” in a show set in the 1890s. Draccy quotes a Beatles song. He also makes quippy allusions to having eaten various famous figures and basically winks at the camera every time. Granted, this wasn’t as obnoxious as I was maybe expecting, but there are still too many lines of dialogue where you think “oh, the writers high-fived each other after they wrote that one, huh”. The fact that Moff has such vitriol against fan fic writers is more and more grating every day because this is so, so clearly a zany-ass fanfic that he happens to be getting paid for. The costumes are nowhere near as nice as they could have been, and Dracula’s cape looks like his mum made it for him for the school play in which he is playing Dracula. 

This show is So Much. Watch it to share in this fever dream. Or don’t, and save approximately 5 hours of your life. God. 5 hours. Who was I before Count Maffatula. Who am I now. Why was his cape so bloody ugly. Why did they bone in the centre of the sun

#i'm ascending from my body #count moffatula

[hellzyeahwebwielingessays]

The Not-So-Amazing Mary Jane Part 33: AMJ #5.2

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Picking up where we left off last time. MJ is in the midst of fighting the Savage Six and has just attacked Tarantula.

Rhino charges at MJ only for us to get another splash page. She points out how it’s smarter to use Rhino’s weight against him kicks him. His causes him to fall down the slope, a fact MJ mocks him for and calls him a big bully.

Of all the pages in this issue this is the one I was most debating about. I didn’t like it when I saw it but I spent a good while mulling it over in my head. Could this moment be internally justified at all? However, looking at it again I’ve concluded no it absolutely cannot be.

Yes, in theory the idea is sound. Rhino is very heavy and so if he’s coming up a slope it would be possible for someone to use his weight+gravity to throw him off balance.

The theory is sound but the execution is not.

First of all as lovely as the colours and style of the art has been, Gomez has dropped the ball hard at depicting the terrain and movement of the characters. Once again we’ve jumped from one reaction to another with no idea how we got from A to B. it’s even worse when you consider they are both splash pages. What’s worse is that the slope doesn’t seem that steep based upon the art and his artwork poorly conveys the layout of the area where the fight is happening.

But what makes it worse is the idea that MJ has kicked Rhino down the hill. The sound effect is even ‘KRAK!’, implying she did some damage.

This is simply an absolute failure to understand both physics and Rhino’s powerset. MJ physically incapable of harming Rhino with a mere kick because his super strength, durability and suit would protect him, so why the hell is there a sound effect at all? Is her ankle breaking?

More poignantly, yes you could throw Rhino off balance with the slope, but not the way MJ does it. He has arms, he can stop his fall. And whilst his weight could work against him, you’d need a sufficient force to destabilize him. His weight and durability is simply going to make a kick from MJ incapable of doing that. Spider-Man with super strength has struggled to stop him mid-charge. A normal human kick won’t do anything.

Also the artwork fails because it’s depicting MJ’s kick and then the after effect of it on the same page. There should either be motion lines to convey how we got from A to B or panels simply depicting that.

Furthermore MJ’s dialogue here is questionable. In his most recent appearances the Rhino has been played as sympathetic, a man who’s return to villainy Spider-Man was cut up about because he showed genuine signs of wanting to change. Spidey even blames himself for Rhino’s renewed interest in crime.

It’s highly unlikely Peter wouldn’t have told MJ about this so her attitude to him is very questionable. It is also very contradictory considering she’s been so sympathetic towards Beck for five issues. But for a bad guy who is arguably nowhere near as bad and has shown more concrete signs of redemption she unflinchingly kicks him down, mocks him and writes him off as a big bully.

Finally WTF is Tarantula stuck in anyway?

The next page is yet another beautiful splash page of MJ tossing a fake dinosaur head at Stegron with her mocking him again.

The same problems from the other pages apply here. The only other things to add are how the fuck did MJ even lift that thing, let alone toss it on target. Also why is Stegron so horrified at this?

Oh no, an obviously fake dinosaur prop is falling on him. A prop obviously so lightweight that a normal human woman can lift and toss it. 

How on Earth can someone with a bulletproof hide and the immense strength of a literal stegosaurus possibly cope with such a situation. He couldn’t possibly lift  it off of himself. He can only lift up to 20-25 tons! He couldn’t possibly use that strength to swat it aside. He couldn’t possibly use his strength and claws (that can cut through goddam stone) to rip it apart.

No, all he can do is beg a normal human woman to stop her attack and then yell no.

Guess Mary Jane is just that fucking awesome. Can’t wait to see Spider-Man punch out Galactus next.

We then get another splash page, this one depicting the X-Men robots (who can mimic all of the X-Men’s powers sans Jean Grey’s) take on King Cobra. MJ meanwhile hangs back with Jean’s robot.

Again, the art and colouring of this page is beautiful, though the flow from the last page continues to be problematic. I also have no idea where those X-men robots came from nor how MJ had the time to activate them. Also I double-checked ASM Annual #1 where they first appeared and there were no Ice Man or Jean Grey robots. Likely because Lee and Ditko, clever as they were, figured that having robots mimic ice powers, telekinesis and telepathy would be too much of a stretch.

I will give Williams a pass on this though. With so much time elapsing it’s not unbelievable that Beck created new robots and technology allowed him to mimic ice powers somehow.

I will also give her a pass for not having MJ fight King Cobra herself. Initially I wasn’t because he’s so much weaker than Stegron or Rhino. But in reading up on his powers he’s actually very durable and deadly. Keeping her distance is genuinely the smart tactic here.

The problem comes from her doing the reasonable thing in this encounter whilst being played as so stupidly over capable against Rhino and Stegron. Instead of taking your earrings off, why not get the robots ready before the villains reached the fence.

Shit, why weren’t the X-men robots deployed as general security for the set? Or as weapons to be used to just beat up the Six in the first place? Between them, Mysterio, Master Matrix, Screwball and HERBIE, the crew had more than enough manpower and skill to locate and defeat the Savage Six?

Not only did MJ not contact the authorities or her super hero buddies but she had the means of actively defeating them herself but chose not to use it. Don’t give me crap about losing time for the filming either because she’s been uber great multi-tasking this entire series and more than willing to have stuff cut out from the movie due to time constraints.

God, this story just keeps getting stupider.

We get another nicely drawn splash page of MJ taking on Scorpion. She side steps him and causes him to get his tail stuck in the cement mixer.

Another well drawn page but how the fuck did MJ know that strike was coming? And how the Hell was she quick enough to dodge it? Last I checked Mj doesn’t have spider speed or a spider sense.

Vulture then does what he always should have done at the start of this fight and just picks MJ up in the air and then drops her into some scenery. He says he could just fly past her but decides to pay her back by smacking her across the face.

Why didn’t Vulture just fly past MJ in the first place?

Why does his claw tipped super strong smack across the face not kill or scar Mary Jane? Is he going easy on the person he has been willing to kill

How the fuck did falling from a height and crashing into a wooden set not kill or seriously injure Mary Jane? She has some scratches and maybe a hurt leg but that is literally it? She doesn’t have super human durability or protective armour! She would never be this unhurt. It’s not a matter of luck, this is just plain bad unrealistic writing.

And here comes some more. Wouldn’t you know it Mallorie, Diperna, a wardrobe girl, Kangaroo, Mysterio, Screwball, Master Matrix and HERBIE all happen  to come by the battle field together at that exact moment. Beck is surprised to see the six there. The two groups charge at one another.

What another spectacular coincidence for Mary Jane? And how fortunate for it to have followed right after she survived being dropped from the air too.

Also how the fuck did none of the crew members notice the Six or MJ’s battle with them until they were this  close?

Where the Hell have the X-Men robots disappeared to?

And what the fuck are three civilians like Diperna and Mallorie doing getting involved? Diperna is surely the oldest and probably weakest person there and he’s posed opposite the fucking Rhino!

On the next page Mallorie and Kangaroo beat up Tarantula. Master Matrix dismantles Scorpion’s armour. Beck checks on MJ and upon learning Vulture hurt her, suits up eager to pay him back.

Tarantula’s defeat is totally believable since he’s the most ‘normal’ of the Six. Master Matrix’s victory is also believable if he has control over technology (I can’t say if he does or does not). But what isn’t, is the fact that he could probably solo them on his own if that is the case. He’s the most durable, he can defy gravity and he could dismantle and use both Vulture and Scorpion’s tech against them. So why is he only  fighting Scorpion.

Also more shitty White Knighting by Mysterio. Isn’t he ust so lovable for defending the honour of his friend Mary Jane? If only Gwyneth had been his friend.

Beck uses his illusions to fight Vulture. In spite of this and in spite of beck appearing before him in costume, unmasked, with his real face showing Vulture doesn’t believe he is really Mysterio. He still insists that Beck is really Cage McKnight and that there is a master mind behind this. With that he flies away.

Vulture being jealous I can buy. Vulture being so arrogant and so stupid as to believe he could never be fooled by Beck’s tricks not so much. Beck’s master of illusion is legendary. He’s worked with Beck and other Mysterios multiple times. He’s seen how effective the illusions are up close. Vulture is arrogant but also crafty. When someone is obviously using an illusion on you, is dressed as Mysterio and has Quentin Beck’s face to continue to insist it can’t be Mysterio because you are too smart to fall for his tricks is asinine.

He’s not even claiming he can’t be tricked in general, but rather not by one of Beck’s illusions. Except Beck has major pedigree within the criminal underworld for his illusions. Goddam Norman Osborn hired him for fuck’s sake. It’s public knowledge that he fooled like a dozen heroes back in ASM v5 #1. Being fooled by that guy’s illusions isn’t something anyone would be ashamed about any more than they’d regard being outsmarted by Doctor Doom.

And why would Beck admit  it is he who is the director? Why blow his cover after all he’s been through to get this movie made? I get that they are within an illusion so no one else can see or hear their conversation. But he’s just told  the guy who’s determined to ruin his movie (which is his lifelong dream) that he’s really a criminal in disguise. In doing that he’s handed Vulture the self-destruct button for his movie. He’s unbelievably lucky Vulture is stupid enough to not believe the blindingly obvious evidence.

On the final page all the other villains are just gone with no explanation, just a vague implication they might have run away. So everyone goes out for sushi and we have a last panel that feels out of an 80s sitcom ending.

Because Williams is such a great writer she ingeniously left the fate’s of  the other members of the Savage Six to the reader’s imaginations.

We don’t see them running away. We don’t see them knocked out or tied up. They are just gone. Since none of them are teleporters it stands to reason they used the same van they came in. Which is weird since the implication seemed to be that it belonged to Charlie and that he left after dropping them off. If that wasn’t the case where did he go and why didn’t Master Matrix use his powers to subdue them using the van?

Or maybe they just ran away. Makes sense. I mean sure the five of them alone have collectively more than enough power to kill everyone there except for maybe Master Matrix but I guess Sonny Diperna the aging actor sucker punched the Rhino, the wardrobe girl kicked King Cobra in the nuts and Screwball did a hand stand on Stegron making him run away in fear.

Of course the real reason we don’t see what happened to the other members of the Six is because there was no reasonable way for them to have been defeated on panel so Williams and/or Gomez just cheated and didn’t show them at all. Much like how using the X-Men robots from the start or in the final battle would’ve ruined what they wanted to do.

God forbid they figure out a reasonable and logical way to resolve their story.

Nope. The super villains just disappeared with no explanation.

And since there is no evidence of them being apprehended by the authorities that means that the situation hasn’t changed at all. The Mysterio movie is still in production, the Six are still out there. They have suffered a setback but they’ve not been dealt with. There is nothing to stop them trying again and this time being better prepared since they know some of the costumed types within the crew.

Even if most of the Six decide that this is more trouble than it is worth, the Vulture definitely hasn’t. There is nothing stopping him on his own from trying again or from recruiting new people to help him.

Worse is that now Six  super villains have a grudge to bear against Mary Jane specifically. So now MJ and her loved ones could be in the crosshairs of super villains. Vulture in particular has a tendency to hold a grudge and MJ knows this from his encounters with both Spider-Man and even Aunt May. There are reasons Peter wears a mask and one of the biggest ones is that his enemies hold grudges and will try to attack him through his loved ones. Instead of taking off her earrings did MJ not think to try and disguise herself at all? You know protect the crew but also her loved ones if she makes it out alive?

But nah. Let’s just celebrate this as a huge win right? At least we protected Mysterio’s vanity project?

What a fucking train wreck. I feel disgusted that I supported this title.

I was always apprehensive of an MJ mini-series especially when it had the option of turning into an ongoing.

I disagree with an MJ ongoing on principle. But with this series I thought it would be at least decent even if I didn’t agree with it.

But it wasn’t.

It’s existence as an ongoing inherently removes Spider-Man’s best supporting character AND it has damaged Mary Jane, Mysterio and several other characters at the same time.

It needs to be discontinued as soon as possible and Leah Williams should not be allowed to do more Spider Work in the future.

Sorry, not sorry for being the only reasonable voice here, apparently the only person in the fandom who can see this series is garbage unworthy of the great characters its misrepresented.

Next time we push on into a new arc. God help me.

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Master Post

#Leah Williams #Carlos Gomez #Amazing Mary Jane #mjwatsonedit #mary jane watson #Mary Jane Watson Parker #MJ Watson #Spider-Man #The Rhino #Rhino #Alex O'Hirn #Peter Parker #Stegron #X-Men #Mysterio #Quentin Beck

[dxitydoo]

So... the iPhone SE...

Alright this one is gonna be a long one so scroll on past if you’re not interested. If you are, then buckle up because here’s a multi-part essay about my opinions on the new SE.

For anyone that saw my post about getting a new phone and wondered what phone I got, I got the new iPhone SE (yes, I’m an Apple person. Don’t come for me).

At first, I was seeing videos of people getting excited over the phone but now, as time has gone on, those same people are now making videos criticising the phone.

Admittedly, they have some good points to bring up. The battery of the new SE is not amazing. It doesn’t outlast my dad’s XR which is somewhat annoying to say the least.

My counter-argument to that is that it lasted a whole day of me playing games on full brightness in the sunlight and didn’t die on me once which is honestly incredible after the last phone i had but anywho we’ll discuss this later.

My problem with a lot of those videos is that I feel like they’re getting the wrong end of the stick about what the SE is trying to be and they’re comparing it to the wrong phones.

The Original SE

The original SE’s main selling point (seriously why did Apple name them like this this is confusing) was that it had the newer internals of the 6S (so the faster processor, the better camera, etc) in the smaller body of the older 5S.

That was why I, and a lot of others I’m sure, liked it. Because it was a newer phone but in a size I preferred.

It also didn’t break the bank.

The old SE was praised for combining new and old in a way that complimented the old form-factor and rejuvenated in while also allowing people to access the newer features that were coming out in updates. At the time of writing this (27/04/2020), the old SE still supports new iOS updates and runs iOS 13 with minimal hiccups (not counting the fact that iOS 13 isn’t the most bug-free of updates).

But now, in 2020, the new SE is released and people are criticising it for the same thing they praised it for back in the day. They’re complaining that it has Touch ID, that it doesn’t have a edge-to-edge display, that it’s small, that the battery isn’t good, that the camera doesn’t stack up.

Look.

Everyone is free to have their own opinion. If you don’t like the SE, that’s fine. You don’t have to. No one is forcing you to. Just keep scrolling coz I do like the SE and I’m about to defend it til I run out of breath.

The “Old” Body

The SE combines old and new. That’s it’s schtick, that’s its gimmick. It was the thing for the 2016 SE, its the same for the 2020 SE. Although I would’ve loved to see an SE with an edge-to-edge display like any of the X or the 11 range, I’m not super surprised it hasn’t happened.

In fact, the small changes they have made, such as all colours now coming with a black bevel (and the better colour matching between the bevel and the screen), make it look really high-quality and beautiful honestly.

It has the same body as the 6, yes, but it doesn’t look like the 6 because of that colour-matching. And I appreciate that.

Oh! And the back being the non-metallic colour? God that’s sexy. The back is more reminiscent of the 11 (or the XR, I suppose, depending on what colour you got) than the 6 or 7. So it’s not unchanged?

Touch ID and Haptic Touch

Again, a controversial topic. The Touch ID in the SE is like the 3rd Gen or something?? I don’t actually know. But it’s several generations in at this point and it shows.

I came from the original SE, which had one of the first ever generations of Touch ID (if not the first) and the speed with which this new phone unlocks is incredible compared to the older model.

I tap the button once and the phone unlocks instantly. That is it.

Maybe it’s cumbersome to have Touch ID back again after all this time but if you’ve come from a Touch ID phone, especially one of the older models (which really... I think that’s probably the intended audience), it’s a big improvement.

And look no further for someone who was viscerally against the fake button Haptic Touch thing.

I hated the idea of it. My view was I either wanted the real button or no button at all. Full stop. End of story. You’d never change my mind.

Yeah... the new SE changed my mind.

I have the haptics turned up to the highest setting and it actually feels like a real button. Its less spongy than a real button, of course, and feels stiffer (kinda? Maybe just shallower) but its actually a really satisfying feature.

I remember first trying the fake button on the 7 and it vibrated at the wrong time or you’d try to press it to do one thing and it’d do another. It was confusing and made it very difficult to use.

I will say now I haven’t actually tried using an 8 so I can’t pass judgement on that but i like the SE.

And the Haptic Touch is really really nice.

I never thought I’d have a phone that has built-in rumble when playing games but here we are. This is the future.

Aside from being kinda nifty to feel the vibration in your hands when something happens on-screen, the Haptic Touch vibrates under your finger when interacting with the rotating dials to set timers or reblogging posts on tumblr. It’s a weird experience but not an unpleasant one and I like it way more than I was expecting to.

The Small Size

As for the size?

I really like it.

It’s big enough that it feels like a step-up from my old phone but not so big that I’m struggling to hold it (*cough cough* the XR *cough cough*).

Okay so my touch-typing is suffering a wee bit at the moment but tbh I started to struggle on my old phone before I upgraded coz the screen was just a little too small so it’s more a me thing than an it thing. I’m sure I’ll get used to it.

The camera.

I feel the need to mention that my last phone was the 2016 SE so, maybe it’s because my standards are really low, or maybe I’ve never owned an 11 and, therefore, have no comparison for it that way? But I don’t think the camera is bad.

In fact, I would even go so far as to say the camera is really fricking good.

After using a phone with a front-facing camera that could barely shoot 480p, stepping up to 1080p on the front is Wild™. The difference between this new camera and the old one is incredible.

If you want a camera that shoots good quality photos, has good colour balance, can actually show the sky as blue when shooting through a window (yes this is how low my expectations are), then omg this phone is incredible.

Obviously, its never gonna beat the 11 with its two cameras and its not gonna be able to contend with the 11 Pro series with their three cameras but hey, the phone is like half the price so??

The Battery

Okay, so lets talk about the battery.

I know this is a bit of a sore spot with people because iPhones recently have been coming out with bigger and better batteries every year.

I did a quick check through and, according to Apple, the battery life is about the same as both the 7 and the 8, which makes sense as they all share the same body. Unfortunately, that means that its probably a size issue. As in, thats the longest a battery of that size can last in a phone. Which is kinda annoying.

But, this is a post about my experience with the SE and I haven’t ever owned a 7 or an 8. My mum owned a 7 and the battery on that was god-awful and I’ve had a much better experience with my SE than she did.

First of all: some context.

Again, a friendly reminder my last phone was a four year old SE. It was a 64GB one as well, so you know I’m being legit (they stopped selling the 64GB (in the UK at least) about a year after the phone’s initial release).

So the battery on my old phone was absolutely fine. At first. As time went on and the phone got older, it did, unfortunately, begin to struggle.

As a reference, a few months before I replaced it (given lockdown doesn’t give the most accurate overview of what it was like to use on a day-to-day basis), it wouldn’t make it through a day at school without dying at least once, sometimes twice.

I had to carry a portable charger with me everywhere I went.

I left my house when it was on 100% and, by the time I got to school after an hour on the bus, it would be on 60-70% on a good day.

Letting your battery die everyday is really not good for it but, try as I might, I couldn’t stop it from happening.

I tell you this to let you know that my criteria for a good battery is literally just “lasts me through the day”.

I’ve had my new phone for about three days now and it hasn’t died on me once.

I played games on it in bright sunlight with the phone on full brightness for several hours straight yesterday and yet it still lasted me through the day and then some. After being off charge for 11 hours, it just about hit 20% before I put it on charge.

Today, I was on social media: tumblr, instagram, youtube, for the majority of today. Both tumblr and instagram had an uncanny ability to completely decimate the battery life of my old phone. They could reduce it from 50% to 40% after 5 minutes. But, again, no problemo for my new phone.

It got to about 50% today before I put it back on charge to go have dinner.

I’d say that lasts through the day quite nicely.

Especially given it’s getting a lot more use than it would normally because a) I’m stuck inside with nothing to do and b) shiny new phone!!!

But I digress.

So, Why Does The SE Exist?

I’m gonna be real. I don’t think the iPhone SE (2020) is trying to be anything fancy. It’s not trying to be the next iPhone 11, it’s not trying to replace the XR. If anything, it’s replacing the 8.

I don’t think the SE is a bad phone. It does everything it says it does and it does it well.

I think the YouTube reviewers have it slightly wrong. I don’t think they should be comparing the SE to the 11 or the XR because, realistically, the people who own those phones aren’t gonna be buying the SE for themselves.

The people who are gonna be buying the SE are the people who have the 5s or the old SE or the 6s or even maybe the 7. (I’m not sure how noticeable the jump would be from 8 to SE, given they have very similar specs).

They’re the kind of people who want a new phone but don’t have the money to go for the more expensive XR or 11 range.

Or maybe they don’t want a giant phone because idk bout you but I have small hands and the XR is both large and heavy and that’s not practical. Plus, the XR with women’s jeans? Really? Not happening.

So, while I understand why reviewers are comparing the SE to the 11s or the XR—because the SE has the internals of those two and is closer to them in terms of release date—I don’t think it’s actually realistic.

TL;DR

YouTube reviewers are comparing the SE to the recent phones when they should be comparing it to the older ones, which is the more likely transition. The iPhone SE has a lot more going for it than people say and I really like it.

#long post #iphone SE #the new iphone #i have opinions #kinda a rant #apple #ios #apple ain’t perfect but the iphone SE is a decent phone #funny how i made that same argument bout the 2016 SE too #huh #makes ya think

[jiminscaramel]

plateau | jimin [bts]

[GENRE] angst, smut

[COUNT] 4K+

[PAIRING] jimin x fem. reader

[WARNINGS] unprotected sex, cream pie, oral (m receiving), deep throating, face-fucking, cumplay, mouth spitting, dirty talk, slight sir kink if you squint 

[AU] college, childhood friends, f2l, fwb?

[A/N] hello all! This is the extended Jimin drabble that was highly requested by you guys! It might get a part two because I feel like I need more space and words to write this level of angst. This is also my first attempt at very explicit smut so I hope it’s not too bad. Please enjoy! 

⬸ drabble  ⡇⤑ part 1  ⡇⤑ part 2

Your room has always been stuffy and tonight is no different. The well-sized, humid room is big enough to accommodate all your furniture and precious belongings but it never seems big enough to handle more than one person. It feels cramped, almost crowded whenever Jimin is around, though never in an invasive way. The smothering intimacy is usually quite comforting, being so close to someone so kind and familiar. You’d never given the proximities much thought, even throughout your most volatile years of raging hormones and unexplained urges.

Things had always been neutral, level and balanced. And it had been a mutual agreement, albeit an unspoken one. Your friendship had transcended that of any other normal companionship and the two of you often spoke without speaking, communicating through small gestures and idiosyncrasies.

You’d really thought nothing of it and assumed Jimin thought the same.

Though the sounds softly ricochetting off your whitewashed walls prove those thoughts to be quite contrary.

His dewy palms traverse the planes of your skin, dipping and curving around every bump and valley of your body whilst his lips make quick yet precise work of your neck. Every hair stands on edge, due to the cold or his touch, you’re never entirely sure. Your fingers dig into his shoulders as he thrusts deeper, maintaining his slow and steady pace, eager to feel every last bit of you.

Your mewls of equal pain and pleasure sound in the otherwise quiet room and he shivers when your breath ghosts against his cheek, your lips grazing the shell of his ear. You mumble incoherently as his pace begins to quicken, a deep and blossoming heat beginning to form in the pit of your stomach.

Jimin pulls away and studies your face, your mouth shaped into a perfect ‘O’, and a deep groan of complete and utter lust rumbles in his chest. You can just about see the stray strands of hair matted to his forehead and feel the droplets of sweat land on your collarbones.

He leans back further and hoists one of your legs up onto his shoulder, creating a new, blissful angle. “Jimin–” you sigh into the air above, your fists clenching the ruined sheets. “Jimin, please–”

“God,” he whispers, completely enraptured by the sight below him. “You’re so fucking beautiful. So fucking beautiful.” He places a kiss on your calf and continues to piston his hips at a relentless pace, watching with hooded eyes as your breasts bounce from the motion. The lewd sound of skin against skin makes you blush in complete embarrassment but the flush goes unnoticed in the low light.

You reach up behind you to grip the headboard, your hands slick with sweat as you struggle to keep hold. Your back arches up from the bed and a desperate cry escapes your lips which only seems to spur him on even more. His free hand flies down to your stomach and continues further down south in a haste to find your clit. He rubs small circles into your little bundle of nerves and the added sensation is almost too much to bear.

You can see his lip pulled between his teeth, pink and swollen from the prior abuse. “You’re so fucking good for me, you know that? You take me so well, baby, you were fucking made for me.” His sentences are strung together with barely any room left for a breath in between but he doesn’t fail to let you know just how good you make him feel.

You can do nothing but nod through half-lidded, wanton eyes as another pang of heat flutters in your stomach, threatening to boil over any minute. Another moan gets stuck in your throat as he lowers your leg and buries his face into your neck once again, your chests colliding with every desperate breath. You wrap both your legs around his waist and urge him to pound even deeper, wanting – needing – more than anything to reach the Shangri La Jimin is more than capable of sending you to.

Your hands fly up to find purchase in his raven locks and you’re sure you’re holding on too tight but if it hurts, Jimin doesn’t let up.

“I’m– I'm so close–” your voice breaks with the admission, the heat rapidly intensifying as Jimin’s thrusts become sloppier and hungrier. Your stomach twists and turns with the most amazing sensation, you’re not sure whether you want to relieve the ache or prolong it even further. “Jimin, I’m so fucking close–”

“I know, baby, I know,” his breath is searing hot on your neck, growing heavier and heavier. Your clit throbs and you feel your pussy tightening around him, drawing him back in for more. “Cum for me, princess,” he rasps into your ear, sinking his teeth into your shoulder. “Cum for me.”

“Fuck– I-I’m–”

The sharp sting of his bite mixed with the perfectly timed thrusts and dirty words send you over the edge – tripping, stumbling and falling into a plane of intense and blinding pleasure. Your eyes squeeze shut as you cry out from the intense force of your orgasm, colourful splotches of light painting your eyelids. Your fingers tighten in his hair, harder and harder while he continues to fuck through your climax.

He babbles and slurs into your skin, his voice rising in pitch with every word, chasing his own high. “Fuck– I’m gonna cum. Oh god, I’m gonna– fucking–” he gasps, a sudden, sharp intake of air, before he stills inside of you, spilling his seed all over your walls, his cock throbbing in the aftermath.

He winces as he rolls off you, your chests heaving in unison as he pulls you close. Your skin is clammy and cold with sweat, despite his heat and the stuffiness of the room but you nestle close to him regardless. He mutters sweet nothings into your skin as the beckoning arms of sleep pull you under.

Jimin was – and still is – your best friend, despite the events that had occurred last year. The two of you hold each other in the highest regard, never letting anything get in between your unique friendship.

Though the sexual tension remains high, your sexual desires remain dry as a result of the boundaries and rules you’d set. Which weren’t anything specific, per se, but allowed the both of you to benefit from your peculiar friendship without hurting the other’s feelings.

It had been on and off until the beginning of college, which saw you in the school library at all hours of the night frantically typing up your essay more often than you’d like to admit. With so much work to do and so many lectures to attend you barely had time to spend socialising. Which, in hindsight, is probably a good thing because who knows where your benefiting friendship would’ve led to had it not been for the social deprivation. You can only assume the same thing had happened to Jimin; being too inundated with work and assignments to make real time for you.

Though in between your caffeine-jumped all nighters and his busy days, you sometimes found mutual free time, most of which was spent competing and seeing who could get the other off the quickest.

And you never really realised how much of a toll your actions had on your heart, refusing to acknowledge the far more concerning cons that come with such a complex relationship. You never really understood just how invested you are in not only the relationship but in him also, in a way that far surpasses the levels of platonic friendship.

You realised that perhaps that lonely tug in your chest at 3am when you're sitting in the library and staring blankly at your laptop isn’t just down to the inevitable caffeine crash or the longing for a friend in stressful times, but rather a yearning for his touch, a craving for his hands to be all over you.

You come to realise that you can no longer hold him up on the platonic pedestal, no longer regard him as your best friend because he had unwittingly become so much more. And if Jimin feels the same way, you haven’t the slightest idea, because if it’s one thing Park Jimin is good at, it’s hiding his true emotions.

“A toilet? Classy.” You deadpan, following him into the small cubicle.

“Dorms are too far,” he chuckles and fumbles with his belt as he struggles to pull himself free, the clinking echoing in the empty stalls. “And we can’t be too long.”

You lock the door behind you and glance at the ground, grimacing at the slimy floor. “I’m not kneeling on this floor, are you fucking kidding me?” You shudder at the prospect of kneeling on such a grimy floor, cursing Jimin and his spontaneous urges.

He sighs shucks off his jacket, tossing it to the floor, not bothered in the slightest. You only stare with your mouth agape in complete horror, but he seems totally unfazed, blinded by his need to be pleasured.

He seems short, you notice, holding less patience than he usually does when it comes to you but it could just be because he’s desperate. It would seem like a reasonable, acceptable answer that would usually soothe any qualms but his attitude recently seems a lot more withdrawn and distant. You’ve noticed a new group of friends he’s attached himself to, favouring their company instead of yours and though you’re not the jealous type, you can’t help but feel a little envious.

Because the only time Jimin wants to see you is for a quickie in the dorms or, much like now, a spontaneous blowjob in the toilet stalls. You tell yourself, repeatedly, that you cannot expect to be exclusive to him, not when your relationship has the blurriest lines. Not when he’s flooded with work and assignments. It’s simply not possible. But you can’t help that awful feeling of growing apart from the person who was once everything to you. Nothing can even begin to prepare you for that.

His soft moans bring you back to the present, bringing to attention the more pressing matter that needs taking care of. His head is tipped back against the cubicle wall, jeans bunched up haphazardly around his thighs and his cock firmly grasped in his hand. Jimin strokes himself to attention, biting his lip and suppressing further moans from escaping as he undresses you with his eyes. “Come on, we don’t have much time.”

You drop to your knees, hesitantly kneeling on his jacket, afraid you’ll soil it even further. But Jimin doesn’t seem to care, his adorned fingers lacing through your hair and guiding you to where he needs you most. You swat his hand away from his base and replace it with your own as you lick kittenishly along his engorged head, tracing your thumb around and spreading any precum leaking from the slit.

He groans in frustration, his hands curling tighter in your hair. “Ah, fuck–” he curses under his breath. “Don’t tease me, baby. You know what to do.”

But a defiant streak runs through your blood and you purposefully disobey. You continue to lick along his length, running your tongue along every ridge and vein, teasing him and leaving him keening for more before he realises what you’re doing. His groans turn into a growl and his hand pulls your head back, forcing you to look him in the eyes.

A dangerous glint flashes through them, his brown irises darkening with authority and something a little more predatory. “I said, don’t. Tease. Me.”

“Yes, sir,” though it barely comes out as a whispered breath. Your face softens as his grip in your hair relaxes and he moans out a sigh of relief when you finally take him in your mouth.

His hand cups the back of your head, gently guiding you for the time being as you work your throat, preparing to take all of him in. You hollow out your cheeks and bob along his cock with increasing speed, spit gathering in the corners of your mouth, filling the stall with lewd noises.

He hums in satisfaction, his head tipped back once again and his hips bucking ever so slightly. He hisses as you pull back with a loud pop to use your hand instead. Your hand glides along his shaft, slick with your spit and a whole load of new expletives tumble from his thick lips. It’s not long before he guides your head back, almost frantically, desperate for the feel of your velvet tongue against his cock.

Jimin pushes your head closer, forcing himself down your throat and you choke helplessly around his length, spit pooling in the corners of your mouth. Your nose nuzzles his abdomen as he pushes further, bucking into the very depths of your throat and your eyes begin to tear up.

“God, you feel so fucking good,” his voice sounds strangled, as if he’s only holding himself together with a tiny shred left of self-control. “Your pretty little mouth is just perfect for my cock.”

He loosens his grip once again, allowing you to pull back and breathe. You gasp for air, saliva running down your chin. You feel your heat throb with anticipation and squeeze your thighs together in an attempt to relieve yourself, but it only worsens matters, your panties quickly dampening further with more of your arousal.

“You look so pretty like this,” his eyes roam your face, drinking you in in your fucked out splendour, teary eyed and red faced. He bites his lip again, a primal feeling unfolding in his chest, followed by something familiar.

Guilt.

Because he knows he’s being unfair. He knows you won’t question his attitude or his behaviour because of how much you mean to him, as a friend. He knows he’s taking advantage of your kind nature and your avoidance for confrontation and he hates himself for it.

When did it get like this?

More importantly, how and why did he let it get like this? He knows you’re not built for this kind of relationship – hell, he does’t even know if he himself is built for one – but he knows you deserve better.

Which leaves him with the ultimatum: let you go or become that better person.

Jimin can’t begin to imagine letting you go but he doesn’t know where to start on bettering himself and so he finds himself doing what he does best: blocking it out.

His worry quickly dissolves once your mouth is wrapped around him again, your plush lips perfectly circling his cock in the most splendid way. He holds your head still, one hand on either side of your head, and fucks into your mouth, his cock twitching at the sounds you make when his head hits the back of your throat.

You relax your jaw to allow him better access, groaning in deep pleasure when you can. Your hands find purchase around his thighs as he thrusts into you, quickly chasing his elusive high.

“I’m close, baby,” he hisses, momentarily slowing to allow you time to breathe before he starts up again. “So close. You gonna be a good girl and take everything I give you, yeah?”

You make a sound of agreement, spit dripping onto the floor and your tears tracking down your face. You’re pretty sure you look an absolute state and that you’d have a level of explaining to do once you get to class, but you struggle to think any further than right now. Your hand snakes down into your jeans and you groan in relief when you finally feel your clit against your fingertips.

“Shit...are you ready for me, babygirl? Fuck– I’m–”

You rub in time to his thrusts, each one more forceful yet less convicted than the last until eventually, you feel his warm seed spill onto your tongue and down the back of your throat. Your hands work quickly to catch up to him and you soon feel the rest of your arousal coat your fingers as your own climax peaks.

You lean back and sit on your haunches, opening your mouth wide, showing him with a strange sense of pride all the cum inside. He smirks impishly, his eyes half-lidded and tired, but leans forward nevertheless and grasps your face with one hand, forcing your lips further apart, before spitting into your mouth.

“Such a good girl,” he pants as he watches you swallow, his hand limply carding through your hair whilst you do your best to pull yourself together.

But little does he know, you feel anything but.

Your meetings become few and far in between, fizzling out until they eventually stop altogether.

Now that you had allowed more time to pass, you’re sure that it isn’t your imagination and that Jimin has become distant. He doesn’t prioritise your calls or texts, sometimes only replying days later.

He snubs your attempts to mend things and to try and salvage something of this weird friend/relationship. You notice he surrounds himself with a whole new clique and doesn’t even acknowledge you when your paths happen to cross.

You’re too busy at first to care, your attention all focused on your work, but as the end of the semester approaches, you have less work to do and more time to think, something you know is unhealthy and won’t help.

But what else can you do?

Jimin, on the other hand, seems to believe he’s coping well by staying distracted and completely ignoring the person who once meant the world to him. It’s not out of spite and it isn’t with malicious intent but anyone of the receiving end of his treatment would say otherwise.

But he truly believes it’s for the best.

His smile shines as bright as ever from the other side of the room as he laughs at a joke someone has told. His laughter rings the loudest and rises above the general din of the classroom and makes your heart soar with sad delight.

You steal another glance and manage to catch a glimpse of his small frame doubled over in someone’s lap, laughter wracking his frame.

These days it was near impossible to catch Jimin alone, the social butterfly was always surrounded by a group of friends eager to gain his approval and earn a permanent spot on his friends list.

But you’d known Jimin for a while and it wasn’t like him. The once quiet yet outspoken boy had shed his humility and kindness and replaced them with conceitedness and uncharitable behaviour.

Yes, you agree that people change but it’s more often for the better, going through experiences that teach them more about themselves. But Jimin has definitely, without a doubt, changed for the worst.

A wave of melancholy washes over you as you continue to watch him smile, jealous of his happiness, more importantly, his happiness without you. But it’s quickly replaced with a familiar feeling of indignation, your face flaming up and your hands tightly clenched above your keyboard.

You try and stop him after the lecture is over, seizing the perfect opportunity to catch him alone. His face visibly displays his annoyance in having to stop and talk but you don’t let it deter you. It’s been a while since you’ve seen him up close and you’d be lying if you said you didn’t miss him. You steel your heart and continue, determined to set the record straight.

“You’re not answering my calls,” you state, digging your heels in the ground but ready to pounce if he attempted to get away.

He shrugs, the silver earring in his lobe twinkling as he does so. “I’ve been busy.”

You scoff at his answer and shake your head at his awful attempt to make a reasonable excuse, though the theatrical reaction is nothing more than a facade to hide the oncoming tears. “Busy? You couldn’t even make it to my birthday, Jimin. What has you that busy?”

“Many things.” He folds his arms defiantly across his chest, his usually full lips pursed into a thin line.

You blink and take a step back, the shock so strong it’s feels like a physical punch to the gut. When had he become this unrecognisable asshole? “What happened to you, Jimin?”

He rolls his eyes but stays standing, body language defensive. “I don’t know what you’re talking about–”

“I don’t even know you anymore. You’re not the same guy I knew before college. Because that’s when all this–” you motion at him in his leather jacket, his flashy jewellery and personality change. “–started. That’s when you turned into this… ignorant, ugly, self-centred pig who can’t even pick up the phone and check up on his best friend.”

His face slightly relaxes, his eyes losing their defensive spark and for a split second you see the old, humble Jimin. You think, for a second, that you’ve broken through, that you’ve talked some sense into him. But it only lasts a heartbeat before his eyes glaze over and his gaze turns cold again. And before he has a chance to change his mind, the words come tumbling out. “We’re not friends.”

You blink, not quite believing your ears, truly thinking that you’ve heard him wrong. You step back and frown, your mind reeling from the statement. “Jimin–”

“We’re not friends.” He repeats with more conviction, almost as if he’s trying to convince himself. “People change. Some for better, and some for worse.”

He leaves it at that but the implication is crystal clear. Your breath gets trapped in your throat as you try to answer back but the tears win over, pooling in your eyes and threatening to rain down.

He takes your struggle to find the right words as his cue to leave but as he attempts to walk away you lunge forward and grab his forearm, pulling him back. “Don’t–” and you hate yourself for the way your voice cracks, betraying the depth of your true emotions. “Don’t you dare walk away from me.”

Jimin’s lips thin even further as he purses them tighter, his eyes never settling on your face. He crosses his arms across his chest in a futile effort to distance himself further from you but it only aggravates you further. His eyes twinkle with saturation and it takes you a minute longer than it should to realise that Jimin is tearful.

You swipe silently at your cheeks, uselessly smearing the tears everywhere instead, and swallow the ball in your throat. “What did I do?”

He swallows but refuses to make eye contact, as if you’re not there at all.

“Why won’t you look at me, Jimin? Huh? What’s happened to you? To us? I thought– I thought we were...” you struggle again to find the right words, anger and hurt fuelling your confidence. “I don’t fucking know. But we were ok. And now we’re–”

“I’m ok.” You almost miss the quiet statement, uttered discreetly into the air between you. And nothing can quite describe the agony, the absolute phantom pain that rips through your chest like a chainsaw. He’s ok?

“Jimin, this isn’t you. Just... talk to me. Tell me what’s wrong,” you hold your breath as his eyes finally find yours. “Please?”

And just like the years before, back when things were a lot simpler, he speaks to you with his eyes. They’re watery and conflicted but beneath the raw emotions lays something far more complex. They’re still familiar and under the cold, hard exterior he’s putting on show, you recognise him.

But his words don’t match up.

“I think you should go.”

“Jimin, please–”

“I seriously think you should just get on with things...like I am... and stop dwelling on something we never had.”

And that deals the final blow, the final strike to the thing you held above all else.

He tugs on his jacket and adjusts his bag, spinning on his heel and walking off. He doesn’t even look back, doesn’t even pause until he gets around the corner. He tuts in frustration as the tears build up again and wipes them away angrily. He can feel his heart pang with every sob he can hear echoing through the empty hallway and wonders if there’s ever any coming back from this.

He knows that, in the end, you will find it in your heart to forgive him and knows that you’ll offer your hand out for a friendship again. But it’s something he’s decided that he isn’t worthy of, something as pure and genuine as your love belongs nowhere near people like him.

Because it will manifest and grow to become the very thing he’s afraid of and he hasn’t the courage to commit to something like that. Love is a dangerous and in the wrong hands, much like fire, it can kill.

That’s just not a game he’s willing to play.

⬸ drabble  ⡇⤑ part 2

#Jimin smut #jimin angst #jimin fics #jimin x reader #bts smut #bts angst #Bts fics #jungkook angst #jungkook smut #taehyung angst #taehyung smut #yoongi angst #yoongi smut #hoseok angst #hoseok smut #Namjoon angst #namjoon smut #seokjin angst #seokjin smut

[swainlake]

Hello! So now that got has ended I'm looking for some tv shows that I could watch after I'm done with my exams. Do you have any suggestions? I'm not looking for anything specific, although if you have watched some good period dramas, I'd love some recommendations. Also wanted to add how much I love your blog, it's really beautiful

tysm that’s so sweet!! i love giving recs so i’ve got a bunch that you might like under the cut; i’ve put a ♡ next to my favs

period dramas:

NEW WORLDS (2014)this one is a mini series, only 4 episodes long, but please don’t let that stop you! it’s about anti-monarchism and rebellion and forbidden love in the 1600′s & is set in both england and america. i cried more than once but the ending is so bittersweet and hopeful!! 

POLDARK (2015—)i have a love/hate relationship with this one tbh. i started watching because of the main relationship but i ended up really into it for the side relationships instead?? the actual political plot doesn’t interest me but i love the drama between the family members. also i adore the women in this show, every single female character is well-written and realistic and you’ll love them all (even if at times you hate them). the men tho? the men are pretty much collectively the worst. “what’s wrong with the women in this family?” “the men.”

SPARTACUS (2010—2013) ♡i started watching this before i ever got into game of thrones but if you like the fight scenes in got, you’ll enjoy this! great characters, great fight scenes, great friendships. this one is based on gladiators who are fighting for their freedom.

THE WHITE PRINCESS (2017) ♡okay firstly and most importantly: jodie comer stars in this so you know it’s good. it’s also got michelle fairly (catelyn stark) in it though tbh she wasn’t my favourite character in this and i didn’t find her likeable at all. it’s not very historically accurate ofc but the relationship between henry/elizabeth is honestly the perfect enemies to lovers rep & always lowkey reminds me of book!sansa/jon possibilities

PAN AM (2011—2012)this one isn’t like game of thrones at all but it’s only one season and it’s super cute and has a lot of famous actresses in it like christina ricci & margot robbie. based on the adventures of a crew of pan am stewardesses, this is a good combination of lighthearted fun and chilling cold-war drama. an old favourite. 

THE MUSKETEERS (2014—2016) ♡i’ll be gushing over this for years to come tbh it’s really just that perfect. the relationship between the musketeers is so lovely, the personification of ‘brotherhood’ really, but also the romantic relationships are really good too?? which for some reason i personally hadn’t expected. my fav couple is aramis/anne (anne is played by the actress who played roslin frey!) because the forbidden love & the respect and adoration between those two is just perfect but really every relationship (even the ones that don’t become endgame) are written very well

OUTLANDER (2014—)i haven’t watched every single episode of this one but from what i have seen it’s very good, and has some similar themes to game of thrones!! the sex scenes are epic, the main relationship is lovely, and overall its a very realistic show that features supernatural elements!

THE LAST KINGDOM (2015—) ♡i’m not going to lie: i started this series by skipping straight to 2x7 because i’d seen gifs of the relationship between aethelflaed and erik but it was so good i ended up going back and starting from the beginning! this show reminds me of ‘vikings’ more tham game of thrones but it’s not as gory and the characters aren’t all assholes. side note: if you love sansa stark as much as i do you’re gonna love aethelflaed, lady of mercia! she’s actually a real person but this show is based on a book series that looks super interesting! honestly the main character also kind of reminds me of jon snow

HARLOTS (2017—) ♡oh my gosh how do i describe this show?? the family dynamics are so! intricate! and! beautiful! honestly just stunning. everything about this show is s t u n n i n g. the costumes are colourful and vivid and honestly i’d recommend watching just for that but the storyline really does keep you hooked!! also: liv tyler and jessica brown findlay are love interests in this which is honestly a dream come true

BLACK SAILS (2015—2017)okay full disclosure; i haven’t actually seen this but i’ve heard very good things and it’s on my list!! it’s about pirates, i think there’s some queer rep (can anybody confirm??), and there’s lots of amazing women. again, allegedly. 

dramas:

THE SOCIETY (2018—)i literally watched the entire first season in a single night so it must be alright, right? basically all you need to know about this is that a town full of teenagers go on a field trip & then return to find all their parents mysteriously missing and their town closed off from the outside world. it’s basically lord of the flies but modern! with some kick-ass friendships! and amazing young women (one literally teaches herself to be a doctor can you believe?)! 

SHARP OBJECTS (2018)if you haven’t heard about this one yet idk what rock you’ve been living under but welcome back! this one is a m a z i n g but also hella chilling and the ending is such a shocker if it hasn’t been spoiled for you yet!

THE BOLD TYPE (2017—) ♡i always describe this one as ‘sex and the city for millennials’ but i’ve never watched a single sex and the city episode in my life so i honestly don’t know how accurate that is?? but it’s about a group of 20-something year old women who are best friends and work mates and they love each other so much?? the relationship between the girls is my favourite thing about the show but the show honestly tackles a lot of relevant issues; trump, age gaps, queer rep, immigration, racism, etc. i can’t recommend this enough!

CODE BLACK (2015—2018) ♡you know those episodes in greys anatomy where everything is life-or-death and you’re on edge for the whole episode? that’s basically every single episode of code black. this is hands-down one of my most rewatched shows ever. i love medical dramas and this one balances well written characters with action-packed medical miracles so honestly what’s not to like?? 

A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES (2018—)okay admittedly the only reason i watch this show is because of the main couple but i can’t help it when they’re just so gosh-darn cute!! they love each other so god damned much! i wasn’t completely sold on this straight away but by ep 3 i was HOOKED. if you like supernatural romances/dramas that are more mature than your usual cw show, this one is a good choice!

THE OA (2016—) ♡i can’t even put into words how much i adore this?? but also: it will confuse THE SHIT out of you. no matter how smart you are, this one will leave you scratching your head. basically: a group of people who’ve had near-death experiences get kidnapped and experimented on. it’s not as brutal as it sounds, in fact the show is exceptionally beautiful, but it does deal with some hard themes and the good guys don’t always win. 

12 MONKEYS (2015—2018)do you like time travel? do you like forbidden and yet totally-still-devoted-to-one-another-anyway love? then this is the show for you! this one is dark and gritty and deals pretty realistically with the concept of time travel & self-sacrifice and what people will give up to create a better world. it’s got a happy ending & you wont regret watching!

THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE (2018)oh this one will make you cry. in a good way though! long story short a family grows up in a haunted house and it affects them in ways they cannot imagine. it’s hauntingly beautiful and poetic and everybody should watch it at least once imo

comedies:

THE MARVELOUS MRS MAISEL (2017—)okay so this one counts as a period drama as well but it’s about a COMEDIAN so i put it in the comedy section lol. okay so long story short, a woman is left by her husband, she’s worth 1000 of him & everybody else knows it because you seriously can’t help falling in love with this woman but ofc there’s period-typical sexism she has to face as she struggles with being a single woman, a single mother, and an up-and-coming comedian. def recommend.

SANTA CLARITA DIET (2017—2019)drew barrymore is a zombie!! who lives a normal life but also eats people!! it’s only weird for the first couple of eps. the family dynamics are snarky and witty and they manage to make gore funny?? honestly this entire show is legit laugh-out-loud darkly hilarious.

#if you like any of these & want some recs that are similar please feel free to send another message! #i've got some movies you might like as well #cool ask tag

[larenoz]

Roswell New Mexico - Live Rewatch - Ep 3 - Tearin' Up My Heart

What matters is the science

The power to heal or harm. Hhhhmm, I wonder who else that might apply to in the future?

Hey lab rat!

Subtle, Liz. Real subtle.

No, he's not just stressed Liz

It's all a plan to get Max to get his gear off.

His heart isn't racing because he's scared of Liz. Neither of these people has a subtle bone in their body.

Die Jesse Manes Die

Hey there Kyle.

Alien hunting buddy, four war hero sons.

"Are you calling Alex faint of heart?" You go Kyle.

Die Jesse Manes Die

See now I think this is where Jesse made his biggest mistake. Threatening Kyle's life is one thing, but threatening his friends. That just kicks his protective side into high gear. Especially when it comes to ALex who he feels he owes. Probably gets his competitive side going as well

OMG Kyles face as Jesse walks away.

"I don't need an Airman, I need a Valenti"

"The light show whenever I feel anything" Yeah, we know what your talking about Max

Yeah, we know why you didn't Iz and Michael about the experiments.

So that's a yes then.

"Please don't touch me". Oh, that's gonna hurt the feels

Busted. Not sure how I feel about that shirt Iz is wearing though. I think we might be trying a bit too hard for the New Mexico aesthetic.

"We have a connection, we did, I think" Not too sure there Max

OK, now that's just mean Iz, with the Kyle/Liz hookup.

Especially when you know it's gonna hurt Max.

Now here we have on rewatch the first scene where I'm not sure if it's Iz or Noah??

Where she talks about his hand print on Liz's chest, just seems a bit Noah like??

Which would also explain the meanness?

Arguements about who knows each other best and relationships built on lies.

That's a set of criteria where everyone is on pretty shaken ground at this stage.

Max as golden retriever or X-file. Kyle being all caregivery. Fuck, I would give anything to see him in a nice white shirt. Sorry, I digress.

Provocation. Another theme we see again and again through the show.

Not a fan of this whole treasure hunt storyline tbh

Yes Kyle, we all love Max because he's tall.

OK Nancy Drew"

Fuck, you cannot just cut to THIS scene like that. Fuck me.

The song, the hand caressing that skin.

Fuuuuccck

Once again I am not emotionally prepared.

"Your awake"

"You staaayed"

God, such little dialogue that just tells us so much.

That Michael isn't used to Alex being there in the morning. That he leaves.

The way Michael looks over at Alex. So soft and happy.

Alex's barely there smile as he looks at Michael.

They just break my heart these two.

Fuck me.

The physical intimacy in this scene is just.... I don't even have words for it. It's so soft and gentle and ...

Michael's face.

It's just such an amazing scene especially for a queer couple.

The chemistry these two have as actors is insane.

God fucking damn it Isobel.

And fuck here it comes.

"it's just Isobel"

"Does she know about us?"

"would it be so bad if she did?"

"Yeah"

"Nah, don't worry about it"

Fuck me. Michael goes from being so happy to being someone's dirty little secret in seconds.

Now I'm pretty sure that's not what Alex thinks, but that's sure as shit how Michael interprets it.

All his insecurity and self-loathing just brings his armour back up.

oh shit yeah

It applies just as much to Alex as well.

The thing that hurts to the most is that Michael is so resigned to it. Like yep, this is how it always goes.

And I think that might apply to not just Alex, but other people he sleeps with. Good enough to fuck, but not good enough to be seen with. And that's just fucked up.

Especially for someone like Michael who is so tactile. That his way of connecting with people is so distained.

And Alex's face. He know's he's hurt Michael, even though that wasn't his intention.

But as they say, about paving the road to hell.

Tbh honest, I didn't notice until it was discussed in another channel that this ISN'T the morning after "I never look away" and that the Airstream has moved.

I blame opening the scene with all that golden skin. It's very distracting.

I offer that line as public domain to any fic writer that wants it!!

God how I hate that Michael is probably alot of people's dirty little secret. Fuck them.

"He's letting Liz experiment on him"

"Please say sexually"

Not gonna lie. THat is one of the best lines ever on tv.

Also Michael with no shirt.

Also if they ever get Michael in a nice white button up I'm gonna die.

Yes I have a white shirt kink.

Iz's face. :laughing:

Kids, kids kids. Have we learned nothing?

Plans involving Liz never end well.

Secrets, always about the secrets

Mix cd

Clues, Nancy Drew

Teen melodrama is our thing.

So cheeky Liz. It's a good look on you.

Liz is wearing armour lipstick.

Of course Maria is coming on the treasure hunt.

Cam buying Max a first edition. Nerd boner. Don't ever change Cam.

Max, max, max. It's not the time.

Don't dig into the past. HOld onto the good memories. Exactly the advice Kyle gave Liz last ep.

And he doesn't listen either. Lucky he's so pretty.

I really hope we get to see the hold your hair while puking, slash your exe's tires Rosa in S2. It's such a great description by Maria. Gives a great sense of the real Rosa.

"She's isn't what leftover in the dirty crevices of this town." That is such a great line - gives a great insight into Maria.

which in no way makes up for that fucking powder blue skivvy he wore!! Jesus that was ugly. So I need more white shirts to balance it out. Bonus points for linen.

But more likely on Kyle than Michael, not that I wouldn't be cool with that.

Ophiuchus

Liz's don't lie to me face.

And here we go with more heart break. THis show never stops.

I love so much that in this fandom a dark green and black flannel shirt is what constitutes the "slutty" outfit.

I love that he is alergic to buttons.

Scared of not being the number 1 person in Max's life. Tbh. he's not wrong.

Michael and his touching people to check in with them.

Annnd here comes the start of more pain.

Not to be shallow, but Alex's outfit in this scene is interesting. I know we haven't seen him in civies much yet, but even so this stands out. It's such a light palette. So different to the dark colours we've seen before and everything that we see him in after.

A reflection of the lightness he feels from reconnecting with Michael? That disappears after the drive in and never really returns for the rest of the season?

Maybe? I lean towards more unconscious choice.

A willingness to be seen?

Which then is picked up later with his "can't be seen with a criminal" comments.

?

Where he goes back to not standing out, even in civies

Gods, the looks on their faces. They just love each other so much but Alex is still struggling.

Alex's smile when Michael sits down.

Kyle you are so gonna get busted.

Your mum is the sheriff dude.

Seriously Max. take a fucking chill pill.

I know it's the overpower but seriously. How do people not notice?

Yes Kyle, this massive over reaction is about Liz.

OK, I know Kyle is doing it on purpose, but that is cold.

Kyle, Kyle, Kyle, alot of people want to hit you, don't encourage them.

And even if he was human Max has height and weight on him as well.

That smart arse smirk of Kyle's.

Damn, Jenna looks good with her hair like that.

Damn Kyles eyes.

And Kyle's little puff after Max leaves. He knows how close he came to getting his arse kicked in some way.

Die Jesse Manes Die.

Alex, ALex don't listen to the evil man. Please!!

And what about Michael, sitting so close to the man who mutilated him? Any person would have trouble keeping their cool.

Knowing Jesse is around is one thing, but what must it do to Micahel to see him like this?

"Can't lie to a psychic, hmm mmm"

Liz, spying on Max and Cam is a little bit creepy. Jealous much?

Not sure why Iz sees Rosa when trying to influence Liz??

Oh, Rosa's saying the lines she says to Iz later on after Noah is exposed.

Run and puke face.

Don't be a douche MIchael

Might not be a high school crush. More paralleling.

Max, don't be a dick to Cam. More than just try. And don't make it sound like a burden for fuck sakes.

"xenophobia sells more tickets"

I have Maria boot envy

And here comes the heartbreak

"I was dating a Chad"

"All the Chad's end up being Chad's"

That is some grade A dialogue right there.

Poor Diego

2 min break, I need a hot drink to stop myself coughing.

BRB

Could be. Might also be that Noah's blocks are weakening?

You go for it Cam.

Oh OK. Max you fucking dork.

OMG Liz, not cool.

Cam shutting this shit down right now.

Max making possibly the worst life choice ever seen on tv

Kyle Manuel Valenti!

And the most shit I'm busted face ever seen on a grown man.

Kyle why did you say love triangle? Don't say that.

Totally, he's hopeless but extra hopeless when your Mum is sheriff.

Sheriff Valenti has Jesse mans sussed out.

Tbh, I feel Max's pain as Liz reads out that letter. I found some stuff recently that I wrote at that age. OMFG, it was pretentious and oh so serious.

I like the hot sauce homage to OG

And then Liz just goes all in.

Don't do it Alex.

Fair warning I'm about to say some stuff about Alex that people might not like.

"I'm an airman, I can't be with a criminal".

Gods, Alex, no. You just let your Dad win.

You just told Michael he isn't important.

"All my life, the system has put me at the mercy of ciminals"

This line. FUck me.

Just another example of Michael flat out telling people the honest, painful, fucking private truth about his life and people then just blowing him off.

He just does it over and over again and then people have the fucking gall to say "we didn't know" How the fuck did you not know?

From anyone else it's bad but from Alex? Alex who knows Michael, who knows Michaels life, who has seen more of the cruelty of the world than anyone else in the show, from Alex it's a betrayal.

Yep, and using that as an excuse just compounds it. Because he's using the actions that Michael takes in order to survive against him. Compounds that betrayal.

And for me, if any action by Alex could be described as being a dick move, it's this one.

And I know why Alex does it, I really, really do, but fuck, it's still really, really bad.

And, And, all this happens in Michael's truck, his home, that Alex fucking knows he lived in during high school.

"Just trying to survive it"

Again, truth.

Not live, not escape. Survive.

Exactly.

Yes, he is Michael.

Fuck no, Alex. You don't get to say that. You don't get to blame Michael for your choices.

And Michael's sigh. Not even disappointed. Just resigned. Same ole, same ole.

Fair cop Liz. You don't really think Max killed Rosa.

But I'm also sorted glad they didn't make Liz into the sort of person who dismisses her own experience and world view just because she likes someone.

Max, it's not you place to decide what Liz can handle.

"That's what everything is about for me". Max, Max, Max. I'm impressed you could say that without coming off as a creepy stalker type.

You know what Max, now would be an excellent time to come clean about everything, just sayin'.

true

Noah, Noah

"I knew what I was marrying into" we now know what an understatement that was from Noah.

Gotta be honest, telling your husband that someone else is your person is a bit harsh.

You have two unhappy brothers Iz, pay attention.

True, but also Michael's abuser as well? I sort of read it as they both know the other isn't OK and they just don't talk about it with each other?

Noah, I'm trying really hard to block out that you are not a good guy.

Maria - "Max is so harmless" and Liz's face.

Kyle, Kyle, Kyle.

I really like how they actually have the smart person (a doctor) actaually be smart? He knows Jesse has power.

Paul Ryan comment

He cooperates just enough. Though I think part of that is he still doesn't trust Max.

Oh yeah

Max loosing his shit

Shut up Jesse, just shut the fuck up.

Yeah, not subtle but still good.

Overall not a bad episode.

As I said, not really a fan of the treasure hunt storyline.

I'm really happy with the way they handled Kyle dealing with Jesse. Again another example of a storyline that would drag out for seasons on other shows.

More backstory for Alex and Michael. My poor boys.

Love Maria giving us a more balanced view of Rosa. Who I am really looking forward to seeing in S2.

Yep, so many examples of how out of the loop people are keeping Maria. And we know it's just going to get worse. I really need for them to give her an opportunity in S2 to really rip into everyone for keeping her in the dark.

And Jesse fucking Manes. Just about everything he says makes sense. He's actually right about aliens. Even right about there being bad ones. But we also know that he's a violent, vindictive dick.

#roswell new mexico #Roswell Nm #roswellnm #rewatch-larenoz

[fortress-of-iserlohn]

original inspo from lofter here (chn fandom is a wonderful place)

then there was THIS FANTASTIC PIECE OF ART by fen here

then i accidentally some fic whoops. 

100% dedicated to fen (who drew that amazing art) & chris (because nothing ever happens without her being at fault somehow) and somehow i really hope they never notice this because SHAME

rosen ritter!reuenthal - reuenthal&yang: ~970w

Yang’s first impression of Oskar von Reuenthal is summed up in one simple word: dangerous.

The 13th captain of the Rosen Ritter is easily handsome enough to tempt even the devil - hair kept just a little too long to be strictly regulation, neatly swept behind one ear, and with a jaw and cheekbones so sharp they look like they could cut. 

There’s clear amusement in his heterochromatic eyes as he tilts his head a little, striding towards them wearing nothing more than a barely buttoned white shirt loosely tucked into his uniform pants.

The small crowd of Rosen Ritter officers who are crowded around Yang and Frederica immediately part to let him through, eyes lowered and deferring the situation to him easily. Reuenthal inclines his head politely to Frederica, but then honest to god bows over Yang’s hand, which freezes suddenly, raised halfway to a salute.

It’s a smooth, elegant move that ends up giving Yang more than a clear view of his well-defined chest, distracting him enough that he barely notices Reuenthal leaving behind the barest impression of his lips brushing over the sensitive skin.

Even Frederica looks slightly nonplussed by this unexpected attention. She keeps her knees bent slightly, weight balanced forward, prepared just in case she needs to make a move in a hurry - say if she had to rescue her new commanding officer from being physically mauled or something.

Reuenthal steps back not even half a meter but does straighten out to his full height, tucking his hands behind his back and settling into parade rest effortlessly. The rest of the Rosen Ritter present mirror his stance, standing in perfect formation behind him, heads up, eyes forward.

“So, what brings the hero of El-Facil, Yang Wenli, here to our humble abode?”

Reuenthal’s voice is deep, but his tone is deceptively light and a small smile flickers on the edges of his lips, seeming as if he’s enjoying a private joke at the expense of everyone else.

Yang has never met someone who has been able to put him on the backfoot so easily and he’s not entirely certain he appreciates the feeling. Reuenthal is still standing a little too close though, and Yang is forced to lift his chin slightly just to meet his gaze.

“I have a request of you,” he says, pushing forward with the actual task at hand. “And of the Rosen Ritter, if you would be so kind to hear me out.”

With their negligible distance, Yang can see that Reuenthal’s left eye is a clear, deep blue, while his right is a warm, gold-flecked hazel. However, the gaze itself is utterly unreadable, even to Yang who prides himself on such things.

“I see,” Reuenthal says, drawling the two simple words out slowly, bringing one hand forward to tap at his chin. 

His stare is thoughtful now, eyes sweeping Yang up and down twice, slow and thorough before his lips tilt in another smirk. Frederica bristles from where she stands beside Yang, almost shaking with indignant anger and quite possibly the urge to step in between them.

Reuenthal ignores her though, holding Yang’s gaze as he takes two steps back and turns slightly to one side, gesturing towards the door.

“Well, then Admiral, shall we find somewhere a little more private to discuss what you might have in mind for me?”

Yang is definitely not imagining the emphasis on ‘private’ as well as the double meaning behind those words. Despite himself, he can’t quite help the brief flare of colour that dusts across his cheeks. He does manage to resist the urge to look away though, not willing to concede complete defeat just yet.

“If you would lead the way please, Captain,” Yang says, pretending to be oblivious to everything as an attempt at discouragement, and he’s proud of how steady and unaffected his voice comes out.

If anything, Reuenthal’s smirk grows and he looks about half a second away from invading Yang’s personal space again when Frederica decides that she’s had enough, brushing past Yang to step out in front of him, staring down the leader of Rosen Ritter coolly.

“Sorry, Captain,” she says, sounding anything but, holding herself in front of Yang like a human shield. “We’re in a bit of a rush, so if you could?”

Reuenthal leans back a little but seems utterly unperturbed by Frederica’s guard dog routine.

“Of course,” he says easily, inclining his head briefly in acknowledgment before turning around to lead the way. “My apologies, Lieutenant, Admiral.”

The meeting room he takes them to is tiny, with nothing but a small square table and two chairs. Frederica and Reuenthal’s lieutenant both take their places outside the door, as per protocol, the former much more reluctantly than the latter, glancing at Yang with concern.

Reuenthal guides Yang inside with a light touch on his shoulder, closing the door behind them with a sharp click. The first thing that Yang notices when he walks in is that there’s already two steaming mugs and a small plate of sandwiches sitting in the middle of the table.

He pulls out his seat and settles in slowly. 

“You were expecting me,” Yang says, reluctantly impressed.

Reuenthal shrugs one shoulder, smiling faintly as he waits for Yang to be fully seated before he takes his own, directly opposite. One of his men had handed him his uniform jacket on the way out and he’s just finishing up with his tie now, pulling it up to sit snugly against the collar of the now completely buttoned shirt.

Yang finds himself mesmerised by the way Reuenthal’s long fingers make short work of his jacket buttons. It’s not until the other man leans back in his chair, stretching out his legs until they brush against Yang’s own beneath the table that he jolts a little, belatedly realising that he’s been caught staring.

He coughs, a little awkwardly, and hurriedly looks away.

“So,” Reuenthal says after a beat of silence, that tiny self-satisfied smirk back playing on the corners of his lips again, voice an intimate low drawl that curls around the suddenly too small space of the room. 

“How may I serve you, Admiral Yang?”

in this verse - schonkopf stayed with the empire & someone from reuenthal’s side brought him to the fpa after the disgrace of both his parents after his birth

therefore schonkopf will be one of reinhardt’s admirals in this, while reuenthal will serve as yang’s ‘personal bodyguard’ if you get what i mean  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

also - reuenthal’s second is lutz, who replaces both lintz and blumhardt. this is 100% so i can totally set up for lutz/attenborough shamelessly

#logh #legend of galactic heroes #yang wenli #oskar von reuenthal #linc ficlets #the rosen ritter reuenthal au that no one asked for #but i delivered anyway #whelp gg

[shorthaircutsmodels]

Alexa Chung's Short Hairstyles and Haircuts - 15+ - https://shorthaircutsmodels.com/alexa-chungs-short-hairstyles-and-haircuts/ - Alexa Chung's Short Hairstyles and Haircuts, They match the rest of your hair. You probably know Alexa Chung as a fashion designer TV presenter model writer style icon or all of the above. And now he's adding another feather to his hat as international spokesperson for L'oréal Professionnel. Chung gives us the top of her favorite color trends in her hair care routine and a haircut she's never tried. Alexa Chung's Short Hairstyles and Haircuts Alexa Chung's Short Hairstyles and Haircuts, How was your relationship with L'oréal Professionnel? L'oréal Professionnel represents fashion hair art craftsmanship and personalized beauty with a Parisian touch. We've been working together since 2020 - 2021, L'oréal Professionnel was backstage at my first fashion shows in London and Paris. I love the products I embody. I tried Pro Fiber and then it repairs the hair for a good. Alexa Chung's Short Hairstyles Alexa Chung's Short Hairstyles and Haircuts, Length and the result is great really amazing. The hair-coloured new Paris Chocolat collection is great for getting the French chic vibe in the salon. What does your hair care routine look like? I know that when I push through the door of a l'oréal Professionnel salon, my hair will get the best results and I will have a personalised service with the most advanced products. I visited the salon. Alexa Chung's Short Haircuts Alexa Chung's Short Hairstyles and Haircuts, I can tell you every six weeks. But I'm pretty lucky and have shoots on a regular basis, so I'll often get a trim here and there. But I expect the salon to be more relaxing for colouring and treatments. I have to change shampoos regularly because otherwise my hair will get used to it and I will build it up or it will start to get really greasy, she explained. Alexa Chung's Hairstyles Alexa Chung's Short Hairstyles and Haircuts, It is safe to say that Chung has so far dominated the ultimate Bob. Yes, Alexa Chung grew her hair for the first time in a long time, and now all I can think about is doing the same thing. Alexa Chung's Haircuts Alexa Chung's Short Hairstyles and Haircuts, Ask the stylist to soften the cut layers, says Sam. 'Focus on smoothing and feathering at the edges for the fringes. It will look more balanced by taking layers and smoothing the ends, focusing less on hair length. Without further ado the best mid-length hairstyles this year 2020 currently medium-length hairstyles are blunt, medium-length style layered very prone to having although. Alexa Chung's Short Hair The amount of layers you choose is almost entirely dependent on face shape and hair texture.while longer layers that will be ubiquitous to allow you to bring fit thinner hair types, Square faces can be softened with rounded layers and vice versa, according to Sam. Rounded faces can also be extended by soft layering around the jawline. Alexa Chung's Hair Why doesn't Ben stop for a pleasant second? and I imagined what it would be like when I would pull my hair or when I would finally tie it and as soon as I reached my optimum length I was like 'Oh my god I want a bob again'. Staying in the same lane too long is boring. My plan is to have Bob when I grow up. my mum has always had a whole life and I think she is more proud of her long hair as I get older. How do I style my hair like Alexa Chung? It can also work for other face shapes with shorter layers cut in jaw length. The chin-length bob hairstyle will look extremely cool and stylish in soft loose waves. Some blonde highlights are placed around the face to create a better frame. Girl Alexa Chung is also respected worldwide for her boho I don't care about hair her fashion sense is known mostly to the British. The Model TV presenter and Vogue contributor cut her long hair in 2020 - 2021 and her new look helped catapult her to fame. Cool girl bang. Alexa Chung Best Hairstyles & Hair Make-up Looks I love head massages at hairdressers. And I wash my hair every day without fail. I know it depends on your hair type, but it's important to wash and condition it often so that I have shiny and voluminous hair that isn't greasy. I use products like Pro Fiber to help with home treatments for longer at home. Locking one of them on the a-list is not immune to beauty-related restrictions imposed by hairdressing services. How do I make my long hair look androgynous? And Alexa Chung is the best example, as this video of her cutting her own hair shows. Alexa Chung may well be known for her chiselled fashion look but her perfectly tousled hair is equally worthy of attention. Often styled by her friend and long-term collaborator George Northwood, she is often prompted to recreate Alexa in her London salon Chung flits between sharp bobs in her signature relaxed waves and fairly up dos. Alexa Chung hair tutorial See his hair style file here. Soft shoulder grazing waves for the Emilia Wickstead show at London Fashion Week. As I recall, I took Alexa Chung's tousled bob to the hairdressers. That's right I also desire a wavy super short bob complete with brown with a centre parting of caramel blonde and a hint of adult fringe. Obviously we have completely different hair types and we don't look like anything, so I don't have the chance to look like Alexa Chung. Alexa Chung Hairstyles We Can't Stop Thinking About However I believe her hair epitomises the effortless cool girl look we crave so much. He says this technique is the best way to achieve the most natural-looking texture. Final touches. When you go all the way with the Irons shake with your fingers and then spray the wave and shine on Oribe après Beach. oribe.com Russell tells InStyle of hair throughout. Comb back loosely over the ears and with the crown for a tousled voluminous texture and then set with Oribe Superfine hairspray for permanent hold. Flattering Alexa Chung Hairstyles Long layers along the sides and back shoulder length to keep the hair light and fresh. The wonderful and crafted texture, with playful ends, exquisitely kisses the shoulders. Side-swept long blasts are perfect for framing the main facial features. Her gorgeous hairstyle suited formal dress and informal jeans. Round heavy long blasts soften the oval face and make the beautifully sophisticated look extra sweet and stylish. Photos of Alexa Chung's Best Hairstyles The blunt ends are thick to medium length hair and add some unit. This neck length hairstyle has thin medium to long layers to add depth and size to the cool hairstyle. The long sweet bursts in front add delicious interest. Alexa Chung new haircut This modern hairstyle can be worn from day to night. A simple but cool-looking ponytail. The upper maximum height is and is teased too high to create causal effect. The neat bang proudly match her low ponytail. Alexa Chung Hair And Hairstyles Inspiration This classic cute ponytail could match the massively informal dress. The classic shoulder length hairstyle is amazing for all the hair colors. The eyelash-grazing blunt fringe. Alexa Chung hairstyle Alexa Chung's Short Hairstyles and Haircuts, Instantly gives the hairstyle a high fashion feel. The textured ends twist and fall sweetly to the shoulders. George Northwood, who also counts Meghan Duchess of and. What eyeliner does Alexa Chung use? Rosie Huntington Whiteley as her clients, has been working with Chung throughout her television and fashion career. So naturally he was one of the first in line to create hair tutorials locking with him for his new YouTube channel. How do you get Alexa Chung haircut? Pretty it girl gave us a rundown of how to style US locks by showing us various new hairstyles around London that inspired us to do something with George Northwood in. Alexa Chung hair up Their hair to track down the mastermind behind Alexa's hair.like a star. Just click do like Alexa to learn how to do it. Now if we can get hold of his wardrobe. What is the hair trend for 2020? It's always a classic choice for girls. Here she will introduce some of her sumptuous and fun hair. you can choose one to enhance your look and make it more stylish and attractive. Alexa Chung hairstyles. this classic and rather feminine curly hairstyle with long curly hair. How do you style shaggy hair? Shoulder length hairstyle with beautiful soft attractive curls and layers is a must for medium-length hair. Properly develop wonderfully large eyes in full blast. Softly tousled hair create a trendy look and make it stand out in the crowd. What nationality is Alexa Chung? You can use some hairspray to keep your curls fluffy and shiny. Her mid-wavy hairstyle with blunt bang looks perfect on her oval-shaped face. He is also a big fan of messy updo. Alexa Chung hair bob You'd be surprised what Chung looks like with long hair later in the slideshow. She always looks so gorgeous and intelligent during all sorts of TV shows and programmes. Alexa Chung hair 2020 - 2021 We were very impressed by the impeccable taste of fashion. Most of the time, she was wearing a fairly moderate hairstyle with soft waves or curls as her public appearance. Alexa Chung new hair Follow us today with the 15 compliment Alexa Chung hairstyles in this post and find your favorite one. The medium haircut will look perfect for perfectly natural straight. How do I get Alexa Chung bangs? Hair for all hair types. Bill Cunningham's jacket Miu Miu runway show Anna Dello Russo's street style attire. these are just a few of our favourite things from Fashion Month so far. But none of this compares to sightings of our main Muse, Alexa Chung. How do I put hair in my hair? Alexa Chung we willen haar perfecte eyeliner Haar on point outfits en waanzinnige kleur ogen maar het liefst willen we nog haar hairstyle. Also nearby is al tijd goed. Alexa Chung red hair We kozen 5 van onze favoriete hairstyles Van Stijlicoon Alexa Chung uit die jij één op één kunt kopieëren. There are so many beautiful things about you. Alexa Chung hair stylist But since the dresses are a touch sadly out of reach, let's focus on her incredible hair. It's Tousled and textured. And is my new favourite length. clavicle. How to get Alexa Chung hair Amen, brother, it is. He asked her his effortless secrets that don't care about her hair and she delivered it to spades. Alexa Chung heeft nooit Lange lokken gehad. op met tot verschillende lengtes de voorste plukken on haar schouders. Alexa Chung hair how to Maar met deze lengte Weet ze altijd de leukste kapsels te creëren. The hair on the shoulder has a lot of movement. The shorter look suits your oval face and makes your eyes pop in gorgeous light. Alexa Chung's beauty knows no bounds. Alexa Chung hairstyles From the days of a cute newcomer in our tellybox to a front row style star, let's review the pictorial evidence of her evolution today. Alexa Chung is jealous for so many things that her effortlessly cool hairstyle is one of them. We yearn for the star's beautifully tousled waves now more than ever, especially as we brace ourselves for another round of. Who cuts Alexa Chung's hair? Scorching temps. At an Alexa Chung X AG private dinner last week fashionista I woke up like this embodied the perfect polish mix and texture. View hairdresser Gregory Russell. Alexa Chung hair type Followed oribe Volumista Mist $39 to get the star's towel-dried hair cut in half. oribe.com from roots to ends. Relating. the products that gave the best volume for thicker. Alexa Chung's new bob haircut Plump hair then dried Chung's hair up to 95, taking care to tighten the ends to create ample volume and body. After softening up the unruly areas without getting away. Alexa Chung hair brush From experienced vibe Russell, he alternated randomly between a flat iron and a 1.25 inch curling iron and twirled sections. Soft blasts are swept to the side, effortlessly framing. Who is Alexa Chung dating? The face. Add volume and interest along the gorgeous mid layers and also make your hair look heavy. The fight for the perfect haircut is endless. But if you're Alexa Chung sometimes any haircut is just what the doctor ordered. Continue reading. Alexa Chung haircut Mid-length hairstyles are everywhere at the moment and going nowhere in 2020. I'd like to cut your locks a little. I'm trying to grow one of these short hairstyles. There's a medium-length cut for that. 'Medium-length hairstyles look great when they're well maintained. Alexa Chung hair products Consider plump blunt styles with no layers suggests Sam Burnett founder and creative director of hare and bone if an individual's hair is prone to frizz then it is best to keep the hair on the long side of the medium. Long and heavy hair is more controlled. And if you're trying to grow the number one hairpiece. Alexa Chung haircut what to ask for Her hair is always a bit messy as her natural wavy hair makes the air dry. He had cuts as short as his jawbone but not as long as his. Shoulders and was known for his ombré hair colour. her mid-length. Hairstyle looks interesting and feminine. Soft loose waves are added to her fine hair to create volume and achieve a fuller surface. Alexa Chung hairstyle tutorial Cute hairstyle with neat blasts from the inside can be suitable for ladies of all ages. You can also put your hair over the shoulders for maximum intensity. the bottom and dark blonde look at the top of a fashion surfer girl as if her hair grew naturally that way. Alexa Chung hair bangs Gorgeous mid-length chic bob is always on trend. Hair naturally drops drastically from framing the face forward. A soft hairstyle with a total height of face frame fringe Dec. The long tapered layers front frame the face and keep the hair heavy looking cool. Alexa Chung long hair With full glamour, this formal hairstyle is certain to get the crowds noticed. It is fantastically shaped in a beautifully. Chic modern bob with highlighted hair-scale. Alexa Chung hair colour Layers and sweeping bangs. Two-tone hair and thick waves are interesting elements that keep the stately look unique. Alexa has an adult fringe says Northwood. Alexa Chung blonde hair His eyes slip and then he mixes with the rest of the hair. To achieve this, ask your stylist to cut out bursts that are slightly shorter in the middle, which you want them to hit the bridge of your nose. They need to cut thin pieces of hair a little longer each time Northwood says. The look will be cool and piecey and surprisingly practical. Alexa Chung haircut tutorial Explosions grow rapidly and thick ones can be ugly says Northwood. These are easy. After all, I keep track of where Chung's hair goes. Alexa Chung's British daughter enjoys ultra-high status among British teenagers. Alexa Chung's neutral agil and mixed style make up the fashion model of the world. Many people agree that Alexa Chung's. Alexa Chung bob haircut British girl looks deeper and tastier than the American Girl. The cool British ironic humour of prgrams alos has conquered many people's hearts. So an increasing number of people are following his face and disposition. Alexa Chung hair dye It's been growing for a while but we've noticed its length more recently. She said We would pull out an elaborately stashed bob for those long flowing behind our ears and fall back on our shoulders in this little ponytail for our renewal. Alexa Chung hair styling the time has come. This classic half-up half-down look looked completely different when he was able to hide the length of the back of his head with just his adult fringes but with a bob of long hair. Classic, but high. Full of shape and silhouette, the gorgeous updo delivers beautiful clean lines and makes the neck look lean and swan-like. Alexa Chung hair color This charming up do haircut offers people a sweet look and feel at work and is the great savers of a bad hair day. The front is left to contour the edge of the face with smooth long-piece bursts to soften the smashing hairstyle. It is more than a decade since Alexa Chung first appeared on screens as a presenter on the T4 cult morning music show. Alexa Chung hairdresser Popworld in place of Simon Amstell and Miquita Oliver. And while Chung and his co-host Alex Zane may not be able to rival the previous power duo in the teasing episode, there was one area where Chung immediately began making waves. Alexa Chung hair fringe Her fashion and beauty choices. Yes 2020 - 2021 was the year Alexa put fringe and eyeliner on her beauty map. Basically with every young girl I knew I'd run to the hairdresser to ask for Alexa-style bursts. And not much has changed in the following 13 years. Alexa has since been serving up some of the best and most copied. Alexa Chung short haircut Hair in the business. As a regular hair washer I wash it every day because I have to. Chung who's getting too greasy said. Alexa Sheen who relies on French pharmacy brand Chlorane for Gentle Cleansing formulations. However, there's the Zoom Speed Dial stylist who almost holds her hand throughout her first DIY haircut.

[iffeelscouldkill]

Fic: a Film by Peter Parker

Fandom: Spider-Man: Homecoming

Pairing: Michelle Jones/Peter Parker (Spideychelle)

Summary: “Hi everyone. I’m Peter Parker, and this is my documentary presentation. The title is 'Perseverance'.

“I mostly think that the film speaks for itself, so I’m just gonna hit play, and uh, I’m happy to answer any questions afterwards about the footage, the editing, the choice of shot or well, anything, really.”

“And uh, even though they’re not here, I’d like to thank my close friends and family for putting up with me while I shoved a camera in their faces for three months.”

Peter is given an assignment to make a documentary film about the people closest to him. In the process, he learns some things about priorities, the people he cares about, and life beyond Spider-Man. Set two years after Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Author’s Note: This fic took me four months to finish and I was really unsure about how good it was. However, I got some lovely comments on AO3 (where you can also read it) and so felt confident enough to cross-post it over here :D

“All right, class, listen up – I’m going to give you your main assignment for the semester.” Gloria Steinberg, the teacher leading Midtown Tech’s film-making elective, clapped her hands for attention. The small class of ten senior students paused their discussions and refocused their attention on Ms. Steinberg.

“Thank you. Okay, so, here’s what I want you to do.” Ms. Steinberg uncapped her marker and wrote ‘DOCUMENTARY FILM PROJECT’ on the whiteboard. “This is going to be an ongoing, individual project that I want each of you to carry out. I want you to make a documentary film about the people closest to you in your lives.

“This can be family, friends, or anyone important to you. I want you to tell a story with this film; it’s up to you what that story will be. The key challenge that I’m going to set you is to capture a more natural, unguarded side of your subjects – a side that they don’t normally show to the camera.

“Think about the techniques we’ve been learning about in this class; think about the way that the filmmakers we’ve been studying weave a narrative with their documentaries. I also want you to bear in mind the technical side of things – shot framing, editing, lighting, everything we’ve covered. Now is your chance to put theory into practice!

“At the end of the semester, you’ll screen your films in front of the class, and give a short presentation about the process of making your documentary, the challenges you encountered, and the thinking behind the piece that you have made.

“Any questions?”

“Oh. Uh, are you filming now?”

The camera comes into focus on Ned Leeds’ face, leaning a little too close to the lens. Peter Parker’s voice is heard from behind the camera.

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m filming.”

Ned pulls back slightly and grins, waves at the camera. “Hey! I’m Ned, Ned Leeds. I’m Peter’s best friend. Uh… What else should I say?”

“You don’t need to say anything, Ned. My assignment is to try and capture a natural side of people. So just pretend like the camera isn’t there.”

“Oh! Right.”

Ned moves away, into the middle of Peter’s bedroom, but carries on shooting glances back at the camera.

“You know, it’s kind of hard to act natural when you’re pointing it at me.”

“Right, right… Maybe I’ll set it up on a tripod.”

The camera jostles as it is set up in a corner, looking out over the room. A big space has been cleared in the centre of the room to make way for what will be a massive model: the Ultimate Collector’s Millennium Falcon, totalling 5,195 pieces. The box sits off to one side, and Ned reaches for it now, reverently admiring the design on the front.

“This is it… One of the most challenging Lego sets of all time.”

Peter crawls into shot, and motions towards the box.

“Shall we?”

“After you, my friend.”

Peter opens the box and starts laying out Lego pieces on the floor. Ned watches with his chin propped on one hand.

“Do you think we’ll ever get too old for building Lego models?”

Peter looks back at him in consternation.

“Why would we?”

“I dunno… like, we’re high school seniors now; we’re submitting college applications, thinking about our futures, all that serious stuff. But we still build Legos like we did in middle school. Do you think we’re supposed to stop at some point, to qualify as adults?”

“If that’s qualifying as an adult, then I don’t want to be one. Anyway, when we were in freshman year, one of the biggest things I learned about being Spider-Man was that I still needed to take the time to do normal kid things. Our whole lives shouldn’t be about serious, world-ending stuff – we need to balance that out.

“And besides, this is fun!”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

Ned grins, and the two of them exchange their secret handshake. Then Peter looks over at the camera in the corner.

“Oops… I should probably edit out that part about being Spider-Man.”

“Probably.”

“Hey, Aunt May, do you mind if I film this?”

May looks up in surprise from where she’s laying out vegetables on the chopping-board.

“For your project?”

“Yeah, plus I think it’s really cool, you doing cookery classes and all.”

May smiles and goes to the sink to wash her hands.

“Well, we’ll see how they go. I have to do something with my time, what with you off to college in a few months!”

“I don’t have to leave. I can stay here in New York with you.”

May frowns, pausing with the knife poised above the carrots she is about to chop. The light catches the fine lines around her eyes, and highlights the grey hairs that are beginning to appear.

“Don’t be silly, Peter, of course you’re going to college. It’s your future! You’re going to go off and have an adventure, and come back even more clever and talented than you already are. Besides, all your friends are going to college.”

“Yeah, but… you’ll be on your own. And what about… you know… my extra-curriculars? It could be a bad idea to leave the city.”

May fixes the camera with a stern gaze. “New York got along perfectly fine before you started your ‘extra-curriculars’, and it’ll continue to be fine with you gone – and so will I. You’ve done amazing things and helped a lot of people, but you should be allowed to live your own life. You can’t be beholden to this city forever.

“Now, am I going to demonstrate my baton-chopping technique for the camera, or not?”

“Demonstrate away.”

The camera zooms in on the chopping-board, bringing the colourful assortment of vegetables into sharp focus: carrots, onions, red peppers, lettuce and celery. May begins to chop the carrots into neat batons of equal length, narrating as she does so.

“Now, the instructor said that the key to this is not to raise the knife too high when chopping – it’s all about efficient, controlled movements…”

“Is there a reason that you’re currently pointing a camera in my face?”

Michelle Jones, seated at a laptop and typing rapidly, doesn’t spare a glance to the side as she speaks. The camera falters slightly.

“I’m working on a project. For film class.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yeah – we’ve got to make a documentary about the most important people in our lives.”

MJ raises one eyebrow, still typing without missing a beat.

“I’m honoured to be included in that category.”

“Of course you’re included!”

The pout in Peter’s voice is audible even from behind the camera. MJ’s lips twitch into a barely-noticeable smile.

The camera zooms in slightly on the laptop screen as it fills up with lines of text. Fidgeting sounds can be heard from behind the camera.

MJ sighs.

“You know, I’m pretty sure that cinematographers are supposed to be more patient when filming their subjects.”

“What are you writing?”

“My application piece for the journalism scholarship at Boston University.”

The camera moves around to focus on the laptop screen; Peter reads the title aloud.

“‘The Fight to Preserve New York’s Public Libraries in the Digital Age’.”

“It’s a long-form feature. I’ve been carrying out interviews with librarians all around the area.”

“MJ… This is brilliant. It’s so detailed!”

“It’s just an outline.” MJ’s cheeks look a little pinker than usual.

“It’s a really good outline.”

The camera pulls back again to take in MJ, focused intently on the screen as she types, and for a while, nothing is heard except the sound of tapping keys.

“Don’t you have college applications to work on?”

“Yeah… I guess.”

“You guess?”

“I’m still trying to figure out if this whole college thing is for me.”

MJ’s typing halts abruptly. She turns and levels the camera with a look of alarm that borders on threatening.

“What do you mean? I thought you were applying to MIT with Ned?”

“Yeah, maybe…”

“Is it a funding thing? Does your aunt have enough money to put you through college?”

“Yeah, a lot of my, um, uncle’s legacy has gone towards my college fund. And Tony says he’ll chip in too. We have enough.”

“So what’s the issue?”

“I just don’t know if I can leave Aunt May. Or New York.”

“Oh. You’re worried because you won’t be around to Spidey it up any more?”

“Y-yeah, pretty much.”

MJ turns back to her laptop and resumes typing, a little more slowly than before.

“Just because you have superpowers doesn’t mean you can’t live your life. New York will deal. Presumably it managed somehow before you became Spider-Man.”

“Aunt May said the same thing.”

“Well, if you won’t listen to her, god knows why you’d listen to me.” MJ hits a couple of keys with extra force. “Whatever, it’s your choice. Do you have enough footage, or do you need to spend some more time breathing down the back of my neck while I work?”

“Uh, I think I have enough.”

“Hey, kid. You making another one of your video diaries?”

“Yeah, uh, this one’s for school. So it’d be cool if you could not make any pervy comments this time.”

“Well, is your aunt going to watch it? I’m joking, I’m joking. I’m a married man, now, see? I’m putting all my immoral ways behind me.”

Tony Stark raises one of his hands, which are currently the central focus of the shot, to show off a gleaming metal band around his ring finger. It has a twisting, geometric design in the centre that vaguely resembles the shape of Iron Man’s faceplate.

“I know – I was there. I still can’t believe you had your wedding rings made from vibranium.”

“Hey, I don’t wed with just any old ring. This is one of the strongest, most resilient metals in the galaxy, perfectly crafted to withstand any-”

A shower of sparks flies up from where Tony is tinkering with a near-unidentifiable mass of circuitry and wiring. A rectangular plate of sapphire glass lying off to one side suggests it might have started out life as a StarkPhone.

“-lab accidents.”

“Yeah, I can see that.”

Tony nudges apart the two bare wires that had accidentally connected, and then picks up a solder wick and soldering iron, touching both to a component on the circuit board and de-soldering it. He uses a pair of pliers to flip it away and onto the lab bench.

“You know, this is a classified design you’re filming.”

“Really? It doesn’t look like much to me.”

“Harsh, kid. Very harsh. This right here is genius in the making.”

Tony quickly loses himself in his work, paying no heed to the camera as it moves around him, capturing different angles: the side of his face as he frowns in concentration; a long-distance shot of Tony amidst his cluttered workshop surroundings; close-ups of the tools on the bench, being picked up and set down.

After a long while, Peter’s voice ventures from behind the camera.

“Mr… er, Tony?”

“Mmmm?”

“You went to MIT, right?”

“When I was fifteen, yeah. Great place. You should go there.”

“But like… what if you’d been Iron Man back then, would you still have gone to college?”

Tony straightens up at that, reaching for a rag on the workbench and wiping his hands on it.

“Kid, if I’d been Iron Man at fifteen, my whole life would have been pretty different, so it’s kind of hard to say yes or no on that one. But if I hadn’t gone to MIT, I wouldn’t have met Rhodey, wouldn’t have learned… a lot of shit that turned out to be pretty important – and I’m talking about life stuff, not what they teach you in class – and I wouldn’t have had an outlet for a lot of things, either.

“Would superheroing have given me that instead? Maybe, some of it. But it would have taken me down a pretty different path, and… Okay, just to be clear, we’re talking about you being Spidey instead of going to college, right? That’s what this is about?”

“I mean, just hypothetically speaking…”

“Yeah, sure, asking for a friend, blah blah blah. Look, the superhero gig isn’t everything – I thought we established that one a while ago. You decided to keep it low-key for a couple more years, be ‘friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man’, have a balance in your life. Right? It was a good decision; I supported that decision.”

“Yeah… But four years is a long time.”

“It is a long time. Look, I didn’t really prep for a far-reaching emotional discussion today, but the bottom line is that either way, there’s gonna be stuff you wish you’d done.”

“I guess that’s true. Uh, thanks, Tony.”

“Don’t mention it. But if you want decent life advice, Pepper is a better bet. Even for stuff that you’d think I should know about. She’s still better.”

The Millennium Falcon is taking shape, with the base and most of the forward mandibles completed. The camera captures Peter and Ned piecing it together slowly, sprawled on the floor of Peter’s bedroom, in breaks between assignments and Decathlon quizzing and stress.

Sometimes, they just mess around, picking up the little Lego figurines of Luke Skywalker, Obi Wan Kenobi, Princess Leia and Han Solo and acting out scenes from Star Wars, pitching their voices in an imitation of the characters’ dialogue.

It’s peaceful. Normal.

MJ again, seated in her favourite spot by the library window with the sunlight haloing her head. She is bent over a book, golden sun rays intertwining with the curly brown strands that hang down over her face.

Slowly, she turns the page, appearing deep in concentration and completely unaware that she’s being filmed, her expression relaxed and at ease.

Then, deliberately, she raises one hand with her middle finger clearly displayed. Peter’s snorts of laughter can be heard from behind the camera.

“Wow, this looks so good!”

May Parker half-glances back towards the camera, busy adjusting the heat on the stove.

“I hope so. It’s a bit more ambitious than the stuff I’ve tried so far, but I thought – we both love Thai food, and this is a Thai-inspired stir-fry…”

“It looks awesome.”

May drops ingredients into the saucepan, which smokes slightly. “It’s okay, that’s supposed to happen.”

She turns away from the pan, intently studying the recipe book open on the counter, and reaching for a jar of Thai green curry paste. In the corner of the frame, something bright and yellow flares to life.

“May! The spoon!”

The wooden stirring spoon, which May left propped up against the gas ring, has caught fire.

“Oh! OH! Oh god, oh god-”

“May, it’s fine, just drop it in the sink-”

“Peter, could you switch that thing off, please, and come help-”

The camera tilts wildly, a crackling sound is heard, and the recording abruptly shuts off.

A blurry Peter and MJ are talking together some distance away from the camera. They slowly come into clearer focus, the camera held less steadily than usual, as if by an inexpert hand. Ned Leeds’ voice narrates in hushed tones from behind the camera.

“And here we see a wild Peter and MJ in their natural habitat, performing another complex mating ritual.”

MJ is sitting by the window again, reclining in one of her favourite library loungers with her laptop balanced on her knees. She looks up at Peter with an expression that’s torn between amusement and annoyance. Peter is on his feet, all restless energy, fiddling with a pen in one hand and obviously talking a mile a minute.

“Let’s take a closer look.”

The camera moves slowly towards the couple before eventually coming to a stop behind what appears to be a bookcase; the wooden edge of it obscures part of the shot. Peter and MJ blur in and out as the camera tries to decide what to focus on, until Ned zooms unsteadily past the bookcase and the two fill the whole frame. The microphone picks up their speech alongside Ned’s slightly heavy breathing.

“-Right.”

“Plus, y’know, I could really do with more footage for my documentary film project, and I thought it would be amazing to capture you out doing your reporter thing – plus, you could even edit and submit the video with your piece, y’know, to show some TV reporting experience-”

“The application rules specify text submissions only.”

“Oh… okay, I guess that wouldn’t be helpful, then.”

MJ sighs audibly.

“Fine, you can come with me to my interview this weekend.”

“Really?” Even from a distance, Peter looks about to vibrate out of his skin with excitement.

“Sure, but only if Meredith is okay with you filming her. Some people are weird about being on camera, and if she’s at all uncomfortable with it, you’re out.”

“Of course, MJ, no problem, thank you so much!”

MJ shakes her head in exasperation, but the expression is tempered with fondness.

“Don’t you have other people to follow around with your camera? I don’t know why you need to spend so much time on me.”

“I do follow other people around! I mean- not follow them- I do film other people. I filmed Aunt May making dinner the other night.”

“Really? How did that go?”

“Um… There was a small fire, and the stir-fry got burnt while we were putting it out. We wound up going out to eat.”

MJ laughs, and the adoring expression on Peter’s face is plain as he smiles with her.

“No, I just- I like filming you because you do interesting stuff. And, uh, I love to see you getting passionate over things that are important to you.”

There is a soft, open expression on MJ’s face which would surprise anyone who noticed it – anyone except Ned, who sees this expression quite often, and always directed towards Peter.

“Fascinating.”

It’s immediately obvious that Ned chose the wrong moment to continue his documentary-style voiceover, as Peter’s head whips around, honing in on the source of the noise.

“NED!”

“Damn spider senses!” The camera bounces up and down as Ned sprints for his life, Peter’s thundering footsteps close behind him.

“Ned! Don’t shout that in the library! And be careful with that camera – it’s not mine!”

The middle of a busy street in New York. The camera captures the back of MJ’s head as she weaves through the crowd.

“Keep up, loser.”

The camera jostles slightly as Peter quickens his footsteps to catch up to MJ. He pans to the left and the right, taking in the buildings looming either side of them.

“We’re broadcasting live from the middle of New York with intrepid reporter Michelle Jones, who is hot on the heels of her latest story-”

“Peter!”

“What?”

The camera abruptly swivels around to find MJ, standing in the doorway of a dilapidated two-storey building and beckoning impatiently.

“If you’re done being an even bigger dork than usual, we’re here.”

“I thought it wasn’t possible for me to be a bigger dork than I already am?”

“So did I, but you continue to surprise me.”

MJ leads the way across a dingy, but tidy white tiled foyer towards a reception desk with a petite young Latina woman sitting behind it.

“Hey, Ella. I’m here to talk to Meredith – she should be expecting me.”

The camera zooms in slightly on Ella, who nods at MJ but looks at the camera warily.

“Yeah, she said you’d be by. Who’s this?”

MJ directs a look of irritation at the camera.

“Hey, would you turn that thing off for two seconds?”

“Sorry, sorry!”

In the next shot, Michelle is sat across from an older, dark-skinned woman with braids swept up into a bun on top of her head. They are seated inside a cramped, dimly-lit back office lined with filing cabinets; a few faded posters are visible on the walls, advertising reading competitions from five or ten years ago.

Meredith shoots a glance at the camera. “Okay? Are we good to go?”

“Yep! We are rolling!”

MJ gives Peter a withering look as she pulls out a notepad and pen from the backpack by her feet. She sets a small, old-fashioned dictaphone on one of the filing cabinets next to them.

“Okay. Could you just give your name for the recording?”

“My name is Meredith Felix-Lynch.”

“Thanks, Meredith. And how long have you been head librarian at Dunlop Library?”

Ned’s bedroom this time, which he shares with his ten-year-old brother; Star Wars figurines and miniature Lego models jostle for space with Pokémon plushies and Choose Your Own Adventure novels on the shelves.

Ned sits in the middle of the floor, using a screwdriver to tighten an access panel on the underside of a small, round droid, which looks like BB-8 with wheels. He flips it right-side up and sets it on the ground, next to where Peter is sprawled, eye-level with the little robot. Peter has had a haircut since the last time the two were on camera, and Ned is sporting stubble across his upper lip that has aspirations of being a moustache.

“You know, you could have taken part in this contest with me, if you were still in Robotics Lab.”

“Yeah, I know. I thought about it, but I’m still not ready to take back on everything I was doing before I became Spider-Man. Between patrolling, my assignments and MJ riding my ass at Decathlon practice, I’ve got about as much as I can handle.”

“Wouldn’t it help with your college application, though?”

Peter clears his throat.

“Why don’t you show me what this thing can do?”

Ned picks up a boxy black remote controller from the floor. It resembles a gaming controller, to the point where it might have started out life as one and then gained a lot of extra buttons and dials.

“For the contest, we need to be able to demonstrate three types of independent movement, so…”

Ned pushes down on one of the analogue sticks. Lights on the little droid flare into life, and it begins to trundle forward with a whirring noise.

“Coooool.”

“And the head can move, like this-”

The droid swivels its head from side to side, as if looking for the source of a noise.

“It doesn’t have any arms, because you remember what happened in middle school with the Robotics Showdown-”

“They snapped off, yeah.”

“Right, so the third type of independent movement is…”

Frowning now in concentration, Ned pushes down hard on a large blue button on the controller, while manipulating the analogue stick at the same time. A noise like a laptop fan running at hyper-speed can be heard, and Peter recoils slightly as his hair is ruffled by a sudden breeze. Slowly, the droid lifts off from the ground until it is hovering a fraction above the floor.

“Oh my god, Ned, you made it fly!”

The boys are shouting now to be heard above the noise of the boosters.

“Pretty cool, right? But you have to be careful, because it overheats really quickly and when that happens-”

The noise suddenly cuts out and the levitating droid drops back down to the ground with a sharp thud. Ned winces and Peter recoils and tenses, looking seconds away from leaping towards the ceiling.

“Sorry – I’m still working on actually sustaining that. If I can keep the heat shut-off from engaging, it should be able to get to about a foot above the ground.”

Peter settles back down, crossing his legs and peering at the robot.

“What’s your cooling system?”

“Water-based. I want to fit an extra fan in there, but I’m having serious space issues – I’ll show you…”

Ned lifts up the droid and reveals a round, dark scorch mark where the boosters have scorched the floor. Both boys freeze, staring at it.

“Dude, your mom is going to kill you.”

MJ sitting at a little wooden desk in her study at home, an anglepoise lamp shining on her work, her fingers flying over the keys. Wall-to-wall books fill the background of the shot. MJ is muttering something to herself, dictating the words as she writes.

“Hey, MJ, how long is your piece now?”

MJ continues typing, either ignoring Peter or somehow not hearing what he is saying.

“MJ? You said I could film when I came over… Is this not okay?”

Silence. The clatter of keys.

“MJ?”

“…”

“Wow, you must be really into your writing, huh.”

The camera comes on, and the three people sitting on the picnic blanket immediately groan, throwing their hands over their faces – or in MJ’s case, her book.

“C’mon, Pete, not the camera again!”

“Sweetheart, I love you, but do you think we could give the filming a rest just for one day?”

“Turn it off, Parker.”

“C’mon, guys, please? I really want to get a good grade for this class.”

“Why, so you can pursue your dream of becoming a superpowered Steven Spielberg?”

The camera moves to a low angle as Peter sets it down on the ground a little way away. MJ towers in the foreground, looking disapproving over the top of her book; Ned is amused, leaning back on his hands, while May hides her smile as she unpacks items from the picnic cooler.

“Yeah, maybe! Or, like an indie film creator. Haven’t you always wanted to go to the Sundance film festival?”

“I wouldn’t go there with you, loser.”

Ned snorts with laughter, and May hands out sandwiches and cartons of juice. Peter moves into shot, sprawling backwards until just a pair of gangly legs are visible. May strikes up a conversation with MJ about her piece for the journalism scholarship at Boston, which she has just submitted; MJ holds up her half of the conversation while still appearing to be absorbed in her book, turning pages every now and again.

Peter and Ned tussle over the last mini package of doughnuts, and wind up playing rock paper scissors for it, with May as adjudicator. They draw, and May awards the package of doughnuts to a smirking MJ, over Peter and Ned’s protests.

“You’ll have to put your book down to eat those, MJ, there’s no way you can read at the same time.”

“Watch me, loser.”

A high-pitched, urgent beeping cuts through the conversation. Ned and May start, and MJ peers over the top of her book as Peter extracts his StarkPhone from his bag, looking tense. A red light is flashing insistently on top of the phone.

“It’s Tony, it’s- he’s calling a code red.”

“You’d better go, then, sweetheart.” May speaks with an air of forced calm, her face set in lines of worry.

“But it’s my day off – I can’t go. I didn’t even bring my suit.”

“It’s in the compartment under the cooler.” MJ speaks without looking up from her book.

“It’s- What? What compartment?”

“There’s a catch on the side.”

“What? That can’t-”

MJ sighs and lunges across the picnic blanket to reach the cooler. A clicking sound is heard and in the next moment, she pulls Peter’s Spider-Man suit from an opening in the bottom of the cooler. She hands it to Peter, who frantically tries to hide it with his jacket, glancing around him.

“You can thank me later for actually being prepared. Now go save some civilians or whatever.”

“May? Are you sure you’re okay with-”

“Yeah, I’m fine, sweetheart. MJ’s right; you go save the day.”

Peter stands up and rises out of shot. Ned’s eyes meet Peter’s, off-camera, and he gestures covertly to his phone, then looks slightly crestfallen at Peter’s response. The camera picks up the sound of footsteps running across the grass; a few moments later, MJ reaches over and turns off the camera.

“Okay, we’re rolling! C’mon, open it.”

MJ shoots the camera a look of annoyance from her desk chair. She, Ned and Peter are crowded into her study, MJ seated at the desk with an envelope in her hands. The camera is set at MJ-eye-level, and only the lower half of Ned is visible as he stands next to her.

“Do we have to film this? It’s probably gonna be a rejection letter.”

“Don’t be stupid. I’ve read your piece – it’s awesome.”

MJ smiles slightly and runs a finger under the flap of the envelope, tearing it open, then unfolds the letter. As she begins to read, the smile drops off her face.

Peter’s voice comes from behind the camera: “MJ? What’s wrong?”

“MJ…” Ned, reading over her shoulder.

MJ takes in a shuddering breath, the hands holding the letter beginning to shake.

“Oh, Jesus, MJ-” The camera shuts off abruptly.

The next shot shows Peter and MJ from much further away, the camera filming them from through the half-open door. MJ is sobbing into her hands, the letter discarded on the desk, as Peter hovers uncertainly, finally settling one hand on her shoulder.

MJ’s voice is muffled and thick with tears, but just barely audible.

“It’s such a load of crap. The whole scholarship system.”

“I don’t get it, MJ – how could they reject you? You’re an amazing writer, you write with passion, you picked a fascinating topic and did all this original research-”

“Peter. Stop.”

“What?”

“You don’t have to say all that stuff just to make me feel better.”

Peter sits down on the edge of the desk, which creaks slightly under his weight, and stares at MJ in bewilderment.

“But I’m not, MJ, I’m being honest. Look, I know I… run my mouth faster than my brain, and half the stuff that comes out of it doesn’t make sense, but this is true, okay? I was there when you interviewed Meredith; I saw how much she trusted you and you got her to open up. You’re so good at this, MJ, and it sucks ass that they can’t see it.”

“Yeah, well, fat load of good it’s done me. Whatever I did, it wasn’t enough.”

“But you… At least you tried, okay – you worked your ass off, you knew what you wanted and you went for it. You have something to show for what you did. Better than being too afraid to try.”

MJ wipes the tears away with the heels of her hands and looks up at Peter, assessing.

“I think you’re so amazing, MJ – what you do is gonna change the world. Way more than anything I do.”

MJ snorts, disbelieving. “Being a journalist is hardly gonna save lives-”

“No, it is!” Peter has stood up again and is gesturing for emphasis, all energy and motion. “You’re gonna – help people tell their stories, expose injustices and blow corruption cases wide open. Being a superhero is like – flashy stuff, swooping in to save the day but never really dealing with the real issues. That part… That’s the really hard work. That’s what you do.”

Peter and MJ look at each other for a long moment.

From behind the camera, barely audible, Ned can be heard breathing, “Come on…”

“You inspire me so much, MJ, and I never know how to – to show you how I feel, except-”

Peter sways forward, and MJ leans up, and their lips meet in the middle.

The camera swings away, and bounces as Ned jogs down the corridor until he is out of earshot.

“YES! Ohmygodohmygodohmygod…”

The almost-completed Millennium Falcon sits in the middle of Peter’s bedroom floor, with Peter and Ned either side of it. Ned is holding a Lego brick in one hand and looking across at his best friend, who is lying half out of shot, with only his legs and half of his torso visible. A loud snoring sound emanates from off-camera.

Ned extends one foot and nudges Peter’s leg.

“Hey. Peter, wake up.”

He nudges a little harder.

“Pete!”

Peter jerks away suddenly, and his legs disappear out of shot; a second later, he crawls back into frame, looking sheepish.

“Sorry, sorry. I’m kind of tired at the moment.”

“No kidding, you almost dozed off in Biology earlier. Were you out late patrolling last night?”

Peter scratches the back of his head and looks away.

“Nah, I was actually up late finishing my application essay for MIT.”

“You what? What time did you submit it?”

“Uh, I think it was around 4am.”

“What? But the application window closed at midnight! Did Mr. Stark pull some strings to let you-”

“No! Tony doesn’t know about it. But I called ahead, and they said they’d consider it. It’s… my own fault if I don’t get in, so I don’t want anyone calling in favours. Besides, if I don’t get into MIT, I have some other ideas. I might go to Columbia to study film. Or maybe photography.”

“Wow… Really? Photography?”

“Yeah, I’m thinking about it. The whole documentary thing has been a lot more fun than I thought it would be.”

Ned glances at the camera and away again, his expression uncertain.

“Well, y’know, I’m happy for you whatever you decide to choose. But I thought we were gonna be MIT buddies. That was our plan.”

“We are! I mean, we still could be. But you knew I was having second thoughts about applying to college, and…”

“You said you were going to apply anyway! Or did you just say that to make me back off, like your aunt?”

“No! No, Ned, c’mon, it’s not like that.”

Peter runs his hands through his hair, which is flattened on one side from his nap on the floor.

“I just… I wanted to do it properly, if I was gonna do it, but my heart wasn’t in anything that I was writing. I went through like a billion drafts, until last night… I guess you could say I got inspired.”

Ned looks at his best friend, and raises his eyebrows in an Ohhh kind of way. “This wouldn’t happen to have anything to do with…”

Peter’s ears turn bright red. He looks at the floor and picks up a Han Solo minifigure. “Yeah, maybe.”

Ned laughs, and he reaches out to give Peter’s shoulder a soft punch. “Well, glad you finally got your shit together. In multiple senses.”

Peter laughs awkwardly and runs his hand over his hair again, flattening it back down. Ned picks up a single Lego brick from his side of the model and hands it across to Peter.

“Well, while you were napping, I all but finished building the Falcon. The last piece is yours, my friend.”

Peter’s eyes widen, and he tries to hand the brick back to Ned. “No, I can’t! You should have the last piece.”

“Nah, I insist.”

Peter hesitates.

“C’mon, Parker, pull your weight. I’ve been doing all the building and my arms are tired.” Ned stretches his arms above his head in an exaggerated fashion. Peter laughs.

“Okay, okay. Are you ready?”

Ned improvises a drumroll on the floor as Peter places the last brick on the Falcon with a flourish and gently presses it down.

“There.”

Ned and Peter nod solemnly at each other across the model. Peter picks up the Han Solo minifig, and tweaks one of its little arms to extend outwards. Grinning, Ned does the same with the Luke Skywalker figurine, and the two minifigures come together to “fistbump” in midair.

The camera gazes lengthways down the dinner table at the Parker house, which is laid with nice silverware and delicate china crockery, the kind reserved only for special guests. A pair of hands – recognisably Peter’s – comes into shot and gently sets down a large bowl full of noodles in the foreground. Further down the table, May Parker, visible from the shoulders down, is laying out bowls of stir-fried vegetables and curry.

A woman wearing a long, elegant wine-red dress, visible only from the waist down, walks into shot and pulls out a chair.

“This looks delicious, Mrs. Parker.”

“Oh, it’s May, please. I’m really still learning… I’m sure this is nothing compared to the kinds of world-class cuisine that you and Tony must have cooked for you on a regular basis.”

“Aunt May’s being modest. Her cooking is really great – especially Asian-inspired food.”

“Thai is our household favourite. There’s soy sauce and chilli sauce here in case you want to add any. I should really have put out chopsticks instead of knives and forks, to be more authentic.”

Tony Stark sits down heavily in the chair next to Pepper. “I’m never authentic. Can’t use chopsticks to save my life. Pepper can – she’s good with them. Me, I always ask for a fork.”

Pepper shakes her head, long hair brushing over her shoulders. “Even when he was dining with the Prime Minister of Japan.”

“Hey, at least I didn’t ask for a cheeseburger.”

Laughter. Peter’s fingers briefly blur into view and he adjusts the camera downwards so that only the guests’ torsos and hands are visible.

The group begins to eat dinner; they make small talk and lean over each other to pass various dishes. Compliments flow freely about the quality of the food.

“So, Peter… How are college applications going? Tony said you were having some concerns about balancing college with your superhero duties.”

Pepper’s tone is careful and tactful, her cutlery pausing delicately above her plate as she asks the question. The light glints off the vibranium ring on her finger, the twin to Tony’s, but with smooth, curved lines instead of blocky, angular ones.

Peter sets his cutlery down with an overly loud clank as he hastens to answer Pepper’s question.

“I was, but uh, I think I’ve made up my mind now. I wanna make sure I have a good future that isn’t just about Spider-Man.”

“Is that right? That’s very mature of you, Peter.”

“Yeah, what’s gotten into you, Pete?” Tony jokes. “No, seriously, it’s a good decision, but what prompted it? I know it can’t have been my words of wisdom.”

Peter laughs a little nervously, toying with his cutlery.

“No, I- I mean, your advice was good! Really! But uh, I was also inspired by a friend of mine, who’s… got a lot of dreams for the future. It made me want to do the same.”

“Oh really? You’re looking a little red in the face there – is this a friend, or a friend?”

“Tony! Leave him alone. I think that’s wonderful, Peter, and the best of luck to you with your applications.”

“Wasn’t MJ supposed to be here fifteen minutes ago?”

Ned looks up from the Decathlon quiz cards he is currently shuffling. “Yeah, I guess so. Maybe she got held up.”

“I’ve never known her to be late for one of our practice sessions; she’s normally here like an hour before us.”

“It’s probably a test, to see if we keep drilling in her absence. She could be watching us right now to see if we continue.”

Ned nods towards the camera, resting on one end of the library table at which both of them are seated. “Maybe she’s put a bug in that.”

“How could she have? I keep it in my room when I’m not using it.”

“Ah, but MJ’s been in your room a lot lately. Maybe she distracts you with sexy makeout sessions, and then bugs it.”

Peter goes bright red and looks down at the cards in his hands. “So, geology-”

The sound of a door rebounding off a wall is heard somewhere nearby, and both boys look up. MJ enters in a whirl of coat, scarf and messenger bag, and triumphantly slams an open newspaper down onto the table between them.

Both Peter and Ned peer at the paper.

“Wait… is this-?” Peter stares at MJ.

“‘The Fight to Save New York’s Public Libraries’ – by Michelle Jones. Oh my god, they printed your article!”

“Yup. My first print byline. The first of many.”

MJ is smiling broadly, unable to hide how pleased she is.

“MJ, this is incredible!!”

Peter jumps up and grabs his girlfriend’s hands, spinning her round in a circle. She laughs and goes with it, poking his face after they finish.

“Dork.”

Ned is still leaning over the paper on the table.

“Wow. Did you really pitch this to the Editor?”

“Not the Editor-Editor, to the Features Editor. She was really nice, though, and after they accepted my piece she said I should apply for an internship over the summer. A proper work experience internship, not the making coffee kind.”

“Of course it’d be a proper internship! They’d be morons to waste your talents on making coffee.”

Ned clears his throat to interrupt Peter and MJ making eyes at each other.

“Hey, so, we should celebrate! Let’s go to the Waffle House!”

“Ugh, please, we go there all the time. This calls for something better. I want cheesecake pancakes.”

“Aww, but-”

“It’s MJ’s celebration, Ned, she should get to pick. C’mon, they have waffles at IHOP.”

The three move towards the door, and as Peter picks up the camera, Ned can be heard asking,

“So, are you going to frame it?”

“No way. This is going to be the first piece in my portfolio.”

“Well, thank you, Flash; that was a very… evocative piece,” said Ms. Steinberg. She nodded at Flash, standing next to the projector; he looked pleased but uncertain, as though he wasn’t sure whether she might be making fun of him. “I can tell you put a lot of passion into it.”

Flash cleared his throat. “Uh, yeah.”

“You can sit down now, thank you. Okay, I think we have time for just one more presentation, so… Who will it be? Peter! Your friend Michelle tells me you’ve barely had a camera out of your hand since we began the assignment.”

Gloria Steinberg smiled widely at Peter, who buried his face in his folded arms. “No, no, it’s a good thing. I can’t wait to see what you’ve produced for your documentary.”

Peter nodded and pushed back his chair with a scraping noise, making his way awkwardly to the front of the room. He clutched a dog-eared sheaf of paper in one hand.

After a prolonged period of setting up the projector and a heart-stopping moment where the video seemed like it might not play after all, thanks, Peter had his film cued up and ready to go. Clearing his throat nervously, he addressed the class.

“So… Hi everyone. I’m Peter Parker, and this is my documentary presentation. The title is Perseverance.

“I mostly think that the film speaks for itself, so I’m just gonna hit play, and uh, I’m happy to answer any questions afterwards about the footage, the editing, the choice of shot or well, anything, really.”

Peter went to hit ‘Play’ on the laptop next to him, then paused.

“And uh, even though they’re not here, I’d like to thank my close friends and family for putting up with me while I shoved a camera in their faces for three months.”

That got a quiet chuckle, including from Ms. Steinberg. Peter smiled and pressed Play.

The film began.

 The film opens with a shot of Peter and Ned, sitting on Peter’s bedroom floor, with the beginnings of what will be their greatest Lego project of all time scattered around them. The audio is silent. The two boys exchange their secret handshake, before beginning to assemble the base of the structure.

Cut to Aunt May’s hands, arranging vegetables on the chopping board, then slowly and methodically beginning to chop them up. Her voice can be heard narrating,

“The instructor said that the key to this is not to raise the knife too high when chopping. It’s all about efficient, controlled movements… see how I’m keeping it even? I haven’t been going to cookery classes for very long, but you’d be surprised at how much technique goes into something like chopping vegetables – at least for professional chefs. For us amateurs, it’s not such a big deal… But still, I’m trying to make sure I have the basics mastered before I try anything more ambitious.”

Cut to Michelle, seated at her laptop and typing furiously. The camera zooms in on her screen. Peter’s voice reads, “‘The Fight to Preserve New York’s Public Libraries in the Digital Age’.”

“It’s just an outline,” Michelle says, sounding slightly embarrassed.

Cut to a pair of hands – Tony’s – de-soldering a component from the circuitboard of a Starkphone, wicking away the excess solder. “This right here is genius in the making.”

“It doesn’t look like much,” Peter’s voice replies, teasing.

In the next shot, Ned and Peter kneel on the floor of his bedroom with a sea of grid paper between them, on which are sketched the designs that will eventually become Ned’s entry into the National Under 18s Robotics Competition. Ned reaches forward and fans out a few of the sheets.

“This is my project for Robotics Lab – we have to build an independently mobile robot. Also, entries for the National Robotics Competition are open ‘til December, so if I get my shit together, I can enter.”

“Oh my god, you should!”

The film cuts to a time-lapse shot of Peter and Ned in the middle of Peter’s bedroom, gradually piecing together the Millennium Falcon.

Then May, sitting at the kitchen table, poring over a cookbook with a pencil in one hand, making notations in between the instructions. A series of print-outs sits by her elbow, with names of cooking techniques and clip-art diagrams.

The next shot is of MJ on a busy New York street, looking impatiently back at the camera before she disappears instead a shabby building. Cut to MJ and Meredith, sitting across from one another in Meredith’s cluttered office. The audio is just too soft to make out what they’re saying, but Meredith is holding forth with passion, gesturing, while MJ nods intently. She makes notes on her pad in shorthand without looking down, never breaking eye contact with Meredith.

Cut to Ned in the school Robotics lab after hours, goggles clamped over his eyes, oblivious to the camera and the empty lab growing darker around him. A single lamp illuminates his workspace as he peers into the half-constructed shell of his BB-8 droid, the distinctive rounded appearance already taking shape.

Back to MJ, on her laptop, typing up research in a fury of tapping keys and muttering under her breath.

Another time-lapse shot of Peter and Ned constructing the Millennium Falcon, weaving through the film’s narrative like a thread.

Then it’s back to Aunt May in the kitchen, trying out her Thai-inspired stir-fry for the first time. She drops the ingredients into the pan and shakes it a little as the oil starts to hiss and smoke. Unknowingly, she leaves the wooden spoon perilously close to the gas ring, and as she turns away to study the recipe, it immediately catches fire.

Peter shouts a warning, and May rushes to extinguish the flames; Peter scrambles to turn the camera off as he goes to help her.

Another close-up of Tony’s hands in the lab, as he holds a strange, glowing (possibly extraterrestrial) power source in a pair of tongs and lowers it down into the open chassis of a StarkPhone. For two seconds, nothing happens; then there is a loud sizzling sound, and what looks like bright blue lightning surges along the wires and circuits of the phone. With an abrupt crack and a curl of smoke, every single circuit shorts out.

Peter starts coughing behind the camera, as Tony waves his hand to dispel the smoke. “Mother-” The rest of the long string of expletives that follows is bleeped out.

Cut to Peter and Ned, sprawling on the floor of Ned’s bedroom as Ned demonstrates the controls for his droid. It trundles back and forth, swivels its head, and then with a noise like a jet engine powering up, slowly lifts off from the ground. Peter and Ned cheer in triumph, just a few moments before the droid’s engines abruptly cut out, and it goes crashing back to the floor with an ominous-sounding crack.

Then it’s Peter and MJ, shot from a distance through the frame of MJ’s bedroom doorway, as MJ sobs into her hands, the rejection letter discarded on her desk. Peter hovers, one hand extended uncertainly, before he rests it on her shoulder, a silent gesture of support.

The film lingers on this shot for a time, slowly fading to black.

In the next shot, Peter and May are cooking coconut laksa together in the kitchen, laughing as Peter whizzes around gathering ingredients and May tosses vegetables in the pan.

Cut to May, Peter, Pepper and Tony sitting down to an array of home-cooked dishes, all expertly prepared by May Parker. Everyone starts to serve themselves, and compliments to the chef fly freely, which May deflects, flustered but delighted.

Next, Peter and Ned sit on the floor of Ned’s bedroom as Ned demonstrates his completed, improved robot. The droid does a lap of the floor, turning its head from side to side as if watching a tennis match, before returning to the middle of the floor. This time when Ned presses down on the blue button, the droid lifts off with a slightly quieter whirring, and hovers a full foot above the ground before its creator guides it gently back down.

Peter whoops and reaches out to give Ned a high-five, pounding him on the back.

Close-up on the bench in Tony’s workshop, where a pair of hands (Tony’s, as usual) are pressing closed the case of a brand new StarkPhone.

“All right, now let’s see if this thing will turn on… Say your name.”

“My name? Uh, Peter Parker.”

The phone lights up, a blue light shining out from the screen as a Karen-like voice intones: ‘Welcome, Peter.’

“Oh my god!” Peter exclaims from behind the camera. “It worked!”

“Yup. It’s all yours, kid. Try not to break this one.”

Cut to Peter and Ned, reviewing their Decathlon cards together in the library as MJ whirls into view, slamming the newspaper with her byline down on the table in front of them. Peter and Ned lean forward together to peer at the text.

“Wait, is this-?”

“The Fight to Save New York’s Public Libraries – by Michelle Jones. Oh my god, they printed your article!”

“Yup. The first of many.”

Peter jumps up from his chair and spins MJ around in a circle, both of them laughing.

The film fades to a shot of Ned and Peter sitting either side of the Millennium Falcon, which is one brick away from being completed. Ned solemnly hands the last brick over to Peter, and does a drumroll on the floor as Peter presses the brick into place.

Peter picks up the Han Solo minifigure, and Ned picks up Luke Skywalker, and the two minifigs “fistbump” each other in midair above the completed Millennium Falcon.

Fade into Peter, Ned and MJ sitting at a table at IHOP, celebrating MJ’s first print byline. MJ is ribbing Peter mercilessly about the enormous plate of pancakes in front of him while Ned laughs.

Then Peter gets to his feet, raising his coffee, and proposes a toast: “To Michelle Jones – New York’s newest and greatest hotshot investigative reporter!”

“To MJ!” Ned cries and thrusts his hot chocolate into the air.

MJ shakes her head, but she’s laughing, and she raises her own cup to join them. “Watch out, world,” she says.

The three of them clink cups, and the film fades to black.

#fanfic #fic #Spideychelle #Spider-Man: Homecoming #Peter/MJ #Peter Parker #Michelle Jones #Ned Leeds #May Parker #Tony Stark #Pepper Potts #documentary film-making #Ned ships Spideychelle as much as we all do #Please excuse any research inaccuracies as I handwaved a lot of the details about college applications and robots #also I wanted to leave it open as to which college Peter winds up going to #but in my head he gets into a great film course at Columbia #while still doing tons of awesome science stuff with Tony and Bruce of course #and he and MJ go to Sundance together when the hard-hitting exposé they collaborated on is screened there

[amwritingmeta]

But if Cas becomes human now doesnt that mean being human is not his endgame? Cause happens at well the end? And we still have seasons left of the show since they said the show has "many years left" in fact doesnt the fact that we still have lots of years blow a hole in the jack helps tfw on their endgames spec since neither of them are getting their endgame anytime soon

Hello lovely Nonny!

For me, Cas’ endgame is making the final choice to become human: if that is through falling from grace, or through him choosing to stay human when offered the chance to strap on his wings again, doesn’t matter for his endgame. 

The reason I see it would be a beautiful, beautiful thing to have him back as a human early, for him to learn and grow as a human, so that he can make an educated decision when the time comes, based in what he wants for himself, rather than how it would most likely come off if he doesn’t get to find his human feet first - as though he’s doing it out of his love for Dean - is because then the choice is tied to his individual character arc. 

He’s always been on a journey all his own, one that is now closely linked to Dean, but one that Dean isn’t really a part of. Cas was brow-beating Heaven and it’s orders long before he ever met Dean Winchester. But the reason they’re now in a joint love story arc is that Dean came into Cas’ life and was the catalyst for real and permanent change. This is what the lovers do for one another, but enough of that now or I’ll digress completely. ;)

They did say that the show has many years left. And, hell, they might. They could probably spin this final leg they’re setting up and make it run a fucking mile - they’re that good at what they do. I’m going to take their words with a pinch of salt. I’m sure now that S13 won’t be the last season - I WAS WRONG (thank god I didn’t offer to eat my shoe for that one) - but I’ve also always said that I can see them going for episode 300 or possibly even a full S14 so I’m not counting my chickens just yet. 

The character growth that they’ve been moving toward for twelve years PEAKED in year twelve. And, yes, admittedly they could SURELY go for another twelve years with these characters evolved into new dynamics - lapsed brodependency meaning Sam is heading the MoL and Dean is out hunting with Cas, his husband. Calling in with updates, Sam sharing research over the phone. Dean and Cas sleeping in shitty motels, driving, bickering, laughing, kissing, being BAMF oh my God I hope they go on for ten more years at least!!

Ok so I don’t think this will happen. They’re changing the tone of the show for a reason. They’re doing callbacks for a reason. They’re tying the narrative back to the beginning for a reason, reminding us of where it all began for a reason. That’s what I take from the narrative. 

The ending of the brodependency - which has been the fantastic and emotional hinge on which this show has swung open-and-shut for over a decade is beginning to come to a real end. I’m sure the brothers will still be working through it in S13, but Sam is a leader now, and Dean has let him go, so they won’t relapse. There’s no way in hell.

DESTIEL IS FUCKING EVERYWHERE AT THE MOMENT. It was riddled through that AMAZING FUCKING FUCK ASDFGHJKLASDGGJASHDGJASH 

*deep breath*

that STUNNING recap of S12 where they kept cutting between Dean and Cas and then ENDED it on them. On how nothing else matters. Oh, Destiel is coming our way. And once they are undeniably in love (they already are but for the sake of the GA let’s pretend) and this love story peaks as well, then the core dramatic conflicts of the narrative have been resolved. Telling a story forever is well and good, but telling the greatest story ever told indefinitely is impossible. I think they want to close on a high, and I believe they’ve got that high well in their sights. BUT I COULD BE WRONG.

(I don’t think I’m wrong)

And I don’t believe I ever once said that Jack is key to endgame. Jack is the bringer of Balance between Heaven and Hell and Earth: that does not mean that his storyline closes the book entirely. I have always felt in my soul that Jack is key to TFW COMING TOGETHER, though, which will push the three of them towards their individual endgames, for sure. And hell, if it doesn’t look like that’s pretty much right on the money! (colour me HAPPY AF)

I’m with @tinkdw who says that the BMoL should be the last Big Bad AFTER balance is restored and the gates of Heaven and Hell are closed - IF that is the purpose of Jack. 

I do know that this spec COULD be wrong, that Jack might be a plot device to bring balance to TFW rather than EVERYTHING, that Heaven might choose a leader and Hell might get their Queen (Rowena) and balance might be found this way, I mean, fuck me, I don’t KNOW FOR SURE. I’m just pulling on threads, weaving away. A fair amount of my weaving is reflected in these spoilers though, so there’s some gratification in that. :) But as I wrote about a while back: a good narrative ALWAYS has twists and turns to it, and all I can hope for is that the twisty turns don’t appear right on one of the threads I’m pulling.

As for the BMoL as the final threat: the world in balance will still need to look after itself: the supernatural will always kill and hunters will always hunt. The BMoL is a threat to the HUNTER COMMUNITY ITSELF and to the balance of the supernatural world vs the human world: TFW having learned their lessons will be perfectly poised to STOP the BMoL overturning this balance.

I also suspect they may be priming Jack for a recurring role on Wayward Sisters… But I could be wrong. He’s just the right age for that set of characters so I got to thinking… Anyway, I doubt Jack’s endgame is to sit on a throne in Heaven. So leaders for both Heaven and Hell (if not already chosen) will need to be chosen. I feel a war coming on…

That’s all I’ve got on offer. I hope this clarified your questions, or at least gave you my view on them. Which I guess is what you wanted. You know, since you asked. ;)