#so new and fresh and sleek play it RIGHT NOW!!!

[shadowdaddies]

Could I possibly request a smutty Rhys x reader with the “crawl to me” trope? I have been trying to remember for so long what I wanted to request and it FINALLY came back to me lol

omg I got so excited when I saw this request. If you want the roles reversed lmk and I can write that but I want Rhys to crawl to me like this was what immediately came to mind lol

Crawl to Me

Rhys x Reader

Warnings: smut below the cut, oral f!receiving, sub!Rhys, p in v sex, minors dni, not proofread

The moment Rhys closed the bedroom door behind you, the tight leash you had been holding on your emotions snapped. Whirling around to push your finger accusingly at his chest, your eyes lit with fury. “What the fuck was that, Rhys? You completely undermined me in front of all those people.” 

Rhys reached for your hand, his fingers softly brushing yours. Mischief danced in those violet eyes as he attempted to placate you. “Darling, you know that you play an equal role in this court-“ Yanking your hand out of his, you cut off his sentence. “Do not touch me right now, Rhysand. You cannot say that I am your equal when you do not allow me the opportunity to provide input in decision making. Did you see all of their faces when you agreed to the terms without consulting me? Those males were so smug to realize that High Lady is the decorative title they think it to be.” 

Rhys’s throat bobbed, his face flush with shame as he witnessed the full extent of your distress. Running a hand through his onyx waves, he paced over to the sitting area, leaning against the table as he faced where you stood at the edge of the bed. Violet eyes lined with silver looked up into yours. “Darling, I am so sorry. I did not mean to dismiss your role as High Lady... I’m just-“ he paused, an anxious sigh leaving his lips as his leg nervously bounced against the floor. “I’m not used to consulting with anyone when I make decisions like that. But I will. You tell me what you don’t like about the deal and I’ll let them know that their High Lady has new terms.” 

You couldn’t help but let out a small laugh at your mate’s antics. “It’s not about the deal, Rhys. The deal is fine. I just want to be included in these matters. It’s important to me that we are recognized as partners.” Rhysand nodded, rubbing his chin. “From now on, I will look to you - not only for confirmation, but for you to voice your input.” With a smirk, he added, “but for now, we’ll find something you want to change in the deal. Just so they know who’s in charge.” With a wink and his usual charming smile, Rhys had shifted the air in the room entirely. 

His eyes roved over your body, the sleek black dress and heels that you had donned for the meeting leaving little to the imagination. Rhys’s eyes darkened, gaze turning hungry as his eyes flicked to yours. “Now, would you please let me show you exactly how much I admire you?”

You smirked back at him, standing tall as you slipped off the gown, leaving yourself bare except for the heels you wore. Rhys pushed against the table, fully standing as he moved to walk towards you. With a small shake of your head, the High Lord stopped dead in his tracks. Satisfaction filled you at his quick submission.

Moving to sit on the edge of the bed, you leaned back and spread your legs. Rhys’s nostrils flared, his eyes glued to you as the combined scent of your arousals filled the room. Looking down your nose at the male, you snapped your fingers, pointing towards the ground. You had already forgiven him - you both knew it - but the temptation to draw this out further was too great. “Crawl to me,” you purred, a vicious smile on your lips.

The High Lord kneeled where he stood, looking up at you through dark lashes as he shifted to his hands and knees. The scent of his fresh arousal was enough confirmation that he was enjoying this as much as you were, eliciting a soft laugh from you as Rhysand crawled to the edge of the bed, where he kneeled, readily awaiting your instruction. “Good boy,” you purred, tucking the stiletto of your heel under his chin so that his eyeline was level with your pussy. 

His tongue subconsciously flicked out, licking his lips as he itched for permission to touch you. “Mmm...” you cooed as you brought your foot back to rest so your legs were spread on the bed frame. “Do you think you deserve to touch your High Lady?” Rhys’s eyes moved to yours, his breathing heavy as he answered. “No, High Lady. But I would be honored to be allowed to pleasure you.” You hummed, pleased with that answer. “Good boy,” you cooed again, head tilting as you debated whether to tease him further.

As much as you enjoyed toying with your husband, you were just as eager for his touch as he was yours. “You may pleasure me, then,” you nodded. No sooner had the words left your mouth than Rhys lunged upwards, wrapping his strong arms around your thighs as he licked a broad stripe up your core. You collapsed against the bed, back arching as he continued his work on you.

Rhys suckled on your clit, alternating between long, gentle pulses and sharp sucks, tongue occasionally flicking out as he pushed his fingers into you. Talons scraped along the edge of your mind, and you opened without hesitation only to be bombarded with a mental image. You were sprawled out on the throne like this, Rhys’s own throne nowhere to be seen as he knelt before you, worshipping your body in front of the entire court. 

Rhys withdrew from your mind, the feeling of his fingers curling against your walls bringing you crashing back to reality and over the edge. You screamed his name as Rhys worked you through your high, legs shaking when he finally released you from his grip. 

You were heaving for breath, vision still hazy when Rhys crawled over you, licking his fingers clean as he watched you with a feline grin. His boastful expression was short-lived, as you pulled him in for a deep kiss, forcing your tongue between his lips as you tasted yourself in your mate. You rolled Rhys over, straddling his hips as you ground against him. “I need your clothes off, now,” you whispered, frantic with need to have your mate inside of you. 

With a dark chuckle, Rhys vanished his clothes, now as bare as you. Rubbing your slick up and down his shaft, Rhys groaned as he gripped your hips. Taking hold of his hard cock, you lined him up with your center and sank down onto him, both of you moaning at the feeling. You rolled your hips back and forth as you bounced up and down, Rhys filling you everywhere as you worked him at an agonizingly slow pace. 

Growing with impatience, Rhysand flipped you over, lifting one of your legs over his shoulder as he began pounding into you. Licking his thumb, Rhys brought it down to rub your clit, sending you over the edge again. Clumsily shoving his hand away, Rhys laughed as he continued thrusting into you. 

Determined to maintain some sense of dominance, you licked your own finger, dragging it down the thick vein of his left wing. Rhys crumbled at your touch, coming undone with a roar as he filled you. Collapsing next to you on the bed, Rhys gently tilted your head to face him as he stroked your cheek. “I love you, my High Lady.” You laughed, rolling your eyes at his cheesiness. “I love you too, High Lord.”

#acotar #acotar smut #acomaf #rhys #a court of thorns and roses #acotar x reader #rhys x reader #acotar fanfic #acotar fanfiction #acotar fic #rhys smut #rhysand #rhys acotar #acotar rhysand #rhysand acotar #rhys x reader smut #rhys x reader angst #rhys x you #rhys x y/n #rhysand smut #rhysand x reader #rhysand x reader smut #rhysand x y/n #rhysand imagine #rhysand x you #acotar imagine #acotar reader fic #acotar reader imagine

[talkfastromance4]

Bradley’s Butterfly–Bradley Bradshaw oneshot

Warnings: panic/anxiety attack

Word count: 2.3k

Reblogs, comments, asks, mean the world! I love to hear your thoughts💕

Enjoy!

Bradley’s always been known for being observant, even at a young age he liked to watch those around him. His ears would perk up on conversations from couples fighting over what to have for dinner or a heated phone call from a man in a sleek suit. He liked to watch people in their natural form, study them, and be aware of his surroundings.

Everyone knew it, too. He’d pick up on subtle things that no one else seemed to really notice. Like how Bob mentioned his great Aunt Sylvie who he called ‘Aunt Sissy’ because he couldn’t quite say her name when he was younger. Bradley was the first to ask how his Aunt Sissy was after Bob had to rush home quickly for a family emergency.

He knows Hangman checks his gear three times before entering his cockpit and that Phoenix whispers a prayer her grandma would always sing to her before a mission. He notices small things that have a huge impact on those he cares about.

Being as observant as he is, Bradley was the first one to notice you as the new bartender Penny hired. He noticed right away how cute you were but also how meticulous you were when making a drink or pouring a shot. You had a good eye for precision and always picked up a crumpled napkin or one of the many discarded toothpicks Hangman left throughout the bar.

He noticed how your eyes would always meet his whenever he entered The Hard Deck. He noticed you noticing him and it always left a little flutter of warmth in his chest. You had all of the Dagger Squad’s drink orders memorized, you even played along with Hangman’s folly when he tried to trick you on his drink order.

One Tuesday after a grueling training session and 400 push-ups in the hot sun, Bradley really needed a drink so he headed to the bar. On top of the beating sun there was a dry wind that blew sand and dirt all over the place. Everything was dry and desolate because it’s been nearly a month without rain.

He fell onto the barstool heavily, his head pounding, muscles in his neck and shoulders screamed whenever he moved.

“Rough day?” you ask, voice soft as you set a glass of Blue Moon in front of him with an orange slice.

“Oh yeah,” he huffs. He winces when he leans forward on the bar to place his hand around the glass, it’s ice cold and feels refreshing when he takes a drink. He sighs wiping the foam from his mustache then tips the glass in your direction. “Thanks for this, it was very needed.”

“You’re welcome,” you smile sweetly and plop a white bowl full of orange slices next to his glass. The backs of your knuckles barely graze his fingertips but he feels an electric spark. “I’ll make sure to keep the oranges coming.”

You stayed true to your word. Bradley ate the slices you provided and had a few more Blue Moon’s just as the dinner rush was starting. He took that time to watch the way you were with other customers. You called them all by name, asked about their day and always had a smile on your face.

Bradley ordered some food as well and just as he finished up his loaded BLT, the rest of the squad strutted in laughing and smiling to a joke Fanboy probably made. They made a beeline for Bradley, he saw your eyes glide over the grown group and it tickled him pink when you grabbed him a fresh glass and orange before working on their drinks.

She remembered Bob’s cup of trail mix and handed Hangman a toothpick.

“Thanks darlin’,” Hangman grins. Instead of using his fingers to grab the toothpick, he closed his mouth around it then winked at you.

Bradley’s tickled pink trickled into a sea of red anger but you only laughed and rolled your eyes before turning your attention back on Bradley.

“I made some brownies, would you like one for dessert? Free of charge,” your smile was dazzling.

“A brownie sounds so good right now,” Bradley nods, watching you duck under the bar and skip to the back room where the office area is.

You come back with the square treat on a napkin, powdered sugar is sprinkled on top.

“Bradshaw!” Phoenix shouts from the billiards. She waves him over when he looks over his shoulder.

“Duty calls,” he sighs and rises from his stool.

“Kick Hangman’s ass,” you laugh. You clean up his plate of food.

“Will do. Thanks for the brownie,” he lifts it in appreciation. He’s glad he’s turned away when he takes the first bite because his face melts and a groan slips out. This is the best brownie he’s ever had. It’s the perfect amount of gooey with the ends a little hard.

With more beer and food in his system, Bradley’s body relaxes as the night lingers on. He’s just finished taking a celebratory shot with Phoenix after winning their pool game when an obnoxious group of Marines enter in with the saloon doors banging against the walls.

They stumble against the bar shouting for attention from any of the bartenders and Bradley is watching silently from his corner. You’re on the opposite side of the bar helping and chatting with a pair of girls but they’re shouting your name. Bradley watches as you turn upon hearing your name and hold up your hand motioning you’ll be right with them.

When one of them whistles at you that’s when Bradley starts to move.

Being 6’ 1” has its advantages because his height makes it easy to walk through people, they step out of his way easily. He’s at the bar next to the group of Marines as one of them whistles again, his brown eyes slide to you. He sees the way your shoulders tense up, how your hand perches perfectly on your waist when you turn around.

“Excuse me, I am not a dog you can whistle at,” you defend, your voice bristling as you approach the unruly group.

“It got you over here, baby,” one of them jeers.

Bradley notices how your eyes flick to the bell Penny has behind the bar and he hopes you ring it. He’d love nothing more than to toss these imbeciles out of the bar and away from you.

“I’ll get your pitchers of beer and you can go sit somewhere else. I have other customers,” you shake your head.

Bradley stays near you for the rest of the night, keeping a watchful eye on the Marines who were causing a ruckus by the gaming area. Bradley’s skin prickled when one of them slung an arm around Bob but Hangman intervened quickly with a hard shove and an even harder look. Javy joined him looking equally as intense and they backed off.

“What jerks,” you mutter behind him.

He turns his attention back to you, you’re glaring at the group as you wipe down glasses.

“Yeah, they’re full of shit,” Bradley agrees. “I was hoping you’d ring the bell so I could toss ‘em out for ya.”

“I definitely thought about it,” your eyes are still glued on them. “If they whistle at me again you have my full permission to dump ‘em in the sand. Thanks for standing by while they were here.”

“Of course. Gotta watch out for my favorite bartender,” he grins.

One of the Marines wouldn’t let up and tried to get you to play pool with them but you kept shaking your head. Slowly, the patrons began to leave and the Daggers bid farewell to Bradley and you in pairs.

The alcohol was starting to wear off in Bradley, his bones were starting to ache again and his bed was calling his name. He’d just finished signing his tab and pocketed his card when you approached with a bag over your shoulder.

“Hey Bradley? Would you mind walking me to my car?” you ask shyly, eyes shifting to the group of Marines that are still there. “That one has been trying to get me over there all night.”

“I don’t mind at all,” he shakes his head. “I was going to offer anyway since it’s so late. You got everything you need?”

“Yeah,” you nod clutching your bag tight to your chest.

He motions you ahead of him, his hand hovering over the middle of your back and he tosses a look over his shoulder. The one that called you ‘baby’ was watching in disdain and Bradley nodded at him with a slight smirk before leading you out the bar.

The heat is still in the air outside, sweat appearing instantly on both of your skin. Bradley follows you towards your car which is parked right next to his–not that he planned that or anything.

“Thanks for walking me,” you sigh. “Most of the time I love this gig but guys like that make my blood boil.”

“You and me both,” he nods. You unlock your door and open it. “Have a good night, drive safe.”

“You too. I should have given you more water.”

“I’ll be fine,” he waves it off, “not too far to go.”

He watches you buckle and settle before peeling out of the parking lot and he’s walking on air.

***

It’s three weeks later when Bradley comes to your rescue again. It’s Live Mic Friday where a local cover band is performing and it’s packed. The group of Marines are also in attendance and Bradley makes sure they keep their berth from you.

The music is good and the energy from the crowd is catching, he’s buzzing from having a good time with his friends but then the music stops suddenly and the house lights turn on. There’s some sort of tousle happening near the bar and Bradley rushes as quickly as he can through the sardined crowd.

You’re safe by the high top tables but the tray of glasses you were holding have slipped onto the floor in a million little pieces. Your eyes are wide as you stare at the Marines swearing and shouting in fits of rage. Your hand is shaking as you bring it to your chest, mouth open gasping for air.

Bradley is by your side, your quick gasps pierce his heart as you try to settle your breathing but it’s not working. Your eyes are wide and panicked and he knows exactly what’s going on.

“Let’s get outside,” he ducks his head to yours and ushers you out.

You’re still gasping, hands shaking even more as you try to touch each finger to your thumbs.

“Here, c’mere and sit,” he says pulling up one of the patio chairs but you shake your head. “It doesn’t help?”

“N-n-n–”

“Okay, no sitting. Place your hands like this–” he lifts your trembling hands to your chest, thumbs overlapping so they’re like a butterfly. “Good. Now, watch me, y/n.”

He mirrors his hands like yours waiting until your tear rimmed eyes focus on his hands. Bradley starts to alternately tap his fingers on his shoulders. It takes you a moment but you start to tap your shoulders as well, still gasping for air.

“Good, that’s so good, honey,” he encourages. “Keep doing that in time with me.”

There’s a loud noise from inside and it makes you flinch.

“Keep tapping. Did you know there’s a huge burn mark in the ceiling of the office? Yeah, I did that on my twenty-first birthday. I somehow created an alcoholic bomb of vodka, lighter fluid and a lighter. Hangman didn’t believe I could do it. I still don’t know how I did it, I failed Chemistry when I took it.”

Your lips trembled as your breath started to steady, your fingers kept tapping in time with his. Each tap helped you focus on the things around you and not the heavy weight on your chest or the panic in your mind that the world was going to crumble around you.

Bradley kept telling stories of his youth, how he got into a terrible accident and he now has scars from it. When your breathing is back to normal, the whole ordeal left you exhausted and you collapsed into the chair Bradley first offered you. He pulls one up in front of you, his warm brown eyes studying you and he places a gentle but firm hand on your knee.

“Okay?” he asks.

“Getting there,” you nod and wipe the tears from your eyes. “That helped a lot…thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I don’t know why it even started. I heard the shouting and it–it just hit me,” you shake your head.

“Your body’s way of preventing something bad from happening,” he shrugs, “panic attacks just appear sometimes and it’s okay.”

“How’d you know I was having one? And to do that tapping thing?”

“I had a lot of panic attacks after my dad died. I tried all of the centering techniques…box breathing, counting backwards, pointing out things I see and feel. This was what really worked, it’s called butterfly tapping,” he explains.

“Oh,” you exhale and close your eyes.

“How’s your heart?”

“Still racing,” you whisper. He starts to tap your knee with his thumb and you focus on the weight of his hand on you.

You sit out there for fifteen minutes as he helps center you.

“There, that’s better,” he smiles. You exhale deeply.

“Much better. Thank you, Bradley.”

“Let’s get out of here. I know a diner that has the best sundaes.”

“I need to finish working–”

“Does Penny know you get panic attacks?” he asks and you nod. “I’ll text her that I’m taking care of you. C’mon, we’ll go around.”

He holds out his hand. You slip yours in his, noting how rough and smooth they are at the same time. He’s also warm and you have butterflies the whole time he holds your hand to his Bronco and on the drive to the diner. You’ll have to remember Bradley’s butterfly the next time a panic attack appears.

#bradley bradshaw oneshot #bradley oneshot #rooster oneshot #bradley rooster bradshaw #bradley rooster bradshaw oneshot #bradley fluff #bradley #top gun maverick #Bradley comfort #bradley Bradshaw comfort

[tarisilmarwen]

Rebels Rewatch: "Flight Of The Defender"

We go for a fly and a ride, and the ancient guardians of Lothal awaken.

Live reaction version.

KITTIES! :DDDDDD

We're revisiting allll the familiar locations this season aren't we?

The bright bouncy tones of the opening cue and this particular area of Lothal still looking relatively pristine and untouched are bit of a mood whiplash from last episode. (But then of course the Empire can't have mining crawlers getting too close to its landing strips, the smoke would interfere with pilots' visuals.)

It's vaguely implied that Ezra connects with these Loth-cats, possibly even calls them? They're immediately eager to help when the Rebels need a distraction and it's definitely possible they read Ezra's intentions and were like, "HELP FRIEND."

"The Empire has been fortifying their anti-aircraft defenses." Ha ha yeah you run afoul of those later don't you?

"And there are some new fuel tanks near the factory." *SOBS ENDLESSLY*

Also:

This contrast is immediately horrible. "Zero Hour" was three weeks from the start of this season. "In The Name Of The Rebellion" a couple days out from their victory at Mandalore. It's not clear how much time elapsed between then and "The Occupation" but it can't have been too long, Ezra was already agitated about Lothal after parting with Saw and his words still seem fresh on his mind in "The Occupation". (And as a side comment, I love how deeply connected to Lothal Ezra is, that he could sense the danger Ryder's group was in across that distance.)

This complete burnishing of the grasslands happened within a few weeks to a couple months.

I noted in my original liveblog that Ezra uses "Phoenix 6" randomly here, instead of the usual "Spectre 6", that Hera also calls him. I'm still confused about if that was a mistake or not or if they use the callsigns interchangeably.

I cannot emphasize enough how well they portray the TIE Defender Elite here. It is so fast, so maneuverable, they manage to make it move like a fighter jet. It never looks clunky or unwieldy, just sleek and quick and able to turn seamlessly on a dime.

And predictably my ship will be spending a lot of quality time together this episode, as Ezra immediately assigns himself to come with Sabine onto the dangerous Imperial-filled airstrip. <3

Yeah no I think Ezra definitely connected with the Loth-cats prior to this and they decided they liked him enough to volunteer. He didn't specifically call them or influence them but I like the idea that he's just... open enough in the Force to them right now, so connected to Lothal itself, that they became his allies anyway.

Possibly it was this general openness that called the Loth-wolf to him too.

Anyway, let this be a lesson to never antagonize the cats. Or any of the local wildlife for that matter.

Snippets of the Imperial March as the shuttle sets down, and then a couple blaring notes recalling "Thrawn's Web". Something interesting musically I've touched upon in my commentary but I'm reminded of again hearing this: Thrawn is nearly always musically represented in the score with organs. The organ is an instrument we basically never hear in the Rebels score until Thrawn enters the picture, so any time you hear the hint of an organ note, you can immediately recognize Thrawn's presence.

Aaaaaand there's "Thrawn's Web" playing out more fully.

There's an interesting chime here that plays when the wolf first catches Ezra's eye, it's overlaid by strings and synths and the little vertigo effect the camera uses on Ezra and the way the music abruptly cuts out when Ezra's discovered almost makes it seem like the wolf drew him into some kind of brief trance.

My son just rolls with it, decides to absolutely embrace the chaos he's capable of generating, love it.

"Well Ezra, you certainly got their attention." "I'M GLAD THIS IS WORKING FOR YOU!" I laugh every time I swear, lololol.

I remarked on it before but this is a lovely use of the environment. I love when action setpieces do that. This whole sequence is just such a lovely demonstration of Ezra's skill and competence. <3

And the little shit has the audacity to casually "Hey!" Thrawn, I love him so much.

Ooof with how Ezra ordered Zeb and Ryder to leave with the info and how he told Sabine to get out I think he may have possibly been planning some kind of Jedi self-sacrifice? In which case ow my heart.

This bit here where Thrawn stands unflinchingly in front of the oncoming TIE Defender is a visual reference to a shot from the movie Patton I'm pretty sure. Fitting, as it's German general Erwin Rommel, who clashed with the titular General Patton in the WWII theater, that was one of the inspirations behind Thrawn.

Aaaaaand there's Thrawn sacrificing pilots to prove a point again. Ngl, he's one of the better Imperial commanders to work under but you still get a raw deal if you're too low-ranking, the man will throw you like a meat shield at his enemy to test their mettle and be completely unconcerned when you die.

Ezra: *tells Sabine to hang on*

Sabine: *literally clings to the back of his chair*

Also, do note the sonic boom. The Defender Elite is supersonic.

Oh, this shot where the Defender just threads the gap between two stone pillars? *chef's kiss*

Even Ezra looks a little stunned by how maneuverable the thing is.

Think I noted it before but Sabine sounds really stressed about the kill switch. 'course she experienced it firsthand.

Their banter this episode is amazing I love it.

Hera looks really worried here. Given that her two youngest Spectres were (essentially) kidnapped and taken off into the unknown by Saw just recently maybe it's warranted.

Yeah uh, y'all were never going to make it far enough away from the crash site lugging that thing. Hiding it was a way better plan.

Subtle animation appreciation moment: The mist drifting over the ground here.

Sabine not seeing the Loth-cat we can maybe chalk up to her just not seeing it, because unlike the wolf the cat is definitely an animal that normies can see. (Ryder in "Legacy", for example.)

Another semi-random musical score note: Snare drums are used primarily for the Empire, probably owing to their usage in militaries and marching bands. Hear a snare drum in the score? Audio shorthand for the Empire.

"Ezra and Sabine have each other. They'll find their way home." Kanan says, to comfort a worrying Hera, and I awwww.

Ezra continually getting distracted by the Loth-wolf reminds me of how his attention kept drifting with the purrgil.

Sabine's barely able to help him keep focused lol.

Of course Sabine remembers the wolves from the artwork of them, ha ha.

YEAH NO THAT'S NOT A SIGHT I'D BE COMPLETELY COMFORTABLE WITH EITHER.

The Loth-wolves as a concept are pretty basic but also not quite fully explained. We know they're guardians over Lothal and strongly connected to the Force, motivated to protect it from the Empire in general and Palpatine's machinations with the WBW in particular. But the show also kind of just lets them... do things and doesn't explain them.

Like I'm still not entirely clear on why this wolf had to knock Sabine out with a sleep suggestion. Is it that they're not quite ready to reveal themselves to the mortals yet?

Despite doing so literally the next day?

IDK whatever the motivation it did provide me with these lovely bits:

The fearful warble in his voice when he asks, "What did you do to her?!" How he reaches for his lightsaber and doesn't let go of it until the cat appears and the wolf clearly shows it's aligned with it through the little ear wiggles.

How even though the wolf has tentatively gained his trust he's still all *anxious noises* about it handling her. (Watch how many times he looks back and forth from the wolf to Sabine.)

And they way he is so gentle and careful with Sabine, handling her so tenderly this whole ride.

There's something kind of Miyezakian about this cue in the score, it sounds reminiscent of the theme from Princess Mononoke. (Which I'm pretty sure must have imprinted on Filoni as a wee mini young'un to inspire his lifelong wolf obsession.)

*side eyes the writers*

*whispers* If no supposed to ship... *gestures inarticulately*

Kanan believes Ezra about the wolf though, even if he gets all weird and cryptic about it. Frankly I think the "All paths are coming together now." line maaaaay have just been inserted in this scene for trailer purposes lol. It does seem a little out of place.

Another solid entry. The animation is beautiful, the fur on the Loth-wolf is a vast technical improvement from the wookies all the way back in the pilot, with several individual tufts and segments operating independently to move more naturally around the animal's body. The design is basic, just a normal wolf shape with the tooka chicken feet and scaley foreheads, but solid.

Thrawn remains unflappably intimidating. Pryce continues to prove the more hotheaded of the two, which will come back to bite her hard this season.

Aaaaaaaand of course Ezra and Sabine have the most adorable interactions this episode. From the sharply-written banter to their genuine concern for each other, to Ezra's absolutely tender cradling her for the duration of the midnight wolf ride. I was spoiled and I enjoyed it, sue me.

I do maybe wish we could have had a bit more explanation behind the Loth-wolves instead of having them be mysterious for the sake mystery but that's about it.

#star wars #star wars rebels #ezra bridger #grand admiral thrawn #sabezra #rebels rewatch #liveblog

[punk-in-docs]

hi, would you write for Joe’s character, Ralph, from Timewasters?

Oh Nonny. You really do be plucking at my heartstrings here- this sweet little angel absolutely deserves more love-

Are you digging right into one of my favourite eras ever to write about? Why hell yes. Wild Gatsby-esque style parties and live live live to excess. The fun, the frivolity. Where the Jazz is hot and the Gin is cold.

Oh my goodness, just imagine stumbling across this sweet suited boy at some insane party at a friends gothic country manor one night.

The place is overrun with coiffed dandies and loose floozies and you just want to dance in your pretty new dress to Jack Teagarden’s records on the Gramophone.

The champagne pops sparkling gold and fizzes, pours way too freely, people are dancing on the settees. Wearing masquerade masks and dripping in pearls and fringe. Pillows have been ripped. White feathers rain like it’s a storm. The Crystal chandelier hangs precariously swinging down, broken. Smashed glasses and broken antique crystal shards.

There’s no thought to the fresh faced consequences of tomorrow. Live for now. Don’t be a square.

Sad drawn brows and dark deep red lips sit on so many girls. It’s so fashionable now. Making them all look smoky divine Clara Bow. It’s mad. It’s glorious. You’ve never felt more alive.

There’s drugs too, playing in the snow, they call it. A little mirrored tray and a straw. You stay enlivened with your glass of gin and you twirl in your heels and your silver dress. Your hair is cat black and bobbed short, sleek. You think it’s just masculine enough to be beautiful.

Your mother’s heirloom pearls rattle on your wrists. You’re fresh out of the racy clubs and hoighty bars of London and you could use the distraction. You’re young you’ll dance and bop long into the night. Racing its completion to dawn til you drop.

Then there’s this awful cute boy in a snappy silky suit, in the corner toasting your health with a coupe glass of champagne. Eyes like sad brown puddles of chocolate. That’s intriguing.

“Are you here with someone?” He gets the courage to ask. Voice wobbling. He looks at you like one of those priceless exhibits at the British museum. Cleopatra. Nefertiti. Goddess.

You sip from your glass. The champagne is old and flat but you like the taste. You tap ash off the end of your black cigarette. Big dark diamonds glitter off your fingers. You look far too bad for him.

You are dark clouding opium.

Oh well.

You smile. Lips are plum waxy and dark with lipstick.

Your smile is brilliant. Wizard, he thinks.

“No. I came to dance, sugar. Care to indulge me?” You lean forward. Full of gumption and gin. Heavy smoke black lids look mournful yet you’re such a zinging zest of liveliness.

You talk like Louise Brooks off the silver screen. Punch your words out brightly, and you mean them. Forwards. Cut direct. Is there any other way to be?

Feather boa black you’ve got draped around you, tickling at your poky bare shoulders. Your perfume is rose noir. Dark musk and velvet lapping orchids. Black petals bloom towards him like something delicious and burnt. He’s beckoned to follow where they lead.

He’s smitten.

(Sweet anon, let me noodle this around in my clown brain for a bit and let it brew. I guarantee you something wicked and very jazzy this way will come-)

#i would die for this man #punkwrites #thank you 💕💕💕 #this is for you nonny #hell yes nonny #ralph timewasters #timewasters #ralph x reader #ralph x you #ralph time wasters x you #ralph #joseph quinn #1920's #1920's fashion #we’re sad but living for this one

[hockeyforlife]

hey man looking to get into hockey. Any gear recommendations? Brands n layers. Thx!

Hard to say. I've always preferred CCM. Bauer just seemed to be geared for thin-athletic. As a gymrat with more muscle mass I found CCM more comfortable. Of course that was then...now both brands carry 3 lines that are each a little unique from their other 2 lines of gear. Back when CCM Ribcore was Reebok, I tended to the now defunct CCM Crazy-Lite line.

You really have to go to a store and try stuff on and compare to find what's comfortable for you.

Right now my gear is a mixed bag.

I prefer Bauer's undershirt with neckguard. The neck guard is the thinnest while still being equally good protection, and their equipment grippers on the sleeves make more sense to me, but CCM was on sale when I was last buying, so CCM for me. I have 2. They are supposedly designed to not stink. Nah. If you regularly let it dry out before washing it, it'll start to smell nasty. Regular washing and it smells 'hockey fresh'.

I really loved the last CCM compression jock. The cup pocket sat perfect for me with barely ever a need to adjust. Now, it's an internal cup/jockstrap, the same as their loose shorts. Compression or loose is a preference, kind of like boxers or boxerbriefs. Cups vary in shape. Finding the one you're most comfortable with is a never-ending search. Once you find one you like, get a second and keep it in your bag. This way, if you forget your cup or jock you always have a backup packed, and when you wear through that badboy, you have a replamement you know you'll feel comfortable in.

I haven't found a Kevlar sock I like yet, so I use thin CCM and Bauer skate socks. When you get your skates, have a pair to try the skates on with. The thinner the sock, the more control your foot has over the skate. Some go barefoot. There's something about putting their feet into a cold, sometimes still-damp skate that turns their crank I guess. I can't. I played without socks only once. It was very uncomfortable. The next time I forgot my skate-socks I wore my no-show ankle socks to avoid the heebie-geebie feeling.

Now, for pants, I prefer the CCM Super Tacks girdle. Girdle vs. pants is a personal choice. I prefer the girdle. You give up some bulky padding for the sleekness of a girdle. I really liked my Warrior Covert girdle with the cup pocket built in. It was perhaps the best for a meaty 'hockey ass'. CCM and Bauer girdles both have fully adjustable waist and thighs, and you can lengthen or shorten both to a degree. Both are open crotch. CCM feels natural to me, Bauer is too tight on the ass, and through the crotch because of the construction of the thigh pads. CCM's protective pads just sit better on treetrunk thighs. If you go girdle, you need a girdle shell. The CCM one is pure crap. Lasts one season. I got a Mark Stone leftover Warrior girdle shell off an NHL surplus site after he got traded from Ottawa. They were brand new and less than half the price of regular ones. If you go pants, find a pair that fit snugly, that stay up on their own, but allow you full range of motion. Some people say to try them on over jeans. Eff that. Try them on over a base layer like you will be wearing them over when playing. I had a red pair once I got off an online ad that was a free throw-in with a pair of gloves and helmet I was buying. All new, $80 for $450 worth of gear, so you might want to consider places like Facebook Marketplace for deals on everything. They went with my team's colours that year, so they worked. After that year, they stood out and looked stupid with Philly Flyers jersey and socks. Black is best.

My shinpads are old. CCM Crazy-Lite. They are a wider fit, again for better protection over built calves.

My skates are still Reebok. Between countless pairs of skates and rollerblades, they are the only ones that cause no pain/discomfort. Skates can be narrow, wide, or a combination. Some are wide toebox and narrow ankle, and others are the opposite. Get someone to actually look at the shape of your foot. Also, skate sizes are stupid. They are 1.5-2 sizes smaller than shoes. If you go with your shoe size, they may feel okay, but they are too sloppy, and you lose a lot of power in your stride.

Shoulder pads can be very thin or very bulky. It's up to your preference. I still have my CCM Crazy-Lite shoulder pads. They're on the thinner side. I also have a bulkier shoulder pad. It's constructed stronger but I'm in a non-contact adult league. Bulky shoulders are not necessary for me so they collect dust. Both have a sternum/heart guard. I can't say it's useless. But, when some dumbass forward lost an edge crashing the net he shot along the ice like a torpedo into the boards. I jumped over the hotshot but his stick hauled me down akwardly. My elbow pad was squarely under my chest as the initial point of impact. For weeks the hospital wasn't buying my explanation and chalked my heart concerns to 'stress'. Finally taken seriously, tests revealed a decently bruised heart and a torn pleura. 14 weeks of a Myocardial Contusion later, I finally was able to play again. The guard either was useless or saved my life. 🤷‍♂️

My elbow pads are CCM Crazy-Lite. They're shorter on the forearm because I can't stand the feel of longer, bulkier ones. Again, no one's chucking elbows. There just to protect from the sting of a puck. Yes, playing defense, I have had a good bruise from where they don't cover when I waved my arm in front of a slapshot because I was dumb. Lesson learned, goalies like to get hit with frozen rubber, so leave it to them!

My gloves are CCM tacks. The price was right. Again, I prefer a shorter cuff, so I leave more forearm exposure. It's a tradeoff because I act autistic and constantly fix my jersey when its sleeves interfere with proper-length gloves. Gloves stink to the heavens. Wash your hands before you play. There are products that you can get to keep them a little fresher. My advice is to air those bad boys out as soon as you get home and use a hockey deodorizer. They'll still smell hockey heavenly, don't worry, they'll never be accused of smelling pleasant by family or friends. They will be hands-down the raunchiest gear you own.

My helmet is an out-of-date Reebok with a CCM cage. THE Reebok helmet is basically the CCM one under a different logo. Bauer and CCM fit differently. CCM fits my noggin better. I'd suggest getting used to a cage. Full face visors scratch and fog up. Half visors fog up, and in most leagues, signify the douche on the opposing team.

Hope this helps. Any more questions, ask away!

[petersoftparker]

Superior!Tony Stark x Peter Parker

“Hey kid, come over here and try out this tech I made.” Peter jogged over to the table dropping his backpack on the ground beside. He offered his wrist as Mr Stark slipped the sleek metal band onto his left wrist. Peter held it up to be inspected before looking up at Tony asking “What does it do?” “Well this is only version one of course, but this lets me monitor your vitals, your location, and thanks to my new nanotechnology it can do this.” Tony presses a button on the bracelet before liquid silver tendrils begin travelling up to cover Peters entire body. Tony can see Peters face light up with awe before it is covered by the armour. “Whoa! This is so cool!” Peter exclaims while admiring the suit. 

Smirking, Tony looks down at his watch, activating the hypnosis protocol built into the suit. He took a step back in confusion, “Mr. Stark what’s happening…” he trailed off as the audio began to play.  Peter tried to take the helmet off, which was predictable to the genius. Tony hadn’t had the chance to test the programming on anyone yet, but he estimated that it would take approximately 30 minutes for the first session, with quick ten minute sessions to refresh occasionally. Tony shushed him patronizingly, gripping his wrists tightly to push them down. There was a slight struggle that followed, with Peter trying to take control of the situation. “I don’t know what you’ve done with Tony, but you need to take this off right now.” Tony let out a surprised laugh at the commanding tone the younger man had, and said “Sweetheart I am the real Tony, just the improved version if you will.” Peter didn’t reply to this, instead deciding to kick his chest. However, unfortunately for Peter it did not have its intended purpose, Tony still had control of his arms and did not flinch at the violence. He transferred one of Peter’s wrist to hold both in his right hand, before leading him to sit down on the couch. 

During this whole encounter, the audio was still sending subliminal messages to Peter’s brain along with the visuals he was forced to look at. For the next hour, Tony held Peter down until he finally felt his body go pliant. Tony let him go with a sigh saying “You got a resistant mind huh kid?” and patted him on the chest. Tony allowed the hypnosis to continue playing, as he walked over to grab a fresh cup of coffee. 

After he had a substantial amount of caffeine, he walked back over and used his fingerprint to make the face plate retract. Seeing the dazed expression, Tony smiled “There we go, my love. So much better now”.

#marvel #MCU #tony stark #peter parker #Iron Man #superior iron man #spider-man #tony x peter #dark tony stark #hypnosis

[inktheory3]

My thoughts on the Fresh Season 2023 update!

Hey all, this is a different kind of post, where I'll be going over every new addition to the game, serving as an update post and my thoughts on the new content!

So lets just jump right into it!

Splatoon Fresh Season 2023: 3.0.0

Inkopolis DLC:

This update introduced the first wave of paid DLC! DLC owners can now travel to Inkopolis, essentially serving as a new hub world skin. (note the wording used, "Travel to this city?" perhaps more hub worlds are coming?)

Inkopolis is functionally identical to Splatsville, which is disappointing but understandable. There's no Squid Jump, the former arcade machine is now a terminal to order items from Hotlantis, and all shop owners share the same stock as the Splatsville shops. Some people hate these choices, but they make sense as parity decisions between the 2 hub worlds. What I am disappointed about is the Grizzco and pvp lobbies being identical to Splatsville's. Even the graffiti is identical!

The new and returning characters and settings have phenomenal designs, as expected for the series, and I appreciate the compact and sleek hub design as opposed to how spread out and chaotic Splatsville is. I will forever cherish Shelly & Donny's designs and mannerisms (Donny calls the lobby the WOBBY!) and Fred Crumbs is a new favourite character of mine.

Overall, Wave 1 of the DLC is great, it's essentially an entrée. You don't pay for reservations at a restaurant to eat breadsticks, but its important to serve them to keep us busy while the real meat and potatoes of the DLC, Side Order, is in production.

The Catalog:

As per usual, a new Catalog is coming. There really aren't critiques to be said. Flipping through it, all the new clothing, decorations, stickers, splashtag title parts, banners and emotes look wonderful.

Thanks to datamining, I've already seen all the new emotes. Every season the emotes get more and more expressive! Rootin' Tootin' is going to be permanently equipped as soon as I hit level 73. Again, there is 1 disappointment for me. The Reppin' Inkopolis emote (which is completely free, you don't need the DLC for, which I appreciate incredibly) doesn't have new Splatoon 1 style animations for the 6 weapon classes introduced since then. (Dualies, Brellas, Stringers and Splatanas; including Brushes and Blasters which were distinguished from Rollers and Shooters respectively in Splatoon 3) The emote is a nostalgia trip for me but having it play the default win animation for new weapon classes is really disappointing.

Related to the catalog, we have a new gear brand, Z+F. It's a collaboration between Zekko and Firefin and the name is a real mouthful. I don't like it at all. There were so many good ideas for mashups of Zekko and Firefin; Zekkofin, Finko, Z-Fire and so on! Z+F isn't a bad name per say, but it is disappointing to be included among all the other amazing brand names.

There are 2 more incredibly welcome changes to the catalog system though! From now on, in mystery boxes and shell-out capsules, you have a small chance of receiving catalog exclusive items. Previously, if you didn't get a catalog exclusive item during the season it introduced, it would never appear in your shops, and the exclusive emotes, banners and title parts were gone forever. Now you still have a chance, which is really great!

Finally, in the last week of every season, you'll get a 1.2x closeout bonus for catalog points, helping you finish out your catalog before the new season starts. These are 2 amazing changes to help players with less time on their hands to get their hands on content without making players who earned it the old way feel cheapened.

New Stages:

Um'ami Ruins and Manta Maria have been added to the game! As of now I can't speak on them, as they aren't playable, but from datamined screenshots they seem to follow the unfortunate Splatoon 3 trend of reworking older maps to be cramped and creating 1 dimensional new maps.

New Special Weapons:

2 new special weapons have been released!

The Kraken Royale is a transformation, turning you into a Kraken for 8 seconds. (up to 10 with special power up) You can squid roll and surge during it, and colliding with an enemy deals 60 damage, while a charged attack deals 100 piercing damage.

This weapon is a complete counter to Crab Tank, it oneshots the Crab Tank user with a single charge attack. Other than that, I'm a bit concerned about the invincibility of the special weapon, despite the start and end vulnerability, invincibility was a problematic part of Splatoon 1 and 2's special design.

It also steps on Ultra Stamp and Reefsliders toes a little too much for my liking. These other 2 specials are simply outclassed by Kraken! In addition to being buggy and under-tuned, Krakens invincibility and mobility outclasses them both on a mechanical level, which is a shame.

A new special weapon, the Super Chump, was introduced. Horrible name aside, this weapon allows you to pick a spot on the map to deploy a barrage of bombs! Once you pick a location, a dozen Super Chumps create fake super jump landings and stick to the ground, exploding 4 seconds later. Enemies won't die to a single Super Chump, as they only deal 30-60 damage on their lonesome, but they are excellent displacement tools.

Similar to Kraken Royale, this weapon steps on a lot of toes. It is essentially another variation of "random bullshit go!" where you pick a spot to throw a bomb(s) to force enemies to move. It didn't need to be this similar to Booyah Bomb, Triple Inkstrike AND Tenta Missiles! In fact it is essentially a replacement for Tenta Missiles, seeing that the 2 weapons that have it also have identical sub weapons to their Splatoon 2 kits, without the Missiles!

There really was an obvious way to make Super Chump unique. The super jump landings are an interesting idea, but they're very useless. They don't function any differently to other special indicators, as no one will believe 12 super jumps at once all in their own ink. Rather, Super Chump could have been a unique engagement special, where you are also shot forwards alongside the Super Chumps, forcing the enemy to either run and and concede the space to you, or try to guess which super jump landing is the real one and try to splat you.

Overall, these specials are cool and well designed, but their similarities to existing specials puts a sour taste in my mouth.

New Main Weapons:

Of course we can't have new specials without new main weapons.

Here they are:

Neo Sploosh-o-matic: Squid Beakon/ Killer Wail 5.1

Neo Splash-o-matic: Suction Bomb/ Triple Inkstrike

N-ZAP '89: Autobomb/ Super Chump

.96 Gal Deco: Splash Wall/ Kraken Royale

Custom Jet Squelcher: Toxic Mist/ Ink Storm

L-3 Nozzlenose D: Burst Bomb/ Ultra Stamp

Rapid Blaster Deco: Torpedo/ Inkjet

Clash Blaster Neo: Curling Bomb/ Super Chump

Krak-On Splat Roller: Squid Beakon/Kraken Royale

Z+F Splat Charger/ Splatterscope: Splash Wall/ Triple Inkstrike

Tri-Slosher Nouveau: Fizzy Bomb/ Tacticooler

Now all of these kits are phenomenal. Ignoring the viability of certain subs and specials, all of these kits work and look fun. In the last season we got a couple of stinkers like Snipewriter 5H with Sprinkler/ Tacticooler. This time every kit makes sense. There's a valid playstyle and a weapon for everyone here which I really respect. In a perfect world where all of these main, sub and special weapons are balanced well, all of these kits would have their time in the spotlight.

My only issue is the obvious preferences the Splatoon Devs have for kits. Only FOUR shooters are yet to get a second kit, while Brellas, Stringers and Splatanas remain completely unrepresented. Every other class has only 1 or 2 secondary kits! This is a shame because Splatoon promotes inclusivity and that needs to be apparent in the game and its updates. The new kits need to give something new to play with for every type of player, and they simply aren't.

Online Functions:

Pools have been added! They're essentially the same as Mario Kart 8 lobbies, or arenas in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. You can create a pool, choose whether its open or password protected, and people can join and play! This is amazing. It allows for so much versatility in playing with friends, playing with chatters on stream, new people on discord or with people in tournaments and LAN meetups! Really, a phenomenal addition.

Tableturf Battle can now be played online! You can even spectate regular battles, not just in private lobbies. This also comes with 23 new cards! This is a welcome addition, and I understand why it wasn't packaged in the base game, but I'm happy it's here either way.

Salmon Run:

A new King Salmonid has been added! Horrorboros, the flying serpent, charges and shoots Booyah Bombs at workers. A new Big Run event is also happening right away which is really promising for the future of events in Splatoon.

New Scale rewards have been added! Splatoon 2 Grizzco gear has been added in a new tab of the Scale Shop, and Splatoon 2's "Gloopsuits" have been added, as a counterpart to the Slopsuits, if you'd like a different work look. All good additions!

In addition, Eggstra Work has been added, making use of the Salmon Run scenario feature. In this 2 day event, you must assemble a team with your friends and run through 5 preset waves to get as many eggs as possible, getting rewards for what percentile of eggs you collected in 1 shift. This is also a welcome addition, more modes are always great, but it's a bit troublesome.

First of all, it steps on Big Runs toes. The addition of Big Run already lowered how many Splatfests we get, and now theres a 3rd weekend event! They could of course have every event happen 2-3 times a season, but I'm concerned about the Devs tuning down the amount of events every month.

Secondly, it doesn't feel like a weekend event in the same way Big Run and Splatfests are. There are elements of surprise in the former 2 events, but in Eggstra Work, once you've played it once, you've played it a million times. Unlike Big Run there is a maximum amount of eggs you can get. It will get boring over the course of 2 days, and you need friends to play it, it can't be played in freelance.

I really wish they didn't make Eggstra Work a limited event. It would've been great as a permanent game mode that rotates monthly! A sort of counterpart to freelance the same way that League Battles were a counterpart to X Battles. at the turn of every month a new map, weapons and scenarios are selected for the Eggstra Work shift, and teams of 4 compete for top leaderboard spots throughout the month.

People tend to grind out weekend events, and I feel that Eggstra Works repetitiveness will lead to burnout if it gets condensed to a 2 day period.

Balance Changes:

I am disappointed with the Devs fear of making big changes to Splatoon 3's meta. They only changed 1 main weapon, the Big Swig, this patch. They didn't directly nerf Crab Tank, only giving Inkjet, Trizooka and Ultra Stamp damage multipliers against the Crab Tank's armor. They buffed underused weapons by decreasing their special gauge by 10p, which really doesn't fix their problems, as for weapons like Ballpoint Splatling, Aerospray MG and N-ZAP '85, their problems aren't that their specials are too hard to get, its that their specials aren't particularly good when you get them.

Finally, they changed maps, which is promising. I don't mind small changes to maps, despite my feelings about the above small balance changes. I appreciate them understanding that they went wrong with their maps and small changes are a gateway to big changes, but as of now, the small changes they've added feel like bandaid solutions to an underlying problem with the map design.

The Jukebox:

Every song in Splatoon 3 has been given a name! The Jukebox is a great addition to Splatoon, allowing you to pick what songs play in the lobby. Again, I have a small gripe. It is annoying that you have to pay every time you want to use the Jukebox, when in Splatoon 2 you could listen to every song for free.

Badges:

There are a whole slew of new Badges and I really appreciate the direction they're going in.

Of course there are new badges for the special weapons, Horrorboros, Eggstra Work and Z+F. They also added badges for the Inkopolis shop keepers, adding another incentive to swap between hub worlds, which I really like!

Finally, they added Level and X rank badges. There are 12 Level badges, for reaching level 30/50/100/200/300/400/500/600/700/800/900/999, and X rank badges for reaching top 3000/500/10 on the leaderboards. This expands on the direction I like, but also highlights a glaring flaw.

It's impossible to 100% Splatoon 3's badge system, it's meant to a system to let you show off the way you play Splatoon! But I don't really like the design of the badges themselves.

In the case of most badges, the colors have inherent symbolism. Bronze means 3rd place, Silver means 2nd place and Gold means 1st. Once you get a gold badge variant, the rest are inferior. If you use the bronze or silver badges, its implying to other players that you aren't the best at this milestone you're showing off. Even if you dedicate all your time to Salmon Run, if you don't put thousands of hours in, your badges will always look worse than what you could have. This is especially in the Level badges, the level 999 badge is stunning, and other impressive milestone badges, like the level 100 badge, looks horrible. You have players putting in so much time and effort for badges that are a downgrade to others.

Even if you do put in a lot of time into the game, unless you specialise in a specific game mode, your badges won't look good. I have over 1k hours in Splatoon 3, but my playstyle's given me 90+ mediocre badges and 1 or 2 impressive badges. I have the 5 star Hydra Splatling badges, acquired 300 hours in, and fifteen 4 star weapon badges, a couple silver Salmon Run and Special weapon badges and so on. I put a lot of time into this game but I have nothing cool to show off, my current badge layout on my Splashtag doesn't have an identity to it, it looks just like a Splashtag someone with a couple hundred hours in Splatoon 3. It doesn't speak to my achievements, my playstyle, it conveys that my milestones aren't the peak, that my Silver Booyah Bomb badge isn't impressive because there are people with Gold Booyah Bomb badges.

1 thing I'd do to remedy this is make badges for getting badges. This would help players who don't specialise in anything and instead are good at everything. I don't know what this badge would look like, but badges for getting 10, 30 or 100 badges would be cool.

I'd also like Sheldon badges! You get badges for getting stars on your gear, why not badges of Sheldon for getting stars on weapons. I've counted, I have over 200 combined stars on my weapons, and nothing to show for it.

Finally, I'd like every badge to be more unique, and not just be recolored variations of eachother. What if the Gold Maws badge wasn't gold, and instead it was stylised art of Maws lunging at the screen. What if the N-ZAP '85's 5 star badge was pixelated. What if the Hydra Splatling's 5 star badge was on fire. What I'm saying is, instead of making the tiers of badges just recolors of the lower tiers, they should look visually different, to make them stand out more and give lower tiered badges purpose for existing and remove the negative connotations with their coloring.

Minor Changes:

There are quite a few small additions in this update! of course there's new gear. But there's a lot more coming!

Lockers can now be wiped clean with the - (minus) button if you want to start over. The amount of items on display in shops has been increased to 9 from 6. You can preview Scale reward items at Grizzco, similar to Hotlantis! Color Lock was adjusted during Tricolor Battles to accommodate for colorblind players. Winners of 10, 100 and 333x battles will be broadcast to your friends and on the Anarchy Splatcast!

Connection Errors are now dealt with player-side. Instead of the match grinding to a halt, laggy players will be notified and have their controls removed if the lag persists. Terrific!

Closing Thoughts:

Overall, despite my complaints, I really like this update. The team over at Splatoon is doing a good job and I'm excited. With these changes they're heading in the right direction and we can only hope they keep on this trend with bigger and better changes. I'll see you all on the battlefield! Stay fresh!

#splatoon #splatoon 3 #game design #fresh season 2023

[masterwords]

I am a sucker for stories about characters getting together, mutual pining/ idiots to lovers are the best!

I would love a good story like that with Hotchgan unfortunately there aren't many out there like that.

So strange that Hotchgan get so little notes on AO3 and so much love on tumblr

Hey! I love those types of stories too! I'm going to fully admit right now that I'm not good at writing pining, especially with these two...but I tried. And it got long. The problem is that I'm not sure Hotch really allows himself to pine, and Morgan just kind of...goes for it. So I had to put them in a situation, and it gets kind of ugly but it ends with kisses so HANG IN THERE while you read okay? As far as getting together stories...I do have a number of them, I can definitely link them directly for you if you haven't read them. I've written hundreds of thousands of words about these idiots. (Ignore that if you have.)

Thank you for sending me this request! I'm not home a lot to write lately because I have a passel of kiddos and they're always in sports which means a LOT of traveling, but I had a lot of fun (and agonized a lot over it, not gonna lie) writing this and I just hope you like it!

.........................................................................................................................

Quid Pro Quo

Pairing: Hotch/Morgan

Warnings: divorce, anxiety, carsickness/gagging, Vincent Perotta, implied talk about abuse and other bad Hotch childhood things (brief)

Words: 5.6k

**

In an '82 Dodge Diplomat, they rolled down the deserted highway, dirt kissing the fresh white paint job. Police issue, from the back lot, Derek's favorite place to choose from. Of course they could have had something newer, nicer, preferably an SUV according to Hotch...but this reminded Derek of his dad. No longer silver streaked with bright blue, no longer screaming POLICE, it still had that smell. Some kind of sharp vinyl smell that permeated everything, new car smell but somehow dusty and old at the same time.

“All the cars on the lot,” Hotch muttered, playing around with the loose heat controls. He was freezing. The smell of burning dust was all that wanted to come out of the heating vents. “And you choose this one?”

“Give her a second,” was Derek's reply, his hands running along the smoothed out plastic and metal of the steering wheel. Cars now were so bulky, this one was sleek. “Specs said everything is in perfect condition. She's an old girl, probably needs some time. Tell me you wake up spry and ready to rock firs thing in the morning...”

Hotch grumbled under his breath about how rude that was, but he couldn't deny it. He wasn't getting any younger, and neither was this car. But, it wasn't a lie. Ten minutes later and that heater was about hot enough to melt through the dash, and Hotch had his hands greedily held as close to the vents as he could get. Long before heated seats, this was the best he could do.

“Did your dad drive one of these?” That had to be it, the reason Derek would choose this car out of everything else on the lot. Tons of them, kept in tip top condition, for the times when airline tickets weren't in the cards. They weren't going far enough, they were told, to warrant the cost of an airline ticket plus a rental car, and they certainly weren't going to use the jet for just the two of them. It was only about 330 miles, give or take, to the Ohio State Penitentiary and it was simply not worth the trouble of flying. Still, 300 miles sounded a lot nicer with a newer rig, heated seats, better sound insulation.

Especially when Aaron thought about who they were going to see. Vince Perotta had just been moved from Essex in New Jersey to Ohio State, his lawyers worked out a sweet deal for him. He bounced around every year or so, and as soon as he was settled they came calling on Hotch for a visit. Promising more names, more locations, anything to get him to agree to a face to face. Normally he went on his own, the team didn't even know he did it. Just take a few days, tell everyone it was personal time, and hit the road.

He'd been planning to do the same this time, too, until Haley had him served. Until he held those divorce papers in his hand and felt his entire world burn to ashes. She'd warned him, told him she was going to do it, she wasn't playing...but it didn't feel real until he held them. And now he'd lost whatever confidence he had in going to see a man who took pleasure in picking apart his carcass slow and methodical. That's all these visits really were. Perotta would give, but he would also take. It was the taking that required the extra day of personal time. But he didn't think that would cut it this time, so he asked Derek to come along.

Derek who had a million questions that he knew better than to ask. He just smiled and nodded, loving the car and the simplicity of it. There was something sweetly nostalgic about it, and Aaron could almost feel his sentimentality for this old beast of a car. It soothed his frayed nerves. “Yeah. I rode around in a car like this every day after school. Dad would pick me and my sisters up, take us out for a donut or a soda, tell us not to sass mom and do our homework, then drop us off at home. Same thing every day...” Until it wasn't. Until that ended, but he didn't want to go there. Not now.

“My father drove a Caddy,” Hotch offered automatically. He was staring off into the distance, nothing but highway and farmland as far as he could see. There was a big wall of storm clouds gathering on the horizon, thick and gray and ominous. “A big 1968 Cadillac Fleetwood...champagne with these custom white leather seats that scorched your legs in the summertime and never warmed up in winter.”

“You learn to drive in that beast?”

Hotch laughed a joyless laugh. “Are you kidding? My father wouldn't let any of us behind the wheel. He bought my mother this station wagon that was half a block long and almost as wide. Wood paneling on the sides. I learned to drive in that. Took out a few mailboxes before I got a handle on how big it was.”

“What happened to the Caddy when he passed?” Derek asked, hoping it wasn't too forward of him. Aaron made a little huffing noise and shook his head.

“He left it to Sean. You can imagine it didn't last long. He sold it for rent money, so he claims. I have my doubts.”

Derek did too. He knew Sean well enough to know that he wasn't exactly the most trustworthy person. Not exactly responsible. That he and Hotch shared both parents and a genetic pool never ceased to amaze him. Still, he liked Sean. A night out on the town was always more fun when he helped make the plans.

“Hey, that bag on the backseat, can you grab it? I brought a little surprise...”

The minute Hotch lifted it up, he knew what it was. The sound of plastic clacking together, the jagged angles bulging against the thin nylon. He set it on his lap and waited for Derek to invite him to look inside, and what he saw didn't exactly surprise him. “Pick one.”

“Derek, we don't need music...”

“Bullshit. Pick one. They're all classics.”

It was a pile of mixtapes. White covers with meticulously labeled track lists in various colored ball point pen. Definitely Derek's handwriting. “You made all of these?”

“Those go all the way back to high school, man. Seriously, they're all gold.” Now Hotch understood why Derek chose this car. It was more than just nostalgia. He could control the entire musical experience. And, he thought a little suddenly (not even sure where it came from) that Derek might be trying to cheer him up. Or take the edge off of what was going on in his life. The gesture was appreciated.

Hotch sifted through the tapes with thinly veiled fascination. He had a few tapes still in a shoe box somewhere, probably in the storage unit. Nothing this elaborate, and he wondered as he poked through the pile whether Derek had every cassette he'd ever owned. Probably. They would be neatly cataloged, on display, too. A part of him wanted to see it.

The rest of the trip, Derek couldn't be contained. He sang loud like he was in the shower, dancing with his shoulders in his seat, patting and drumming against the steering wheel. There was something almost contagious about it. Hotch even found himself humming along more than once to songs he knew...some Whitney Houson, some Marvin Gaye, even Dwight Yoakam and Elton John. He really did have a little of everything, and he wasn't lying when he said it was all good. Hotch may not have enjoyed the Nas as much as he did the smooth, soft sounds of Lionel Richie, but he found that he couldn't help bopping along with the beat anyway.

By the time they were nearing their motel, Hotch was eagerly reading through the track-listings trying to find a suitable next tape. He almost wanted to just continue to drive...something about getting to know Derek through this felt intimate and like a gift. Better than any amount of talking.

They ordered a pizza and settled into their motel room easily. Two beds, a grainy old television and a coffee machine. Not exactly high-end accommodations, but they were happy to be out of the car and kicked back on lumpy old mattresses watching half an action movie until they passed out. The daunting nature of the following day had Hotch on edge as much as he tried to hide it, and Derek did his best not to bring it up. He didn't need to ask to understand that there was something specific about Vincent Perotta that got deeply under Hotch's skin.

It did his, too. Watching the man garrote his friend, being unable to take the shot, years later it still made him angry. The bruises beneath Hotch's buttoned tight collar were purple black and his voice had been hoarse for nearly a week after. As it slowly went back to normal and the bruises faded to sickly yellow, everyone else seemed to forget but Derek couldn't. He stared at it every time they were in a room together, considering it a failure on his part.

If given the chance to go back, he didn't really think Perotta being alive was terribly important to the investigation or saving Jimmy, they could have figured it out on their own...he'd put that bullet between Perotta's eyes without thinking twice.

Police station was the first stop in the morning for a short seminar, as Jason used to call them. Rossi just told them that while they were on the road, they may as well stop by and poke their heads in. Especially since they now held a prolific serial killer in their jurisdiction and he was a doozy. Hotch didn't mind the short distraction. They had some basic information to present but it was more of a conversation that they wanted to center around Vincent Perotta. A Q&A session with cops who weren't usually terribly receptive to what they did. Derek always made it easier, having been a cop himself. It was like an instant kinship. He would walk in and they could just tell by the way he walked, the way he carried himself. He was one of them, and Hotch was an outsider. He tried too hard to combat that, be friendly instead of putting up his usual shield of armor...usually it worked after a while. They either respected him or took pity on him, either way they usually warmed up but not today. Today it was one knock down after another until he found himself retreating to the silent shadows beside the power point on screen and let Derek take lead on their session. It would be over soon. He wasn't there to rile them up, and Derek had it under control.

Afterward, the Sheriff apologized to Hotch and he figured that was about the best he could have hoped for...but Derek, he had them on board with what he was saying.

“You could have done that on your own,” Aaron said, lugging the bag of equipment over his shoulder. “I was only in the way today.”

Derek regarded him sadly and shrugged. “You're just off your game. It's understandable, man. But I was talking to one of the guys afterward, while you were with the Sheriff. Guess they've been burned a few times lately by Feds jumping into their business...it's not you. Don't take it personally.”

“They called me a pencil pusher,” Hotch muttered, throwing the bag into the backseat with a huff. Derek laughed.

“Well shit, they're calling you worse now that you're not in the building.”

Hotch stopped and held his hand up over his eyes to shield them from the sun while he stared at Derek more than a little incredulously. “Like what?”

“Oh you know...cop things...” Derek's voice was sly, mischievous, and his smile said he wasn't about to tell Hotch exactly what he knew. “Things my mama would tan my hide over if I repeated them. You're better off not knowing.”

“That isn't true. My imagination can fill in the blanks. Just tell me.”

“Not a chance, Hotchner. Your mind isn't nearly filthy enough to come up with half the shit they'll say just at the coffee maker, let alone at the bar after their shifts are over...pick a tape so we can drive to the prison and get this over with.”

The prison was Hotch's place. Being a cop didn't help you there, but being a former prosecutor helped. He knew the walk, the sign in, the way to interact with the guards. Derek fell in line, followed Hotch's lead, knowing that his expertise stopped at booking these guys into the county jail, once that transport bus came he was out of their lives. And he was fine with that. These custodial interviews made him nervous...prisons weren't kind to ex-cops, for starters. Hotch could fool everyone into thinking he was just a lawyer, just a pencil pusher, but Derek, he gave off the vibes of I put you here you asshole. These guys fed on it. He'd done a few custodials on his own and preferred to have someone with him if at all possible, though he'd never say it aloud. He could never admit that.

He had his suspicions that Hotch knew, though, because he never sent Derek alone. Not once. Gideon had, Rossi had, but Hotch always went with him or gave him a partner.

“You don't have to do anything in here, just...” Hotch paused, searching for a way to make this as painless as possible. “I couldn't do this one alone. Whatever you hear in there doesn't leave this prison.” Derek didn't have a chance to reply before the guard let them into the little room set up for them. Derek just nodded his understanding, as nonchalant as he could, even though he felt the rock settle in in the pit of his stomach. He was more than a little uneasy, this wasn't going to be pretty. If it had Hotch nervous...hell he didn't think he'd ever seen Hotch nervous.

Perotta was already seated at the small metal table. He looked like a giant, his meaty fists chained to a metal hoop in the center of the table. Hotch eyed the chains and considered his options. He swallowed and there was an audible click in his throat as he did so.

“Agent Hotchner,” Perotta said in his cool, slow voice. “You brought us a guest.”

“Yes,” Hotch replied quickly. He tried to come up with a lie, a reason, something to give Perotta but he was sure by now that the man could smell the lie he was cooking up. “I thought it best I didn't come alone today.”

“Oh? You sound different, Aaron. Have you been sleeping?”

Hotch sighed and led Derek around to the other side of the room, cautiously giving Perotta a wide berth. He wouldn't sit too close, either. That chain looked tight but Perotta was strong. Involuntarily he gulped and felt that phantom barbed wire feeling. “Does that count as your first question, Vincent?”

Perotta smiled his feline smile, bearing his teeth. “Sure. I'd love to know what's keeping you up at night these days.” Almost instinctively, Perotta's gaze drifted from Hotch's face to his hands as he pulled out his file and pen, and then his smile widened. “Where's your wedding ring?”

“That's two questions, Vincent. Do you expect me to answer both of them? You're going to have me out of her faster than usual at this rate.”

Perotta glanced at Derek briefly, and then back at Hotch. Derek almost thought he could see Perotta's gears turning and he didn't like what he was seeing. Still, he waited. The silence ate away at their hour and he would be glad to let it.

“I knew she'd leave you. Was it a shock to you?”

Hotch remained silent, no longer wanting to play Perotta's little game of cat and mouse. “I'd like you to answer that one question. I know you're not sleeping because she left, that no longer interests me. I'd like to know if you were surprised that she left you.”

Hotch held Perotta's intense gaze. “I suppose. When she took our son and left, I thought she might still come back. I shouldn't have been surprised when she had me served, she gave me ample warning, but I was anyway.”

Derek couldn't believe the honesty that Hotch was affording this man chained to the table. He wondered if he could have gotten such brutal honesty out of Hotch if he'd asked. Maybe he would, he hadn't ever really tried...he rarely tried to get Hotch to talk because he knew it made the other man uncomfortable.

It was a peculiar back and forth. Perotta had a slew of questions prepared, and to Derek's constant amazement, Hotch answered him honestly each time. He worried his thumb over the inside of his ring finger, right where that wedding ring no longer sat, and stared hard at Perotta. Hotch answered questions about his childhood, about his father, about things Derek didn't know. It was almost like walking into a movie that was already half over, a continuation of previous conversations. Perotta asked, but he never had a response and his face stayed stony and unreadable. He took careful mental notes, cataloging every syllable. And yet he could tell Hotch was withholding as much as he thought he could get away with. These stories were honest, but threadbare. Perotta wouldn't know his tells the way Derek did. Maybe he could tell an outright lie, but he wouldn't see through the minor infractions. Careful guarding of information that was too deeply personal, too well buried, to speak into the world.

“You've got two questions left,” Hotch said, clearing his throat. It wasn't any worse saying those things in front of Derek than he thought it would be, it was only as bad as he imagined. That was a relief. If he had to bare his soul in front of anyone, he couldn't ask for anyone better.

“I'd like to ask Agent Morgan a question,” Perotta said after a long, pointed silence. He'd been weighing his odds, studying the two men. “May I? I'll forfeit my final question.”

“That's up to Agent Morgan,” Hotch answered quietly, before turning to Derek. “You don't have to say yes.”

Derek squared his shoulders and stepped forward from where he'd been standing a few feet behind Hotch, just a casual observer. “You can ask, but I'm not promising I'll answer.”

“No,” Perotta oozed, smiling. Realizing he once again had the upper hand after only a momentary lapse. “That isn't the deal. But I'll work with you. I ask you the question, and if you're not comfortable answering, I get to ask Aaron two more anyway.”

Derek hated the sound of that. If he thought the question he was asked was too personal, too much, the focus would shift back to Hotch who had already answered such deeply personal questions that Derek felt sick on his behalf. Hotch didn't look too bad off, all things considered. He'd looked worse before they came in. It had obviously been eating at him, the anticipation of this conversation. The fact that Hotch hadn't told him about any of this, hadn't shared with him what was about to happen, was gnawing at him.

“Fine. What do you want to know?”

Perotta grinned. There was nothing endearing or sweet in his smile, it was as near as Derek thought he'd ever seen to real evil. “Did you know you were in love with Aaron before you aimed your gun at my head, or was it my garrote around his neck that did it?”

Derek cleared his throat nervously and balled up his fists to hide the tremor. “That sounds like two questions...” His voice was frail and he found that he couldn't look at Hotch. Bright spots clouded his vision. Perotta shrugged lackadaisically.

“I suppose it is. You can't blame me for my interest?”

“You don't have to answer that.” Hotch's voice sounded far away to Derek's ears and he sat down on the bench beside his friend. Sat hard, before he passed out. He wasn't sure why he was reacting this way, really. It wasn't like he'd never been put on the spot before, he did this shit for a living. And it also wasn't like he hadn't ever confessed love to someone who didn't want to hear it...you don't get to his age without a few broken hearts. But something about this felt so much bigger. So much worse.

He had more to lose this time.

“Come on, Agent Morgan. I've got a time limit. If you don't answer soon, your friend here might not get the information he's after. We'll have to wait until next time.”

“I,” Derek started, swallowing hard. “Before. But I don't think I understood it until that moment.”

Hotch stared hard at Perotta, refused to let himself be distracted by the sudden sharp pain in his chest, the dizzy feeling that washed over him. He studied Perotta's reaction, the pleasure at making both of them uncomfortable, at what he figured would probably destroy their working relationship after it made for an awful drive home. He looked pleased.

“The paper,” Hotch said with some finality, glancing only briefly at the clock. “Time's up.”

The little sheet of paper was released from Perotta's grip, crumpled and damp from his sweaty palm but it was legible. Same as always. A name and a location.

It took Derek almost a full minute to gather himself, to stand up and follow Hotch out of the room once Perotta had been removed. They didn't speak all the way down the corridor, and they didn't say a word as they got their weapons back and re-entered the free world.

Derek sped up as they walked to the car. He unlocked Hotch's door first, old school locks being what they were, he was still a gentleman even if he was more than a little off his game. Old habits die hard. Once inside the car he rifled through the tapes, selected one, and turned it up a little too loud. Loud enough that he couldn't hear himself think. And he definitely couldn't hear anything Hotch might want to say.

He knew what was coming. Useless platitudes. He'd assure Derek it didn't mean anything, he'd forget all about it, even offer him an out to say he'd lied and said what Perotta wanted to hear. And the most frustrating part of all of it was that he would do it. He'd forget it, if Derek wanted him to.

“Derek,” Hotch said as Derek floored the gas a little too hard and made his stomach do a somersault up into his chest. “Derek.”

He turned the music up and drove a little faster. Hotch sighed and looked out the window, watched the prison disappear in the rearview mirror. The softened, damp piece of paper was still in his hand...his unpleasant day was only beginning. He still had to find this person's family, get the police out to the location, dig up remains. His shit was getting deeper and that pain in his chest was quickly turning into a sick feeling in his stomach.

Quickly, without giving it too much thought, he flicked the volume button until it was all the way down and turned toward Derek. His knee knocked into the console and he winced at the jolt of pain. “Derek.”

“Stop please. Just don't.” He was getting angry now. Angry at what? Perotta? Or maybe Hotch for bringing him along in the first place? Or himself for answering so brutally honest when he had no reason to. Hotch gave him an out. But he'd been so angry about being blindsided by the content of the conversation and far too guilty about how much Hotch gave up to lie, or worse, to refuse to answer. Lord only knew what other violations Perotta had in store for Hotch. As it was, he felt like he'd been watching an assault in graphic detail.

“Was it true?” Hotch's voice sounded small and fragile, the question leaving him breathless. Derek's foot eased up on the gas a little at the sound of it. He frowned.

“What? What I told him? Yeah, I guess it was...didn't think lying was an option after everything you gave him...”

“What I gave him was part of the deal I made. You didn't owe him anything. I'm sorry I put you in that position.”

One painfully silent moment stretched into the next and finally, on an empty stretch of highway between the prison and their motel, Derek veered off to the side of the road in a cloud of dust and squealing brakes.

“You're sorry? Man...” Derek's anger was tangible and he knew, without a doubt, the person he was angriest with was himself. “Don't you dare do that.”

Hotch pursed his lips and waited. Derek didn't look like he was done talking. He was just busy processing.

“He thinks you guys have a lot in common. That's fucked up, you know that? Looks at you like you guys are the same...”

“I suppose in some ways ways...”

“No. No. You're not. Maybe you guys both had shitty fuckin' dads but that doesn't make you the same. You gotta be smart enough to see that.”

Silence. All the color had gone from Hotch's cheeks. “It isn't that simple, Derek.”

“No, of course not...it never is...”

Another long silence. God the silence was painful. It was thick and settled in his chest. Finally, when Hotch couldn't take it a moment more, and it looked like Derek was going to start the car again, he reached over and placed his hand over Derek's before he could turn the key in the ignition.

“I asked if what you said was true because...” he paused, gathering what little courage he could still muster after the beating his soul just took in that prison. He wasn't sure he could come back from this if it went south, not after everything else. The things Derek knew about him now...he was too raw to even meet his stare. He'd never shied away from eye contact with Derek before.

Hell, in that case, he might already be dead in the water. “What Hotch?”

He desperately needed Derek to soften a little, and under the gentle touch of his hand he almost seemed to. Almost. He didn't make things easy. “Because what dammit?”

When Hotch took too long to respond, Derek groaned and turned the key in the ignition, shaking Hotch's hand away with the motion. Frustrated, Derek let out a sigh and floored the gas before turning the radio back on and back up. Way up. There was a faint sting of tears in Hotch's eyes. Tears of frustration, at Derek for being so impulsive, for being so open, at himself for being unable to do one fucking thing he wanted to do. This whole trip had turned out to be just as disastrous as he'd anticipated. His fail-safe had blown up in his face. He'd tried to avoid the self-destruction of going on his own but managed to make it worse.

There was nothing he could say now. He knew Derek well enough not to touch that volume dial again or they'd be on the fast track to an actual argument. Instead, he sat silent, each of them stewing in the raw emotions Vincent Perotta had scraped up. The man had a knack.

Derek blew past the turn off to their motel, and Hotch watched it fade into the distance curiously. Part of him thought about speaking up, but his features were set and he looked in absolutely no mood to hear anything come out of Hotch's mouth. So, he kept himself quiet. Clear on they drove as the afternoon turned on them, those storm clouds finally making good on their threats. They'd been hovering all day but the air was still, quiet, calm. Now it crackled with electricity, he could feel it in his teeth.

Derek switched the tapes silently, loud plastic clacking together as he worked one handed. Hotch thought this might be the time, the brief silence between tapes.

“Derek, pull over,” he said quietly, his stomach twisting. He'd done a fairly good job at holding it off. His carsickness was usually enough to keep him in the driver's seat, but he didn't often have trouble if Derek drove...unless he was driving like a wild man through a violent sheet of rain and thunder. This sudden out of control feeling of barreling toward endless black chaos. “Please pull over.” His voice had taken on a breathy quality that Derek didn't like. He knew it well enough from years of sitting in the backseat of a car piloted by Gideon down back roads and highways. Before the jet was in their employ whenever they wanted it.

He swerved onto the shoulder of the road and by the time the car was in park Hotch was spilling out the side onto his hands and knees, gagging and heaving. Nothing was coming up, there was nothing to come up, but man did it hurt. He crawled further away from the car, as if the movement would help. At least it would get him away from the pungent smell of exhaust. Thunder rumbled through the air around them, followed shortly by lightning that lit up the sky as he skidded down the embankment and pushed his way into the wall of corn stalks to get some shelter from the rain. Derek stayed in the car, and he was grateful for that. His stomach cramped painfully but thanked his lucky stars he never actually got sick.

Some part of him knew he wasn't just car sick. It wasn't Derek's driving, it was the time with Perotta, it was the smell of his breath so close, it was that phantom pain in his windpipe every time he looked at the man's hands. It was every single thing he said about his father, about trips to the emergency room and social workers and his mother. It was memories dragged up from murky depths that tasted like bile and blood. He gagged and whimpered until it finally settled and he just sat there, crouching inside the strange shelter of tall cornstalks and drenched spiderwebs that looked like silk and diamonds when the lightning lit up the sky.

“Hotch!” Derek's voice floated strangely through the electric air and he pressed his palms against his thighs to try and stand up. His knees shook a little and he nearly fell, but caught himself quickly against one thick stalk.

“I'm here,” he answered, staggering out of the field. Derek was standing just outside of his door, staring incredulously into the night while Hotch lurched through the muck and up the small embankment to the road. “I'm sorry.” He muttered it while he shucked his soaking wet jacket from his arms and tossed it into the backseat and kicked the muck off of his shoes against the tires.

“You good?” Derek asked, and Hotch could tell that he'd softened a little. The edge was gone from his voice, and his features didn't look quiet so stern. “Need another minute?”

“No, I'm okay.” He paused, meeting Derek's eyes over the roof of the car briefly. “Derek...what you said to Perotta, is it still true?” Somewhere in that muddy corn field he'd found whatever sliver of courage still existed in him and lit it on fire. It would burn fast and hot, it wouldn't last long. He shivered and pushed his wet hair back from his forehead, staring intently at the man before him.

“What does it matter?” Derek asked, reaching for the door, to let Hotch in. He wanted to get out of the rain, but Hotch wouldn't move. "Hotch, get in..."

“Just answer me. It matters.”

“I don't know. Yeah, I guess it's still true. It's okay, you can tell me it's fine and you don't care and...”

He didn't get a chance to finish before Hotch was grabbing the sides of his face, palms splayed drenched and a little muddy against his cheeks, and leaning forward for a kiss. There was nothing gentle about the way he pulled Derek toward him, the way he dove into that kiss hungry and more than a little desperate. Behind them thunder rumbled through the field and moments later the sky lit up in a ferocious web of blinding light. Derek's arms wrapped tight around Hotch's waist, pulling him close, chest to chest, hip to hip and he leaned them up against the car door. His feet slipped in the growing puddle beneath them, but somehow the rain seemed inconsequential. They lost track of the entire storm, the fury of mother nature faded into the background.

“Let's finish this at the hotel,” Derek whispered, his teeth chattering. He really hoped the heater warmed up a little faster this time. Hotch smiled dreamy and tired.

“We'd be there right now if you hadn't missed the turn.”

Derek glared at him, nose to nose, and squeezed his waist a little harder. “Don't push your luck. I'll leave you here.”

#aaron hotchner #derek morgan #hotchgan #criminal minds #aaron hotchner x derek morgan #hotch x morgan #fanfiction

[soranihimawari]

Angel in the Centerfold

Pairing: miya osamu x reader

Word count: tbd

Rating: MOF (miya osamu fluff)

Warnings: underwear modeling//surprise model job

The room is brightly lit; there is about five people on staff today for today’s shoot. A new line of high end underwear and dresses are being advertised in this sultry set behind you. You’re fresh out of sophomore year in college and after finding a job being a nice model for art classes, your close friends who also moonlight as service bar maids recommend you to take some photos with well known industry people. The photographers don’t ask for nudes, but they do ask for sultry and suggestive poses because of the underwear line they needed to shoot for. You’re hired because of your innocently large eyes and curvaceous figure. What they don’t tell you is how your photos will turn you into a internet celebrity. Actually, they do tell you you’re going to be the featured centerfold model for this type of magazine. You’re not ashamed at all as long as you get to keep one prop.

“What? A girl can get lonely and we also have needs,” your hands run over an expensive sleek vibrator. Your eyes darken when the assistant nods saying they understand completely. The check is worth it when you see it hit your account; you’re also asked if you’d like the same account of the royalties after the magazine hits the shelves (you agree).

The shoot goes well. You’re given instructions on poses, some topless, others with garter belts and thigh highs. It’s warm in the room, and you’re still topless on the couch when lunch is delivered. The chef and proprietor of an onigiri shop is observed by you when you pull a shirt over your exposed self. He’s tall, quite handsome too underneath the hat. The director pays him for the lunch boxes, but your voice stalls the man from leaving. You’re asked to come closer for introductions—you are the model the fashion company chose and he’s introduced as the owner of the onigiri restaurant just up the road.

“I look forward to seeing your work,” the chef says. He’s trying so hard not to stare down your shirt. He’s not a teenager anymore, but his mind plays dirty movies in his head staring you, the couch, and him. You think he’s cute when you tease him, closing the collar of your shirt more, god you’re going to haunt him in his sleep aren’t ya?

“I look forward to eating the lunch you made,” you smile back, thanking him again. “Thanks for stopping by Miya Osamu.”

Your voice scalds mist over his name and he needs an out like yesterday. Who knew coming to a photo shoot would let him flirt his way into your life?

The director stands there listening to some of his assistants’ back chatter saying the make model for later has the flu. Luckily you’re still talking to the chef who suddenly is asked what size underwear he wears, much to his and your embarrassment. When your new acquaintance answered, you’re stuck standing by the picnic table eating an umeboshi onirigi while he is whisked away into the changing room.

You have a feeling things are going to get really intimate, really quickly with young chef prodigy Miya Osamu. An hour after lunch is over, you see the chef whisked away from where he stood. His phone is in his hands explaining to his sous chef he won’t be coming back until later. When promoted why, Miya is honest, glancing at where you stood where a make up artist is applying more lipstick, he said he had bumped into an old friend down on her luck. Sous chef whispered good luck as the call ends.

“Alright people! Listen up!” the make up artist still works while the director continues to powder your cupped breasts with highlight product.

Osamu is on the opposite side of the room, wearing only this undershirt for right now, his make up is naturally applied to highlight his impeccable cheekbones.

“Unbelievable,” he mutters. A sneaky smirk makes its way across his lips when he sees you wear a matching set.

The director goes on to dictate the rest of the itinerary for the afternoon shoot.

“Spare Bones Underwear company wants some couple shots for this line, so graciously my good friend, Miya-san, has gratefully chipped in as our make model today,” the director announced and you poke your head with a playful smile when the chef raises his hand as the applause dies down. You see a tattoo on the inside of his forearm of chopsticks over a ramen bowl and above it a chibi-sized onigiri; you focus when the director and the assistant run through a series of poses with you and him separately. As the make up artists leave you to attend to other tasks, you step onto the set. Osamu follows you, sitting down on the ottoman. He has since handed his shirt to one of the juniors on set and hearing their audible, “damn, yn-chan is lucky.”

“You nervous?” you whisper, sliding between his legs. Your arm rests against his exposed shoulder and suddenly he is intimidated considering his Adam’s apple bobs in a shaky gulp. You feel his hands teasingly touch the small of your back, pushing you closer.

“Perfect!” the director says, snapping away from all angles. “Such a grand smoulder here.”

The camera clicks and you readjust your pose to straddle the man who’s eyes dart to watch you—he follows your lead, hoisting you up and settling you where your knees would graze his hips. You let out an almost pornographic mewl when you feel the girth of him press against your inner thigh.

“Calm down big boy,” you murmur when you press your cheek against his.

“Tryin’ ta, but yer makin’ it impossible,” steam could be seen literally being exhaled by his nose. Hearing two more snaps before another change of film is called for, you take advantage of your volun-told partner to lean back on the ottoman and you, the minx you are, seductively crawl over his blushing body. Your hands tease his abs, scratching at his muscles until you press both palms openly against his pectorals.

“Wow, they’re a natural!” the assistant says, raising their brows when talking about how you lean in almost making you and Osamu’s mouths meet.

The tension reaches a fever pitch when you fake losing your your balance only to have the chef’s hands securely hold you steady by your love handles.

“T-thanks,” you kiss his cheek, almost pushing the envelope with testing his patience.

Another hour of posing together in different matching sets makes for bolder poses; like the one where Osamu stands behind a topless you, his hands, holding your breasts for an as advertised “barely there” pasty ad; then another one if you in a lace set having Osamu giving you a piggy back ride with your arms around his shoulder—that is the most believable couple shot of the day.

“Beautifully done yn! Osamu, you too!… just one more pose and it’s a wrap, ok?”

You nod, hopping down back to the ground. The director asks for a simpler pose this time: you’re to spin underneath Osamu’s outstretched hand like you two are dancing in the kitchen. The photo is said to be the one where both of you flirt through your respective body language(s) and you, being your more forward self, teach Osamu how to ‘fake a stage kiss’ when you stand on the tip of your toes almost nose to nose with him. The oxygen in his lungs are actually now gasoline and your plump painted lips are the match. Gods he just met you today and you’re already making him half-hard again. Fuck today, his subconscious scolds. And fuck the pretty young thing in front of me, angel’s gonna drive up the wall tonight, his inner thoughts continue.

The set is being packed up while you’re already done changing into your dress. Osamu changed back into his street clothes, you see his tattooed arm behind his head laughing at a joke his photographer friend said. More like a dare, really it seems like to you.

A majority of the equipment is in the truck already and the assistant from earlier brought the company car around the street. A horn honks and the photographer excuses himself making a mention of returning to the studio proper to start the editing process.

“Hey, nice job today,” you wave good bye to the young up and coming photographer.

“You too. Oh, and ‘Samu thanks for filling in.”

“No prob!”

Minutes after the car drives past the now locked set, you stand side by side with the chef.

“Calmed down now?” You tease, glancing at your partner’s profile.

“Mmhm,” he’s avoiding eye contact again. His shoulders square up a bit before clearing his throat. You size him up and after today, you wonder how long it would take for you to ask for a ride.

A few minutes of silence goes by as you make polite small talk with the chef. He tells you his restaurant isn’t too far away, he has a twin you found out, who plays for MSBY Black Jackals club. Although you say you prefer the chef over the other because you “like to eat.”

Upon hearing that, Miya Osamu sends an invitation that has your mouth watering (it’s more food). “Would ya like t’come over for dinner?”

“I’d love to,” you smile brightly, threading your fingers when he holds your hand a little tighter. “So, when did you get those tattoos?”

“I’ll tell ya over dinner sweetness,” he chuckles, no longer embarrassed by the angel in the centerfold, sliding his other hand against your waist guiding you back to his restaurant.

#🌻— flying around collecting pollen—queue #sora after hours #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu!! #sora scribbles 2022 #miya.o & reader

[royalscarlet]

Let's Stay and Count the STARS (CH 8, Final)

My contribution to Chreon week: an eight chapter long fic of Re1/2 era Chris and Leon. I prefer to write longer fics, so each chapter was inspired by the given prompts. (Also posted on my Ao3)

Pairing: Leon S. Kennedy/Chris Redfield

Prompt: Free Choice

Words: 1K

Tags: time jump, marriage proposal, fluff

            It was a wonderful morning; the sun rose in a clear sky, the spring weather was perfect.

            Leon should have been sat at his kitchen table enjoying a fresh breakfast. He woke up with a large plate of pancakes, bacon, and sausage in mind. He tidied up some stray clothes and plates around the house as his bread toasted. As he sat to eat, his plans were quickly shattered as he looked at his hand.

            He nearly tore the house apart before Chris woke up; couch cushions thrown around, tables moved, TV sideways. Leon was still in the act of redecorating as Chris walked in the room.

            Chris saw the abandoned breakfast “What are you doing?”

            “I, uh…lost it,” Leon couldn’t look at him.

            “Yeah, I see that,” Chris tried to put some things back in their place.

            “No,” Leon stopped, “I lost IT.”

            “It? Leon I’m too tired, and a little hungover, to play games right now. We have a lot to do today, if you remember?”

            “Chris,” Leon turned to him, “the ring. I lost the stupid thing when I was cleaning or something and I can’t find it.”

            Leon stormed into the bedroom, maybe he dropped it off the nightstand? He started to flip over the bedsheets, checked under the bed and all along the floor.

            “Leon, would you calm down. I’m sure you’ll find it in time” Chris called as he started to look around.

            “I can’t believe I fucking lost it, and of course it happened today.” Leon swore at himself.

            “It’ll be alright, just relax and I’ll help you look. But you have to calm down.”

            “Just because good ol’ Wesker retired to fulfill some crack medical dream of his and made you captain doesn’t mean you can boss me around.” Leon walked past Chris to check the bathroom.

            Chris rubbed the bridge of his nose, “I’m just saying that it’ll be easier to find without you walking around everywhere.”

            Leon tapped his fingers on the counter as he scanned the area. He checked in the sink, under the toilet, even the shower and found nothing. He could almost cry at how angry he was at himself since he lost it.

            “Hey,” Chris called out.

            Leon walked back into the living room and saw Chris knelt on the ground in front of the couch.

            “Found it,” Chris held a sleek silver band in his fingers.

            Seeing Chris down on one knee nearly brought Leon back to the moment he proposed: They were a few years into their relationship and both couldn’t be happier. There were always ups in down in the stressful job that they had, but with each other by their side they could do anything.

            Especially the one time the mayor’s daughter was kidnapped and ransomed for a few million dollars. It was a mix of dumb luck and sheer skill that allowed Leon to save her. He was on his way to dinner when he saw a lead and followed it, one exhausting night later and he was headed back to the RPD.

            He radioed ahead the news as he drove through the rain. Leon was beaten up, but it wasn’t anything too serious.

            Chris ran out as soon as Leon approached the front door of the RPD and wrapped his arms around him. The other officers took the girl in to take care of her.

            “You absolute dumbass,” Chris said as the two got drenched in the rain.

            “Sorry I missed out anniversary date,” Leon smiled.

            “I guess I should do this now before you run off again,” Chris fished around in his pockets.

            Leon looked at him confused as Chris took a step back and got on one knee.

            Leon felt his heart rate spike even higher than it was on his little mission. His chest fluttered as he registered what was happening. Chris looked up at him and smiled as drops of water ran off of his face.

            “Leon,” Chris couldn’t help but laugh at the situation. He had a whole thing planned at a fancy restaurant, yet this felt more appropriate for the two of them. “Will you marry me?”  He held up a silver band.

            A collection of awes and gasps sounded from the officers and news people that now crowded the RPD. A few STARS members shouted in encouragement.

            “Yes, of course I will,” Leon had to stop himself from crying. But if a tear or two slipped by, he would have told you it was just the rain.

            Now several months later, Leon was stood in their shared house with Chris still on the ground in front of him.

            “Where did you find it?” Leon reached out to take the ring.

            “Under the couch a little,” Chris took Leon’s hand and slid the ring back onto his finger. He gave it a gentle kiss before he stood.

            “Oh, thank God,” Leon wrapped around Chris and kissed him properly. “Imagine showing up to a wedding without the stupid rings.”

            “Actually I don’t think many people would be surprised,” Chris laughed before he checked the clock on the wall.

            “We gotta go, right?” Leon still hung onto Chris.

            “Yeah.”

            “Can we just postpone it for tomorrow?” Leon’s stomach loudly grumbled now his anxiety was under check.

            “Let me call half of Raccoon City real quick and tell them the wedding is pushed back because Leon is upset he missed breakfast.”

            “Is it not that easy? Captain?” Leon said in a playful tone.

            “No, Lieutenant, it isn’t” Chris gave him another kiss before he went to get dressed.

            Leon sighed as he looked at the ring on his finger. He smiled as he turned it around, “I’m driving us there,” Leon yelled.

            “Leon, it’s been years. That joke is old.”

            Leon chuckled as he snatched a piece of cold bacon from his plate.

#chreonweek2k22 #chreon #chris redfield #leon kennedy #resident evil fanfiction #my writing

[k-illdarlings]

why ive never seen people recommending ben barnes to be the next james bond.... i mean the man is british, ridiculously hot.., he plays billy russo so right.. and dont forget he's got dark hair.. like how ian fleming described james bond look like in casino royale book... (im currently reading the book rn..) fleming also described him having a scar on his face... remember how russo got face scars?? now imagine with that sleek back hair..... damn. i know craig's 007 set things so high, but i think ben's acting gonna bring some fresh new start for the new era? doesnt it?

#ben barnes #007 #james bond #some random thoughts on sunday

[cloudbattrolls]

Clear-Eyed

Jikiro Takami | Jameth Abnale’s Office, Civitrecce | Present Night

Jikiro teleported to Jamie’s office, eyes wide as he shut the door behind him.

“Jamie, is it a good time? Can we - “

“Yes, yes, sit down, I just need to finish this.” interrupted the blueblood, waving a hand dismissively, focusing on a memo displayed on his tablet screen. “Latrai is being a pain again, to the surprise of no one.”

“I thought you didn’t mind her policies.” frowned the tealblood.

The cobalt sighed dramatically, leaning back very far in his adjustable chair and giving the tanuki troll a look.

“I have never minded most of her policies, Jiji, I mind her. She’s so self-righteous, which is terribly ironic given who she employs. About the best thing she ever did was oppose Coloth, but well, he’s gone now.” said the cobalt casually, but his eyes glinted with satisfaction.

Jikiro snorted. He’d never asked Jamie what, if anything, he’d had to do with the violet businessman’s death, but he could guess.

His kismesis had the best of reasons, after all.

“What’s she doing?”

“Hush, I’ll tell you in a minute.”

Jikiro figured he couldn’t blame Jamie for wanting to get it done, so he looked around the room, noticing it had been redecorated a bit since he’d been in here. The kookaburra troll always liked to implement any new technology he found useful or interesting, as well as wanting to keep the look of things fresh. Now the place was adorned with sleek holographic winter imagery - snow made of light fell from the ceiling - yet there was actual holly and ivy on the doors. 

“There we go.” said the blueblood decisively, hitting send. “If she starts interfering with future architecture just because she’s repaired a lot of the current batch, she has another thing coming. Lowering information-gathering tech presence…where does she think she is, some backwater town? Without surveillance this city would fall apart. God knows it nearly has, repeatedly.”

The tealblood kept silent. He’d always thought it was a bit creepy how heavily monitored life was here, but he knew Jamie would never agree. The cobalt felt safer in his home territory than anywhere else because of how easy it was for him to keep an eye on everything.

“So, what did you want?” asked the cobalt. “Do make it quick, my meds will probably knock me out in a bit.”

“I think Viltau likes me.” confessed the tanuki troll.

Jamie gave him a look of deepest amusement mixed with the utmost weariness and spread his arms wide before raising them up and taking a remote out of his sylladex so that the room’s TV could blast a clip saying ‘CONGRATULATIONS, IDIOT’.

Jikiro squinted.

“Did you just have that prepared.”

“Who can say?” yawned the blueblood. “So glad you caught up, slow though it was.”

“Hey, you thought he was just playing games too!” retorted the bigger troll, pointing an accusing finger.

“So I did, so I did…but I realized he wasn’t far faster than you, laddie o’lads. Seems you weren’t quite right about his preferences.” Grinned the kookaburra troll. “I don’t think he minds your looks or personality after all, hm? In fact I’d say he probably appreciates the view almost as much as I do.”

Jikiro folded his arms, expression grumpy, but then sighed and laughed a bit.

“I don’t know about that, but the way he defended me to Belamy…I mean, I don’t give a shit what that prick thinks of me, but the fact he thought I was worth it…”

“If you get sentimental I will hurl.” deadpanned the highblood. “Yes, yes, Viltau wants to make out with you, you figured it out, hip hip hurray. Now you have to plan a good confession or I will judge you forevermore.”

“Oh wow, the pressure’s really on.” deadpanned his kismesis back. “How will I live if you don’t approve of how I handle a quadrant you’re not involved in?”

Jamie laughed his funny kookaburra laugh. “Please! As if either of you would’ve gotten this far without me, pair of bumbling morons that you are.”

Jikiro elected to ignore that and sat down on a soft blue couch across from Jamie’s desk, taking one of its pillows embroidered with stars to hold.

“Man. I just didn’t expect it.”

“Absolutely no one could’ve, Jiji.” said the cobalt dryly. “My jokes were just jokes - I mostly wanted you to stop whinging and settle down. But then you started getting all silly and I realized oh, no, he really does like Viltau, and being him, he doesn’t want to realize it.”

The tealblood grinned, slightly embarrassed.

“Yeah, okay, but can you blame me?”

“Constantly!” replied Jamie in a chipper tone. “Constantly and with enthusiasm.”

“...I walked into that one.” admitted the tealblood. “Anyway. It’s just wild, falling for someone I never thought I’d like that way. He probably feels the same. I mean, if I’m right, maybe I’m not - “

Jamie gave a deep, extended sigh.

“Yes, Viltau likes you, oh my goodness gracious. Was the hive full of flowers not enough?”

“Hey, he’s just like that in general!” protested the tanuki troll.

“He is.” agreed the blueblood. “But he’s like that for you in particular.” He smirked. 

“Look at you, Jiji, netting yourself an indigo. A pretty indigo, at that. You like your men petite, hm? Did I set a trend?”

The tealblood grumbled. “That has nothing to do with it. Sure, Vil’s hot, but he’d be hot if he looked different too. Maybe some night I’ll get through to him on that.”

Jamie examined the other businessman, eyebrows raised slightly, then laughed softly.

“You are so annoying with your boundless confidence and desire for others to have it.” He said, cutting but fond. “But I admit - that’s why I first looked at you and decided I had to have you.”

Jikiro blinked.

“Oh, don’t look like a stunned flounder. Don’t you remember when you started to put on weight during hormone therapy, and your voice got deeper?” 

The tealblood grinned. “I’ll never forget. One of the best times of my life.”

“The look on your stupid face was…infuriating, yet wonderful. Nothing could touch you. So different from how unhappy you’d been.”

“Yeah, that time kinda sucked major ass.” commented the ink maker conversationally. “Don’t miss being seven.”

“Does anyone?” muttered Jamie. “Show me a troll who does and I’ll prove they’re disturbed.”

Jikiro couldn’t help laughing.

“Fair. Well. Thanks for listening.”

“Tragically, it’s what I do.” yawned the blueblood, longer than before. “Now shoo. I need to sleep.”

The tealblood smiled, and left for his estate.

Jikiro still buzzed with the realization that his crush wasn’t pointless after all. 

#cloud writes #jikiro takami #jameth abnale #the real similarity is that Jikiro likes dramatic gay murder assholes #not what I intended for him but when does anything ever work out how I intend? #never

[fridgeseals]

The Importance of Fridge Seals

Hey there, fellow foodies and kitchen aficionados! Today, let's talk about something often overlooked but absolutely essential in every household – the humble fridge seal. Yes, that thin strip of rubber lining that runs along the edges of your refrigerator door might not seem like a big deal, but trust me, it plays a crucial role in keeping your fridge running efficiently and your food fresh.

So, what exactly does a fridge seal do? Well, it's responsible for creating an airtight barrier when you close the refrigerator door. This seal ensures that cold air stays inside, maintaining the optimal temperature for your food storage. A worn-out or damaged seal can lead to leaks of cold air, causing your fridge to work harder and driving up your energy bills. Plus, it can also compromise the freshness of your food by allowing warm air and moisture to seep in.

Now, if you've noticed your fridge isn't keeping things as cool as it used to, or if you've spotted any tears or gaps in the seal, it's probably time for a replacement. Luckily, getting a new fridge seal is easier than ever, thanks to online retailers like fridgeseal.au and fridgeseals.au.

At fridgeseal.au, you'll find a wide range of high-quality fridge seals to suit almost any make and model. Whether you have a sleek modern refrigerator or a trusty old one, they've got you covered. Plus, their seals are made from durable materials designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, so you can count on them to keep your fridge running smoothly for years to come.

Similarly, fridgeseals.au offers a comprehensive selection of fridge seals, along with helpful resources to guide you through the installation process. With their easy-to-navigate website and prompt shipping, getting your hands on a new fridge seal has never been more convenient.

Now, I know what you're thinking – "But how do I know which seal is right for my fridge?" Well, fret not! Both fridgeseal.au and fridgeseals.au provide detailed instructions on how to measure your existing seal to ensure you get the perfect fit. And if you're still not sure, their friendly customer service teams are always ready to assist you.

So, why wait until your fridge starts acting up? Investing in a new fridge seal from fridgeseal.au or fridgeseals.au is a small but important step towards keeping your kitchen running smoothly. Say goodbye to wasted energy and spoiled groceries – with a fresh seal in place, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your fridge is working as efficiently as possible.

Remember, when it comes to fridge maintenance, it's the little things that count. So, show your fridge some love and treat it to a brand-new seal today. Your food – and your wallet – will thank you for it!

Happy chilling! 🍎🥦🥛

#fridgeseal #diy #diy projects #fridge #refrigeration

[statewideoutdoor]

Creative Ways to Style Your Outdoor Awnings

Imagine a sunny day, lounging in your backyard, enjoying the fresh air and the gentle rustle of leaves. Now, picture yourself having the option to bask in the warmth of the sun or relax in the cool shade right in your own outdoor space. 

That's the magic of Best outdoor awnings Melbourne! These versatile additions to your home not only provide protection from the elements but also offer an opportunity to elevate the style and functionality of your outdoor areas. 

Get ready to dive into a world of creativity and innovation as we explore some creative ways to style your outdoor awnings!

1. Embrace Nature with Greenery 

One of the most captivating ways to enhance the appeal of your outdoor awnings is by incorporating greenery. Imagine beautiful vines cascading down from above, framing the awnings and providing a natural, organic touch to your outdoor space. 

Consider installing small trellises near the awnings to encourage the growth of climbing plants such as ivy or jasmine. Not only will this create a stunning visual effect, but it will also infuse your outdoor area with a refreshing burst of natural fragrance.

2. Lighting Ambiance 

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood for any outdoor setting. Outdoor awnings provide the perfect opportunity to create enchanting lighting effects. Stringing fairy lights along the edges or installing soft, warm-toned LED lights can transform your awning into a cosy retreat during the evening hours. 

Opt for solar-powered lights for an eco-friendly touch and to minimise the need for electrical wiring. By doing so, you can extend the usability of your outdoor space well into the night, adding a touch of magic to your outdoor gatherings.

3. Colorful Canopies 

Adding a splash of colour to your outdoor awnings can breathe new life into your outdoor area. Opt for vibrant, weather-resistant fabrics to create a visually stimulating and inviting atmosphere. Whether you prefer bold and bright hues or soothing pastel tones, the options are endless. Switching out the canopy fabric seasonally or for special occasions allows you to effortlessly transform the look and feel of your outdoor space, keeping it fresh and inviting throughout the year.

4. Outdoor Curtains 

For those seeking an elegant and versatile way to style their outdoor awnings, consider installing outdoor curtains. 

These can be easily drawn back to allow for unobstructed views or pulled closed for privacy and shade. Adding outdoor curtains not only introduces a touch of sophistication but also allows for easy customisation of the level of shade and privacy in your outdoor space. 

Choose light, flowy fabrics to create a breezy, relaxed ambience or opt for heavier materials for a more dramatic and intimate feel.

5. Functional Additions 

Enhance the practicality of your outdoor awnings Melbourne by incorporating functional elements such as retractable screens or mosquito netting. These additions can help to keep pesky insects at bay while allowing fresh air to flow through. 

Additionally, consider attaching hooks or rods to the underside of the awnings to hang plants, wind chimes, or decorative elements. By doing so, you can optimise the use of your outdoor space while adding personalised touches that reflect your unique style.

6. Cosy Outdoor Seating 

Pairing your outdoor awnings with inviting and comfortable seating sets the stage for memorable moments spent outdoors. Consider incorporating weather-resistant cushions and throw pillows in coordinating colours to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. 

Whether you opt for a sleek, modern look or a more eclectic, bohemian vibe, the right choice of seating can complement your awnings and tie the entire outdoor space together seamlessly.

7. Personalised Signage 

Add a personalised touch to your outdoor awnings with custom signage or artwork. Whether it's a whimsical welcome sign, an inspiring quote, or a hand-painted mural, incorporating personalised elements can infuse your outdoor space with character and charm. This offers an opportunity to express your creativity and make a statement that truly reflects your personality and style.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, your outdoor awnings are more than just functional additions to your home; they are versatile canvases waiting to be transformed into captivating outdoor retreats. 

By embracing nature with greenery, playing with lighting ambience, incorporating colourful canopies, adding elegant outdoor curtains, integrating functional elements, creating cosy outdoor seating, and personalising your space with custom signage, you can unlock the full potential of your outdoor awnings Melbourne and elevate your outdoor living experience. 

Let your imagination run wild as you explore the endless possibilities of styling your outdoor awnings, and get ready to savour every moment spent in your outdoor oasis.

Source By - https://tinyurl.com/ywssrefj 

#OutdoorBlindsMelbourne #OutdoorWindowBlindsMelbourne #OutdoorAwningsMelbourne

[extremeonlinestore]

Revolutionize Your Cadillac: The Impact of Car Hood Vents on Performance

Hey, Cadillac enthusiasts! Buckle up because we're about to dive into a game-changer—car hood vents. It's not just about the look; it's about unleashing the full potential of your Cadillac, from the 2008 Cadillac CTS to the 2014 Cadillac CTS, and even the sleek Cadillac ATS and the powerful Cadillac ATS V. Let's talk about how car hood vents can revolutionize your driving experience.

Understanding the Functionality of Car Hood Vents

First things first: what exactly are car hood vents, and why should you care? Car hood vents are not just a cosmetic addition; they play a crucial role in regulating your engine's temperature. By enhancing airflow, they prevent overheating and contribute to overall vehicle performance. It's like giving your Cadillac's engine a breath of fresh air. Intrigued? You should be.

Choosing the Right Car Hood Vents for Your Cadillac

Now, let's talk shopping. With various types of car hood vents on the market, how do you choose the right ones for your beloved Cadillac? We'll explore different options, discussing materials, designs, and compatibility with different models. Oh, and here's a pro tip: always opt for genuine Cadillac parts for that perfect fit and optimal performance.

Installation Tips and Best Practices

So, you've got your hands on the perfect car hood vents. What's next? Fear not; we've got a step-by-step guide on how to install them seamlessly. Plus, we'll share some insider tips on maintenance and cleaning to keep your hood vents performing at their peak. And, of course, we'll delve into the impact of using genuine Cadillac parts versus other alternatives.

The Performance Boost: Real-Life Experiences

Curious about real-life results? We've got stories from Cadillac owners who took the plunge and installed car hood vents. Discover the tangible improvements they experienced in engine performance, cooling efficiency, and the overall joy of driving a Cadillac. It's not just a modification; it's a performance boost you can feel on the road.

Beyond Aesthetics: Practical Benefits of Car Hood Vents

Sure, car hood vents add a touch of style, but there's more to it than meets the eye. We'll explore how they contribute to the overall aesthetics of your Cadillac while discussing the practical benefits—improved fuel efficiency and a longer engine lifespan. It's not just about turning heads; it's about a smarter, more efficient ride.

Comparing Car Hood Vents Across Cadillac Models

Wondering if car hood vents are a one-size-fits-all deal? We'll break down compatibility across various Cadillac models, from the classic 2008 Cadillac CTS to the sleek 2014 Cadillac CTS and the performance-driven Cadillac ATS and Cadillac ATS V. Each model has its unique characteristics, and we'll guide you on a tailored approach to car modifications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, car hood vents are more than just an upgrade; they're a performance revolution for your Cadillac. Whether you drive the 2008 Cadillac CTS, the 2014 Cadillac CTS, the Cadillac ATS, or the Cadillac ATS V, unlocking the full potential of your ride is within reach. Consider the transformative impact of car hood vents, invest in genuine Cadillac parts, and get ready to experience a whole new level of driving satisfaction. Your Cadillac deserves it. Go ahead, revolutionize your ride!

By investing in the right car hood vents and opting for genuine Cadillac parts, you're not just enhancing the aesthetics of your ride; you're transforming the way it performs on the road. It's about more than turning heads; it's about feeling the thrill of improved engine efficiency, optimal cooling, and an overall smoother drive.

#caraccessories #accessories #carcare #autoaccessories #automotive #bmw #caraccessoriesshop #carlifestyle #toyota #carlovers

[wisitechinfosolutions]

Redesigning Your Website? Know Your Goals and Avoid These Common Mistakes

So, you've decided it's time to give your website a makeover. That's fantastic! Picture this: Your website is like the cool kid at the party, and a redesign is like giving it a snazzy new outfit. But, before you dive into the world of fonts and color palettes, let's talk goals and, of course, the classic pitfalls to avoid. Buckle up for a ride through the web redesign carnival!

If you want to deep dive into the topic, I cannot recommend you to read this post on

12 Costly Mistakes to Avoid for Website Design/Redesign, enough. It covers all you need to know about getting a website revamp done. But, if you need quick primer, keep reading.

Why the Heck Should You Redesign?

First things first, why bother with a redesign? Well, think of it like this: Would you wear the same outfit you rocked in 2010? Probably not. Similarly, your website needs a fresh look to stay trendy and relevant. Here's why:

1. It's Not 2005 Anymore

If your website looks like a relic from the mid-2000s, it's time to bid adieu to those clunky graphics and embrace the sleek designs of the digital era. Users love a site that feels as modern as the latest tech gadget.

2. Mobile Users Matter

Newsflash: We're living in the age of smartphones. If your website isn't giving mobile users a high-five with its responsive design, you're missing out on a massive chunk of your audience. Nobody likes a site that makes them pinch and zoom like it's a workout.

3. SEO Magic

SEO is like the secret sauce of the internet. A well-designed website not only looks pretty but also plays nice with search engines. You want your site to be the belle of the Google ball, right?

4. User Experience

Ever been on a website that felt like a labyrinth? Yeah, not fun. A redesign lets you streamline navigation, making it a joy for users to explore your content. Happy users stick around longer and might even bring a friend or two.

Set Your Goals Straight, Maverick!

Now that we're all aboard the redesign train, let's talk goals. It's like having a roadmap; you wouldn't embark on a cross-country trip without a plan, right?

1. Define Your Swagger

What's your vibe? Before you start moving pixels around, figure out the personality you want your website to exude. Whether it's sleek and professional or quirky and fun, let your brand shine through.

2. Know Your Audience

Who are you talking to? Understanding your audience is like having a cheat code. Tailor your redesign to meet the expectations and preferences of your target demographic. If they love memes, throw in a few! If they appreciate serious business talk, well, save the memes for your lunch break.

3. Set Measurable Goals

Sure, everyone wants a website that's as popular as a cat video on the internet, but let's be realistic. Set tangible goals—whether it's increasing traffic, boosting sales, or getting more subscribers. This way, you can measure your success and pop some metaphorical champagne when you hit those milestones.

Common Website Redesign Mistakes to Watch Out For

Let’s address the elephant in the room head on.

1. The SEO Puzzle

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is like the magic that helps your website get noticed on search engines. When redesigning, make sure to handle it carefully. If you don't plan and execute redirects properly, you might lose the good ranking your site has earned. It's like making sure your address stays the same when you move, so people can still find you.

2. Design Confusion

Imagine your website's design as an outfit. Mixing different styles might look confusing. Keep it simple and consistent. A tidy design not only looks good but also helps users navigate your site smoothly. Think of it like organizing your closet - a little order makes everything easier to find.

3. Ignoring User Opinions

Your users are like your navigators in this redesign journey. They know what they like and dislike. Ignoring their feedback is like driving without a map in an unknown place. Embrace their thoughts to improve your site. It's like having a co-pilot who knows the shortcuts.

4. Skipping Testing

Before you launch your redesigned website, it's crucial to test everything. It's like checking your car before a road trip. Testing ensures that all the buttons work, pages load smoothly, and there are no surprises after the launch. Think of it as a dress rehearsal before the big show.

5. Making Things Too Complicated

Simplicity is key. Imagine your website as a user-friendly book. If it has too many complex chapters and confusing pages, readers might put it down. Keep it simple and easy to use. Think of it like telling a clear and straightforward story that your audience can follow without getting lost.

In essence, avoiding these common mistakes during your website redesign is like ensuring your journey is smooth and enjoyable. Take care of the details, listen to your users, and do a thorough check before you hit the "publish" button. That way, your revamped website will shine without any unnecessary hiccups along the way.

Wisitech – Your Website Design Partner

To ensure your website redesign project is successfully implemented, consider partnering with experts who understand the intricacies of design, functionality, and user experience.

At Wisitech, we’re here to help businesses navigate this digital journey with confidence. With 1,000+ clients worldwide and 24+ years of solid experience, we are a leading digital marketing agency specializing in creating robust and dynamic web and digital solutions for businesses in the United States.

Our website design/redesign services cater to your need of creating a website that not only looks great but also performs exceptionally, meeting the diverse needs of your business and audience. Contact now.

Visit here- https://www.wisitech.com/12-costly-mistakes-to-avoid-for-website-design-redesign-for-smes-in-2023-the-ultimate-guide/

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