#the secret runners of new york

[good-books-to-read]

Has anyone read these books and could tell me the genre?

The secret runners of New York by Matthew Reilly

The hunchback assignments by Arthur Slade

Creepers by Joanne Dahme

Thank you

#booklr #genre? #the secret runners of new york #tsrony #matthew reilly #the hunchback assignments #arthur slade #creepers #joanne dahme #booklover #books #booksbooksbooks #booknerd #bookish #help needed #help wanted #does anyone know #random books #genres #thank you

[wildemaven]

don’t drink the punch | dave york

-> pairing: dave york x f!reader

-> word count: 3382

-> content warning: 18+ blog; insecurities, jealousy, holiday party antics, mentions of food and alcohol, office gossip, smut (unprotected p in v, fingering, orgasms), there’s no mention of it but reader is on BC, Dave is divorced from Carol, Soft and Sweet Dave, let’s say this is AU and no murdering is happening (or that at least reader is not aware of), reader is mentioned to be wearing a dress with heels and lingerie, otherwise zero descriptive features for reader, I think that’s everything but let me know if I missed anything

-> notes: more soft Dave because he’s been rotting my brain and making me weak lately. This could be the same universe as Caught Kissing Santa, but also can be read as a stand alone piece too.

-> masterlist / holi-dave masterlist

“I would enjoy these holiday parties a little more if the drinks being served had some actual bite to them. Then I wouldn’t have to give another forced Thank You to my Secret Santa for another gift I’m just going to re-gift to an unsuspecting family member. Did I mention how much I hate these parties?” Cathy shares among the small group of you and a few others, tucked in the corner of this year's CIA Holiday Party. 

You laugh into your fluted glass of sparkling apple juice. Mainly because she’s right. These parties tend to be a little boring, as do most office holiday parties. Lacking any sort of decorum that would indicate there’s an actual party taking place. The lobby has far more holiday cheer than this conference room at the moment. 

Red streamers taped to the wall above the food table and green plastic table runners haphazardly draped over random surfaces help add some festive color to the drab atmosphere. But the tiny plastic tree with misshapen branches bent in different directions placed in the middle of the long table in the center of the room, really ties everything together. Due to budget cuts, there wasn’t much of an allowance for new decorations, according to Cathy. Thankfully, you had convinced Dave to keep leftovers decorations from last year’s party in the supply closet

Once gifts were exchanged, the party felt like it was dragging on longer than it should. Your feeting aching in the too high heels you always decide on, snacking on nearly stale bread and cold artichoke dip, most of the other items already picked over. You patiently wait for the moment everyone else decides it’s time to call it a night and meet up at a local bar to continue the celebration, all while you make your way home to enjoy the rest of the evening with order in pizza and comfy clothes. 

The majority of the party you spend talking with a few friends to pass the time. Catching up on random office gossip, the latest romance rumors that have all departments engrossed in every detail and any other dramatic news that you haven’t heard about. All topics are enough to keep you entertained for the time being. 

“Maybe if York wasn’t so tightly wound and put some actual effort into these things, they would be easier to enjoy.” Sheryl adds to the conversation. “Between us, I might have brought a small flask of vodka to add to the fruit punch— should make things a little more interesting.”

“I’m sure his hands are tied, so you can’t really fault him for not allowing the hard stuff. Plus, are you even allowed to drink on site?” You decide to give your opinion. While you do see where they’re coming from, you can’t really hold it against Dave for not wanting to deal with everyone liquored up. And you’re more than certain there’s a zero tolerance policy for alcohol anywhere in the building, clearly Dave is just following the rules. You’re more than fine enjoying several glasses of the fizzy juice, noting to steer clear of the punch bowl. 

“By the way— did you see the new tie York got? I’m shocked she made him put it on as soon as he opened it— a little awkward to do in front of everyone. I will say, it looks good though, doesn’t it?” Cathy points to where Dave and one of his much younger Agents are still talking on the other side of the room. 

You watch as he holds up the ends of the tie, as if they’re both discussing the color and material of it. He must have said something funny, because she’s laughing now. You no one notices the way you subtly roll your eyes when her hand reaches out to him, holding the side of his forearm as she talks. She must be telling him how hard it was to shop for him, but she just knew he’d love the tie. And how she spent hours searching for the right color— it's black.

She’s cute, whatever her name is. One of the newer recruits you haven’t had a chance to meet yet. She looks to be in her mid to late twenties. A young, confident woman whom you’re definitely not jealous of with all the attention Dave is giving her right now. She’s a good 10 years younger than you if you had to guess. She’s attractive too. Dave seems somewhat oblivious to her slightly flirtatious behavior. Being the nice guy that he is and giving her his undivided attention— makes sense. 

“Don’t you think it looks good?” You realize you’re being asked a question about said tie he’s wearing. 

“Yeah. It looks really good on him.” That’s a lie. It does look good, but you kind of hate that she gave it to him, given how flirty she's being towards him. It’s not anything you would have ever picked for a Secret Santa gift, especially for Dave. The premise of the gift exchange was supposed to be fun, silly gifts. She should have opted for a coffee mug that says, Tears of my Employees, but that’s just your opinion. “Such a great color, too.” That part is the truth, it is a great color on him. 

“Speaking of looking good— that dress on you is killer!” Sheryl shifts the compliments in your direction, catching you off guard and has you feeling slightly embarrassed at the attention. 

“Oh! This? It’s just something I picked up earlier this week. I feel a little overdressed though.” You say all demure like, looking down at the way the black material drapes over your body. The dress feels a bit much compared to everyone else’s business suit attire. The high cut of the slit and the low straight neckline with straps holding it onto your body have you sticking out more than you would like. 

“I’m sure Dave has told you plenty how beautiful you look in it.” Sheryl says confidently. 

“Umm—  no he hasn’t mentioned it. I haven’t had the chance to talk to him much today, actually.” You say meekly, looking back over in the direction of where Dave is. 

When you go to sneak a glance at him, he’s already looking at you, not caring what the cute younger Agent is saying in that moment. His attention fully focused on you. He gives you a wink, raising his half-empty glass— cheers to you from across the room. You mirror the gesture back to him, pairing it with a genuine smile now painted on your face. He turns his attention back to the younger cute Agent, both of them now joined by a pair of Agents from analytics. 

“Well, the night is still young. I’m sure he’ll be giving you all the praise soon enough.” Cathy says, pouring some red punch into her glass.

“Sure.” You smile politely at Cathy and Sheryl. “Umm, if you’ll both excuse me. I need to go use the ladies room.” Deciding you need a minute to yourself. Ditching your glass at the end of the long conference table, you make your way out of the room down the hall. Seeking out a few minutes of quiet to let your mind clear before heading back into the lackluster party. You catch Dave’s profile as you walk by the glass wall of the conference room, paying no mind to anyone outside the little holiday bubble he’s in. 

The echoing of your heels clicking against the tiled floor is the only sound you hear as the bathroom door shuts behind you. You debate whether or not you should give your feet a break from being stuck  in such a high arched position for so long, deciding against it at the thought of walking nearly barefoot in a bathroom. Placing your purse on the porcelain countertop, you take in your reflection in the mirror. Adjusting the straps on your shoulders, then sliding your hands down the front of your body. Admiring and reminding yourself how good you do look in this dress, it’s the main reason you decide to wear it tonight. 

You’re not even sure why you were doubting yourself to begin with. You groan out loud into the unoccupied space for how you were comparing yourself to another woman— a woman you don’t even know. She doesn’t deserve that. Sometimes your insecurities creep in, clouding your mind with lies and false narratives you’ve conjured up. You brush it off. Grabbing your purse, you apologize mentally to yourself as you make your way back out into the hallway. As well as to the young woman who had also been on the receiving end of your near downward spiral. You’ll introduce yourself properly when you get back to the room. 

Someone must have found a speaker. A vibrant Christmas song, you can just barely make out, is coming from the conference room. Most likely another one of Sheryl’s attempts to liven up the crowd. You’d given anything to see the look on Dave’s face right now— he has the worst poker face when he’s annoyed. 

You’re halfway back to the party when you get distracted. An open door to an empty office has you intrigued. The plaque next to the door reads Dave York - Deputy Director NCS. Your fingers tracing over the carved out letters engraved on to the gold metal. 

Laughter pours out of the party filled room at the end of the hall. Your fingers pausing over the last letter of Dave’s name. Glancing back over your shoulder, double checking that you are alone. Shadowy figures are still milling about on the other side of the glass wall. The party far more alive than when you left it. The addition of music was just what it needed. 

You decide you’re in no rush to head back. The open door to Dave’s office practically welcoming you in. 

Wall to wall shelves behind Dave’s desk have some sort of lighting that adds a soft ambient glow to the otherwise dark room. The rest of the walls are adorned with college degrees and various certificates, years and years of hard work and dedication.

You toss your purse to the leather chair that is off to the side as you make your way to the large desk. It’s made of some dark slab of wood, the sleek angles and metal hardware gives it an elaborate modern look. The desk is cool to the touch, your fingertips following the grain of the wood, as you take in the details of Dave’s space. 

There’s a gold frame that catches your eye, twinkling under the dim lighting. You grab it from where it sits next to another photo of Dave’s daughters, Molly and Alice. 

You’re instantly drawn to Dave in the photo. The sheer happiness that’s evident in the smile he’s wearing. A smile that he doesn’t wear often at work or for many outside of it. His dark locks brushed off of his face, in a dressed up polished manner. Face cleanly shaven, allowing his dimple to be on full display. There’s also a brightness in his eyes. You admire the way the photographer was able to capture such a beautiful candid moment. 

“That’s my favorite picture” You turn to see Dave standing in the doorway of his office. Suit jacket discarded somewhere. His hands in his pants pockets. Head tilted ever so slightly as he slowly scans up your body until his eyes meet yours. 

“Hmm… You have to say that, it’s your wedding photo.” You say as a matter of fact. Turning back to his desk, you glance at the framed photo one last time. You finger brushing over the portion of the picture where his handsome face is. 

You’re too focused on the happy couple staring back at you, missing the barely audible sound of his shoes drifting over the carpeted floor as he slides up behind you. You nearly gasp at the sensation of his body pressed up against you, butterflies erupting in your stomach. His touch is captivating, evoking a sense of want, desire blooming immediately. 

Your body doesn’t shy away from the way his hands settle on your hips. Welcoming the way his lips move over your skin, a gentle trail of kisses that lead upwards from the round of shoulder to the small space below your ear. Your stomach tightens. Goosebumps erupting all over. 

“It’s our wedding photo.” A gentle squeeze of your hips as his lips ghost over the shell of your ear. He plucks the frame from your grip, setting it back in its designated spot on his desk. 

“Are you trying to seduce me in your place of work, Mr. York?” A playful smile forms on your lips as you turn to face him, rucking the skirt of your dress over your hips as you sit on the edge of the desk, the silky material pooling around your waist. 

The insecurities you had been feeling earlier in the night, long gone, forgotten under his intense gaze. Your hands lay flat over his documents and files as you lean back into a more seductive position, careful to not disturb their tidiness. 

“Fuck, Baby. Looks like you’re the one doing the seducing, Mrs. York?” The new black lace panties and garter set you picked up this week on display for him. His hands glide over the black stockings that stop mid-thigh, his fingers slipping under the garter strap, continuing their upward movement, as he steps into the space between your legs. 

“Is it working?” You purr, knowing full well it is based on the grip he has on the apex of your thighs. A small yelp escapes your throat as he slides your lower half closer to the edge so your flush against him— not missing how hard he is under his black slacks. You carefully allow yourself to lay back fully over the desktop. 

Your hands catch the end of his new tie. Pulling at it tautly, bringing him down so he’s maneuvering his body over yours. One hand resting next to your head as the other guides one of your legs over his hip, encouraging you to wrap them around him. 

“I just got all of these papers in order. Hours of reading and organizing. They’re going to be a mess now.” Dave’s voice is honeyed, holding zero malice in his words. 

“I’m sure you can have one of your cute little Agents clean them up for you.” You tease, which only encourages his own seductive movements. Your eyes flutter shut at the way he ruts himself hard against your aching mound. Open mouth kisses delivered across your cleavage.

“Are you jealous, Mrs. York?” You can feel the way his lips perk into a smile on the top of your breast when he asks. 

“I-I was. She’s very pretty. But I know who you’re going home with at the end of the night.” Your fingers card through his soft locks at the base of his neck, your head tilted back as he soft nips at your jaw. 

“If it makes you feel any better, I think Julie finds you more attractive than she does me. She asked several times who the breathtaking woman in the black dress was.” That was a twist you hadn’t expected. 

“Oh! Did you let her down easily?” Dave’s wandering lips are halted by your question. He pulls back, eyes filled with reverence as he looks down at you. The air between you is charged with an unwavering love for each other. His hand gently cups the side of your face, thumb slowly tracing over your bottom lip. 

“I told her how you’re one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. How you make my life better. And that I don’t know what I did to deserve such a beautiful woman like you.” He’s the sweetest man you’ve ever met, a wonderful father to his two girls and an incredible husband—  falling in love with him was one of the easiest things you’ve ever done. 

“Dave—“ Tears prick at your eyes. “I love you.”

“I love you, too. Now, let me take you home so I can unwrap you properly.” He tries to lift himself off of you, but you have other plans— more exciting plans. 

Grabbing his face and pulling him back to you, your lips connect with his. Tongues melting into a fiery kiss. No further words needed, as your body does a fine job of conveying exactly what you need from him and you’re grateful he catches on quickly.

His hand slips under the lace material of your panties. Seeking out your pleasure as he alternates between soft deliberate circles over your throbbing clit and working you up with two fingers inside your warm cunt, hitting that delicious spot over and over again, causing you to bite back an explicit moan as you silently tip over the edge. 

Rushed movements blur into the next. Working together to free his hard cock from his boxers and pants. Forgoing the effort it takes to remove your elaborate straps and lace, pulling your underwear to the side is all that’s required before Dave is slowly sinking into you. 

Shared breaths and discreet whimpers fill Dave’s office. Nails biting into exposed skin with each heady thrust Dave delivers. Papers shuffling beneath you as your body tenses, arching into his. Dave senses you’re close, your vise-like grip has him nearing his own release. 

“Dave! —fuckfuckfuck—  Baby, I- I’m going to come!” You're breathless, trying your best to keep your voice low, not wanting to be heard by anyone. 

“I’m right there —shit!— with you, Sweetheart.” 

Your lips connect with Dave’s again as your orgasm surges through you, swallowing each other's moans and triggering Dave to spill inside of you. 

The room is nearly quiet again as Dave’s forehead rests on your chest. His skin is warm against yours.  Your lungs work effectively to help regulate your breathing to a normal state. 

A kiss placed over your heart, then to your lips before he’s slipping out of you. Dave adjusts your underwear back in place as you still lay boneless on his desk, body a tingling mess is bliss. 

“That was a first for us. Surprised it hasn’t happened sooner.” He smiles down at you as he tucks himself back into his boxers, tucking his dress shirt and refastening his slacks. 

“Hmmm— I’m not opposed to it happening more often— make sure to pencil me in.” You hum softly at him. You reach out for his hand to help you off the desk. His hands instantly catching you and your grip onto his shoulders, your legs a little wobbly when your heels hit the ground. 

Your dress adjusted, Dave’s tie situated, compliments exchanged —You look gorgeous in this dress, This tie was a nice choice, she did a great job picking it out— sweat patted down with a tissue— a valiant attempt to look less conspicuous as you both head back to the party hand in hand. 

You both decide to stay a longer, indulge in a little more of the festivities, you suggest ordering some pizza for everyone. Dave agrees and mentions also needing to call Carol at some point to tell the girls goodnight.  

“You think they will notice we were missing?” Dave asks, his arm wrapping your waiting and pulling into his side as you both stop at the door to the conference room. The space is still filled with boisterous laughter as music continues to keep the energy flowing. 

“I doubt it. They’re probably too busy discussing how boring your parties are.” You smirk at him. 

“Boring? Who’s saying they’re boring?” His head whips over to you. You can already see him mentally running through names, his signature scowl now visible, looking back at his fellow agents. 

“That’s for me to know and for you to stress about until the next one. I’m going to go introduce myself to Julie. I’ll see you in a bit.” You kiss his cheek and make your way back inside. You take a few steps before stopping and turning back to him, your dress skirt billowing out around your legs. “Dave, don’t drink the punch.”

#dave york #dave york x reader #dave york x you #dave york x female reader #dave york x f!reader #pedro pascal #wildemaven writes #pedrostories

[deftmeat]

‎ ‎ ‎‎‎ ‎‎‎‎ ‎ 彡 ‎ ‎ ‎‎ stepbrother!peter parker obsessed with you

NSFW ( mostly just a self-indulgent au )

• reposted since tumblr hid it •

w a r n i n g : contains non con and perv!peter

before tony stark had settled down with pepper potts, he had been with another woman. but after a messy divorce and an unwanted child, he decided to cut off all contact with her.

that woman was your mother. you had never met your father until she handed you off to him one day in the chilly autumn of new york.

after turning 18, she had decided to kick you out and dump you at the very front doors of stark tower.

with loose, messily packed luggage and fat tears staining your face, a man with short curly hair opened the door to you.

of course, later you learned his name was happy and tony trusted him greatly. happy also seemed to willfully obey his every order so you assumed there was a lot of trust and history between them. but you also wondered if tony ever told anyone about you.

it didn’t surprise you though, when you were brought up to tony, escorted by happy, that your father had no idea who you are. and when you explained yourself, he acted shocked you existed.

that’s how you ended up being employed by tony himself, starting out more as an errand runner or assistant to his incessant requests.

you couldn’t lie and say you enjoyed the first few months helping out around the avengers tower and catering to people who intimidated you- but after two years you had come to form closer relationships with those on the team and were more than just a nuisance.

but there was one other person you spent a lot of time with.

peter parker.

you were basically the same age as him, both the same generation and shared the exact same humour. your friendship with peter was nothing like the ones you possessed with the other, older avengers.

your texts between each other consisted of memes and spammed word vomit. peter spilled his secrets and his fears to you while you comforted him and listened. he didn’t see you any differently despite being aware of your hidden relation to his boss, respecting you enough to never bring it up.

there were times where you’d catch him staring at you for too long or you’d accidentally touch each other and he’d linger… just a little bit. you only brushed it off that he was clingy and touch starved.

alas, peter knew sometimes you would feel embarrassed of the fact you were tony’s kid especially when tony never liked to share details about himself to his coworkers. a few of them had been told too but treated you like you weren’t the daughter of one of the most narcissistic men they knew.

another reason you got along well with everyone. so much that you had been silently promoted to aiding in missions and able to train side by side with peter and the rest of the avengers.

when sparing with peter, he’d purposefully sweep your legs out from under you, only to collect your wrist in both of his hands and slam them to the mat, his thighs locked on either side of your hips and his face unnecessarily lowered to hover over yours.

you found most of your sessions under him and while it frustrated you that he beat you every single time, you couldn’t help but notice the look on peter’s face when he did trap you to the floor.

you also noticed how as soon as he got off of you, peter was quick to end the sparring match- practically running out of the gym, his pace fast and posture hunched over. maybe peter was just weird in general?

but he couldn’t help it. seeing you under him, looking vulnerable and so damn pretty like that… his cock swelled with blood and his balls ached with the need to breed you. every. single. time.

the feeling didn’t go away, even after may had died. despite the fact peter had become a mess, you were right there, picking up the pieces that used to be him and taping them back together as best as you could.

that’s when tony had made the executive decision to take peter in. he reasoned that he was already like a father figure to the poor boy, nothing would change. tony obviously had a soft spot for him.

at least, that’s what he said to convince you. and you couldn’t turn peter away when everyone he loved was no longer in his life.

so he moved into the building, took all of his belongings and clothes with him. peter put university on hold while he figured things out. you were understanding and tony- supportive. that’s when he could see the resemblance between you two. you both cared for him. and he suggested to become apart of your family.

of course tony took it the wrong way and surprised peter by adopting him, not even telling you beforehand. you were both speechless but for different reasons.

when peter stroked his leaking dick at night, giving into his fantasies of pushing your head down and dragging his red sensitive tip across your slit and deep inside your soaked walls; he could do so freely. now? now he couldn’t.

he couldn’t have you the way he wanted. peter was definitely frustrated at the new dynamic between you and him but he found it as an excuse to freely walk into your room whenever he wanted. why not? he was your step brother now.

it creeped you out at first, how he would sometimes silently slip past your doorway and make himself at home, occasionally starting up random conversations as if he hadn’t done anything wrong.

eventually you got used to it. sometimes leaving your room to grab a snack or go to the bathroom. you could trust peter not to break anything. he was such a sweet and quiet guy.

and that’s when he would take his chance, going through your drawers and stealing little things of yours.

the sheer panties your best friend from high school had given you for your birthday. a photo of you in a revealing bikini from a trip to the beach when you used to live with your mom. one of the many bottles of body spray that littered your vanity. lotion that you used all the time. another pair of underwear that were less appealing but you wore all the time when you wanted to dress comfortably.

peter even started to lay on your bed on his stomach as soon as you left the room and grind his hips down, rubbing his jean clad bulge against the soft blanket you slept under. he’d stick his face down into your pillow and hump your mattress, veiny hands fisting any fabric he could grab and pulling it closer to his nose, smelling you while he thought of raw dogging your puffy pussy in your own bed.

just when he was on the verge of cumming in his pants, you’d always walk in and he’d feign innocence. pretending he wasn’t just dry humping your bed like a greedy rabbit. you were never the wiser.

you noticed certain things of yours started to go missing little by little until you barely had things to wear or use. you assumed it was the dryer eating your entire wardrobe so you complained to tony and he gave you his card to buy an entire new one.

he didn’t want you going alone though so he made peter go with you. you weren’t entirely thrilled since had he had been glued to your hip almost constantly as of recently but you went along with it, knowing that if you didn’t agree, tony wouldn’t let you go at all.

so when you get to the small shop on the busy corner, peter wouldn’t stop suggesting pieces for you to buy or even try on. you found that they were either way too revealing or borderline inappropriate for him to request. but he wouldn’t stop insisting, going as far as to shove a whole armful of things into you and pushing you to the changing room very eagerly.

“i’m just trying to help.” he told you before closing the door behind you once you fully stepped inside. it didn’t help that every two minutes he’d knock and ask if you had finished, that he wanted to see what they looked like on you.

you obliged, feeling a bit uncomfortable. you were exposed- not to mention in front of peter. your step brother.

you left the small room in the first thing he had shown you, a size too small t-shirt and extremely tiny booty shorts. but peter seemed to hype you up, smiling enthusiastically. his eyes held a glossed over look while his gaze slowly went down your body, taking in how your skin would stick out and show where it probably shouldn’t be.

“okay turn around.” he spoke abruptly, making your face twist into one of uncertainty. he shook his head and merely spoke down to you like you were playing dumb; “come on, i just wanna see what the back looks like.”

huffing out a sigh, you reluctantly shifted your weight and spun to show your backside.

when you did though- you swore you heard a camera clicking but when you whipped your head around to catch whoever had taken your picture without consent.. no one was there.

“peter..?” you meekly stared around, looking for the boy but he had disappeared as if in thin air. the only other people you saw were two employees reorganizing hangers across the wall.

your stomach twisted and you shrunk back into the changing room, not bothering to try the other pieces on and put your own clothes back on, feeling anxious that someone was watching you.

as soon as you went to open the door, peter was standing right in front of the entrance- making you jump and drop the large pile of things you were holding.

“woah, sis. calm down. it’s just me.” he laughed it off, giving you that boyish smile, peter’s eyes never leaving yours. you felt your face flush and apologized- pushing past him to put the exposing clothes back on the racks where he had gotten them from.

ever since then, you felt violated. you avoided peter. you started to ask FRIDAY to lock your door with an access code. you weren’t entirely sure it had been him but he was starting to freak you out even after that day.

you’d wake up multiple nights in a row, in a cold sweat, absolutely sure you could feel someone else had been inside your room besides yourself.

you’d place your hoodie down on the couch to grab a drink, coming back to find it gone.

peter would stay up for two hours after you went to bed, wanting to be certain you had fallen asleep before typing in the access code to your room- watching you put it in while he stuck to the ceiling one day.

he’d quietly shuffle in and see your phone beside your pillow and your face scrunched up while you dreamt. he’d whisper your name just to double check then crept over to your bed, hovering down to stare.

the next thing he knew, he was fucking hard- just by looking at you. that’s what you did to him and you didn’t even know it. his step sister always teasing him, purposefully taunting him with something that was forbidden for peter.

but he bottled up his frustration, struggling to push down his jeans as silently as possible. the slight sound of denim rubbing against itself was drowned out as his pants clung just below his knees. he hadn’t worn a belt for this very reason. wanted easy access while keeping you unaware of his presence.

peter bit his lip when his warm palm finally made contact with his cock, the angry tip already leaking and spilling down to weave through his fingers. “mmshit..” he choked out, careful not to be too loud when he started to stroke himself. his eyes were locked onto your sleeping face, his tongue darting out to drag across his bottom lip with desire. desire for you.

since he couldn’t have you, this was the best he could do, flicking his wrist to increase the speed that his hand jerked his dick, his cheeks wearing a dark flush the faster he went.

“yeah.. wanna breed my lil’sis.. make you mine, baby..” peter muttered, leaning forward so that his cock was right beside the pillow, the back of his hand almost ghosting your nose every time he moved up the entirety of his throbbing length.

he had only touched himself above you one other time but every single night since he saw how your ass looked in those small shorts- he couldn’t help but visit you while you were unconscious, whispering about how badly he wanted to feel your pretty cunt wrapped around his dick, about how good he bets you taste. but he was growing restless, as he confided in your passed out form- he needed more.

which lead to two nights ago. peter couldn’t help but jack off while sitting at the chair in front of your desk in the corner, listening to your soft breaths, one your previously used panties stuffed into his mouth to keep himself quiet - forcing peter to spurt cum all over his hand and bare thighs.

tonight was no different but he was feeling bolder, the aggressive animalistic demand his mind screamed at him to paint your face and mark you as his. to see how hot you looked while his warm sticky seed dripped down your lips and chin and onto your sheets, ruining them. ruining you.

a low groan rumbled in his chest when you shifted, your face now just under his slapping balls. peter almost came at the sight of your unconscious submission, your eyes fluttering and your lips just barely parted. ready to swallow the load he could feel about to explode from his swollen cock head.

his other hand not gripping his dick, shot out to claw at your head board to steady himself from falling on top of you, his body tingling with pure heat. he could barely stand, his knees buckling and the strong muscles in his pale thighs rippling with the effort to maintain his stance.

he was sure he could last another few minutes but when you moved your arms under your blanket, the sudden action pulled it down, revealing the loose tank top you had chosen to wear to bed.

peter’s eyes flitted down to your tits, and upon noticing you hadn’t worn a bra, your nipples stiff and pressing into the fabric- he let out a loud moan, massive ropes of white cum pouring out of his cock.

a few spurts hit your bare collarbones, your chest, the soft blanket draped over you and of course your pretty face. he watched as the thick goo caught on the tip of your nose and bottom lip- gravity causing it to run inside your mouth and down your cheeks onto the pillow.

“fuuuck.” peter cursed at the sight of his cum soaked step sister, all laid out for him.

when you felt something hot splatter your skin you flinched. it had made you stir. blinking your messy eyelids, trying to get whatever it was out of your eyes- you were fully awakened when you heard that familiar click of a camera.

rising your hand up to drag your numb fingers across your face, whatever was on it stuck to your digits and webbed between them. then you noticed it was also in your mouth so you leaned forward and let it drizzle out past your lips and land on your sheets. then you saw movement in the darkness and your unfocused gaze lifted to just barely be able to make out what it was. or who it was.

your body ran cold- you were first met with a cock that was still strikingly hard, leaking and pointing right at you, followed by hair framing the base of the shaft, accompanied by a small trail of the same hair up to below his bellybutton.. peter’s face above it all.

he lowered his phone with clouded eyes, panting heavily and cheeks flushed. his eyes on you.

“…pete?”

#peter parker x you #peter parker x reader #peter parker #dark!peter parker #dark!peter x reader #stepbrother!peter parker #step siblings #x reader #smut #fanfic #marvel #marvel smut #female reader #peter parker x female reader #avengers #headcannons #best friends #self insert #creative #writing

[snapple16]

Bowuigi Roaring 20s Au!

So! I decided to share this new project here with everyone who is part of the Bowuigi fandom! It may take a little while to get an actual ch posted but hopefully it'll be worth the wait! Just a heads up there will be a couple uncomfortable subjects, please keep this in mind but I hope y'all will enjoy this story! The story title:

Guns and Roses 🌹

This story takes place in Brooklyn 1926, the height of Prohibition. There are four main gangs that control four of the Five Burroughs of New York. Here's the list of characters and who is who!

Lt Dr. Luigi Mariano: Younger brother of Mario, honorably discharged military medic. Owns a modest flower shop in Brooklyn

Bowser Ryujin: leader of the Koopa gang, the biggest rival to the Mariano Gang.

Mario Mariano: Leader of the Mariano Mafia family. As the eldest son he had to take over the family even during the first world war, he didn't want Luigi to go to war but it was their fathers last ditch effort to turn the coward of the Mariano family into a man.

Gang territories:

North Burrough: Mariano Leader: Mario Mariano crimes: violence, money laundering, boot legging

South Burrough: Koopa Leader: Bowser Ryujin crimes: violence, gun runners, Bootlegging, racketeering, murder

East Burrough: Long Leader: "Donkey" Kong crimes: rigged boxing matches, money laundering, gambling

West Burrough: Boo Leader: King Boo (human name tbd) crimes: bootlegging, human trafficking, prostitution ring, opium runner, murder, kidnapping

Gang second in commands:

Toad, Mario's second

Kamek, Bowsers second

Madame Gravely, King boos second

Chunky, Dks second

Other notable characters

.Peach: Mario's secret lover. A member of Brooklyn's elite society

.Daisy: also a member of high society, peach's cousin and Secretly dating the mayor

.Paula: mayor of Brooklyn, adopted sister of Dk

.Rosalina: Daisy and Peach's cousin, best doctor in the city. All gangs go to her when in need of medical assistance, except king Boos men

.Peasley: Local rich boy that likes to pick on Luigi when Mario isn't around.

.Wario and Waluigi: Muscle and whiskey runners for hire when the heat is too much for the gangs.

.the Koopalings: Bowsers adopted kids and the street agents for the Koopa gang

.Junior: Bowsers biological son and Heir to the Koopa gang

I hope you guys will enjoy this story!

#bowuigi #bowser #luigi #Mario #super mario

[ijuststareatstuffhereok89]

Hey, lovely! I have a request and I wish it helps you to kill some time 💜

One where he notices an anxious gesture on reader during an apparently common situation and then discovers it has triggered some traumatic memories from their childhood on them.

Can be angsty and comforting, so hope it works for you (;

I hope this is to your liking!

“Astraphobia”

Pairing: Loki x Reader Summary: Ever since your sibling was killed in a storm, you’ve hated thunder. Someone else at your workplace (who’s had his eye on you) shares in your phobia and decides to reach out a comforting hand. Content Warning: descriptions of sibling death, PTSD, fluff/comfort Word Count: 1900

Please, end the meeting, end the meeting, end the meeting…

You sat in the back of the conference room with all of the other assistants as Tony Stark rambled on and on about the Avengers and funding at the quarterly meeting. Most of your colleagues were taking notes, but your eyes weren’t leaving the open window as clouds gathered to the west. A breeze was blowing into the room, dark, cool, and heavy with moisture. A summer storm was nigh. 

NYC didn’t really get thunderstorms very often, which is why you liked it. Sometimes, the sounds of the ambient city were loud enough to drown out any thunder claps a storm did produce. However, the oncoming tempest looked foreboding, dangerous, threatening. 

Just like twenty years ago. 

You and your twin brother grew up in a trailer in Oklahoma. Twenty summers ago, a record-breaking line of storms slowly rained hell on the region, with torrential rains flooding the low roads in front, and whipping winds and tornadoes bringing up the rear. 

You and your brother were playing at the nearby schoolyard when the sirens sounded. You raced towards the park shelter together, but after a moment you’d pulled ahead, being the faster runner. You had only looked behind you at the last moment, just in time to watch a tree blow over right on top of your twin. He hadn’t even seen it falling. Your father had to throw you over his shoulder, screaming, to get you into the shelter before the twister flattened your neighborhood, killing twelve, your brother being the youngest victim. 

You and your parents moved to New York before the end of the year, choosing to find a new home instead of rebuilding one in a place full of bad memories. 

Now, every time a clap of thunder pounded overhead, you shrieked and flew to the floor as if a nuke had dropped. Your skin would go hot and your eyes would see nothing but the image of your brother’s hand sticking out from underneath the tree, as if attempting to reach for a last chance. It would feel as if your heart were exploding within your chest, and nothing would make sense.

You didn’t realize, in the moment, that you were pulling on a tendril of hair, running your fingers down the strands, alternating hands. Just the feeling of the stormy wind on your cheek was beginning to bring that horrifying night back to you. 

You couldn’t see that the gaze of one of the Avengers, all gathered at the front of the table, had landed on you. Loki of Asgard sat next to his brother, unable to take his eyes off of the subject of his secret admiration. He was concerned as your eyes were fixed on the window, and your nervous tics became more pronounced. 

The first roll of thunder made you jump (in silence, thank god), which, in turn, made Loki’s heart jump. So, that’s it, he realized. Perhaps I can finally get her to give me notice if I aid her…

The assistant next to you, a blonde woman named Annie, put her hand on your shoulder. “You ok, Y/N? Afraid of a little thunder?” 

You dropped your hair and snapped back to reality, your heart racing. “I…uh…well, yes.” 

Annie snorted. “I think you may be the oldest person who’s afraid of storms I’ve ever met. It’s just weather! Not like it’s not all around us.” 

Okay, rude, you thought, though you decided to ignore it. Annie was a snob, anyway.

“Okay, so before we’re all blown away to Oz, the meeting is adjourned,” Tony Stark announced. The assistants began getting to their feet and leaving, but you immediately took off, the first to leave the room, leaving everyone, including a worried Loki Laufeyson, in your wake. 

“Shit, it’s only 3pm. I can’t go home,” you mumbled to yourself, trying to push down the racing fear coursing through your body as you silently wished the Tower came with a bomb shelter. “My office is near a window…where to go--?”

You felt a strong hand grab your elbow as you jerked to a stop. “What the--?”

Loki pulled you back and turned you around. “Ms. Y/N, I noticed you were appearing to be in distress back there. Are you ill?”

Another roll of thunder passed over the Tower. You reflexively ducked, your head falling to the level of Loki’s knees, your hands covering the back of your head. 

“Ms. Y/N, I do believe you are astraphobic,” he said mildly, kneeling down beside you, slipping an arm gently around your shoulder. “Come with me. I am also a bit uncomfortable with the impending weather..”

“I…Mr. Laufeyson…I couldn’t…”

“I insist, Y/N.” 

He took you to his apartment on the floor above, which were simple and small, especially for someone like Loki, used to the parapets and flying buttresses of the palaces of Asgard. However, the humble means had also humbled the god somewhat, and you didn’t expect the God of Chaos to have a sitting room with a table and two chairs, neatly arranged, with an electric kettle and tea set sitting expectantly on it. 

Another clap of thunder. You found yourself gripping Loki’s arm so tightly he gasped. But he didn’t let go. In fact, he took your hand. 

“We can fix this, just let me…”

Once he closed the door behind you, he used his free hand to conjure a small green spark on the tip of his finger, which he tapped on the wall. You watched in awe as the green spark divided and traveled about the room, dissipating over by the tea table. 

Suddenly, something about the room changed to you, and it only took a moment for you to realize that the pounding of the heavy raindrops on the windowsill had stopped. It was so quiet in the room that your ears almost felt hollow, craving any sliver of sound it could mine from the air.

Loki then broke from you and went to the window, closing the blackout curtains against the flashing lightning and winds painting water against the glass. “Are you partial to tea or coffee? I have the capacity for both, but Rogers drinks most of the flavored before the rest of us can--”

“--I’m usually a black tea type, one sugar, no cream?” you asked politely, your sanity slowly pouring back into your brain after your unexpected savior blocked out the storm. 

He smiled and cordially bowed his head. “As you wish, my lady.”

Loki swiftly arranged for the kettle to begin bubbling as he set up the teapot and two cups with tea bags and a small sugar bowl. “This will take a moment. Strictly speaking, I’m supposed to limit my magic use, so out of the two, I thought soundproofing the room would be more worthy of the limited use I am allotted.”

You nodded. “Thank you.” 

Loki put a gentle hand on the small of your back, sending pleasant chills up your spine, as he guided you over to the table and sat you down with your back facing away from the window, pulling out the chair for you like a maitre’d. 

“May I ask why you’ve chosen to become my hero tonight?” you asked as you sat. “I can usually handle this on my own.”

The Prince of Asgard looked at you seriously. “But do you need to?”

“What do you mean?”

Sitting down across from you, Loki smiled. “Do you need to face the storm alone?”

You shrugged. “My twin brother died in a tornado when we were kids. He was…he was…”

A tear began rolling down your face. Immediately, you felt a hand cover yours from across the table. “If it is painful for you to recall it, I never asked for you to reason with your fear in front of me.” 

“Oh no, it can help when I tell someone else,” you replied. “I was the faster runner…and he couldn’t keep up. The tree that hit him was the size of a sedan.”

You looked down and wiped away another tear. 

“That explains more than everything,” your new ally assured you. 

“Now, every time I hear a blast of thunder or a storm warning siren, I duck and cover like the H-bomb is coming. I flash back to that street every time a warm, muggy wind slaps my cheek. I see his eyes sometimes when the lightning flashes through the window at night--”

“--and you feel like an impending doom is creeping up behind you like a predator,” Loki finished for you. “Indeed.”

You raised an eyebrow as you ran a finger nervously around the edge of your teacup, noticing for the first time the nice way his hair moved when he shifted in his seat. “You seem to know the feeling, Mr. Loki.”

He looked off into the middle-distance a moment, thinking of what to say next, and whether or not it would drive you away to expose a vulnerability so quickly. “I associate thunderclouds and lightning bolts with my past. Let’s just leave it at that.”

You weren’t dumb. You knew exactly what he was implying, and your heart went out to him. His eyes were cast low and pensive, sadness flickering behind them as a core memory washed over his brain. 

His hand was still gently covering yours. Sighing, you pulled it out from under his, only to set it on top. You ran a soft finger over his knuckles. “You don’t need to hold back from me, Mr. Loki. You reached out to me first.”

“Loki. Just Loki, there is no prefix,” he corrected. 

Nodding, you smiled. “There is one thing I wanted to ask you, Loki.”

“Anything, my friend,” he replied, looking at you sweetly. 

“You saw me tugging on my hair from across the room. But, what was making you look over there in the first place? The speaker was in front of you.”

He clearly wasn’t expecting this question, but his dominating, but sincere gravity never faltered. He only bit his lip and considered his next move. 

“Perhaps I could explain it to you over supper tomorrow evening,” he suggested, almost too casually, as if he were compensating for some insecurity. That didn’t last long, as his voice deepened and grew serious again. “I could tell you about how you were wearing blue the first time you caught my eye and my interest, and your smile made my breath catch in my throat, and your laugh made my heart leap.”

Your heartbeat was picking up tempo. “I’m sorry, but my only blue outfit is my spring suit, and it’s been two months since I’ve worn it here, it’s become too hot--”

--it hit you then, what Loki was trying to tell you. “Oh!” you gasped. 

Loki chuckled. “Only a few moments here with you, and I feel safe again already.”

The two of you were so distracted by one another that neither of you noticed the kettle beginning to whistle as Loki leaned across the table to give you a soft, sweet, gentle first kiss. 

@lokisgoodgirl @coldnique @fictive-sl0th @muddyorbs @mochie85 @sarahscribbles

#loki #fanfiction #mcu #mcu loki #loki fanfiction #mcu fanfiction #loki laufeyson #loki x reader #loki/reader #comfort #fluff #loki fluff #astraphobia #thor

[fizzigigsimmer]

Imagine Harringrove Ballet Au

I am traipsing through the wonderful world of ballet, doing research for my Ballet School!Au. Bless this dancer and his Steve vibes for giving me so much inspiring material.

Imagine Steve was the runner up for the Regional New York City Dance Alliance (NYCDA) Outstanding Dancer Award and Billy was the winner. They're both going to nationals, but Steve has been super secretive about his routine. Not practicing with Billy like he usually does. Billy thinks it's just because he's in competition mode and doesn't want to be distracted. But really it's because Steve wants to show Billy how much he loves him.

#harringrove #billy hargrove #steve harrington #harringrove ballet!au #plot bunny #fic ideas #fic research #also if you have dance experience and you see these tags and you wouldn't mind a curious author hoping in your inbox let me know #Youtube

[ofcruelheart]

* ◟ : 〔 KIM JINWOO , NONBINARY + HE / THEY 〕 DEAW AHN , some say you’re a THIRTY TWO YEAR OLD lost soul among the neon lights. known for being both PURE and NAIVE, one can’t help but think of DREAMER by TALLEST MAN ON EARTH when you walk by. are you still a BLADE RUNNER, REPLICANT, “CASTRATO” for STONEAGE INDUSTRIES, NEW YORK CITY METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE, even with your reputation as THE INGENUE? i think we’ll be seeing more of you and SINGING ARIAS TO THE DOVECOTE, THE SHARP GLINT OF A PISTOL LAYING PUSHED TO THE WAYSIDE ON A DESK BESIDE A BOUQUET AND JEWELS, DREAMS OF A BLOODLESS PEACE, although we can’t help but think of LUCY WESTENRA ( DRACULA ) + ALEC ( NIGHTRUNNER ) + CECILE ( DANGEROUS LIAISONS ) whenever we see you down these rainy streets.

Name: Deaw Ahn Age: “32” Gender: Nonbinary Pronouns: He/They Orientation: Bisexual Species: Replicant Occupation: Bladerunner Civilian Occupation: "Castrato" at Metropolitan Opera House Tropes: The Ingenue, The Heart, Silk Hiding Steel, Beauty is Goodness Expanded Aesthetic: walking barefoot through the glade while cicadas hum / mourning hymns cast over an animal night / laying bare and prone upon dew and dirt, listening for primordial song / an ore split open at the seam / nightingales shivering free of their oaks, taking to a black sky / tenderness and rebellion, love and wrath in one breath Singing Voiceclaim: xSpeaking Voiceclaim: x History (TLDR below): tw - mentions of violence

life begins with a song.

your mothers are women of the earth, nymphs brimming with love and temper.

a spat in the morning, a riot over lunch, a reconciliation coupled with the din of a record fuzzily crooning speakeasy jazz and mournful blues. the pines beyond their little wooden home whisper hushed hymns of animal secrets and primordial ciphers.

life is full of ancient melody out here, and you want to be the mouthpiece.

moonshot, you long to be the herd of silver deer galloping through the dark, the owl howl, the mourning nightingale.

how to raise a fledgling starchild. alone. by sinistra ton

do not hide anything. tell the truth, but tell it beautifully. he is as untamed as he is a thing of bent stems. he will catch the scent of a half-lie as if it's drenched in rot. i've told him everything - everything, save for the letter left behind.

do not clip a wildling's wings. she had tried, when it was just us, with our bedroom door shut, or when the boy was out in the forest.

nurture a generous heart. he returns from his trips to town with a new stray. darling boy of gilt heart, rabbit-in-the-thicket child. too lovely. unfit for this world. you tell him so while he washes the rain from wild berries, brushing hair from his eyes. beware the calloused hand that reaches for yours. it has touched thorns like yours to pick at the rose.

do not lie. he finds the note. he knows lucia has left. he knows i refused to go, that i refused to let her take him too. he is silent, rounds his mouth on 'betrayal' - i collapse.

do not stop him when he leaves. his cheeks are still tearstained when he leaves for the city - he kisses my brow tenderly. he says, i will bring her back.

...

...

...

his memories end there. he learns later that his former memory-maker was replaced with one more efficient, more mindful of Stoneage's objectives. his memories become that of training, of honing his lethality, his agility, his ruthlessness when duty calls for him. and when it calls, he loathes it. in spite of his new memory-maker, he hates what he has been made to do.

instead, he dreams of what the first memory-maker must have been like, to give him such resplendent, romantic memories, to bequeath upon him such a personal, noble goal as finding his missing mother. to gift him a singing voice that has been extinct without the injury that usually accompanies it. this figure shrouded in mystery, this enigma, must be kind. must be loving. must embrace love and art and song and nature and must be so far disparate from the clinical business of Stoneage and the concrete jungle of new york.

perhaps they hated what they were made to do too.

tldr:

deaw (named after morning dew - actually the old english way of spelling it) was adopted by two women (sinistra and lucia) who lived on the outskirts of rural new york in their homestead, following a sustainable lifestyle. life was musical, ideal, and isolated, with leisure time spent running alongside deer, singing to the moon, and bathing in the wild rivers.

life is idyllic until lucia ups and leaves overnight, seemingly with no warning signs, and no attempt at communication. the remaining family is heartbroken, but carry on as best they can, though deaw is particularly wounded by the sudden abandonment. 

years pass. chance leads to deaw discovering a letter addressed to sinistra from lucia dated the night the latter left, and he sets off to find her.

PSYCH. he is a replicant bladerunner. up until this bullet, his memories were fabricated by a memory-maker; it is this same memory-maker who made him sweet and whimsical and wild, who gave him a natural extinct castrato's voice (without the horrific injury so well-associated with the practice) so he could sing with the wild birds, who made him find love and beauty even in the darkest and most decrepit places. abrubtly, this memory-maker was replaced by another more... efficient. one that helped hone him into a more ruthless bladerunner.

unfortunately, the work of a bladerunner goes against his very nature crafted by his first memory-maker. though he is extremely skilled, he hates the work, hates that he was also made to be so proficient at retiring replicants. secretly, he yearns for a future free of stoneage industries, and he dreams of one day meeting his first memory-maker. to understand them. to better understand himself.

SUMMARY: deaw is a creature of contradictions and dichotomies, love and wrath, tenderness and easy, fleeting touches and a penchant for altruism and restlessness. a made nymph, as wild and freefalling as his 'mothers', but with a great affection and tenderness towards his fellow 'man'. unfortunately, he's an incredibly proficient bladerunner.

WANTED CONNECTIONS

unfortunate replicants who are on his list to 'retire'

patrons and benefactors at the opera house, particularly those fascinated by his famous 'castrato' voice but without the actual practice associated with it having forced upon him. 1000% he is marketed as possessing an extinct voice.

both his memory-makers!!!!

fellow employees at stoneage - those who sympathize with him and those who are deplete of any empathy for his plight

fellow romantics and wildlings

people who can yell at him for being so enamored with nature and love and art in this age of tech and modernity

#lawlesssintro #when ur tldr is almost as long as ur history wtf

[cyberpunkonline]

The Top 5 Cyberpunk City Destinations for the Hypothetical Cyberpunk Traveler

Howdy there, fellow cyber space cowboys and cowgirls! If you're itching to explore the neon-soaked, gritty landscapes of the cyberpunk universe, you're in for a wild ride. Grab your augmented reality shades and strap in because we're about to take you on a tour of the top 5 cyberpunk city destinations. Remember, folks, travel at your own risk – it's dark out there in the digital wild west.

1. Neo-Tokyo: Where Tradition Meets Technology

Picture this: neon signs so bright they make daylight jealous, streets teeming with life, and sushi that comes with a side of holographic waitstaff. Neo-Tokyo is a cyberpunk wonderland where ancient tradition dances with cutting-edge technology. But beware, occasional psychic explosions may disrupt your sushi dinner, and dodging angst-ridden teenagers on motorcycles is an Olympic sport. And who knows, you might even leave with superpowers - it's all part of the charm.

Pros:

- Blazing neon signs that could give you a sunburn at night.

- Sushi joints with holographic waitstaff for that futuristic flair.

- Robot geishas to keep you entertained and perplexed.

Cons:

- Frequent psychic explosions causing minor inconveniences.

- Be prepared to dodge motorcycles ridden by angst-ridden teenagers.

- Watch out for secret government experiments - you might develop superpowers.

2. Night City: More Glitches Than Friends

In Night City, the skyline is a mesmerizing blend of artistry and error messages, and every street corner seems to have a vendor peddling questionable cyberware upgrades. The city that never sleeps is also a place where traffic jams are so bad they make you question the existence of personal space. And don't get too comfortable – the corporations are always watching. In Night City, paranoia is your best friend.

Pros:

- A stunning skyline marred by glitches and bugs – it's art, darling.

- Street vendors selling questionable cyberware upgrades.

- A friendly, neighborhood mercenary for hire.

Cons:

- Traffic jams so bad you'll wish you had a flying car.

- Persistent rain that's acidic enough to make you question life choices.

- Corporations watching your every move – paranoia is your new best friend.

3. Mega-City One: Where Crime Never Sleeps

Welcome to Mega-City One, where the law is swift and efficient, and you'll never be short on neighbors. Living in an apartment complex the size of a city takes some getting used to, and the judicial system here has a slight tendency to be overzealous. Keep your head down and your helmet on; you might encounter a Judge who's a bit too trigger-happy.

Pros:

- The law enforcement is so efficient it's almost scary.

- A bustling population that makes New York look like a small town.

- A rich history of comic book lore to geek out over.

Cons:

- Living in a city-sized apartment complex is a claustrophobic's nightmare.

- The judicial system has a slight tendency to be overzealous.

- You might have to deal with a few Judges who are quick on the trigger.

4. Los Angeles 2049: The Art of Artificial Intelligence

Los Angeles in 2049 is a city that blurs the line between reality and dreams. Mind-bending holographic art installations are on every corner, and you might just stumble upon a Blade Runner wannabe trying to solve a rainy-day mystery. But be wary of the smog that turns breathing into a challenge, and don't be surprised if you fall in love with a replicant. In this city, your memories might not be your own.

Pros:

- Mind-bending holographic art installations on every corner.

- Blade Runner wannabes playing detective in the rain.

- A thriving underground scene where rogue AI hide and seek.

Cons:

- Smog that makes breathing an extreme sport.

- You might accidentally fall in love with a replicant.

- You'll constantly question whether your memories are real or implanted.

5. The Sprawl: Unplugging in the Information Jungle

The Sprawl stretches as far as the eye can see, a vast jungle of information and urban decay. It's a playground for hackers looking to prove their worth, and the ultimate quest is to unlock the secrets of an enigmatic AI that may hold the key to the universe. But be prepared to get lost in the labyrinthine streets, make some dystopian fashion choices, and face the possibility that the AI might want to merge your consciousness with the internet.

Pros:

- A sprawling metropolis that stretches your concept of distance.

- The ultimate challenge for hackers looking to prove their worth.

- An enigmatic artificial intelligence rumored to hold the secrets of the universe.

Cons:

- Getting lost in the endless maze of urban decay.

- Dystopian fashion choices that might make you question your taste.

- An AI that might try to merge your consciousness with the internet.

6. The Endless City: Where Faeries roam free, and violently

The Endless City from Faewave lore exists just on the Otherside of reality close to our dreams and is a biomechanical cyberpunk dream, or nightmare, filled with fantastical creatures and strange mystery. Don't be surprised if the home of Faewave changes on each visit, and expect the unexpected at all times. Anything is possible in The Endless City!

Pros:

- The city is never the same twice, so infinitely explorable!

- I hear the sex clubs are AWESOME.

- Faeries are known for giving gifts to loyal subjects.

Cons:

- It's been known for people to forget who they are if they spend too long in the city, beware.

- Unless you are a representative of one of the Great Houses, prepare to be abused.

- Hard to get to, there are many ways into the city, sometimes dependent on the individual!

Closing Thoughts for All Cities:

As you embark on your cyberpunk adventures in these mesmerizing yet perilous cities, remember one thing: travel at your own risk. It's a dark and mysterious world out there, cyber space cowboys. Whether you're chasing neon dreams, hacking into corporate secrets, or unraveling the mysteries of artificial intelligence, these cities offer an experience like no other. So grab your augmented reality shades, stay sassy, and keep your wits about you because in the mythos of cyberpunk, the line between reality and fiction blurs, and every choice could be your last. Happy travels, fellow adventurers!

- Raz

#cyberpunk #cities #travel #travelguides

[bulbabutt]

Favorite joke/line in any TMNT version? For me, it's a tie between Rise!Raph's "Donnie, if you don't quit it with your *middle child nonsense*, I'm gonna SHOVE YOUR HEAD IN-THE TOILET!!!" from Flushed But Not Forgotten, and from 12: Leo: There's a force field? Why didn't you tell me?! Donnie: Well, because I wanted us to fail. OBVIOUSLY, I DIDN'T KNOW!!! Runners-up include "Donnie learned to drive in New York City" from 03, and the unintentional hilarity from banking on Vanilla Ice's star power in Secret Of The Ooze

Okay those are all SUCH good choices, especially vanilla ice lmfao

There is like 500 episodes of turtles so let me try and think of the biggest laugh moments me and my sibling had from each show

I can say there was one specific moment in rise where I paused the episode from laughing so hard and then immediately hit super like on Netflix, adding to the hilarity of the moment

which is the part in one man’s junk where Leo says “well somebody put the rust in rustic charm” and we hear BA DUM CHHH "who left this drumset here" because Raph TRIPPED OVER A DRUMSET. so fucking stupid but absolutely killed me

In 87 I feel like I reference it all the time in my comics, but the part in Rebel without a Fin where they’re looking for April in the sewers, Leo says “we’re gonna keep on looking until we find her!” And Raph goes “you know Leonardo, if all the sewers in this city were laid end to end” and he nods his head in such a cheap funny way “UH HUH?” “Well it would be a pretty ridiculous sight” and then Leo looks SO offended “but it would probably be long enough to reach from here to the moon!” And then he shoves his beak in Raphael’s face all mad “THANKS FOR SHARING RAPHAEL” To be honest that whole episode was fucking hilarious, they can’t get the villains name right, the villains henchman being so fucking BORED of being there.

In 12 it’s hard cuz so much of the big laughs I remember came from stupid references tbh (which is us being brain dead, not that the show isn’t funny) nothing made me laugh more than when the neutrinos showed up, and the pair of us were WAY TOO HAPPY TO SEE THAT JOE EYEBALL POPPED OUT OF MUCK MAN. Deadass cuz we were sitting there like aw there’s only one of the garbage men, so no joe eyeball? Then HIS EYEBALL BECAME JOE EYEBALL. Again. Brains were broken by that point.

And 03, i think its that part in notes from the underground where mikey complains that raph called him odd to donnie, and donnies like "youre just being sensitive!" and hes like "SENSITIVE? if theres ONE thing i hate its when PEOPLE CALL ME SENSITIVE!" but this might be because this was such a 'oh my god thats our brother' moment. to which, im happy to report, when i showed it to him he immediately said "this is literally bullying", proving my point abt it LMAO

AND. literally no one is gonna ask, but in the next mutation. any time bonesteel was on screen. cuz he makes this cracking noise with his jaw, its so stupid but so funny.

thanks for the question!

#maybe these arent all technically lines but you know

[irondadfics]

Hello! First of all, thank you for all the effort you put into for us. I found about many amazing fics through your blog!

I've been trying to find this fic I've read sometime ago. Tony survived Endgame, so when Peter asked Strange to cast the spell to make everyone forget him, Tony forgot him too. Somehow, Tony remembered and tried to find Peter. There was an emotional reunion with MJ and Ned too and I'm pretty sure there were some mentions of May/May's funeral. One more detail I remember is Tony wanting to punch Strange for casting the spell, I'm like 67% sure he actually ended up punching him. I think MJ supported him for this.

I've been trying to find this since a long time. Thank you for your help! 💕

Thank you to those who contributed to our Follower Outreach Program for helping to locate this story!

Two options for you:

The world kept you like a secret, but I kept you like an oath by for_the_night

NWH SPOILERS At 23:37 Doctor Strange casts a spell to make the universe forget Peter Parker. At 23:36 Tony Stark's heart stops for three minutes. When he comes to, no one remembers his kid, but you best believe he's going to do everything he can figure out why. He isn't going to lose his Spider-ling again.

Long Story Short (It Was A Bad Time) Or AIs Don't Forget by peacockgirl

Turns out magic doesn't affect AIs. Karen is Peter's only link to his old life, and helps him hold on when he gets low. Meanwhile, in Upstate New York, Tony struggles with the inexplicable certainty that he's lost a kid. Until Peter gets hurt, and Karen tells FRIDAY ... Set in that wonderful AU world where Tony survives Endgame, and our boy (eventually) gets all the hugs he needs and deserves. Runner up in the 2022 Iron Dad Creator Awards Fixer-Upper Category

#found fic #no way home #stephen strange

[gcthvile]

Henry Stacy

Name: Henry Stacy

Age: 27

Height: 6'2

Sexuality: Bisexual

Date of Birth: March 12th

Job: Police Officer

Family:

George Stacy - Uncle

Gwen Stacy - Cousin

Henry Stacy was born and raised in New York City, growing up in a close-knit family alongside his younger cousin, Gwen Stacy. From a young age, Henry was known for his charming and flirtatious nature, always trying to make others smile. However, he struggled with his own vices, particularly his addiction to smoking. At his worst, he was smoking two packs a day, but he eventually realized the toll it was taking on his health and made a decision to quit.

Coming from a family with a long line of police officers, it was no surprise when Henry followed in the footsteps of his uncle, Gwen's father, George Stacy. He joined the New York Police Department (NYPD) and quickly worked his way up the ranks due to his dedication and natural leadership abilities. However, before joining the NYPD, Henry had actually served as a military commander or officer of some kind. While he excelled in the military, he felt a calling to serve his community on a more personal level, which led him to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Despite his sometimes rough exterior and strong language, Henry has a heart of gold. He genuinely cares about the people he serves and always strives to do what is right. His military background has instilled in him a sense of discipline and a strong work ethic, which he brings to his role as a police officer.

Henry's romantic nature often leads him into complicated relationships, as he tends to sleep around but secretly longs for a deeper connection. He believes in the power of love and is a bit of a hopeless romantic, always searching for someone who can match his intensity and passion.

Growing up, Henry was always protective of Gwen, his younger cousin. He took it upon himself to look out for her, especially after the tragic death of George, who was killed in the line of duty. This event deeply impacted Henry and solidified his resolve to follow in his uncle's footsteps and make a difference in the world.

Henry's time in the military played a significant role in shaping his character. As a commander or officer, he witnessed the harsh realities of war and the sacrifices made by those in uniform. This experience instilled in him a sense of duty, loyalty, and a desire to protect others. However, he eventually grew disillusioned with the military lifestyle and decided to transition into the civilian world, finding his place in the NYPD.

Despite his tough exterior, Henry is known for his compassion and empathy. He often goes above and beyond the call of duty, taking the time to connect with the people he encounters on his police beat. He believes that everyone deserves a second chance and tries his best to help those who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law.

Henry's struggle with quitting smoking is an ongoing battle for him. He recognizes the negative impact it has on his health, but the addictive nature of the habit proves challenging to overcome. Despite this, he continues to make efforts to quit, seeking support from his loved ones and attending support groups.

In his personal life, Henry enjoys hobbies that provide an outlet for his intense energy. He is an avid runner, finding solace in long-distance races and using it as a way to clear his mind. He also has a passion for cooking, finding joy in experimenting with different flavors and creating delicious meals for his friends and family.

Henry's relationship with Gwen is a central part of his life. They share a close bond, with Henry often acting as a mentor and protector for her. He is fiercely loyal to his family and will do anything to keep them safe.

Henry discovered Gwen's secret identity as Ghost Spider in a rather unexpected manner. One evening, while on duty as a police officer, Henry found himself caught in the middle of a dangerous situation involving a group of criminals. As he fought to protect innocent bystanders and bring the criminals to justice, he noticed a masked figure swinging through the scene, effortlessly taking down the wrongdoers.

Intrigued and determined to uncover the truth, Henry became determined to find out the identity of this mysterious vigilante. He began to investigate, gathering any information he could find about Ghost Spider. He studied her movements, her abilities, and her fighting style, piecing together the clues bit by bit.

One night, while on patrol, Henry stumbled upon a confrontation between Ghost Spider and a group of criminals. Recognizing her from his previous encounters, he couldn't help but intervene. In the heat of the battle, Ghost Spider was momentarily caught off guard, and her mask was partially torn, revealing a glimpse of Gwen's face.

Realizing that his own cousin was the one behind the mask, Henry was shocked and conflicted. He had always seen Gwen as his innocent and vulnerable younger cousin, and the revelation that she had been operating as a superhero took him by surprise. After the battle, Henry confronted Gwen, expressing his concern for her safety and questioning her motivations.

In the following days and weeks, Henry and Gwen had several heartfelt conversations, where she explained her reasons for becoming Ghost Spider and her desire to protect others. Henry, while still worried about her, gradually came to understand and respect her choices. He realized that Gwen's bravery and determination were driven by a deep sense of justice and a desire to make a difference, just like her father.

From that point forward, Henry became one of Gwen's closest allies and confidants. While he still worried about her safety, he also recognized her capabilities and the importance of her work. Together, they formed a powerful team, combining Henry's knowledge of the law and his connections within the police force with Gwen's superhero abilities to fight crime and protect the city they both loved.

Henry Stacy possesses several strengths and weaknesses that shape his character and influence his actions. Some of his key strengths and weaknesses are:

Strengths:

1. Leadership Skills: Henry's military background and experience as a police officer have honed his leadership abilities. He can take charge of situations, make quick decisions, and effectively guide others during challenging circumstances.

2. Compassion and Empathy: Despite his tough exterior, Henry has a genuine compassion for others. He is empathetic and strives to understand people's perspectives, which allows him to connect with others on a deeper level and offer support when needed.

3. Determination and Resilience: Henry possesses a strong sense of determination. Once he sets his mind on something, he doesn't easily give up. He is willing to push through obstacles and setbacks, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.

4. Physical Fitness and Combat Skills: Henry's military and police training have equipped him with physical fitness and combat skills. He is physically capable, agile, and skilled in hand-to-hand combat, which aids him in his role as a police officer and when working alongside Gwen as Ghost Spider.

Weaknesses:

1. Smoking Addiction: One of Henry's significant weaknesses is his struggle with smoking addiction. Despite his efforts to quit, he finds it challenging to completely overcome this habit, which can affect his overall health and well-being.

2. Flirtatious Nature: Henry's flirty and charming personality can sometimes lead him into complicated romantic relationships. His desire for connection and his tendency to sleep around may create emotional complications and strain his relationships with others.

3. Impulsiveness: At times, Henry can be impulsive, acting on his emotions without fully considering the consequences. This impulsiveness can lead him into risky situations or cause tension with others who may prefer a more cautious approach.

4. Emotional Vulnerability: While Henry is a strong and capable individual, he also has moments of emotional vulnerability. His romantic nature and his desire for deeper connections can leave him susceptible to heartbreak and emotional turmoil.

Overall, Henry Stacy is a complex and multi-faceted character, balancing his flirty and outgoing personality with a strong sense of duty and a desire to make a positive impact on the world around him, also balancing his role as a police officer with his personal struggles and desire for connection. He is someone who has seen the darkness in the world but still believes that goodness can prevail, and he strives to be a force for positive change in his community.

It's been a while since my last OC post, hope y'all like him!

@msrochelleromanofffelton @jackiequick @blueboirick @hanlueluver @meiramel

#oc post #oc rp #oc introduction #oc rpg #marvel #marvel roleplay

[ninnosaurus]

(stands in your doorway nonthreateningly) plz tell us more about mob au

Oh! OH I CAN YES

This is going to be VERY long so I do apologize for the long read... I'm going to put it under a "Read More" with some trigger warnings for LGBTQ-phobia, abuse, Stockholm syndrome, and well. Honestly? Don't open the "Read More" if you're not ready for what's to come. This Bayverse based Mob AU is... Dark

So, this unnamed mob au was co-created between me and an old friend of mine that's not around social media anymore.

Basically: Splinter figures out he's smart enough to manipulate from the shadows and use humans as puppets to do his bidding. He creates this huge underground crime imperium and becomes one of the biggest crime lords of New York. The Hamato Enterprise deals with weapon productions, drug deals, hitman services and god knows what under the disguise that they're Good GuysTM. Under the disguise that they're helping New York and the world around them.

Splinter is the Head Boss of all of them. While the brothers all have their own "districts". Leo, being the oldest, is set to become the new Head Boss when Splinter dies. Currently, he's mostly a student to learn how Splinter runs the enterprise. He owns a little bit of all of his brothers' districts. Is known to be diplomatic. His first choice is always to TALK to his enemies, to try and come up with something that doesn't have to result in death. But he's not a stranger to killing them. He can and he will if someone deserves it. He is proud of his standing. He's very proud of being the Heir to the Hamato Enterprises and is studying very hard under his father. Leo, like Raph and Mikey, is in an arranged marriage with a woman called Bella. While Bella IS in love with Leo, he's more like... "I like you, I do. But I don't have romantic feelings for you." The only reason they're married is for them to produce more potential heirs, namely; sons. Which they never manage to do. They try, god knows they try. They just... Never concieve, you know? Somewhere along the timeline, Leo hires a streetwise man who was caught trying to steal from him, Loukas. Loukas quickly works his way up from runner to the very top of the bodyguard ranks. Platinum rank. The Platinum ranked body guards are the ones who works absolute closest to the brothers. These guards have their own personal living quarters in the main house. Luke is also the man Leo falls in love with. This is where the problems start. Splinter does NOT approve of that. Splinter has that twisted misogynistic world view, I'm not going to go into absolute detail about it here because I don't want to upset or trigger anyone, let's just say he treats his granddaughters as a way to "Create strong bonds between clans". So, Leo starts sneaking off with Luke in secret. On the outside, Leo is happily married with Bella. They're trying to have a kid and everything is good! Behind closed doors; Leo is helplessly in love with Luke and want nothing more than to be with him. It's thanks to Luke that Leo slowly but surely starts to change his view on all of this. On his life, on what his family is doing and what he's been an active part of for close to 30 years.

Raph is the head of weapon dealings and productions and is well known as THE most ruthless brother of all of them. His method is always "Well, just kill'em." because if they're killed, there's less paperwork. At least according to him. Despise the fact that Leo is the heir of everything, because it's something HE wants. Raph has always dreamed of being the one to take over Splinter. He views the family as the one family that should rule all of New Yorks underground workings. He's in an arranged marriage with Jen. An... extremely toxic marriage. Everyone knows they're both openly cheating on each other. But she does makes him happy in a twisted, toxic kind of way. They have five kids, and is the first couple that produces a son, something Raph loves to boast to Leo about. Without a doubt the most abusive parents of the ones that are parents. I'm not going to go into details about that part because it's very dark.

Raph hates Loukas so much it's insane. But not for the reason mentioned above, he just hates him because Luke is "way too happy and nice".

He looses an eye in a fight with Leo at one point.

Donnie is the head of the security, IT and surveillance department and has eyes and ears everywhere. And I mean everywhere. If there's something he knows his family should hear or see, he can make it so.

He holds every secret the family has. Got access to all emails, bank accounts, tapped phones and everything. Splinter knowing this, has dubbed Donnie his personal right hand. Donnie is always close to Splinter. It's rare to see Splinter out of his office, but if he is; Donnie is right there next to him.

This one also dishes out a lot of the torture that takes place in his underground labs and cells. Known for using their enemies as... "toys" and "guinea pigs" for experiments. Sometimes he gets bored and decide to inject them with poison, sit back with a tablet and just tell them to "I'll just sit right here until you feel like talking", knowing they'll talk eventually. His twisted like that.

Probably the only one of his brothers who actually and truly fell in love with his wife Alice who also loves him in a healthy way. They have twin daughters who he is EXTREMELY strict with. Being his kids, he believe that if they're "Not as smart as him, it's a waste of his time." It's okay, Alice is actually a good mom and tells him to buzz off when he goes too far.

The only one who actually knows about Leo and Loukas. The reason he doesn't say anything? He knows that if Raph was to take over instead of Leo, New York would become a war zone. Raph would wreak havoc through the entire city and Donnie doesn't want that. He's not thrilled what his oldest brother is doing, but he'd rather delete CCTV footage than let Raph take Leo's place as the heir.

Mikey is the head communicator. This dude makes connections, he hold fundraising events, he runs their facade social medias. You get the point.

He's rarely actually involved with what his brothers do. However, he does look up to Raph a lot even here. He mostly sticks to himself and focus a lot on his connections. Travels a lot. Has an extremely obsessive and addictive personality. If he loves you, he L O V E S you. He thinks about you. He stalks you. He keeps track of you. If you hurt his feelings? You're dead. Sorry, but you don't break up with him without dying. Is married to Amber. How they met isn't really figured out or stated, all that's known is that he... kidnapped her. He'd built a room specially for her in his house, where he held her. Brainwashed her into loving him, and even managed something that's almost impossible: He made her imprint on him. She's obsessed with him, to his utter DELIGHT.

SO UHM YEAH. There's a bit from the mob au that was mostly one of those fun things we played with for a while. It is extremely dark. Never decided if I wanted to actually make something out of it, but it's there. This au also has a "Good ending" and a "Bad ending". If anyone has any questions or wants me to go into those details too, I'd be happy to!!

Thank you so much for letting me rant about this, Nonnie 🥺

#tmnt #bayverse tmnt #bayverse #tmnt bayverse #bayverse tmnt au #tmnt au #bayverse au #tmnt mob au #bayverse mob au

[mostlyinthemorning]

fic rec friday

Original rules: Share your top fics no matter how big or small - give us the links to your wonderful words with the Most hits/Most kudos/Most comments/Most bookmarks /Most words/Least words

Thanks for the tag, @stereopticons!

Most hits: Sometimes, Home is A Person (M, 144k words) Five years after David and Patrick’s wedding, Clint and Marcy decide to move to Schitt’s Creek. This time, David's not the only one who has to come to terms with his family.

Fewest hits: Like So Many Stars (M, 3114 words) At the far end of the galaxy, the drinks are blue and taste like watermelon, and Patrick has a job to do. But all of his plans go out the space hatch when a dark-eyed stranger buys him a drink.

Most kudos: Where Have All the Flowers Gone? (E, 29k words) All David wants is to order some flowers. What he gets is a very cute, very snippy shopkeeper who he can't stop thinking about. After taking over his parents' shop, Patrick feels like he's being crushed by the weight of expectations. Until he meets someone who turns everything upside down.

Fewest kudos: Found and Lost and Found Again (T, 11.9k words) When Patrick is kidnapped by a mysterious agency, David will do anything to get him back, but rescuing Patrick won’t be easy. Still, David is determined to find his husband, even if it means pushing out of his comfort zone and revealing Patrick’s secrets. Nothing will stop David from bringing Patrick home—just as soon as he finishes at least four steps in his nine-step skin care regimen.

Most comments: This is also Sometimes, Home is a Person, so going with the runner-up, which is Strangers, Friends, Husbands, Lovers (E, 45.5k words) Patrick is going to marry Rachel. Everyone says so. But no one expects it when Patrick blows up his life and catches the first flight to San Francisco. What happens next, and who he meets, is even more unexpected.

Fewest comments: More Than Enough (G, 1084 words) The morning after the housewarming party (S5E05) Patrick, David and Ted have a very awkward conversation.

Most bookmarks: This is also Sometimes, Home is a Person, so going with the runner-up, which is Stick Handling (E, 31.7k words) David Rose is perfectly happy working as a fashion reporter, covering the latest designers, surrounding himself with beautiful clothes. That is, until he's reassigned to the sports beat. His first assignment? To interview presumed hockey barbarian, Patrick Brewer. He'll need to get good wood on his stick to avoid the back door play.

Fewest bookmarks: Temperature Rising (G, 385 words) "Patrick stares across the store at his fiance. David’s eyes meet his and Patrick feels the temperature in the room inch even higher."

Most words: This is also Sometimes, Home is a Person, so going with the runner-up, which is A Test of Time (E, 44.2k words). David is a contractor who goes back in time to collect souvenirs and videos to sell to wealthy collectors. On a trip to 1988 he meets Patrick in a bar in New York. He thinks nothing of the chance encounter until one day he goes to Ray’s to get a permit...

Fewest words: #honeymoonlife (T, 2 words) David and Patrick take a honeymoon road trip to Niagara Falls. As seen through their Instagram posts.

Tagging: @weathereyehorizon @missgeevious @likerealpeopledo-on-ao3 @chelle-68 @noahreids

#was slightly confused by the title of this game #but it doesn't take much

[xolta]

Scifi recommendations

Xolta's Scifi movie recommendation list.

Le Voyage dans la Lune (A Trip to the Moon) The Astronomer's Dream Tetsuo: The Iron Man Under the Seas Zeiram Aelita Termiantor Terminator 2 The First Men in the Moon(1918 version) L'Inhumaine The Mysterious Island(1929) A Boy and His Dog Total recall(original) Dune(1980s, I know its bad but i like it okay) Dune part 1 Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind(idk if it counts) Flash Gordon(1980s movie) The H-Man The Angry Red Planet The Stepford Wives(original) First Men in the Moon(1964 version) Barbarella They Live Demon Seed Altered States Dark city The 13th floor Virus(1980s Japaneses movie) Virus(1990s American movie) Starship Troopers Alien Aliens Robocop Robocop 2 Titan A.E. Ghost in the shell(original anime version) Howard the duck(its not bad fight me!) Escape from New York Blade runner E.t. Space balls Jurassic park The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension Gandahar Star trek: Generations Star trek: First Contact Heavy metal(mainly for its soundtrack) The Super Inframan Planet of the apes(original) Galaxy quest Rise of the planet of the apes Dawn of the planet of the apes Star wars Big man japan return of the jedi the empire strikes back Star trek 2: Wrath of khan Mad max District 9 Road warrior Mad max beyond thunder dome The Secret of NIMH(it counts right?) Videodrome Paprika Krull(dose it count idk) M.D. Geist Star Trek 4: The voyage home Naked lunch Star trek the undiscovered country The City of Lost Children The Island of Dr. Moreau(the 90s supreme trash fire version) Event Horizon eXistenZ Children of men

Transfromers(1986)

#Scifi #sci fi anime #movies #recommendations #xolta

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 3.5/5

Book Blurb:

"Action-packed and utterly vivid, Nightbreaker leaps to life with its formidable world and spirited protagonist. As soon as you start reading, you won’t want to stop." —Chloe Gong, #1 NYT bestselling author of These Violent Delights Fifteen years ago, The Vanishing thrust Manhattan into darkness, forever changing the City That Never Sleeps. By day, resilient New Yorkers have adapted, clinging to the vestiges of their cosmopolitan lives. By night—well, you never go out at night unless you have a death wish. Or unless you're Rei Reynolds.

Rei attends an exclusive New York prep school, but unlike her classmates, she welcomes nightfall. That's when she can secretly hunt Deathlings, the deadly creatures that have prowled Manhattan's subway tunnels and blood-soaked streets since the Vanishing. After they brutally slaughtered her parents years ago, Rei is desperate for vengeance.

To get it, Rei must qualify for—and win—the Tournament, a competition to join the ranks of the city’s legendary Deathling hunters. Rei’s nightly pursuits should give her an advantage, but the other competitors are fierce, and in some cases familiar: enter Kieran Cross, Rei’s most infuriating rival . . . and ex-boyfriend.

As the Tournament progresses—and the cutthroat competition escalates—everything Rei believed about who she can trust is called into question. Soon enough, she’s caught in the crosshairs of the elite who want to keep the city's ruling class in power, as well as those who will stop at nothing to bring it down. Because sometimes it's not the monsters waiting in the dark you should fear . . . it's the ones who dare to walk into the light.

Coco Ma's exhilarating urban fantasy thrusts readers into an immersive world of thrills and chills, featuring the smart, sardonic post-apocalyptic heroine you’ll soon wish you could be.

Review:

In a city taken over by monsters, teens train to become hunters of these monsters... but one girl's training leads her down a darker path than she could have ever imagined. Fifteen years ago, The Vanishing happened in Manhattan, New York. The city was plunged into darkness and monsters known as Deathlings have plagued the city ever since. To defeat these monsters, people are trained to rigorously fight and kill them and they must compete and win the Tournament to make it amongst the ranks of the prestigious Deathling Hunters. Rei Reynolds has dreamed all her life of becoming a hunter, she's been hunting illegally outside of school hours, but her skills have not gone unnoticed. When the tournament comes around she finds herself face to face with her ex, Kieran Cross, a skilled rival and the ex-boyfriend who broke her heart out of nowhere. Rei's parents were murdered and she's been living with her aunt, a Master of the prestigious school that is involved in the Tournament... and the person who has hired Kieran to be her new assistant. As the tournament progresses Rei finds herself questioning everyone and everything she's every known as the secret of the Deathlings and how they came to be and what exactly is happening to the city begins to cause her to unravel. Who can she trust? Can she trust the system that she thought was meant to protect her or will the secrets of those in power cause her to break free? Will she finally find out Kieran's secrets and why he is so determined to protect her but why he broke her heart? This is the first book in a series and it gives off Hunger Games x Maze Runner vibes. The story is a urban fantasy that involves teens joining a deadly competition to fight against monsters while there is a group of higherups who run society watching them. The book has a pretty slow start and doesn't pick up until the 40% mark and I honestly didn't care much for the second chance romance between Kieran and Rei. The world building is really interesting and I am intrigued by the monsters/society structure that the story has going on. I liked the tournament aspect but I felt like a lot of the characters could have been fleshed out better because not a lot of them were all that memorable. I am curious to see where the next book goes and how the story progresses for Rei after the events of this book. Overall if you like urban fantasy novels with young adult tournaments and monster survival fights, definitely give this a go!

*Spoiler: Rei discovers that her sister is a halfling ( she consumed some of the deathling) and she ate their father (he sacrificed himself) and that her aunt (adopted mom) knew that her sister has turned. Rei also discovers that the deathlings can be part human. Kieran broke up with her because he wanted to protect her and he had a lot of other stuff going on but he's always loved her and is still in love with her. Rei also has her Token ( a magical artifact) taken by the board of Directors and they threaten to kill her if she exposes what she's learned about the things happening. *

*Thanks Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, Viking Books for Young Readers for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

#book review #bookish #nightbreaker

[wonkyreads]

I used to write reviews here instead of just Goodreads. I’m hoping to going back to that, but to be honest, I moved last year and don’t have space for my books. This means I stopped taking pictures for the BPCs, so I stopped taking pictures of my recent reads, so posting here felt pointless. I like ranting here, though. Next year, I will attempt to keep that up.

For this year, take an end of the year top worst and best. (And keep in mind these are obviously just my opinions! This list also doesn’t reflect the books I DNF’d because I don’t consider them read personally.)

Top 10 Worst Reads of 2022

10. The Themis Files by Sylvain Neuvel

- So this is a sci-fi trilogy where a girl accidentally discovers a giant mecha hand buried deep underground and grows up to be a scientist and studies/digs up all of these mecha pieces. The first book is genuinely good, but the arguments and plot lines the author decided to take with the rest of the series progressively pissed me off more and more, though. Not a bad series, just ultimately not one I enjoyed.

9. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

- I feel I’m gonna piss a fair amount of people off with this one, but it won’t be the last time in this list. With how popular this book is online I don’t feel the need to explain what the plot here is. The writing of this book was beautiful, definitely, it was the content I couldn’t stand. I’m a fan of angst. This was not angst. This was throwing a shelf’s worth of terrible things into a sack and shaking it up to see what happened. This was actively attempting to make people feel things in a way that felt so over the top and transparent that I found myself hardly caring at all. To me, this reeks of romanticizing queer trauma and just trauma in general. I’m just not here for it. Show me redemption or healing, they’re harder to write anyway since it seemed all Yanagihara cared about was the mechanics behind the story and not the story itself.

8. The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini

- This book is kind of a modern classic and it’s just… I’m not sure how I was supposed to sympathize with the main character. This is the story of Amir and Hassan, two boys in Afghanistan in the 70’s. Hassan’s father works for Amir’s, but the book spends a large amount of time trying to guilt you into feeling bad for Amir, our main character. That’s kind of the whole plot (without spoilers) as I remember it if I’m being honest. The writing was fine and I’ve liked Hosseini’s books in the past, I just disliked the main character so much it kind of ruined everything. I disliked feeling guilty for not liking him. It all kind of got in the way of the message for me.

7. The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

- Hannah’s a bodyguard and Jake’s a down-to-earth movie star who seems to have a stalker problem. I adore the concept, but I think my main problem with this book is that I hyped it up for myself and told myself I’d love it. That and the premise felt like a promise of some kind of danger and by the time anything actually dangerous happened it was so ridiculous I laughed at it. It’s the over-the-top kind of romance I tend to not like, though. I fully admit to skimming the epilogue because I also kind of hate romance novels that do that.

6. We Are the Brennans by Tracey Lange

- Sunday Brennan gets into a drunk driving accident and then must swallow her pride and move back to New York where her large Irish Catholic family pretends they don’t need her either. This book is about family secrets, but all I really remember about it is that it did this really bad, gimmicky thing where every chapter ended with the same exact sentence, usually dialogue, that the next chapter began with. When it’s done a couple times to show that we’re in the same scene we just left only in a different perspective, or better yet the two perspectives don’t hear the dialogue the same way, it’s fine. But it was every single chapter. Every one of them. I’m also super picky about domestic drama books like this. Hard pass for me.

5. A History of Wild Places by Shae Earnshaw

- Honestly, I’m not sure how to some this up without spoilers so I’ll just say it’s a cult-y mystery told in multiple time lines. This is the second book I’ve read by Earnshaw and both were promising starts with disappointing developments for me. For me, the book was too predictable to be satisfying and, worse, often it felt like the most boring option was constantly being chosen. The concept was originally very promising, but the closer I got to the end and realized the twist wasn’t going to be fun or interesting, the more reading the book started to feel like a chore.

4. There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins

- Oof. I don’t know how I picked this book up and didn’t expect it to be a teen slasher. I’ll watch a slasher any day of the week (including the movie made from this book), but reading them is kind of boring. You know the tropes, so when they’re followed it’s anticlimactic. I also found some of the character interactions hard to believe, which didn’t help raise my opinion any. I’m just harsh on thrillers and any books involving “small towns.”

3. Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo

- When his BFF Eddie, and definitely not his boyfriend, dies of apparent suicide, Andrew moves into Eddie’s old house with Eddie’s friends to find proof that Eddie’d been killed. There’s also some supernatural stuff and dark academia themes. This is another opinion I feel will make enemies, and it’s one I’ve actually posted here before. I read this book so early in the year that I’ve forgotten most of the specifics about it. What I remember disliking the most, though, was along the same lines as A Little Life. So much felt like it was just there to romanticize queer pain and what was left outside of that was a disappointingly slow mystery that didn’t really surprise or scare me. I think the conversations this book attempted to have were interesting, I just also think it failed to pull it all off. I didn’t believe or feel these characters. I didn’t care for how much it read like Ronan (of The Raven Boys) fanfic. I was consistently annoyed with smart characters avoiding the plot line or making idiotic choices. Also, I’m still traumatized by how obsessed literally everyone was with Eddie, I’m genuinely avoiding books using that name now. All around, absolutely wasn’t for me.

2. Dating Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma

- Romance is not my genre. Romance that is so over-the-top crazy unrealistic is super not my genre. This book follows Kareena and Dr. Dil in a retelling of The Taming of the Shrew. Kareena is supposed to get married before her younger sister and her family is pressuring her, also her dad is selling her childhood home. Dr. Dil hosts a TV show and wants to raise money for his community clinic. I disliked Dr. Dil so, so much and Kareena was so inconsistent. The book felt so unedited and contradictory that I was constantly annoyed with it. The balance between show and tell was nonexistent; you can’t tell me what these characters are and not back it up and expect me to like them or believe them. People’s reactions were crazy over-the-top sometimes and if I have to ask of people actually act like that in real life, I’m already frustrated. I adore The Taming of the Shrew. I could watch 10 Things I Hate About You on repeat. I wanted to love this book so, so badly and was so utterly disappointed in what I got.

And last, but certainly least:

1. Verity by Colleen Hoover

- Verity was one of my most recent reads (I, regrettably, listened to it while icing sugar cookies for Christmas) and it follows Lowen attempting to write the end to a book series she’s never read before by snooping through the original authors memoir manuscripts. Or something. I have never read a Colleen Hoover book before and bought this one through audible years ago because everyone seemed to love it so much. This book has a 4.4 rating on Goodreads. I would just like to know how. Honestly. Talk about unbelievable characters! There were so many unnecessary gratuitous sex scenes in this book and just.. laughable suspense. A lot of the “twists” in this book were so predictable, but I do have a few questions; namely, how the fuck did Jeremy’s milquetoast ass get two women to become so obsessed with him so fast? Also, do people actually think like Lowen does? Holy shit. No really, I have SO many questions and I’m fairly certain none of them are the kind Hoover intended for me to have. I could go on for hours but I’m attempting to avoid spoilers and also it’s a fairly loved book and I don’t want to verge into the territory of yucking someone’s yum or anything, I just genuinely don’t understand. 4.4! Jesus Christ!

#booklr #top 10 worst #my reviews #the Themis files Sylvain nuevel #a little life hanya yanigihara #the kite runner Khalid Hosseini #the bodyguard Katherine center #we are the Brennans Tracey Lange #a history of wild places Shae Earnshaw #there’s someone inside your house Stephanie Perkins #summer sons Lee Mandelo #dating dr Dil Nisha sharma #verity colleen hoover