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olderthannetfic · 3 days

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Obvious Disclaimer that this is not about any specific anon in particular, not about OTNF themself, but that my following rant might *slightly* punch down on people who ARE, well, older than net fics are.

But my honest opinion is that I really don’t like it when us old heads tend to sorta…talk down to? “Adultsplain”, if that’s even a thing? To The Gen Zs, by being like “damn kids! back in my day we never used our real name or posted selfies or posted about our personal life at all!” Don’t get me wrong, I’m one of those people who never posted the real me — but not because I was anonymous and cared about online safety, because I was a liar 😂 That being said, there ARE older people who definitely over-shared or “doxxed” themselves and still do, and there’s younger people who don’t!

I also feel like being “ha, these stupid KIDS who post about their FANDOM LIFE on TIK TOCK under their REAL NAME AND FACE where IRLS CAN SEE THEM, how STUPID” is not doing anyone any favors. Is that, technically, a smart thing for kids to do? No. Has it become normalized? Yes. And does that suck for people who might be bullied or outed or whatever cuz they genuinely are dumb and don’t know better and then someone they don’t like sees their stuff? Yes.

We all talk about how there’s no more kids spaces on the internet and how that’s a shame, but then five seconds later we’ll reblog that one “At any time I’m at risk of seeing a 14 year olds opinion and that’s why I hate it here” post. There’s really so few kid spaces on the net now, that’s true. We should extend empathy and let the teens be obnoxious and pretentious in peace, rather than making it a point to “ratio” or “roast them.” Idk personally I’d be completely unbothered if some 14 year old insulted my fic or my ship or whatever. I’d just block and move on, no need to try to argue with them.

And also, not all kids are even pretentious or obnoxious! I’m not saying we all need to take the kids under our wings, but we should be careful about not hating them just for being in their teens years, you know?

Also… telling a teenager to not post PII or not get into discourse or not have social media or whatever will NOT work the way you want it to 😭 kids are by default a little bit oppositionally defiant so telling some rando teen to Get Off Your Lawn (blog) rather than just blocking them, will encourage said teen to Stay On Your Lawn.

I just hate how it’s become normal for adults to talk down to teens online. I was harassed by adults online as a kid, then years and years and years later i went through my own “Older Than You™️”phase where I myself was a shit to teenagers, and I truly regret that so much. To this day I still need to make an effort to be careful. I saw on Twitter where an adult posted a DM from a 13 year old, mocking them. The DM said “I’m 14 next year, can I follow you? Please don’t groom me.” And the adult OP was laughing at how stupid the dm was. A few years ago, I would’ve been one of the people retweeting that and rolling my eyes at the child. Now im disgusted by the people who WERE laughing at them.

And again I’m obviously not saying we should be “nice” to the teenagers who mock us for our ships or who virtue signal too hard. But we also don’t need to make fun of their CARRDS or call them Puri-teens or rag on them just for being 17 or younger, yk?

Teens aren't 'puriteens' just for being young, dude. They have to also be puritanical bullies.

I find the stuff about real names hilarious because, actually, if you're really Internet Old™, then you probably did use your real name... it was right there in your university e-mail address! Or your random early ISP address if your stepdad got it for you and thought the university format was the default. Thanks, stepdad.

I've done every single dumb thing from going to meet my internet pen pal at an Alice Cooper concert to flying to Ireland from Japan to stay with a fandom friend I'd never met without telling anyone where I was going and without a credit card or enough cash to flee if I had to. I remember sitting on the plane thinking "Man, this is such a CSI episode topic".

The really funny part was that despite what she'd said before I visited, we ran into each of her parents at different times and ended up going to a play courtesy of her uncle, and all of them were like "So how do you know each other?" and "But you'd met before, right? RIGHT?!"

The level of panopticon is horrifying now. Teens have my sympathy. That part really is worse, and I think it's driving an entire generation nuts and we're going to see even more shit about people wanting to run away and live in a cabin in the woods with no internet. But in general, I don't think we're so different.

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oldguydoesstuff · 6 hours

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Hi where you around in the seventies to actually expertise these Computers first hand

Yeah so I was a tween/teen in the 70s and was definitely around. I was fascinated with computers thanks to Star Trek and Lost in Space etc, but computers were very hard to come by then, no one owned one and they were limited access.

I did get time on our PDP-8 in high school, and sometime around 79 or so built my own system from a kit and was like the only kid on the block with a computer actually in his house.

Only other time I remember using a computer (mainframe, not counting video arcade games here) was at the university of Connecticut, thanks to a neighbor who was a professor there.

He took me in to show me their IBM mainframe and told me the computer could answer any yes or no question. So I asked it is it Wednesday, our neighbor typed it on the terminal, and it immediately printed "yes" in glowing green phosphor. I was freaked out, asked if it was Tuesday, and it said "no". I asked all sorts of questions, about how many people were in the room, math, geography etc.

Yes, no, yes.. it kept getting them all right!

After becoming convinced the computer was sentient, our neighbor showed me the program he had wrote. It let you type in text, and if you started the sentence with a space, it answered "yes", if not, "no". Observers did not notice the space. Genius.

Wrote this same program many times over the years to amaze people. Less amazing now with AI on our doorstep, so sorry y'all can't go impress your friends with this one anymore.

#oldguyisold #1970s #retro computing #ai

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ldysmfrst · 3 days

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America Mate (8) - Time to Tell the Family Pack

Chapter 8 is live for Patreon members! This chapter is 11,456 words of fluff, intensity, and amusement. Check out a teaser below!

“Are you serious? You agreed to be our playmate?” Soekjin inquires, stepping up next to Yoongi.

Standing up, you look at the two hybrids with a smile. “Yes,” you say, glancing over at Namjoon and Jungkook. “I may not be a normal playmate, and this may not be a normal situation, but I am willing to try to make it work.”

At your words, the pack erupts into exclamations of joy, shock, and happiness. The room is flooded with happy scents and a warm abundance of vanilla.

Their reactions also make you smile, which only becomes wider when you become a Yoongi and Jungkook sandwich. Soon follows Seokjin, then Taehyung and Hoseok, and lastly comes Jimin and Namjoon. You have fully been engulfed in a pack pile.

While it is all good and dandy, they won’t let go. Logically, you understand that they are just finding a way to claim you as their playmate and temporary pack member. The attention is a little unnerving.

“Well, this is an endearing sight to see, Bangtan. I won’t disrupt too much. I just wanted to let you all know that I have sent over the signed contract. Miss Y/n only needs to attend a health screening appointment and clear her office desk by the end of the week. Everything should be good,” Manager Sejin says from the hallway.

“I will let myself out. Remember you have a schedule tomorrow which Yoongi is excused from to assist her, but the rest of you need sleep. It's getting late.”

With that, you find yourself still in the middle of a very warm cluster of hybrid men. As thrilled as most Army would be, it is too much too soon for you.

“Umm, guys. Can we maybe take a step back?” you ask the group, resulting in unpleasant grumbles all around.

“No, like, really. I need air, or space, or breathing room.” with still no response, you raise your voice, “I need out!”

You are now batting and pushing for freedom while raising your voice, breaking the boys out of whatever headspace they had gone into. The boys move to sit or stand around the living room, now feeling mildly awkward as you are feeling disgruntled and overwhelmed.

Once you can wiggle out of them, move to the farthest corner near the backyard doors, take a few breaths, and let the warm vanilla scent settle you.

Man, you need to find out what kind of cleaner or candle they use.

The boys look at each other and have silent conversations with their eyes and hands about what should happen next since they realize they have overstepped yet again.

At this most inopportune time, your stomach decides to roar like a ravenous dragon. Looking at your phone, you realize you ate last at the lunch meeting with Manager Sejin.

“It seems that my promise to keep you eating well and happy starts right away,” Seokjin says with a slight chuckle as he walks up next to you.

He hands you his phone with the Doordash app open. “Here you go, dear. Dinner is on me. Pick any place you like and order whatever you want. I think the rest of us should go unpack enough to sleep.”

The boys nod and murmur in agreement, moving to their rooms. Namjoon mentions something about no seafood, and Taehyung asks for nothing spicy.

“Oh… Thank you, Mr. Kim,” you smile while looking through the app, only to stop when a hand is placed on your arm.

“You are with us now. Please use our names or even nicknames. I hope you feel comfortable and allow us to use yours as well,” Seokjin mentions before heading upstairs.

“Names or nicknames. Got it – Jin.”

Before going down the hall, he smiles at you one last time, “When you are done ordering for everyone, just send it out.”

After giving him a thumbs up, you murmur to yourself, “Order for everyone… no, what was it again? Oy… I hardly know what I want most of the time, much less for seven Korean men.

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noodyl-blasstal · 2 days

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Cool, Calm, and Collegiate ch 1

It's @blupjeansweek!! Lup's returning to IPRE summer school for the first time since she attended it as a kid. Some of her colleagues are pretty awful, but one of them... Well... He's very interesting.

Find here or on ao3

Lup [14:45]

Made it safe, don’t burn the plants down and remember to water the kitchen.

Taako [14:45]

Instructions unclear. Filling bath with mayonnaise.

Lup [14:46]

You’re the worst <3

Taako [14:47]

Stop texting me and go teach kids space magic or whatever.

Lup [14:48]

You need to know I’m flipping you off right now.

Taako [14:48]

Never doubted you for a second, now go do your thing. Be safe, don’t talk to dogs, pet a lot of strangers.

Lup [14:48]

Taako [14:48]

Lup double checks the instructions, then stows her phone in her pocket, adjusts her rucksack, and definitely doesn’t give herself a pep talk, she doesn’t need to, she’s Lup fuckin’ Taako. They’re lucky to have her. These kids are gonna know so many things about space and magic and no one’s gonna act like she doesn’t belong.

“Eward! It’ll mess up my hair!” A tall elf looks perturbed as Edward, (her twin? Judging by the fact they look like mirror images they have to be, plus, twin recognises twin) holds out a satchel bag.

“It’s your bag, Lydia, dear.” Edward, clearly an optimist, continues to hold it out.

“Can’t Harry get it?”

“Oh yes. I’m sure he can come and sort this out.” Edward makes a sweeping gesture to the ever growing pile of bags and cases the poor taxi driver is piling on the pavement.

“I’ll call him.” Lydia snaps open her clutch.

Lup’s transfixed by her acid green nails and the wildly impractical heels. Not to mention Edward’s wearing a short sleeved suit jacket with embroidered shorts that Taako would kill for… how rude is it to photograph strangers?

“Harry… yes… sure, whatever… uh huh… well you’ll be glad to know that we’re here… yes… so can you come be a darling and get our bags?... I’m not sure that Daddy would like to hear that you’re being so unfriendly on our very first day… Thank you so much darling, we’ll see you soon.” Lydia grimaces and slides the phone back into her bag and shakes her head at Edward. “Such poor service here.”

It takes everything in Lup not to say something. Sure, their fashion sense is glorious, but they’re a caricature of awful if this is how they treat people. Lup’s ready to swing on poor Harold’s behalf. Not to mention the taxi driver they definitely didn’t tip, just waved her off once she’d finished hauling their ridiculous bags out of the minivan.

“Oh there you are, Harry, we’re just over here. Don’t worry about not being out front to meet us.” Edward smiles broadly, as if he’s not aware of precisely how much of a dick he’s being.

Lup’s willing to wager he knows exactly what he’s doing.

Harry though, assuming that’s the guy in the blue jeans who just walked reluctantly out of the front of the building, doesn’t look so confident. “Uh. Hi Lydia, Edward.” He tugs at the sleeves of his white shirt, clearly uncomfortable.

“So good to see you again.” Lydia says without looking at him.

“This is everything.” Edward points, as if there were a chance Harry might have missed the small mountain of wealth piled at the side of the road.

“And you need me to, uh, get some luggage trolleys?” Harry, poor sweet Harry, asks.

“If that’s what you need to move them to our rooms.” Edward shrugs, already scrolling on his phone.

“Did you check us in?” Lydia asks.

“Er… the accommodation office is…” Harry starts.

“Oh darling, these heels aren’t made for walking, are you sure you can’t just bring us the keys and let us know where we’re going?” Lydia titters and flutters her eyelashes at him.

Lup sends a beam of strength to Harry. Don’t fall for it, my dude, make them do their own life admin. You’ve go this.

“The accommodation office is over there.” Harry points.

Yes! Go, Harry, get ‘em!

“But darling, how will you know where to take our bags if you don’t check us in?” Edward asks, not looking up from his phone.

Lup watches the fight drain out of him. He fought a good fight…

“I’ll go to the accommodation office, which is over there.” Harry bites out.

At least he’s not trying to pretend he’s not pissed off any more. This is most definitely and absolutely not his job, for sure. Lup was under no illusions when she took this role. Science educator at a Summer education programme was never going to pay well, but coming here set her on the path she’s on now, and the least she can do is give back (and be legally allowed to make explosions for educational purposes.)

“Hey, Harold, mind if I walk with you? I haven’t been to the accommodation office before.” Lup catches up to him quickly, closing the distance in a few long strides.

When he turns to look at her his face is sour. “Please, uh, just, there’s no need to keep doing it.”

“Doing what?” Lup tilts her head, but doesn’t break her step. “Cha’girl needs to find the accommodation office, and you look like you know what’s up. It’s Lup, by the way.” She stops abruptly and offers a hand.

Harry stops too, looks at her for a moment, sizing her up. Then he smiles. “Barry.” He says, shaking it.

“Oh hell no.” Lup can feel the flush of heat spreading across her cheeks. “I’m so sorry, I just heard them say it and…”

“Yeah, well, they’re not always right.”

“Not often right, from what I’ve seen.” Lup mutters.

Barry laughs, once, sharp, perfect. “C’mon, I’ll show you the office.”

“Thanks Barry!”

His smile is glorious.

–

“I’ll help.”

“It’s fine.” Barry huffs as he tries to work out whether it’s better to wheel two suitcases at once in front or behind. “You’ve got your own stuff and you need to get settled.”

“Cha’girl has a single hiking bag because she’s not a complete maniac.” Lup rolls her eyes. “Plus, they’ll just complain if you leave anything on the side while you drop the first lot to their room.” She grimaces so Barry knows how wrong she thinks they are.

“You, uh, well, can’t argue with that.” Barry shrugs. Then adds, softly. “Thank you.”

Lup bumps his shoulder with hers. “Lup’s got you.”

She ends up with her rucksack, three bags on each arm, and the hair-mussing satchel (hair completely intact because she’s capable of operating a strap, thank you very much.) Barry wields two cases with his meat hands, and one with his mage hand. Lup copied him to get the last of the cases.

“How do people even have this much stuff?” Barry asks while they wait for the lift.

“Dedication? Perseverance?” Lup nudges him with her elbow, hands blessedly free as she’s laid the bags down to wait for the world’s slowest lift. “How much did you pack?”

“I didn’t have to, I live just off campus, uh, the street behind the student accommodation.”

“Oooh, happy accident that the job came up and you lived nearby?”

“Well, I… you know… work here. It’s new. But I said I’d help with the, er, the programme.” Barry looks embarrassed about this fact.

Lup raises her eyebrow. “I thought you said you were Barry?”

“I am.”

“They didn’t mention a Barry on any of the forms.” Lup knows for sure because she googled the fuck out of everyone and everything about the programme when she found out she got an interview.

“I’m not sure they put me on the letters or the websites or, well, uh, that stuff… plus, it’d by a different name.” He pauses. “It’s a long story.”

Lup points at the cheerful lift floor light which is currently still stuck on 19. “We’ve got time, my guy.” She’s going to go rogue and hack into the computers to fix it if this school is deadnaming him or something.

“Okay, it’s not really a long story, but I’m not on the forms because I help unofficially, and Barry isn’t my government name.”

“Okay?”

“I prefer Barry.”

“Barry Bluejeans.” Lup points at his denim-clad legs.

“Why not?”

“Do you not want them to use your other name?”

“No no, it’s fine, it’s just for, you know, business. It’s what’s on my office door, it’s Sildar.”

“I never thought I’d know two! Sildar! Elf King of the Forest, Thirteenth of his Line…” Lup swishes her imaginary cloak and laughs gently. “Destroyer of…”

She stops, Barry looks stunned. Shit. Maybe he was more sensitive about his name than he made it sound. She’d fallen into a comfortable pattern. Lup closes the distance between them. “Oh, my dude, sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you, that’s an…”

“...In joke.” Barry finishes for her. Then draws himself up to a majestic height and swishes his own cloak. “Destroyer of Ill Informed Zombies.” He’s smiling.

“Hallwinter?”

“Tacco?”

“Barry?”

“Lup?”

“What the fuck?” Lup swears she’s buffering, she’s usually not short of words, but this? What is she supposed to do with this? Sildar, in the flesh, not just a guy in a computer. “You’re real!”

Barry laughs. Hard.

Lup pokes him in the side.

“Ow!”

“Just checking.” She smiles her biggest smile.

He laughs again and it sets Lup off too. They’re still gasping for breath when the door the lift light finally blinks another floor down.

“Did the last email help?” Barry asks, pressing the lift button again, as if that’ll help.

“Yeah! The way you explained it made a lot more sense than the textbook.”

“Cyrus.” Barry says like it’s a particularly awful curse word, and shrugs dismissively.

“So you have roughly three thousand degrees?” Lup asks.

“No!” Barry protests quickly.

“Uh huh. Have you forgotten how many you have?”

“It’s only four PhDs. It’s fine. Erm… Look! The lift’s moving.” Barry points enthusiastically at the blinking light which shows a whole floor’s worth of progress.

“You can’t distract me from the fact I’m with academic royalty right now.”

“I’m not academic royalty!” Barry looks offended at the very thought.

Lup just wiggles her eyebrows. “Oh Sildar, can’t I please have your autograph?”

“Lup!” Barry looks genuinely distressed enough that she decides it’s time to stop bullying him.

“So what’s the best meal on the canteen rotation? I figure you’ve been here a little bit? You said you were moving in your email last month, right?”

Barry’s discomfort fades immediately. “So they make this mac and cheese with asparagus in it and the summer school kids hate it because it’s got green bits so they always give you extra. I figure it’ll be different once the students are back, but uh, I guess you’ll be gone then?”

Lup shrugs. “Gotta wait on the post docs to get back to me, but my cheese yen thanks you for the baller tip! What else you got for cha’girl? I’m gonna plumb your depths.”

There’s a long moment. Lup dares Barry to double her entendre. He thinks about it, she can tell, but he doesn’t. She’s not disappointed exactly… but.

By the time the lift finally arrives Lup knows where the quiet libraries are, has a few routes for her morning runs, and, most importantly, knows where to get the good coffee (The Davey Lamp Cafe or Barry’s office. She’s inclined to try the latter first, because Barry has good taste, obviously, no other reason.)

“Okay, tetris time!” Lup zoops the mage hand suitcase into the lift, Barry shoves his in close behind.

“Do you think we can do this?”

“Cha’girl has better things to do than wait another 84 years for the lift, Barold, prepare to get cosy.”

Lup shoos him in with the suitcases next.

“Okay, if I put the bags on top of the cases, and then…” Lup scooches into the, admittedly small, gap next to Barry. “Is this okay?”

“Uh, yeah, fine… er.. Good… I mean… Yeah.”

“Do you want me to get the next one?”

“No! No. I mean, this is okay.” Barry’s swaying very slightly, Lup’s pressed against his side, so sways with him.

“They’re floor 26, right?” Lup asks.

“Oh, fuck, hang on.” Barry lunges towards the buttons. “Yeah, there we go.”

The lift grinds slowly upwards.

“So why IPRE? I imagine everyone was clamouring to get their hands on you?” Lup wiggles her eyebrows and Barry flushes bright pink.

“Well, uh, you know… I really liked their er… ethos?” Barry starts tentatively.

“Funding?”

Barry laughs, relieved. “Yeah, that. They have plenty of funding available. Plus, they seemed interested in letting me, you know, work on some of my own stuff.”

“Bonds?” Lup hisses quietly, as if anyone could hear over the slow grinding noise of The World’s Shittest Lift.

Barry nods and his face lights up. “You remembered?”

“Hard to forget when someone’s so passionate about something, Barold.”

“It’s also closer to Mum.”

“Of course. How is Marlena?”

“Still raving about the cookies you sent. She said they were as baller as you promised, and that you’d promised you would only send them to her so I had to come visit if I wanted to try them.”

“Who am I, but a girl who is willing to engage in cookie crime to help a Mum out.”

“I visit her!”

“I know.” Lup nods, he’s talked a lot about wishing he was closer, especially as she gets older.

“Now I can go more.” Barry adds.

“You sure can, I’d better look at the recipe book.” Lup winks at him.

–

“Leave them here.” Lup shrugs. “You’ve done your bit.”

Barry dithers, and knocks again. “I don’t know why they went ahead of me to get the key when they specifically asked me to check them in.”

“Weird power play.”

“Really?”

“Definitely, I’ve met their sort before. Just leave their stuff here, don’t hang around waiting. You’re the guy, they’re nothing in the scheme of research. This is absolutely not your problem.”

“Yeah. Yeah…” Barry keeps his hands on the cases.

“Barold?” Lup takes his arm gently to pull him away.

Barry twitches slightly, like he’s about to pull his arm back, there’s a moment where Lup worries that she’s gone too far. Sure they’ve sent some emails, they joked in the lift, but this is Sildar Halwinter, Magic Science guy. He wrote the textbooks, or should have, he’s got the cutting edge papers… He’s not just a cute nerd for Lup to boss about. Thankfully though, he relaxes, lets himself be tugged away towards the lift.

“Yeah. You’re right. I’ve given them enough of my time.”

“Yes! That’s the spirit.” Lup punches the air. “Let’s get out of here.”

“Which floor are you?”

“3.” Lup says. “I don’t have fancy parental connections to get the good view.

“Well, at least you’re in luck if the lift goes out.” Barry says wrly.

“You truly are a genius, Dr Hallwinter.” Lup nods cheekily.

Barry throws her a sideways glance, and smiles. There’s no blush this time, maybe he’s easing into it.

This time, they stand slightly further apart in the lift.

“Is there anything I can help you with?” Barry asks. He sounds like he means it.

Lup wants to say yes immediately. There’s absolutely nothing she can think of that Barry can do for her right now, but she likes hanging out with him. He’s fun to talk to online, and more fun in person, if just for the immediacy… also she gets to look at his face. Er… she means… shit.

“I’m not sure I need a hand with my bag, but you’re welcome to come check out the digs if you want?” She realises too late that it sounds like she’s propositioning him. ‘Come look at my room’, she may as well ask the guy in for coffee.

“I’ve actually already surveyed the rooms, so I’ll let you get settled, but if you decide you want coffee before the staff briefing this evening then stop by my flat, I’m heading home for a few hours.” Barry smiles warmly.

Uh… did Barold just uno reverse her? Bam! Proposition me will you? Here’s one right back! No, no way, he probably just means coffee. Would she go if she thought he didn’t just mean coffee?... Nope, stop! Bad line of thinking. He’s being kind, it’s generous. They’re friends! She’ll see.

“Cool, I’ll get settled, write a postcard, then maybe head over when I go to post it?”

The lift dings to announce its arrival at the third floor. “No pressure, I’ll see you later, Lup.”

–

Hey Ko’

I know you’re gonna roll your eyes, but you’re getting postcards, just like we wrote to Tia back in the day. Today was fine. Those twins I messaged about are fucking awful (that’s right, I can swear in these now, when you’re the teachers no one checks!) they kept calling this guy Harry, turns out his name’s Barry. Barry Bluejeans (well, not officially the last bit, but he was wearing them, so sue me.) They made him carry their bags, so obviously I helped, and we got talking and I was all “he’s really cool. No idea why they’re so mean to him”. Anyway, anyway, turns out his Government name isn’t Barry. It’s Sildar fucking Halwinter! That one, yeah. So I guess my pen pal is my person pal for the next 8 weeks… I’m gonna make the most of it, I just need to figure out which questions to ask.

Anyway, I’m running out of postcard space, but it’s all pretty similar to how it was, the room’s slightly nicer, only one bed and a private bathroom (thank every god going, I’ll never forgive Greg Grimaldis his bathroom crimes), but it’s still student digs.

Love you always,

Lup xxxxx

---

Thank you for reading! Find chapter 2 here.

#blupjeans week 2024 #Blupjeans #Lup #Barry Bluejeans #It's Blupjeans Week time gang!#BlupjeansWeek2024

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firelordsfirelady · 18 hours

Text

XV. Wonders of Omashu

Author: @firelordsfirelady

Imagine: When Y/N—a princess of one of the Water Tribes—is told she’s leaving her tribe, she never expects that she’s to be betrothed to the Fire Lord’s son, nor was she prepared to be exiled the very day she arrived at the Fire Nation. With her life in the hands of her new fiancée, how will life change for the princess?

Pairing: Zuko x F!Reader

Trigger warnings: arranged marriage, feelings of fear, banishment, mentions of burns/abuse, frustration, violence, betrayal, language

Word Count: 2171

Destined to be Yin and Yang

I own no rights to Avatar the Last Airbender or any of the characters/story.

Author’s Notes

The characters as all aged up so Zuko’s banishment happens when he’s 16

Keep in mind I am bringing a unique world with inspiration from ATLA in their characters, some of the events that happen, bending, etc. Not many things may align or occur with what happened in the show. It’s intended that way, so I hope you enjoy it regardless.

See Y/N’s inspiration here.

Destined to be Yin and Yang Soundtrack (YouTube)

A few weeks later I was on the deck of the ship watching with excitement as the landmass of the Earth Kingdom got closer. I was itching to leave the boat and put some space between Zuko and I as the Avatar mission brought us to the city of Omashu.

“You’re in good spirits today.” Zuko’s voice sounded from behind me, and I fought the urge to roll my eyes before I turned to look over my shoulder. Iroh and Zuko were standing nearby as they looked at the approaching coastline, but I said nothing and turned my attention back to the view in front of me. I heard Iroh slightly chuckle as I ignored Zuko, just as I had done for the last few weeks.

To say I was hurting would be an understatement. However, I was excited to learn that there were sightings reported of an Airbender helping in Omashu.

“Are you excited to be near the city?” Iroh’s jovial voice asked.

“Yes.” I said quickly. “I can’t wait to stretch my legs on the land.” Zuko scoffed at me.

“Don’t get too excited, you’re—“

“And I’m excited to try the delicacies of the Earth Kingdom.” I looked at Iroh with a huge smile on my face. “And I can’t wait to—“

“You’re staying on the ship.” Zuko growled, but I smiled at him.

“Like hell I’m staying on this ship.” I snapped as I looked at Zuko. “If I remember correctly, I am a waterbender and you’re a firebender. In these parts of the world, people are more inclined to trust me than you.” I motioned between us as I spoke. “If the Avatar or his partners are in the city, they will hide if they notice you. If they notice me, I’ll look just like anyone else in the city.” I smirked. “Like it or not, Prince Zuko, you need me.” Flicking my hair over my shoulder, I walked away from the two firebenders—one of whom looked proud of me and the other who looked astonished as I walked away.

A few hours later, the three of us--Iroh, Zuko, and I--stood in line waiting as the guards screened everyone at the gates. The three of us were dressed in Earth kingdom clothes, and we looked like we belonged in the city itself like the people around us. Zuko looked irate as we approached the guards at the gate.

“State your business.” The guard roughly said, but I gave him a big smile as I laced my arm through Zuko’s.

“My husband and I are returning home after spending time helping my brother with his cabbage farm nearby.” I patted Zuko’s arm for extra effect as I smiled up at him with closed eyes. The heart in my chest squeezed at the proximity of the Firebender, but I was still hurting from the way the Prince acted.

“Yes, the cabbages are doing so well this year that he needed a few extra set of hands.” Iroh said as he came and placed his arm around me. “It is always nice to help those in times of need.”

“Alright. Alright. Don’t hold up the line now.” The guard grumbled before the gates to the city slowly moved to let us in.

“Thank you!” I sweetly said as I slightly pulled Zuko by our interlaced arms through the gate. Once we were past the gate, I let go of Zuko’s arm as the bustling city around me captured my attention. People bustled about on their daily business while the aroma of the city smelled divine with herbs and spices filling the atmosphere. I felt like a kid all over again as I pointed at shop stand with a bunch of red sticks tied together.

“Oh! Look at that!” I quietly exclaimed with wild eyes. “What are those?” Iroh chuckled lightly at me as Zuko scowled.

“You act like you’ve never seen firecrackers before.” Zuko said with a roll of his eyes. “We aren’t here for--”

“I haven’t seen firecrackers before.” I said as I looked at another stand with a bunch of fresh fruits and vegetables. “I have never been to a fresh market like this before.” My eyes scanned over the various tea shops and clothing shops. “Restocking supplies stops don’t count. Those aren’t like this.” Turning to look at Iroh, I put on my best begging face. “Can I look around?”

“Of course. Here, take this and get you some things too.” Iroh smiled and lightly placed a small leather bag in my hand that made a clinking sound as it landed. “I’m glad someone can still see the world with fresh eyes.”

“No--”

“Yes, we are.” I grabbed Zuko’s hand and pulled him behind me. “How else do you expect to find him? He’s not going to be hiding where he feels safe from you.” I whispered to him before I stopped at a tea cart to order some tea. I scanned the crowd while I waited for my order to be finished while Zuko stood next to me in a grouchy mood.

“Thank you very much.” I said as I grabbed the two cups from the vendor and walked back to Zuko. “Here.” I said as I offered the cup to him without looking at him, and then I whispered through clenched teeth, “Try to blend in.” Begrudgingly, Zuko took the cup from me.

I didn’t let the angry Fire Prince ruin my wanderlust of the city as I looked around. There were minecarts traveling at rapid speeds through tracks that crossed the city and went all the way to the palace.

As I stopped to marvel at a piece of fabric at one of the shops, my hand reached out to touch a gorgeous green silk when I found myself standing across from a small green cart that was closer to the quieter side of Omashu. The Airbender stood in front of me flanked by two members of another Water Tribe--one female and the other male. He looked at Zuko without fear as he took an offensive stance. Blinking, I found myself standing in the street holding a green fabric lightly in my hand.

“Are you done browsing?” Zuko’s angry voice whispered to me, but the anger in his words slowly faded as he turned to look at me. “Your nose is bleeding.” It was at this moment that Iroh caught up to us, but he looked concerned as I wiped the small stream of blood coming from my nose. I narrowed my eyes at Zuko before I let out a frustrated groan.

“I don’t like you right now--” I whispered to him through clenched teeth, and Zuko’s face twisted in anger and hurt. Zuko started to say as I rubbed my face slightly before I sighed. “--But I don’t break pinky promises.” I said quietly as I looked around me for signs of the area around the cart I had seen.

“You saw something?” Zuko’s whisper went unanswered when I started walking towards the quieter part of the city. “A little communication would be nice.” He grumbled as he followed me through the street to a less crowded part of the market area.

“Just because I don’t break promises doesn’t mean I’m not still mad at you.” I casually said over my shoulder.

“I’m the bad guy because--”

“You’re the ‘bad guy’ for two reasons.” Turning on my heel quickly to face Zuko, he almost bumped into me, but he stopped himself in time. Iroh walked a few paces behind him and stopped when I had turned around. “One,” I held up my pointer finger as I spoke. “You ordered me to do something and that didn’t sit well with me. And, two,” I held up my second finger as I continued to speak. “You hurt my feelings.” Pointing a finger at the Fire Lord’s son, I shook my head slightly. “It’s not just because you didn’t want me to accompany you on Kyoshi’s Island.”

Zuko said nothing else as I turned a small corner and stopped. Looking to my right, I found the cart I had seen in my vision as a young boy in Airbender clothes followed by two others--a man roughly my age and a teenage girl--dressed in Water Tribe colors rushed from around the backside of the cart. Zuko wasted no time letting off a blast of fire towards them to draw their attention to us. The three of them looked surprised by our presence as Zuko took a few steps towards them with Iroh and I following him.

“This fricking guy?” The man dressed in blue exclaimed as he looked at us. “Again?” The man turned his attention to me before he spoke again, but with a smile on his face this time. “At least he brought a pretty lady with him this time.” I felt my cheeks burn slightly at the compliment the Water Tribe man had blatantly thrown my way.

“Go.” The Airbender said as he honed his vision on Zuko. The other two shared a look before they took off running. Zuko moved to step towards the Avatar, but Iroh placed his hand on Zuko’s shoulder before whispering something to him. Zuko pulled away from Iroh and towards the Avatar before roughly pulling off his outer robe and throwing it to the ground.

“I don’t need that to defeat this boy.” Zuko said as he aggressively approached the young Avatar, who stood in a defensive stance.

There was a brief moment where Iroh and I shared a look before Zuko rolled into the air and tried to kick the Airbender, but the Avatar dodged the kick. Zuko swiped his leg down as he swung a fist backward that the young boy ducked under, but the Airbend got surprised by a kick to the head. The head kick sent the brightly dressed monk to the floor before he scrambled backwards as the Firebender took small steps towards him. Using his element, the monk lifted himself from the ground then blocked Zuko’s kick before Zuko sent another successful kick his way.

The Avatar took the moment to take off running towards the busier marketplace, and the Fire Lord’s son ran after him. I gave Iroh a look as I followed behind, more casually than the other two, with Iroh. As we rounded around a corner, I saw an older woman repeatedly beating Zuko with a broom.

“How dare you hit that child?” She said as Zuko struggled to block her attacks before the Avatar disappeared into the clothing store I had been looking at earlier. Zuko wasted no time diving in behind the Airbender. I looked at Iroh with concern as we tried to follow the sound of the pair fighting.

When we finally caught up to the other two, they stood on opposite sides of a market cart exchanging words. Zuko looked surprised by something the Airbender said before he let out a large blast of fire at a nearby cabbage cart.

My heart sank to my stomach as Iroh and I shared a worried look while the people around scattered and hollered about a Firebender. Zuko’s fire quickly caught other stalls on fire, but Iroh and I caught up to the Prince as people pushed to run away from the fire.

“We must leave,” Iroh said as he grabbed the Prince by the shoulders. “Now!” Looking towards the other side of the market, I saw an army of Earthbenders arrive to look for the Firebender. Ducking into the crowd, the three of us blended in as we lightly jogged towards the main street towards the gate. I looked ahead towards the gates as several Earthbenders blocked the path. My face paled slighlty realizing we might not make it as one of the guards ordered the gates be closed.

“Go.” Iroh said. “You two must save yourselves.” I went to ask the same question as Zuko when Zuko and I were roughly shoved to the ground by the older Firebender.

“For the Fire Nation!” Iroh exclaimed as he blasted two large bursts of fire into the sky. My heart clenched in my chest as I realized what Iroh’s intentions were, and I pulled Zuko up from the ground as Iroh’s flames grew. Heat from the fire washed over the small surrounding area before Iroh shared a small nod with me as he ran the other way. Grabbing Zuko’s hand, I pulled him towards the gate as it rumbled to close.

“We need to go.” Zuko paused for a brief moment before he let me lead him towards the gates. Zuko kept looking forward without noticing that I slowed and stopped inside the city limits. Turning to face towards the direction Iroh ran towards, I walked the opposite direction out of the city as the stone walls around the city closed and separated Zuko and I. With determination in my eyes, I slipped away and blended into the panicked crowd as I made my way towards the palace.

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#avatar imagine #zuko imagine #zuko x reader #avatar the last airbender #prince zuko #destined to be yin and yang

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ssailormoonn · 2 days

Text

❛ Crimson ❜ ── 001

Phantom Troupe X Fem!Reader

| 000 | 001 | 002 -coming soon |

Chapters ✦ 2/??

a/note:: this chapter is quite short as the next chapter will be really long and getting into juicy stuff, next chapter will be over 2000-3000 words guys dw 😭 i was going to write smut in this chapter but i didn't that that you all wouldve been somfortable with smut straight up.... remember that {y/n} already has a some what established relationship with the love interests

TW/CW; check 'crimson' desc

The waves had swallowed me whole, casting me ashore on unfamiliar territory. I knew I was far from the Dark Continent, a realization that sank in as I stretched my arms above my head, the salty sea breeze tousling my hair. Those fools on the ship had no idea where they were heading. Now, the Dark Continent was too far to swim back to, leaving me stranded and uncertain about how to return.

I need to eat something, maybe they have better specimen on this land instead.

"{Y/n}," Shizuku's voice called out, snapping me back to reality.

I turned to see Shizuku, Machi, and Phinks approaching.

"Yes?" I responded, curious about their intentions.

"We're heading into the city for some food. Want to join us?" Shizuku offered.

Despite my hunger, I shook my head. "As tempting as that sounds, I'll eat out later. Thanks, love," I said with a reassuring smile.

Shizuku sighed, a note of disappointment in her voice. "Alright. We'll see you later then."

The three of them left the abandoned building, their footsteps echoing in the empty space. Just as they disappeared from view, Chrollo's voice broke the silence.

"When was the last time you ate, dear?" he asked, not lifting his gaze from the book he was engrossed in.

"Last week," I admitted, standing up. "The Hunter Association has made it difficult for me to find a meal. Not only did they seal me, but they're also restricting how much I can consume now."

"That's unacceptable," he murmured, closing his book with a decisive snap. "It's in your nature to consume beings. They can't control that."

"I know," I said quietly, frustration evident in my voice. "If only they hadn't found me in the first place, none of this would be happening."

"It isn't your fault," Chrollo reassured me. "You are a threat to them, yes. But if it comes to that again, you don't have to go out looking for someone. I am here to meet your needs."

His words carried a deeper implication. He was offering himself again, as he had before. Chrollo had always been willing to let me feed on him when necessary. The last time it happened, he had reveled in the experience, too much for my comfort.

It didn't feel that good, right?

I met his gaze, the memory of that encounter fresh in my mind. "I appreciate your offer, Chrollo," I replied, my voice steady. "But we both know it's not ideal."

"I'll do whatever I can to ensure you're comfortable," Chrollo said, moving behind me and placing his hands on my shoulders. I felt his touch melt away some of the tension. His breath was warm against my ear as he lowered his head to my height. "I'm sure you enjoy taking from me," he murmured.

The memory of our last encounter flashed in my mind. Feeding from Chrollo had escalated into something far more intimate, our shared hunger turning into a passionate exchange. It had nearly gone further if Hisoka hadn't abruptly interrupted us.

"But enough about that," Chrollo continued, his voice a soothing hum. His hands remained on my shoulders, and I stayed rigid under his dominating touch. "I have a new task for you."

I stiffened slightly, anticipating his next words. "Look after Hisoka for me again this year."

I exhaled, annoyance creeping into my voice. "I have to go again?" He was referring to the Hunter Exam. Last year, I had to keep Hisoka in check and ensure he got his license. However, Hisoka had killed an examiner and failed.

"He's like a child," I muttered. "So hard to manage."

"I know," Chrollo hummed, his lips brushing against my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. "But you'll do it for me, won't you?"

I hesitated, feeling the weight of his request. Hisoka was unpredictable, dangerous, and a constant challenge. Yet, Chrollo's proximity, his touch, and his unwavering confidence in me made it difficult to refuse.

"For you," I whispered, turning my head slightly to meet his gaze. "I'll do it."

Chrollo's eyes glinted with approval, and he squeezed my shoulders gently, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. "That's my {Y/n}," he said softly, his lips brushing against the sensitive skin below my ear, trailing along the curve of my jawline.

He's making this so hard for me to say no to his requests.

do not steal, copy or modify and of my work, ONLY REBLOGS!

❛ Crimson ❜

tell me in the comments or dm if you want to be added to the taglist:3

taglist; @nobunagahazamaworlddomination @yashiro2809 @honeypiedoll @bubblebum-b1tch-blog @simpforramenboy @sxyriii

#·:*¨༺ ♱CRIMSON♱ ༻¨*:·#Chrollo x reader #hxh x reader #phantom troupe x reader #illumi x reader #feitan x reader #hisoka x reader

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