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razorblade180 · 3 years

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Twin Snowflakes part 25: Date Night pt2

Atlas, city of dreams. It was a name post people overlooked and even more scoffed at. Still, it was a little hard not to believe the title from the way it looked; especially with the hundreds of lights illuminating the snow covered city. Veronica was no stranger to Atlas at night but she still couldn’t help but marvel at the sights passing by her window. They were almost as charming as the boy sitting next to her in the backseat, almost. Her mind still couldn’t believe this was happening. Veronica was going on a dinner date with Nick. How did that happen!? Well...she knew how it happened but it was still crazy! The situation wasn’t ideal but Veronica wasn’t exactly upset about it. Not in the way she had shown earlier. Veronica simply wished this event happened as a result of her efforts more than Valerie’s mistakes. Then again, all’s fair in love and war. If Valerie was going to be childish enough to hurt Nick, then that was all the more reason for Veronica not to pull her punches in winning him over. Not that she ever did, for the most part.

She looked over at Nick to see him sinking into his seat, eyes closed and body relaxed. “He must be more exhausted than he let on. She thought, listening to his breathing. He must’ve sensed Veronica’s gaze on him because his eyes opened seconds later. He caught the girl off guard by turning to her and smiling gently.

“Something on my face?” He asked.

His voice was a little deeper than before because of his short rest. The change made Veronica a little timid. “Uhh no. Hehe, your face is fine!” She uttered terribly. A snicker from Winter upfront made Veronica turn a little red. Her ears fell down as she realized how dumb that sounded. “I mean there’s nothing on it. That’s what I…yeah.” She really wanted to stop talking.

Nick sat up straight and rubbed his eyes. “Sorry I drifted a bit. I took a nap when I got home but I guess I was a little more spent than I realized.”

“No worries. A smooth ride puts me to sleep all the time. If you don’t mind me asking, where did you go? Back at the manor your mom said you went to go talk to someone?”

“Oh, that…” he looked in the rear view mirror to look at Winter, who looked back at with a smile.

“The lady asked you a question. Don’t mind me. It honestly isn’t as big of a deal as you think Nicholas. No need to tiptoe around it with your mother, uncle, and I. We’re adults after all.”

“I know. I just...I don’t know, feel a little guilty if I wasn’t careful about it.”

“You are just fine.” Winter reassured him. “To answer your question Veronica, Nicholas likes to visit his grandparents' graves to pay respects and ponder.”

Her ears perked up. This was news to her. Well, not entirely. She had known Nick liked to pray. He’s done it for as long as she could remember. Anytime things were rough or really important, Nicholas could be found giving a small payer. It was only later did she put together that the habit must’ve been formed during his sister’s time in the hospital. Though not religious in the slightest, Veronica could understand praying in a situation like that, but for his grandparents…?

“That’s a little strange, considering you never met either and one of them wasn’t exactly…” She wanted to pick her words carefully but it was hard not to call Jacques a piece of shit. “Let’s just call your grandfather a not so good influence.”

“Heh, that’s certainly putting it lightly.” Nick chuckled, “I guess I do it because...I’m a hit afraid. For me, I can’t imagine anything worse than passing away and the people left behind, the world, it just forgets about you; as if you had no impact on life. I wouldn’t wish that fate on even my enemies. Also, my grandfather’s wrongdoings in a weird way made my mom the person she’d be to have me and Summer.” He smiled at his own weird logic. “Gotta at least be thankful for that, right?”

His reasonings were flawed in some manner but completely understandable to Veronica. “Same rules apply to your grandmother?”

“More or less. I know it’s a little odd.”

“Yeah but it’s also very much a thing you’d do. Always trying to bring someone peace, it’s like your day job at this point.”

Nick shrugged. “Can’t argue with that.”

Winter began pulling over to the curbside, finally reaching their destination. A well known set down restaurant called Blended, known for its many different cuisines that specialized in ingredients that involved purée styled cooking; hence the name. Winter watched Nick get out of the car to escort Veronica, only for the girl to playfully roll her eyes as she got out of the car by herself.

“Well at least she’s consistent with her spunky attitude.” Winter thought, actually approving of the act. “You two be safe. Nick, don’t give your mother a heart attack.”

“How would I? This is just dinner, not a battlefield.”

“Knowing you, anything could happen.” She gave a little smirk before leaving them to ponder that diss.

Nick was both flattered and insulted. “Anyways…” he held his arm out which Veronica happily grabbed. The two went off to make their reservation. Tonight was going to be nice. Like Nick said, it’s just dinner. What could happen? The inside of the restaurant blew Veronica away. Elegant marble tile, pearl white cloths over the table, mood lighting,crystal chandeliers scattered about like if they were as cheap as lightbulbs, and the most divine scents imaginable. They had only entered the front door and yet her nose could pick out an array of ingredients in the kitchen. Veronica hadn’t seen the menu but she already knew there was gonna be a steak in front of her before this night was over.

“You know my opinion of Atlas might actually go up depending on this food?”

Nick chuckled at her comment and went towards the counter where a blonde woman in a waitress outfit stood at the ready. “Hello. Schnee, reservation for two. The usual spot please.”

“Why of course Mr. Sch-” the waitresses eyes quickly caught attention to Nicholas’s plus one. “Umm, Mr.Schnee? You know we actually may have a table on the private upper level if you like?” She said with a smile, maintaining eye contact with him.

“No thank you. Too close to the smoking area. I’ll take my normal table, the one by the window.” He said calmly. Nick took a moment to look at her name tag. He hadn’t seen this one before. “Sophia, that’s a nice name.”

Worry crept up on the corners of the waitress’s smile. “If smoke is the issue then may I recommend-”

“Sophia.” He said again. “Is there a reason in particular that I can’t have my window seat?”

“Well...it’s...just….” she fidgeted her hands, doing her best to not look at Veronica and cause a scene. “.....Right this way sir.” Sophia grabbed two menus and quickly went to lead them before Veronica put a hand on the menus. “M-Ma’am?” She stuttered.

Veronica wanted a good look at her but the waitress would barely meet her eyes. All Veronica could get was a side glance and a worked up heartbeat. “Nick, what do you usually drink?”

“Uhhh apple cider?”

Veronica took the menus out of Sophia’s hands. “Cool. Sophia, he’ll have that and I’d like water. Seeing how it’s a usual spot we’re going, Nick could just lead me himself. Thank you. Nick, if you would?” Veronica said, grabbing his arm.

“Okaaaay?” Nick didn’t question her orders. He grabbed the menus from her and walked through the restaurant. It was past the time most ate, but several clanging plates nearby told him there were a few late customers; about three people every five tables or so. Seeing them was easy even with dim lighting, but that also meant they saw him. A few looked up before continuing their meals while others stared for a couple seconds, forcing him to awkwardly wave as he went by.

“Sorry, usually it’s emptier by now. I come at this time to avoid drawing attention of people who always got a thing or too to say about the Schnees”

“Or the company they keep…” Veronica added. Their table was on the right side a little more than half way towards the back, right next to a window that showed the snowy streets and dazzling lights. A real winter wonderland sight. No wonder Nick liked this spot. She finally sat down. “By any chance do you know the owner of the restaurant?”

“Dyle, what about him?” He opened his menu and began reading.

“That waitress felt like she was on the verge of a panic attack. She really didn’t want us sitting here too. Care to guess why?” Veronica reached over and pressed the menu down with a finger, making sure that Nick saw her ears wiggle. “This is why I wanted a bow.”

“Point taken, but I remember saying screw anyway that has a problem with you. I’ve never known Dyle to have a problem with faunus by the way.”

“Was that because he showed that he didn’t or because you just weren’t paying attention?” Vee noticed the waitress walk over. Sophia once again avoided her gaze, in favor of Nick’s. She also made sure to place Veronica’s water on the table but handed the cider to Nick directly.

“Ready to order?” She asked.

Nick had noticed the treatment of the drinks and had been aware of the eye contact. He only wanted a little time to think about everything as a whole. He didn’t have Veronica’s hearing but he did notice the paleness of her skin. “Are you well?”

“H-Huh?”

“You’re pale. Sick, or spooked by anything?”

“Oh, I’m fine…” The woman fidgeted. “Excuse me, I’ll be right back.” Sophia quickly left the table.

At the same time, Veronica took a sip of Nick’s cider. “Well at least this place has good drinks. Be sure to ask for a second. I’d ask myself but you know, playing things safe around our jumpy friend.”

“Yeah….” Nick flipped through another page. “So there’s either one of two things happening right now. One, our waitress is scared of you, or-”

“A certain somebody wouldn’t want her serving us. Me, is what I should actually say. Gee, I wonder who?”

Nick couldn’t deny this was odd. “Again, point taken. However, it would be weird how many times Dyle has served my family, who actively promotes faunus rights. We’ve held meetings with your mother here before and other faunus.”

Vee always loved Nick’s simple logic, but boy was it not doing him any favors tonight. “Lesson time, my dear knight. I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt of you not thinking critically with how tired you are at the moment.” Vee propped her arm on the table and rested her head in her palm. “We aren’t our parents. We’re just their brats. Adults know better than to pick on the pups when they’re around their source of income. Also, how many of those meetings were in perfect view from the street?”

Nick paused for a moment, then looked at the view. “.....None.” He closed his eyes, mentally kicking himself. “They’re up top and away from prying eyes.

“Out of sight, out of mind. Out of the way of any potential customers who may think twice of entering. Translation, private seating is a sweet way of saying it’s embarrassing to have you front and center.”

“Veronica, I didn’t-”

“Mr. Schnee!” A jolly voice called.

The teens looked to the side to see a husky redheaded man in a chef’s uniform and a hat as big as his handlebar mustache.

“Dyle.” Nick said, noticing Sophia turning ghost white a few feet behind him.

“How is the young heir on this fine night!? Craving our pastries again I bet! Oh ho ho ho!” The man patted his stomach at his one witty remark. His olive colored eyes shifted to Veronica. “My, my, where are my manners!? I’m Head Chef Dyle! Clearly Nicholas forgot his manners too for not introducing his partner in crime this lovely night. Though I guess there’s little need whenever you have credibility among the higher class? That and those lilac eyes, I’ve served a few times in the form of one fiery huntress who loves my steak! I assume your-”

“Yes, I’m her kid. To what do we owe the pleasure of the head chef himself coming to greet us?” Veronica said, hiding her attitude with fake jolliness.

“One of my little worker bees had told me one of my favorite customers was here yet again. Imagine my surprise to see him without his typical plus one. I tell you, that Valerie sure can eat until I feel a hole in my wallet! Ho! Ho! Ha! I crack myself up. Have you met her.”

“Occasionally. Sports art my thing. More of a cooking contest watcher myself. When I realized I get to try your steak I nearly jumped for joy!”

“Why thank you! Nicholas my boy, you sure bring a surprise each and every time, but you should know better. A table in the back near this drafty window at this time of year, and at night! Up your game. I’d be more than happy to let you two enjoy the comfiest seat in the building. Nothing sets the tone like the second floor. I can get you a private table right this second!”

If that wasn’t a slap in the face, then Nick didn’t know what was. Has this really gone over his head? Nick wanted to believe this was a classic case of misunderstanding, yet that felt inn accurate the longer Veronica looked at him. There was no anger, only a reserved look that poorly hid the fact she was uncomfortable. Nick stopped feeling sorry for himself, choosing to do what his family did best; put on the face that commanded respect. The face of Atlas’s most powerful family.

“Dyle?” Nick spoke, dragging out the chef’s name like a sigh of boredom. Nick focused one the menu in his hands while giving the man an occasional glance with only his eyes. “Do you know why I come here? I’ll give you a hint.” He tapped on the window.

“The...view-”

“Nope.” Nick said firmly, closing his menu. “It’s the view and the respect I believed this place had for its customers. All of its customers, but tonight is making me think I believed wrong. You’ve never been this insistent whenever Valerie and I ate here. I gotta say I’m a bit concerned. Between your behavior and our waitress, I can’t help but feel like this has everything to do with my lovely date and her perfect features.”

“Perfect.” Veronica thought, bashfully folding her ears.

“Dyle, am I correct to reevaluate my beliefs in this restaurant. No lying now. I want your honest answer.”

The jolly man wasn’t feeling so jolly anymore. Dyle’s smile turned into grimace teeth and panicked eyes. “N-No! it’s just...just!” He looked around and through the window for any watchful eyes. “It’s business. Your family should understand th-”

“My family is no longer in the business of just caring about good business. Fail to understand that and you won’t have to worry about yours.” Nick stood up and finally looked at the giant of a man as best he could. He could see it, the resentment and frustration building within the chef. By all means who wouldn’t be upset when against a member of the most dangerous family name, blatantly throwing power around like if it actually earned. Nick understood the look. If Whitley taught him anything, it was that look does nothing but keep the hate alive. Flex power, but wield it generously.

“Dyle, I will choose to believe you are in fact a good man.”

“W-What?” He said, caught off guard by the tone shift.

“If this is strictly business then we’ll treat it like so. Now there isn’t any scenario where I don’t get what I want, but I’m more than happy to get what we all want. The first thing is you apologizing to Veronica. After that you will tell all your staff to refrain from enforcing whatever faunus rules you have given them; followed by creating the best steaks you can ever create for this table. Your work won’t be done though. I do expect a dessert that will blow our mind. It is only after creating such a grand meal with your hands that you can rest easy knowing that it will have a fairly generous contribution to its stability. Indefinitely.”

“You’re...going to invest here?”

Nick sat back down. “That depends on you. A pretty decent offer I’d say. Equality and a good meal in an exchange for financial stability. Is that good with you Veronica?”

“Hmmmm, I say we should sweeten our pot. An easy fix with an official change in this place's mission statement as a public service. One that states on paper that this restaurant is for all. This isn’t a compromise.”

Nick smiled. “You heard the lady. Is it a deal?”

Dyle stood, confused by the offer. By all means it was not expected or heard of. “So this is how a Schnee conducts business now?”

“This is how I do business.”

“Hmph! Then I guess it’s fortunate you have deep enough pockets to back it up.” The man removed his chef’s hat and bowed. “Please excuse my blatant disrespect, Mrs. Belladonna.”

“Apology not accepted, but a deal is a deal and who am I to not capitalize on it for my people? Just keep your end of the bargain and I’m satisfied.”

“Ma’am.” Dyle rose from his bow, swiftly exiting to the kitchen. Veronica took a sigh of relief. Finally the man was gone. Any longer and she would’ve said something worth being glared at.

“Sorry about all of this.” Nick said with a guilty look. “Didn’t expect this level of confrontation tonight. Here I was thinking I was taking you to a stress free spot in Atlas.”

“I don’t see why you’re apologizing. After all, you are the one who told me not to hide my ears. Screw what others think, remember?” Veronica gave him a comforting smile before getting another sip of his cider. “The occasional loudmouth or prejudiced jerk is nothing new. Still… thanks for sticking up for me. It’s usually me being the mouthpiece for others or myself. It’s nice not taking the lead.”

Nick propped his head up on his right hand “Glad to be of service.”

“I can see that. How’d you know the waitress was being forced and not racist herself?”

“I’ve never met my grandfather, but his handy work I’m too familiar with.” Nick said, staring out the window.

Veronica could tell she had walked onto a sensitive subject. Between him trying to avoid talking about the grave in front of his family, it was easy to understand what he meant. She wouldn’t press the issue any further. Now wasn’t the time to get heavy. “You know if you keep looking out the window like that, I might just faint from your handsomeness.”

Nick’s face turned red. He whipped his head around to see his date smirking at him. “Oh why you gotta tease me like that!? It’s embarrassing.”

Veronica could only giggle as the flustered boy did his best to hide his face. “That’s more like it. Just keep smiling for me. That’s all I need.”

xxxxx

While a dinner date had begun in the city, a house breakout had started half an hour later. Schnee Manor had gone quiet. Dinner had ended long ago and all adults had retired to their room. Summer couldn’t ask for more. The young huntress in training double checked her supplies before making the great escape. Black wig? check. Favorite pair of ripped jeans with a nice leather jacket; check and check. She put her guitar case on her back and looked in the mirror.

“And mom said no good would come from mentioning Bleiss? Well...I am sneaking out, so I guess she had a point.” Summer left her room and began carefully walking through the halls with her boots in hand. Can’t be too careful. Even the finest houses can creak. Thanks to Nick being out, the alarm wasn’t on. Escaping would be cake walk. All she had to do was pick an exit that wouldn’t be seen or heard. Pesky cameras and windows made that a bit more of a challenge.

“Mom and dad and probably still catching up with Blake and Yang, so I should probably leave through the-”

“Beautiful night for an escape.”

Summer whipped her head around to see Blake looking at her, arms folded and smiling. Summer’s face went pale. “Es-Escape!? Me!? No...I was just….”

Blake raised her eyebrow. “Just…?”

“Esssscaping- yeah I was escaping.” Summer held her head down in defeat. She really needed to get better under pressure. “How did you know?”

“I heard the sound of glyphs earlier when you said you were eating. Multiple glyphs, launching something outside and around the house. You know it might’ve been less suspicious if you decided to grab whatever you needed, and haul it back to your room normally? No way Yang or I would know if it’s out of the ordinary.”

“Hindsight isn’t always 20/20. Plus I like plans. This one appears to be a bust though.”

“Not exactly. I won’t tell if you won’t.” Blake winked.

Summer’s eyes went wide. “Wait, what? You’re okay with me sneaking out.”

“It won’t earn me any warm feelings with Weiss but it’s clear to everyone in and out of this house that you need an outlet. I do have some conditions however.”

Summer squinted. Now she knew where Veronica got her deal making skills from. “I’m listening.”

“First, cut your parents some slack and go to school every day until after the tournament. I heard you’ll fail otherwise.”

“Ugh, why does everyone want me to- okay, fine. I was planning on it anyway. Next one?”

“Please try and be Veronica’s friend.”

“I’m sorry, did you ask me the impossible?” Summer said, making Blake frown. “What!? It’s the truth. Friendship is a two way street and both lanes are closed.

“Listen, I know my daughter hasn’t been the nicest to you, and I know what I’m asking is completely selfish. However, I’m asking anyway. Maybe if she had actual friends to open up to, then things wouldn’t be so bad for her.” Blake sighed.

“Are you trying to tell me Mrs. Fashion designer with perfect skin doesn’t have a line of people trying to rub elbows with her?”

“Hehe, you’d be surprised… Besides, I figured you would know first hand people like that aren’t exactly friend material, Mrs. Teen Idol.”

Summer bit her lip. “Fair point, got me there.” She folded her arms and began tapping her foot. Blake meant well, but it really felt like she was asking Summer to move a mountain. Especially after the forest incident. “Really twisting my arm here.”

“Could you at least make a strong attempt? You both will be spending more time together after all.”

“Hmmm, fine.”

Blake squinted, “Strong attempt, Summer.”

“I heard you.” Summer turned her head away like the snooty rich girl regular folk saw her as. “Is that all?”

“One more thing.” Blake walked up to the young girl and placed her hands on Summer’s shoulders. “Never forget you’re not alone.”

“.....Yes ma’am. Thanks, I mean it.”

Blake rubbed Summer’s head. She’s grown since the last time they met, yet still oh so small. Not to mention a bit frail. Summer may have looked like her mother but Blake could see how much more gentle she was in comparison. Not that Weiss wasn’t a softie in her own right, but she also had an uncompromising defiance. Blake didn’t see that in Summer. Her defiance by all means could be compromised. With any luck and help, it wouldn’t be. “Okay, I’ve held you hostage long enough. Have fun and be safe. I’ll feel guilty otherwise.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be at my home away from home. If I don’t get lost in the music then I’ll definitely be back before midnight.”

“And if you do get lost in the music?”

“Make sure the bathroom window in the third hall downstairs is unlocked. Sneaking is easier at ground level. Bye now.”

Summer gave Blake a hug then rushed off out of sight. Blake couldn’t help but sigh. “Oh boy, maybe I’m the softie?”

xxxx

“Nick?”

“H-huh!?” The boy shook himself out of his daze. Veronica chewed another slice of steak while giving Nick a look of concern. Nick quickly tried to snap back to reality. “Something wrong with steak?”

“Oh something is definitely wrong, but not with the steak.” Veronica took a sip of her third cup of cider. “Maybe you can tell me what’s wrong? Nick you’ve been spacing out more and more ever since we got our entrees. Is a twin thing happening that I’m not aware of?”

“What? Oh, no, no it’s nothing like that. Sorry I’m just more out of it than I thought tonight.

Veronica nodded. “I see. Well… I guess that’s what happens when your crush hurts your feelings.” She watched Nick’s face turn from shock to guilt in no time at all. “You know it’s fine to talk about it right?”

“No it’s not. This is supposed to be a date and what kind of jerk complains about relationship stuff in front of somebody who has feelings for them? It’s not exactly dating etiquette.”

“Oh absolutely. Just thinking about another woman while there’s one in front of you is a real low blow. Frankly I am a bit bruised by it.”

“That’s why-” his words were silenced by the sweet taste of steak Veronica placed in his mouth.

“Let me finish while you chew on that, kay? Yeah my poor little pride is a bit bruised, but it’s not like I don’t already know where I stand when it comes to Valerie; much like how I know you’ve been doing well to try and set that aside. However, I’m here to tell you that’s flawed thinking. At least when you’re dealing with me. I’d much rather you talk about it with me than mentally check out whenever we’re together. So seeing how this dinner date is already far from conventional, let’s not beat around the bush a talk about the girl on your mind.”

Even though she was clearly being nice, Nick couldn’t help but feel like even more of a jerk! “It’s- it’s okay, really. We don’t have to make a big deal out of-”

“Ten minutes.”

“Huh?”

Veronica pulled out her scroll and set a timer. “It was your bright idea to have a ten minute unfiltered grace period between us. I’m calling in your ten minutes sucker. Deny it and I’ll never agree to doing it like you want.” She hit the timer. “Now spill your guts.”

His own system, used against him. Nick wasn’t sure if he should be happy Veronica remembered it, or upset. “Well played. Fine I’ll talk. Yes, Valerie has me lost in thought.”

“About what?”

“About a lot of things.”

“Nah uh, it’s something specific that has you upset. Might as well come clean now.”

“You’re really not gonna make this easy huh?”

“Nope! Tough love is tough, now speak.” Veronica smiled.

“Sigh, Val...made it seem like I was embarrassing to be around. That I stick my nose into everything. It’s not just her too. Summer said something similar to me butting in as well. The entire thing has been bugging me. Am I really that annoying to them?” Nick slouched in his chair. “Have been pushing them away?”

Veronica clicked her tongue. He opened up faster than she expected. “While I can’t speak much about you being embarrassing since I don’t think you are by any means; I can totally say you do make it your mission to be a helping hand in every situation. So yeah, you do butt in.”

The waitress came back and Veronica quickly gathered their dirty dishes to give to the actually nice woman. “All that being said, that’s nothing new Nick. You’ve always been like that. I’d say it’s actually one of your better qualities.”

“It is?” He said confused.

“Mmmhmm. I’ve never minded it at the very least. There’s a comfort in knowing there’s a helping hand in your corner. Plus it’s not like you blatantly ignore any request telling you to stop. You did give Valerie space when she asked for it after all. As for your sister, she’s all talk. I can tell just from reviewing footage and our short trip to the forest that Summer is quick to depend on you. If you ask me, she’s more annoyed at herself for that than she is at you.”

“I doubt it. They both gave me that same look of frustration. Especially Valerie. One minute she wants to be included whenever I’m in trouble but the next she’s telling me to take a hike. It’s pissing me off.” Nick rubbed his hand through his hair and let out a sigh. This entire thing felt like a complex math equation he didn’t know how to solve.

Veronica could tell by the look on his face how conflicted this made him. How conflicted Valerie made him. Needless to say, she was a bit envious. “Why do you love her so much?” She asked bluntly.

Nick’s face turned red. “Uhhh what?”

“I’m just trying to understand what makes her special. After all, Nicholas Schnee could have a girlfriend everyday of the week, yet he fawns over one. The same one since kindergarten. It can’t only because you’ve known each other for so long. What makes her special in your eyes?” Veronica knew she was practically asking to get hurt but she had to know. What was it that made Valerie different from her?

“D...Do I really have to answer that? It’s kinda sudden.”

“The clock has five more minutes on it and you have a girl willing to listen to gush over another girl. Money can’t buy you a scenario this sweet. Fess up.”

Nick took a long sip of his cider before taking an even longer breath. It would’ve been nice if he could do this for five minutes straight but that would be asking for too much. The only way out was through.

“It’s not the most complicated reason if you’re wondering. Growing up the way I have has had numerous blessings I won’t begin to look down on. Family, money, influence; all of that has been a joy. That being said, I didn’t really revel in being who I am as a Schnee until maybe four or five years ago. Everything I did or everywhere I went, a person would always watch what I would do. Nick is gonna go far. Oh he’s great at that, perhaps he’ll go pro? That sort of thing. Ice skating was just a hobby at first. I did it because it was relaxing and mom liked skating with me. I never paid attention if I was actually good at the moves I tried.”

“But...the people did?” Veronica asked, receiving a nod.

“I didn’t think much of it. I was only around seven perhaps? It actually made me happy. So what if a few people liked my routine? I was on the ice for fun and happened to win a medal. But then, as I kept on skating, a pressure started to form. More eyes started watching me. Waiting for the next medal, talking my skill up, muttering rumors about the contests I didn’t participate in, shaking their heads at my failures…they weren’t looking at me. Only my achievements and shortcomings. Ice skating stopped being fun, again. Mom was always quick to tell me to never pay them mind and eventually convinced me to take a break from it altogether. I could never skate again and she’d be perfectly fine with that.”

“Of course. She shared that with you as an outlet, not a sport. I think she knows better than anyone how cruel it is to make a child participate in performances just because they’re good at it.”

“Yeah, hehe, she really has the perfect playbook of what not to do with a child. It would be cool if it wasn't also sad. Anyways, the break was well needed. People eventually stopped talking and I skated in private. By then I’ve taken up some early combat stuff. Nothing serious. Fencing, a few things a bit more in the huntsman category but for more of sparring and building blocks of it all. Valerie had taken notice one day and got the biggest smile. Finally we can do some real horse playing! She shouted and cheered. Next thing I knew I was being driven to the gym with a hyperactive twelve year old who may have been a little too eager to hit her best friend.” He chuckled.

“And they say I’m feisty. So what? Did she hit you so hard you thought it was cool?” Veronica teased.

“N-Well it was cool, but that wasn’t the linchpin! We were having fun sparring. I was having fun. Learning how she did and showing me the ropes everyday was a blast, until one day I did something really cool I guess. Cool enough that people noticed; and kept noticing. People started talking again about what this might possibly mean for me and began watching my practices. I remember starting to feel the overwhelming stress build up again. It was frustrating thinking that this thing I do for me was about to be taken for the people again. I wanted to cry on the spot. Next thing I knew, Valerie had gotten on this platform to make herself taller and kindly told everyone that they were interrupting our training. To my surprise, they left. It only hit then that I’ve been so caught up in trying to avoid them or please, that I never once tried telling everyone to leave me alone. I asked Valerie how she could easily tell people that also expect so much from her to leave because they were in way. Why would I ever care about their input? I do what I want for me. They’re just along for the ride. S-”

BZZZ! BZZZ! BZZZ! Ten minutes had finally gone by. Veronica clicked her tongue. She reached to shut her alarm off when Nick reached for her scroll.

“It’s only right to finish a story this far in. Not much left anyways.” Nick shut the alarm off to continue. “As I was saying, Soon after that is when I began getting back into ice skating and really started participating for myself; figuring out my agenda in all things I did. Especially tournaments. That’s the gist of it. Like I said, silly.”

“No, I get. Valerie gave you back your enjoyment of your hobbies. Helped make a new lease on life. How could that not be a big deal? If anything it makes me irritated that you have such nice reasoning.” Veronica poked her lips out in a dramatically pouty way before turning head to the window. “Guess I should’ve figured as much. She did to you what you did for me. No wonder you like her. Still, I’m not phoning things in yet. Especially if those are the words she told you.” Veronica stopped herself from clenching the table cloth. “That hypocrite. Not caring about their input my ass…” Veronica let out a little chuckle. That was certainly informative. “Thank you for your honesty.”

“Yeah don’t thank me yet.” Nick put thirteen minutes on the timer and smiled. “I believe it’s your turn?”

Veronica’s pleased expression quickly turned to panic. “Wait, what!?”

“Why do you like me?” He asked without mercy. The flush on Vee’s cheeks was redder than wine. “Y-You can’t just ask a girl why they like you!”

“Oh but you can ask me about my romantic feelings without question.” Vee nodded shameless.

“Yep that pretty much sums it up. Besides it’s not like I asked about your feelings towards me. That’s embarrassing as hell.” Veronica watched Nick purse his lips and gave her a look that screamed “seriously?” It was enough to make her start combing her fingers through her hair and look at the coconut cream pie slice that the waitress somehow managed to put under her nose without detection. “I...specifics are bothersome to explain. Just understand that...Nick, you’ve…” she could feel her heart pound in her own ears. “You’ve given me a lot of strength, hope actually. In ways I can’t begin to explain. I’m grateful; dare I say blessed.”

Those words truly shocked him. It wasn’t everyday a term like that came from Vee’s lips. “Blessed huh? That’s a big deal coming from a nonbeliever like yourself.”

“And despite knowing that you still tell me how you pray for me. Not that I particularly mind that I’m in your thoughts regularly. Also it’s rude to just straight up say nonbeliever. I have beliefs. Now the feelings associated and to what the beliefs are is a different story. Thank you for the prayers nonetheless though.”

“Maybe one day you’ll pray for me, hehe.”

Veronica smirked. “I doubt any deity would heed the words. I’ll keep the praying business to the faithful.”

“Fair enough.” Nick took a scoop of ice cream off his fudge brownie and looked at the timer. “Seeing how you’re a bit resistant to tell me why you feel the way you do towards me, can you at least be frank with me by telling me why you’re so adamant about not getting along with Valerie or Summer?”

Very slumped over. “Of all the questions, you’re set on detective work?”

“This timer thing isn’t even meant for interrogation. I offered this as a way to vent without consequences but you’re the one who wanted to play twenty questions.” He finally took a bite of dessert. “Tough it out” He said, a warm smile on his face from the flavor.

“Sigh, guess I have no right to complain. I wouldn’t say I have any real personal grievances towards them, even though I have a few unpleasant memories of your sister harassing me when we were little.”

“We were five.”

“Well I was six and a hurt tail is still a hurt tail, but I digress. Those two, they’re not the kind of people I find myself liking very much. Summer always wraps individuals into her pity party by acting like she’s making a genuine effort, and then Valerie, sigh, there’s not a thing about her that doesn’t make me want to hit her. I know you like her and wouldn’t say she’s a bad natured person, but…” Veronica held her tongue before she overstepped. These were still Nick’s loved ones.

Nick on the other hand wasn’t satisfied. “Say it, what’s on your mind. Zero consequences remember?”

“You say that but it’s not like we’ll magically forget what we’ve said in this last twenty six minutes.”

“No, but I trust you won’t hold my words and secrets against me. Do you trust me? Good or bad, this is meant to clear the air. I’d be a hypocrite to not let you speak your mind after asking you to.” It was a bit brash but Nick reached for Vee’s hand and held it.

Veronica felt her own breathing slow down at the sight of Nick’s reassuring smile. Her eyes went to her pie to avoid his gaze. He was too disarming for his own good. It made her feel guilty for doubting, as well as relying on him the way she did.

“Valerie isn’t a good friend, not you and I, not your sister for that matter. Yeah she might help out because she’s a good person but she’s far too self centered in my opinion. I mean just take tonight for example. You’ve made plans with her that fell apart because everything you two do are on her own terms. What friend gets upset that another saved them in a training exercise, or uses a pet name that the other person doesn’t like!?”

Nick raised his eyebrow. “Pet name?”

“Summer hates to be called Princess, right? That could be a thing with me personally but with the way she gets so pissed about it I would think Valerie using it would be annoying. Yet she does it anyway. Like how she’s quick to try to act like she’s above something when she clearly isn’t. I-”

“Vee? My hand…” Nick winced, his hand being squeezed like a stress ball.”

“Crap…” Veronica immediately loosened up to look at it. Thankfully her nails didn’t dig into him but she did make his hand red. Veronica gently begins rubbing it in some pointless attempt to relieve the pain. “Sorry I… I shouldn’t lose my temper like that. Ugh I know better too. Maybe steak was a bad idea after all?”

Nick watched as Veronica became fixated on the light injury. Her ears had fallen down and the anger she had while speaking had vanished entirely. All she could do was rub his hand. “It’s fine, honest. I don’t even feel pain anymore.”

“You shouldn’t have felt pain at all. This is the second time I’ve hurt you.”

“Well...I did actively walk into a fight the first time. Faunus reasons or not, a person should expect to get whaled on a bit when breaking a fight up.”

Veronica knew Nick was trying to be nice and there was truth to his words. That still didn’t make her feel much better. “I guess there’s one thing Valerie and I have in common. We get you hurt for needless reasons that could be avoided.”

“Vee…”

“Hey, I know she makes you happy and I shouldn’t really try to persuade you to feel otherwise, but… I can’t help but feel like… if you were to ever allow it one day if you’ll look my way, because…Nick, I think I can make you even happier.” She gently held his hand with her trembling ones.

Nick couldn’t see her eyes but could see how the blush took over her. She wasn’t the only one. How could he not feel embarrassed when Veronica Belladonna, the most brazen girl he knew, was now currently holding his hand sheepishly while her tail swayed side to side. Thank goodness he had set a timer beforehand. The buzzer finally went off and Veronica snapped out of her trance, letting go. Rather than speak further, her pie became the scapegoat, getting devoured without interruption. Nick wanted to say something but even the work up to speaking made her face redder by the second. Besides, the timer hit zero. He had to respect the rules he made. A lot was learned within a short time.

“It’s been some time since we had a talk like that. Thanks, Veronica. I feel like I know you even better than before.”

“Just...eat your dessert, please?” She said, embarrassed beyond belief. How could she say something so compromising like that!? Claiming to make him happier than Valerie was bolder than she meant to be.

xxxx

The rest of dinner was pretty quiet. Both of them couldn’t think of any light topics to discuss after prying into feelings. It wasn’t awkward to speak but felt more, inappropriate, so to speak. Both desserts were finished and the chef had passed his taste test. Nick would keep his end of the bargain. However, the generous tip he usually left for all workers involved was purposely missing. The chef had lost the privilege entirely. The waitress would be in for a shock the next time she checked her savings. No need to punish those in the crossfire after all. Veronica and Nick left without saying a word to anybody.

The two of them walked down the sidewalk in the season's chill embrace. Veronica felt the chill winds creep down her thin dress. It felt colder than in the forest. Not even a single person or car was on the street! Nothing but an ever forming winter wonderland!

“Eugh! I know walking home was my idea but maybe I should’ve thought ahead?”

Nick chuckled. “Maybe so?” He took his dress coat off and draped it over her shoulders. “Better?”

“Yeah but you just got over being sick. You can’t afford to catch another cold.”

“Relax, I got sick because of stress. Temperatures like this are nothing to anybody who lives here. The cold is nothing in the face of a real Atlesian. It’s in our blood!”

“And central heating is in your budget. Speaking of which, shouldn’t that be on full blast in the winter!? I mean my goosebumps have goosebumps.” Veronica shivered.

Nick smiled. “I’m glad you asked!” He took Veronica’s hand and quickly rushed over to a building with an awning for them to be under. “There’s a reason I picked a reservation for today. It’s the night manual resets happen.”

“Manual resets?”

Nick nodded. “Yep! You’re right about it being super cold. The lack of people is a dead giveaway.”

“What’s up with that? I thought Atlas was a city that never slept? It’s like a ghost town now. Nothing but….actually…” Veronica looked around the streets, lamps, and every building. There were noticeable less lights. A far cry from the dazzling show she saw earlier through the window. “The heating system, it’s off.”

“Not entirely. A majority of buildings still have them on but yes, external heating vents get temporarily shut off and rebooted. It’s common in the winter since they have to run constantly. You didn’t think it was weird that it was snowing so steadily?”

“Now that you mention it, I guess it is. Everything was already covered in snow so I didn’t notice.”

“Most snow melts on contact but there’s no getting past it during the cold season. Heater or not heater, you’re gonna see snow fall.”

Veronica breathed on her hands to warm them up. “So why come out when the heaters are off if you can see snow whenever?”

“Because I’m not here for the snow. There’s only one thing Atlas gets to really witness whenever the heaters come back on, because the reboot forces the heaters to come back on at full blast.”

“What would-” Before she could finish, Veronica witnessed it first hand; the sudden burst of heat that washed over her body as the orange glow of heaters returned to pale white city. The previous atmospheric silence had been broken. Pit pat pit pat pit pat pit. The familiar brought Veronica’s attention to the streets. Right before eyes like magic, suddenly and seamless, the winter wonderland turned into rain. Lots of rain.

Any and all snowflakes melted before pitter pattering on the pavement. Rain was nothing new to her and neither was Atlas at night for that matter, but a rainy night lights in the city of Atlas? That was a different story entirely. It was if she was in a new kingdom altogether, the way the lights shimmered on the water in the air and on the ground. Atlas somehow went from looking like a snow globe, to a chandelier.

“Woah~” Veronica was floored. She extended her hand out. The feeling of frigid rain contrasted against the warm so much it made her jolt. “Ah! Man that has a bite to it!” She laughed.Veronica stepped out from the awning.

Nick, shocked by her actions, quickly grabbed her hand. “Hey, your dress!” He shouted with agency. Veronica did not bother with his words. Instead she pulled Nick into the rain with her as she laughed.

“Hahaha! What’s a little water!? I love the rain!! Between the heaters and a pour like this, I’d say this is more refreshing than the showers back home.” Veronica’s grin widened. She took hold of Nick’s hands and began swaying. “Come on, dance with me!”

Nick let himself get strung along into Vee’s antics. He caught her guard by pulling the two of them into a ballroom stance and began to waltz.

Veronica’s ears wiggled. “Oooo look at you Mr. Casanova, taking the lead like that.”

“You’re pretty upbeat for a cat in the rain.” He teased.

“Jokes on you, panthers love water, and people from Menagerie love the ocean. I do have a surfboard after all.” She leaned back to que Nick to support her back. Veronica dramatically stuck her leg out to do an over the top dip before Nick brought her back up, pulling her close.

“Nice moves.”

“You’re not the only one who has to learn etiquette. Gotta stay on my toes for the public too. Pretty easy with a tail for balance.”

Nick chuckled. He waltzed his cheeky date back over to the awning near a heater as she continued to laugh. “I could’ve sworn minutes ago you didn’t want me getting sick?”

“Well someone bragged about being one with the cold.”

“I didn’t say all that now. I’m surprised someone complaining about the cold gets excited to dance in the rain.”

“Yeah well…” Veronica moves even closer to Nick, until there’s virtually no space between them. “I feel pretty warm right now.” She said, looking up into his eyes. Maybe it was the heater, the cold rain, or the warmth from his arms now wrapping around her, but it made Veronica warm to the point of feeling dazed. It couldn’t just be her. Not when Nick’s face was its own shade of red. The two let the sound of rain surround them yet again. The smile Veronica had slowly shifted into an expression of longing. She was so close to him right now. Closer than she’s ever felt. His warmth, his cologne, his lips…; Veronica’s body couldn’t help but lean forward. Right...until…

Beep! beep! The sound of a car horn made both jump out of their skin. They looked to the street to see their waitress waving joyfully.

“Thanks for the tip!” She said emotionally as she drove off.

The surprise brought Veronica back to her senses to see Nick’s face flushed and embarrassed. As well as conflicted. Like how he was back at Penny’s lab. Veronica felt the weight of her actions hit her like a tank and quickly took a step back.

“Sorry! Silly me, hehe. Here I was telling you that I wouldn’t be too forward or force anything, then I pull this! Talk about embarrassing huh?!” There wasn’t a bone in her body that didn’t want to find a hole to hide in. How could she get lost in emotion again!?

Nick frowned. “Ver-”

“It’s fine! Totally my bad.” She could feel her own heart start to race from her recklessness. “Tonight has been nice. We should probably start heading back before-”

Nick took Veronica’s arm and shut her up by kissing her cheek before wrapping his arms around her tightly. Her body went a little stiff before eventually hugging him back.

“No date is complete without a little intimacy, right.” Nick said, doing his best to kill the tension. “Sorry things got weird. I should’ve spoken up. It’s not like I would’ve been upset.” He admitted. “I just...you know. But I hope this is okay at least?”

Rejection is nothing new. Veronica was ready for the sting. However, Nick’s words didn’t sting at all. In fact, Veronica could only find herself hiding her face in his shirt, enjoying this comfort. Her heart stopped racing and she felt calmer than she had all night. This wasn’t rejection. Not by a long shot. A to be continued perhaps?

“This is perfect.” She said, holding her crush closer. “Stay just like this for your date. At least for a few more moments.”

Nick smiled. “As you wish.”

Veronica may not have Nick’s attention like how Valerie does, but at this moment, Veronica had Nick focused on her and her alone. He was hers right now. Veronica couldn’t ask for more. This definitely was an unconventional date, clumsy and hardly what anyone would call romantic. Veronica would cherish it all the same.

xxxx

While the sweet sound of rain soothed one duo, another couldn’t hear it all, it being completely drowned out by applause with bubbling excitement. Tonight may be one of the coldest nights for Atlas, but for a warehouse in Mantle filled with young adults, passion burned in the form of a young woman in black about to conquer the stage with her guitar and vocals. Summer was ready to vent. While Eliza carefully observed from afar.

If she wasn’t here then she might not have believed it. With those clothes and confidence, Eliza was sure she was watching a stranger.“Summer Schnee, you and your brother are one surprise after another.”

The singer grabbed a microphone and looked out to the many eyes ready to cut loose. “ALRIGHT EVERYBODY LET’S MAKE SOME NOISE!”

Summer screamed, receiving nothing less than twice the excitement back. No time was wasted in playing how she played less. Tonight was her night. Problems could wait until tomorrow.

#rwby #rwby twin snowflakes #nicholas schnee #summer schnee #blake belladonna #winter schnee #eliza marigold #veronica belladonna

19 notes · View notes

hobiwonder · 5 years

Text

~honest fuckboy~ | (m)

pairing: jk x reader

words: 3.1k

warnings: smut.

a/n: hjrdbfuierbuibfn i accidentally deleted the post hhhhhhh im so sorry. here it is again. this is based on an ask i got about fuckboy jk.

“Okay so… I need to tell you something.” Your feet are tapping an impatient melody on the carpeted floor. Though he definitely can’t hear anything as the carpet muffles the noises that would probably would make him more nervous. Completely and utterly different from the Jungkook outside who’d been boasting about his ‘pussy destroyer’ status.

“Spit it out Jungkook. I’m literally not down for any more of your shitty pranks. I just need a good fuck and as the resident campus slut-”

“um, rude.” You continue anyway.

“-you are my safest bet. So, spill.” He seems even more nervous now for some reason. Sitting on the bed, legs splayed and arms resting back on the plush sheets. And they looked clean too. You didn’t think that was possible for a frat boy.

“Uh…. O-okay.” Your eyebrows are raised again as he looks around, seeming to be mulling his response in his head. Okay this was ridiculous, you were on a time crunch and your downstairs was getting drier by then second. Sighing, you just climb back on the bed, straddling his deliciously muscly thighs and mouth attaching back to his neck that you wanted to cover in hickeys. But you weren’t together and you didn’t want to put marks where they didn’t belong. Even if you really, really wanted to.

But of course he had to fucking ruin it.

“Wait wait!” The groan is unstoppable and this wasn’t the context you’d thought you’d be making these noises in.

“I swear to god Jungkook. Can’t this wait?” There is visible sweat brewing up on his temples and his lips are flushed from your earlier kisses.

“Okay here it goes,” He’s taking a deep breath in, closing his eyes once for a quick second before meeting yours, “I’ve only slept with one girl before.”

You stare at him. A solid minute passes and you haven’t moved an inch until your limbs are waking up again and a giggle is bubbling in your throat as you lean in again.

“Very funny. Now shut up before I kill you and then die of deprivation.”

“Y/n. I-I’m not kidding.” Pulling back, you can now see that all this fidgeting and twiddling with his thumbs really wasn’t an act.

What the hell.

Instantly, you’ve sprung back from his lap and your hands are gone in for the kill at your scalp. Frustration lacing every movement. This was just supposed to be you simply getting laid. Of course this would happen to you.

“What the fuck Jungkook?! Don’t say shit like that when I’m literally about to rip my clothes off.” Unless… “Wait. Is this just so you don’t have to sleep with me?”

Your voice is incredulous and accusing. Sure, you weren’t his hottest conquest or were really considered his type really. But Jeon Jungkook prided himself on never saying no to girls. He loved every female attention and happily hooked up with a variety even if he didn’t actually hang out with them. That’s why it had been so easy to pick him up at the party tonight. You’d had a nightmare of a date and your ego and pride had been bruised enough for one night for him to do you dirty like this too. You’re not sure if you’ll be okay if you got rejected twice in a night. Turns out Jaemin really didn’t like you like that. He just wanted to get laid. Much like what you wanted right now actually. But at least you were honest about it. He lead you on and you wanted to scratch his pretty face! You wore your best lingerie for tonight and that bastard flaked on you after five minutes when his regular booty call showed up.

Stupid pretty boys. At least Jungkook was an honest fuck boy. Or so you had thought. You really couldn’t handle being rejected by the all pleasing fuck boy. And your junior at that.

“No!” His eyes are widely blown and you almost believe him. He’s reaching forward to grab at your retrieving form but you’re having none of it. “Not at all. Y/n. please sit down.”

“No way. I’ve had enough of you assholes playing games with me.”

“What? Who are you talking about?” His eyebrows are furrowed in confusion but you don’t really care enough to tell him about your night for now.

“Don’t worry about it. But whatever I’m going.” You’ve only just turned around when Jungkook is pulling you back roughly so you’re falling back on his lap.

“Don’t go okay? It’s not because I don’t want to sleep with you. Don’t be dumb.” His once over at your tight little black dress doesn’t faze you. Okay maybe a little. Who wouldn’t feel flustered at Jeon Jungkook checking them out?

Sighing, you give him the benefit of the doubt, “Then what? Because I refuse to believe that you’ve only had sex once. Not when you’re literally bragging about screwing someone’s brains out every fucking party.”

“I do have a reputation to keep up you know?” He’s scoffing at you like you’re the one who’s being a little nuts at the moment.

“A reputation that you falsely cultivated, you smelly sock!” Yeah you were a little drunk too.

“Seriously? A smelly sock?” His smile is kinda cute, you think to yourself. “But yeah. I guess I really underestimated the ‘one lie leads to a thousand’ saying.”

Sighing, he just turns you back around in his lap and you can’t help it when you gaze slips further down south for a few seconds but Jungkook’s tsking noises have you looking back up, cheeks heavily flushed.

“You’re really horny aren’t you?” His chuckle is so carefree you’d be thinking it’s you who just confessed to being inexperienced in bed.

“Shut up kid. Thanks to you I might stay this way with no relief!” the pout is inevitable and unarguably a little childish but you could definitely hide away from all the judgement under the guise of being intoxicated.

“Y-You don’t… have to?” He sounds unsure and a little questioning. When you don’t say anything, he continues.

“I know I said I haven’t actually had sex more than that one time but I’d love to have sex with you.” He says it all so casually like he didn’t almost shit his pants confessing that very bit to you.

“Gee, thanks.” You pinch his slightly cherub face to which he yelps dramatically. “If anything, you owe me that mind blowing orgasm you brat.”

“Well then,” his smug little face is turning up in a smirk as he leans back again, spreading his body as it relaxes in the sheets before his face is tilting upwards, eyes taking a whole swipe at the way your dress has ridden up on your thighs. “Get to work babe.”

The nerve of this boy.

You’re about ready to give him a piece of your mind but instead, you go for something much more impactful. The way his eyes almost bulge out of his head is sweet, sweet revenge when you squeeze his length on top of his snug jeans. The shock is thankfully under control when you’d initially felt how hot and heavy his erection sat under the denim.

“You really need to learn when you’re out skilled ‘babe.’” The words are whispered close to his ear as you press a hot kiss beneath the lobe. He was a picture to be put up on the walls as he tried to keep his breathing even, eyes cast directly down to where your hand had now slipped inside his jeans. The rattling of the belt buckle with every movement from your hand was incredibly arousing. Not that you needed to be anymore horny at this stage.

“Wow, um okay… I should’ve -oh fuck – let you hit on me before.” His erection sits thick and hot in your hand as you scoff at him. Yeah, like you would.

“Please. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Jaemin flaking on me.” The last sentence is muttered under your breath but somehow his ears perked up enough to comprehend the name. Even when he’s receiving a hand job he does not shut up, does he?

“J-Jaemin? Really? You’re way out of his l-league. Oh god, y/n.” His moan hits you somewhere deep. Deeper than just your core with the way he’s saying your name and you can’t stop yourself when from slipping down to your knees- as if in a trance when you continue to glide your slippery hand over his girthy length.

“Say that again when my hand isn’t on your dick.” He doesn’t have a chance to open his smart mouth again because yours is on him. His hot skin on your tongue has an involuntary moan bubbling in your throat and reverberating against his hardened cock. The salty, tangy taste of him is addicting and you’re sliding your mouth down him and his reactions are only spurring you on further.

“God, you’re so hot. Look so h-hot with my cock in y-your mouth. Fuck, yes.” He’s growling, moaning and groaning as he watches you lap at his cock again and again. Saliva is starting to pool around your mouth and dripping down your chin as you suck the tip of him relentlessly. His dirty mouth is making you want to slip your hand inside your own underwear and get some relief.

You moan when his hand slips in to your hair at the nape of your neck, guiding your head around him as he gets close. His mouth seems to have lost its filter and so have his hips as they buck in to your mouth.

“I’m so close. S-So close, baby. Take my cock,” his growl only makes you moan louder around him, sucking him off with more vigour.

Lucky for him, you know exactly how to push him over the edge. Taking one of your hands that had been working on the base of his dick, slickened by a mixture of your saliva and his precum, you tug on his tightened balls and instantly – he’s bucking his hips in to your face screaming out his release.

Warmth fills your mouth as you drink down his cum. His hands guiding your head every which way to milk out every second of his release. Jungkook is panting heavily and his whole body is covered with sweat as he watches your mouth overflow with his cum. Still, you don’t stop gently lapping at him, swallowing every drop and he seems almost about ready to cry.

“Y/n,” he’s panting even more now, “stop or I’ll cum again. Fuck you’re so hot that was amazing.”

Pulling you up back on to his lap, he doesn’t wait for you to wipe your mouth before placing his own, on top in a sloppy kiss. He’s licking around your mouth and you can’t help but moan at the feel of him. In a haste, he’s pulling off his shirt and your eyes almost pop out of your head despite knowing to some degree about what you would see. You knew he was pretty built from the various photos posted on the university social media since you never went to the games. The muscles that bulged out from his football jersey were quite good looking in itself but seeing them up close – you could maybe understand why the girls went crazy for him despite his lack of sexual experience.

While you were busy drooling, Jungkook has already caught you eyeing him shamelessly with the way he was smirking and biting his lip. “Just going to look or do-”

“Shut the hell up.” Your scoff only makes him giggle like a teenage boy making a ‘that’s what she said’ joke.

“You want to kiss me. You want to hug me.” Is he serious?

You pull back slightly from his mouth that’s singing out the ridiculous song from Miss Congeniality.

“Are you seriously quoting Sandra bullock right now?” He scoffs right back at you while pulling up your short little dress as his glassy eyes continue to eat you up.

“Of course. She’s awesome and don’t change the subject. Fuck…” Thank god he’s stopped with the movie talk – although you agree wholeheartedly about Sandra – and the way he’s looking down at your snug silk black lingerie, hugging every curve and accentuating the right parts – the confidence boost is much appreciated.

“Okay so, how much do I need to guide you through?” Your eyebrows are furrowing when his expression stays vacant like he has nothing to say, worrying you profoundly. Did he know anything? Oh god. You were not ready for this arrangement. “Do you know… where the clit is?”

Jungkook is finally moving his facial muscles but only to roll his eyes at you and scoff before he’s flipping you over so you were the one underneath him. “I’m inexperienced y/n, not an idiot.”

“Debatable.” The murmur doesn’t go unnoticed when he’s sliding downwards like he’s about to sit at your feet or something.

“What was that?”

“I said that’s deba- Oh shit!” Oh shit indeed. Any braincells you had left to comprehend speech were now focused on making you feel every lash of Jungkook’s surprisingly skilful tongue that was lashing at your sodden black panties – outlining every fold through them with the hot, wet pad of his tongue. Doesn’t help when he’s chuckling while his face is buried in your pussy making your skin absorb all the vibrations from his dirty mouth.

His hands pull one of your thighs over his shoulder so he could tilt his head further to reach every nook and cranny that will bring tears to your eyes. He licks up a stripe to your aching clit with the flat of his tongue before gently sucking it in his mouth. Then he speaks.

“Did I find it or I need to try again?” The vibrations from his mouth – and his hot breath – go straight to the bundle of nerves in his mouth as embarrassingly loud moans leave yours.

“Sh-Shut up and focus. You owe m-me an orgasm.” The words transition into a whine the longer you talk. It’s impossible to talk at all, really. The material of your panties is stuck to you obscenely and you want to cry with relief when he finally pulls them to the side.

“J-Just take them off Jungkook. Hurry up.” The brat just chuckles like he’s watching a sitcom.

“Seems like you’re the virgin here.”

“So you admit you haven’t had sex at all?”

“What? No! that’s not what I meant.” He’s pouting therefore his mouth has stopped and you can finally take a breather and not embarrass yourself.

“Mhmm. Sure little guy.” Your chuckle has most likely provoked him but instead of being happy that he’s definitely enthusiastic about eating you out – you’re a little scared that he might even just kill you with his mouth with the way his eyes stared back at you.

He’s lowering his mouth once again until his lips gently hug your nether ones. He’s so calm about his movements that you have to hold your breath to not give away how much it’s shaking. He shakes his head slowly as if to snuggly fit his lips in a seal around your entrance. And then – his tongue is spearing in and out of your pussy as deep as the stiffened muscle can get.

Your head is falling back with the shock of how pleasurable the sensation of his tongue inside your pussy is since you’ve never had someone so thoroughly taste you like this before. Most guys only ever just focused on your clit while Jungkook was moaning around your pussy like he was having the most desired delicacy in the world. His pace is increasing gradually while your noises are not. You are not far from screaming your head off when a particular thrust of his devilish tongue reaches deep enough for your eyes to roll back in your head.

“J-Jungkook, oh-” you hiccup, “god.”

“Mm. Your pussy tastes so good. I could eat you all night.” He’s taking a breath each time he talk – slick covering his lips and chin as he takes small sucks of your clit keeping you constantly stimulated but never enough to make you cum – yet.

“You like my tongue babe? Hm? You’re so warm and soft and tight it’s hard for me to fuck your pussy open.” He’s growling out his words like earlier and you think you might just cum from his words.

“But that’s what my fingers are for, hm? To fuck you nice and open for my cock. That’s it.” He’s cooing like you’re the one who needs coaching through their first orgasm. But it might as well be true because the way you feel right now is unlike any other time you’ve cum. Your insides are wound tighter than ever and you physically feel like you’re going to start sobbing any second from the intensity of your climax.

A sob finally breaks free when Jungkook shoves his middle finger in you as his mouth moves up to your clit. He doesn’t bother setting a gradual pace like he had with his tongue – instead he shoves another one inside. “Fuck. You’re so tight. I’m not even sure I’m going to fit inside babe.”

If you could form any form of speech in any language right now you would tell him off for giving himself too much credit. He can’t be that big.

“I’m s-so c-close. Jungkook p-please.” Your hands are balled in to fists in his sheets while your legs twitch with the force it’s taking for you to not close them. Also helps that Jungkook is holding your thighs open from smashing closed on his skull and possibly cracking it. You might consider doing that later after you’ve came.

Speaking of – you do exactly that when Jungkook’s lips form a seal around your clit once again and suck in tandem with his fingers that scissor in and out of your pulsing cunt. Wet sounds have filled the room for quite some time but you can’t hear anything but a white noise as an almost violent wave of your orgasm rushes through you. You don’t remember how long it goes on for but it feels like forever. And when you finally come to again you have to push your hands against his head to make him stop licking at you since your legs have probably expired now.

“Knew you were a screamer.”

“What?” You’re still panting – pathetic. Jungkook is wearing a shit eating grin as he lets your underwear snap back in place making you cringe from the friction of the fabric overstimulating you.

“And a gusher. Holy shit.” All the blood has rushed to your cheeks – you can feel it from how hot your face feels right now and you know it’s not from just having come harder than you ever have.

“Shut up oh my god.”

#bts #bts smut #jungkook smut #jungkook drabble #hhhhh why am i a grandma at technology

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rebellect-writes · 4 years

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[SIZE=1][b]Name:[/b] Jess. [b]Age:[/b] Old enough that I'm getting tired of answering this. [b]How did you find us?:[/b] I took a trip into Hell and found you.

[b]Name:[/b] Lazarus Donovan [b]Nicknames & Aliases:[/b] Laz will do. [b]Age:[/b] 40. Though he looks 35. [b]Date of Birth:[/b] May 28th 1971. [b]Gender:[/b] Male. [b]Sexual Orientation:[/b] Questionable. [b]Occupation:[/b] Jack of all trades, that, and he's Twist's hound.

[b]Animal Species:[/b] WereDog. [b]Animal Description: [/b] [IMG]http://breederinfocenter.com/images2/20061111213659_074529_1.jpg[/IMG][LIST]For a supposed medium sized breed of dog, Lazarus’ canine half is actually quite big compared to some dogs and still not the biggest mutt on the block. He stands at 26 inches at the withers, and weighs in at 90lbs of streamlined muscle that can make some humans cringe in fear. From the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail; he’s 5 feet and 4 inches so it’s easy to get scared. He’s not a long coated German shepherd dog at all, though the thick black and tan fur would make you think so. Screw your pure blacks and your pure white variations; he loves his dog form the way it is. It makes it easier to blend in with some working dogs as the breed is generally used for labour. [/LIST][b]Do you have a hybrid/alpha form?:[/b] [URL=http://browse.deviantart.com/?q=Weredog&order=9&offset=96#/d2lw0fb]Scooby Snack? Yeah!... You idiot.[/URL][LIST]Of course he has an alpha form; it was practically beaten into him. Standing roughly at 6’11, and weighing in at 250lbs, Lazarus isn’t that much bigger in this form. Of course he’s a bit menacing but that’s a good thing – so he thinks – and isn’t something that anyone should want to meet in a dark alley in the middle of the night. Laz retains his black and tan markings in this form, though his fur is only a little thinner in this form then his full dog form. He looks like he’s a dog that can walk quiet comfortable on his hind legs really, with cone like ears, a muzzle packed full of fangs and hands with curved claws and a brush like tail. [/LIST][b]Rank:[/b] Rogue. [b]How long has your character been a lycanthrope?:[/b] All his life. [b]Mindset:[/b] Dominant. [b]Power level:[/b] Beta by choice (hides his alpha status).

[b]Face Claim:[/b] Josh Holloway. [b]Description:[/b] [IMG]http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv90/bloodwillout/app%20pics/600full-josh-holloway.png[/IMG][LIST]Lazarus is 6’1 inches tall in his human form; he’s pretty average in the height department which is fine with him. He’s your average kind of guy in all honesty, he’s used to hard graft so he’s pretty toned, Lazarus only weighs in at a simply 200lbs even if he doesn’t look like it, and most of the weight’s packed away in muscles. With pale green eyes that darken considerably when he’s angry, the shaggy cut of dirty blond hair, and dusting of stubble finish off his rugged look quite nicely. Some day’s he clips his hair back, sometimes he forgets to shave. It’s not something he really pays attention to.

Does a sense of style matter, really? Well if you insist on it. Laz doesn’t like clothes and he doesn’t exactly hate them either. He’d be much more comfortable lounging about in a pair of jeans and a loose shirt than a suit – though that doesn’t mean he doesn’t look smart when he dresses up! He just needs to be poked and prodded hard to do so -, so his style doesn’t differ from torn and shredded jeans, open dress shirts and t-shirts and a pair of boots. Jewellery and tattoos now eh? Well he does wear the odd pendant or handmade wrist band. It’s just a matter of practicality most days. [/LIST][b]Special Skills:[/b][LIST]Gee, you mean all those street smarts have gone for nothing? Shame. Other than that, he's good staying under the radar as a dog. Also, this is pretty important becuase not everyone can be as cool as he is. He’s a full blown animal servant, meaning that from the first mark he became less breakable and susceptible to vampire mind tricks. From the second mark, gave Mordichai the ability to draw power from him and taste food and drink through Lazarus. The third mark gave them both the ability to communicate telepathically with each other but only when his Master is awake. The forth mark gave him immortality by drinking his masters blood, better mental stabilisation/communication with his master and the ability to draw on Mordichai’s strength. Oh the perks of his job! [/LIST][b]Personality:[/b][LIST]Lazarusarus is a firm believer in ‘survival of the fittest’, that being said, he’s got a sort of soft spot for weaker dogs. He won’t actively help them, but he will keep other folks from breaking people even more if he can see that the ‘underdog’ can pull themselves through whatever task it is. What can I say? He likes a challenge and if he sees one, he’ll prod at it but, he’ll likely lose interest and go about his business after awhile. Idiots have little appeal to him. He’s a smart man, intelligent so he won’t rush into things from the word go. He’ll exploit weaknesses that he can find for his (and the his Master’s) own benefit if he can, and if he can’t, he knows when to cut his losses. Sure Lazarus can charm people, smile and joke around, he can also be cocky and egotistical at times, and closed off as well at times.

He loved once, or lusted, he doesn’t know what it was but he thinks its love. Oh sure he’ll deny it if he’s ever asked, but he knows the truth. He won’t open himself up fully to another person again, unless he can help it. Does that mean he’s looking for someone to open up to? Heck no. He’s just going to keep himself apart from people and still be around them. Trust issues is probably what you’d call it, actually, it’s what he’d call it to. The woman that stole his heart earned his trust, but when she left, that hurt him. So, he’s made it a personal mission in life to just not care what people think about him, and as long as they make no trouble that he has to fix, he doesn’t care what people do.

A common thing with Lazarus is, until you can prove yourself to him, you get a nickname. You can bitch and moan and demand that he use your real name, but he’ll stubbornly start making said nicknames worse. It doesn’t mean anything to him really, but dog’s minds are different in some respects. Scents and actions are easier for him to remember then names are. The only acceptation to this rule are the dominants to this dog, he’ll go out of his way to remember their names.

Donovan won’t take an insult lying down; to him that’s like losing an ear or something close to death. Making him sit out of things will make him whine and pout like a toddler deprived of sugar. He may or may not voice his complaints but to people that know him; you’d be able to tell by the tension in the man’s shoulders and the snarky attitude. It’s sort of the same way when he knows he has to submit to someone but doesn’t really want to. He may think he’s bigger and stronger, but if he’s forced into a position that makes him back down, he does it with as little snark as possible and takes off to the pub afterwards, or in the worst case scenario, takes a pocket knife to the inside of his arms to release the tension he feels. He hasn't cut for a long time, since before he was in love even, but it was an old habit and you know how they die don't you?

Lazarus doesn’t think of himself as mad, not in the conventional sense of the term. So he can kill without hesitating, it’s the predator in him, not the human. That and the fact that any good cat is a dead cat, was beaten into him when he was growing up. He’s not afraid to do what must be done to protect what’s his, if it means submitting to someone to get something he wants, he’ll do it. Practicality really when you think about it is something any animal knows. A weakness could get him killed, and he certainly doesn’t want that. He’s not afraid to bleed for a good cause either believe it or not, if a show needs to be put on, he’ll put his name forward and that will be that. Someone called him masochist when he was younger, so maybe that is true.

Marked by the Master vampire, Mordichai, hasn’t changed him much at all. Red (Violent Man) is someone he can relate to in some ways, and he’s pretty fond of that personality when he’s not being a prick trying to scare everyone. Blue (Business Man) is the side that draws out Laz’s more controlled side. He cares when Blue is around. Mordichai’s well being is one that Laz puts before his own. He’ll stop Red at a cost to him if he has to, distracted Blue and anything else that needs doing. The vampire is his master and owner, mind, body and soul. [/LIST][b]Likes:[/b][LIST] [*] Carving figurines and sketching. [*] Reading when he's alone. [*] Playing with his tennis ball when he's in his dog form. [*] When Mordichai isn't bugged by Kiss vampires. [*] Chasing cats in dog form. [*] Sleeping in occasionally. [*] Mordichai's attention. [*] Quiet nights at the Raven. [*] Walking instead of getting in a car or on a bus. [*] A challenge in any form. [/LIST][b]Dislikes:[/b][LIST] [*] Having to suffer idiots on a regular basis. [*] Mordichai's disappointment. [*] Losing his ball. The last time it was under the couch. [*] Kiss vampires poking their noses in where they're not wanted. [*] Humans thinking that they're all that when they aren't. [*] Drunks in the club. [*] Being around other were-dogs for a long time without a reason. [*] A bad horror movie. [*] Rainy nights. [*] Not being able to find someone for Red to kill. [/LIST][b]Strengths:[/b][LIST] [*] Repetitive shifting with little fuss and bother. [*] Doesn't mind being Red's puppet. [*] Partial shifting. [*] Marked all four times. [*] Keeps his eyes and his ears open for anything useful. [/LIST][b]Weaknesses:[/b][LIST] [*] Not catching the change in Mordichai's moods. [*] He's too curious at times. [*] Silver still burns, even if he's a born shapeshifter. [*] He has a bit of a sweet tooth. [*] Won't ever allow his master to hurt a woman under 18. [/LIST][b]History:[/b][LIST]Born back in the cold July of 1971, Lazarus Donovan was pushed into the world by a teenage mother named Aileen in a back alley in East Cork, Ireland. Aileen should’ve told her parents, she should’ve done a lot of things to ensure that the baby would be safe and sound but she didn’t. Instead, she’d hidden it until one day she couldn’t hide any longer, just like she hid that she could shapeshift. Unprepared for everything, the youngster dumped the baby the first she could find that would offer the babe some chance of survival, in the ambulance bay of the CMC (Cork Medical Centre) before fleeing and never looking back. The father was never notified, Aileen didn’t even know his name, didn’t even care about that dog.

The baby was stumbled upon by a human nun of all creatures. The human sister found Lazarus tucked away out of the worst of the cold weather, and heartbroken for the little mite, Sister Magdalena brought him inside to get checked over by one of the clinic doctors. There looked like there was no option for Laz at the time, declared fine by the doctor, the Sister had no choice but to contact the Priest that resided over the parish and go through the appropriate channels to get the baby into a loving home. For some reason Magdalena was protective of the whelp, she wanted to take him home with her and raise him as her own son, but she did not. The only thing she could give him was a name, and that was Lazarus. Lazarus’s earliest childhood memory is that of mean and spiteful nuns with bony fingers prodding and poking. Magda may have given him a name, but she had no say in where he went after she gave him up. During his earlier days in Cork, Lazarus knew one human family in the space of three years. The Donovan’s didn’t have him long, they didn’t even get to call him son and he didn’t get the chance to recognize them as parents before Mrs Donovan’s husband died in a car accident and his ‘mother’ put him back into care before moving to England. Not understanding what was happening around him, the wee lad just carried on like any normal child would.

Bounced around allot over the next few years from home to home and foster group to foster group, Laz finally hit a wall. He’d always know that he was different someway, but he didn’t know how different until one day he was kicking a football around in the park on his own and the next, he was a dog. A bloody big dog too, in his thirteen year old mind. It was his thirteen year old mind that passed it off as a dream the first time, and the second time it happened without his control, but everything fell apart when he hit fifteen. Laz was with his foster sister, Olivia. She was a great girl, pure human and also a strict catholic just like her parents. When she saw him shift, at first it was fun and games, but then she began to grow wary, thinking he was the devils hound and that her brother was unclean. When he shifted back, despite what he said and did, she began to panic and ran home leaving Laz to watch her go.

He could’ve followed, he wanted to, but he didn’t. Instead he shifted and went the other way, running for days and days until his paws bled and he couldn’t go any further. He stuck to the minor roads, out of the way, and never once went near humans. They didn’t understand him, he didn’t even understand himself. Eventually he found himself in Dublin, and he still hadn’t shifted. He wanted to be a dog, to forget the look of horror on Olivia’s face. That didn’t last though, it was perfectly logical for the youngster to want to hide and forget everything that was happening, but it just wasn’t meant to be as he found out a year later. Tearaway teenager Mary found him, scavenging on some scrubland that was passing itself off as a parkway. She coaxed him out with food, and he went to her. A year as a dog is a rough time, Laz had lost weight, forgot a lot of things, almost forgot how to shift back. Once the food was gone, so was he for a few days and they played this cat and mouse game for days, until finally Laz decided to stop running away. She’d proven she wasn’t going to hurt him, and he’d had a lot of time to think about things and what he wanted to do.

Eventually, he found his way back to human form. He had learnt a lot, noticed a lot too. Humans weren’t the only things out there. It was probably what brought him back into the world of the living, but with no money or place to stay, the teenager had to do what was necessary to get going. He stole, lied and cheated his way through the supposed conmen and women stalking Dublin’s shady alleys over the next few years. When he managed to get a place to stay for himself and wasn’t reduced to squatting as a dog, Laz found a job in one of the bars. He always kept an eye on Mary, she knew him as a dog, she didn’t know him as a human though and it was one of those things that he wanted to change. Ok, so he supposed he stalked her for a little while, in a platonic kind of way. It was hard at the time to get his emotions straight between human and canine. The pub he worked in was her regular, and he saw her every night coming and going with strangers. Eventually summoned up the courage to talk to her and she blew him off. Obviously, he’d said something wrong but Laz couldn’t work out what it was, pushing twenty one, he really didn’t need the aggravation of dealing with a woman when he was trying to be normal.

Over the next fourteen years Lazarus made a name for himself. He never had a stable partner; he worked and charmed the people around him. Did good things for the people he considered friends and eventually ended up buying the lease for the pub he worked in. The Kings Head became his little kingdom, a place he could control and do with what he wanted as the world changed outside the front door. The biggest thing that happened in his little life was that the supernatural came out of the closet in the late nineties. However in 2006, the supernatural world was very much a part of day to day life for the thirty five year old hound dog, Laz. He often spent time around other shapeshifters and vampires, he just enjoyed their company and that’s when everything turned upside down. A bar fight broke out, some angry vampire that had stopped in to get out of the rain had been assaulted by humans, two from the local church. More religious fanatics than anything else, they’d had that type in the pub before and they’d always punted them out on their backsides. It was complicated and Laz only remembers a little, just stepping in between a priest and the vampire, a blade punching into his side rather than the vampires. He didn’t even know why he did it; it just felt right to him, like he needed to be there. How was he supposed to know that he’d sparked the vampire’s curiosity with one act? Mordichai dispatched the rest of the rabble that was there, it was bloody and violent and by the end of the night the Kings Head was burning down. Laz didn’t care, the knife had done some serious damage that his body was struggling to heal and he was pretty much out of it.

He was dragged back to a house that Mordichai had rented while he was in the city, the vampire poked and prodded at him and Lazarus did the same back. He quickly found out that the vampire wasn’t just one person but three and he came up with names for each personality. Red, Blue and Mordichai. He must’ve done something right because in the last five years, he’s not wandered away from the vampire – actually, scratch that, he wouldn’t leave the vampire he called master – and his master hasn’t killed him. Supposedly, if Mordichai wanted him dead, then Red put his foot down on that buy giving Lazarus the marks of an animal servant binding the dog and master together for all eternity. That still doesn’t stop Mordichai from skinning him, or something really creative but one thing is for sure, they need each other and that’s that...No matter how much they deny it. [/LIST][/SIZE]

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beardrabbles · 5 years

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OBLIVIOUS

rating: t ( swearing )

words: 2,918

characters: tony stark ( iron man ), reader

notes: ( ao3 request; I was wondering if I could make a request? Maybe one where the reader is Tony's childhood friend and she hasn't realized he's been trying to ask her out for years now... :3c ) I’m a sucker for this trope, so here’s an attempt!

tags: none!

You sat there at your favorite table, legs crossed at the knees and foot bouncing with noticeable eagerness. Your chin was pressed to your palm while light fingertips drummed against your cheek. A pair of designer sunglasses tinted your view of the window to your right, turning everything on the street from a deep and dark violet to a soft, sunset pink. Around you, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and tea mingled into something pungent but comforting. It was warm inside that little cafe, a fact you appreciated now that the weather had taken a sudden, downward nose-dive into freezing temperatures.

All you needed now was something to drink, but a certain someone was taking his sweet time at the counter.

“Probably flirting with the barista. . .” You grumbled to yourself. There were many that could claim they knew Tony Stark, but there were so few that could claim that as loudly as you could. Although, you acknowledged that his flirting antics and womanizing ways were known world ‘round. No one, you especially, would be surprised to find him chatting up the pretty brunette scribbling his name on his coffee cup.

“Or,” began the billionaire in his signature smooth yet infuriating tone, “I’m making sure I get your order right.”

You lifted your head and took the cup offered to you, eyes narrowing behind the ombré lenses of the shades he had loaned you. “It’s not that difficult to remember, and you’ve never screwed it up before.”

“No, but why start now?” He threw you a cocksure smile and winked. Tony took the seat across from you, then motioned vaguely with his hands. You were in the middle of sip when you stopped and stared. What? “Sunglasses. Give.”

“Fine.” You pulled them from your face and handed them over. The were promptly fitted over his eyes, sat on the bridge of his nose for two seconds, then slid down just so he could peer at you over the rose-gold frames.

“Did’ja like ‘em?”

You shrugged and swallowed down more of your choice drink. “They’re alright. Pretty, but too pricey.”

“Just like me. Damn. What the hell am I supposed to get you as a gift once the holidays roll around, hmm? Do you like anything?” He wondered. You had to use every ounce of your control not to roll your eyes at his exaggeration. You liked plenty of things, but you had never once owned a piece of clothing or technology that cost more than two years worth of rent. It didn’t feel right, not to mention you had never been suited for Tony’s luxury lifestyle. No matter how far the two of you went back, no matter how close you might be, there was still a giant wall that separated the two of you. He was the genius philanthropist that put on shows of bravado and cockiness for his audience, and you were the normal one. Quiet, content with what you had yet still willing to work hard for the things you wanted.

Which was why, after thinking of something witty to say in return, you stopped yourself short. You, was what you wanted to say. You, was what you always thought. Liking Tony wasn’t easy, yet it seemed so simple at the same time. Dating and looking around had its perks, but there would never be another man like him. Smart, confident, experienced and still a little soft on the inside. You had fallen hard as a teenager, and the feelings had multiplied since then. His heroic side had done you in, and it didn’t help now that he would come to you when some of the lighter anxiety attacks struck. You reckoned that he didn’t really need you when he had a world of people he could turn to, but it meant so much that you were the one he needed when his own mind rebelled against him.

“You don’t have to get me anything, Tony.” You flicked your leg out and poked at his shin playfully with the toe of your shoe. A single, dark brow rose on his forehead, but you motioned for him to stop long before he started. “Seriously, you don’t have to. You’ve been my friend for now long?”

“Too long.” He jumped when you gave him an honest kick under the table. “Ow!”

“Ass.”

“( Y/N ), I don’t see what our many, many, many years together has to do with me getting you a gift.” He ignored the insult, seeing as how it was so often given to him by various people for a multitude of reasons.

“That’s exactly it! That is my gift, you dolt. You’ve been my friend, Tony, when no one else has. I know we don’t get to see each other often, but I love when it’s just the two of us. When you can be yourself and not worry about being Iron Man, or even being the other Tony Stark. This is all I need. It’s all I want. Besides,” you paused to shrug and hoped it would hide some of the color rising to your cheeks, “you’ve taken me here how many times? I don’t even remember telling you that this was my go-to spot.”

Tony, caught off guard by your sudden and emotional ramblings, had to clear his throat before he spoke.

“Thanks for the rousing speech there, but you know you can’t hide anything from me. Wasn’t all that hard to figure out where you go when you make posts about it online.” He smirked at the triple wash of red that touched your face.

“Oh, right. . . Still, thanks for taking me.”

“Don’t mention it. Felt as good a place to take you out on a date as any.” He spoke so casually, so effortlessly, that you nearly missed that word. You were in the middle of another gulp, ready to finish off half of your drink, when it clicked. You coughed, sputtering into your cup and losing your breath all at once.

He, on the other hand, simply watched you as confusion set in. He was in no rush to ask if you were alright, nor did he elaborate on his own. Tony needed prompting, as it was the only way he could tease you before he was forced to explain.

“Take me out on a what-now?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Did I mumble? A date, ( Y/N ). You know, when two people spend time with each other because they’re attracted——”

“I know what I date is, Tony, and we’ve never been on one!” You dragged a napkin across your lips and your shirt, making sure none of your drink had stained.

“Gee, wonder why that is. . .” Brooded the hero.

You stopped your clean-up and glared. “What?”

“Hmm?” Tony blinked up at you innocently, but you knew better than to fall for that ruse.

“Don’t hmm me. It almost sounds like you were blaming me for something.” You balled up your napkin and tossed it onto the table. Fortunately for the both of you, the cafe was a small, hole-in-the-wall joint that few occupied. You had the corner to yourself, and you were glad for the fact seeing as how you planned on thoroughly grilling Tony.

“I am.” He said in a matter-of-fact tone.

“What am I being blamed for exactly?” Your irritation was bubbling but remain well under the surface of full-on temper. Tony sighed an exasperated sigh as he pushed his sunglasses up into his mess of brown hair.

“The fact that we haven’t gone on a single date the entire time we’ve known each other.” He stated flatly. “Which you made me point out has been a very long time.”

“Wh—What? How is that my fault? You’ve never asked me!” You squeaked indignantly. Your memory wasn’t shoddy, but you were sure you’d remember if he had asked you out on a date. You were also sure that if he had, it was exclusive to your many daydreams. But because you were sure that, for once, he was wrong, you felt oddly cocky. Sitting upright, spine straight and chin a little high, you huffed. “I’d know if you did. And you definitely never did.”

“My sixteenth birthday.” The statement was sudden and took you aback, that cockiness waning.

“What?”

“My sixteenth birthday, my first day at MIT, the day I graduated MIT, that night before I went to give that speech in Bern, uh. . .” He paused and snapped his fingers, as if that would ignite and make clear some foggy memory he was desperate to recall.

“Tony, what are you doing?”

“After I got back from Afghanistan, after the press conference. That one day when we were twelve, and my nanny thought she caught us in the middle of making out. You remember that? That’s not not every instance, and they’re not in order, but — I’ve asked, at least five times.”

You stammered, mouth opening and closing. He had bludgeoned you with feeble, paper-thin proof of his advances, and all you could do was gawk. Tony smiled. “You good? I’ll give you a minute.”

“You — You never asked. That wasn’t asking! I do remember that birthday party, but you didn’t ask me on a date. You said——”

“I said, ‘Let’s get out of here and grab something to eat.’ How is that not asking?” It was his turn to look offended now.

“It’s just not! Friends ask friends that all the time. And if I remember, we did go out to eat. . . with the rest of the people at the party. It’s not a date if there are more than fourteen people sittin’ at one diner.” You argued. Tony made to snap back, but stopped just as he pointed at you.

“Alright, you’ve got a point. Bad example. But I asked you to celebrate with me after I graduated, and no one else heard that.” He countered. You couldn’t deny that. The memory was a haze of color and sound, but there was one moment of that afternoon that had stuck with you.

There had been so many people gathered around him at the school grounds; friends, fellow students, colleagues, professors, potential co-workers, future employees and family, all of them distant. A hundred hands had clasped at him, squeezing his shoulders and frantically shaking his hand. You remembered being softer than that, giving his arms a harmless tug as you pulled him away from the sea of grey, red and black gowns. He needed the space, needed the time to process that he had done it. He knew he could without a speck of a doubt, but it still needed to sink in that he had graduated. He had been flushed and wild-eyed, hands grasping so tight at yours that it made your heart beat a mile a minute.

You remembered that feeling well because it was the first time you acknowledged that you cared for him. That ready-to-take-on-the-world look had you promising him a thousand times over that you’d always be there for him, that he could count on you no matter what. That promise still remained wholly intact, but you couldn’t remember him asking anything of you after that.

“Tony, all I remember is me makin’ the horrible mistake of telling you that you were stuck with me.”

“You’ve got the memory of a goldfish, my God.” Tony rubbed at his faintly wrinkled brow. “You dragged me away, we were standing near my parents’ car. You said something mushy like you always do. I leaned in. . .”

He reenacted the memory, leaning over the tiny table separating you. His elbow sat propped on the tabletop, the backs of his knuckles pressing at his cheek. Your cheeks flared hotly, eyes darting away from his. Without his sunglasses to mask them, you were liable to lose yourself in their boyish, mischievous glimmer.

You had looked away, but he continued to speak around his slowly spreading smile.

“You wouldn’t look at me back then, either. I got closer, and you let out this weirdly adorable giggle. I distinctly remember asking you out then. I told you that I was going to start working right away, and I wanted you to come with me. I told you I’d fly you anywhere, give you everything you wanted, as long as you stuck to that dumb promise you made me.” His expression softened despite your eyes being elsewhere.

Shifting, you gave your shoulders a little shrug.

“That still doesn’t count. Asking me to follow you around isn’t a date.” You murmured.

“There’s no pleasing you! And people think I’m demanding.” He flung himself back in his seat, the corner of his lips pulling up into a lopsided frown. You finally turned your gaze back to him, fingers toying with the lid of your cup. His attention didn’t falter. It remained trained on you, the intensity behind it clenching at your chest.

The idea that he had tried once before baffled you. Tony Stark, the man that could have anyone he wanted, had attempted to date you in the past. You were both floored and giddy thinking about it, but you still couldn’t grasp that it was true.

“So you’ve been trying this whole time?” You wondered aloud.

“Mhmm. Honestly, I couldn’t tell if you were rejecting me or stringing me along. Kind of thought it was the latter option for a while there. Was kind of a turn-on, actually. You know, chasing after you. Thought you were playing me this whole time but it looks like you were just being your usual, oblivious self.” The sigh he emitted this time was softer and held a touch of sincere disappointment. He rubbed at the back of his neck and shifted his shoulders awkwardly, head hanging a fraction.

Suddenly, you felt a blanket of guilt settle over you. He wasn't joking. He wasn’t saying this to embarrass you. Okay, some of it was meant to embarrass you, but not all of it.

“You wanted to ask me out?” You felt like a broken record, but you had to be sure.

“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. You’re younger than me, but I think we’re going to have to start getting you a hearing aid. I can hook you up. Make you a little something.” This time, the kick you delivered to his leg brought out a beaming grin.

“Still an ass.” You shot him a look and wrinkled your nose.

“I’ve been told that, yes. Been told that I have a great ass too.” He sniffed and adjusted in his seat. You shook your head and hid your wobbly smile behind your cup. One last drink, and you’d finished it. And with that last bit of warmth came a lightning-quick flash of courage.

“Ask me again.”

Tony lifted his head sharply, eyes finding yours again. He saw that you didn’t look away, but it only made him narrow his own eyes suspiciously.

“Why? What’s in it for me?”

“Tony. . .” You were about to take back your request when he grabbed your hand. His rough, calloused and marginally darker fingers wrapped around yours. Your heart skipped and started it’s usual tattoo against your ribcage. His thumb swept across your knuckles in a gentle gesture that was so rare from him.

“( Y/N ), would you do me the honor of. . . looking good next to me?”

“Wow. I should have expected that.” You snatched your hand away, but he was quick. He caught it, yanked it forward, then laid a chaste kiss against your fingers. You were frozen, stunned into utter speechlessness.

“I’m only gonna ask you once, so don’t screw it up. Will you go out on a date with me?” He spoke slowly and softly, razor-sharp goatee tickling your skin. Immediately, you felt an iron-like weight in your stomach. Years of keeping your feelings quiet hadn’t ruined your chances it seemed.

You gnawed at your lower lip and sucked in a sharp breath.

“Do I get to pick the place?” You asked. Tony tilted his head and hummed deeply, then nodded.

“I think you can handle that, as long as we end up back at my place by the end of the night.” He purred. Your shoulders slumped under the weight of his relentless, shameless pervertedness. You toed the line between being extremely fond of him and loving him, but nowhere did it say that you were required to indulge him in his lewd behavior.

“Not gonna happen.”

“That’s fine.” He nipped at your knuckles and growled before releasing your hand. “I’m flexible. Literally and figuratively. I can do it anywhere——”

“Oh, stop. Stop. Stooop.” The chair under you squealed as you pushed away from the table. Your drink was empty and your mind was frazzled, and you needed time to think about what had just happened. Tony, however, remained at his seat as you stormed towards the door.

“We never picked a date, snookums! Honey-bunches! Come on!” He shouted after you. Hand on the door, you paused. A moment of quiet consideration passed, and you finally peered to him again.

“Pick me up tomorrow at eight. Don’t wear anything fancy. If we’re gonna go on a proper date and I’m in charge of picking where we go, there won’t be tons of booze or parties. Got it?”

Tony groaned. “You’re going to be a boring date.”

“Good.” You smiled, and so did he. “Can’t wait.”

Tony, feeling that same iron-ball sensation that you had felt earlier, passed one last wink. “Me either.”

#tony stark imagine #tony stark x reader #iron man imagine #iron man x reader #fluff

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creative-type · 6 years

Text

How Fullmetal Alchemist Integrates Theme and Character

In a world where everything is subjective and polarizing opinions are the norm, where anti-fans and trolls take ‘love to hate’ a little too far, and where any story popular enough to become a pop-culture phenomenon is almost guaranteed to have a small-but-vocal minority that can’t see what all the fuss is about, I have never once seen, read, or heard of anyone say that Fullmetal Alchemist is a bad story.

None.

I’m sure they exist, but during the course of its run Fullmetal Alchemist reached the rarefied air of being almost universally beloved within the manga/anime community and being critically acclaimed as a damn good story. This success is wholly deserved. Arakawa was able to do something that a lot of shonen mangaka can’t, and as a result Fullmetal Alchemist is one of the best plotted, tightly written manga I have ever read.

Others have and will write about the philosophy Arakawa presents, point out the incredible amount of research she was able to cram into her series, extrapolate on the world building better than I could, but today I want to talk about something I’ve not seen anyone else touch on, and that’s how she integrates her themes into her characterization in order to really drive the point she’s trying to make home.

So what’s the main theme of Fullmetal Alchemist? Luckily Arakawa tells us directly on the next to last page of the series.

So let’s pick this apart a little bit

There is nothing to be learned in a lesson without pain, because you can’t gain anything without losing something in exchange. But when you overcome that pain and make the lesson your own you will obtain an infallible, irreplaceable fullmetal heart.

Now since this is a comic we also have to take the image itself into account. None of the photos are of just one person. Even the dog managed to have puppies. So we can assume that the idea of community is also integral to what Arakawa’s trying to say here (I hesitate to say friendship, because, well, not all of these guys are friends, lol). Also, during Edward’s final showdown with Truth he states he’ll make due without his alchemy so long as he’s still got other people he can rely on

And Truth’s response is basically “Ding ding! You finally get it! Go claim your prize at the door, I never want to see your ugly mug again.”

(I don’t know Japanese, but I’m pretty sure that’s an accurate translation)

At its barest bones Fullmetal Alchemist is about overcoming past mistakes with the help of others. This is all fine and dandy, but without proper execution they just become empty words pasted onto the final pages in a halfhearted attempt at depth. I think most people know of stories about sacrificial love where there is neither meaningful sacrifice nor a healthy portrayal of love, or stories about overcoming overwhelming odds through the power of hard work and effort where every victory is handed over on a silver platter of asspulls and accelerated training arcs. It doesn’t matter how good something sounds if the execution sucks.

With that in mind, let’s look at some of the characters of Fullmetal Achemist and the mistakes they’ve made.

Fullmetal Alchemist: A Series of Terrible People Trying to Become Less Terrible

So this one is super easy. We’re presented with our lovable protagonists’s first major screw up on chapter 1, page 1

Oh look, it’s that quote again. Golly gee willikers, it’s almost as if Awakara knew what story she wanted to tell and integrated the main theme from the very beginning.

It’s not terribly uncommon for a manga to make some sort of thesis statement during their first chapter, but from the (few) long-running serializations I’ve read, the longer a series runs the more muddled these things get as far as theme and narrative go. It’s one of the difficult things about trying to keep an audience engaged over a long period of time.

Fullmetal Alchemist is more tightly plotted than most shonen affairs, but there’s another thing that helps it keep from undercutting its own themes, and that’s that it lets its protagonists actually make terrible mistakes, and more importantly makes them suffer because of it.

The Elric’s attempt to resurrect their mother is never treated as anything but a horrible thing that never should have happened. Yes, the boys’s plight is sympathetic and the loss of their mother after their father abandoned the family was a tragedy, but they were told time and time again that human transformation was not only impossible, but forbidden

Of course the Elric brothers don’t listen, because otherwise there wouldn’t be a series. It cannot be overstated that they purposefully kept their plans secret. They didn’t tell Winry or Izumi or any one else that they were going to try to revive their mother. Perhaps they don’t feel like they can talk to anyone about their grief, but there’s also a definite hubris involved. Edward and Alphonse -- but especially Edward -- think they can accomplish something “adults” have found impossible.

Perhaps if they had talked to Izumi more she would have been able to guide them through their time of grief, but it goes back to one of the main themes of the series: Camaraderie, doing things together, trusting your friends, community as apposed to isolation. The Elric brothers lock themselves away to their father’s dark library and perform illegal experiments in their basement -- hidden from anyone who might try to stop them.

And they suffer for it.

(Keep in mind the word ignorant. We’ll be coming back to it later.)

This in and of itself is good, but this message is hammered home by the supporting cast, especially the characters from the military. Remember Roy Mustang, suave up-and-comer who wants to completely reform the government from the inside out for the betterment of the people?

Complicit in genocide

His number 2, all around team mom, and rescuer of cute puppies?

Complicit in genocide

Husband of the year and eternal winner of Best Dad Joke?

Complicit in genocide

Human teddy bear, series aesthete, and walking meme generator?

Complicit in genocide

The beloved small-town doctor?

Complicit in genocide and human experimentation

The grumpy curmudgeon with a hidden heart of gold?

Say it with me now, complicit in freaking genocide.

That’s just looking at Armestrian military during the civil war. When the series jumps to the present day we see Scar has become a serial killer, while midway through the series Ling willingly becomes the vessel for an inhuman monster, nearly loosing his identity in the process. Hohenheim abandoned his family and was (unwittingly) complicit in a genocide of his own. In her grief Izumi tried to bring back her dead child via human transmutation, violating one of the fundamental laws of alchemy. The list goes on.

It is impossible to fully implement a theme of overcoming past mistakes without having characters be fully responsible for said mistakes. I feel like it’s a common trap to sacrifice likability for pathos. How easy would it have been to say that Ed and Al couldn’t be held responsible for their actions because they weren’t aware of the consequences, or had never been told that human transformation was forbidden? How easy would it have been to say that the military made Roy and Riza and the rest participate in the Ishvalan massacre?

Luckily the writing never goes this route. While the various characters might not fully understand the ultimate outcome of their choices they never have their agency stripped away by something outside of their control. Each and every character in the series thinks they’re doing the right thing by acting the way they do, which not only makes them feel human as characters but brings me neatly into my second point.

Overcoming Ignorance and Finding Truth

During the Ishvalan flashback we see both Roy and Riza give their initial reason for joining the military, citing their desire to protect others as one of their main motivations.

Edward and Alphonse were young children when their mother died, and their desire to bring her back stems from a child’s love. Izumi and Sig had struggled for years for a child, and the grief of losing a baby after longing for a family for so long led her to try to resurrect her child.

None of these desires are in and of themselves bad, but they stem from a place of ignorance. Attempting human transmutation was forbidden for a reason. The military ended up not being as altruistic as the young soldiers were led to believe. The world, which our main characters looked at as a simple, understandable thing, turned out to be complex, and hard, and unforgiving.

With their worldviews essentially shattered it would have been easy to give up or give in to the darkness that they had seen, but instead each main character decides to take full ownership of their mistakes and takes steps to correct them.

There are very few irredeemable bad guys in Fullmetal Alchemist, and it’s a series that ultimately has a very hopeful view on humanity. Because of this underlying philosophy people are not ruined or broken by their pasts, but rather learn from them.

This is the Truth that is presented. It’s not facts or book knowledge, which any alchemist capable of performing human transmutation would have in spades, but growth through life experience. Ed and Al see firsthand the evils alchemy can commit and strive to correct them. Roy and Riza stare down the barrel of the military machine and seek to dismantle it, even if it results in their own undoing. Ling learns to recognize the futility of his country’s current clan system and seeks to protect even the weakest of his people. It takes awhile, but Scar realizes that vengeance can only breed violence and strives to rebuild his people instead of the destruction of those who killed them in the first place.

None of these goals can be accomplished alone, building on the theme of camaraderie, but there’s also the side effect of preventing others from going down their path.

That is Fullmetal Alchemist in a nutshell. It’s a series about flawed people making horrible mistakes, overcoming them with the help of their friends and in turn preventing others going down that dark path of destruction. It’s not a smooth transition, and the lessons learned are full of pain, but in the end you’ll find your own Truth and come out the other side a better person. The rest is just gravy.

Although I will concede that having a main character who can turn his arm into a knife probably helps.

#Fullmetal Alchemist #Edward Elric #Alphonse Elric #creative-type analyzes #character analysis #Roy Mustang #Riza Hawkeye #Ling #character writing #Scar

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theskygivesmelife · 3 years

Text

"I am the master of my fate,"

How ironic that a poem about self control uses this very phrase, whilst ignoring the fact that fate, or destiny actually imply that there can never truly be any control, for all is predetermined from the beginning of time.

...

I'd say we don't. Nonexistence is a superior state of existence in my opinion.

...

First things first: you don't love me, so stop saying you do. Even if you genuinely believe you do, you'll understand what I mean.

With that said, for the love of God can you stop messaging me? Not on WhatsApp because I will have *deleted* it, and not on Android messages because I can't respond as I don't have any balance. I use my phone only for music or gaming mainly anyway. Speaking of which, I thought I did make it clear that I don't want to talk to you. When was the last time we did talk? Right, your birthday. I don't remember ever being that drained after talking to you. Honestly, it was a pain—was it for you too? I guess that's what happens as one becomes truly apathetic. Seriously, I don't know who you're still trying to contact, but that person's dead. Well, not literally unfortunately, but if you do want to talk to some tired, disillusioned soul I'm still here I guess. As I mentioned, your little I love yous at the end don't really hold, because, you know, you're really just refering to the wrong person. For the record, I've started to think that not only am I incapable of loving, but am also incapable of being loved.

Anyhow, lets just say that if I were Jekyll then I'm Hyde now. To be honest, I don't even know why I'm responding to you. The "fuck her, why give a damn?" voices have been quite loud for some time. Well, I don't think of you all the time, so "fuck the world" might seem more apt as a generalisation. Back to the point: some time ago I'd have actually cared, but I don't give a shit now about anything.

I'll say it now: I don't think it'll ever be a good enough reason for you. I don't think any reason ever will. You'll probably still try to convince me to maintain contact, even though it's so horribly one sided. Well, I just couldn't care less for the most part. It'd probably be good if you wouldn't waste your time on me though. I mean, let's be real. You're not going to get my number once out if this country. Even if you miraculously did, you'd certainly make some replacement friends in college without the downsides that I have, so it'd be pointless. I know you won't listen anyway, and I said that I don't care either. So why am I even trying? I don't know.

If you'll remember I've tried to shut you out multiple times. It's funny now, ~because I feel absolutely nothing now.~ Quite often in the past I'd feel quite regretful or guilty, but now? Heh, just an emotionless robot just moving along now. Going through the motions you know. Still, if there's one thing I should mention, it's that I never lied to you when I said some sentimental crap like caring about you and such. Whoever I was back then, he genuinely ment it. And now, it seems like my wick is shorter than I imagined. It's going to burn up quick. You know what that means? Garima, it means peace at last. So, let me have my time now. I still dream of that little cottage far away, secluded from society. No-one for company. Okay, a cat and a dog. They'll be nice. A drum kit. Video games maybe? What'll I do? Electrician perhaps? Mechanic? Just so long as it isn't a crappy 9-5 job, and actually pays my bills. No people. No friends—do I really have any? No girlfriend—I don't want one (not asexual, but I'm not as horny as you I guess), and I doubt I'm capable of forming a proper relationship anyway. No family—I never had one to begin with. Can you imagine it? All alone and blissful. Just let me be. Please. One way or another, I'm gone. I'm actually feeling sad now typing this, tears in my eyes and all (I haven't cried in forever) but you shouldn't be. You've got a long, long way to go; you'll do well anyway. I don't know what I really was to you, or what I've done to you. I know that I was a hard person to deal with. I can't really list out all the times I've failed you; I hope you will forgive me for them. Believe me when I say that if there was ever I person I really tried to keep happy as often as I could, it was you.

" *Bye, stay healthy and happy* "

I won't—I can't.

Bye.

PS. Nice songs. I still appreciate music I guess, unless it's a really bad day.

...

[8/18/2018, 12:03 AM] Prathik: It seems not. Oh well, I was hoping I could talk one last time. Silly of me; you're probably either sleeping or studying for tomorrow's — should I say today's? — test.

[8/18/2018, 12:57 AM] Prathik: You know, I've been thinking: what if I wanted to talk to you one day? Would you then be ready to hold conversation? I think you would, but that doesn't strike me as fair. I mean you say that you'll miss me, but that's something you'll just have to take in your stride. On the contrary, if I miss you, then I try contacting you, and in all likelihood you'll just respond. What do you think?

[8/18/2018, 1:44 AM] Prathik: Maybe you're free tonight? I just want to talk; I don't know what I'm even doing now. Ugh I can't even explain it without sounding like some self pitying shithead. Forget it. I'm sorry

[8/18/2018, 12:42 PM] Prathik: Seriously, the very dynamics of our interactions are messed up. Everything is based on my mood and how I'm feeling. Don't want to talk? No problem! I'll go silent. Depressive episode? No problem! I'll go silent. It's like I can literally choose what and when we get to converse. Tired of our conversations? No problem! I'll just stop talking to you. And all you say is that you'll miss me. Sure, it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, but bloody hell — why didn't you ever call me out for my behaviour? Gee, we screwed up...so many flaws and nothing was even done about them.

Yes, I'm ranting. I'll say stupid things, and maybe hurtful things too. If I were completely aware of what it is that sounded like that, then I wouldn't be saying them. Not that it's an excuse for saying anything I shouldn't. You probably shouldn't take anything personally, because in all likelihood, I'll probably just be projecting.

[8/18/2018, 12:52 PM] Prathik: Oh shit, I really need psychological help don't I? Do you think that if I got better, I'd finally stop sabotaging all the relationships I have?

[8/19/2018, 12:19 AM] Prathik: Goodbye

[8/19/2018, 2:25 PM] Prathik: Okay, I'll just leave this here. Just one last thing. I honestly am doubting my mental stability: I'd wager that I'm fairly unstable in general and more so at this point. My mood seems to swing like a fucking pendulum, and for whatever reason, I have and possibly might keep spouting unnecessary shit. So please, just *IGNORE EVERYTHING* I say. *EVERYTHING.* Except this one last message. Please. It's all I ask.

[8/19/2018, 2:54 PM] Prathik: I'm also not going to be using WhatsApp anymore — no point now right? — so I guess you'll be spared if having to reply to anything.

...

[8/8/2018, 10:24 PM] Prathik: Bloody hell, always nice to me even though I don't deserve it. Can't just go study like you ought to or talk to anyone else? You've got tons of friends after all. Perhaps one day they'll give you a consolation prize saying "good effort; hard luck" and maybe then you'll see how you're just wasting your time. Whatever. It's not like I can control you or force you to behave in a certain manner. Stupid world. Just leave me be

[8/8/2018, 10:52 PM] Prathik: I don't even know why you don't give in. I mean, what am I to you? Some depressed idiot that makes you feel better about yourself? I don't think that's the narrative you've sold to me, so that's probably not the reason.

It's kinda like you're an ant running against the wind. Not any wind, though, just that which is being blown by some sadistic little kid. It keeps running into it. Over and over it tries and fails. The wind keeps pushing it back, but the ant doesn't see how futile it's attempts are. It doesn't see that despite the fact that it keeps trying, nothing's going to change. It has so many other avenues of exploration, ones that would certainly lead to a great reception from the colony, but oh no. The ant keeps running, hoping that the resistance will decrease. Eventually the boy just blows harder, and the ant flies away and lands on its back. (Good thing it has an exoskeleton.) Only then does it see how pointless its efforts were, and that they were better off invested somewhere else.

...

You know how people throw that fucking annoying platitude around? That things will get better? Doesn't happen. It's no different in its progression from a physical illness, and once you go beyond a certain stage you're only living on fumes at that point. Limited time. But it'll get better they say. Fucking hell, it can also get worse, but who's willing to actually concede that bleak truth?

...

Yeah, maybe. I don't know. I'm just getting worse mentally. I mean, I set the suicide date for when I'm 25. It's only kept dropping. I started considering pushing it to college years, and now I'm genuinely pondering whether I should just drop out of college like when I'm 19 or so and be done with it — at least I won't have to wonder about how you'll come meet me in USA lol. I'm also drawing more blanks in tests. It's not like I don't know, it's just making me more and more anxious. Like the psychology UT we had just some time ago. I left 12 marks because it seemed to easy to be true and I thought I was wrong. I got 17.5 . And meeting people, ugh. Worse than ever. Sure I'm introverted, but at this rate I'm practically going to become a hermit. My ability to function like a sane person is waning, and it's actually quite clear. It's makes me awe struck and horrified at the same time seeing how someone is so capable of self sabotage. Yeah, I don't think I was made for this world. Just one big mistake that hasn't been taken care of yet.

...

Oh, if you haven't listened to it already, you really should listen to Heroes by David Bowie. Please do, if you haven't yet. Just this one song.

...

[6/28/2018, 12:13 AM] Prathik: I love you.

[6/28/2018, 12:14 AM] Prathik: ^ I just felt like saying that.

...

You don't get it. I don't know for sure that you like talking to me. Yes, you've said so so many times that I've lost track. I'd be lying if I said that it were enough to convince me. It isn't; you can't do anything to change my perception of myself, and sometimes I'll project, being the idiot I am after all. There's never going to be a time when I can the voice that says you're you're just using me for some kicks or something to shut up. That doubt will never go, and every time you say something like that, I'll make sure to interpret it as evidence that even you don't care, that you just let your guard down. You can't ever really make me satisfied or happy, so don't throw away any more of your time actually trying to justify anything. If you know that what you've done is fine, then it's fine.

...

[6/12/2018, 8:51 PM] Prathik: Speaking of which, it's interesting that you brought up the fact that our relationship is dysfunctional. Not that I really addressed it well when you originally meantioned it. It does make me wonder, are the dynamics of the way we interact with each other actually healthy? Perhaps we're just fucking each other in the ass and not even realising it? While it's a possibility that I consider, you should know that I don't think the second one is too probable. All the same, it's bothersome enough to actually consider pondering over. Funny, though, how I've just turned a blind eye to it; best relationship you've had you say. Pretty much the same for me, I suppose that's why I've not considered anything that suggests contrary to that opinion.

You know, we never did our cliched apologies. I'm not sure what exactly to apologise for; however, I don't have any qualms admitting that I did fuck up. I'm not sure it makes any sense to apologise for going silent for a month. Honestly, while I did miss you, I'm not sure of how much I actually regret it. Heck, if I hadn't misunderstood your message and not responded... Moreover, what's the point of saying sorry for something I've done multiple times and might do again anyway? It probably does defeat the purpose of it. I do regret making you angry though. I'm not too proud of getting you pissed off, I honestly am sorry about that. That conversation just didn't go the way I'd have liked it to I guess...

[6/12/2018, 8:53 PM] Prathik: Also, is it just me or have things between us changed? I mean, the one month silence probably did more harm than good. It'd have probably been better had I never done anything, or had not stupidly misinterpreted what you said and stayed silent after all. I don't know, I'm not saying it has anything to do with you anyway. I know who's responsible if something is wrong after all.

[6/12/2018, 10:04 PM] Prathik: Oh, today I mixed NaOH with NH4Br, boiled it and inhaled it. I also had to do some speaking for a group activity in English, and I didn't really fuck it up at all or get shaky knees

Just saying. Anyway, which Tapasya acquaintances are you still in touch with?

[6/12/2018, 10:42 PM] Prathik: Oh look, they just killed off net neutrality in USA. Fucking Ajit Pai. As if he didn't have an incredibly punchable face to begin with.

...

[6/10/2018, 10:05 AM] Prathik: If you say so. Read at your own inconvenience.

Since I'm idiotic enough, I decided to read more of the dude's articles. Lost a ton of brain cells. Also, don't read the comments. Nutty, the lot of them.

[6/10/2018, 11:00 AM] Prathik: "The power of propaganda always surprises me. Only 30 years ago, homosexuality was almost universally condemned, and now it’s accepted in half the world and half the States. Clearly, the natural position worldwide is that homosexuality is a disorder, and should be condemned. The problem is, we lost the youth. Somehow, homosexual advocates were able to brainwash and indoctrinate them into accepting it. If you talk to anyone my age, they believe that homosexuality poses no health risks (homosexuals have a 5 times higher chance of getting HIV) and that they are born as homosexuals (despite no scientific evidence.) IMO this is a result of two things: homosexual propaganda (esp. through the internet) and the collapse of the traditional marriage model. The parents simply haven’t taught their children about Christianity and thus they are easy prey for the homosexual movement.

Honestly, I am very pessimistic and I feel that it’s only going to get worse as time goes on. More and more ‘Christians’ are accepting this behavior day by day and it’s heartbreaking."

Has to be the most ironic things I've ever read. Talks about propaganda and indoctrination, but completely turns a blind eye to how he's become what he is.

[6/10/2018, 6:29 PM] Prathik: And now, I've realised that I could have actually spent my time better by talking to you on the phone as you suggested. Not that I studied one bit as I planned to do.

...

[6/9/2018, 1:56 AM] Garima Joshi: Bye now, love you.

[6/9/2018, 1:57 AM] Prathik: Bye. Love you.

...

if I could really recover from the depressed, socially anxious, and suicidal person I am today, believe me I'd let you know immediately. I promise.

...

[3/20/2018, 3:01 AM] Garima Joshi: I know you said you were tired. Thanks for sticking around. Always great talking to you.

[3/20/2018, 3:02 AM] Prathik: It's always fun talking to you. So.. yeah. Do we say goodnight or goodmorning at this point?

[3/20/2018, 3:03 AM] Prathik: Yeah. Stay safe in Delhi will you? Bye.

[3/20/2018, 3:04 AM] Garima Joshi: I'll try, I'll try.

Have a good day (today)

Bye, love you.

[3/20/2018, 3:06 AM] Prathik: I thought you said cheesy stuff were grossing you out...

I'm sorry, did I sound a little overprotective?

[3/20/2018, 3:13 AM] Garima Joshi: Okay Patrick I love you v much but I'll find you a wife tomorrow, for now you need those 2 hours 58 minutes of beauty sleep to rope in all those women

[3/20/2018, 3:13 AM] Prathik: Lulz. Fine. Love you too.

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imaginesofeverykind · 7 years

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Family Holiday || Sam Drake x Reader ||

Characters: Sam Drake x Reader

Requested: Yup! By Anon, thank you this was cute! [Sam Drake x reader where they all go to vacation somewhere]

Prompt: You, Sam, Nate, Elena and Cassie all go on a family holiday to Australia. Despite a long history of dealing with a lot of weird shit, none of them is at all prepared to take on the most notoriously dangerous wildlife lurking around the hot continent.

Tags: @rafeadderall @dragonjedihobbit @shararogers @delicrieux @solarsystemus @roses-are-bae

Word Count: 2,000

A/N: This idea was something @missdictatorme and I were discussing, Sam being absolutely petrified of spiders despite being tough as shit. Also, I live in Australia, I can 14/10 confirm that crazy shit like this happens and has happened before in my own personal experience especially the fucking snake THEY ARE EVERYWHERE???? I also live in the country so we do see more shit than suburban folk. ENJOY

You woke up with a smile on your face, oh how Australia had been such a breath of fresh air for not just for you, but Sam, Nate, Elena and Cassie. Sam groaned beside you, feeling you had shifted. “Mornin.” He mumbled into the pillow, he was face down on the bed and you were sure he was trying to suffocate himself when he fell asleep like that.

“Good morning. It's a beautiful morning.” You grinned, peering out the window of the lovely apartment over looking rolling hills and beautiful vibrant farm land, The first week you all had done the typical touristy business, staying close to the city, visited the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Now the five of you stayed in an apartment further away from the city, wanting to experience wildlife to the fullest.

Next week you were all going to camp out in the wilderness.

“It’s also incredibly hot already, what time is it?” Sam rolled onto his side and looked at you as you checked your watch. “Almost ten, and according to my phone, it's too goddamn hot.” You informed him, making him groan. The sweat had already started forming on his skin as well as yours, but it didn’t deter your excitement.

You wanted to go for a walk at least today, not wanting to waste such a perfect day. “I’m gonna go down to that little convenience store on the corner before it gets too hot, you want anything?” You sweetly smiled at him, he shook his head and pulled you into a hug. “How about you just stay here all day?” Sam wiggled his eyebrows, not doubt they’d eventually have to get up but with the lack of noise coming from the room next to theirs, it indicated that neither Nate, Elena or Cassie were up.

“As charming as that sounds you are sweaty and gross and I’m hungry.” You kissed his lips briefly before hauling yourself out of bed. Changing into a pair of shorts and a tank top, Sam mumbled in resistance. You chuckled, bending down and kissing him once more, “don’t be a baby, I’ll be back in twenty minutes.”

Sam tiredly waved as you exited the room and made your way down to the car park of the apartment block. So far everyone enjoyed themselves, but having lived through the things they had couldn’t prepare them at all for the intrusive behaviour of Australia’s wildlife.

You had walked outside with a smile on your face, seeing some young people out and about walking their dogs and elderly people out for a stroll. How they were so used to this beautiful country was beyond your capacity. You hadn’t walked too far when you stop abruptly, a shriek escaping your lips unintentionally.

Right by your feet was a snake, seemingly peering up at you, poking its tongue out. Sure you’d seen snakes before but this one was too close for comfort. You were stuck at what to do, Australia had some of the most venomous snakes around so you could just run away as much as you like to.

Pulling out your phone, carefully as to not provoke the snake by sudden movements and you rang Sam. “Sam!” You gritted as he answered, “You’ve been gone two minutes and you're already calling me?” You rolled your eyes, glancing down at the snake that was rather content by your feet getting the hot rays of the sun.

“Shut up! There’s a snake in front of me, I don’t know what to do-.”

“Give it a kick Y/N it’ll be fine.”

You pulled away the phone and looked at it in disbelief before bringing it back to your ear once again. “Give it a kick? Sam, are you kidding me? It could bite me?” You tried your best not to yell at him in fear of pissing the snake off by your feet. He sighed on the end and chuckled, oh how he loved stirring you up, “Alright - I'm coming down now.”

“Thank you.” You murmured and ended the call, placing your phone back in your pocket as you bit your lip in concern. “You alright?” A voice startled you, turning your attention to a man who had been watching you from afar. His accent indicated he was local, and given by the fact he seemed completely amused by the situation you were stuck in.

“As all right as I can be with a snake on my feet.” You cringed, laughing nervously. “You’re not from around here?” He raised his eyebrow and started walking toward you, you nodded, every so often glancing between him and the snake. “No... I’m that easy to point out?”

“Well, not just the accent but you are wearing shorts and singlet in twenty-four-degree heat.” He chuckled, he himself was wearing jeans and a long sleeved shirt seemingly unbothered by the temperature. You cringed as you felt the snake slither over your feet, again the local had found it hilarious.

He stood just a few feet away from you and examined the snake. “Oh yeah, she’s a nasty looking one, good thing you have your head screwed on or else -.” he motioned with his thumb and his throat to gesture death which made you feel uneasy. “r-really?” You gulped and he scoffed laughing and bending over. “Oh na, I’m fucking with you this is just a coastal taipan, they are nervous little things though so It’s great you didn’t startle her.” He ever so carefully gripped the snake at its head and pulled it off the ground.

He walked over to the fence line that separated the apartment building to a seemingly docile beach house. It ferociously whipped around in his grip and you held your breath, scared that it might bite him however he effortlessly tossed the snake over the fence as if it were mere rubbish.

“Thank you, I appreciate it, w-won’t it bother the people who live there now though?” You finally moved from your spot and he chuckled waving that notion away, “guy’s a complete asshole, that snake is his problem now. You’re welcome. While I'd love to stick around and save every tourist from our lovely wildlife I must be going.” He politely waved and headed to his car.

Sam - his timing impeccable, as always - finally made it down to you and looked around seeing no such snake near you. “It’s fine, a local helped out.” You assured him and he shook his head, “I'm thinking you called me just to get me out of bed.”

“Well... now that you’re up...”

That had been the first instance, the second instance was far funnier and that involved the five of you camping. You had just set up the tent, content with your placement in the wilderness away from society. You were unpacking things from the truck with Cassie when Sam had cursed loudly, followed by an out of breath Sam pointing at the tent.

“What? What’s got you so worked up?” You raised an eyebrow at him, he was hunched over trying to get his breath when he finally stood upright, he pointed at the tent. “Huge spider. Probably venomous. Don’t go in there.” You laughed at him, Cassie joined in on the laugh as well, “Wait-wait is Sam Drake scared of spiders?”

“If you saw the look of this one yeah, you’d be scared too!” He argued, making you laugh even more. “Don’t worry, pest control is here.” You pulled out a can of bug spray from one of your supply boxes and walked into the tent. Your eyes widened, gee Sam wasn’t kidding. A hostile looking spider stood its ground on the blow-up mattress meant for you and Sam.

There was no way you were going to pick it up or even spray it, just in case it jumped up at her. A devious plan crossed your mind and you screamed out loud, running out of the tent clutching your arm. “Sam! It bit me!” You looked at him with wide eyes, he immediately rushed to your aid, you glanced at Cassie and winked at her so she knew you were joking.

“Oh Jesus, does it hurt? We’ll need to take you to a hospital-.” Cassie cut him off and shook her head, joining in on the prank, “I read about these spiders before in class, they have a nasty bite... Not deadly but if we don’t treat it then she could lose an arm.” You were impressed with Cassie’s improvisational skills and resisted the urge to smile.

Nate and Elena finally emerged from their tent to investigate the commotion, “guys! what’s with all the yelling?” Nate looked at the three. Sam was pacing like he was a headless chicken, he didn’t know what to do, “Y/N - she’s been bitten by a spider!”

Both Nate and Elena immediately came over to your aid only Cassie stopped them, “don’t rush her, she could pass out, we need to treat it immediately.” during this exchange Cassie had been winking at her parents, hoping that they understood what was actually going on here.

Poor Sam, he was the only one left out of the joke by now. Elena nodded at her daughter and walked over to you, soothing you as best she could. “You mind if we take a look?” She asked you and you nodded, you turned slightly so Sam wouldn’t suspect anything and you lifted your hand from around your arm. Both Nate and Elena gasped and cringed far too over dramatic.

“Oh Christ, Y/N that’s bad, that looks very, very bad!” Nate ran his hands through his hair and looked at his incredibly panicked older brother. He’d never seen Sam so panicked before in his life, it was incredibly amusing even though there would be hell to pay after this whole ordeal is over. “Let me see.” Sam walked over to you softly, you bit back your laugh as you moved your hand and revealed nothing there at all.

“What?” He took a step back and looked at everyone who had shit eating grins on their faces. “Are you guys kidding me?- I thought you were hurt?” He looked at you seriously and you grinned shaking your head, “of course not, trust me if a spider bit me, you’d know about it.”

Sam breathed out a sigh of relief, letting relief glide through him before it was replaced by annoyance and anger. “I can’t believe you guys did this!” He threw his hands in the air and rubbed his face. You still laughed but you made your way over to him and gripped his waist. “I’m so mad at you right now.” He mumbled but wrapped his arms around you.

Even though he was annoyed he was by no means mad at you at all, he was just glad you were all right. You looked up at him and something caught your eyes, stepping away from him you cringed lightly, “Sam what would you do If I said that spider was on your back...” You saw the spider's legs creepily crawl up his back and you shivered.

“Oh you’re real funny, I’ve had enough practical jokes for one day.” He waved you off and you shook your head, “No, I’m being serious.” You warned him, it had managed to crawl up his shoulder and he turned his head seeing that same large spider from in the tent. He was silent momentarily, not moving, not making a sound. Then it was like a bomb went off and he made a huge fuss over it, running around the camp shaking it off furiously while patting himself down and yelling like a teenage girl.

“Jesus Christ Sam, could you scream any louder?” You cringed once he came to a stop, once he released the spider was no longer on him. “This place is the worst, I want to go home,” Sam grumbled making everyone laugh.

#U4 #uncharted #Sam Drake #Imagine #One Shots #Request #sam drake x reader

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getseriouser · 5 years

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20 THOUGHTS: Easy peasy, Albanese

ALL the experts said the UK would vote to remain in the EU. Similarly everyone thought Hilary would win

Why do we then act so surprised with last Saturday’s result?

I mean, North Melbourne aren’t the most reliable of tips in 2019 and Sydney showed up in the moments that mattered, let’s be honest.

Oh, and the Federal Election, yeah what a boil over that was. Flicking Malcolm Turnbull then the extra day of mess to turn Peter Dutton into Scott Morrison – masterstroke.

Alastair Clarkson could only dream of such a bold yet effective gameplan.

1. Let’s get Carlton out of the way early. Pretty awful last Sunday arvo, sure. But there was nothing surer than the GWS, a week after a pretty soft performance, being openly roasted by their football director, with the prospect of a home game playing a team who’d won four of their last 40, being absolutely on like no-one’s business and doing a number. ‘Giants by a street’ was the bet of the round. So how much were the Blues on a hiding to nothing before a ball was even bounced, why was there such a shock?

2. As for the victors, so let’s get this straight. Only team to beat the flag favourite, and down at Geelong too, yet one bad game against Hawthorn and they’re a failure. But now, after a dominant performance which showed they are as ruthless as it gets, they’re a favourite again? This column sticks fat, everyone else changes like the Melbourne weather.

3. Geez, Matty Lloyd, the velvet sledgehammer got soft. Said about Shane Mumford on Marc Murphy “I don’t think he should play this week… his eyes are nowhere near the ball, his eyes are only on Murphy.” Reckons he should have been offered two weeks suspension. Now Matthew, Chrisso assessed it as “…Mumford’s actions were not unreasonably in the circumstances. No further action was taken.” Exactly, it’s a contact sport Lloydy, bloody hell.

4. Speaking of the former Carlton skipper, he’ll miss a few games now with ribs, but why is he playing in the seniors whilst four-time premiership legend Jaryd Roughead is languishing his last year of footy at Box Hill. If Rough is playing VFL, then the Northern Blues should be where Murphy plays too.

5. Daisy cops seven and a half gorillas for calling an umpire a cheat. Hmm, surely an apology is all that needs, I mean sure it’s not a great word and umpires need the respect, but that’s a massive whack, especially when it didn’t make the umpires mics so it was just the boundary umpire having a whinge.

6. Last one on Carlton – Sam Walsh. Number one pick, one of the favourites for the Rising Star, will be a 200-game jet at a minimum. But is he even the best midfielder from his draft class? Those this column trust suggest Bailey Smith, this week’s rising star nominee, will end up the better player and the Dogs, should they have had pick one last year, would have chosen Smith over Walsh. Time will tell, but Doggies fans have got themselves an absolute beauty if nothing else.

7. On the Doggies, hows the Luke Beveridge vs. Damien Barrett saga. I had a stoush once, it barely lasted a week. This has been years. And the latest episode was on Barrett’s reporting of Tom Boyd a couple years ago, the mental illness vs. back complaint conversation. Regardless, there’s ego on both sides, neither is completely in the right, but players would run through brick walls and win flags for Bevo, whereas the other is getting flogged everywhere for football’s four hundredth best podcast. Sod off Damo.

8. Mid-season draft on Monday, some clubs will find some much needed talent to keep them in the race for the eight, such as Essendon who might look for a backup in the ruck. But others have an eye to the future. If there’s a guy in the VFL or SANFL who might be a second round or third round pick come the end of the year, why not snare him now and stash him, freeing up the pick you’d used in November? Not the intention of the draft but as always the AFL instils new ideas ridden with loopholes to exploit.

9. I know it’s a broken record but seriously, West Coast can’t win it, I know they’re seen by some as one of only five chances, but unless they tweak something that changes how they look, or Naitanui’s return adds something really different, they haven’t evolved from last year when one always must evolve. Melbourne if they were any good would have toppled them. They’re 6-3 and sitting sixth, or equal third, but with a % of an even 100 – it’s a false record.

10. Dees scoring, awful. Jayden Hunt with 11 goals is leading their goal-kicking, Jake Melksham next on 10. Christian Petracca is playing as a forward moreso than in the guts and only eight goals. It’s shit.

11. Brisbane has only four games left against teams in the eight right now – job done, they kinda have to make finals now, well done Fagan and team.

12. Gotta say it, is the eight done?

13. Trav Varcoe, its probably a week, sure, but gee, for Indigenous Round where the Pies wear a jumper which honours the life and tragedy that was Varcoe’s sister, Maggie, who died sadly from an accident on the football field. Can we all agree he plays this week but serves his suspension the round after perhaps?

14. Another reason I think the Cats and Pies are too short for flag odds and the Tigers as premiership threats loom large – Geelong has used 28 players, Collingwood 27, Richmond though, 33.

15. Gold Coast, sure Stuey Dew has been seen to so far have done a good job, but they’re back down to third last, two of their three wins were by under a kick and possess a worse % than Carlton. Dew’s getting a pass mark yet Bolton is cooked?

16. St Kilda, should have won, plain and simple. But they’ll be ok, they’ve got good bits to work with, Billings, Gresham, Dunstan, Steele, nice pieces, stay patient, ride the course.

17. Sunday at the MCG, two tall forwards on a nice dry day played ok games. One had nine touches and six marks, the other seven touches and five marks. One has played 140 games and is on a million bucks, the other was playing his seventh and is getting peanuts. Tom Lynch. Mitchell Lewis. If you’re a Hawks fan, you would have walked away upset about the loss but happy the highly-prized recruit at the other end is no better than your tall forward.

18. The Adam Goodes doco goes public in a couple weeks but a few have already seen it. Regardless of whether we all agree there was ‘some’ racism involved or it was literally about he and his character only and skin had nothing to do with it, the portrayal of the booing in his final year is coming from a deliberately controlled angle and it paints the AFL, the media and the football public badly. But we must remember its ‘an’ angle, only. Did at least one racist boo Adam Goodes? Most definitely. Did everyone booing him do so because he was Indigenous, or ‘not-white’. Most definitely not. Tarnishing the masses with the same brush hey, that’s always inclusive. Don’t listen to those in the media towing the politically correct line. Same thing with Scott Pendlebury ANZAC Day. Booing for different reasons, sure, but what I do know is that the outrage and the act with that did not marry.

I’ll close with this - I like Bachar Houli, I like Majak Daw and I like Lin Jong. I like Eddie Betts, Travis Varcoe and Cathy Freeman. I don’t hate Adam Goodes, I thoroughly respect his football ability, but he wasn’t my cup of English breakfast, even before he pointed out the girl who absolutely did the wrong thing that night at the MCG. Now I’m not a booer but I have no broad issue with booing in between sirens. Am I racist?

19. Next year is 50 years since the famous first semi-final between St Kilda and South Melbourne in front of 104,000, the Saints big winners on the day but a landmark occasion for both clubs trying to compete with the Carltons, Collingwoods and Essendons of the day. Said it before but now with an anniversary to commemorate it, Saints v Swans, Queens Birthday eve, Sunday primetime, Sydney wearing a South jumper, a match to honour rivalry that for a long time spawned from being either end of Albert Park Lake, but two storied tribes who played a massive part in the growth of the competition in this city.

20. Some cricket to end with, the World Cup is fast approaching and the home nation are raging favourites. England seemingly score 400 at will and scorers are prepared for a 500 at some point perhaps. But here’s the dirty secret, the entire England batting prowess sits with their openers – Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow. From there, Joe Root is awesome but not Sachin Tendulkar, Ben Stokes ain’t Viv Richards, and its ho hum from there. Bowling unit is good but no better than anyone else’s, so if you can get an opener or both cheaply, they’re just, well, England. But you let them get 150 for the first wicket, you’re screwed.

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thebluesideofthemoon · 7 years

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The Wall #45: COLLATERAL BEAUTY

Okay, I did say that the Zootopia re-review was going to be next, but this is something I need to get out of the way right now. Yes, I saw this movie, Collateral Beauty, a while back actually - it was the last movie I saw last year (I saw it in vacation), and my family are all big Will Smith fans, and I do love me some Will Smith, so this could have been a real treat, right?

HOOOOOOOO BOY. THIS is a BAD movie. This is the kind of bad movie that becomes legendary by its sheer shittiness.

So this movie’s plot is that Will Smith dealing with the grief of having lost his daughter to a horrible accident and is coping with it by sending these letters to the concepts of Death, Time, and Love, only for those concepts to then become personified and help him deal with his trauma.

Now, I know this sounds like a weepy, kind of corny, melodramatic movie that comes out around this time of year to try to tug at your heartstrings and maybe attempt to nab an Oscar or two. I’m not the biggest fan of these kind of movies because I find they just do nothing but try to be as emotionally manipulative as possible while giving you a cornball script and pretty shallow execution- it only succeeds because the themes in and of themselves are sad, and they only play them with the one note of sadness. This isn’t always the case, as a movie like Son of Saul works wonderfully by giving us far other emotions than just sadness- it also has fear, hope, suspense, it actually gets you to connect with the characters, so it’s not just sad for sake of being sad, there’s a lot more to it that allows it become more than “just another Holocaust movie”.

It may sound like I’m going off on a tangent, but I need to make this clear for a reason- I know these kind of movies exist, but if they don’t have much more going for them there’s no reason for me to see them, but at the very least they have the dignity to know what they are, and get in and get out. I thought this was going to be one of those. I thought I would just say that “yeah, I know some people will find this sort of thing sad, but it’s not for me. 4/10” and that’s where the story would normally end.

… unfortunately, not for this. To give the movie the very little credit it deserves it absolutely surprised me, blindsided me, you could even say it shocked me because it turned out to be absolutely NOT what I was expecting. What this movie DID turn out to be was one of the biggest, most pretentious, absolutely vile, mean-spirited piles of shit I have ever seen in my life.

For one, the plot of the movie that you see in the trailers (as I detailed above) is A BIG LIE! Yes, Will Smith does have to cope with the grief of losing his daughter, but two things: 1. He’s actually not the main character of the movie, it’s actually Edward Norton, Michael Pena, and Kate Winslet, his friends. 2. The plot involves them GASLIGHTING Will Smith. Eeeeeyup. What actually happens is that they all work for an ad agency where Norton and Smith are partner owners, and now that Smith is depressed they’re losing their clients because Ed Norton is pretty useless at dealing with them. So he, and two other co-workers, Pena and Winselt, all form a plan to sell the company under Will Smith’s nose- thanks to an offer they were given to have the company bought out by $17 per share (which is easy to remember when the movie only mentions it a measly twenty or thirty times throughout the movie’s run time)- by making him look crazy by hiring actors to play the abstract concepts of Death, Time, and Love (played by Helen Mirren, Jacob Latimore, and Keira Knightley, respectively) so they can get Will Smith fired. All while these actors all tie into in a “metaphorical way” to these three characters because one of them is dying, one of them has a daughter who hates them, and the other one works too much to the point where they ignore having kids, even though these people are some of the most cruel assholes in New York City history.

That sure does sound like a fun movie, doesn’t it?! Where… the fuck… do I begin?

The story is by far what gets on my nerves the most. For one it’s a movie that it’s basically built on conveniences for 90% of the time; the tension of the movie hinges on nobody, aside from Will Smith, being able to see that these actors are there. So everyone else around them just pretends that these actors aren’t there to keep the illusion that they are visions that Will Smith is seeing to prove that he’s gone crazy. One of the most egregious examples of this happens when we see through a digital camera Will Smith talking with Helen Mirren but she’s somehow removed from the footage even though EVERYONE ELSE AROUND THEM KNEW THAT SHE WAS ACTUALLY THERE, because apparently these concepts can decide to interact with other people just because they can. In NEW YORK CITY. Because Will Smith just accepts that these concepts are real, and not once bothers to find out if this is true, even though this is a plan that could have easily backfired. So did these three scumbags also hire everyone else in New York to act as if they can’t see Death, Time, and Love because that would ruin the illusion? No explanation given on that at all! The movie also has two particularly awful twist endings, which I’ll get to once I go through the rest of things wrong with this abomination of a movie.

Not since Movie 43 have I seen so many good actors completely wasted on such awful material. Most of the actors are directed like they were on a middle school play, and this is one of those movies where it was clearly only given the direction of “act sad. No, sadder. No, REALLY sad, because we need to wring out every single piece of emotional manipulation out of this wretched piece of trite”.

Yes, I know that movies by nature are manipulative, but there is a way to have a movie tug at your heartstrings in a genuine way that is earned when the characters and conflict are that well fleshed out and allow you to get invested because you want to see these people succeed- a movie like Anomalisa pulls this off because even though the main character himself isn’t necessarily a completely good person, they flesh out his dilemma so well that you completely understand why he goes through what he does- you can feel the emotions, you can connect with him, you can relate to the situations because they managed to make them feel completely and absolutely real, and when those sort of real emotional situations get pulled off in the way that something like Anomalisa does it, it sticks with you, it weighs on your mind, it makes you feel a rollercoster of emotions and it really hits home!

That doesn’t happen when the main characters are all slimy scumbags who want to screw over their friend majorly (whom, by the way, is apparently depressed enough by his daughter’s death that he pretty much becomes a vegetable, yet still manages to keep himself fed, well-kept- sure he has a bit of grey in his hair, but he’s still WILL SMITH), not really caring about his well-being because they are in actuality really shitty people- not that the movie ever calls them out on it because it’s too busy being really fucking proud of itself on how clever it is, and how much it’s trying to get you to cry. It’s monotonous at best, and it feels really underhanded at worst because it’s a movie that is trying to get a rise out of its audience in the cheapest way possible. It’s the reason why I absolutely despised movies like Home and Remember Me so much because they tried to pull the card of trying to make you feel emotional investment on a movie that doesn’t really warrant it! But at least those movies only did them in bits and pieces, NOT THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE FUCKING THING!

And the dialogue! Oh God, is it terrible! Most of it is either talking about selling this building, it’s really stilted, or it means absolutely fucking nothing. They mention the phrase “collateral beauty” so much in this movie AND IT MEANS NOTHING! It’s a meaningless statement that wouldn’t get irritating if it wasn’t for the fact that they mention it SEVERAL IN TIMES IN THE MOVIE! It’s by far the worst title drop I’ve seen in any movies since, oh gee, THE LAST MOVIE I REVIEWED THAT STARRED WILL SMITH. “How could this movie get worse?” did you ask? I will tell you because this movie offers a very special deal: TWO shitty twists for the price of one, which I’m going to spoil because, fuck this movie.

The first twist is that the actors who played Death, Time, and Love… ACTUALLY ARE DEATH, TIME, AND LOVE! They were actually helping Michael Pena, Edward Norton, and Kate Winslet with THEIR problems instead of Will Smith… because that makes a lot of sense, it’s not like they’ve been fucking him over this entire movie. They also do end up taking their money ($20,000 each) for their services, which is admittedly the one genuinely funny thing about the movie (whether or not that was intentional is hard to tell because this movie fucking sucks).

The second, and by far WORSE, twist comes in the form of Howard (that’s Will Smith’s character) meeting this woman named Madeline (played by Naomi Harris, who appeared in Skyfall and Spectre, and another 2016 movie that I will talk about later, Moonlight) who works at this support group, to which Howard comes into and constantly interacts with her. Evidently she too lost a daughter in a tragic accident, and talks to him about how her ex-husband sends her notes that say “if only we could be strangers again”. However, it turns out that Will Smith IS her ex-husband, and she was talking about the same girl that they both lost the same way. At no point in the movie do you ever get a hint that these two used to be in a relationship of any way because they literally act like strangers around each other. Also, she’s completely okay with her ex-husband saying things like he just had a conversation with Death and Time.

DOES THIS MOVIE LOATHE ITSELF?! DO THEY GET OFF TO THIS?! IN WHAT PLANET DO THEY THINK THAT THIS IS HOW HUMANS INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER?! I DON’T GET IT! THIS MOVIE IS FUCKING INSANE!

Collateral Beauty is disgusting. This isn’t a movie like Anomalisa, or Son of Saul, or Her; those movies play with your heartstrings like a cellist with a perfectly smooth, fine-tuned bow. This movie plays the heartstrings like a lunatic ax murderer with a bloody, rusty hacksaw. This isn’t just bad, it’s offensive. It’s vile, it’s repulsive, and it may just very well be the worst holiday movie ever made. This is Oscar Bait done way, WAY wrong. (1,855 words. Music: Undertale- Battle Against a True Hero)

I hate this movie. I absolutely, thoroughly, and very, VERY vehemently hate this movie. If not for Yoga Hosers, then this might be the worst movie I've seen this year, though to give Yoga Hosers a bit of credit, at least that movie never pretended to be anything more than stupid, unfunny bad movie. I was a bit conflicted on what to rate this movie, but I think I've got it.

Though this is VERY close to being a 0, this movie can still kiss my ass. It is THAT awful. Maybe I wouldn't hate it so much if it wasn't so dishonest, but this movie can rightfully fuck off. Well, I sure hope you guys enjoy this review I sure didn't! And I'll talk to you all next time on The Wall!

#The Wall #Movie review #Collateral Beauty #Will Smith #Oscar Bait

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hausofspectrals · 7 years

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Always in My Line of Sight-Nurseydex (Female!OMGCP AU)

Read it on ao3

p>CHAPTER 1 | CHAPTER 2

(just so I don’t get confused, everyone’s gender is switched????) (not that much of a mention in sports bc i still don’t understand sports????)

The very first time Willow “Dex” Poindexter saw her, it was her freshman year.

She had just entered Samwell from the middle of nowhere in Maine, hoping to major in computer sciences. Just barely was she able to afford to attend here, trying to juggle two jobs and high school at the same time, even doing extra jobs the summer she arrived.

Her parents weren’t the biggest fans of the school, due to its large number of LGBT students within, but it was better than no college at all. They just left not too long ago, giving her hugs and lecturing her not to mess around too much and ‘don’t get too mixed in with the wrong people’.

Of course she wouldn’t mess around, she’d been saving up her whole life to go to college,

The second thing they said went in one ear and out the other, she was actually free to, she doesn’t know, be the lesbian she always was? Living in the closet for pretty much her whole life made her very closed up and a little hostile toward her peers, graduating with only one true friend she made in high school.

Speaking of which, she promised to send a text to said friend, Kayla, when she settled into her dorm.

She pulled out her cellphone and began to type.

“Hey, are you of the way gender roles control our society?” A random girl popped up in front of her, making Willow jump and almost drop her phone. It was one of the latest; her favourite aunt and uncle gave it to her as a graduation gift, she going to break it so soon.

“What the fuck!”

“I said, are you sick of the way gender roles are screwing up our society? They force everyone to have too fuckin’ high expectations of each other, and that shit’s messed up.” The girl kept talking, like she didn’t just scare the hell out of her seconds ago.

She looked to be a senior, with long flowy chestnut hair, and light green eyes. It was impressive; she looked like she came straight out of the seventies, clad in a floral tee and vintage shorts. Over all, she was pretty cute

Before she could answer, a male shorter than both the girls walked up to them, giving the girl a look.

“I know that you’re eager to get people to join Shitty, but you can’t do it by freaking them out.” he told her, and she pouted.

“But Lardo, I have to grab their attention somehow!”

All Willow could think about were the odd nicks the two gave each other. Shitty was, well…pretty shitty of a name. And what the hell was a Lardo?

“Maybe you should start off with, I don’t know, a calming ‘hello’ or something?”

“Too boring.”

“Make a poster so people can see it?”

“Dude, you know I’m fucking ass at drawing, that’s what you’re here for.”

“Lardo” rolled his eyes. “Gee thanks, Shits.”

She gave a wide grin. “Anytime, bu-” “Shitty” cut herself off, looking behind Willow. Her eyes widened. “Nursey, is that you?!” She yelled, walking a few meteres away from her and Lardo.

Again, Nursey? What are these nicknames?

Willow turns around to see who Shitty’s talking to, and the girl’s a fucking beauty.

Her hair was in long ash brown soft-looking ringlets flowing down her back, a few shorter coils framing her tanned face. Her glossy green eyes, and full pink lips smiling up at Shitty. The two girls hugged tightly, Shitty then grabbing her hand and dragging her back towards them.

She panicked. Looking at her from afar was easy, being closer was something she couldn’t handle; not someone that pretty.

As usual, her instincts screamed ‘ ’ so she quickly walked away before they could come back.

“Wait, dude!” she heard Shitty yell from behind her, but she didn’t dare turn around. “I never got your name!”

‘ .’ she thought to herself, continuing to walk. She decided to go back to her dorm, maybe her roommate arrived. I’ve been writing fanfiction for about 3 years now, yet my stuff is still choppy and I still have bad chapter endings.

But here’s a new NurseyDex fanfiction, literally my first fanfic for this fandom oh my

Originally I was going to add another Nurseydex oneshot to the tag but I felt it’d be too long as more ideas flowed so I’m going to chapter this on out

Enjoy this

-A

#omg check please!#omgcp #omg check please #omgcp fanfic #nurseydex #zimbits #shardo #charmer #holsom

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justjimedits · 4 years

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“Scott violated Derek’s agency, bodily autonomy and consent because he is a true hero! Scott did it for the greater good, really! Derek took it well”

https://princeescaluswords.tumblr.com/post/190965018335/gee-why-wont-scott-just-submit-to-derek#notes

@liliaeth:

I was going through some older pro-scott posts, and of course a Scott hater had to come on the post to whine about it.

One of the things that hit me, was their claim that they ‘liked Scott in s1, but that in s2 ‘Scott didn’t ask for help’, and ‘helped everyone except for Derek’

And it made me remember that when they say that, what they actually meant was ‘Scott didn’t submit to Derek’

See, in s1, Scott despite Derek’s bad behavior, was desperate enough to accept Derek’s ‘help’, put up with Derek’s abuse, and despite Stiles advising it against him, let Derek ‘train’ him. Which basically came down to letting Derek beat him up in a way that was in no way helpful to actually teaching Scott how to control his shift.

But what these people forget, is that by the end of s1, Derek betrayed Scott. not just in Code Breaker, which if you stretch canon, can be claimed to be for Scott’s own good. (you know if you ignore the lying, manipulation and so on…)

But no, Code Breaker wasn’t the real problem. ‘Co-Captain’ was. Derek went with Stiles to the clinic to find out who’d sent that text to Allison to lure her to the school, and found out that Peter was the alpha.

At that point Derek had a choice, to keep standing up to Peter, but he didn’t.

So when Scott next faced Derek, he was shocked to find out that not only was Peter the Alpha, but to see Derek stand there and side with Peter. To have Derek stand by and do nothing as Peter violated Scott, and forced his memories of the fire into Scott’s mind. And even worse… they then left this half naked sixteen year old boy writhing on the floor after this assault, abandoning him to anyone who might have found him there.

Could you imagine how many fics there would be about that utter horrifying betrayal, if it had happened to Derek? Or hell, to Stiles? Or Isaac?

But because it happened to Scott, most people seem to utterly forget it, and then they wonder why in s2, Scott didn’t trust Derek, and wouldn’t accept him as his Alpha?

And to go back to Codebreaker. I’m saying that the betrayal in Code Breaker wasn’t as bad as the one in Co-Captain, but it came on top of the first one. Especially since it happened after Scott was still willing to save Derek, despite Stiles trying to get in the way of it. Scott risked himself, knowing the Argents were already after him, to go save Derek from them.

And to then find out that either Derek had lied to him about a cure all along, or he really didn’t know it wasn’t a cure, and then took Scott’s only hope of a cure away from him. Either option is just as horrifyingly bad. Yet at no point did Derek try to explain himself, or apologize in anyway..

So then we come to s2.

Derek has betrayed Scott, he has basically made it clear he can’t be trusted in any real way. And on top of that in s201 Gerard makes it clear that he’s throwing out the Code. That he’ll kill any werewolf in town, regardless of age, regardless of how or why they got the bite. Scott knows that Derek heard this threat, since Derek was holding him back from saving that Omega.

And to then find out that, regardless of this clear threat to any werewolf in town, Derek decided to manipulate three other teens into taking the bite, directly risking their lives. (and as we find out later from Boyd, he didn’t fully explain this threat to them) To not even start on Derek’s treatment of Jackson, or Derek’s attempted murder of Lydia.

Yet somehow, all of that, still isn’t seen as reason enough for Scott to not just submit to Derek, and do whatever Derek tells him to? Scott is supposed to just submit to this violent abusive white man, who has done nothing to Scott, but betray him, endanger other kids Scott knows as classmates and make stupid mistake after stupid mistake, with no plan whatsoever to deal with Gerard?

People complain that Scott trusted Theo in 5a, yet based on the information Scott actually had, Theo did more to earn Scott’s trust in 5a, than Derek ever did in s1-s3a.

And this is where fanon becomes the problem. because most fanfics don’t deal with canon Derek; They don’t deal with creepy violent abusive anti-hero Derek of s1 or full on villain Derek of s2. They try and paint him as this sweet stoic guy who meant well, ignoring his actual behavior. And showing more sympathy for the full grown white man, than they do for the Latino teenager who has to put up with Derek’s horrible treatment of him.

Because of this, they also ignore that the easiest solution for Scott, to get rid of both Derek and Gerard, and the threat they both posed to him, would have been to use them against one another.

All Scott had to do, was tell Gerard where Derek was hiding. Simple solution, hand Derek over to Gerard; hell, in Battlefield, Gerard was threatening not just Scott’s Mom, Scott’s best friend, and everyone else on or around the field. And Scott had already been told by Isaac that Boyd and Erica had already run off, so as far as he knew they’d have been safe. All Scott had to do was tell Gerard the location of Derek’s hide out, and send Gerard after Derek.

Scott already knew that the moment Gerard managed to get the bite from Derek, that he’d be taken down.

Easy fix, easy sollution.

But did Scott do so? No. Despite the threat, Scott still refused to give up and/or betray derek.

Because despite everything Derek had done to him and others, Scott still cared about him, and wanted to protect him.

But I guess that doesn’t matter, does it?

@brydeswhale:

I sort of worry about, like, what do these people treat the people in their lives like and how do those people treat them?

We’re talking people who think that a high school kid should just give in to the every whim and demand of an abusive older man, and about people who think said abusive older man shoving a kid’s head into a dashboard is the height of romance.

Something is very wrong here.

@liliaeth:

It becomes especially noticeable when you start looking at the s1 or s2 fixit tags on ao3.

Because in their ‘fix its’ what needs to be fixed, isn’t Derek’s bad behavior.

Derek’s behavior is glossed over, or it’s treated as the right way to treat betas, or ‘Derek is just being a harsh drill sergeant to ‘protect’ his betas’

In their fix its, Scott ‘ happily’ submits to Derek (and then fades into the background, where in their opinion he belongs as one of the Greek chorus of betas who are just there to show how important and leaderly Derek is.)

Their fix its have Scott, and/or Boyd and Erica grovelling to Derek for forgiveness for not just doing what the oh so great white man tells them to. And then utterly ignores their concerns, because Boyd, Scott’s or Erica’s concerns about Derek don’t matter. All that matters is poor woobie Derek’s feelings.

I’ve seen several fics where Melissa makes Scott apologize to Derek and just makes him do what Derek tells him to. And fics like that make me scared of what kind of parents they have. Because if at age 16 my Mom had ever found out that a full grown man treated me the way Derek did Scott, she’d have called the cops on him, and possibly beaten the crap out of him if she wouldn’t have full on killed him herself.

@princeescaluswords:

Some of the blame for the pervasive idea that Scott was unfair to Derek lies with the production itself. The writers and producers thought it was self-evident that Derek had gone full-on villain in Season 2 – that he was one of the people that Scott had to overcome.

It started with the death of Peter at the end of Season 1. That entire scene wasn’t shot as Derek killing his uncle out of necessity or as a way to protect others. Peter was helpless on the ground, and Scott was begging Derek in the background. Derek hesitated in the face of Scott’s begging, but neither did he explain why he couldn’t let Scott do it. There was no urgency. Derek was angry and vengeful, which is what Peter meant when he said “You’ve already decided. I can smell it on you.” It’s an interesting choice of words unless you take them at their connotation – Derek had always intended to kill Peter since Scott’s revelation of Peter’s culpability.

And then there’s the two shots – Derek’s ominous “I’m the Alpha Now” and his wordless biting of Jackson. We’re meant to believe that Derek’s going to be a villain in Season 2. I mean, they even had the Argents lay it out:

Victoria: “What about Scott?”

Chris: “I’m not the only one he has to worry about now.”

In Season 2, Derek doesn’t get any better. He screws up with Isaac in Shape Shifted (2x02). His skeevy seduction of Erica in Ice Pick (2x03). His brutal beating of Scott (including using claws and stepping on his neck) after he sends teenagers to beat up other teenagers in Ice Pick. His abandonment of Jackson when he thinks he’s going to die in Omega (2x01). His shattering Isaac’s bones and his callous pimping of Erica in Abomination (2x04). His mafia-boss impression during the kidnapping of Stiles in Abomination and Jackson in Venomous (2x05). His insistence on killing Lydia and his assault on the McCall house in Venomous. His attempted execution of Jackson in Frenemy (2x06). His embrace of his uncle – AGAIN – after being warned not to. His lying to his pack in both Battlefield (2x11) and Master Plan (2x12).

When Scott said “You might be an alpha, but you’re not mine,” the production believed that it was a comeuppance – a consequence of Derek’s behavior ever since he declared himself alpha. It went hand-in-hand with the theme that being hurt by others doesn’t justify you hurting others, same as with Peter, Deucalion, Gerard, Jennifer, etc. Derek took it well, which is why Derek and Scott were allies in Season 3 and beyond.

The production simply didn’t comprehend how far fandom would go to champion a good-looking white man with a sad backstory. It doesn’t matter that he got Boyd, Erica, and Isaac into a middle of a war they had nothing to do with. It doesn’t matter if Derek was just as brutal and manipulative (only far less successful) than Gerard. All that mattered was that Derek was attractive and that his scenes with Stiles were funny.

And when they say “Scott didn’t care about Derek!” they just ignore all the scenes where Scott tries to talk to Derek – in Episodes 201, 202, 203, 204, and 205. Five straight episodes where Scott tried to get Derek to stop doing this, and five episodes where Derek told Scott to fuck off.

It was all about submission of a hero of color to a white male villain, even as the hero embodied the themes of the show (all life has value and vengeance is pointless) and the villain rejected them.

#submission #not adding anything to it #too tired to think #Teen Wolf discussion

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huggpheonix · 7 years

Text

The title says it all

6 things wrong with this world 1. Money has to be earned. Seriously, whoever came up with that one, put themself in a bind. The people who come up with things like that make me angry. 2. Treehouses need nails to keep them against the tree. I learned that one the hard way. I'd show you some hilarious video, or flashback of why... But i had no camera. Okay, now you might be wondering why I'm even talking to you. Or why that's a problem, "Geez, Jeorge, What's wrong with you?" Youre probably thinking. I dont have a parent who's willing to nail stuff to a tree. And adults dont trust me around sharp things. It was one freaking time, that kid got his knee run through with the screwdriver! Tears are leaking from my eyes. Jeorge was so full of life.. Mom's always busy, buying grocerys and working night shifts. What's a kid to do!? Huh? Kevin isnt around enough to nail stuff into a tree for me! Hes always drunk and taking my mom out for late night dinners. He becomes very distant.. Like every little action is hard to make. The blinking. The breathing. And with one sigh... Kayne.. Doesnt want nothing to do with me. But thats only because hes a big fat jerk, who doesnt know how to nail shit to a tree. Treehouses for christs sake! Simply nail it to the big block of wood standing in front of you. Kayne, just cant carry a hammer, thats his problem. I wince at the many swears flying from his mouth. I hastily wipe tears from my eyes. Hes grumbling now.. And that signature glare shows through. The one I'd do anything... To see one last time.. Mom's voice is high and smeared with alcohol. Shes calling me down to come inside. "Coming!" I shout weakly. Honestly.. Im not sure how long she.. Will last. After Jeorge, left.. Kevin did also. He ditched my mom with this cheap Italian cocktail mix, and a basket of pills. With the nerve to bring his new girl. Her names Kay Lee, an exotic,extravagant lady with dark features. Mom just dropped the basket he gave her, and walked away. I stared at the strange looks Kevin and his girl gave her. I stood up and stormed to the door. "Dont come back you bastard. Youre scum, i hope you have a good life. I cant believe youre with him." I spat at both of them. And closed the door on the traitor. I made sure I locked it and took the basket to the table in the living room. I had a stare down with the basket and after taking it all in. I really had no doubt he was trash. A cheap bottle of Italian cocktail juice. A pack of cuban cigars. The rip off kind. A lighter and after testing it, was half empty. I took the pills and bottle, in case youre wondering. I suppose im going through that testy rebellious stage? I dont know. All i DO know is, Im not leaving the killers in there. 3. Kevin. Kevin's my mom's older boyfriend. Hes got a stupid Spray tan that makes his nose look huge, and his eyes look beady. Hair thats gelled too hard, and spiked to the touch. A stupid muscular looking body, but i can see the thing he wears under it. Girdle? Idontknow. Veins that throw themselves down his chest and forearms. Hairy chest and legs and arms, for fucks sake. A-n-d a greasy mole of a mustache. Swimmers shorts and a polo t-shirt finish this guy off, like one of those fighter games. Ecxept theres no blood. Its too bad. Hes always, glaring at me when moms not looking, and makes sure he sees me see him put his hands alllll over mom. Hes rude for one. Hes mean for another. And coniferous. "A tree?" This kid whos climbing up from the ladder behind him. Jeorge rips his fixed glare from the camera and I see his face pull into an easy smile. "That's what that is? I thought.. Wasnt that the word you taught me the other day?" "Condescending?" The kid says with a mousy grin on his face. Jeorge lets out an oh, sound and turns to the camera. "Why are you, staring at a camera?" The kid asks. His face is lit with concern for his friend. "Why do you think stupid?" Jeorge says with a laugh in his voice. "Are you okay?" Kyle asks. "Why, wouldnt I be." Jeorge says too quickly. "I dont know. I saw your mom pulling away with that Kevin guy, wheres Kayne?" " screw him, who needs that jerk. And he went out with his friends." "They only use him for beer and smokes." "You think i dont see that?" "Oh. Well.. Uh.. " he says trailing off. Jeorge rolls his eyes and sighs again. His arm reaches for the camera and flicks it off. Im unable to grasp any words. And put my head in my arms. I always thought Kevin was decent until after Jeorge was gone. I pull out the disc and insert the next one. 4. He's holding up 3 fingers. "Dude.. Thats trippy.. Its like... Youre making some type of message. "Message.. Im not... " he sighs and the camera freezes there. "No. What the hell." I swear to myself. I pull out the disc and sure enough, theres a scratch in the side. "Agh.." I growl and think. I know theres... A cd fixing store. I pull out my cellphone and dial a number. "Syndoistic, a smile on your face or your money back." "Syndey?" I say with disbelief. "Who is this?" She asks. "Kayne... Kayne.. Quopolis." I breath back. "I dont know any- oh! Hey, Kayne. Whats up? Say i was wondering if youd be able to drive me somewhere tonight." "I .. Yeah.. Sure... " i say .. "Great! This will be sick. And why are you phoning me." "Not .. I was wanting to fix a cd, I scraped it and i need it back." "Ew, cds are old school now adays, you know your phone has a camera right?" "You cant record.. Onto..." I begin but sigh. "I know, its my moms." "You dont need to do that shit for her, better to save your money for you." "I feel really.. I- " "Oh. And i dont think youd want to come tonight.. Cause, were gonna hit the hard stuff and youre a lightweight." "Jesus, Syndey, okay, i get it. How much is the cd gonna cost to fix?" I snap, surprising myself. "Why are you yelling at me?" She says into the phone. "Syndey.. Im s-" "Just pick me up tonight.i dont care. 9.00$" she says annoyed. The line goes dead and i climb down the ladder. I go into the house for my wallet and.. "Mom?" "Jimmy?" She says sitting up. She immediately lays back down when she realises its just me. "Oh. Kayne." "Whos Jimmy?" "Oh, sweetie.. I was going to tell you the news.. But i just cant wait." She says smiling and sitting up again.. This time slowly. I have a feeling Jimmy is going to be another Kevin.. But i dont tell her that. "Jimmy Finostin, next door neighbour... And the best part?" She says pausing for effect. "Hes widowed." "Mom, that isnt, good news." Mom glares at me, and i see so much of Jeorge my heart aches. "Hes not going to cheat on us. Boy, dont you see? Hes wealthy and im inviting him over for dinner." I ignore her and walk up the steps towards my bedroom. I hastily grab my wallet and go downstairs again. Knowing jeorge he wouldve scolded mom.. But im not jeorge. "What time?" I yell. "7:00 Geez, when do you think we have dinner!" She yells. I close the door and run to my car. I make a mental note, as im pulling out, to stay away from the house until after 8. Walking into the syndoistic media store i see parents and children and young people mostly. I have the cd in a band cover case. One of Jeorge's favourite bands. I'm faced with a squinty runty looking 20 year old who glares every time a customer comes up to him. "How may i be of service." He monotones glancing around the store. Hes got blonde hair that flows into a ponytail and half a mustache. "Cd cleaning." I say and pull out a band cover. "Sinjoy, huh? Not many listen to that much. Got a bad taste in music" he says under his breath. I dont reply and instead hand him the money. "Keep the change." I say. "A whole dollar. Wow gee, thanks." He says sarcastically. "When should the cd be done." "Around 9." He says. I begin to walk away before a hand touches my shoulder. I turn around and am faced with syndey. "Syndey." I say. "Who else?" She says and rolls her eyes. "What do you need." "Remember our deal earlier." She says. "Deal? Its honestly not a deal. I dont mind dropping you off." "We talked earlier. But i need to change plans. Jay and Haynor want me there." I nod and take her out to my car. In there we are faced with awkward silence. "So... Jay.. And haynor,. How are they doing?" I ask out of curiousity. " jay and Haynor are still together. They got into Jay's parent's stash so you dont need to pay this time." "Thats cool.. Are they doing okay? Like " "Like how, else would they be? Honestly Karl." "Kayne." I say quietly. "Thats what i meant." "I had this drink in my house.. If you guys wanted it." She laughs and snorts. "Knowig you, its probably juice." My cheeks flush with colour and i look away. Instead focusing in the road. "You dont need to get all embarassed. Jesus. Always been sensitive." I simply turn on the radio. "I'll take the alcohol if it makes you feel better." "Sure." I breathe and take a left. We drive to my house and I tell her to wait, "No offer to take me inside, oh Kayne. Youre such a gentleman," she sneers. "My moms busy." "No worries. Just get it and come back. Your neighbourhood is really eerie." I walk into the house and regret it. My moms in the kitchen with her 'date' and like, six friends. I shouldve taken the gate door.. I sneak past the kitchen doors and make a run for the backyard. Opening the door i step out. A fucking dog is sitting there. Its barking at me. Everyone is making their way towards the window to see whats wrong. I hide behind the window blindspot and when they shush their dog i run for the tree house. Inside and safe i grab the italian bottle of sludge And take a glance around. Its a little dark out, but i see just wnough to make out the seats and empty soda can binoculars. I didnt have the heart enough to take it out. Grasping the bottle tightly i make my way to the gate and lift the gate hook. I run to the car and put the bottle in Syndey's arms. "Is this covered in mud or what?" "It was in the tree house." "Ew, knowing your creepy brother he wouldve peed on it or something." I grit my teeth so tight i feel a headache swarm. I let go and turn the ignition. "I got this as a present after." I lie again and again. "Whatever." Syndeys a little abrasive, but thats only because of her rough past. Shes really beautiful.. But im not really into- "Keep your eyes on the road." I do as told and take her downtown. She gets out of the car and tells me to wait. Waiting i turn on the radio and distract myself. Im listening to my brother's old stupid music and i cant stop. All the lines are speaking to me in a gliding of glazed singers voice, A knock on the window has me spooked. Its syndey. I unlock the car doors and let her in, "The parties down another block." We drive and i let her out again. She comes back and gets back in, "What are you listening to?" "Poise for Peaces" "Why?" "Memories." "Look, im gonna get high and drunk tonight. I need you to come pick us all up at 4am." "Dont be stupid," i warn and she ruffles my hair, the way she used to when we were 14. "Dont worry." She gets out and waves at me.before i start the ignition and drive off. Poise for Peaces, had never spoken so loud before, and for once im letting it into my head. "Keep yourself straight but dont bend and break. Dont be afraid to be yourself, you son of peace, daughter of space." I whisper to myself and get out of the car. Its now 8:59 and i walk back into the Media shop. Late night stoners and hardcore gamers come here at night. Im greeted with a rolling eyed runty looking store cashier. "Back for the cd." "Its not nine. Youre too early." "Its literally one minute off." "I dont mean that you stupid kid, the cd, is damaged alot.lucky for you, i put in extra strength cleaner. No extra charge." "Wow... Thanks.. Thats really nice of you." "Youre,... Really dumb huh?" "What do yiu..." "Only your brother liked, Ninjoy. We used to sit in that tree house for hours one end listening to those lyrics... That kid was the best thing that happened to me. He was always there. For me. Not for my money, but for me." "Who-" "Sinero. Bergtuy" "Stoner kid." I whispered a little too loudly. He laughed and tears seemed to swell his eyes, but not one fell over. "Hes the reason i quit." We were interuppted when a teenaged girl came up to the counter with her leopard print purse. "16.00$" sinero claimed and the girl handed him 14.00$" "Youre missing the extra 2$" "Oh god.. Sorrry.. I dont have the extra two." "Here." I said and handed a townie over. Sinero gave me a proud look and took it. The girl thanked me again and again, saying this was her daughter's favourite game. "It's her birthday real soon. And.... She deserves it." Sinero hands her 10$ from his pocket and tells the lady, thats a contribution from him. The woman nearly had tears in her eyes and hugged both of us. "God bless both of you." "Have a nice evening ma'am. And dont forget to tell her happy birthday from both of us." She walked out with a really bright smile on her face. "With little acts of kindness, comes a great weight off the shoulders. Its how we can change the world." I nod. "After my shifts over i need to talk with you," he says before handing me my cd. "Yes." I simply say. I gently put the cd back into its owners favourite band protector and pocket it. "11pm come back here and ill ride with you." "Come on in." I say with a stupid grin on my face. I knew enough about the stoner kid to know he always made himself at home. And it was infectious. I dont know why but.. This kid might have things to tell me about Jeorge. I give him a nod and make my way through the weed smelling troupe of teenagers. (Sinero is really 17. And Kayne is 20. The age difference is immense, Jeorge was only 13.) (Jeorge had Kyle who basically lived with them.) It was 9:05 and i got back in the vehicle. Making sure i had the Poise for peaces on. "Too soon, you left me, i thought i was the only one to make you feel this way. Ithere really anything left to say? Sinking through the earth making my shoulders fight through the girth." I left towards the direction of home but decided to head for the elementary school. Soon after I got there, I finally took the keys from the ignition and got out. Joimfortword elementary school was where my little brother attended. He left multiple impressions on many people after he was gone. The school was really dumb to me though, they only cared for the extremely talented or the extremely help worthy. I walked slowly towards the wall, and soon found the message in black sharpie. 'Kayne + Syndey.' I had attended this school previously before Jeorge was born.. Syndey and I had met here at this spot. She had gotten teased by her classmates for wearing bright neon pink shorts instead of the school skirt every girl was encouraged to wear. But i put my words into 'encourage' (5. School uniforms.) ( Jeorge had met Sinero when he needed help with the treehouse. They had known eachother since before then but..) We were both in 5th grade. A girl is wiping at her scrapes and bruises under the shorts material. She has a little blue ring under eye, but I say nothing. "What do you want?" She snaps at me. "I came here to get away from the screaming." She doesnt reply. "Damn, those kids can scream. Surely we arent in kindergarten anymore." "Are you trying to talk to me?" I clear my throat. She sighs, "my name is Syndey. Kids call me Sunny though." "Youre such a ray of sunshine, Syndey." I joke She snorts. "My names Kayne. Kayne Quolopis." "Cute name, Kayne." She pretends to be flirty... My phone light goes dark and finally goes out. Im pulled out of my mind and turn it on again. I didnt realise it then, but we actually liked each other. And so it went. I point my phone all around the walls and theres a lot of graffiti. Tons of it. Saying multiple swears and derogatory words. Hearts and kick ass looking murals. One day i remember the principal got tired of responding to shit like that and let it go. Now its just one big slur of words and deafening cries. My light goes back to the Kayne + Syndey, and im sucked into another memory. Grade 7 when everyone was going through awkward moments in their lives. That day was really cloudy and the sun was weak. We sat outside in content silence. "Kayne." "Yeah?" "What do you think?" "What do you mean?" She kissed me right there and that afternoon was where our heart went. We werent the first and definitely werent the last to do that. That summer was spent exploring and listening to eachother... That was the summer i learned of her abusive foster parents. Who spent their lives making her life hell. They told her multiple times she should be lucky. She should be greatful. She had no right to be sad. When she got everything she ever wanted. They told her to hush up about their actions and sent her to school with cheap makeup and a high expectation. She brought back less than average grades and continued on. She regrets it now, but at least she can party... And forget about it all. Including me. The lights out again and i turn it on. Below that i notice in purple spraypaint. 'Too soon, for deservation." The deservation is crossed out and in thick black letters it says 'love and assuredness' Normally i wouldved checked it off as one of those crazy feelings you get. Like it just draws you in.. But this time.. I knew.. His favourite color his chicken scratch writing. I made sure and took a picture. The video camera would probably have to check twice just to make sure it wasnt a suspicious person. I glanced at the time and it was 10:30pm. I pushed myself on some swings and thought of instances shared with Syndey. Getting off I went to my car. It was time to pick up Sinero. The media store lights were all off and Sinero was walking out with his favourite army green jacket. The one he wore so many times, it was odd to see him without it. His skinny jeans were ripped at the bottom and his black boots shone defiance. But his posture said ill help you. His long beachy coloured blonde hair hung freely now and it cascaded in the darkness. His skin was tan and his left hand never seemed to do anything. It was only when he got in the car did i realise his hand was bandaged. "What happened?" I asked, jesus too late, man im nosy. He looked taken aback and it looked like bad memories. "Nails. Fights. Needles. But mostly needles." "Sorry.. It wasnt any of my business." "Youre right. But youre a friend." I stare at him with gratitude and pull out of the parking space. "Where to?" "My place." "Youre fifteen and you have your own place?" "A skimpy little apartment. But its home enough." "Wow. You really.." I trail off deciding maybe it would hurt him. "Grew up." He finishes off strongly. I steal a glance and am met with an award winning smile. Although rotten teeth around the gums stare me in the eyes, its the effort. "Yes." I say and drive him to his place, with the help of instruction. "Come in." He says and I get out with him. He slams the door a little too hard but i frankly dont care. "Whoops, sorry bout that." He apologises and i shake my head. We go into the 5 story apartment and walk up the rotten steps. "I live on the 4th floor." "So i see." I say. We final,y trudge upwards to it and he glances around. He sticks the key in the lock and and lets me in first. He locks the door behind him and sticks a chair in behind the lock. I glance at him questionably and he only gives me a re assured look. "Wait here." He says before going into the hallway. I do as told and only look around. "You can make something if youre hungry. Or idk drink something." "Thanks." I say back. Hes got plain coloured walls and music posters i wouldve seen Jeorge have. The room is surprisingly clean despite being owned by a messy looking owner. Theres little furniture in here and i think i can speculate why.. A small radio, with two compartments, for tapes and cds. A window with a small belcony behind it, A table, two milk carton boxes for chairs. He re emerges and now i only realise he was in the shower his freshly shaved face a reflection of that. I steal only a 5 second glance at his upper body and see his slim and sleek abdomen and angular body. His jaw is hardset and strong without that stubble and sorry excuse for a mustache. His hair is dried off and combed. "Like what you see huh." He teases. But i dont take it as a joke. "N-no i mean, yes.. But not in that way?" I say quickly. My face is really red. He laughs. "Dude. Its fine. Dont worry about it. Sorry i took long, i was taking my time." I only gawke at him. "That was literally the fastest showere ive ever seen anyone take." "Your brother was faster. Good thing too." "How so?" "Cause you take longer." "Oh.. Wai.. How would you even know that?" "Meh." He walks to the other hallway and gets changed. I mistakenly follow and am faced without his robe. Hes got his towel on thank god. "Whoa. We only just met again , properly." He jokes. I close my eyes and he laughs. "Calm down." He begins to pull on clothes and i keep my eyes shut. "Go ahead." I open my eyes and he has pajama bottoms on and a longsleeved t shirt. Again its weird to see him without his army jacket on. "My jacket huh? I dont actually sleep in it, if thats what he told you." I swallow a little lump in my throat and take a seat on the floor. He walks over to me and outs a hand on my shoulder. "Back then i wouldve watched either of you two break down.." He says. "Thats old me..." He says and takes my hand. He pulls me to my feet. "Youre brother was many things. He was arrogant. He was brash. He was stupid. Anxious, lecherous at times, condescending in others. But underneath that little shit exterior. Was a warm heart. A bright red fire. In a cold bombshell." I begin to cry and he hugs me. I cry into his shoulder and feel horrible. Hes so warm. After im done he says we should go somewhere and talk. And its in the car when hes asking me where to go, that i realise, stoner kid is still stoner kid. I widen my eyes in the parking lot light. "What?" He asks looking behind him to see if anyones there. "Holy fucking... We need to talk. But i need to show you, if not anyone else." He only nods. We drive over towards my house and I steal little glances at him. Hes got really beautiful eyes for one thing. But hes changed alot from being that one stoned horror story kid, who everyone talks about. To being this cleaned up mess. Whos heart burns brightly just like Syndey... Just like Jeorge. In the driveway i lead the way. Avoiding any contact with the inside and taking straight into the backyard. Thank god the dog is gone and my moms friends. Or maybe its just the two of them? I think hes following close behind.. But hes actually frozen to the spot. "Whats wrong?" I ask. "This is where we last saw each other." He gasps and i have to grab his hand to keep him moving. I let him climb up first and i follow up behind. "Oh my god.. Its just how we left it." "I didnt take anything out of here and its with all of it, and months of staring at the tree house from my room.. I decided to take one last look." Hes too busy picking up the coke can binoculars to hear what im saying. "Jeorge.." He whispers. "Im sorry for the loss." "You too.." He says weakly. I take a seat on the boxes and he finds one too. "When i came up here, it was like healing.. I kept coming up here. And then Kevin left. But before that.. Theres.." "Yeah?" He breathes outwards. I try to finish what im saying but i only put the words into actions. I take out the Ninjoy cd case and pick out the cd. The small tv on top of the box, is connected by a long connector cord. Into the outlet outside of the house. The cd player is on top of it. I put the cd inside and we both wait in silence It starts from the begginning again. Him sitting with his other best friend, Sinero. In his typical jeans and army jacket, despite it being really fucking hot out. Back then his hair was cut short. We were around the same age too. 17 with jeorge being 13. Sinero looks out of it and is saying all that stupid stuff to Jeorge. "Message... Im not.." He sighs. "Thats definitely a 7" sinero says. "4. My music is hardly sold in any music store. Anywhere. And even then i have to go through like six hours of car rides with this douche. Kayne wont take me, i dont knwo what his problem is. Honestly. "Whats number 17" sinero asks out of nowhere. "Uh... Theres only six." "I, sure theres seventeen." He says. "No" Jeorge growls. Sinero's eyes grow angry. "Why are you getting mad?" Sinero growls. "Because fucking half the time. Youre always drunk, or smoking, or high. Im tired of it! Im tired of all of if, Sin-" Sinero rises. "Llisten here you little shit. Youre aggravatingly getting on my nerves. Youre only here to get me my drugs. Remember that." I widen my eyes. And sinero winces. "Im here so we can hang out Sinero. Jesus christ." "Youre always here in this fort talking to your stupid little camera." " sinero. You need to go into rehab. Your breath reeks of failure." Jeorge snaps. Sinero pounces on Jeorge and the camera falls to the side also. "Youre always talking down to me! To me! Im older than you, fucking older. I deserve so much more than a 9 year old who doesnt know how to talk to kids his age." Sineros staggeringly sober and tired and tears are falling from his eyes. "You do deserve a lot more. You know that sinero. You dont deserve a kid like me. You dont deserve a life of drugs. Youre so smart. So handsome... Friendly and kind. Assertive... But these demons take hold of you. You need help." Sinero Drags his nails down my brother's chest and cries into the fabric. "Help. Me.." He wails. " help me!" He screams into his chest. Jeorge doesnt make a move to push him off of him and just sits up and hugs sinero. After the crying stops, he whispers something. Something i cant hear. "Deservation." I didnt know what he meant so i kind of took it as a thing hed... Oh... The camera stops soon after. "He took me to rehab that kid. He helped me get better... He helped me, so i could be me. Not the fake me. But real me." He said with tears in both our eyes, at the outburst of tears. "That isnt all... I have two more cds to go, and one thats missing." "Did they ever.... Find.. His body..?" "No.." I say after a long minute, "I really want to find him," "How do you know hes still alive." I say quickly. "He visited my place alot. Vince." None of us move to take out the cd. (Dissappearance, or death?) "Did he ever leave anything there that wouldve raised your signals?" "I wouldve told you everything, if i could..." "We should watch more." I take the fourth on out and put it back inside the cd case, The fifth one is clean enough and i slip it inside. The screen lights up with a slightly matured Jeorge and a little girl. "Can you say hi, to the camera?" "Oh my god," sinero gasps. "Hi." She says very cutely. She looks to be about 4. "Im here with a special guest. Katlin could you wave at the camera?" Katlin waves with her little hand. She bares similar resemblance to - Sinero's daughter? "Today, for my special little videos, namely the 6 things wrong with the world series. I thought wed start off with a bang." "Wheres daddy?" She says. "In a moment dear child." He says staring at the camera with his stupid spiked hair to mimic his favourite singers. "I present to all of you, Sinero Bergtuy!" Sinero climbs up the ladder and is greeted by the little girl in a tight hug around the leg. "Glad to be here." He says still a little roughly. But with noticeable cheer. "Any special stuff youd like to say to the camera?" "Id like to thank you for believing in me sweating out all of that shit. And im greatful for my beautiful daughter Katlin." Sinero looks very well in the video. Younger than 20 but older appearance make him seem older than 17. "Daddy, what did you sweat out?" Jeorge turns to Sinero and he kisses her on the cheek. "All the bad stuff. Baby, its all going to be okay." "Dude, im so happy you got help, you look so good. You look happier than before.." Sinero hugs Jeorge tightly and so does Katlin. "Its all thanks to this little shit sitting in the chair next to me. Without him i wouldnt be where i am today, with my beautiful little angel and bombshell friend." Jeorge gives a little grin. With total happiness in his eyes. "Now you wont have to drive me drunk anywhere huh." "Of course not." Sinero says ruffling Jeorge's hair. "And.. As a little treat, i got you this." Jeorge not expecting it glanced at the small cd package. That held Ninjoy. "Oh my god. Thank you so much!" He yelled and hugged Sinero. "Anything. I seriously cant thank you enough Jeorge." Sinero is choking on gasps right now and im holdingg him close. Offering support when im just in the same way. This video series was what he hated about the world. "And of course, we shall continue with 5." "Can you say five for me?" "Five!" Katlin yells. Jeorge grins. "5. School uniforms. I dont know why i hate this." "Hates a strong word." "Loathe." "Whoa, thats a big word." "Hardly. Kyles a real genius with words." Anyways.. Uniforms serve a really great purpose i get it, but maybe we should.." Sinero is playing with Katlin and Jeorge is only in his thinking position. "Go on." Sinero says. "No.. No.. We should do something else.. 6 things wrong... But what i used to hate was the drugs and alcohol." "Why dont you cover what you hate in this one, and then the next one we do something different," "I like the way you think Sin." "I hate when Vince's friends come over only for a good time. I dont like it when Vince Ignores me. I dont like Kevin. Micheal, klaire. Mom's friends. And Vincity's cool phase." He stops there and it looks like hes having trouble continuing. Maybe its because of Sinero.. Or because of the little girl approaching the camera. She stumbles and the camera tips over. Stopping the video. "My little girl.. My baby.." Sinero is crying. "What happened to" "Social services..." His hands are shaking and in the tv light he lifts up both his sleeves. Theres trackmarks making their way up and down his arm. And on his left hand he unwraps the bandage to reveal overhealed bitemarks, and scratch marks. Nail marks. Bruised knuckles split and dry hand and needlemarks. "Some scars dont heal.. Some do.." I carefully pat above his trackmarks. "Can i.. Feel?" "If you want." I gingerly touch one of his bitemarks and he only gives me an empathetic smile. "I lost feeling in this hand, dude." I furrow my eyebrows together and feel over old scars and 3d marks. After a while he bandages his arm back up. (They must uncover the mystery behind Jeorge's dissapperance. After going missing a day after his brother's birthday. They all discover theyve lost something even greater than just the body.) He holds his head in his hands and I'm held in complete silence. He was better once. But i knew what happened. He turned back to the drugs and pushed away anyone who cared. I put a hand on his arm and he looks at me. "Are you okay to continue?.." I say weakly. He clears his throat and furiously wipes away at his eyes. "Yeah." I take disc 5 out and put in the small compartment Jeorge had carved.. The one that started this all. I pick out disc 6 and its put in the disc player. Sinero and I dont know what to say. The screen is dimmed quite a bit and Jeorge's hair isnt spiked like usual. Its combed down and so orthodox looking. Its strange.. "Everyones a traitor. Even Kyle." Theres music in the background but its faint and keeps cutting out. "Mom agreed with Kevin. You're pribably wondering why I bother st all. But soon enough this will come in handy" The video is cutting out a bit and Jeorge reaches for the radio and a piant can. "This is all youll have left of me. This treehouse. This all started off as an outlet or something stupid like that. And after this. Youll probably question. Whyd you do that? Cause im just an angsty teenager now. Look a little closer. Clues." The video cuts out and the screen goes black and finally after skipping it, it turns blue, ready to except another tape. Theres no tears this time. Only questions. "What the hell?" Sinero says "What was that?" I say furrowing my eyebrows. "I thought the kid was.." "The police took it into their hands. But.. They didnt search the treehouse. They said it turned was pointless, because the day he went missing was the day he stopped going into the treehouse. Holy shit. I think weve found another clue." "Fuck." "We need to find him. Sinero. Please." "No, absolutely not. Police, investigators need to clear this up. They're more capable then two kids." "Sinero. We need money for that stuff. This is going to cost more than what you make at a cd store." Sinero puts into serious thought. "I need to work on getting my girl back, Vince." I pull on his shoulder. "Please. Help me. I cant do this alone. What if hes still alive and counting on us to get him back! You said it yourself. Sinero." I practically beg. "Ill really think about. Vince, but this is all too much too fast. I need time. Give me a week." I shake my head yeah after a second "Of course." We climb down and i drive him home. "Ill see you in a few. Vinny. Ill tell you if i can remember anything." I nod and he gets out rubbing his eyes. I check the time 3:45 "Fuck!" I shout and drive over to the party place. Parking outside. I get out and walk into the place. Jay is heavily under the influence of multiple alcholic drinks. His breath reeks of scotch and cigarettes. "Ah... Good friend, Vinniel." "Yeah." I say avoiding his piercing gaze. Despite him saying my name wrong i couldnt care less. Im way too preoccupied with thinking of where the clues are. Thwy didnt pronoucne him dead just missing, "Listen..." He slurs. "Couple.. Hoursss moreeyy." Usually hes very reserved and uptight but drugs and booze, is how he lets loose. "Jay, no.come." "I said. A couple hourss you fuckkking looser." "Youre drunk. Come with me." He clips me in the chest and i stumble backwards. I push him back in rage and he throws a blind punch missing me. I tackle him to the ground. "Enough." Syndey growls. She sounds surprisingly sober. "Vince. Off of him." Jay grins sharkishly at me and i just huff in contempt. This isnt the last or the first time weve fought. "Syndey. Its four." "Im aware." She sneers back. "Are you alright." "Quit worrying." Shes holding her forehead. And cursing foul words under her breath. "Im all out. Take me home." I nod. "Get Haynor and Jescany." I go into the back and see, a washed out looking young man in sweatpants and a green t shirt. His hair is messy and in an afro style. Jescany is a broke older woman who likes to tag along for the ride. Shes asian and likes to dress younger. Shes alright but a little too passive. "Haynor,Jescany." I call out towards them. Haynor glares at me. "Vincity." He chokes out with a blow of smoke. He stands up and takes Jescany's hand. I dont doubt the intimacy him and Jay have but.. The waste they put in their own bodies restricts it. "Ride." I say and Jescany's laughing loudly and Haynor is just scowling. "I take it the drugs didnt sit too well this time." Haynor only rolls his eyes and follows in pursuit to the car. "Everyone buckled in." I say lamely. Glancing in the rearview mirror at a frowning Haynor and a smiley Jescany. Syndey sits beside me and Jay is trying to kiss his boyfriend. "Drive." Jay growls in his russianish accent. I only shrug and start the ignition. "Where to." I say to Syndey. "The bus station six blocks from here." She replies. "You arent going to sleep there are you." "No, stupid. Im dropping off Jescany." Jescany only nods. "Shes fucking drunk out of her mind. Or worse. Stoned. She eont be okay." "Kid. Shes done it before. Shell do it again." Jay grumbles kissing Haynor on the lips. I drive us over to the bus station. "Jescany." I say. "Ill escort her home." Haynor volunteers. I give him a weird look. Jay pulls away with fleeting red cheeks and a sigh. "Ill be back babe. Just gotta deliver a babe home." He says shrugging. He kisses Jay on the cheek and then a quick peck on the lips before pulling Jescany out with him. Jay sits back and finally puts on his seatbelt. "Where to now." "Jay's." I glance over surprised. "What about your place." "Ugh not there. Leave them." She says dissmissevly and I only bite my lip. Her foster parents are scum for sure. "Alright." I say not even putting up a fight. Our relationship is shakey as is. "Hey, Vincey." Jay says with a sligt laugh. "Yeah." I say not bothering to look at him. "They find your bros body yet." My heart hammers in my chest making me tighten my grip on the wheel. I dont answer and Syndey only gives me a concerned lit look. "Save your sympathy. Syndey. Goodnight." I say when she goes in for a kiss. She rolls her eyes and takes Jay with her. "Bye." She says and closes the door. I drive into an alley and slam the wheel. I hold my bruised hand close and let my tears fall. "Jeorge!" I yell. "Are you fucking hapoy where you are!?" "Im miserable without you!!" I scream. I put my head down on the wheel. And rest there. At 7am i wake up and the sun isnt even up yet. I sigh and wipe my eyes starting the ignition again. I drive back home and park. Walking into the house i dont even care if my mom calls out to me. "Vincity, Quopolis. Where the hell have you been." She growls. I only shrug and head up to my room. I lay in darkness and let my tired body rest again. "Save your sympathy, you tired restless embodiment no joke. The only judgement received is a lecture spoke-n" I open my eyes and its afternoon. I dont feel like facing my mom so i climb down from the window and drop down. I walk to my car in the same clothes i wore yesterday and unwashed hair and stubble on my jaw. I dont care. Im so tired. Im so done. Im so... Exhausted. Of feeling. I step on the pedal and swing by Dinero's. I make my way up the steps to his door. And knock. A minute later a woman with red hair and blue eyes answers. "Who are you." "A friend. Is dinero here." I say meakly. "Dineros at work. Again, who are you." "Freddy, his landlord." I walk away and again go to my car. Driving over to Sindoistic. I get out and walk inside. "Dinero." He turns around and looks so tired and so unhappy. His face is paler than usual and begs cloud his eyes. "Vince." He greets, but not with the usual joy. "I need to talk with you." I sigh and walk out waiting for him. He follows and tells me he took a break. "I uh.. Have something to tell you," he says to me, he sounds nervous. "Yep." I deadpan. "Last night, everything came rushing back to me. And i felt so horrible. And there she was. And there it was." "You relapsed." I say widening my eyes. "Not on the hard stuff. Never that.. Ne-never that." He says shivering. "What was it then." He bites his lip. "Weed. Thats it.. Booze." I take his arm and lead him to my car. "I need to show you something." He sighs shakily We speed to the school. "Holy shit. His school." "The wall." I take him to the paintings and show him the heart. "You didnt tell me about .... Syndey?" He squints a little closer. "Its a dead line." I say with sadness in my tone. He takes a closer look and sees it. His knees give out and he has his hands on the spray paint. "Deservation.." He says blankly. "I dont even know what the kid means..." "He made it up." He pulls his hands away and when i look closer i realise the blood. "What the fuck." We say. The flash on my camera glares into his palm. Blood Definitely blood. I point my camera at the heart. Sure enough inside the heart is a number. A phone number. 987 65042310 Dinero looks at me. "Fuck." We both sprint to the car and lock the doors. I whip out my phone and dial the number we had to get a pen to write out. A few rings. "Hello?" A voice asks. Im unable to speak. "Hello? Who is this." Its Jeorge. I hang up. "Dude." He says and takes the phone from me. He dials it again and the same person picks up. "Hello." Jeorge says annoyance playing at his tone. "Jeorge.." "Who the hell is this?! What do you want?" The voice growls. "D-dinero." He says weakly. Silence is on the line and it goes dead. "What the hell?" I say utterly blown away. "Fucking Jeroge?" He gasps out. The phone suddenly rings again. We sit there in stupidity and finally answer. "Look. No time.. Meet me at Foxinn, bar. We can---" "this call has been interfered with. Dissconnected. Please try again." "Jeorge." Dinero says assuredly. I put the ignition into gear and drive. The Foxinn is in the next city over... But.. Its close. Enough. "Dinero. Holy shit. Holy fucking shit." His heart is only racing. "Vince... We... Cant expect.. Too much." He says putting his head in his hands. "Its our only hope. And its leading somewhere. Dinero! My brother!" I say and tears are in my eyes. He just shakily sighs. We arrive in half an hour due to my increasing speed. We park in the Foxinn. "Be on your... Be cautious." He warns. We walk inside and its pretty busy. Everyone looks normal... Except for the teenaged boy with faded out red hair. Hes hunched over a bar table. "Vince." Dinero nudges me and i nod. We walk over towards the boy. Dinero stops me and approaches first. He taps the kids shoulder and the boy flinches backwards. He sighs and looks him over with a piercing gaze. "Did you bring company." The boy merely gazes at me. "Yes." Dinero admits. "This is my tag along friend Brin. He just turned 18 this month, and i thought id take him along." "Thats a weak cover story. Dinero." Dinero only drops his hands and gives me the calling hand sign. We both sit down in the bar chairs. "Im going to first say, the flaws, in said cover story. One, this is a secretive meeting. I cant be here very long. Two, why would he tag along." The boy says. Im taking in his appearance very quickly. Hes got faded red hair thats ruffled and shaggy, it almost covers his eyes. Hes skinny and wears a black t shirt. His nose has a bull piercing and his eyes are grey. He eyes up my gazing. "You must be.. His brother. The famous, Vincity." "Wait.. Youre not him?" I say, relief leaving my tone, i didnt think it was him to begin with,, but... "No.. I work for him. Very odd, boss. Might i add." "Work?" I say hoarsely. "Like i told you.. " he begins, but is cut off by the ringing. He picks out his phone. His eyes widen. "Yes.. Right away." "Look.. We need to meet up again." "Wait.. Please." He breathes out impatiently. "Question." "One. Make it quick." "Hes still alive?" I say. "You dont know the half of the other side of barely. Hes alive.. Alright." "Can we meet up again." Dinero begs. "Uh... Yeah.. Same place.. Different guy.. Maybe.." He says before leaving us. "Ohmygod." I say. "Hes alive. Hes alive. Hes alive." Dinero keeps panting, "Hes alive!" I say hugging him. We turn a couple heads and we pull away. "It was quick but.. We need to learn more." Dinero nods. Confusion gets to him. "How will we know when to meet up with him?" "We will phone him after." We arrive back at the city and I dont have energy to go home. "Ccome to my place." He says. We pull into a parkig stall and get out. In the apartment we have to unlock the door. On the fridge theres a note. 'Dear Dinero, I left. Good luck.' It isnt even on a proper piece of paper. Just a small sticky note. He groans and throws it in the trash. "Who is that anyways?" "My old girlfriend.. We have a complicated relationship now.. Her names, Fresca." "Shes pretty." I say, its true. He gives me a twinkly eyed smile. "Katlins her mom." "Ahhh." "It was a stupid life we led. We didnt care about nothing.and then she got sick. At first i was concerned.. I even stopped with the drugs for a little while. She was pregnant." He has this dumb grin on his lips and hes looking down. "She stopped too. I got the news of her giving birth when i was detoxing." "Jeorge had been with me every step of the way. He came to the hospital to see her." "She was beautiful.. And it was like every single one of Jeorge's words came back to me.. And i never knew i could love something so precious.. So much.. It gave me motivation to get through it all.. And now.. Its all going downhill.. I cant see my baby.. Jeorge isnt here to snap me out of it..." He trails off and reveals too much. He fills a mug with water or vodka. I step up and take the vodka bottle out of his hands dumping the mug out. I get a clean one and fill it with water. He looks touched and i place a hand on his shoulder. "Drink.you need it." "Thanks." He says. The next morning i wake up in his bed and i shoot up. He isnt in here. I go into the living room and there he is. Hes snoring on the couch and hes wearing an old ninjoy shirt he and Jeorge got when they were younger. I dont want to wake him up. So i sit down and decide to dial the number. "Hello?" An annoyed and angry voice answers. "Who is this?" They say and their voice is a combination of jealousy? And envy? Theirs muffled voices in the background and a punching noise. Theres footsteps and a slamming of doors. "Hello?" The voice is strangled and pained. The yelling in the background increases. I make out 'Reed! You fucker!' "Hey.. Its me. From the day before." "Oh shit. Listen, i have something that will bring closure to you. Okay? I figured it out before when... I was sleeping.." (Jeorge has a weird relationship with Reed and jeorge is violent and a malevolent asshole. Who is double edged and sharp.) "Ill give it to you when we meet up." "Alright.. Thanks." "Yeah. Its what you deserve at the very least." "Whens the m-" "Oh fuck. Fuck. Ill call you after-" the line goes dead. I take the phone down. Reed is being slowly punished for not telling Jeorge what was going on. "You fucker. How am i supposed to trust you when you wont tell me whats going on." "Im sorry.. Jeorge.. Im sorry." He yelps. "I dont want to hurt you. God i dont," he drops to his knees. "But you have to understand.. To remain.. Strong.. I need a leader.." Reed is looking away, his nose is bleeding. He doesnt answer. Jeorge is pained and hugging his knees. He begins to cry. (JEORGE MAKES REED SET UP A MEETING BECAUSE THEY WERE CAUGHT.) Later the phone rings. "Sorry.. I was almost caught.. But i didnt give in.." "Are you okay?" I panic. What exactly did he endure? "Nah.. Dont worry about it.. " he says but i can tell hes lying. He spits out something and sighs. "Look, ill be under suspicion again. Meet up tonight 12am. Try not to be late." He hangs up again. Dinero is groggily rubbing his eyes and he groans and rolls of the couch. He stands up and shuffles into the kitchen. I walk in there too. " morning sunshine," i say as a joke. He only raises his eyebrows and grabs for the alcohol bottle. I lay a hand on his and he rolls his eyes and huffs. He instead reaches for the water. He gives me an inquiring look. I just flash a smile. Later on i tell him we need to leave for the city again. Hes sweating and is pale again and just says yeah. We both get into the car and drive. We first got coffees. At the Fox inn we are early. 11:30pm so we laze around until we see a bright red haired individual make his way through the lesser crowds. Due to it being Tuesday. Its not until he takes his hood off that they notice the bruising and cheaply applied cover up. He only makes a smily face. He points a finger up and pulls out a little napkin. "Take this and hide it. Do it on your own time." I nod and am confused.. What could be in this naplin? "D- it will.. Come in handy.. If youre to-" "So, traitor not?" A cold irritated voice aays from behind the red hair boy. He whips around. "Jeorge." He says with fear in hsi voice. "Folley,Moany, Jane." As if on que the three hold us down. I glance up at the girl with a bone chilling grip and i see an irregular sight. Red hair and red face makeup. I look towards Dinero and hes thrashing away from Folley. One of them has a iron fist hold on The red hair kid. He only looks away in defeat. The man with a mohawk takes Reed away and snaps his fingers. Which im guessing is a telling to hold down All of us. "Who the fuck, are they." He spits at Reed. Reed doesnt answer. He slaps him. "Reed. Who. The .fuck.are.they." He growls. Reed is holding in his breath and breathing in bursts. Huffs and pants. "Reed." He says calmly and backhands him keeping a firmgrip on his jaw. "Friends!" Reed whisper shouts, "just friends." Hot tears are spilling over his eyelids. Onto his burning cheeks. Red and slightly bruised. The make up is on Jeorge's hand. He rubs it on his jeans. "Youre lying. Your eyes are looking every single fucking direction. Except me! Jesus christ. Who are they?" "Go.. Find out for yourself." He says throwing his arms off of him. He begins to try to run away but Hunry is outside and grabs his forearms. He squeezes and Reed gasps in pain. "Where do you think youre going." He monotones and snaps at Hunry to follow him with Reed. They walk back towards the traitors and he snaps at all of them. They nod and tighten their grips signalling us all to stand up. We are escorted out of the bar and The man known as Jeo throws a wad of cash at the manager. He makes a throat cutting sign on his throat and shush's him. Hes lucky half the bar is empty. Im enraged. I thrash around and am ultimately scared. They throw us in the back of a vehicle. And blindfold us. And ductape our mouths. (We meet up with a young looking woman with orange hair. She seems to be around 18-19. She hands us something in a napkin. "Its from Reed. The guy from earlier. Ive been informed of who you two are. I have to say, you two are fucking stupid. If J-" She cuts herself off and begins to tell us of my brother. "Hes... Different.. Then what you probably knew... I wouldnt imagine.. That youd see what is inside that napkin.. And not get to meet him." Dinero only begins to grasp the situuation. "Di-different.. How." "I dont really know how he used to be.. He hasnt spoken much to any of us.. Of himself.. Well.. Anymore.." Im about to ask what she means, but a phone vibrates in her pocket. "Oh shit.. Okay." She says and stands up from her chair. "Look. I have to go." She says to us when shes hiding her voice from the the receiver. We nod and deive back to the tree house. I take out the napkin, and its a disc! Another disc. "We have more. Dinero. We have more." Dinero gives me a yellowing smile. I quickly make haste and turn on the cd player and tv. I put in the cd and sit back. It turns on. It lights up to reveal a darker place. It seems dank and the living conditions seem deteriorated. A lanky looking boy sits down on a milk carton and stares into the screen. "I... Have.. Seen, darkness." Theres a long pause. Theres a flicker of light and i catch glimpse of a glare and bruised face. Half of the boys face is riddled with old and new bruises. "Soon. Soon. Soon. Its all gonna be over soon. Soon. I cant wait till soon." He says and holds his head in his hands. "Im fighting with.. My demons.. Theyre... Choking me.." "Soon... Soon.." He repeats to himself. "What the hell." Dinero says and leans closer. Its hard to see a complete stranger look like hes in pain. The video cuts out and it skips to later. It skips a few frames. Hes laying on a mattress. "Its okay.. Its.. Okay." He re assures himself. He stands up and paces around. "Im.. A .. Good kid.. Loyall... Loyall.. Ive been here longer than most," he whispers to himself. He stops and turns to the camera. "It..s gonna.. Be over soon." And he walks to the camera to the camera to turn it off. The screen goes white, and i almost move to take the cd out in disappointment. Suddenly, the same boy walks into the room. "Its done. Its done. Its finally over. Nothing.. No obstacles.. Smooth.. Smootth sailing.." He begins to huff and puff and finally he breaks down. "Good.. Kid.l good kid.. Good kid.." He repeats over and over to himself. He calms down and turns off the camera again. "Who was that?" "I dont wanna jump to conclusions or any thing.. But i think.." "Jeorge." I say breathlessly. Later on we receive another phone call. "Meet me at the foxinn." Dead line. ( "dont hit her!" Reed yelled out of turn. "You cant tell me what to do. I control you all." She sits in a kneeling position. Shes waiting for the hit but it doesnt come. Reed is holding his cheek though. "If you want to be like that, then ill make her sing." He pushes reed out of the way and hes busy holding his stinging face to care. "What were you doing," "Nothing i swear." She squeaks out. "Lies." He continues until finally she cracks. "Someone.. Meet,, at.. Bar.," she stufgles to pull sentences together. "Good." He says relenting and pulling himself up. He snaps at maony to clean her up. "Clean her up. Treat her to a nice dinner." Maony nods sadly and lifts her up gently. Jeorge whirls around and waits until they leave the room before he collapses to the ground. He clasps a hand to his mouth and plays the scenes over in his head. Reed begins to push himself up and leave but Jeorge's heaving gasps compell him towards him. He places a hand on his knee next to him. "This job... Is turning you into him." "Im not him.." He chokes out. "Im sorry,.. Im so sorry." Reed only lets out a sigh and uses his hand to rub little circles into the fabric of Jeorge's jeans. "Its okay.." He mutters. "No.. It isnt," he says and continues to shake. He pulls Reed into a hug and Reed flinches from the touch pulling away. Jeorge gives him a horrified look. Reed sighs and goes in for a hug. "Im sorry too.." Later on... (Reed phones again and says to meet up again tonight. His schedule is cleared but he has bruised all the way up his arm and a bruise on his eye. Vince gets the first cd and its when Katlin is born and him holding her. And of Him kissing Reed and them having little interviews. He didnt believe in firsts so he did that after he found Reed. Jeorge gets his friends to hold down Vince and Dinero and Reed. He takes Reed away and holds his face closely. Glaring at him. "Whos this!" He shouts. "A couple friends" Folley squeezes his arms and he yelps. "We-" Jeorge widens his eyes at Vince. "Vince.." They end up watching the cds in hiding and they get a look at the insider life of Jeorges cold world. But hes really just the same, just more steely. And not trusting. "Will you ... Come back?" "Vince.. Its complicated.. The moment i set foot out of the fucking house, was the moment, life changed. I cant go back. Life is too far gone." "Mom.. She.." "Kevin. He left didnt he." He snaps his fingers at Moany and Folley. Thwy nod and leave the room. "It's complicated Vince. Im too far into this, to leave." "You at least owe me an explanation.") The guy gives them another cd and it awakens a whole new perspective they neever knew could become of their beloved punk brother friend. (Girl next time, informed by Reed. Jeorge's right hand man. Her names judge. Shes addorned in plainative clothes and a messy appearance. Jeorge runs a bussiness..?) Theo is the big old boss that used to control the gang and Jeorge wanted to control. So he used to do anything, "Rule one, you dont refuse anything i say, do or give to you. Take a hit." He did as told. And it continued until he finally outbursted and it was too much for theo d lungs so he passed out and never got full medical attention. So he died the next day entrusting it over towards Jeroge. Vince always thought his friends were weird now he connects the dots. They werre always doing weird shit and jeorge actually had a dark side to him. More layers. He used to be an errand boy and do shit for him. Reed and him were both in e same ranks and they would go door to door and commit crimes. ( i have this fleeting memory, that keeps drifting back to me. Even though, im imprisoned in this room. It dissappears and reappears every time. In random. Theres a boy with his older brother. I watch as he blows with all his heart into the wand. "Youre not going, to get anywhere being mean to all those poor bubbles." I say. He glares at me, shoving the wand at me, "Do it then," I gracefully blow bubbles into his face and he gets angry. "You cant get angry, at bubbles." The memory always stops right there. Jeorge has always been tempermental. But never in my life, would i imagine him as a tyrant.) Everything.. Goes Blank I awake with a dry mouth and a headache. Its so stuffy.. Like i can bearly breathe. I cant really open my eyes but now i can kind of make out a small stand.. A door.. Dank lighting. The woman with red hair appears again and she takes my wrist. "Come with me.." She says. She takes me into another small room. "Hey.." Says a small voice coming from a darker corner. I cant speak. He comes out of the darkness and its the red head kid. Reed, i think hes called. I make out a nod. He looks terrible. His face looks like it ran into multiple poles little scratch marks here and there, sweaty and dark begs. His physique looks like he hasnt eaten since yesterday. "Weve met before.. Im not gonna hurt you.. You might be.. A key to something." "I got involved with this to bring back Jeorge.. Now that i know hes alive.. I need a description." "Youd have to guess.. The overbearing,over rated, ("When i get older im gonna ditch all these people. Theyll see. We will see." He grows up and follows one of his newer older friends Fred. "What are you doi here?" He asks panicked. "Do you have any idea what theyll-" "Whos this runt." The guard growls. Fred lies and is punished. Brought to the master. "Master., "Lied to me again." "You know what we do to liars." He has the people rain punchs on him and he has him layn out there. Thats the first thing jeorge ever sees. "Youre a scrawny little runt." The master growls. "Ill let you off. Youll come in handy." "Handy?" He makes the mistake of asking. "If youre going to live here. You will learn. Not to question me. None of them do it. Its your mistake runt." Jeorge is disheartened and is about to leave. Groan grabs him by the arms and leads him to a cell sort of room. He pushes him in and closes it. He sits in the room and lays down. "I need to get out of here." "You and me both." He whips around to face a boy. When he sits up he looks to be about the same age as Jeorge. "Who are you." "My names Reed.. Or Red.. According to the mean guy." "Why are you here?" "Youre very curious huh... Wondered into a bad time in a bad place?" He does t say any more than that and leaves Jeorge to think. Later on the door slides open. "Jeorge." The woman in almost all black says. He rolls over and follows her reluctantly. She pushes him into the office part and he faces the same guy from before. "Runt." He seethes. Jeorge just glances every way. "You cant escape. If youve tried. Doors are monitored. Youve seen too much. You serve me. I need you to be a little errand boy for me.. Got it?" "But i-" He stands up from his seat. "But you?" "I?." "You.. Spit it out. Jeorge." "How would you know my." He holds up a cell phone and reads off text messages. "Thats illegal give me my pho-" "There are no rules, Jeorge." Hes about to counter. "Your name isnt Jeorge anymore, its Jeo." "Get out of my sight." Hes escorted by another thug into his living quarters. The squeaky voice of a younger woman catches his attention. She coughs. "Theon.. He asked me to show you your limits." " The room is where youll stay. Until notified of the boss. Youll receive food on a daily basis. At times youll be let out for fresh air.. And training. Bathrooms are located in each room. Youve made a bad mistake. Tip of advice. Dont get theon mad." Jeorge is staring at her and she lifts up her hair and it shows a large scar going down to her collar bone. Jeorge widens his eyes and his blood boils. "Why would he-" "Dont ask anyone their stories. Only if they tell you. Got it." She begins to take him back and before he can protest shoves him in his room. "I dont get it.." "Choices. Thats the thing. You never told me your name." "Jeorge." Six weeks and hes got it down pat. He and Reed go out and do business. They earn the money so they can continue to eat and sleep and stay alive. Hes been beaten senseless so many times. So many times. The stinging on his eyebrow just a reminder of his constant urge to escape. Hes asked Reed so many times when they can go, Reed just looks away. "Red.Jeo. Youre wanted." Sinama says. She escorts them to the bosses door. She pushes them inside. "My two favourite punching bags. Hows it going," Reed looks away self consiously while Jeorge glares. "Great. Just fucking dandy." "Didnt your parents teach you about manners, Jeo." It still pissed him off that they called him that. "No matter the tone of voice you address me, youre still street mice earning your own scraps. You havent seen anything yet. Trust me." Jeorge clenches his teeth and looks away. "I need you two to clean up my buddy. The bastard thinks he can double cross me, and get away unscratched. Go, teach him a lesson. One he wont forget." "I cant do that!" Jeorge yells and clasps a hand to his mouth. He whispers im sorry over and over until Theon reaches him. He instead takes it out on Reed, Until Jeorges crying and begging him to stop over and over again because now Reed is curled in on himself and his tears are streaming down his bruised face and hes beginning to stop moving. "Dont fucking refuse my orders. Next time your buddy wont be so lucky." Jeorge is kneeling over Reed and is measuring his breathing. Methods hes grown to assemble to himself because theyre survival tools. Theyve been engraived. Ever since Theon has taken a liking to Reed. Hes rewarded with shallow breathing thats hitching. Theon sighs and Jeorge thinks he hears actual remorse in his voice but thats crazy because Theon is relentless. "Im-.. Not going soft, Jeorge. Take him to a real doctor. Or something. I dont care." Jeo widens his eyes. Is he being... Nice? "Go!" He roars. "Report back to me later, your still doing the mission. And what use is he to us, if hes broken." He adds in regards to Reed's beaten body. Jeorge narrows his eyes and carefully lifts him and carrys him out of Theon's. It should be a surprise to see somebody's relative in crushing pain. But the look, Maryn, gives Reed, is not of concern but of Pity. After hes taken to the hospital, hes treated immediatley because of the tiny rib fractures, the split lip and eyebrow are easily remedied. The bruising is minimum and any blood is wahsed off. It leaves an unconscious Reed alone to Jeorge. After an hour goes by Reed finally comes to his senses. His eye groggily flutters open. Jeorge is by the bed side not able to sleep and is biting his nails. Reed begins to sit up but is hooked up to a machine. "What the hell is this." He says but it sounds like hes talking through cotton because of his swollen lip and cheek. "Precautionary." He says wordiedly. "Why are you looking at me like that?" He inquires. "Like how?" He says with a glare. "Like i havent taken Theons beatings before." He begins to dissconect the equipment. "You worried me i thought you were almost.., "This wouldnt have happened if youd just gone along with what he said." Jeorge is taken aback and Reed finally gets out of bed. "Hand me my pants." "But-" "My pants Jeorge." Jeorge is holding back a tidal wave of emotions as he sees Reed struggle to pull his pants up. He finally does and he tucks his dress gown away into a shirt form. "Come on." They both run -limp?- out of there and later the doctors are wondering what happened to the two tired looking children. They arrive back at the headquarters and are brought back into Theon's. "Red, Jeo. Go now." He says. "What do you want us to do again?" "Beat my colleague, until he squeals. His apartment is located---" Red is distant around Theon and Jeo knows why. They both leave towards the building. In the apartment they face a man of french decsent. He looks like he had just gotten out of the shower. He answers the door and He faces two of Theons rats. "Ah.. What is it you want? If its some lame fight club, im not interested., He begins to shut the door when Jeorge stops it with his foot. "We'd really like to talk to you about more pressing matters." Red shoves him into the apartment and Jeorge shuts the door behind them. A french man is curled up against the couch as Jeo is holding the frying oan like a sword. "Why did you leave. Why did you double cross us." "Theon.. Hes corrupt.. Hes too far gone for me to save... For anyone.. Please.. Leave me.. " "Thats not all of it, tell me more." The french man is about to give up. He raises the frying pan and closes his eyes. "Wait! Hes sick.. Hes very.. Very sick... Its.. A viral disease.. He doesnt yet know of.. Very deadly very contagious. Very... Hes... Contracted it off me.. He wouldve killed me.. Killed." "Naturally youll know of what happens to traitors. If theyre brought into him." The french man gives a horrified look. "I dont want to do this.. I dont.. But.. We are all street rats fighting for survival. This is only for him..." He gets Red to call backup and they get him dressed. He has to look okay otherwise it will raise suspisicion. So they get him to walk to the car and make it look normal to the cameras. In the car they drive them to the headquarters. They push him into Theon's. They have to wait there before they are called in. "Red, Jeo." They stalk in and the boss says good job. "Go." They walk out before they run towards the room. They collapse into huffs and puffs and jeorge crumbles. He rolls around on the bed. Before running to the washroom and taking a long shower. He washes his hands off and begins to sob. He wipes the tears away after a long while and turns off the knob. He puts on his old ninjoy shirt and shrugs at the memories. He puts on faded jeans and unlocks the door. Reed is laying down breathing softly, hes concentrating on the pros and cons. "What are you thinking about." Jeorge says softly. "My personal choices. What i did to deserve this." Jeorge cringes a little bit. "Hes sick. He looks sick. He needs to die. The bastard needs to fucking die." "Reed." Jeroge says firmly. "Jeorge. He will kill us all." "I wont let him." "When are you going to grow up? He doesnt feel anything towards us anymore. His choices are sick. Jeorge, you were stupid to leave your family." "What of you, Reed." "My sister feels pity towards me. I did the same as you. Except. I didnt have a choice. It was either that, or social services. Jeorge. You had a nice mother and a brother." Jeorge is making his way over towards Reed. "Its too late.. Weve made bad choices. Bad fate. But thats not whats in the future. Ill find us a way." Theon is hacking his lungs out and is constantly leaking blood from his nose. Hes pale and is keeping himself together. He finally begins to think about the end. "Cinnor." He calls out shakily. "Boss." She says wearily. "Get.. Jeo.." "Sir." She says before leaving to pluck Jeorge out from his bed. "What does he want?" Jeorge says quickly with fear in his eye. "Not sure.." She finally opens the door and stands guard. "Sir.." "Jeorge.." He says meakly. "Ive been a real bastard... More than you know... But.. Its too late for sorrys.. Wven though... I am.. For all the pain.. Dont give me that look.. Im dying.. And.. You and Red know it..." Jeroge is in awe. "Even.. The most disconnected person feels... Im not going soft.. Boy" he hacks and coughs and is laying his head down. "Im... Not gonna.. Die... Peacefully..." He laughs without humor. "Ive been a bastard... And... I cant.. Pay for it all.... The most capable person to take over... Is you... People... The people here... Theyll listen to a new face... One who knows compassion and all the mushy stuff." He clutches his heart and coughs again. "Theyll hear a new age... Theyll listen to you, Jeorge... The sickness... The virus.. Its spread too far.. Jeorge... Ive... Taught you most of the fighting skills... The vitals.. The makeshift healing.." Jeorge is leaning over his desk. "Jeorge.. Dont let this place deteriorate.. Do it for me.. And if not.. For the satisfaction... Of getting out of here... " "Enough talk.. Enough gushy shit." He rummages through his drawer and takes out a file folder. "Ive gathered info on you. Youve a brother.. And a mother.. Both hurt by your dissappearance.. If you do as the file folder says.. You can free your friends and yourself.." "Theres a catch.." "What?" "A catch... What is it.." "It doesnt matter how nice.. I try to be... Youre always.. So refreshingly honest. Youve grown.." "Cut that shit out, Theon. Of course i want out of this. What is it.. You want me to do." "You need to eliminate the people in the file folder, various figures who stand in the way of my goal.." "What do you gain. You will die." "I have a life outside of this building." "You.!?" Jeorge snaps. "Yes." "This is all for my roots." "Your roots?" "I grew up in a very rough place.. You remind me of myself. Jeorge. We are more alike. Than you know." "You and me?" Jeorge says with a slight snort. "Dont be so fast.. I was younger... I was more stupid.. At.. Least.. All this.. Will.. Atone.. For what ive done.." "Cut the shit. Theon." "My roots. Charity. My helpers. Theyve made me who i am today." "How will you know if i decide not to do it." "Watchdogs. Ill be blunt. Theyll dispose of everything you love." Jeorge widens his eyes. "The funadmentals will start now. " He begins to lecture Jeorge on rules and morals he guides himself by. By the time its over hes sent back to the room with bruised knuckles. Examples of the punishments he will receive and will give to make them follow orders. His head is spinning and he decides to just lay in his own bed. Each night hes plucked from his bed and taught the fundamentals and how he will strike with an iron fist. When he doesnt follow something hes yelled at and punished, each a new punishment. Names that have stuck with him throughout his four years. In the end hes put to the test and is a steeled boss figure and hes beat to a breaking point. "Senseless beatings will often, give fear to them." The next night hes driven to kill him. "Ill make sure i do it for you." He whispers before Theon takes his last breath. Jeorge notices a change in atmosphere in the building. Everyone is happy and they are all getting along. They share pizza and have nights where they all tell stories. They become very close friends and finally its time for Jeorge to give a glance at the file folder. He sees all the targets and is disheartened. Someone knocks on the door. Reed enters. "Reed." "Boss." "You dont need to call me that. Come here." Reed steps over towards the desk and he sees all the pictures. "What is this?" "Theons dying wish." "Dude.." He says before taking the folder into his hands. "Thats alot of people." "I know.. " "What do we do? " "We have to eliminate them." "No.. No way.." He says before putting the folder down. "Its the only way.. Reed.. Its how we get out of here." "Hes dead. Why are we still here?" "Theres unfinished business. Reed." "He wil never know." "Reed hes got watchdogs." "Holy shit." "Its too late to go back." "Jeorge. What are we supposed to do?" "Exactly what the folder says. Dont give me that look. Weve made big mistakes, and this is how we pay." "These look like innocents, Jeorge." "I know." He says putting his head in his hands. "Come on, a nurse with kids?" "Reed. It sounds irrational i know. But if this is it.. Then.. We should get it over and done with." "Did he even tell you the motive?" "He died before he even told me the whole of it. All he said, was it was for his roots. For charity. He said these people are standing in the way." "Saran Joreyy. Age 25. 25 Jeorge. Fucking 25." "I know, Reed, for fucks sakes shut the hell up," Reed is taken aback and steps away before apologizing and walking out. "Fuck." Jeorge curses to himself and looks over the folder. Jeorge goes to Reed. "Reed.. Im sorry.. This whole thing is overwhelming.. I know theres no way to justify our actions.. Or his.. This is all bullshit... But... Its the price we pay." "Cut the bull shit sweet talk Jeorge. Ive thought it over. Whatever gets us the fuck out of here. One condition." "Yes." "We pay for the funerals." "Yes. Sure anything." "And we attend them." "Ye-wait no. Reed. We were the ones who killed them, why would they want us there?" "They didnt deserve to die. Its out of respect." "Reed. That is so stupid." So on it went. We eliminated six out of 20 people. And attended everyone of their funerals. If anyone asked we were old friends that were never brought up. "This is getting to be too much, Jeorge." "What do you want me to do about it." "He told you to do it.. He didnt give you a specific time limit." "Thats a good point. Damn." Two days later their base is infiltrated by ten teenagers claiming theyre the watchdogs. "Wattdogs. We are wattdogs. Hired by your passed expiration date master." She says with a wolfish grin. "Why are you here." "He didnt even tell you. Did he." The one with several piercings in their face. Female or male.. It didnt matter. They looked fierce. "Tell us what." Jeorge says protecting Reed. Reed's only in awe of jeorge. Only because of his black eye. And bruised knee caps. He was scraped up pretty bad the other night and called useless several times by Jeorge. Another pipes up. "Your leader was known as an R." "What the hell is an R." Reed says from behind Jeorge. "Reckless, ruthless, awe, fuck ran out of r words." "Okay.. So just a bunch of like.. Words?" "Ravishing." They all turn to look at a girl. "Hey look. Aint no joke, he was hot in a rugged way." Some boy smiles in the back. "Okay, so... Why are you here. Seriously. What hasnt he told us." "Our orders. What we get paid for.. Is to make sure. You do what he said. Sort of his dying wish right?" "Yeah.. I guess." "Now. He told us that you guys had a time limit. You could take a tiny break but once that was all done and finished you get right back on it. Any more time wasted, the targets would all escape." "Shit." "Your leader. Was a horrible man certainly. But he had power. Under the radar, power. "Yeah. He often showed us his power." Jeorge snorts. "The bottom line really is, that he needs you all to clean up his mess. Whatever he told you was probably bullshit." "I aint cleaning up no ones mess. Its all his problem-" "You want to risk, them finding all your dna on this shit? No. I was guessing not. You do your job and maybe we will help you clean up. Okay?" "Wait.. You said your job was to just make sure we got the job done." "Im not a complete asshole." "Do your job. This was just a minor look into what we can do." "What happened to your friend Jeorge." She asks him. Jeorge widens his eyes and looks for the first time the damage hes done to Reed. "You know... Its pretty lecherous for the leader to punish his little buddies. Especially when they mean so much to him." Reed only stared at the ground hes held down by a man whos twice his height. Jeorge is slapped by the lady leader. "We got paid big dollars, so we could watch over you. Do your job. Or we going to come in here, and fuck up your pals again. Okay?" She says really sweetly. He only nods and she puts his head down on the desk and pats it. "Let them go. You. Kayn. Tell the others to lay off." Kayn seems to nod and runs off into the building to find the other Wattdogs. "Okay. We gonna move out. Look. You heard my warning. Do it. Get it done, and youll be done and over with all this." She shoos out all her friends and begins to leave. "Oh. And jeorge?" Jeorge is bleeding out of his forehead." "You dont look like a big tough bad guy to me. Youre just some messed up little fucker, who needs help." She shuts the door and he begins to bite his lip. Reed is all beat up. "I cant keep helping you Jeorge.. You need to help yourself too.." He whispers. "Reed. We need to take out some more. Ive learned that theyre actually witnessess. We are there to clean up Theon's mess. Its shitty. But... We can get this done. And hopefully.. By the time we are done.. We will be able to be normal.." "Define normal, Jeorge." "Fuck." Suzanna Wilsinow. Age 43." Reed just gulps and they send out two of their best. Im better off on my own

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survivoremathia · 7 years

Text

Ep. 11 - "The Time has Come to Slay the Beast" - Duncan

OWEN

fuck you jay have ur damn confession

In other news, I did not too bad on the immunity and then realized that if I win a third in a row I'm going to be the biggest target which was literally the opposite of the strategy I was going for so hopefully someone did it in less than seven. My strategy was good tho I'm pissed like it is literally not in me to not try/throw a comp and it's not good news but like I just WANTED TO DO WELL OK THIS COMPETITION WAS FUN DFSAJKNHFJDSKHFSKJADFH I'M CRYING Anyways! It's final nine and this is the round to make a move, I think. Sam really pissed me off last round being all wishy washy and non-committal. People like Ryan blame Trevor for being controlling but it's literally what Sam wants. Sam wants to be "told" what to do, or to not have an opinion, so he doesn't seem like the leader he is but like... It's so obvious to see through. He acts like he doesn't know what's going on or what other people think, but he does. Take an acting class, betch! I don't know if it's smarter to go for Sam or Ali or JD. I guess like... Sam: Pros, he's the biggest threat of the three and he has an idol and he personally acts like an idiot even though I really wanted to work with him he gives me NOTHING and I want revenge! Damn! The con would be that...he has an idol and he's always paranoid af and he'll probably play it. Another con is that his minions Ali/JD can be easily swayed without him, and someone could scoop them tf up. Ali: Pros, Sam has mentioned needing to get Ali out although idk if it was a lie or not. He's got the best social connections out of everyone and people genuinely want him to win. Cons, he's arguably more loyal than Sam and he's a lot less frustrating to talk to and I like him. Also leaving Sam in the game with an idol after taking out his ally is not a good. JD: Pros, she's the least likely to be expected as a target, she like....is so naive in terms of trying to save Ryan last round and then telling Trevor "oh you're the leader" like, girl bye. Cons, Ali/Sam could still be in the game as a tight duo, and also she seems the easiest to beat in the end of the three.... Idk! I don't know. It also depends on what I can get Logan/Duncan/Lydia/Trevor to agree on, if anything. And also like... immunity results will matter. And Sam's idol. And then like idk what Ryan is gonna do! So! We! Will! See! I! Guess!!!!!! Also Ryan messaged me this morning and like I do want to work with Ryan still but I'm worried that he views me as tight with Trevor and if I say anything to him or give him any info he can use it to turn others against Trevor and I so dskjafhadsjf idk what to do about that but we'll see if he messages me again huh!

DUNCAN

noh wow! Oh Wow!! OH WOW!!!

An alliance called "oh wow!" Just was made between Owen Logan and I, which is good bc I need two of the people I'm closest to to have some type of trust with each other and not come after each other's necks. In other news I crackt the code in mastermind in 5 guesses!! I'm very happy and proud of my score even if I don't win immunity, but it would be a good confidence booster tbh. And one last thing. Whoever told RTP I was leading a charge against him, you better watch your back because I'm saltier than a tortilla chip. I hope they have their boxing gloves on, bc I'm ready to swinG

I'm not going to lie, I'm really frustrated. The touchy subjects really did bother me because me and Ali are both playing this game, we might not be the ones calling all the shots that that doesn't mean we aren't in the conversations. I get were people would say it and I see how it was the easy way to do it, the newbies are getting pulled along. That's fine, cheers. AliWelp, skype killed the hype, and potentially my game. Lydia had proposed this amazing big move for tonight, but I'm scared these tech issues might ruin it. Like... ughhh such a shame. Anywho, on a positive note, I made Final 9! :) Outlasting, 13 people already is phenomenal, so that's amazing! I'm ready to go for broke now. Ideally, I want Trevor,Owen,Sam and Ryan out as the next four boots, as the four biggest threat for the end. My dream F3 is JD and Logan, with Duncan as a possible alternative, and Lydia as a 4th choice. They're the people I think I have the biggest chance of hopefully beating. Lydia is dangerous though, so I don't want her going too far...

RYAN

[7:36:08 PM] Ryan Palmer: i mean we don't really have another choice lmfao [7:36:19 PM] Ali: yeah, we're kinda limited for options eek Gee....limited for options against that alliance....gee....its almost as if....SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN TRYING TO DO THIS FOR 2 ROUNDS....if only ppl like matt or david who would have voted with us were here....i seriously cant with these ppl....i literally told everyone if they were gonna wait it was gonna be too late....fuck

Rob getting into the jury, I don't know how I feel about that. I don't think Rob was really happy with us when he got voted out.

LOGAN

Sorry I'm late on confessionals :( Anyway! Owen made an alliance chat with me, himself, and Duncan, which I'm happy with. Ali pitched the idea to me to have an alliance with Lydia, myself, JD and Ali. That sounds workable, and suddenly I see the ground beneath my feet in this game. I need to work out how to get to the end from here - I still do not have a solid f2, which worries me. I could go for a f3 with Owen and Duncan and play the middle of those two, but Trevor is? Talking to me? Wild. I guilt tripped Ali so badly last round because he told me the vote was for David and *insisted* that, and I nearly voted for David, but thanks to Duncan... whew. Saved that. But now Ali feels super guilty. Ethos, logos, pathos? Using them all, but pathos was my friend then. Good use of pathos, actually. My english teacher wishes. David is gone now anyway, which I feel sorta bad about, all the boys in this game are super cute and too pretty to be getting early boots. I do trust Duncan, but I'm not 100% how much. At least we aren't viewed as a duo. But he said it himself, we were two people brought together by unfortunate circumstances, and in my experience, that never works out. But I'll stick with you, for now. We'll see. At this point, I can't win this game. I maybe could get fifth? Maybe. If I really work it. My UTR game won't cut it, I really need to be MOR, or else I'm getting the block. Time to show my value to people, or become fifth juror - one of the two.

OWEN

I think as of right now the ideal final three for me would be myself, Logan and Lydia. Getting there though with that specific group is...not necessarily the easiest thing. Especially because I've basically sworn not to screw over Trevor or Duncan. And I don't really want to have to put either of their names down, but I know they're bigger threats than I am. Maybe I could beat them in the end... But do I really want to beat Trevor and have him lose in the finals a third time? I want Trevor to do well and I want to see him win. But I want to win too! So I'm at a bit of a conflict here. Ideally, Sam/JD/Ali go now and probably another one of them goes next. Maybe it could be like... Sam and JD or Sam and Ali. Then at final seven I think it would be good for me if Trevor left. It'd have to be at seven because that way, Trevor/myself/Lydia could vote one way and then Duncan/Logan/Ryan/Thing 1 or 2 (whichever is left) could vote Trevor. Then at a final six, maybe the other Thing (Ali or JD) goes. Final five would have to be Duncan. And the final four would be me, Ryan, Lydia and Logan? Then Ryan goes fourth? Maybe? That's one way to get there but that counts on a lot of things going right with immunity and idols and also that counts on me being very aware of Trevor and Duncan both leaving and potentially having a hand in that and that's....not good! NOT GOOD. ugshfsdfsd

OWEN

SOOOO! JD won immunity which limits my options to Ali and Sam I guess. But I did have a plan. Trevor mentioned that Sam told him that Ali has to go eventually. So my thought is that Trevor tells Sam that it's time to do Ali. And so Sam thinks we are voting Ali, he knows the votes will be me Trevor Logan Lydia and Duncan against Ali. And that way like maybe there's a chance he just votes Ali Idk!!! But then in reality the five of us vote for Sam. That way the idol is gone, guaranteed. He either plays it on Ali and leaves or he votes for Ali and keeps his idol. The only problem is if he doesn't believe us and plays it on himself instead, which makes me think maybe like.... idk maybe Logan uses the extra vote they supposedly have and we split the vote somehow. I guess that plan would depend on what ryan is doing. And I wouldn't want to tell ryan the plan in case he still goes for Trevor. Idk!!!! I guess we could also make it seem like we are going for Sam and vote Ali instead but I think it's more realistic to do the other plan since sam has expressed interest in voting out Ali anyways??? It's hard calling shots because I'm not immune this time, but Trevor does still have an idol as well so maybe he could play it just in case. Idk!!! We will see

I won immunity! I'm so excited right now, those puzzle skills my preschool teacher was talking about finally paid off! *happy dance*

SAM

HEY! I CAN'T WAIT TO GET RIGGED OUT OF THE GAME. oooooh hosts you really had to do that huh I would be beyond stupid to not think that I was the target of the other side this round--people know that I'm close with Trevor, but I am willing to drop him at any time. So this round, even though I knew I was in some hot water, I was like "oh, I have Trevor's idol in my possession, and I have one that he's willing to play on me. I'm like a poached egg not fully hard boiled--I'll be fine." THEN OH THEN Duncan steals Ali's ability to go to the Labyrinth and YOU KNOW HWAT HE FUCKIN FINDS?????? HE FINDS A DAMN ADVANTAGE THAT ALLOWS FOR ME TO NOT VOTE AND MAYBE SUPPOSEDLY NOT HAVE ANY ITEMS PLAYED ON ME????? FUCK THIS????? the worst part is that I don't know what I'm up against! because owen isn't being forthcoming to trevor! so i don't know if trevor can play an idol on me at all or if i can't play an idol just on myself but I know I can't vote! so i need to give an extra vote to someone who will vote on my side!!!!! i hate!!!!! this!!!!!! so now i actually have to scrape for literally everything while other bitches don't even have to lift a finger!!!! AAAAAHHHHHHH!! hosts if i go out tonight i love you BUT this is a shitty way to go that i don't really have control over!! call me malcolm binch!

sorry for all my yelling like i just thought this one was meant to be. i was ready!!!!

OWEN

So the plan is pretty much set in motion. I think Logan and Duncan are on board to vote Sam. AAAADN duncan apparently found a power to cancel sams idol???? Which would be???? Greater than Frosted Flakes. But this just makes it extra clear that's Sam CANT KNOW anything is going on. Which is where I might've messed up. Trevor said he would talk to Sam but I got the feeling he wasn't really doing it and I told him about Duncan's power oop and he was sketched out by Duncan, as he is. Cue the argument about whether or not Sam should go!!!! Yay!!!! So I've basically just gotta convince Trevor to do it. And to keep his mouth shut. And he's....impulsive. I don't think he will. The good thing is he's coming here tonight!!!!! So if I need to I think I can convince him in person. I just have to hope by then it's not too late :( I'm not afraid to flirt my way to Trevor's brain to try to get him to follow through with this. All is fair in love and war.

OWEN

talked to sam and he's high key paranoid what a surprise I brought up doing Ali....screams. He said no, pretty much, and mentioned doing Trevor instead which to me seems sketch cause idk why he would suggest that so easily to me of all people. He wasn't being very clear, like usual. I basically told him to wait until final seven SHSKDJDJJD to do Trevor and Idk he said he wasn't seeing the picture and so when I asked him like... what the picture is what he thought the next few votes would be he said he didn't think that far cause he's not there yet. My bullshit radar is goin off!!!!!! :~) I'm not sure what the convo meant. It's the first time he truly wanted to talk to me. But he did bring up just going for Logan so idk. We agreed to talk again in a little bit. And Trevor will be here in person soon. And I just need this all to work out because i think if it doesn't then I'm toast Know this tho if Trevor ruins this for me then I'm not holding back anymore!!!!!!!!!! I'll help him pack his bags!!!!

TREVOR

https://youtu.be/JyDLok_-pDI

So this vote is going to be reealllly messy I think. So far as I know: Owen and Duncan want to vote out Sam, Trevor doesn't wanna do that because ovbs, Sam gave him the idol and he feels like Sam will probs be usefully (sorry for the bad abbreviation, Im just lazy right now). From what I've heard Trevor wants to vote Duncan now though because he, I'm guessing, wants to break up him and Owen. WHY the fuck are you not voting OWEN!? I've run the idea by Ali and I want to get Trevor to play the idol for ether Ali or Sam cus, why not~ get the idol out of Trevors hands and if we can get the idol played on someone other then Owen then why not vote for Owen? It pisses me off the Trevor doesn't want to talk to me, I mean, okay your with your boyfriend who is in the game but if he asked it's not hard to lie and say I'm freaking out over thinking and Trevor is chilling me out. I mean, I'm 100% on thinking that Owen thinks of me as the goat so he'd believe it. My plan would be so vote Owen. Right now the majority is split on Owen and Trevors side. Owens: Owen, Duncan, maybe Logan = voting Sam or Ali, we've heard Ali as a second or a 'go vote this one' to get some throw away votes. Trevor: Trevor, me, Ali, Lydia, Sam, Ryan = voting for Duncan to break up Owen and Duncan? My plan is a three way split for Sam, Owen and Duncan, then on the revote we vote our Duncan (sorry hostys Im sure ties suck) but really I just want to fuck up the votes and vote Owen. Hoping that Trevor will use his idol on Sam, assuming he cant use it on himself... I guess we'll see.

OWEN

So!!!! Of course Trevor gets here and tells me that they're all voting for Duncan!!!! Lol!!!!!!! He wasn't even gonna tell me except it was more convenient for him since we were about to be together for 48 hours. Anyways. Thanks for lying all day and then planning on leaving me out to dry ;~) looks like I won't have any trouble lying to you from now on huh!!!!!!! Anyways, I immediately got to work convincing him to do Sam instead, and then we called Lydia finally and talked to her about it. Except Trevor also told everyone all of this SHIT and I'm so mad I literally like. At least he bought me chipotle. Anyways!!!! Lydia was planning on telling Ryan to vote Sam and also they all think that Duncan's rags make it so that Sam can't have any idols played on him even from other players. Idk it's messy and i just want to sleep. I'm hoping I convinced them to switch their votes. Sam needs to go now that he knows I was after him. Also lol it's funny cause I asked Trevor as soon as he walked in if He told Sam to message me lmao I knew it was fishy af Idk it's all fishy. Why does Trevor feel the NEED to ruin!!!!! Djdjdjdjd Jesus. Also surprise he's not giving me the idol. Or playing it on me. I hope it bites him in the ass when people like duncan and ryan really do wanna vote him out and I'm not there to cover his ass. Literally DJDJDJD fuck all this At this point I'm just hoping it's not me. Idk if it would be. I've worked too hard today for it to be me, tbh. But really? Damn

this game gave me acne and soiled my crops

So I might have tried strong arming Trevor into this split by saying that Sam is easily dropped if the vote goes wrong. I don't think that he liked that cus not hes talking to Ryan about voting Sam. Which I don't get but it would mess up the split.

ALI

This vote has just aged me! Sam is maybe going, which sucks. Duncan is a liar, Logan is lying to me. Sam gave me his extra vote though, so hopefully TLJoA can vote togethed next time, as a majority. Samit was a good run, folks

DUNCAN

Heyyyy! Umm idk if this will be my last confessional or not until allstars but here we go. The time has come to slay the beast. It's time to make a move. It's time to take down sam.in short. I was allegedly the original target of rtp plus the unholy trinity, and Lydia and Trevor were on board. Then Owen talked to them and convinced them to vote Samuel only because I had my handy rags. It was a conditional agreement. But umm hopefully no one else will play an idol on sam, and hopefully everyone who is telling me they're voting sam is telling the truth. The thing is, if I get voted out tonight it's okay. I didn't come here to make it to the end and win. This is a move I need to make to help me win. So if I'm going down, I can say I did what I said I set out here to do when I applied. I came to win, not to be a coward

#allianceofone #episodes

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