#and yet there's maybe 3-4 of you that actually pay attention to me

[queerfables]

Why all the crowd scenes look the same, aka: Something is WRONG in Soho

I'm not even gonna tease and draw this out because it's so cool it doesn't need the fanfare. Ready?

Season 2 takes place over the course of 5 days. During that time, most of the passersby in Soho - maybe even all of them - stay exactly the same. It's the same people every day, wearing the exact same clothes, and they wander through the neighbourhood in paths that don't make any sense. You won't be able to unsee it. I can't believe it's taken us this long to realise.

Don't believe me? Rewatch the scene from 2x03, I Know Where I'm Going where Shax confronts Crowley outside the bookshop, appearing in a series of different guises. Pay attention to the people going past.

I've marked out five people you see on screen when Crowley first exits the bookshop at 39:37:

Numbers 1, 2 and 3 are following the path right. Number 4 follows the path left. Number 5 crosses the road.

Here the five people are again, at 40:19, when Crowley goes to return to the bookshop:

Number 5 is still visible in the distance, in the direction she walked in. This makes sense! But numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 are rounding the same corner they just passed. It's as though 1, 2 and 3 all decided to turn and head back the way they came just 40 seconds ago, and number 4 has circled the block to join them.

This on its own would be super weird, but they're not the only people to do that in this scene. The man in the purple sweater from the first picture crosses the road, then appears back next to the bookshop, then starts walking back the way he came again.

Here's the part that made me absolutely certain, though. At 40:05, a man wearing an orange hoodie with blue sleeves walks past Crowley, who is heading towards the bookshop entrance.

The camera cuts to a view from behind Crowley, and a moment later, at 40:08...

He reappears in front of Crowley and walks past him again.

It's such a distinctive outfit, there's no mistaking it. They are absolutely fucking with the background characters and they are absolutely doing it on purpose.

Your turn. There are at least three other characters in this scene who pass by multiple times. Watch it again and try to spot them.

This scene is really chaotic and obvious, but the phenomena I'm talking about is much bigger than just one scene. Let's go back to the first thing I said: the background characters don't change. All our leads do. Maggie and Nina wear distinctive outfits, clearly demarcating each new day. Even Crowley and Aziraphale, who in season 1 were like cartoon characters with wardrobes full of identical clothing, vary their looks. Crowley changes his (very subtly) each day; Aziraphale is less rigid on timing, but he has a few different coats that he switches between. The background characters, on the other hand, wear the same outfits every single day. They walk by on the street but they never actually seem to have a destination. They sit in the coffee shop or pub and don't eat or drink anything, and nearly everyone leaves together exactly on closing time. It's eerie.

For reference's sake, here's a rough timeline of season 2, with pictures of Maggie and Nina's outfits to show the passing of time. I had to outsource this section because my post was too image heavy, lol. The main point I wanted to make is that five days go by.

Five days, and all the same faces keep showing up in the background, and almost none of them change their clothes. I'm not entirely sure what it means, but there's no way it's an accident. It might, in fact, be a game changer. To me this is proof positive that something is not as it seems. I've been a massive Clue skeptic, adamant that I'd only be convinced by the most unambiguous evidence, and honestly? This is enough to move the dials. It's too big for me to ignore. Whatever grand explanation of Good Omens we come up with has to account for this. I don't have it yet, but my current working theories are that Crowley and Aziraphale are under some seriously heavy surveillance, that time warping is involved, or that reality itself is not what it seems.

It would take a really long time for me to go through all of the background characters who turn up over and over but I do want to show you what I'm talking about. To wrap up, then, I'm going to pick out some memorable characters and walk you through a few of their appearances through the week. I highly recommend looking out for this yourself on your next rewatch and seeing how many other characters you can recognise.

Yellow Skirt

The first person I kept coming back to as being not quite right. You probably remember her from the first episode - she's the one who waves and walks past Maggie and Nina the night they're locked in together. Incidentally, she's also Person Number 3 in the scene with Shax.

Day 1 (2x01 - 36:20):

Day 2 (2x02 - 42:03)

Day 3 (2x03 - 06:36)

Day 5 (2x06 - 30:00)

Coolest Leather Jacket In The World

It's not so easy to recognise people wearing lots of nondescript dark colours, but I love his hair and his jacket, so he stood out to me. I think there might be a lot more people who are wearing fairly nondescript clothes who I just can't recognise from episode to episode.

Day 2 (2x02 - 16:44)

Day 4 (2x04 - 41:20)

Day 5 (2x06 - 29:20)

Dressed In Mustard

Ms Mustard shows up everywhere. If you want to see what I mean about their paths not making sense, pay attention when she comes on screen, because she'll often show up a few times in succession and walk very purposefully to nowhere in particular. The thing that she is doing, essentially, is behaving like an extra in a tv show. Which of course she is, but you're supposed to make that invisible by not having the same person go back and forth in the same scene, or changing up their outfit each in-universe day to give the sense time is passing. Not doing that is a really deliberate choice.

Day 1 (2x01 - 22:37)

Day 2 (2x02 - 42:03)

Day 3 (2x03 - 01:49)

Day 3 (2x03 - 37:07)

Day 5 (2x06 - 29:59)

Swishy Dress

This character shows up a lot in the first episode. I've struggled to find her in later episodes, though. None of the characters seem to follow the same patterns or show up to equal extents each day, which makes me think this isn't a straightforward time loop. I haven't actually cross referenced character appearances to in world times, though. Possibly this is a project for someone who's more across the time-related shenanigans than me.

Day 1 (2x01 - 22:43)

Day 3 (2x03 - 07:01)

Yellow Vest

I've only seen this guy a handful of times, always around the French restaurant. I wonder if there's significance to that.

Day 2 (2x02 - 41:06)

Day 4 (2x05 - 12:49)

Fuzzy Blue Coat

Another background character who shows up frequently. The blue doesn't stand out quite as much as the yellows and reds some characters wear, but it's very distinctive.

While we're getting a lot of shots of the street, it's worth noting that I'm pretty sure the vehicles we see are also just the same few cars repeating each day. A lot of them are in neutral silvers and monochrome, but there's a couple of blue cars, one red, and one black and white that I'm fairly sure I've seen over and over through the season.

Day 1 (2x01 - 22:45)

Day 2 (2x02 - 42:04)

Day 3 (2x03 - 02:00)

Day 5 (2x06 - 40:10)

Day 5 (2x06 - 48:56)

Day 5 (2x06 - 50:06)

One final note: Whatever this is, Nina's employee who you see in the background at the coffeeshop sometimes isn't affected by it. He's wearing different outfits each day. On the other hand, some of the other shopkeepers do seem affected. I'm fairly sure Mr Brown and Mrs Sandwich wear the same outfits a few different days, only changing because of Aziraphale at the ball.

And that's it! Thanks for reading and I hope your mind is blown as much as mine is.

EDIT:

Hey I don't mind anyone pointing out production reasons that this might be the case or disagreeing with my analysis (over-analysis, some might say 😉). Please be kind about it, though. I'm not ignorant of the practical limitations involved in film making, but some of these costumes were really distinctive in a way I thought might be intended to draw attention.

For those of you who do find this theory convincing, I feel I should mention that I was working under the assumption that this stuff would have taken a few days to film, even filming it all together. That would strongly suggest that the actors were deliberately costumed the exact same way over multiple days of shooting, which made me think it had to be purposeful. @coranax was kind enough to point out, though, that behind the scenes videos said the extras were filmed separately to the main actors because of Covid protocols. In that case, they could have done it in just one day and that weakens my confidence in its intentionality.

Finally, all of my points about the scene with Shax in 2x03 stand. That was not a case of accidental continuity errors, it was really elegantly choreographed to enhance the tension in the scene. I say that with confidence because the extras are doing exactly what Shax is doing: circling Crowley, appearing where he doesn't expect them, creating a whirlwind sense of being off balance and out of control. I think it's really cool and effective, whether there's a deeper meaning to it or not.

#good omens #good omens meta #fable talks good omens

[thesewordsareallihavetogive]

Cold Nights to Sunday Mornings - bradley "rooster" bradshaw x reader

Summary: 2.1k words. loosely inspired by "Hold My Girl" by George Ezra. (idk what to put for the summary but! pls trust that it's worth your time bc i'm proud of this :) )

Warnings: lots of angst & fluff to redeem the angst

a/n: the fall semester just started & i've been really busy so i'm just as shocked as you are that i'm actually posting a fic. enjoy & please let me know what you think <3

master list | join my tag list

“Baby, we have to get up,” she pleaded. Bradley ignored her request and wrapped his arms around her midsection tighter.

A soft displeased hum left her lips—though it was mostly in jest. She could never be anything but content in Bradley’s arms. The sound only had the aviator nuzzling his head further against her neck, peppering light kisses across the exposed skin.

---

Before y/n, Bradley never slept in. Rooster was his call sign for a reason. For better or for worse, he had a habit of being up before the sun and the rest of the sane world. 

Sleeping in meant that he was only prolonging the amount of time he spent in bed alone. The barrack beds were uncomfortable and cold. When he’d been promoted and was able to arrange for housing off-base he ran into the same issue. A thousand dollars and a new mattress later, the comfort issue was fixed. He might as well have been sleeping on a damn cloud. But his bed was still cold. And lonely.

Without an alarm clock he rose every morning no later than 5:30 a.m.. Maybe it was because of all his years in the military. Maybe it was the broken teenager inside of him that was always running—from his past, to his future, to find someplace somewhere that he could rest easy—and damn, was that exhausting. Everyone he loved and counted on died suddenly, or abandoned him, or died slowly.

As he got older, he found a little bit of peace. Bradley worked his ass off and earned his successful career. He reconnected with his estranged Godfather. He was reassigned to the same base he spent most of his early childhood at.

He slept better after that. In his mid-thirties, it was about damn time that he was able to relax a bit. Yet still, no amount of blankets warmed up the everpresent unwelcome chill.

---

One morning he had a particularly unpleasant wake-up. At just after 4 in the morning, Bradley woke up drenched in sweat. The nightmares weren’t frequent, but they weren’t uncommon. It came with the territory of being directly involved in combat. He couldn’t go back to sleep–he never could–so he got up. He cleaned his entire house. He watched a movie that he wasn’t paying attention to. He went for a run. He didn’t bother counting the miles, he just ran until he felt better; even though he never really did. When he was done showering, it was finally a socially acceptable hour to call someone.

Bradley’s thumb hovered over Pete’s phone number. Before he could talk himself out of it, he pressed harder than necessary on the screen and winced as the phone rang. After 3 rings Bradley’s tense shoulders deflated. Just before the call went to voicemail, it was picked up with haste. Shuffling could be heard on the other end of the line.

“Hi sweetie!” That’s not Maverick.

“Hey Penny…” he trailed off awkwardly. He was hardly prepared to have a conversation with his godfather, much less his godfather’s girlfriend.

“Mav is out in the hangar right now working on his plane,” Penny explained with a sarcastic air of ‘what else is new?’. There was more shuffling as Penny moved to hold the phone between her shoulder and ear. She had a splatter or two of pancake batter on her manicured hands. Pete would just have to suck it up when he saw the evidence on his phone later.

“I’m making breakfast right now, would you like to come over? I’ll make up a plate for you, hun,” Penny offered sweetly. She was so caught up in putting together her Sunday breakfast feast that she hardly realized she never asked Bradley why he called.

The younger man paused for a moment. He didn’t want to impose, but he really didn’t want to be alone right now.

Pete met Bradley at the front door with a fond smile. Bradley tried his best to return the smile but he wasn’t successful. His lips just looked like they were twisted in pain and there wasn’t much light in his eyes. Maverick’s brow furrowed. He wouldn’t push until the kid was ready to open up, and he had a feeling that wouldn’t be until after he had a plate full of Penny’s famous pancakes.

Amelia all but inhaled her breakfast before she twirled around the house like a mini tornado, grabbing her bag and keys and shouting ‘ThanksforbreakfastI’mgoingtothebeachwithsomefriendsloveyoubye!’ as the door slammed shut behind her. Maverick’s eyebrows raised and Penny just shook her head with a smile.

The older woman subtly watched Bradley clear his plate. She waited until he swallowed his last bite of food and washed it down with orange juice before she rested her soft hand over his white knuckle clenched fist on the table.

“What’s going on, Bradley?” she asked gently. She was careful–like he was a scared animal that might bolt in an instant. Pete leaned in, making sure he was within his godson’s line of sight too. Bradley couldn’t meet either of their eyes. He cleared his throat and was quiet for a moment.

He told them about the nightmare. About the cold sweat, and the cold sheets, and the cold bed, and the cold empty house. Mav’s heart broke. He was trying his best to do right by Goose; he’d just barely managed to repair his relationship with his godson, but he supposed there was only so much he could protect the younger aviator from.

Pete reached across to rest an arm on Bradley’s shoulder. He tensed then relaxed, but didn’t shake off Mav’s hand. Maybe that was a good sign. Penny’s gaze was sympathetic. Bradley rarely opened up to anyone, but he knew Penny was the person to go to when pity would make him nauseous.

“It might be helpful to get some company,” the older, wiser woman suggested and squeezed Bradley’s hand. His fist unclenched a bit. Pete had been mostly silent up until this point. He wasn’t good with emotions, that much was obvious to anyone who’d spent more than half an hour outside of work with the man.

“Company other than one night stands and the stray cats you swear you don’t feed,” Pete remarked. Rooster chuckled. It was the first genuinely positive reaction they’d seen from him this morning. The cats are lovely company, thank you very much, Bradley thought.

---

Bradley tried to get his shit together. He was mostly successful. He officially took in one of the stray cats. He brought him to the vet and made sure his vaccines were up to date and got the poor cat neutered. A cat tree tower took residence next to the backdoor Bradley left cat food out by.

He even tried his hand at gardening. He started a small vegetable garden and did a bit of landscaping. Two months ago he didn’t know which perennials were best suited for California weather, much less how to take care of them. Now he’d installed a carefully timed automatic sprinkler system and even built a tarp over part of the earthy plot to prevent too much sun exposure for some of the more delicate plants.

You have to love yourself before you can love someone else.

Bradley was convinced that phrase was absolute bullshit. Plenty of people were in happy relationships and still went through bouts of being miserable with themselves. Penny tsked Bradley’s pessimism at her bar top. She’d unofficially taken on the role of being his intermittent therapist.

“Bull shit or not, you need to work out some of your own issues before you start dating around,” she said pointedly. She was being pulled in the opposite direction by another bartender that needed her help when she shouted back to Bradley, “Don’t you dare download Tinder, mister!” The exclamation was far too loud for Bradley’s taste, especially when several heads suddenly whipped around to focus on him.

So work out his issues he did. 

He stopped throwing himself into work and ruthless workouts simply for the sake of avoiding his thoughts and being alone. He tried out sitting in silence with his thoughts in his lonely house. He hated it. But he got better at it over time. Goose the cat climbing across his lap and snuggling against his thigh made things better.

Companionship. Mav and Penny were right. He needed someone outside of work. Someone whose life didn’t center around the Navy or planes or beer.

---

y/n wasn’t who he ever imagined ending up with. She didn’t particularly care for the U.S. military-industrial complex. She wasn’t a beer girl and she wasn’t very good at driving. She was afraid of heights so she preferred not to fly when she traveled. Whenever she could drive instead of take a flight, she would—even though she’s admittedly a bad driver.

y/n loved Bradley’s cat. She was a cat and a dog person. She was also a bearded dragon person—something that Bradley did not expect to learn about anyone over the age of 20. Her eyes were filled with wonder when she first laid eyes on his thriving vegetable garden.

y/n was very outdoorsy. She loved nature and the beach, she dragged Bradley out of his cold house more times than he could count. The more time y/n spent at his house, the less cold it felt. She brought Bradley on hikes—he had no idea how many trails and reserves were within driving distance. Bradley always drove.

Their green thumbs linked well together. y/n introduced several cat-safe plants to the interior of Bradley’s home. Every once in a blue moon, the couple would spend time at y/n’s apartment. Her roommate was even less of a fan of the military-industrial complex and it showed. One morning Bradley woke up before y/n so he headed to her kitchen to make them breakfast. Her roommate, Allie, woke up early as well. A not-so-casual conversation ensued (read: scrutinizing questions) about Bradley being ‘“Property of Uncle Sam” over the sound of scrambled eggs sizzling. After that, Bradley suggested they spend more time at his house. It was roomier, he reasoned. y/n snorted. “You just don’t want Allie talking at you at the butt crack of dawn,” y/n corrected. Bradley nodded with tight lips.

Mav and Penny enthusiastically offered to help move y/n into Bradley’s home after the spunky y/h/c accepted his offer with a massive grin and a PG-13 kiss.

Now that Bradley woke up with y/n in his arms every morning, he wasn’t really eager to hop out of bed anymore. He was pretty sure the last time he habitually woke up later than 9 in the morning on weekends was when he was in high school.

---

y/n huffed and leaned back into Bradley’s warm embrace. The man was practically a space heater in bed, but he was her space heater.

She twisted around in his arms with a grin so that they were chest to chest. Bradley’s legs tensed when y/n’s cold feet assaulted his skin.

“We need to go feed Goose,” y/n reasoned, even though she knew full well that Bradley couldn’t be reasoned with when he was comfortable in bed. Comfortable and bed were two words that weren’t associated with each other for quite a long time for Bradley.

“He can starve for a bit,” he mumbled without opening his eyes. y/n gasped and swatted his arm. The corner of his lip twitched into a grin as he leaned forward to blindly press a kiss to y/n’s face. 

“You have morning breath, Brad,” she wrinkled her nose. He squinted one eye open and stuck his tongue out at y/n. She rolled her eyes but she too snuggled further into his warm embrace. 20 minutes or so passed by. y/n was falling in and out of almost asleep, and she was ready to get the day going.

She squirmed in Bradley’s arms again.

“Bradleyyy,” she groaned, feeling antsy. The aviator shook his head with a smile. For the first time all morning, he cracked his eyes open. The light streaming through the window highlighted the flecks of gold in his beautiful big brown eyes and y/n forgot what she was going to say.

“Shhh, five more minutes” he hushed softly and pressed a kiss to y/n’s nose, a content smile on his face.

“Give me a minute to hold my girl.”

to get notified about new fics, follow @thesewordsxupdates & turn on post notifications :)

#rooster x reader #bradley bradshaw x reader #bradley rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw imagine #rooster imagine

[sooniebby]

IMMA SEND ANOTHER REQUEST BC I MISS OUR BOY CHOI💕 OUR FAVORITE PERV

Maybe we get like hit or something during gym class bc we are clumsy as fuck and we get sent to the nurses office and Choi was chosen to take us there and something happens? Can be horny as fuck or just sweet I’ll eat that shit like it’s my dinner either way<3 whatever you prefer Sonnie!

Thank you 😩🫶 for the Ushijima Drabble is was scrumptious 🤤

ఌ 𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐃

꧁ 𝙊𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙭 𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 ꧂

(Canon reading order)

Yubin works: 1, 2, 3, 4

Word count › 1.6k

Rating › NSFT

Warnings › Yubin is a proud dog hater

Kinks › feminization, fondling, mentions of free use

╭┈─────── ೄྀ࿐ ˊˎ-

╰┈─➤ ＢＥＧＩＮＮＩＮＧ

“How’s your head?”

(Name) wasn’t sure how to answer. It didn’t hurt. He was used to getting hit in the head by a dodgeball so he’s been taking them like they’re nothing. No, it wasn’t the slight headache he had that was bothering him.

It was Yubin playing with his chest.

The dumb idiot was just standing there and fiddling with his chest. And it wasn’t even through his shirt.

No, Yubin had to touch (Name)’s skin.

Something about skinship or whatever bullshit he spouted when he pulled up (Name)’s shirt as soon as they got into the nurses office.

Good thing the nurse wasn’t here yet.

She must’ve been a lunch break.

Yubin didn’t even seem to be perverted though. In his weird way, he was comforting (Name) by massaging his chest. And (Name) would be thankful for that if he asked for it.

But it wasn’t like he stopped him.

“My head is fine. The nurse could be coming back any second…” (Name) reached over to grab Yubin’s arm but Yubin swiftly moved it away.

“She shouldn’t be. I saw her talking to Mister Park. She’ll be gone for a minute.”

“Why?”

“Cause she wants to fuck him,” Yubin said nonchalantly, paying way more attention to fondling (Name) than what he was actually saying.

“Your boobs have gotten bigger…”

“It’s my pectorals.”

Yubin looked at (Name) with a blank stare before turning his attention back to (Name)’s chest. “It’s like your boobs don’t fit in my hands…”

(Name) rolled his eyes. No purpose in trying to correct him.

“But really,” Yubin suddenly said, looking at (Name) with a look of worry. “You aren’t hurting, right? Because I can go get the Nurse to come now and treat you.”

(Name) blushed. Despite Yubin still fondling his chest, he really did look slightly worried about his condition. Which was for good reason. Any other person would’ve been knocked out at that the throw that hit him.

Honestly, (Name) should be knocked out. He’s just a bit… well there’s nothing too important in his head to get hurt.

Mentally at least.

“I’m fine…. You, uh, being here with me is nice.” (Name) whispered. Most people wouldn’t want to come with him to the nurse. It was a daily occurrence for him to go to the nurses office that it got annoying for the other students.

A few even believed that he was doing it on purpose for attention.

Yubin squeezed (Name)’s chest tightly, earning a squeak from the boy, as he grinned. “Really?! I’ll come anytime you have to go to the nurse, alright?”

“Hm, thanks… but uh…” (Name) glanced down at Yubin’s hands that were squishing his chest. “Are you going to let go?”

“No.”

“Please.”

“No.”

“Yubin…”

(Name) tried to put on his best puppy dog face but that only got a tug at his nipple. He cursed at how his body trembled at the pull. It was pure luck that he didn’t just moan right then and there.

“Do you really want me to let go?” Yubin asked, staring straight at (Name). He watched his every move—waiting for any sign for discomfort. (Name) simply blushed and looked away in embarrassment.

Yubin laughed. “You’re so cute… I’m so lucky you’re mine.” He pulled his hands away from (Name)’s chest. (Name) wouldn’t lie that he almost whimpered at the lost. Sure, in the moment he wanted it to stop but when he actually did…

“Oh, (Name) Hyung, I have a gift for you.” He reached into his jacket’s pocket and pulled something out. (Name) tilted his head in confusion as Yubin placed the item in his hands.

(Name) stared at the new item in his hands in pure shock.

No fucking way.

Yubin smirked. “It’s a collar. What do you think?”

(Name) looked up. “What the hell, Yubin?! Where did you get this?!”

“Amazon.”

“Oh…”

“Don’t worry. You’ll only have to wear at my place or around me. Not at school. I just wanted to make sure it fits you.” Yubin said, grabbing the collar.

The choker was a simple black one. But the most outlandish thing on it was the bell on it. It looked like a cat collar. Yubin looked all too eager to put the collar on (Name).

“Have I ever told you cats are my favorite animals? Much better than those stinky dogs.”

“I don’t mind dogs… They’re pretty cute. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who hated them…” (Name) muttered.

“A dog murdered my cat. I think I can hate dogs.” Yubin said, a forced smile on lips. It seemed he still had some issues with that.

Which isn’t too surprising.

“Oh well. My mom killed the dog after it killed Mister Tofu so everything is well. I have Yuna now! She’s going to be one in two weeks!!” He giggled.

(Name) simply hummed. Yubin could certainly be off sometimes.

“Look at me,” Yubin said, grasping (Name)’s chin to turn his head towards him. He smiled at his boyfriend before moving to place the collar around (Name)’s neck.

“How does it feel, baby?”

(Name) hummed, moving his head around as he tried to breathe with the collar. He couldn’t breathe too well. It was visibly painful.

Yubin seemed to notice this as he quickly took it off. He frowned to himself. “I’m so sorry. I must’ve ordered it too small…” he looked so angry at himself as he reached over to gently rub (Name)’s neck.

“It’s fine.. you can just order a bigger size.”

“Really?”

(Name) rolled his eyes. “You were going to do it anyway without my permission.”

“I was. But it’s nice to hear you encourage it.” Yubin threw the collar into the trash. “You should get a reward.”

“Like what?”

Yubin hummed thoughtfully before placing his hand back on (Name)’s chest. He slowly trailed his hand downward. His fingers traced small circles around (Name)’s stomach, earning shuddered breaths, as he stopped at (Name)’s gym shorts.

(Name) looked up at Yubin. Yubin raised an eyebrow, tilting his head.

“We have three minutes before gym class ends…” Yubin tugged at (Name)’s gym shorts. “Think you can cum in three minutes…—”

“—Noona…?”

ꕥ

“Look at you… I can’t get enough of your dick.. it’s so small compared to the rest of you,” Yubin laughs cruelly as he jerked (Name) off.

(Name) mewled in embarrassment as he covered his face. He was laying down on the nurse bed as Yubin jerked him off. Those three minutes didn’t seem to be needed as (Name) felt like he could cum right now.

Yubin was fast, keeping a quick pace with his hand job. He was mainly silent—just watching (Name) the entire time. But it only made (Name) more embarrassed.

To have Yubin just stare at him as he lost control of his body. But it also brought out something in him. It was hot to have Yubin in total control as (Name) let go.

What was this feeling called?

He didn’t know. He couldn’t even think straight.

“Once I get the right size for your collar… I should get you a nice little maid costume.” Yubin whispered into his ear. “I’ll have you clean my room, wearing the skimpiest maid outfit I can find.”

(Name) shook his head. “No…”

“No? Why not? Hate the thought of cleaning? Don’t worry baby…” Yubin pressed a kiss on (Name)’s sweating forehead. “I’ll reward you with my thick cock after your hard work.”

“Matter of fact, I’ll fuck you while you clean. Use you like the true little helper you are… oh, why should you even have clothes? Think about it—it’ll just get dirty.”

“Wha… ngh! Do you… mean?” (Name) gasped out.

“I’ll have you wear the collar with no clothes. The bell jingling with your every move. It’ll be easy access for me to reach your pussy… don’t you think?”

“No…”

“Don’t lie to me, (Name). I know you would want that, my little house wife.”

(Name) blushed at the title and looked away. If only he hadn’t give into it last time. There was no way for him to lie his way out of it. He enjoyed it. He enjoyed the weird play that Yubin was into it.

He wanted it.

He liked being called feminine terms. But he was scared. He didn’t want to be a woman.

Yubin seemed to sense this dilemma as he slowed down his hand job. “What’s wrong, baby? Too much?”

“No… it’s nothing…”

“You can talk to me, I won’t be angry if you didn’t like what I said.”

(Name) looked over at Yubin, face flushed with sweat. “Later.. we can talk later.. lemme cum, please.”

Yubin hummed. “Alright, Hyung.” He leaned down and pulled (Name) into a kiss as he jerked him off into his orgasm. (Name) gripped the bed sheets beneath him as he arched his back in pleasure.

His cock squirted out cum onto his stomach as Yubin continued to jerk him off through his orgasm. He didn’t stop until (Name) whined about being overstimulated.

Yubin moved down to lick the cum off (Name)’s stomach, staring up at him the entire time. (Name) felt his cock twitch at the sight.

Fuck.

He was hard again.

“Yubin… no fair..”

“Too much?” Yubin laughed. “C’mon, gym should be over.”

Just as (Name) pulled up his pants—the door to the infirmary opened. In shock, Yubin dropped to the ground to hide. Good thing the bed was covering him.

The nurse, Nurse Han, looked at (Name) in confusion. She glanced at her phone before shaking her head.

“Again? Really, you need to stop playing sports at this point. I’ll go get an ice pack.” She said, walking away.

Once she was gone, Yubin stood up.

“Why did you hide?”

“I panicked.”

(Name) wasn’t sure how the more dominant Yubin was the same as the boy in front of him right now.

Did he have an alter ego in him or something?

“Anyway, you’re coming to my house tonight, alright?”

(Name) frowned. Shit, he forgot all about the little talk he said he’d do later.

He was so screwed.

╭┈─────── ೄྀ࿐ ˊˎ-

╰┈─➤ ＥＮＤ

Hyung: title for older male friends or brothers from younger boys

Noona: title for older female friends or sisters from younger boys

This request was combined with @jaythes1mp ‘s.. they requested Yubin making reader wear a collar!

This was fun. It was cool to dig deeper into Yubin besides him being a perv. I wanted him to have more character!!! (also sorry dog lovers—he’s a proud hater 😞)

Tag List: @nakedtoasterr @the-ultimate-librarian @mello-life69 @kiiyoooo @chill-guy-but-cooler

(Ask to be added to the tag list/you’ll be tagged in every fic I post)

#bottom male reader #x male reader #oc x reader #sub male reader

[dewdropdinosaur]

Falling for You

VOX x READER

Summary: You are Vox's assistant and maybe tripping isn't so bad in the work place.

Warnings: None. Just Vox being egotistical(I tried to keep it canon but I am sorry if it's not exactly) and lots of pining.

Keep in mind that REQUESTS are OPEN!!

Vox stepped out of a black limo and stood up, revealing his seven foot figure as a crowd of demons rushed over to either take pictures, ask questions, or get an autograph…which he had completely ignored all their attempts to try with a disgusted look on his face. Stepping out of the limo along with him, clutching your pen-pad you strode beside him as he walked into the large VoxTech building. 

You knew he had secretly enjoyed the attention he was getting very much from the crowd. It made him feel powerful. You swore you could have seen him flash a light blue toothy grin at times.

“Sir, Zestial, your 3 o’clock is waiting in the 10th floor lounge to discuss recent sales and advertisements on 666. And your 4 o’clock canceled so your 6 pm is now moved to that slot. Valentino wants you to visit his studio apparently he is pissed and oh Velvette is having none of it—”

“Relax darling, I’ve got it handled.” Vox smirked down at you, cupping your chin in his hand in dominance. You breathe out a heavy sigh once he removes his hand, hiding a small blush that graces your cheeks hoping he didn’t notice. He does though, always has. The way your eyes light up when you look at him, the small tint of color that reaches your nose when he compliments you, he sees it all. And he loves it. 

Entering the elevator, you press the button for the 10th floor; relaxing as the metal doors close shut and you are away from the loud crowd. It continued like this for the rest of the day. Meetings, interviews, coffee break(that was more like a coffee second than the actual 30 minute lunch session), writing reports, adding to Vox’s calendar, writing more reports, making sure Valentino doesn’t blow up another employee…and so on and so forth. 15 hour days were now your specialty after working with Vox for so many years and yet some days still drug on longer than one would have appreciated. 

Sitting at your desk outside Vox’s office, the small light of the lamp illuminated the darkened area. You rub your eyes in exhaustion, peeking at the monitor to see it read ‘1:26 AM’. Deciding that five hours of sleep was better than none, you switch off your monitor and stack your paper reports neatly on your desk for later that day. Flicking off the lamp, you knock softly on Vox’s office door and allow yourself in. 

“Sir, I just finished up. I’ll see you at 7 AM.”

“Mhmm, another late night?”

“Could say the same for yourself boss.”

“Y/N, it’s past work hours. You know how I hate paying your overtime.” 

“And yet, without fail, I see that nifty little add on each week.”

“Well, you are one of the few competent assholes in this place”

“Was that a compliment sir?” 

“Don’t push your luck darling.”

Vox turns his chair around to face you, a large cup of coffee steaming in his hand as he sips it with a smirk. Crossing your arms with the chuckle, you liked this banter. You and Vox had always had a good working relationship, sassing each other back and forth while still toeing the line between professionalism and flirting. Taking a step forward, you stop right in front of his desk.

“You know me Vox, I am always pushing the envelope. So, was it a compliment?”

“Ah yes, always so pushy. Really shouldn’t be a quality you brag about.”

“But it’s why you like me~. The pushing, always getting what I want to know.”

“I will neither confirm nor deny the fact that you may have more tact than most in this shithole.” 

Biting back a laugh at his playful attempt at professional language ruined by the vulgarity, you place a hip on the desk; sitting casually. The large aquarium was a nice backdrop and you could see why Vox spent a lot of time here. Other than working himself to the bone to maintain his image/the company or hunting down the Radio Demon on any available CV camera, looking into the aquarium was a nice activity you assumed he might partake in. 

“Something on your mind Y/N?” 

Snapping your head back to his and reality, you offer a sheepish smile and a shake of your head. 

“No, no. Just admiring the aquarium.”

“It is pretty nice, I built it myself. Should have seen it, it didn't take more than a week.”

“Truly humble boss, truly humble.” 

“Now is that any way to speak to your employer?”

“My apologies. I didn't realize stroking your ego was in my job responsibilities.” 

Standing up from the desk, you accidentally catch your foot on the wires underneath. Bracing for the impact, it doesn’t come. Instead, you are caught as a small yelp leaves your mouth. Looking up, Vox has caught you with one hand; holding you in a dip. The world freezes for a few seconds as you take a moment to look at his face, the feeling of his hands on your hips, it all felt…right for some reason. 

Clearing his throat, Vox pulls you up and removes his hand. You could have sworn you saw a small flush on his screened face before he spoke. 

“Tch, women. Always falling for me.”

“Again…really humble boss.”

Heat still crept onto your cheeks as you long for the feeling of his hands on your waist, how warm they felt, how safe it made you feel. Adjusting your blouse, you excuse yourself and walk home; mind running with all the possibilities and recounting every second of the encounter. 

Little did you know, Vox was doing the very same. Replaying the event on his monitors, reviewing every second and every flush of your skin. The way your eyes widened and looked up at him with such hope, it made his circuits buzz a little. He wouldn’t deny it, he had always found you attractive. Definitely helped in meetings with other Overlords to have a pretty face moderating. But he would be wrong to say that was the only reason. You were hardworking, almost as driven as him and that is saying something. You flowed effortlessly around the office, directing everything to its natural and needed space. And the way you smiled for the camera, gosh he wished you would smile at him like that. That pretty pearly white smile. 

Looks like this might not be the professional relationship it had started out to be. Neither of you wanted to keep it professional anyway. 

#hazbin hotel #hazbin vox #hazbin hotel vox #hazbin hotel vox x reader #vox x reader #one shot #vizziepop #romance #pining #boss x employee #slow burn #vox being a sassy fucker #hazbin hotel fandom

[hellfirenacht]

Wing Man Part 6

Steve 'the Hair' Harrington is your best friend, and is constantly striking out. Sick of this, you two make a deal; you'll wing man for each other. Hooking Steve up with dates is easy, but he finds himself struggling to find you a date. At least, until Dustin starts talking about his new cool friend Eddie. (1 2 3 4 5)

A/N: How are we feeling in a post-"Flight of Icarus" world, y'all? I knew from the beginning that I'd want to add some of the lore in and let me tell you, I LOVE Ronnie Ecker. For those of you who did not read the book, or haven't had a chance to, Ronnie is Eddie's best friend who ended up with a full scholarship to NYU. They're siblings, your honor.

Also if anyone can show me on this map where the plot is going, I'd really appreciate it.

This late at night, the only sounds in the trailer park came from the occasional dog barking and the echoes of Eddie’s tapes blasting as he pulled up to Wayne’s trailer. His uncle was working tonight as usual, which would normally allow Eddie time to hog the tv before passing out for a few precious hours before he had to get up for school. 

Tonight however, his mind was buzzing with what had just happened less than an hour ago. He liked you, he wasn’t sure how much yet but he did. You were sharp and knew your stuff about metal. It helped that you were cute. Really cute. 

He liked seeing you in the passenger seat of his car, matching wits with his friends and ranting about Ozzy. He liked seeing you laughing and the way you watched him play. He really liked the way you had fiddled with the pick he’d thrown at you at the end of the set. 

Eddie had never done that before. He’d wanted to, but never had anyone’s attention like that before- no. That wasn’t true. There had been one other person who’d listened to him play like that, two years ago. 

Was he always gonna fold to the site of a pretty girl actually paying attention to his music? 

“Of course you are.” Ronnie’s voice echoed on the phone. “And I’m gonna laugh every time you do.” 

Eddie groaned, holding the receiver to his ear as his forehead pressed against the front of the fridge. He hadn’t planned on running to her with this, but he was nowhere near able to wind down. He hadn’t even expected Ronnie to pick up the phone this late at night with the time zone difference and the fact that it was a school night. He’d have to push his stash a bit harder to pay Wayne back for the long distance call. 

The past two years had been a slow crawl of building back trust up with Veronica Ecker. The two had gone almost a whole summer without talking before Eddie had basically groveled for forgiveness outside of Granny Ecker’s trailer before Ronnie left for New York. She had forgiven him enough to let him give her a ride to the airport. 

“Last time?” He’d asked. 

“Last time.” She’d repeated. 

“So why didn’t you shack up with her tonight?” Ronnie asked. “You got her into your van, and you dropped her off like a gentleman.” 

“I don’t know, I panicked.” Eddie sighed, bonking his head against the fridge a few times. “She was right there, and she was leaning in and all I saw was Paige leaning in-”

“You know not every girl who shares your taste in music is Paige, right?” Eddie could practically see Ronnie rolling her eyes on the other end of the line. 

“Any girl that shares my taste in music ends up fucking off to the opposite end of the country.” 

This made Ronnie laugh. “You’re an idiot. Paige fucked off back to her job and I fucked off to college.”

“Fucking off is fucking off.”

“Maybe you need to fuck off.”

“I tried, remember?” 

She remembered. Both of them remembered. 

“Look, stop being a dipshit.” Ronnie said after a moment of awkward silence. “You’re graduating this year, right?”

“Uhhh...”

“Eddie.”

“Yeah, yeah I’m working on it. I just need those last stupid two classes and then I’m home free.” Eddie confirmed. 

“You can’t stay in high school forever.” Ronnie said. “And you’re gonna realize that there’s life outside of Hawkins. Have you even talked to Paige since then?”

He hadn’t, and they both knew it. Eddie gave up two months after she’d bailed him out of jail. Two months of dead air silence. He got the hint. 

“No.”

“Then stop worrying about one girl from over two years ago!” Eddie could feel the phantom pain of Ronnie punching him in the arm like she always used to. “Get laid and graduate, Munson. You earned it.”

Eddie snorted, sliding down the fridge to sit on the cool floor. “Is that the only advice you got for me, Ecker?”

“It’s the only advice you need. Did you pass that test last week?” Ronnie asked. 

“By the skin of my teeth.” Eddie sighed, leaning his head back against the fridge. 

“Your new girl graduated, maybe she can help you study.”

“She’s not my girl. She’s a girl that I’ve met a handful of times-”

“That’s turning your brain to mush.” 

“She doesn’t even know who I am, Ronnie.” He fiddled with the chord in his hand, watching the spiral wind and unwind around his fingers. It was already stretched out pretty bad, with a few spirals already tangled beyond repair like his old slinky from when he was a kid. 

“Isn’t that a good thing?” Ronnie asked. “She doesn’t know you, that means she doesn’t feed into the bullshit of the rumor mill.” 

Ronnie had a point and he hated it, but that’s why he called her to begin with. Ronnie was the only person who could cut through his Munson bullshit and give it to him straight. He missed it. As much as he enjoyed the power he had to protect his little lost sheepies, they were all too intimidated to actually stand up to him and call him out the way that Ronnie would.

“Yeah, you’re right. As usual.” Eddie could hear her snort and he couldn’t stop himself from grinning. “So why the hell are you even awake right now? Up til 2 am on a school night, Ecker?”

“It’s barely past midnight, the time zone isn’t that off. I was studying for a test, but hearing you complain about your love life is a far more productive use of my time.” 

“You’re using me to slack off, aren’t you?” 

“If I have to look at my flashcards one more time tonight my eyes are gonna go square. How’s Granny doing?”

“She’s an empty nester and is determined to turn me into her replacement grandson until you visit again.” Eddie shook his head. “She threatened to give me a haircut the last time she dropped off a plate for Wayne.”

Ronnie had come back to visit a grand total of five times since she’d left, returning for holidays and summers to visit Granny Ecker and by extension Eddie. Each time she’d come back with stories of law school and how different New York is. 

It seemed impossible, everything that Ronnie had told him about going to college and about life outside their small town. She was playing Dungeons and Dragons still, having found a group that would play with her. According to her, being a rules lawyer for the game at a law school hit way different than it had their small Hellfire group in high school. No one even cared that they played outside of a few students who had better things to do than enact violence against a few nerds. 

Then again, in law school everyone was some sort of nerd. Eddie wondered if even a freak would be accepted there. Well, socially at least. He wasn’t delusional enough to think he’d be able to be accepted into law school with his grades. Ronnie had invited him up to visit a few times, but there was never time or money to do it. 

The two continued talking for another hour, catching up until Ronnie was scolding him for staying up so late on a school night. 

“Yeah? And what’s your excuse?” Eddie said. “It’s almost 4:20 am there.” 

“Ha. Ha. Again, ha.” Ronnie said. “Still not how timezones work. And my first class doesn’t start until noon.”

Right. In college you didn’t have to wake up at the ass crack of dawn every day. 

“Night, Ecker.”

“Night, Munson. Graduate and get laid.” 

“Does it matter the order?”

“Good night, Eddie.”

Talking to Ronnie had eased his nerves, but there was still something inside that wouldn’t let him lay down and go to sleep. It was late now, way later than he intended to stay up tonight. The night he played at the Hideout always had him up late, and his teacher already considered him more useless than usual on Wednesdays. It’s not like anyone would care if he slept in class, unless they were in a particularly foul mood. 

He made his way to a stack of books in his room rummaging through a pile or two until he found what he was looking for. Eddie’s copy of Lord of the RIngs was well loved at best, and completely trashed at worst. The cover of the paperback was nearly torn off, taped back together haphazardly over the years. Pages were dogeared, the spine was cracked, notes were scribbled in the margins, and his name was scribbled in messy cursive on the front page declaring that this book belonged to Eddie Munson and that he was in third grade.

Eddie stripped out of most of his clothes, tossing his jewelry on his nightstand, and hopped into bed. He turned on a small lamp and opened the book. He could probably recite the first chapter from memory if he tried, the words on the page a comfortable lullabye for his wound up mind. But tonight he flipped to a page near the end where his bookmark was. The flower made out of blue construction paper wasn’t nearly as old as the book, and only in better shape because it never left the safe pages of Tolkein’s writing. 

His eyes glanced at his arm again, your phone number a temporary tattoo on his skin until it washed off. Shit, it was going to wash off eventually. Eddie grabbed a pen from under his bed and added another scribble to the inside of the book before copying your number carefully onto the paper flower. At least this way he’d always know where it was. 

With that aside, Eddie didn’t make it through three pages of his book before he passed out with the light still on. 

Fall Semester, 1984

The PrinciPAL’s office was just as interesting and inviting as it always was, which is to say not at all. Eddie was slumped back on a chair, watching as Janice sorted through paperwork, pretending to look busy so that she could avoid any small talk with ‘that Munson boy’. He had been waiting for Higgin’s to show up for almost fifteen minutes now, because why shouldn’t he waste Eddie’s time at this point? The worst that was going to happen today is that they’d do their little song and dance, Eddie would plead his case that the flyers were absolutely serious and that Chris Morrison had every intent to run for student council, and that it was all of the club that had made the posters, Higgins would shake his head and not believe Eddie for a second (which to be fair, this would be the first time that Eddie would admit privately that it was his fault), they’d go back and forth until Eddie got some form of detention or Saturday school. 

Honestly, the worst part would be rescheduling Hellfire if he wound up in detention. 

Eddie had counted out 13 paper clips that Janice had used in her papershifting before the door to the front office opened up again. He looked up, expecting to see Higgins walk in, ignore him for another five minutes, before Janice would let Eddie go in. 

He didn’t expect to see you, pale and shaken, clutching a teacher’s note in your hand. Eddie watched as you handed the note over to Janice who read it, shook her head, and pointed at the chair next to himself. Your eyes never left the floor as you sat next to him, staring at the cheap carpet as if you could somehow burn a hole in it and disappear. 

Trouble was no stranger to Eddie, and Eddie was no stranger to trouble. In Hawkins the name ‘Munson’ might as well be in the thesaurus next to the word. This wasn’t his first rodeo, and it would be far from his last as long as Higgins stayed the princiPAL. He’d walk away with a lecture and a sigh and then it would be business as normal. 

The look on your face though, that was far from the mild annoyance he felt. You look downright traumatized at the idea of having been sent here. Eddie glanced up at Janice who deigned to make eye contact with him now. Her eyes flicked between the two of you, a disapproving look behind her purple frames as if this was somehow Eddie’s fault that you had ended up here as well. But then, as far as any of the faculty from the office was concerned, even him being enrolled at this school was a death sentence to the rest of the poor student body. Eddie was a disease that they would try to contain until they had the cure to remove him. 

The shaking of your knee made your chair (and his chair by proxy) rattle slightly. The quiet of the office and the mundane shuffling of Janice’s papers only added to the tension that was radiating off you. 

“Janice, is Higgin’s gonna be long?” Eddie finally asked, and your bouncing knee stopped for just a moment before going back to its nervous movement. 

“He’s in a very important meeting.” Came the reply over a stack of papers, still not looking at Eddie. 

He sighed again and looked over at you, trying to place where he knew your face. Your eyes were a bit red, and you looked like you were on the verge of crying. Shit, he needed to do something before he had to ask Janice for the tissue box. 

“First time?” Eddie asked, and when you didn’t respond he nudged your knee with his. 

You jumped slightly, head snapping up. It was a wonder you didn’t give yourself whiplash and it would have been almost funny to Eddie had you not looked like a deer in the headlights looking at him. 

“I... Huh?” your voice cracked slightly. 

“What are ya in for?” Eddie did his best to give you a smile which he was sure made him look more like a serial killer than a comfort. It was rare he wished that he had his dad’s smile, but in cases like this he’d make an exception. 

You looked at the paper in your hand and swallowed. “Uh... skipped.” 

“Skipped school or just class?” Eddie prompted, trying to get you to talk more. If you were talking, then you weren’t crying. That’s what he hoped at least. 

“Class.” He didn’t think you’d say anymore but you surprised him. “US History.” Eddie caught the way your eyes darted to Janice again as if to make sure she wasn’t listening in, but Janice had better things to do than to eavesdrop on two delinquents. “I wasn’t... I had a bad day. I'm having a bad day. I felt like I was going to explode and I went to the library.” 

Eddie nodded, wondering what had happened today that made you need to duck out. It wasn’t his business, and frankly Higgin’s was going to grill you enough as it was. 

“Rookie mistake.” He said instead. 

“Rookie...?” 

Eddie kept his voice low and leaned in closer to you as if telling you a secret. “If you’re gonna skip, you can’t go to the library. You might as well have walked into the teacher’s lounge and announced that you were cutting class.”

You let out a sharp breath that he swore counted for a laugh. “Thanks for the heads up, can you tell me that a few hours ago?”

There was color returning to your face now and Eddie kept going. His brown eyes scanned your face, trying to place where he knew you from. Hawkins was a small town, and there was nothing about you that screamed ‘I’m new!’. 

He liked your sarcasm though, and his ‘comforting’ grin shifted into a genuine smile. “If you’re gonna ditch, you need to go to the bathroom or go outside.” He said. “Especially for last period. Go hide outside in the woods and you can slip into the parking lot seamlessly without anyone noticing. By the end of the day the teachers are barely taking attendance anyway.”

“Have you been in the girls rooms here?” you asked, shaking your head. “I think I’d rather take my chances here than stay in there longer than I’d have to.” Eddie wasn’t sure if you were trying to make a joke or if you were serious.

“Would you rather hide in the boys room?” he asked. “I swear it only smells like piss almost all of the time and you’d end up in the splash zone even if you were in a stall.”

That got a laugh out of you, a genuine one. Your shoulders were relaxing and you looked down at the paper again and took a deep breath that you exhaled with a sigh. 

“I’ve never been in trouble before.” you said, your hands starting to bend and fold the paper on your lap absently. “I’m not good at being in trouble.”

“Well, lucky for you I’m here.” Eddie nudged your knee again with his. “Being in trouble is kind of my job here at Hawkin’s High. I’m a professional, you know. If I wasn’t here taking up all of Principal Higgin’s time he might have to actually do his job.” 

That last part was louder, as he directed it to Janice who refused to take the bait and only reached for her lilac stapler instead. 

A small smack on his arm drew his attention back to you, you were smiling at him looking astonished. “You’re gonna get us in trouble!” you whispered at him. 

“We’re already in trouble.” Eddie reminded you, his smile never fading. “Look, you’ve never been in trouble before, right? You’re gonna be fine. Just give him a good sob story about being overwhelmed with school, or about a sick pet. If you can squeeze out some tears that’s even better. The worst that he’s gonna do is give you a slap on the wrist and maybe detention if he’s in a shit mood”

You take in his words, listening to him carefully and taking in every word he was saying as if this was life or death. Eddie admittedly, had purposefully slipped into his Dungeon Master voice. It was a skill that normally only worked on his little sheepies in his club, and that was after semesters of training his players to listen and pay attention to his words or else it would be life or death for their characters. 

Having someone else listen to him like that? It felt really good. 

Your mouth started to open to say something but then the office door opened again and Higgin’s stepped in, nodding to Janice and then looking at the two of you. There was an accusatory look in his eyes as he made eye contact with Eddie again, and it was clear what that look said. Leave her alone, don’t make things worse for her than they already are. 

“Munson.” Higgins said and it took everything in him to stay still and not flinch at his last name. He was used to the weight that came with his name, but he hadn’t wanted you to know who he was. Not after he just remembered where he knew you from, glancing down at the note that you had folded into a flower in a fit of nerves. 

“I heard you missed me, Sir.” Eddie forced his eyes to meet Higgin’s. “You really should just start saying hi in the hallways instead of inviting me to these little chats every week. You’re taking away valuable learning time from me, you know.” 

If the two of them had been alone, Higgins would have snapped back at Eddie about being a smartass. But you were there, and the color had drained from your face again, and there was a shine to your eyes that was threatening to spill over your waterline. Higgins looked at you and motioned for you to follow him into his office. 

Eddie wished that you would turn and look at him before disappearing into the PrincePAL’s office. He could imagine you turning to look at him for comfort, he’d give you a smile that would put you at ease and a thumbs up. You’d give him another smile and walk in feeling brave. 

Instead it was like you forgot he was there as your figure disappeared behind the heavy wood door that shut with a heavy click. 

Of course Higgins had you come in first, even though Eddie had already been sitting here since the beginning of the period when he’d been called in. 

He was tempted to go over to the door and press his ear up against it to listen in on what he was saying to you but even Janice would scold him for that. So there Eddie sat for another ten minutes as he waited for you to step out again. 

Higgin’s was the one to open the door and let you out of the office, as if he were some gentleman instead of Eddie’s own personal warden five days a week. You walked out and to Eddie’s surprise you gave him a nod and mouthed thank you as you slipped back out the door and into the hallway. 

Eddie’s eyes followed you until he couldn’t see you anymore and it took Higgin’s standing in front of him with folded arms and saying his full government name for Eddie to snap back to reality. 

“Munson. A word about your little flyers?”

“Well, I’d say a picture is worth a thousand words-”

“In my office.”

Eddie didn’t remember much else about that talk, only remembering the white paper flower that had been carelessly tossed into the trash next to Higgin’s desk. 

“He still hasn’t called you?” Steve asked as you, him, and Robin continued your closing routine. The day had been busy, with almost everyone in Hawkins coming to rent a movie for the weekend. Robin was stocking the candy while you wiped down the sticky counter where children had been touching all day. Who’s idea was it to leave out free suckers on the counter anyway?

Oh right, that was your idea because you loved Halloween. 

“Nope.” you said, your voice a little tense. It had been almost two weeks since that night at the Hideout. You hadn’t returned to the dive bar, hoping that Eddie would call you and make the next move. Each passing day you had stayed as close to the phone as possible when you were home and you’d checked your voicemail every day when you got home for any sign that he’d attempted to reach out. 

Nothing. 

You shouldn’t feel this rejected but you did. It was far too early to tell if you had any feelings beyond initial attraction to the guy, but... you’d felt something. An enjoyment of bantering with him and an ease that came as naturally as your friendship with Robin and Steve. 

Plus, you had to admit it, he was really fucking hot. Seeing him play guitar two weeks ago had haunted your dreams and slipped into a few of your fantasies when you were alone. 

You kept that part to yourself though, that was the last thing that Steve or Robin needed to hear. Besides, that was Steve’s job to go far too into detail about his sex life. Steve had tried ribbing you about going home with Eddie but you’d told him that you were a complete gentleman with him. 

That night had left you feeling electrified, almost high as you danced around your room as you got ready for bed. Even as his odd parting rattled around your brain, you couldn’t help but to feel excited at the idea of seeing him again. 

Then a few days went by. Then a week. And now two weeks later you hadn’t heard from him. The kids hadn’t stopped by either so you couldn’t hassle them about Eddie either. Even if they had, you weren’t sure if you could ask about him, you didn’t want to come across as desperate. 

“Did you ever figure out what he meant by ‘five times?’” Robin asked, opening up a squished package of Reese's Cups. “Like, didn’t you say you didn’t know him?”

You threw your hands up before tossing the paper towels you were using to clean in the trash can. 

“I have no idea.” you said. “Either I’m bad at math, he’s bad at math, or maybe we’re both stupid.”

“He did get held back a few times.” Steve muttered to himself. 

“There’s a chance that you two have met before though.” said Robin, “I mean think about it, you’re both weirdos who went to the same school. Shouldn’t you both have bumped into each other before?” 

“You’d think so, but my group kind of kept to ourselves.” you said with a sigh. “We were private weirdos. When I DID try and make other friends-”

“Yeah, yeah, Chris Morrison shot you down.” Steve said, waving his hand. 

“Oh, you heard that story?” you laughed. “I didn’t think I mentioned it to you before.”

Steve gave you a blank stare that only made you laugh more. “I swear you keep talking about that guy more than Eddie. Maybe I should track him down and set you up on a blind date with him instead.” 

“Don’t you dare!” 

“Hey, that could be fun!” Robin added. “We’ll dress you up super hot, set you up with Chris, and then you can turn him down instead!” 

“Excuse you, Robin. I am always super hot.” you declared, straightening out your unflattering Family Video vest. “Who wouldn’t want a piece of this?”

You hadn’t done laundry in a week, and your hair had seen better days. The green polyester vest was wrinkled and if Keith saw you looking sloppy he’d probably have words about it. Not big words or even intimidating words, but words nonetheless. It was night and day compared to how you’d looked at the Hideout and the arcade earlier in the month. But it wasn’t like you had anyone to impress while you were at work anyway. 

“Hey, nerdy chicks can be hot.” Steve said. “I mean, Nancy’s an academic nerd and I was crazy about her.” 

You hummed thoughtfully and turned to Robin. “How about we get married instead?” you asked. “You, me, a fuck ton of cats, and a tax break. What do you say?”

Robin laughed and shook her head. “You aren’t my type.” Her eyes darted nervously to Steve for a split second and you sighed dramatically. 

“Guess it’s just me and the cats I’ll eventually adopt.” you said. “Not even a tax break.” 

“You know, Keith thinks you’re cute-”

“I am going to pretend that you did not just say that, Harrington.” you said firmly. “Nope, not happening. Uh-uh. Absolutely not.” 

“He’s not... that bad?” Robin said, but you could hear the pain in her voice through the laughter. “Methinks the lady doth protest too much.” 

“The lady is trying not to think actually.” you laugh. “We’re closed, I’m actually done thinking. I just wanna finish cleaning up and go home. What’s left?”

“Rewinding the returns,-”

“Ugh.”

“Cleaning up the kids movies,-”

“Ugh.”

“And cleaning the bathroom.”

“UGHHHHHH.” 

“Would you rather clean up the porn room?” asked Robin. 

“Yes actually, I would.” You said. “Whatever they think about doing in that room is what they do end up doing in the bathroom.”

“Gross.”

Steve sighed “Okay, I’ll be the hero and save you ladies from cleaning the bathroom. Robin, you fix the kids section, and you can rewind the tapes.”

“I thought I was in charge here.” You crossed your arms. 

“Okay, did you have a better way to divide and conquer?”

“...No.”

“Then let’s hurry up and-”

Ding!

“Who didn’t lock the door?!” you asked. 

“It was Steve’s job to-” Robin started. 

“Oh, shit. Hi.” Steve was staring at the person who had just walked in. You turned around and your heart jumped in your chest and your stomach dropped. 

“Cursing in front of customers, Harrington?” Eddie said. “Now that’s not very professional of you.”

Robin’s eyes were darting so fast between you and Eddie that you were surprised she wasn’t giving herself vertigo. You tried to give her a pointed glare but your friend either didn’t get the hint or refused to. 

“Well, we’re closed. You can’t be a customer if you can’t pay.” Steve said, putting his hands on his hips. 

Eddie looked away from Steve and made eye contact with you. It had been two weeks since you’d seen him, and you glazed at his arm for a second, trying to see if the faded remains of your phone number were still stamped on his arm. Unfortunately for you he was wearing a heavy leather jacket and you had not yet developed x ray vision. Perhaps in another genre. 

“Do you want to get out of here?” Eddie asked and you, ignoring Steve who looked mildly offended. 

You stood there in shock for a second before Robin nudged you in the rib. 

“I- uh. I have to finish closing.” you said, snapping out of it. 

“Steve and I can handle the rest of closing!” Robin grabbed Steve and shook his shoulder. 

“Guys, I’m literally in charge of you both. I can’t leave before you.” You said, already reaching for your bag under the counter. 

“We can handle it!” Steve said. 

“And I can handle Steve!” Robin added. “We close without you and Keith all the time, remember?”

You could trust Robin, and as long as Steve didn’t knock down any displays then it wouldn’t take them more than another ten minutes to finish up. You were so tempted to turn them down, make Eddie wait as you had waited for him for the past two weeks. 

But you were already stepping behind the counter towards Eddie and tossing the keys to lock up to Robin. Keith would murder you and write you up (in that order) if he knew what you were doing but looking up at the roundest pair of brown eyes you’d ever seen had you in the mood to make questionable choices. 

You shrugged off your vest and tossed it at Steve, in an attempt to make yourself look like you hadn’t spent the whole day dealing with unruly customers and screaming kids. Part of you almost wished that you had agreed to bathroom duty, if only to give you an excuse to look in a mirror and straighten yourself out. 

“Thanks, guys.” you gave them a quick nod, catching sight of Robin’s knowing smirk and Steve shaking his head before walking out the door that Eddie was holding open for you. 

The last thing you heard was the scrambling of the entrance to Family Video being locked. 

Please comment and reblog <3

Part 7

Dividers by @strangergraphics

Tag List: @k8loo @terrormonster55 @sp1dyb0y1008 @crocwork-clockodile @ali-r3n @mxcheese @josephquinnschesthair @gagasbee @peaches-roses-sins @witchwolflea @vintagehellfire @royale1803 @cumslutforaemond @prestinalove @browneyedgirly93 @perpetualmess @thebook-hobbit @mistonk @cultish-corner @grishaversecaptivated @sortagaysortahigh @halialex1119 @bakugouswhOr3

#nacht fic #wing man #eddie munson x reader

[noneorother]

All the music you didn’t hear in Good Omens. (And I found a new P&P reference) *Part4*

Part 1  l  Part 2 l Part 3 l Part 4

The Bonkers Meta Series 2: Electric Boogaloo. It never ends.

So if you've been paying attention, you know that the number 2 is an incredibly important idea in season 2 of Good Omens. Well, I think it might be more than just the number two. I think it might actually be the concept of Double Meanings. Here's the first one I found.

When you google P&P Book you get : Pride & Prejudice, by our favourite Brandy smuggler: Jane Austen.

But when you google P&P Film, you get the life's work of ... Powell & Pressburger! Both prominent nods in the series that Neil and the gang seem pretty happy to talk about. This seemed like maybe it could be a coincidence to me, so I started looking up other nods in the series to see if my theory scans. Check this out :

P&P (1948) The Red Shoes Kate Bush (1993) P&P (1945) I know where I'm going Scottish traditional - Burl Ives (1941) P&P (1946) A matter of life & death / Stairway to Heaven Led Zepplin (1971) P&P (1949) The (Small) Back Room Van Morrison

P&P (1950)

Wild at Heart/Gone to Earth

David Sylvian

and here’s the P&P reference I think no one caught yet! Remember who Aziraphale learned the sleight of hand magic trick from in 1941? Prof Hoff.

P&P (1951) - musical The Tales of Hoffman Opera by Offenbach (1881) I linked everything so you can go listen or read about the the movies/music in question. However, be warned the opera is over two hours. Clearly I’m missing one, because I’m a series of six episodes there’s now way they put five references in, but I’m having a hard time finding it. If you know what it is, please let me know!

My point - my point here, is that I think rather than trying to find the “right” interpretation of the story of season 2 with confusing facts and confounding dialogue, these double entendres serve as a guide to show us how “both stories are going on at the same time” can be analyzed separately AND together, and that they live right on top of one another.

Want to hear my analysis of both the movie playlist and the music playlist? It’s on the way!

#good omens 2 #go season 2 #go meta #art director talks good omens #good omens season 2 #good omens meta #good omens season two #crowley x aziraphale #good omens prime #good omens #good omens s2 #good omens spoilers

[notfreetoday]

MPW Ep 5 Subtitle Corrections

Masterlist: EP 1 || EP 2 || EP 3 || EP 4

Y: 釣り合うわけないじゃん Y: 相手はよりによって　これだぞ　これ Y: There's no way (I) can match up (to him) Y: To this (person), of all people, this!

Ep 5 is about Yoh struggling with his desire to "match up" to Segasaki, and the objective difference that he sees between the two of them. It's different from Ep 2's struggle - which arose chiefly because he felt insecure about where he stood with Segasaki. This time, Yoh's struggle is predominantly with himself - because now he has to face up to his worst fear confirmed - that maybe he really is incompetent. And this time, he has to do it without the aid of alcohol too.

I've seen a lot of people talk about how Segasaki shows Yoh his love in every way but in words, and that that's the reason for their miscommunication - but that's not true. He may not use the word "love" or "like", but culturally these words are not often used anyway. What Segasaki does say however, multiple times throughout the show in fact but most clearly in this episode, is essentially "I like it when you depend on me". It's as direct a reassurance as you can get to the fear of being hated because of his perceived incompetence - but that's just the thing - Yoh's perception is skewed by his self-judgement. So, it's not that Segasaki can't use his words - the problem is that Yoh isn't ready to listen yet. Despite this, Yoh's confidence in his relationship with Segasaki is growing every episode. He might not realize this consciously, but it's right after Segasaki comforts and cares for Yoh at his lowest, that Yoh also drops to what is arguably the most casual speech level he's ever gotten with Segasaki (thus far) - and in response, so does Segasaki.

So, same translation disclaimer applies, Ep 5, let's go! (no twitter space for EP 5 probably because of the fan meets).

Y: 学生時代から不定期でもらってた単発の仕事も途切れて Y: 完全無職だ Y: あ、せめて、家事ぐらいはちゃんとやらないと Y: Now that the one-off jobs I've been receiving on an irregular basis since I was a student have been cut off Y: I'm completely jobless Y: Ah! At the very least, I have to do something as small as the housework properly.

Y: だって　そういうのがすきなんだよ、俺は Y: But, actually, that's what I like Yoh's explicit use of the personal pronoun "I" here again emphasizes that this is his own opinion. The way this sentence is phrased also gives the impression that Yoh feels a little aggrieved at the whole "your male characters are irritating to male readers because they're too perfect" explanation his editor gave him.

Y: *そりゃ、ほっといたら描いちゃうよ Y: **お前のせいだ Y: お前みたいなのが　***近くにいるから Y: バーカ Y: *Well I mean, if I'm left to my own devices then I'll end up drawing (him) Y: It's all your** fault Y: It's because someone like you, is (always) around*** me Y: I~diot. *The "aggrieved" feeling is even stronger in this sentence - Yoh is basically saying that he doesn't set out to draw the characters that way - it just sort of happens, and well it's not his fault, because as long as no one (including he himself) is paying attention to what he's drawing, well then, the characters just turn out that way. ** This is the first time that Yoh has referred to Segasaki using the informal pronoun "お前 (omae)" for "you". Depending on the context, it could be considered a rude pronoun, but is mostly just seen as a marker of masculine speech, and thus leans more towards being simply "impolite". It's the same pronoun that Segasaki uses when he speaks to Yoh - but Yoh usually uses the slightly more polite "あんた(anta)" instead, both in his head as well as when he speaks aloud. The switch here emphasizes Yoh's accusation, that this is all Segasaki's fault. ***the phrase here is often used to say that someone is "by your side" or "here for you" and doesn't only refer to physical distance. So, although he's using "omae" and "blaming" Segasaki for his characters turning out looking perfect, these 4 lines actually still sound pretty intimate. Together with how he drags out the word "idiot", this is very clearly Yoh's amae, similar to what we saw in Ep 4. I... will probably write a post about amae as well, because it's so important to their relationship.

Y: 洋服を着たまま海に溺れるように Y: 暗いものが染み込んで Y: 黒いものを吸い込んで Y: ブヨブヨになった体はずっしりと Y: 重く　重く。。。 Y: It feels as if I'm drowning in the ocean whilst fully dressed Y: The darkness seeping into (me) Y: The blackness pouring into (my mouth) Y: My body, now swollen, sinks heavily down Y: So heavy. So heavy.

S: なんだ　いるじゃねぇか S: 電気も付けねぇで　何やっ S: Oh so you are here S: Not even switching on the lights, what were-

S: *あちゃ～　これやり直しだな S: *Ahchaa... This needs to be redone then..

*This is just a sound that you make similar to "oh man..." so I'm not sure why it was translated so forcefully as "it's no good"😅 This sentence is another example of soliloquy, or talking to oneself aloud, that is common in Japanese.

Y: ご飯、ない Y: ごめんなさい Y: すぐ準備する S: *しょうがねぇなぁ　ほら立て S: 行くぞ Y: Food... there isn't any Y: I'm sorry Y: I'll make it soon S: *What do I do with you... come on stand up S: We're going

Yoh is really down here because he loses practically all his words. His first sentence is literally "food, none", and when he says I'm sorry he uses the casual (but full) version "gomen nasai" instead of "suimasen" like he usually does. It makes him sound a lot younger than usual, and overall just adds to the kicked-puppy vibe really well. *しょうがねぇなぁ (shouganee naa) - this is a common phrase that literally translates to "there is no way (to deal with this)" or more commonly "(this situation) can't be helped". It's used to express a sort of acceptance, like in a "oh well, it can't be helped, so don't feel too bad" or "well there's no way this could've been avoided, so let's just get on with it" sorta way. Here, the way Segasaki adds "naa" at the end with a rising tone, actually makes it sound a little indulgent - like when you find your puppy made a mess but it's too cute for you to feel upset and you just love it more. (Also, this is a really common way to show affection between characters in dramas/anime - when one character is down in the dumps, another will be like "well what am I going to do with an idiot like you, I guess I have to help, right?")

S: 葉　とりあえず　口開けろ S: Yoh. In any case, open your mouth first

S: ごちそうさまでした (gochisousama deshita) S: Thank you for the food This is a standard phrase said at the end of a meal (it's counterpart is "itadakimasu - I gratefully partake" said at the beginning). It expresses gratitude to everyone involved in making the meal possible - from the farmers who grew the vegetables to the person who cooked the meal, and yes, even to the animals themselves. Usually, you would say this to the person who made the meal, or the one treating you to it, but it's Segasaki here who leads the saying of this phrase. This isn't weird at all, given the broad meaning of the word, but it is reminiscent of what a parent would do at home, or a teacher would do in school (Japanese teachers eat with their students in class).

S: なんか落ち込んでんの？ Y: 漫画が　とてもだめです* S: You seem a little down about something? Y: My manga is... really bad.* *desu form is back, to give emphasis to this sentence. That said - and I'm really not trying to belittle Yoh here - but similar to the "food, none" phrase earlier, this sentence is just so short and simple that it just makes him sound, well, young. Imagine asking someone "you don't seem to like that person?", and they look at you all serious and say "they're a bad person" - it just sounds unexpectedly young and innocent, and the whole "desu" at the end just tops off the kicked puppy vibes for real. It's why Segasaki snorts a little and smiles.

S: お前漫画がだめだと　こうなんの？ S: えっ　そんだけ？ Y: うん S: ふーん Y: そんだけってなんだよ Y: こっちは　今にも　死にそうな気分なのに

S: So when your manga is bad you become like this? S: Eh? That's all? Y: Mm. S: Hmm~ Y: What do you mean "that's all?" Y: When here I am feeling like I'm about to die soon In case you were wondering, "that's all?" in Japanese sounds exactly as it does in English, so no blaming Yoh here for being all 😟 about it.

S: ほら*　早く来い S: Now, come here, quickly. *ほら (hora) - I last highlighted this word in Ep 3, but Segasaki actually uses it a lot more that just these 2 instances (not least because Yoh's always avoiding him). It's simply a word used to get the listener's attention, like, "look here" or "now" or "see" or "come on" etc.

S: 今日はお前がされるがまま*で気分よかったわ S: もっと落ち込め S: Today you did exactly as you were told, so I felt really good S: Be dejected more often *されるがまま - this phrase means to passively go along with whatever the other person says or does to you, without any resistance (it can also refer to letting nature take its course). It's mostly used to describe a negative situation since it usually implies that the person has no free will of their own, but can also be fairly neutral as in "I followed the waiter's recommendations exactly". So, it's quite amusing that in these 2 sentences, negative sounding words are actually meant to be really sweet (just like how Yoh's "I hate you" sounds eh?).

Personally, I also appreciate how this is a callback to Yoh's monologue in Ep 3, when he talks about noticing the way Segasaki looks just that little bit happier when Yoh listens to him. Here, Segasaki confirms it for Yoh (and us), reinforcing to Yoh that he really doesn't mind Yoh depending on him one bit.

Y: こんなの本物の恋人同士みたいだ Y: あんた*　まるで本当に　俺のこと好きみたいじゃん Y: Like this... it feels like we're a real live couple Y: You*... it's as if you really do like me *We're back to Yoh's usual "anta" here for "you", instead of the "omae" he used earlier.

S: しょうがねぇなぁ S: What do I do with you This is the same phrase as earlier, when Segasaki found Yoh by the laundry machine.

Oh, the moon is beautiful isn't it? 🤭🤭

Y: だって　俺の漫画は世間に求められてないわけですし Y: But, it seems like the world doesn't want my manga... The phrase "the world wants/doesn't want" is commonly used when talking about finding one's place in the world/society, and young adults often say this when trying to figure their life out. So yes, not so uncommon a phrase that this sentence sounds ridiculous, but it definitely does sound a little dramatic. Hence Man-san's response.

M: *甘ったれんな　思い上がんな M: Don't be so *spoiled. Don't think so highly of yourself. *The is the same word, amae, that Man-san used in Ep 4 when she said Yoh was being affectionate with Segasaki. This is another meaning of amae, and it is used in a negative way here, which sort of shows you the complexity of this concept. Underlying it is the message that it's okay to be dependent on your loved ones for your emotional needs, but you still need to take responsibility for your own life.

M: 衣食住の保障された環境でのんびり描いてて　 M: 一回仕事が途切れたぐらいでうじうじ言ってんのか M: 本気で気に食わない Y: 万さん　オーバー���ルです M: Being able to draw freely without having to worry about your clothes, food or lodging M: and yet acting all wishy-washy the moment something as small as getting your work cut off just once happens M: I really can't stand that Y: Man-san, that's overkill The term Man-san uses to describe Yoh's current living arrangement is the same term that Segasaki used in his not-proposal, so this suggests that by now Yoh has told her everything about how they got together (and I love that Man-san totally does not judge). It's not explicitly talked about in the show, but despite their similar status as Segasaki Otakus, Man-san does often come across as something like a mentor figure to Yoh, or at least someone senior to him in the Manga world. For one, she speaks very casually to him (for a lady, she sounds as rough as Segasaki tbh 😅), even for someone from the Kansai region, and she often gives him advice. Yoh usually speaks to her informally, but in this whole conversation he does shift up to the desu/masu form often, in response to her scolding him, because she's really going at it (even after taking into account her usual speech pattern😅) and well, he's smarting a little at the moment 😂

M: 世間がどうとかじゃなくて　ダヨちゃんはどうしたいの？ Y: え？ M: ダヨちゃんにとって　漫画って　そういうもんだったの？ M: もうちょっと落ち着いて　考えな M: Rather than thinking about what the world wants, what do you, Dayo-chan, want to do? Y: Huh? M: Is that all that manga is to you, Dayo-chan? M: Calm down a little more and think about it yea?

Y: かたじけのうございます Y: I am indebted to you! This is a very very archaic way to say thank you, think like samurai-level archaic. These two definitely live in the world of manga 😂😂

S: もう体調は戻ったのか？ Y: はい　おかげさまで* S: また　崩してくれても**いいんだぞ Y: ええ？ S: Have you recovered now? Y: Yes, thanks to you* S: It's okay to feel down again for me** too you know Y: Eh?? *Okagesamade - standard phrase you use when someone asks after your health, or when you want to express gratitude for someone else's role in your success/improvement/recovery etc ** 崩してくれて (kuzushite kurete)" - adding "kurete" at the end like this literally means that Yoh does the action of feeling down for Segasaki, rather than just "it's okay to feel down again", which is why Yoh responds in such a surprised manner. As he did before, Segasaki takes what normally is a bad thing and talks about it like it's something good instead. It's his way of emphasizing that Yoh depending on him isn't an inconvenience, in fact, it's something that Segasaki is happy to be on the receiving end of.

Y: これから自分たちをモデルにした漫画を描きに行きますなんて言えないし Y: そもそも、万さんのところにしばらく通うことを許してくれるかどうか。。。 Y: なんとか説得しないと Y: It's not like I can just say "from now on I will be going (out) to draw a manga based on us!" or something like that and... Y: In the first place, (I don't know) whether or not he'll allow me to go to Man-san's place regularly during this period... Y: I have to find some way convince him.

Argument breakdown time, things get intense~~

Y: あの。。。 S: ん？ Y: 今日　編集部で打ち合わせをすることになった* Y: Um... S: Hm? Y: Today, I have a meeting at the editorial department* *Literally, "It has been decided that today (I) will be having a meeting at the editorial department" - this might sound like an indirect way to say "I am going to a meeting" but it's pretty par for the course when speaking politely. Except, Yoh doesn't use the polite form here like he did in Ep 4, nor does he phrase this sentence as an explanation that he's going to follow up on. Nope, by Yoh's usual standards, this is An Announcement, so it's no wonder Segasaki is immediately suspicious.

S: はあ？　仕事切られたんじゃねえのかよ？ Y: いや　そ、その。。。新しいやつ Y: しばらく　忙しくて Y: 場合によっては編集部に泊まりもあるかも S: 昨日の今日で　そんなことあるか？ Y: たまたま連絡がきたんだよね S: お前　なんか　俺に嘘ついてない？ Y: う、嘘じゃない S: いや　おかしいだろ　泊りって S: お前　まさか変な仕事じゃねぇだろうな？ Y: そんなこと。。。ないよ！ S: Haa? Didn't they stop giving you work? [じゃねえのかよ - Segasaki slurs the end vowel here, and adds the end particle "かよ(ka yo)" at the end, which is a rough way to express doubt or surprise, and usually implies some irritation. This, combined with Segasaki's trademark annoyed "haa?" results immediately in a rather flustered Yoh, who stutters a little on the next sentence] Y: No, it-it's... this is a new one. Y: For a while, I'm going to be busy and Y: Depending on the situation, staying overnight at the editorial department... might... be... necessary... [No end particles here - this is still a statement, and would sound stronger if not for the fact that he's hesistating so much] S: And all that just happens today, on this day, just one day after yesterday? Y: ...It just so happened that they contacted me, you see... S: You... are lying to me, aren't you? Y: I-it's not a lie! S: No, it's weird isn't it, to stay overnight? S: You - don't tell me - you aren't doing some kind of shady job are you? Y: There's nothing... of that sort!

S: 葉 Y: はい S: Yoh Y: Yes (hai)?

Yoh's been making a valiant effort to stick to his story throughout this whole conversation but his tone changes completely and he pretty much gives up once Segasaki points out he's lying. In response - and this is not easy to hear but if you want to, go back to about 19:56 or 19:57 of this episode - do you hear Segasaki's small "tsk", after his sigh and before he says Yoh's name? Clicking your tongue, or "tsk-ing" someone is a very very rude way to express frustration or anger in Japan. We're talking get-into-drunk-fights level of rude, if you do it to a stranger. Amongst close friends and family, you're more likely to draw shock first, since it shows the depth of your anger, but they might still get pissed with you afterward. Here at least, Yoh can tell both from the tsk and Segasaki's tone of voice, that he is Not Happy, so he answers Segasaki with a proper "hai" here too.

S: ちょっとここ座れ* Y: はい S: 早く S: Come sit here* Y: Yes S: Be quick. *Slurred "r" on the word "suware" - sit makes this sound very very rough. Segasaki doesn't normally do this, so again, this is him angry, and he's going to slur his r's quite a bit more.

S: お前さ　自分の立場わかってんの？ S: 分かってねぇだろ　分かってねぇから　泊りで仕事とか言い出すんだろうが Y: え～っとだから 遊びに行くわけじゃないし。。。 S: そうじゃねぇだろ S: ああ～もう S: 金か？なんか欲しいもんがあるなら買ってやる Y: 違くて　少しはさ。。。 Y: 自分が稼がないとって S: 必要ない　なんで分かんねぇかな S: お前は稼がなくていいんだよ S: Listen, you - do you even understand what position you're in? S: You don't do you? You don't understand and that's why you can just say things like you'll stay out to work overnight. [This is harsh. Not only is the speech rough, he's still slurring some of his "r"s here, and the ending particle だろうが emphasizes the forcefulness of this statement and Segasaki's frustration - and you can see the effect it has on Yoh.] Y: Umm well... it's not like I'm going for fun or something... [This is indignant, but also nervous - Yoh's speaking a lot faster than usual, and he has to drag the filler words at the beginning out before he can figure out what to say.] S: That's not what I'm talking about is it! [slurred r again] S: Argh I swear - S: Is it money? If there's something you want then I'll buy it for you [more slurred "r"s] Y: That's not it! Even just a little - [This is the first time Yoh uses the end particle "さ (sa)", and just like Segasaki, he's using it to draw attention to what he's saying, essentially the equivalent of "listen!". This whole line isn't rude, but it is direct and it's probably the most forceful Yoh has gotten with Segasaki so far, even compared to their argument in Ep 2 - Yoh might have physically pushed Segasaki then, but he mostly just sounded hurt. Here, he's very tense, but he's cut off by Segasaki biting his ear.] Y: - I should earn some money myself (at least, I thought so) [This is more like how Yoh usually voices his opinion - by "hedging" his sentences a little with "I think" and so on to sound less direct - though he's still using truncated forms here, so he's not quite back to his usual level yet] S: There's no need to. [To self:] Why don't you understand? S: It's fine even if you don't earn anything. [Similarly, Segasaki softens this sentence just a tiny bit by tacking on a よ(yo) at the end]

Y: でも! S: あのな　俺はお前に漫画の仕事がなくなろうがどうでもいいんだ Y: But! S: Listen to me. I don't care at all whether you lose your manga work or not. [To be fair to Yoh, the phrase "どうでもいいんだ" literally means "it's fine either way" but it tends to feel like "I don't care because it doesn't matter/make a difference to me/doesn't really involve me", so you can see why it triggers him.]

It's interesting to contrast Yoh's reaction here with the above 2 times Segasaki says something with a negative connotation. Of course, Segasaki also sounded a lot sweeter then (though in his defence, he didn't have to worry about why Yoh might be trying to lie to him all of a sudden), but the biggest difference really is in Yoh's mindset.

Y: え？ S: 当然だろ S: だから余計なこと*すんな Y: なんだよ　どうでもいいって Y: 漫画のこと　分からないなりに　応援してくれてるもんだと思ってたのに Y: あんたにとってはくだらないことでも Y: 俺にとってはすごく Y: すごく大事な事なのに Y: 全然よくない Y: バカにすんなよ！ Y: Huh? S: Isn't that obvious? S: So, don't do unnecessary* things [*余計なこと - This phrase is used to refer to the problems that arise from whatever thing/action is in excess, and so has a negative connotation. Yoh is too fixated on the previous line to notice though] Y: What's that (supposed to mean)... "I don't care" Y: I've always thought that manga was something you supported me in, despite not knowing much about it, and yet... Y: Even if to you, it's something trivial Y: To me, it's something that's extremely Y: It's something extremely important and yet... Y: This is definitely not ok Y: Don't look down on me! [word contraction - again, by Yoh's standards, at least when he talks out loud to Segasaki, this is a drop in speech levels]

Y: 絶対あんたより稼げるようになってやる Y: 漫画で! Y: I'm definitely going to become someone who can earn more money than you! Y: With manga! I think difference between simply "earning more" and "becoming someone who can earn more" is important here - because it isn't about money - it's about competence. Yoh thinks his own worth is calculated in his ability to do things "well", be it in his work or at home. By that measure, Segasaki is worth everything and Yoh is sorely lacking, hence Yoh wants to "become" someone that is, in his mind, worth something. Because if he does not, then inevitably, Segasaki will one day come to disdain him.

There are so many times in this episode that Yoh hears things that should cement their relationship in his head, that he even recognizes as couple-like and accepts without protest - Man-san referring to Segasaki as Yoh's boyfriend, Segasaki losing his whole "man-of-a-few-words" thing and saying more to him in this episode than in any other, verbal confirmation that Yoh depending on him is something he welcomes etc. And yet, Yoh's fear filters all of that out and he hears only what sounds like his own self-judgement in Segasaki's voice. It's no wonder he lashes out at Segasaki like that, though really, who he's really attacking is himself. Afterall, sometimes when we hurt ourselves, we hurt the people who love us too, as we'll see in Ep 6.

(That was quite the arguement though, wasn't it!)

#my personal weatherman #taikan yohou #体感予報 #MPW subtitle corrections #mytranslations #segasaki x yoh #segasaki definitely uses the wrong words sometimes #but it's not like he doesn't use the right ones either #until yoh acknowledges and believes in his own strengths #segasaki could promise to love yoh for all their natural lives and then some #and yoh would still fear that segasaki might hate him #sorry i just see so much discourse about how things could be solved if they just used words #but it's not about what is being said (or not) #it's about what is (and isn't) being heard

[tarotwithdanise]

20 things that May will brings to you.

This can be realizations you will feel, new hobbies, your career and finances, love and relationships, blessings or negative outcomes that you might be experiencing.

༉ ‧ ₊ ˚ how to choose a pile? ✧ . ˚

꒰⠀from left to right ; intuitively choose the pile your mind, heart and soul desire for. if you are having trouble choosing the right pile for you, here’s some tips you can do ; (1) take a deep breath (2) close your eyes (3) ask guidance from your guides (4) finally open your eyes and you can choose the right pile for you by the guidance you ask from your guides. if you are still having trouble by choosing the right pile for you let me know because i am willing to help and guide you.

MASTERLIST - PAID READING SERVICES - TIPPING JAR

1 - 2

3 - 4

Pile one

If this pile may have many negative messages outcome for you, don't claim them focus on the positive sides and avoid dealing with them. Perhaps we can't probably do that all the time, in the first week of this month wear something dark such as black especially in days like 2nd and 11th or in every Tuesday and Friday to block any evil eye. Additional advice here, put salt in your doorway and do smoke ritual.

Going back to places that reminding you your childhood ; a heal for your inner child.

There are some outcomes that will make you so happy.

If you are someone who is in the field of social media like influencer or well known in a specific community- you probably gonna gain a lot of followers that will respect and honor you the most.

A shocking news ; can be bad or good well it's depends on you on how you perceive this situation.

Someone in your back doesn't agree with you at all and just playing nice towards you because they can benefit something from you, for simple description; you are a tool for them.

If you are experiencing unstable health currently, this pile is a confirmation that you are in good health yet slow and steady.

You might loss some of your property.

An enemy ; an averting evil for you will watched your moves this month. And possibly waiting for you around the corner.

If you are planning to learn some new language, new diet plan or new instrument, this tells you this is the right time for you start.

A sincere new friendship may build and come for this month.

Some of your efforts will be crowned with success.

You will be a bridge to a new develop couple so they can linked and get together.

Good fortune is coming and so you need to trust your family more.

Satisfaction in your home may likely to happen.

You will pay attention and focus to your physical and mental health.

Someone who is strong authority and influence to the public will be significant for you.

A healing for you with a married woman ; this can be your mother. Healing about your mother wound issues.

If you planning to get married with this month. You and your partner may have a happy and comfortable life.

Be careful when investing money or buying something from someone, you might get scammed.

You will find yourself truly blessed with the Universe with this time. And so you feels like to inspire others as well be inspired from them.

Thank you so much for reading my work, let me know your thoughts, feedbacks as well tipping and reblogs is well appreciated. Tipping jar is already mentioned above of this post !! ♡

࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚ 𝓞 ops you already reached the end. ࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚

Pile two

Planning to meet someone who is popular and famous?Like attending to your favorite idol concert? This will bring a lot of happiness for you. You will enjoy this situation. If not, you are likely planning and savings money for you to actually meet them.

Someone who will get married or if not, you likely to attend and be invited with this wedding.

A partnership. Agreement or soul connection may happen this month with someone.

You will develope a new exercise plan or if not, you maybe interested to join in a exercise program.

Your spiritual growth and intuition will be on point.

You will forgive someone.

Your like or crushing to someone may develop into the next level of like, especially love.

Step out of your comfort zone. (In case, you were looking for a sign this maybe a sign for you to start doing it.)

You bring love and peace into a situation.

Shock from a bad news.

A end of someone or something, can be an actual 💀.

You will be surrounded by true friends.

Fulfilment of your high hopes.

For some, new love may develop.

Swimming??Not sure if it's pool or beach though.

You will discover a secret of someone.

Family quarrels may come.

You will receive a good fortune and neutralize the evil near to you.

Strong unexpected fortune.

You will receive a message from someone that will touch your heart.

Thank you so much for reading my work, let me know your thoughts, feedbacks as well tipping and reblogs is well appreciated. Tipping jar is already mentioned above of this post !! ♡

࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚ 𝓞 ops you already reached the end. ࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚

Pile three

You may somehow feel deeply hurt.

Manifesting exactly what you want, just keep a positive mindset.

Moving on from a heart break and arriving of someone.

An awaited message may finally arrives ; text, call, email.

You will be talked online? You will be relevant somehow for others.

You will stop a toxic pattern.

A short embarrassment may happen to you that will follow a happiness moment.

Someone might stole something from you so better watched out your things ; a theft.

You maybe get a rival for a competition into someone or something.

A confession from someone you know.

If you have business, it will like get recognition and success.

A enemy will decided to go and turn their back away from you.

Motivation for others and for yourself.

A change of mind.

New pet or working on a new jobs.

A personal issues will finally found it's solution.

You will decide to work with your fears because you think your bigger than them.

You will start dancing and connecting more with Nature.

Starting a new hobbies especially baking sweet treats and writing a journal.

A planned vacation may happen or you will move into a new house, room or dorm.

Thank you so much for reading my work, let me know your thoughts, feedbacks as well tipping and reblogs is well appreciated. Tipping jar is already mentioned above of this post !! ♡

࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚ 𝓞 ops you already reached the end. ࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚

Pile four

A get together with your friends.

New hair color and hair style.

After a long months of not watching a movie, you will decided to watch again.

A study to stars or if not, a study to astrology.

You will go to see a doctor for check up.

You will buy a new sets of book for yourself.

Deep breathing can calm down your anxiety, you will nourish your temple.

You will let yourself to be playful and enjoy for this month.

A new phase of your life will be happening and preparing yourself for an union with the next coming months.

A freedom from toxic relationship or addiction habits.

Contented of being alone, you will start your own self-care.

A pain???

Your fierce enemies are near to you with this month.

A popularity of someone or yourself will bring so much joy to you.

Your feelings for someone will grow be intense.

Important advice from someone who is female.

You will have a lot fun coming here for you pile four.

Someone you like will like you equally can be friends like platonic.

Someone will try to gaslighting you so be aware.

You will find out something from someone that will shock you and everyone.

Thank you so much for reading my work, let me know your thoughts, feedbacks as well tipping and reblogs is well appreciated. Tipping jar is already mentioned above of this post !! ♡

࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚ 𝓞 ops you already reached the end. ࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚

#pick a card #tarot #pick a pile #divination #fortune telling #cartomancy #tarotcommunity #free tarot reading #tarot online #tarotblr #witchblr #may reading #may #tarot witch #oracle reading #intuition #intuitive #tarot reader #spirituality #witch #wicca #pagan #tarot pac

[xoxomoonlightxoxo]

Don't Get Attached | Part 3

➪ Playlist (Spotify)

➪ W/c: 1640

I Can Beg For You

Even though it has been about a week since Jungkook and I last saw each other he has yet to miss a day of not calling my phone at least once. Of course, I don’t answer, not because I’m petty but more so because I fear that my emotions might take over again. I’ve been a mess since the incident and that’s putting it lightly. I mean, I don’t remember the last time I stepped foot out of my apartment but I guess today’s the day as my friend, Jinni invited the girls and me out for a night out. Do I want to go? No, not really. Should I go? Yes, probably. As much as I’ve grown comfortable with rotting away in my room, I simply cannot keep doing this. 

So, I put on my tightest mini dress and let the curls loose before spraying the perfume Jungkook adored so much. The truth is, I can’t seem to let him go, not yet at least. In my head we are still together, so I pay the price of that delusion by filling the void in my heart with his sweet lies. You can call me naive all you want but something about him is just … I don’t know … irresistible, I guess. No, fuck him. For the love of God, don’t get attached y/n. 

- -

Making our way into the club we are welcomed by the pungent smell of alcohol mixed with sweat and cologne as Jinni pulls me straight to the dance floor. The place is packed and there isn’t much space to actually bust a move if you know what I mean, so most people resorted to simply grinding on each other. Realizing that I’m too sober to take this seriously I excuse myself to grab us some drinks. However, as the night went on, one shot turned into three which then doubled and after that, I just lost count. Feeling the alcohol in my system, the whole grinding thing no longer bothered me as much. 

Pulling Jinni closer we danced the night away, screaming our lungs out when the DJ played throwback Usher songs. It was all fun and games until I really let loose. The louder the music got the quieter my thoughts were and the more I drank the less I could think clearly, which in hindsight was a recipe for a disaster but in the moment was exactly what I needed. So, there I was, strutting away to some Timbaland on top of the wooden countertop as drunk men kept throwing dollar bills at me. While I was unfazed by the whole thing, Jinni had a heart attack after each shaky step I took in my 4-inch heels. The probability of me falling off was as high as most people in the club, so her concern was not exaggerated. 

“Y/n please come down, you’re gonna fall,” she screams, unfortunately for her, I was now surrounded by a sound barrier from the blasting overhead speakers. 

“Jiiinniii, dance with me,” I whine, eyes barely open as my arms reach for her. Shaking her head, Jinni quickly grabbed her phone and dialled the only person she knew could deal with my drunk self. 

“Jungkook? Hey, please hurry, y/n is drunk and won’t get down from bar island,” she screams into the speaker, turning her head to the lounge area where the rest of our group was. A rookie mistake, since by the time her attention was back on the table I was no longer there. Instead, I was in the poorly lit women’s bathroom with some random guy whose grip tightened around my waist. 

“Can I kiss you?” he whispers, gaze focused on my lips as my back presses onto the cold wall. 

“Do whatever you want,” I sigh, intertwining my hands in his dishevelled hair. I know it’s wrong, but if I keep my eyes closed I can almost feel Jungkook’s embrace. His veiny hands on my thighs as we both gasp for air from the sinful kisses. All that, of course, is merely the work of my imagination. At that moment, it’s not Jungkook's hands, not his lips, not him. With all the alcohol in my system, my body has become numb to external sensations until a familiar melody rings from my purse. Speaking of the devil, it’s Jungkook. Did my heartbeat increase? Maybe. 

“Come over y/n,” Jungkook says, his voice raspy and harsh as he presses on the gas pedal, speeding by the passing cars towards the night club. 

“Can’t baby, I’m a bit busy,” I whisper softly, breath hitched from the sudden feel of the guy’s hand on my ass. As he leaves a trail of kisses on my exposed collarbone I bite down on my lip, until a small moan escapes my mouth. 

“Y/n, who is that?” Jungkook growls at the sound coming from his phone. One that is too familiar for his liking as his imagination runs wild, connecting the dots regarding the context of the situation. Closing his eyes for a moment, he can picture your form in a tight dress that pushes your cleavage up with your hair laid perfectly over your shoulders. Just the way he likes it. Fuck, he thinks to himself. 

“Sorry, I have to go,” I yelp, dropping the phone on the floor as my hands now rest on his chest. Lifting my fatigued body onto the countertop, my legs naturally wrap around his torso. It hurts to do this to Jungkook but damn, does he deserve it. It’s time he finally gets a taste of his own medicine. 

- -

Jungkook’s POV

Turning off the engine, I rush towards the entrance of the club passing by half-naked women who clearly had way too much fun. As one of them stops in front of me, I look around the crowded place trying to spot y/n in the neon lights. 

“Dance with me, pretty boy,” she says, placing her hands on my jean jacket as her shivering body leans closer to mine. She’s young. Too young. No amount of makeup can cover up those naive eyes.

“Sorry love, I’m here for my own drunkhead,” I say with a wink, before noticing Jinni dozed off in the lounge area. Pushing past the wave of people, the smell of alcohol in their system can be detected from two blocks away. 

“Jinni! Jinni, wake up. Where’s y/n??” I yell through the blaring music, slightly moving her shoulders in hopes that it’ll wake her up. How does one even fall asleep when Nicki Minaj’s ‘Super Bass’ is basically shouting at you? Nonetheless, I try to catch her attention as our eyes finally lock. 

“Jungkooook, I’m sorryyy. I told y/n to stop drinking but she wouldn’t listen. I swear, I turned my head for one second and then boom, she was gone,” Jinni cries out, covering her flushed face in her palms before looking up at my concerned expression. 

“That’s ok Jinni, just stay here I’m gonna look for her,” I say calmly, putting my jacket over her exposed legs before heading back towards the dance floor. Where could y/n be? Dialing her phone number the signal goes straight to voicemail. Shit. 

It’s been about 10 minutes and I swear I’ve been going in circles. I’d already mistaken four different girls for y/n, yet she is still nowhere to be found, that is until I saw the barely lit restroom sign at the back of the club. Wouldn’t hurt to check, right? 

Walking past the men’s restroom I’m certain that y/n was sober enough to recognize the difference between the two. So, I take a deep breath before knocking on the door. No answer. I mean what was I expecting? She is probably passed out on the toilet or something. Placing a few more knocks, this time with more power, I’m interrupted by a series of soft moans. I might have lost half of my hearing since I got here, but her pretty voice, yeah … I can recognize it anywhere. Pushing the door open, my eyes focus on her heaving chest as some dumbass tightens his grip on her waist. 

“Get the fuck off of her!” I growl, pushing him to the wall as my fist meets his face. Three punches in and his nose began to bleed before y/n stepped in front of me. Eyes locked on my tense face, she places her hands on my burning chest, begging me to stop as my vision gets blurry. 

“Jungkook please,” she cries out, pulling my arms towards her chest to prevent another hit. Gaze focused on her teary eyes, I let out a deep sigh, tilting my head as an indication for the guy to leave. Which he does immediately. 

“Y/n, what are you doing having stranger’s hands all over you?” I yell out, a bit too harshly than I wanted to. But I couldn’t help it. I could feel my heartbeat in my throat as she suddenly dropped my arms, wiping the tears off of her face. 

“No better than being touched by a cheater, right?” she scoffs, shaking her head at my remark. 

“How many times do you want me to apologize? What else do you want me to do? Do you want me to beg for you? I can beg for you,” I whisper into her ear, nibbling on the soft skin before getting on my knees. Looking up at her darkened eyes, I pull her body closer before tracing small circles on her soft skin. Moving her leg over my shoulder I begin to place a trail of soft kisses up her shivering limb, gaze focused on her whimpering pretty face. Each kiss was followed by a sinful plea.

“That’s it, baby, just relax,” 

Previous l Next

#bts #bangtan #jungkook x reader #jungkook x you #jungkook x yn #bts x yn #jungkook fanfic #fanfic #jungkook smut #romance #young love #slow burn #jungkook angst #jungkook fluff #jungkook x female reader #jungkook #jeon jungkook #jungkook imagine #toxic relationship #ex-boyfriend jungkook #toxic love #toxic jungkook

[tgmsunmontue]

It's not who you know 4/4

YEAR 4 - Non-angsty Nepo!Baby Bradley and his years at the USNA and his head-in-the-sand approach to the nepotism and the fact that he ends up being known as the guy with the two hot dads instead... (TW: mention of cancer)

(Part 4 is 6.5k long - same length as the first 3 parts combined.)

YEAR FOUR - 2004 and 2005 - PART 4

YEAR FOUR – 2004 – Part 4

                Surprising absolutely no-one Bradley chooses aviation as his warfare cruise option for his first class summer. Part of Tom wants to force him to try something different, to make Slider force Bradley to try something different, but he feels like it would be on par with telling a fish to stop swimming. Bradley belongs in the sky, even if Tom secretly thinks he should maybe have joined the Air Force with his considerable aversion to submarines. Natasha Trace has remained one of Bradley’s closest friends, making the same choice as him and going with aviation. They’re getting in and he’s there in an official capacity to greet the midshipmen.

                Bradley has decided to share with her exactly who he and Pete are, which is going to be just as well considering Bradley invited her to stay for a couple of nights before flying out to her own family. Unfortunately he’s pretty sure he won’t have told her yet and they’re about to walk past him. Ah well, there’s nothing for it.

                “Welcome back Midshipman Bradshaw. Midshipman Trace.”

                “Thank you Admiral,” midshipman Trace replies instantly, she doesn’t show any sign of recognizing him, so he guesses Mav was right about the whole uniform and disguise thing. Although she could simply be more concerned about Bradley’s lack of response which forces him to hold back a smile as she elbows Bradley subtly in the side.

                “Uh. Yeah. Thank you Admiral.”

                Tom nods and moves on to welcoming back some of the other midshipmen, can’t wait to actually see Bradley at home and talk to him.

…             …             …

                “Bradley… why does the new Vice Admiral know my name? Oh my god, what have I done?”

                “Do I need to remind you that our names are on our uniforms?”

                “How do you score so highly in observational skills? He approached us from the side, the angle was all wrong. I don’t know if it’s a good thing or bad thing. Although, did he look familiar to you? I feel like I’ve seen him before, or maybe I’m just remembering it from the Navy News. Okay, I’m freaking out a little…”

                “Yeah. You’re rambling. It’s okay. Uh. Okay, so I have something to tell you. And it’s totally going to make you annoyed, but I’m hoping you’ll understand why I haven’t shared it with anyone. And I mean anyone.”

                “What?”

                “My dads… have you heard of Peter Mitchell, callsign Maverick?”

                Bradley can’t help flinch at the look she gives him.

                “Yes Bradley, we just had to learn about him, or had you forgotten already? I mean, you didn’t seem to be paying much attention in class,” Natasha says, her tone just as scathing as her expression and he rolls his shoulders; preparing himself mentally for her . He’s grown up just knowing so much already by dint of who raised him that there are definitely times in class when he zones out.

                “I didn’t need to pay attention. Maverick is my dad. Well. This is where it kind of gets complicated. My dad was Lieutenant Nicholas Bradshaw, and he flew with Maverick. But he died in 1986 in a training accident. Maverick helped my mom raise me, until she died. Then it was Maverick and his partner…”

                “I’ve met you dad. Peter Bradshaw. You trying to tell me that guy is actually Peter Mitchell?”

                “Yeah. He thinks he’s hilarious. Just think, they haven’t shown us any photos of what Peter Mitchell looks like.”

                “What, all the tutors are in on this conspiracy theory? I mean… are you okay?” Her tone is suddenly serious, like she’s actually worried about him and he feels a welling up of hysterical laughter. Of course the first time he tries to tell someone the truth they doubt him. Of course.

                “Peter Mitchell is my dad –”

                “But he came with your other dad… Tom… Mitchell. Wait…” her eyes are flickering around the port and he knows she’s piecing everything together now. “Oh shit. That was Vice Admiral Tom Kazansky, who looks familiar because he’s your other dad. Fucking hell.”

                He breaths a sigh of relief, glad she’s suddenly gone from thinking him slightly unhinged to acceptance. Now he just has to wait for the anger.

                “Yeah. And I don’t particularly want to have everyone thinking I have it easy because of them.”

                “Bradley, you work harder and longer than anyone else in our year.”

                “Exactly. And I want them to remember that because when they do find out who it is I’m associated with I want them to know I am a hard worker and worthy of respect because I’m me, because I earnt it, not because of Mav and Ice.”

                “Wow. You don’t have a chip on your shoulder or anything do you?”

                “Wouldn’t you?”

                “Army brat, I get you plenty. Huh. Yeah okay. I get it. Damn. A Captain and an Admiral. I really want to be angry but I think I’d have done the same thing. I mean, I didn’t go into the army because I didn’t want to be linked to my family…”

        ��       “Thanks. I didn’t like keeping it from you, once we became friends.”

                “Wait… so how many people know?”

                “Well, I grew up with Mav and Ice. And a lot of their buddies I call uncle.”

                “Like who?”

                “Uh… Uncle Slider.”

                “Admiral Kerner? You call him Uncle Slider?”

                “Obviously not when I’m at Annapolis! But yeah, I grew up calling him Uncle Sli. And there’s pretty much any aviator that’s flown with Mav or Ice know all about me. I’m their kid. I spent a few weeks at Annapolis every summer before Plebe Summer helping things get organized. Most of the people there know me pretty well. Have seen me grow up.”

                “Holy shit. It is like a massive conspiracy theory! So what, they’re all pretending that they don’t know who you are?”

                “No, I just asked them to treat me like any other midshipman. And they’re pretending they don’t know who my parents are, and that means no one else finds out. Unless I tell them.”

                “Well, it explains some of your weirder habits I guess. You know, I can’t decide if he looks better in leather or in uniform. Uniform never did anything for me, but I’m maybe seeing the appeal.”

                “Oh my god, please do not tell either of my dad’s you think they’re hot okay?”

                “They probably know already. Anyway, you owe me one.”

                Bradley groans. He guesses he does.

                …             …             …

                “It’s so good to see you, welcome home.”

                Bradley accepts the crushing hug with a smile, grins at Natasha over Ice’s shoulder, because these are just his dads. The ones that have been doing stupid shit to visit him incognito while he’s at USNA.

                …             …             …

                “Oh no, I had no idea who you were until this afternoon. Bradley’s known to all the others as the guy with the hot dads.”

                “The what?” Tom asks, glad he didn’t have a mouthful of beer, because Pete is having to clean himself up.

                “None of the midshipmen have any idea that Bradley is anything other than one of them. I wouldn’t have believed it except for the fact that I’m sitting here with you.”

                “She’s failing to mention she started calling you my hot dads,” Bradley mutters.

                Mav cackles and Tom hides his smile by taking a sip of his drink.

                …             …             …

                Bradley is studying in the rec room when he hears his name called out. Looks up to find an underclassman looking nervous. He doesn’t blame him, it’s only a couple of weeks in and he’s in his first year, he recognizes him from Plebe Summer.

                “Sorry to interrupt you Bradshaw. Just, uh, Admiral Kerner would like to talk to you. As a matter of urgency. He’s on the phone with someone and yelled for someone to come and get you straight away…”

                He drops everything, doesn’t bother packing up, just starts running. He doesn’t know what has happened, but his mind has immediately jumped to bad news bad news bad news. Nothing else would have Slider yelling for someone to get him. He doesn’t know if it’s Mav or Ice and he has no idea which would be worse. He takes the stairs up two at a time, runs through the open office door and the look on Slider’s face confirms it for him that it is indeed bad news.

                “Take a seat son,” Slider instructs, and he’s so used to following orders he just drops into the chair, eyes not leaving the older man’s face. His stomach is somewhere near his knees and is somehow churning away, he thinks he might be sick. Everything he’s done, and this is what is going to make him throw up.

                “It’s Ice. He’s collapsed. Mav is somewhere in the Middle East. You need to get to San Diego. I’ve organized a lift.”

                “Oh fuck. Do we know what happened?”

                “They’re probably doing tests. But I think he’d appreciate having you there when he wakes up. I can get you there.”

                Bradley accepts that, this is special treatment for Ice. They can’t pull Mav out from whatever active duty deployment he’s currently on, but Bradley is… available. He feels a flash of anxiety over his studies and place in the USNA but it’s immediately overwhelmed by guilt, because none of that is more important than Ice right now. He’ll figure something out.

                …             …             …

                Cancer.

                …             …             …

                Fuck.

                …             …             …

                His entire body goes cold as he thinks about his mom and he sucks in a deep breath.

                …             …             …

                “We think we’ve got it all. We’re going to do a few more biopsies to be sure. He’s going to need some chemo so we installed a port while he was under.”

                …             …             …

                He recognizes the language, doesn’t understand everything that they’re saying but he remembers the feeling. Wishes that Mav was here.

                …             …             …

                “We’re not sure yet of the extent of spread, but we’re hopeful.”

                …             …             …

                Then Mav is there, arms wrapped around him and he feels like a kid again, but also somehow stronger knowing he’s not going through this alone anymore.

                …             …             …

                “Bradley. You’re being offered a deferral. A leave of the remaining year and the opportunity to return next year and finish. It’s a family emergency. This isn’t special treatment.”

                “Sure feels like it.”

                “You deserve good things too kid. But if it would make you feel better I can give you a list of midshipmen we’ve made similar arrangements for in the last decade or so.”

                “No, it’s fine. Thank you sir. Just a lot to get a handle of right now.”

                “Which is why you’re deferring. You take care of that grumpy bastard for us. And the crazy one too, he’s not going to handle this well. Think we’ve already discussed how you’re probably the most reasonable out of the three of you.”

                “That’s not saying much sir.”

                “Well, I didn’t exactly mean it as a compliment. You take care okay, I’ll see you back here soon enough.”

                “Thank you sir.”

                …             …             …

                Jake notices his disappearance. Of course he does. He was his favorite upperclassman and he seemed to be friends with absolutely everyone, including the tutors. Even the brass seemed to be a little extra indulgent of him and he doesn’t know if he’s imagining the campus being quieter, but it feels that way. He tries asking and it’s not quite like getting stone-walled, but all he finds out is that it’s a family thing. At least he knows he hasn’t dropped out. Because that would be a shame.

                …             …             …

                His time becomes somewhat disjointed, in between driving Ice back and forth to chemo appointments, he’s permitted to sit in on particular classes at North Island. He trains with men and women much older than him, experienced commissioned officers, those who know he’s had his final year at USNA disrupted and exactly who has raised him. There is nothing but respect from them, that he has put helping Ice above his naval career.

                He hadn’t intended on getting a regular hookup, but he doesn’t turn it down. The guy, Matthew, is about five years older than him, patient and funny and Bradley takes it for the opportunity it is, to learn what he likes in regard to sex without the time pressure or fear of being found out. Matthew’s not Navy, so he doesn’t care about who Mav and Ice are, is easy going and isn’t intimidated by anything that Bradley can tell. Their hooking up has an end-date, Bradley knowing he’s going to be returning to USNA and Matthew already having post-doctoral plans in Australia at the end of his degree. Neither of them are interested in long distance so Bradley let’s himself have this.         

                He gets to go and watch Natasha graduate. Not only her but his entire original intake. He allows himself to feel disappointed for a few minutes that he’s not taking part, but he doesn’t regret his decision to be there for Ice. Everyone he speaks to he finds the same support, everyone agreeing that his decision to put his studies on hold was the right one. It makes him feel a little guilty that he doesn’t mention that he’s still been able to do some of his study in San Diego, that his physical training hasn’t been impacted in the slightest given that he’s been training at North Island. How in some areas he’s definitely now light years ahead of what they’ll cover at the USNA.

                …             …             …

                “Bradshaw!”

                “Oh. Hey, Seresin right?” Bradley asks, because he can be smooth, pretend he doesn’t know exactly who Jake Seresin is.

                “Yeah. You’re here…”

                “Yeah. Just wanted to see everyone graduate. Had to take a break this year. Family thing. They let me defer my final year. I’ll be back next year though. I still managed some classes as I was pretty close to North Island and SDU were pretty accommodating as well,” Bradley says, and he realizes he’s rambling but can’t help it. Apparently being smooth was a pipe dream abruptly evaporated into mist. The guy was good looking before, but now another year of growing has filled him out, broadened his shoulders.

                “Well, you’re like one of the best they have right? Want to make it easy for you to come back.”

                “Uh… I guess,” Bradley mumbles, and he’s pretty sure he’s now blushing. What the hell?

                “So where is home for you Bradshaw?”

                “San Diego. Why?”

                “Was just thinking of maybe taking a little vacation before returning next year.”

                “What, you want a tour guide?”

                “Something like that…”

                Seresin quirks an eyebrow and Bradley knows his shock is showing on his face. He realizes with him deferring Seresin is now only a year below him, that next year they’ll both be upperclassmen, still different years but not the two it was… He’s going to have to ask Ice for clarification because he sure as hell doesn’t need to be called in, not after already getting a warning for baseless accusations about non-existent fraternization.

                “Uh… sure. Here, let me give you my number.”

                …             …             …

YEAR FOUR take 2 – 2005 – Part 4

                He doesn’t know what deity has decided to smile down on him, but Mav is taking Ice away for a romantic weekend to celebrate the cancer going into remission and it just so happens to be the weekend that Jake is coming to San Diego. He knows they won’t have any issue with him having a guy over, they were fine with Matthew. However Bradley doesn’t want Jake seeing photos of Ice and Mav and himself scattered around the place so he moves around, slides photos into drawers, or places them face down on their bed and closes the door to their bedroom. Leaves a few of his younger self around, doesn’t want to make it look like it isn’t his place. He does pull out the photo that Slider took when Ice and Mav had visited him and puts it on the bookshelf. If Jake somehow recognizes Ice then he’ll deal with it. Hopefully he’ll be otherwise occupied to pay attention to the photos anyway.

                …             …             …

                Jake tries to convince himself he’s not nervous, but he definitely isn’t quite as calm and collected as he hopes he looks as he knocks on the door to a nice-looking house in some suburb.

                Bradley Bradshaw’s house.

                Or at least the address he gave him.

                To come and stay for two nights.

                Bradley opens the door and he’s just as perfect as Jake remembers him. He’s never wanted someone as much and for as long as he’s wanted Bradley Bradshaw. Been drawn to him since he first saw him and now, now, he might get what he’s been waiting for.

                “Hey.”

                “Hey. Come in.”

                He glances around, no one else seems to be here and he wonders. He drops his bag and takes off his shoes.

                “Parents away?” There’s no way Bradley owns this place.

                “Yeah. Celebrating cancer remission.”

                “Ah…” Family thing his brain supplies. “Would they be okay with me being here?”

                “Yeah, I had a, uh, boyfriend and he was here all the time. They were fine with it. Come on…”

                Bradley makes a gesture with his head, encouraging Jake to follow him and he does, moving through to the kitchen. Jake’s brain is catching on the boyfriend, boyfriend, boyfriend and wondering if that’s maybe a position that’s taking applications. He hadn’t considered that and now feels like an idiot for not thinking about it. It’s a traditional time to eat, but he really hopes that there are other things on offer. He doesn’t know how to broach it though, isn’t exactly used to this part.

                “You want a drink?”

                “No thanks, maybe later…”

                The smile is slow, Bradley’s eyes darkening and he steps into Jake’s space and he resists arching into his body. Boyfriend applications of not, he’ll definitely take sex.

                “Am I reading this right?”

                “Yeah.”

                Then it’s a mess of fingers pulling at clothes, lips sliding against his, stubble scraping across his ear and neck, his body being directed to what is clearly a bedroom. Then it’s naked skin, heat, lips again but around his cock, warm hard body pressing against him, firm flesh yielding. All his systems are in overdrive, so many sensations and he never wants it to end and also wants to come so desperately both in equal measure.

                “You okay?”

                “Yeah, yeah, so okay…”

                “Fuck you’re pretty…”

                “Please…”

                He doesn’t have to resort to begging, lets himself be fucked open at the slowest fucking pace and he pushes back, needing it just that little bit faster. Deeper. Harder. A firm hand on his hip stops him and he lets out a little dismayed gasp.

                “Nice and slow okay?”

                No, not okay Jake thinks, his body almost shaking from the intensity, but then he’s being pulled a little and Bradley is finally fully pressed inside, grinding little circles and he slumps, lets out a whine he’s not sure is from desperation, pleasure or frustration. The pace doesn’t increase and Jake realizes he’s just along for the ride, Bradley fucking him long, hard and slow, so achingly slow it’s almost a tease except for the way it just seems to be ratchetting him tighter and tighter. It morphs into a repeated cadence of their bodies moving together and Jake wasn’t expecting it to be like this.

                He thought hard and fast, rushed and desperate feeling, how he’s felt nearly every time he’s seen Bradley Bradshaw cross his line of sight. The only thing that remains is the desperate building need to come, the fact that he feels like he should have already come over fifteen, twenty maybe even thirty minutes ago. He has no idea. Just feels like it’s fucking typical that Bradley is good at sex as well as everything else he tries his hand at. Hands that are touching everywhere, his body covering Jake’s, hand encircling his cock to encourage it along but never enough to get him off.

                “God you feel good… look so good,” Bradley says, sounding gratifyingly breathless.

                “Am good…” Jake mutters, not wanting him to have any reason to stop, is starting to wonder if he’ll be allowed to come, if maybe this is some type of sadistic pleasure on Bradley’s part.

                “Yeah you are… fuck.”

                The fingers digging into his hip are bruising and Bradley’s body is shaking and Jake is pretty sure he’s coming, and he makes a little sound of displeasure. At least he hopes that’s what it sounds like to Bradley, because he wants to fucking come. Then Bradley is pulling out and Jake definitely grunts his annoyance now, but there is a soothing hand on his back, lips at his ear, rustling sound of something he doesn’t care about.

                “Shh shh shh… roll over.”

                He moves, body feeling heavy and leaden, Bradley kisses him, mouth hot. His cock is encircled in warm slippery fingers and he pushes up into it, chasing the pressure which is finally finally closer to what he wants. Needs. He spreads his legs further and then there are fingers sliding back into him, then a mouth around his cock and the sudden combination has him coming immediately, no time for a warning, no breath to give one anyway. He didn’t know orgasms came in this size, shape or form. He's been on the edge for too long and now he’s

                falling

                falling

                falling

                from the height that he was raised to. He knew, hoped, it would be good. The level of good has been exceeded, blown apart and he needs to look up some new adjectives.

                “Fucking hell…”

                All he hears in response is some humming and more rustling, then the sound of someone drinking water and he reaches out with weak grabby hands, none os his muscles seeming to want to cooperate. Water would be great right now, but he can barely move. Fortunately the bottle is placed in his hands and he forces himself up to a semi-sitting position so he can take a deep drink.

                “I need to brush my teeth, lube is gross. Didn’t think that through at all.”

                Jake pulls a face, because he hadn’t even thought about it, had been far too busy enjoying it.

                “I appreciate your dedication to the job…”

                “Thought you would,” Bradley smirks. “I’ll grab your bag as well.”

                “Thanks.”

                …             …             …

                He pulls on clean underwear and he’s glad there’s already the expectation that Jake is staying. Doesn’t want to have the awkward post-hook up conversation, because while he hasn’t had to have one of those in a while it doesn’t erase the remembered awkwardness at all. Definitely an unexpected perk of a regular hookup. He brushes his teeth as he walks around, re-enters his bedroom and drops Jake’s bag on his bed, goes back to the bathroom; glad he has a task to do because yeah, still feels a little awkward.

                He goes back to his bedroom and Jake hasn’t moved much, looks pretty fucked-out and Bradley likes the look on him. He is really fucking pretty, and fucking makes him prettier. He stalks over, shoves the untouched bag onto the floor and crawls up his body.

                “Did I tire you out?”

                “Fuck off. No. Just. More intense than I thought it would be.”

                “Good intense? Wait, that wasn’t, like, your first time or anything was it?” Bradley asks, running his fingers absently over Jake’s body.

                “No. Would have been pretty shitty if I hadn’t told you that. Just… I’m not the one here who has had a boyfriend…”

                “Uh, I mean I haven’t really either… I mean, I guess he was. But we didn’t go on dates or anything. And he’s in Australia now, we started hooking up and then realized we were both intending to be leaving San Diego about a month apart and it was just… convenient.”

                “Still plenty more, uh, experience than me.”

                “Oh yeah, that’s fair. God. Too fucking exhausted to worry about getting laid my first year and too busy the second and third…”

                “You’ve never hooked up with anyone at Annapolis?” Jake sounds surprised and Bradley shakes his head, because he meant every word about being exhausted and too busy. Plus he hadn’t needed anything getting back to Mav and Ice, because it would have. Case in point, Natasha.

                “Nope. Not worth the risk. Already been pulled into the Admiral’s office just on the whisper of rumor I was sleeping with Natasha.”

                “You weren’t?”

                “No. She’s like… a sister. And I’m gay.”

                “And what about now?”

                “Uh… I’m still gay.”

                “No,” Jake rolls his eyes, shoves at his shoulder. “Worth the risk?”

                Oh.

                Oh.

                Jake’s looking at him, expression split between nervous and hopeful and fuck, he’s maybe made an error of judgement.

                “I’m, uh, not looking for a boyfriend or anything…”

                “And how about a regular thing?”

                “With you? At boat school?”

                Jake shrugs, looking more unsure and Bradley suddenly wants. Previously he’d ruled it out, wanting to focus on being the best. Getting through and not having time to figure out who might be interested, but to already have someone makes things simpler… There’s still the risk of getting caught, but they’ll both be upperclassmen with more liberty leave and he’s not an idiot, he knows there are places and that some of the others definitely have sex on the regular.

                “I wouldn’t be averse…”

                “And what about the end of the year? When you graduate?”

                “I guess we have this discussion again…”

                …             …             …

                Jake resists the idea of actual sightseeing, wants to spend every second in bed, but Bradley insists on dragging him out to the zoo and a quick afternoon tour. For all his talk about them just hooking up the whole thing has a very date-like quality to it and Jake leans into it, lets Bradley lick ice-cream from his lips, pull him by the hand to his favorite exhibits in the zoo and not pointing out that he never lets go. He’s pretty sure it’s the best weekend he’s ever had.

                …             …             …

                He’s had a weird hypothetical conversation with Ice, probably one of the most awkward ones they’ve ever had. How and where to have sex at Annapolis, and not get caught. He’s reassured that as he’s currently non-commissioned there isn’t a matter of inappropriate misuse of rank, no fraternization he can actually get in trouble for. But his reputation is a different form of currency and he needs to be careful. He really does have to weigh up the risk and benefit but he’s also just spent the last year watching Ice battle cancer and he’s maybe thinking that a little risk in order to live his life to the full is okay.

                …             …             …

                It’s different being back, bunking in with a different crowd of guys, a sharp contrast to the sheer amount of freedom he’s had in the last year but also comforting in its familiarity.

                “Holy shit Bradshaw, you look nothing like your dads…”

                “Uh. They’re not related to me.”

                “They adopted him.”

                “Aw, like a puppy from the pound…”

                “Sure…” Bradley agrees, knows he’s fighting a losing battle, glad that no one has recognized Ice from the photo, but also the knowledge that he has two dads is simply common knowledge and he’s grateful that it’s likely weeded the worst of the assholes from wanting to interact with him. He isn’t close with any of them like he was with Natasha in his year, but he does know many of them, the sheer amount of time they have to spend together resulting in enforced comradery.

                …             …             …

                “We’ve got liberty leave.”

                “We do.”

                “Want to catch a movie together?”

                “Sure.”

                …             …             …

                “You couldn’t wait until this weekend?”

                “No. God. Do you have any idea how fucking hot you look?”

                “No, I could do with hearing it again…”

                …             …             …

                “Gentlemen.”

                Fuck.

                “Admiral Kerner sir.”

                “Would you like to explain to me what’s going on here?”

                “Uh…”

                “Wrestling sir. Playfighting.”

                Admiral Kerner closes his eyes, scrunches up his face and he looks like he’s almost in pain and Jake hopes he’s not going to have a heart attack. He glances at Bradley quickly, but holy shit he looks calm as anything, completely unperturbed by the fact that they’ve just been interrupted by a fucking Admiral. He thinks he might be sick.

                “Right. Okay. Well then can I suggest you use the gym where there are appropriate mats for wrestling. Or other such venues in the city when you’re on liberty leave.”

                “Thank you for that advice sir.”

                “You’re welcome Midshipman Brad - shaw. And your name?”

                “Uh, Seresin sir.”

                “Noted. You’re excused gentlemen.”

                Jake has never walked away so relieved in his life.

                …             …             …

                “Hey Ice, what’s Uncle Slider’s favorite drink?”

                “Why?”

                “You don’t want to know.”

                “Am I going to hear about it anyway?”

                “Can you just tell me what he likes to drink? I can buy it myself now.”

                “Tell me what happened and I’ll buy him the best… And if he deserves the best then you can’t afford it.”

                Bradley groans.

                “He, uh, maybe walked in on me in a compromising position.”

                “With… who?”

                “Uh, just a guy.”

                “This the hypothetical guy you may or may not think is scorching hot? The same one you had over the weekend we went away? The totally hypothetical one?”

                “Maybe?”

                “You sound exactly like Mav when you say that word. What’s his name?”

                “Can I take a pass on that?”

                “Nope. I can just ask Slider. Make it even worse for you.”

                “Ugh. Fine. Jake Seresin. He’s a year below me.”

                “Okay. I’ll send Sli a case of port and sign it with my name. You’d get in trouble for trying to bribe a superior officer. He’ll know why though.”

                “Thanks Ice.”

                “Trust me, I’ve gotten Mav out of far worse.”

                …             …             …

                “Your dads aren’t coming to graduation? What the fuck?”

                “It’s fine, it’s okay. I knew this was always a possibility…”

                “Oh, I guess with him being sick.”

                “Yeah, of course. Difficult to travel and stuff like that.”

                He wants to meet Bradley’s parents, feels like it’s the step to somehow shoving what they have into something more, at least in Bradley’s eyes.

                “They might surprise me. They’ve done it before.”

                For some reason Bradley doesn’t look thrilled at the idea.

                …             …             …

                His graduation day is coming and even a year delayed he can’t help but feel immensely proud. His final year has been easier academically with having the classes split over two years. It’s enabled him to help his peers and help run a couple of the social clubs. And of course, he’s been sneaking around and secretly having sex with Jake. Noone seems to have realized that they’re hooking up, and he guesses it because he hangs out with lots of different groups and people in equal measure, and Jake is in some of those groups as well. He’s even had a couple of guys make a pass at him, which he’s simply deflected and declined. Politely.

                He’s been thinking about maybe telling Jake, but it’s only been a year and he didn’t tell Natasha for three. However he knows Ice and Mav are going to be at his graduation somehow, but he isn’t sure in what capacity and they refuse to tell him. Even Uncle Slider won’t give him a hint, other than confirm that they are both going to be there. He has no idea whether they’re going to pull off the ridiculous disguises again, or attend the formal ceremony in full dress uniform. Rather than be annoyed or worried he wants them there. Desperately wants them there now, knowing that one day they might not be and if there is any silver lining to Ice’s cancer it has to be that.

                …             …             …

                “We’re going to miss you. It’s been a pleasure to have you at the USNA Midshipman Bradshaw. I look forward to watching your career with the US Navy.”

                “Thank you Admiral Kerner. For everything.”

                “You still have your heart set on flight school?”

                “Yes sir.”

                “Well, you’ve got a recommendation from me. You’ve been an exemplary young man, and I’m saying that not because of your history, but despite it. You could have come in here and coasted. Expected favors from your peers and greased wheels. Instead you’ve kept a very low profile, for the most part. I think some of the others have even forgotten who you’re actually related to…”

                “Not you though sir.”

                “No, not me. Of course receiving a case of port helps me both remember and forget certain things.”

                “Please do sir, sorry about that.”

                “I was young once too.”

                Fuck. He’s never going to be allowed to forget that.

                …             …             …

                “Bradley!”

                “Holy shit! Natasha!”

                They hug for a few seconds before remembering exactly where they are and stand back, grinning wildly at each other, straightening their uniforms.

                “How the hell did you get the leave?”

                “I have friends in high places and am not afraid to use them…”

                “Bullshit.”

                “Nope. I asked whether it was maybe possible and got the response that I’d make a pretty easy graduation gift all things considered.”

                “Have you seen them? Do you know what they’re wearing?”

                “Have they not told you?”

                “No!”

                “Oh this is going to be great! Stay here.”

                He doesn’t even have to wait, simply turns to where she’s stalked off to and he can see Ice walking toward him, greeting and congratulating others as he walk. It’s not direct, but close enough. The crowds parting in front of him and he realizes then that Mav’s coming up behind him, following in his wake and also dressed in his full dress whites. He wants to hug them. Desperately wants to hug them both. However it’s not permitted in uniform, although he knows many of the brass look the other way on days like today, there is still no reason for him to be hugging an Admiral or a Captain.

                “Captain Mitchell, Vice Admiral Kazansky, my best friend Bradley Bradshaw.”

                “Nice to meet you,” Bradley says, and it feels ridiculous. Mav is grinning, clearly amused and it isn’t helping him keep a straight face.

                “Nice to meet you too Midshipman Bradshaw, your parents must be very proud of you.”

                “I’d like to think so sir.”

                “Know so. They’re definitely proud. All of them.”

                “Thank you sir,” Bradley says, swallowing against the tightness in his throat.

                “How about I take a photo? Bradley’s a massive fan of yours Admiral,” Natasha says, clearly amused but he can tell she wants to somehow capture this day for them.

                “It’s true, big fan of both of you. I’d really love a photo with you. Please.”

                “Of course. Anything for a fan,” Mav says, grinning and Bradley catches Ice’s roll of the eyes.

                “I’m just going to take a dozen or so, new digital camera so we can delete the bad ones.”

                Bradley poses , smiles slightly and lets Natasha take photos until she seems satisfied.

                “Uh, Captain Mitchell, I was wondering if I could also get a photo with you sir?”

                “Of course,” Mav agrees, and another Midshipman in his year is getting his photo taken with Mav, and then with Ice.

                “Oh, would you mind if I got a photo as well?” Another asks, and Bradley starts backing away, can see people starting to take notice of exactly who they might be and why people might want photos with them.

                “Uh, sure…”

                There’s a fucking queue forming and Bradley exchanges a look with both Mav and Ice, because this is what they’ve avoided all those other times they’ve visited but he wouldn’t change things.

                …             …             …

                Jake freezes, because he’d know that profile anywhere. As he turns he knows for certain that it’s Vice Admiral Kazansky. And okay, he may have done a report on him when he was in high school, made up a whole bunch of shit about admiring him, when he really thought he was hot as fuck. He could multitask and think he was a great pilot and jerk off to photos of him while also wanting to be like him. He watches as he turns again, head lowering slightly to hear whatever the shorter man, a Captain, at his side is saying and the pair of them together look familiar from somewhere, but he can’t place it. People seem to be lining up to take photos with him, and he wishes he had a camera. The man is still damned attractive.

                “Uh, hi Jake.”

                “Bradshaw.”

                “Oh, are we doing last names?”

                “Well, you’ve been kind of avoiding me the last couple of weeks so I thought maybe it was your way of not having that conversation we were due to be having…”

                Bradley winces and Jake feels a flash of justified annoyance. He’s well aware he’s fallen in love, is aware that Bradley maybe hasn’t and he’d worked at trying to be okay with it. Hoped that at least Bradley would talk to him rather than effectively disappear on him for nearly two weeks.

                “So, I’ve been trying to figure something out and you’re kind of distracting.”

                “Don’t flatter me to make me stop being annoyed. Just tell me what you’ve decided…”

                “Well, uh, I was wondering if you wanted to meet my dads?”

                “Did they make it after all?” Jake asks, and yeah, he’s annoyed with Bradley but he’s also excited for him. He clearly has a good relationship with his dads and was disappointed or worried about them making his graduation. “Wait. You want to introduce me to them?”

                “Yeah. I’ve been wanting to tell you, but until I saw them just now I didn’t know how and well… I want you to meet them.”

                He frowns at the slightly weird turn of phrase but he guesses Bradley is nervous, which is actually fucking adorable considering how confident and sure he is nearly all of the time. Make a nice change.

                “I’d love to meet them.”

                “Come on…”

                He follows Bradley, a little confused that they reach the edge of a small gathering and then simply wait; people are still taking photos with the Admiral and he wonders if Bradley is wanting a photo first. Then the Captain is excusing himself and heading toward them, the smile on his face wide and Jake swallows, suddenly nervous.

                “Jake, this is Pete Mitchell. Captain Peter Mitchell. My dad.”

                “Nice to meet you sir.”

                “And you Jake,” Captain Mitchell says, shaking Jake’s proffered hand.

                Then the Admiral is there, clearly having followed the Captain and Jake looks at the two of them, standing either side of Bradley and his mind flashes to a similar image, a bedside photo in a frame, where the clothes are very very different. Oh fuck.

                “And this is my other dad, Admiral Tom Kazansky.”

                “Oh fuck…”

                Captain Mitchell lets out a loud bark of laughter and Bradley looks resigned while Admiral Kazansky has a tiny smile on his face, obviously quietly amused.

                “And this is Jake Seresin. My boyfriend…”

                Yeah.

                He’ll take that title.

THE END

#Nepo!Baby Bradley Bradshaw #Top Gun Maverick #AU where Bradley goes to USNA #Hangster #it's not who you know

[sapphoscompanion]

i was rewatching episode 5 for edit purposes and i realised something.

here lydia is talking about the kiss, but it has a deeper meaning.

i can’t get out of my mind the fact that yes, she found cynthia annoying from the start, but it was the endearing kind of annoying. (or maybe that’s just my ship goggles.) because if you look back at episode 3, the first time they meet, and pay close attention to the expressions lydia makes in the background when the drama teacher is telling cynthia that she’s now a martian, there's no trace of hate or disgust.

like, hello?? that’s flirting. (or maybe i would just swoon if someone looked at me like that.) and what about their rivarly?

does this look like she’s angry at cynthia? to me, she seems mildly annoyed, but also interested. no one’s ever questioned her, and now this butch comes along and proves her wrong. but lydia doesn’t really understand how she feels about cynthia yet. she tries to re-establish her power in episode 4, but cynthia once again overthrows her.

and now yes, she is angry, and confused. ever since cynthia’s joined drama club she has brought nothing but chaos in the established hierarchy, and in lydia’s mind: why can’t she stop thinking about her?

is it hate, mere superficial attraction (see the “flirting” above), or something more?

she has to get it over with, quickly. “the quicker you get something over with, the less of a deal it becomes in your mind”. she needs to put a stop to these thoughts: what’s the quickest way to?

stage kisses are meaningless. she obviously isn’t crushing on cynthia, just like she felt nothing for all the people she kissed on stage. thus the straightforward scientific experiment: she’ll kiss cynthia, she’ll be sure she feels nothing, and all will go back to normal. she’ll stop obsessing over cynthia. right?

rehearsing romeo and juliet is the best excuse ever. because no one can convince me she didn’t follow cynthia in an empty room (where guests shouldn’t enter) to test her theory, and then jumped at the opportunity. (like why else would she follow them? if not to flirt? which to her means bullying them, because she’s a mean lesbian.)

but her plan backfired. and now she knows she’s got an actual crush. on cynthia.

while cynthia, sweet cynthia, thinks they just love acting.

#does it show i'm going crazy waiting for the finale? #no but this realisation just struck and i had to write it down #i'll always be a 'lydia fell first' truther #she was flirting the whole time #but like jokingly #and then boom #she's not joking anymore #the thought of lydia actually being a player but falling hard for cynthia is slowly taking space in my mind #it makes so much sense #she's like the mean femme that pulls effortlessly #one thing is certain: i'm always changing my mind on her #who knows what lydia i'll write in the next fic #grease rise of the pink ladies #grease rotpl #lydia and cynthia #lydia grease #cynthia znudowski #cynthia grease #cynthia x lydia

[veronika-tserber]

💫Applying & Separating Aspects in the Chart 💫

I didn't even know about the concept of "Applying" and "Separating" aspects before I enrolled in a formal Astrology program. The letters "A" and "S" in the aspect tables on astro.com didn't draw my attention all that much. 😁

As it turned out, it's actually important to know what they mean, and since 2 people asked me about it yesterday, I decided to write a little post about it. 😊

Essentially, there are three "states" that aspects can be in:

1. Applying

2. Exact

3. Separating

We know that exact aspects (0-1° orb) are extremely potent in the birth chart, especially the major ones. But what about the other two types?

Separating basically means that the aspect has already been EXACT before you were born, and the FASTER out of the two planets is saying "see ya later, alligator", and moving away from the slower one. Applying means the opposite - the aspect will become exact AFTER your birth.

So, in the picture above, there is a Mercury/Venus conjunction at 5° that is Applying. Mercury is quick on its feet, so it will meet Venus after no more than 5 days after the native's birth. This is when the aspect will become exact and will reach its full potency.

Blah-blah, 5 days after birth. Why does it even matter?

Honestly, it matters the most when we pull up progression charts where 1° equals 1 year. In progressions, 5 days become 5 years, which is why the astrologer may forecast an event at that time, that relates to the aspect's themes.

Another example from the aspect table above is the 3° square between Mars/Saturn that is Separating. Will it be less prominent and weak in the chart? This is my aspect, so I can tell you for sure that it isn't weak, at all. But it's also involved in two major chart configurations (T-Square + Saturn is also part of a Grand Trine). Perhaps, if it didn't have those additional highlighters, it could've been kind of "meh" since the orb isn't all that tight, and Mars separates from Saturn.

It isn't wise to judge aspects (or anything in the chart) in isolation. Yet, you can consider the "exactness" of the orb and whether or not an aspect applies/separates, as bonus factors/points adding to the overall analysis of how the aspect fits into the birth chart puzzle.

This is how long it takes for each planet to travel 1 Degree:

The Sun - 1 day

The Moon - 2,1 hours

Mercury - 0,5-1 day

Venus - 0,75-1 day

Mars - 2 days

Jupiter - 5 days

Saturn - 10 days

Uranus - 20 days

Neptune - 25-27 days

Pluto - 30-40 days

Knowing that you should look at the FASTER planet and that 1 day = 1°, you can use this information to find out if you had anything eventful happen to you around the time a separating aspect became exact in your chart. I'd pay more attention if the aspect is between an outer/generational planet and one of your inner planets. Aspects between Mercury/Venus or Moon/Mercury, for example, are much more common and don't hold that much "weight" in the chart, but you can still check them out.

So, if someone has a Moon/Uranus square at 3° that is Applying, this means that the Moon will form the exact aspect around 6 HOURS after their birth! 6 hours is 1/4 a day, so around 3 months after their birth, maybe something happened to them or in their family, which potentially affected them in a big way. Again, depending on how significant the aspect is in the birth chart's story.

With this combo, we could see an incident involving their family members/mother, their parents splitting up, or the family relocating to a different city or even country. In general, the Moon also rules our environment, so there might've been some kind of a shock/shocking event that potentially left a lasting impression on the subconscious mind of the child. It doesn't have to be a "big" event - the child's mind is so sensitive to impressions at that age, that sometimes even an argument between the parents or something similar can be traumatic. But this is a theme for another post.

In conclusion, I am a HUGE advocate for a holistic approach to the birth chart, and although I write about independent aspects and placements, please remember that it's all general information, and you should take it with a grain of salt. Always. Please. Especially if the info implies that you might be f#cked up in some way. 😂 I don't support fear-based Astrology, so I would never want my content to make you see yourself as a victim!

I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed writing it, and don't forget to stay playful, folks!

The Ask Box is open for specific questions, folks! 😊

- Foxbörn

ᴍᴀꜱᴛᴇʀʟɪꜱᴛ 1

ᴄʜᴀʀᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢꜱ

ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʙᴜʏ ᴍᴇ ᴀ ᴄᴏꜰꜰᴇᴇ?

#astrology #astro notes #astrology aspects #astro observations #planets #astrology notes #natal chart #birth chart #astroworld #planetary aspects #zodiac #astro community

[monoc1ca]

Murder Drones Theories/Observations !!!

I'm sure any Murder Drones fans(myself included) are excited for the final episodes to be released soon! But, I've made some observations from the currently existing episodes that I'm not sure if anyone has brought up yet. Here are my points!

(Brace yourself, this may get lengthy)

Let's get into the longer stuff first. In episode 5, we are taken into N's memories and see what life was like for them while they worked for Tessa's rich family. I think it's worth noting that the disassembly drones that we know in the present time have yellow eyes. However, in these past memories, they have white eyes.

Pay attention to the glow of the eyes, since it can get difficult to tell sometimes. Even if the yellow appears white sometimes, you can see the blurred yellow glow if you look closely. Here's a better comparison with past CYN and N:

Maybe they(N, J, and V) haven't become disassembly drones yet? Honestly I don't think we even know what a disassembly drone is. Actually wait, N actually says exactly that: "Aren't you worried we have no idea what we even are?!" (from episode 3, time 4:22)

On the subject of eyes, I see people commonly confusing some colours with others. Doll has orange eyes, and Alice's eye colour sits somewhere in between Doll's colour and the disassembly drone colour.

Idk it's like a copper?? Or they're the same and Doll's eyes are just dimmer than Alice's. The point is, they don't have yellow eyes. I'm mentioning this because the only drones we've seen associated with the colour yellow are the disassembly drones. Moving on!

At the end of episode 1, the last shot we see is this:

You can probably see that this resembles the symbol of the absolute solver. Of course, I don't know what these devices are - satellites, cannons, or even landing pods or whatever - but this makes me think that the solver originates from off the planet and operates remotely. Additionally, it's been said that the Absolute Solver "took CYN as a host". So CYN and the Solver are not the same; they are separate entities. Or at least, they were. (We don't see CYN acting as a normal drone at any point, only as taken over by Solver.)

+ Other small details I noticed!

1- The lace headpiece that J, V, and CYN wear in episode 5 all have eyeball patterns on them. (resembling the Solver's signature tubular eye cameras)

2- The binary code around the window says "01101110 1110101 1101100 1101100". Using a conversion site translates it to "null"

3- The Copper system appears to be the furthest from Earth(based on what is shown), and at least 2 colonized planets excluding Copper 9 have been taken over by Solver. Earth has also been taken over/destroyed by the Solver.

(the distance shown is not accurate to distance between planets, these are merely how I put the separate frames next to each other)

4- V is a zombie drone? Her eye screen displayed a 'Fatal Error' message earlier in episode 5 like other drones in the library, after which she ends up sporting the same wings and crazed state that Uzi had in episode 4.

Adding onto this, while she is in her zombie mode her lights are yellow. After Uzi hacks into the Solver's body and lets go of V, her eyes are back to white and her behaviour is normal. - This is visible from a little before 18:00 mins. into episode 5 and the seconds that follow.

5- Tessa and CYN have the same hairstyle.

I don't personally think this holds deeper meaning, since it's said that Tessa gives her favourite drones their hair. Oh I just noticed, CYN has the bow too!

6- The doll that CYN disassembles.

I don't understand why this was shown in great focus in episode 5. The only thing I can possibly think of is that it implies that the Solver can take control of biological beings, like humans? I'm not really convinced on this, but this and my previous observation about CYN and Tessa could add on to the theory that's been going around that Tessa is being controlled by the Solver. Maybe if we saw present Tessa with her helmet off we could se what colour her eyes are?

lol jk I know the humans being silhouettes is a stylistic choice.

And that's the end! Feel free to correct me or add on to anything I've theorized about here.

Thanks for reading!

#murder drones #murder drones n #glitch productions #indie animation #murder drones theory

[hollowed-theory-hall]

Hi! Really enjoyed the Harry is gay post, very well researched! Are there any other characters in the series you would also think are gay? Don't wanna say anyone just yet, just want your unfiltered opinion

Hi!

Thank you so much!

Can't say I have other characters I feel as strongly about their sexual preferences. A large part of it is what Harry chooses to pay attention to. So, I don't have much evidence for anyone else, but I can say who I think is likelier to be gay (or at least not straight) from textual evidence. Some of them go into headcanon territory, but here they are, off the top of my head and in no particular order:

1. Dumbledore and Grindelwald

I'm pretty sure these two are canon, so I don't need to say much. But:

“Yes, even after they’d spent all day in discussion—both such brilliant young boys, they got on like a cauldron on fire—I’d sometimes hear an owl tapping at Gellert’s bedroom window, delivering a letter from Albus! An idea would have struck him, and then he had to let Gellert know immediately!”

(DH, pages 308-309)

Gellert— .... (This was your mistake at Durmstrang! But I do not complain, because if you had not been expelled, we would never have met.) Albus

(DH, pages 309)

“Grindelwald. And at last, my brother had an equal to talk to someone just as bright and talented he was. And looking after Ariana took a backseat then, while they were hatching all their plans for a new Wizarding order and looking for Hallows, and whatever else it was they were so interested in.

(DH, pages 480)

2. Sirius Black

I think Sirius might've been gay, or at least bi. It goes into headcanon territory, but I think Sirius used to be in love with James. He just always gave me that vibe. (I don't think they were ever a thing, I think Sirius took his feelings for James with him to his grave).

Here are some quotes that gave me the feeling Sirius is not interested in anyone but James:

Harry saw Sirius give James the thumbs-up. Sirius was lounging in his chair at his ease, tilting it back on two legs. He was very good-looking; his dark hair fell into his eyes with a sort of casual elegance neither James’s nor Harry’s could ever have achieved, and a girl sitting behind him was eyeing him hopefully, though he didn’t seem to have noticed.

(OOTP, page 642)

“He kept messing up his hair,” said Harry in a pained voice. Sirius and Lupin laughed. “I’d forgotten he used to do that,” said Sirius affectionately.

(OOTP, page 670)

Plus, Sirius' general fixation on James and his constant reminiscence about him. And the two-way mirror they made just for them cause they couldn't handle an hour apart in detention:

This is a two-way mirror. I’ve got the other. If you need to speak to me, just say my name into it; you’ll appear in my mirror and I’ll be able to talk in yours. James and I used to use them when we were in separate detentions.

(OOTP, page 858)

But we don't really know about any romantic interests Sirius may have had. So, it's more of a headcanon than anything.

3. Dean Thomas

I think Dean Thomas is bi (not gay, I think he did like Ginny). And I have only one qoute evidence for it, but it's a really funny one and I don't think I've seen anyone mention it so I'll put it here:

He certainly wasn’t the only one who was sorry to see Professor Lupin go. The whole of Harry’s Defense Against the Dark Arts class was miserable about his resignation. “Wonder what they’ll give us next year?” said Seamus Finnigan gloomily. “Maybe a vampire,” suggested Dean Thomas hopefully.

(POA, page 429)

Dean Thomas clearly read whatever 1990s version of Twilight that exists in the HP universe and wants a love triangle paranormal romance with a werewolf and a vampire.

4. Draco Malfoy

I think he was a little too obsessed with Harry. Like, I don't actually ship Drarry, but I can definitely confess Draco was way too interested in Harry for it to not appear a little gay.

He rummaged in his trunk up in the luggage rack and pulled out the miniature figure of Viktor Krum. “Oh wow,” said Neville enviously as Ron tipped Krum onto his pudgy hand. “We saw him right up close, as well,” said Ron. “We were in the Top Box —” “For the first and last time in your life, Weasley.” Draco Malfoy had appeared in the doorway. Behind him stood Crabbe and Goyle, his enormous, thuggish cronies, both of whom appeared to have grown at least a foot during the summer. Evidently they had overheard the conversation through the compartment door, which Dean and Seamus had left ajar. “Don’t remember asking you to join us, Malfoy,” said Harry coolly.

(GOF, page 168)

Draco literally comes to find Harry on the train, uninvited, every year (except 6th). Throughout their time at school, he also makes an active effort to seek out Harry to a level that is kind of ridiculous. It always looked to me like Draco was desperate for any sort of attention from Harry.

Harry looked down at the hawthorn wand that had once belonged to Draco Malfoy. He had been surprised, but pleased to discover that it worked for him at least as well as Hermione’s had done.

(DH, page 444)

Considering how loyal unicorn hair wands like Draco's are, it seems Dravo feels more friendly about Harry than he likes to pretend.

5. Aunt Muriel

It sounds weird, I know, but I have a reason here. So, Muriel is from the same generation as Dumbledore, more or less, from her words in DH. And we know, back then she had expectations to marry and have children as a (seemingly) pure-blood witch. Those expectations would've been prevalent when she was a young woman in the early 20th century, even among the less blood-purist families.

The fact that she didn't seem to have settled down with a husband and children implies she wasn't interested in doing so. This allows a reading of her as either interested in women or not interested in sex or marriage in general.

6. Alphard Black & Cassiopeia Black

For the same reasons as Muriel. Neither Cassiopeia (born 1915) nor Alphard, Sirius' godfather (born circa 1927-ish) married or had children. This is something that would be expected of them, so the reading of them as not straight is very plausible.

So, that's it. These are all the characters that off the top of my head I could give textual evidence for a not straight reading of. I don't have as much evidence, and that's why I consider this more headcanon than theory. Obviously, people can headcanon wherever, these are just the ones that I could recall evidence for.

#harry potter #harry potter thoughts #hp #hp thoughts #hollowedheadcanon #asks #anon asks #anonymous #sirius black #dean thomas #draco malfoy #albus dumbledore #gellert grindelwald #alphard black #cassiopeia black #aunt muriel #hp headcanon

[booksandpaperss]

I was asked to explain what I meant when I said that Stranger Things season 4 was meant to mimic Act 4 of a Shakespeare tragedy, and I said I was too tired to explain but then I of course immediately listed out the reasons, so here’s a watered down version of what I mean by this bc I am a high school senior struggling mentally but I’m also a Shakespeare nerd:

General goalposts that tell you you’re in Act 4 of a Shakespeare Tragedy:

-it becomes apparent that the previous 3 Acts were only a slow buildup filled with clues and that things hadn’t actually started to “get real” until now

-more characters start dying

-the true purpose of a main character’s arc is revealed

-endgame is set up and foreshadowed

-something goes horribly wrong and shit starts hitting the fan. Things haven’t gone completely off the rails yet, but you can tell they’re going to

-the main character’s plans take a huge a left turn

-it becomes a apparent that the true end result tragedy of it all has not been what you as the reader had been previously lead to believe in the first 3 acts

-absolutely nothing is resolved. Maybe some questions are answered, but more are created because of them, and it’s clear things are only going to get worse before any resolution is reached

Any of this sound extremely familiar? Bc if you were paying attention to the season like most of you claim, then all of it should. Season 4 was, essentially, meant to be like a tragedy. To quote the duffers, it was their “Empire Strikes Back season” (which fyi Star Wars also draws a lot of inspo from the Shakespearean Tragedy structure, like most popular media. This is far from unusual). The main characters were supposed to screw up big time and make detrimental mistakes, and character arcs were never supposed to be resolved in the slightest. It wasn’t meant to be like the previous seasons where everything at the end stayed relatively rounded out and contained. If season 4 is like Act 4 of a Shakespeare Tragedy, then season 1-3 are like Acts 1-3. A steady build with clues layed out for the finale, but nothing explodes in the characters faces yet.

Now, do I think this intention for season 4 could’ve been carried out better? Absolutely. Volume 1 was well done, but with volume 2 it feels like the duffers took the aspects I just listed out and pasted them into their story with Elmer’s glue. This is probably because they wrote volume 2 without the rest of the writers room, and don’t get me wrong I don’t think it’s bad, I just think it could’ve been less clunky, but I’m getting into a different conversation now.

The point here is that once you understand the intent that the writers and the duffers had with season 4 in this context, the writing choices themselves make a lot more sense, and you should be able to see and understand how season 4 set up season 5 with the potential to be an absolutely amazing finale with a good payoff to what we’ve now established was the literal Tragedy of season 4.

#popular media usually borrows from Shakespeare but at least with Stranger Things it’s clearly direct and intentional #it’s possible to do a super in depth look at this but that will NOT be me lmao #hope this makes sense tho #stranger things #stranger things 4 #stranger things analysis #st analysis #byler #byler tumblr #<- bc once again this does pertain directly to how byler was set up so you guys gotta understand this #elli talks stranger things

[stargirlstudio]

You Are My Task [Part 1]

☆ Dmitri Antonov x fem!Reader

☆ Warnings: age gap (11 years apart), class difference

☆ Word Count: 2815

☆ Summary: As an assignment, Dmitri was tasked to protect a foreign diplomat's daughter. His disdain for beautiful coldhearted women like you made him weary and your disdain for intelligent social men made you ill. How could anything come from this?

☆ A/N: This series starts from the mid 70s up until 1986 when Season 4 takes place. This series will contain smut, so this is 18+. Chapters containing smut will be marked!

Part 2 ⇨

“Antonov!” Roman yelled out. The brown haired man ran over to him, giving him a firm grip on the shoulders. “I heard you’re assigned the diplomat’s daughter!” Dmitri rolled his eyes. “I heard from a friend of a friend that she’s easy on the eyes, but 2 pairs of bodyguards have already been dismissed. Yet they are sending you alone,” He teased. Dmitri had heard the same thing. The other bodyguards were apparently “unsatisfactory” and not fit to protect the diplomat’s daughter. However, he hasn’t heard about her appearance. “Maybe Dima can make some relations,” Wiggling his eyebrows. Dmitri pushed him off, one of the more insufferable things about his childhood friend.

“I have no interest in starting any relations with an assignment. Much less a-“ 

“Ohh you dirty bastard, I was just talking about political relations. It would do well for the country to have their men open different borders, right?” He joked again. “Maybe you can find yourself a wife after the job? Get a hefty payout and big rock. Women will come flocking to you,” 

“No they won’t,”

“Are you kidding me?” Roman said incredulously. “You’re not blessed with gorgeous looks like me-“ Dmitri elbowed him. “But you’ve got the brooding, mysterious persona,” 

“What persona?” Dmitri asked. Roman tutted just patting his shoulder again. 

“You won’t understand yourself. I mean you can barely tell when someone fancies you,” Roman paused. “Maybe just pay attention to a woman for once, you’d know a lot about one if you listen,”

Dmitri chuckled, “You son of a bitch!” He smiled. 

Dmitri opened the file once more, noticing how the chauffeur scoffed. He flipped through the pages quietly. 

Name: (L/N), (F/N)

Age: 21 

“Father is a diplomat, mother is a homemaker.” He said aloud. “Spent 1 university year in East Germany followed by 3 years in Boston, USA…currently on a gap year before graduate studies in Britain.” Dmitri noted the numerous photos of you. Graduation photos, study abroad photos, pictures of you on beaches, and some sketchy candid photos. He looked at the recent portrait of you with your parents, Roman wasn’t wrong about you being pretty. You had a beautiful smile, very pristine appearance.

“We’re here,” The driver said, looking at him through the rear view. 

“Time to find out for myself,” He thought. Dmitri followed the man, the house he was at was actually an estate. A Russian businessman who was a close friend of the diplomat’s allowed the daughter to stay with her workers. It was an old estate, nothing that is even comparable to most villages. Dmitri looked at the numerous pillars and the paintings that decorated its walls. So much for political ideology, the excess will live in excess. 

A door opening caught his attention, he whipped his head to see an older woman. She walked over, introducing herself. “You must be Mr. Antonov. I’m Emelia, Madame (L/N)’s caretaker. I heard many wonderful things about you,” She paused. “Come, you may impress us but it is truly the Madame’s impression you need to focus on. Be prepared, she’s quite fickle.” Dmitri walked up the grand stairs, listening intently to the caretaker and her speeches about the estate. She abruptly turned around, “I must say…since you’re by yourself and you seem intelligent enough. I do hope that you understand the Madame is just going through a lot. She’s kind but has such a cold exterior. Please understand,” We stopped in front of the numerous portraits of the businessman and his family. Emelia gestured for Dmitri to look at one particular photo. “This is the little miss,” He looked at the childhood photo, playing on the estate grounds. It was a young girl, with a few missing teeth smiling. “Please make yourself comfortable, the bathroom is right down the hall,” Emelia said as she let him sit on the sofa.

He laid back, looking at the patterned walls and the decorated ceiling. It really was a small palace when he thought about it. He smoked a cigarette waiting for the Madame to come out of her room, getting up and walking out. He walked down to the opposite end, admiring the plethora of paintings and family portraits. Until he heard giggling coming from one of the rooms. 

“I have another bodyguard interview,” A woman’s voice said. He heard some chattering over a phone line. “How many more of these do I have to go through? I didn’t even look at the photo they sent me. Can you believe it, Milner? They sent me a catalog of men to choose from this time,” She laughed. “Let’s hope he’s not grotesque or disgusting,” She joked. He scoffed, until he heard the woman put the phone down. He hurried to the empty room, leaving the door ajar. From the crack he saw the back of the Madame. She peeked around the hall eventually closing the door .

He hurried back to the living room, just in time as he heard the click of the Madame’s heels down the hall. When the Madame walked in, he was stunned. She was much prettier in person, her hair was perfectly styled, pretty lips, and beautiful facial features. The way she carried herself was unbelievable. She wasn’t just easy on the eyes, she was beautiful. Dmitri had never seen someone so poised. Unbeknownst to him, he had sat up straighter. Daring to look at the one feature he had glossed over: her eyes. 

“You must be the new bodyguard they sent,” She said, stalking around the opposite couch, grazing her lace gloves hand over it, observing him from head to toe.

“Yes, I’m Dmitri Antonov,” He spoke. “What do I call you?” 

“My employees call me Madame (L/N). However, I would much rather have you call me Miss (L/N),” Dmitri nodded. She raised an eyebrow at the cigarette put out on the plate. It didn’t fall past Dmitri, he felt his face growing hot. “Tell me about yourself. What exactly makes you qualified? I’m curious because you’re alone,”

“I’ve had international experience before. Other than my mother tongue I also speak English. I’ve served before, as well,” 

“Anything else?“ She said sternly. 

“The pay is good too,” She raised her eyebrows again. Dmitri could have sworn he saw a smile.

She noticed Emelia walking past the room, stunned at the sight before her. “Honesty can only get you so far Mr. Antonov,” She whispered. “Let’s continue this conversation in English. Speak freely and as you wish, my employees aren’t fluent in English,” She paused, crossing her legs. “I must say Mr. Antonov, I’m impressed by your extensive language skills, I wasn’t expecting that. Looks can be quite deceiving,” Excuse me? “You’ll get your status in due time. But can I be honest with you Mr. Antonov, please work on your…etiquette,” She said as she eyed the cigarette once more. “I need to keep up appearances. Please understand,” She said in a vindictive manner. 

Who does she think she is? He watched as she had a smug appearance. He almost hoped he was barred from taking the job ever. “Of course Miss (L/N). I wouldn’t want to embarrass you by being…grotesque or disgusting,” He got up, watching her raise her hand to her mouth. “Hope to hear of my job status soon, am I dismissed?” 

“Yes,” She said curtly. “Please follow Emelia. We’re done here,” He watched as she stormed off into her room. So much for the pay, he was definitely not getting the job now. 

Over the next few days, Dmitri had been mulling over the conversation. It was much worse than he could imagine. He hasn’t been called down to the boss, but he was absolutely seething. The way she grazed his eyes over him, nitpicking and judging everything he does. It’s clear she has her nose in the air, but one thing that stuck with him was her comment.

“I must say Mr. Antonov, I’m impressed by your extensive language skills, I wasn’t expecting that. Looks can be quite deceiving,” He remembered her saying. He hated the way the scene was burned into his mind. The laced finger tapping her lips, the condescending tone, her eyes, It was as if her eyes burned him, until he felt like a pile of ash. He was taken out of his thoughts by another employee of his. 

“Antonov! Mr. Nazvanov wants to see you. It’s about your assignment,” He said. “You know I was actually one of the bodyguards who didn’t get the job,” 

“Really?” Dmitri questioned. “What was the woman like?”

“She didn’t say anything. One swat of the hand and we were dismissed,” Odd. She didn’t even talk to them. “I mean. She didn't even look at us! She was silent! It was scary!” He joked. 

Dmitri saw her face clearly. Nothing that blocked her features. She had a full conversation with him. “Are you telling the truth?” 

“Yes!” He said incredulously. He said, opening the door to Mr. Nazvanov’s office. “You’ll probably have the same fate as the rest of us. Say hi to the next guy will you?” He whispered.

Mr. Nazvanov gave Dmitri a big smile. “Good morning, Dmitri, how are you?”

“I’m very well,” The man smiled.

“It’s been a few days since your interview, how did it go?” He asked. 

“It was fine,” Dmitri replied. “We had a nice conversation I think,” 

Nazvanov gave a hearty laugh, his toothy grin shining bright. “I knew you would be different. Just letting you know that tomorrow, Miss (L/N), would like to give you your status in person as well as have lunch with her?,” He flipped through a file. “What exactly did you say to her? I’m impressed,”

“Nothing too offensive I hope?” He wasn’t looking forward to going back to the estate, much less facing the woman he had been thinking about the past few days. It’s not like he can take another job as well paying as this one. 

—

Finally, the place was calm once again. No strangers, no bodyguards, no interviews. You looked out at the expanse of land, nothing could be seen for miles except some mountains and trees. While it wasn’t your top pick, you had been extremely indebted to your father’s friend. 

“Madame (L/N), lunch will be ready soon. Please get ready and head downstairs. A guest of your father’s will be coming,” You headed to the bathroom. You had always admired the vintage French styled interior — Emelia never let you forget about the history of the house. An homage to the businessman's late wife, a refined woman from Occitanie. It’s one of the finer things about having culturally knowledgeable people work for you. You relaxed in your porcelain bathtub, letting the aroma of aloe, bluebell, and chrysanthemums relax your body, lolling your head and noticing the unused ash tray that decorated your bathroom counter. 

“Of course Miss (L/N). I wouldn’t want to embarrass you by being…grotesque or disgusting,” You remembered him saying. You sunk your head into your hands. How embarrassing, he must have overheard you when you were talking on the phone. 

You remembered saying that line, flipping open the file that was sent to the house. This was the first time you had even opened it, thinking the interview would be like the rest. You were met with a photo of a man in his early 30s, dirty blonde hair buzzed short, clean shaven with very striking eyes. Even in the photo, it felt as if he was looking right through you. 

When you heard a noise outside of your room that day you immediately hung up and went to check. Nothing in the hallways, just the faint smell of tobacco. When you closed the door you looked at the clock, noticing the heavy footsteps that walked to the end of the room. You came outside to smell the tobacco again, and just like that it was gone. It made your heart race, the smell was so unfamiliar something you haven’t smelled in a while, it was captivating. Everything was so pristine and orderly, but the smell was something that was not familiar in your home.

When you walked in, you noticed the bodyguard slouched back on the sofa. The same one from the photo. He was more handsome in person. His eyes more sunken in, a tiredness to his face, and eyes that made you question yourself. Who was he? Everything that could ever be but the one thing that stuck out the most was that same tobacco scent. He must have been the one that made that noise in the hallway, he heard you say you hoped he wasn’t grotesque or disgusting. And he wasn’t, but you weren’t going to let him know that.

When you walked into the dining room, it was surprising to see him again, already digging into his plate. You weren’t expecting him, you weren’t expecting anyone. Mr. Antonov looked up, gave you a toothy grin and shoved a large piece of omelet into his mouth. Emelia walked in, gesturing you to sit down in your usual chair, right across from the man you interviewed days ago. You couldn’t look him in the eye. It was too embarrassing. “Madame (L/N), Mr. Antonov will be your new personal bodyguard. I have already arranged for the maids to clean the adjacent guest room. Since he’s your personal guard, he will be staying at the estate,” 

“But Emelia I didn’t sign off on this? Who authorized this?” 

“Your father,” She said sternly. “He’s been quite impatient. You know he just wants to protect you.” You huffed. Picking away at your food. This is unbelievable! You thought that you could just push it off but it has been decided. You glanced at Dmitri, seeing that he had cleared his plate, patting his mouth with the cloth. You tried your best to just focus on your food but everything was wrong. 

After lunch had ended, it was suggested that you and Dmitri get to know each other. “It’s only natural, I won’t be on your trip to Yakutsk, remember?” She said, “Please (f/n), now that we’re alone, try to get to know him. When I’m not there in a few months I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable with a stranger,”

You both walked the halls in silence. It felt like your whole body was burning up, you couldn’t stand to look at him. You felt angry. Angry at your father for not being here. Angry at yourself for whatever reason you couldn’t comprehend. 

“Lunch was good today. Do you always eat breakfast foods around noon?” Dmitri asked. You kept your head forward, not wanting to meet him in the eye. 

“I tend to wake up later. I don’t wake up early,” You told him. You nervously picked at your lace gloves. You couldn’t hide away behind a hat or sunglasses. Or even your small fascinator. Most of that afternoon was spent with questions. You answered curtly, just enough to be satisfactory or enough to the point he didn’t push further. Dmitri walked ahead, not noticing you stopping in your tracks. He turned around, an inquisitive look in his eye. “Mr. Antonov,”

“Yes, Miss (L/N)?” He said.

“I’m sorry,” You said quietly. He walked a little forward, turning his ear toward you. “I’m sorry,” You said. 

He smiled. “What for?”

“For what I said to you. I said that looks can be deceiving. I didn’t mean to offend you,” He huffed. “I hope you can forgive me,”

“Do you actually mean it?”

“Mean what?”

“The apology,” He said. “The way I hear it, it just seems you are embarrassed. We can just move past this, it’s fine,” Embarrassed? This was outrageous. “You don’t need to apologize. I felt humiliated at the time, but I would rather have you apologize to me when you’re actually sorry rather than…what’s the term…keeping appearances?”

Your heart burned, it felt like it was swelling, your skin was hot – matching the fire in your lungs. You couldn’t believe the man. Of course you felt sorry, was saying it not enough? Was allowing in your home not enough? You stayed silent the entire time, walking along the halls until you reached the bottom of the stairs. Emelia came out, escorting him along with you. 

“Well, it was nice seeing you again. I hope my etiquette was okay?” He answered with a grin. You acutely felt the way your fingers dug into your palm, of course the action didn’t go unnoticed by Dmitri. 

“It was,” You said angrily.. He nodded his head and gave a goodbye, watching him be driven off into the distance. Emelia turned to you and smiled, holding your wrist and shutting the door. 

“He seems so nice,” She told you. That could be further from the truth. 

Tag List: @druigswh0ree @h3k3t 

#fics #stranger things #dmitri antonov #dmitri antonov x reader #enzo stranger things #fanfic #fanfiction #enzo x reader #fic: you are my task