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sinceileftyoublog · 2 years

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Tears For Fears & Garbage Live Show Review: 6/16, Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, Tinley Park

BY JORDAN MAINZER

“We started working with songwriters and young producers at the behest of the record company,” said Curt Smith last week to a packed Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park. He was talking about the initial sessions behind what would become The Tipping Point (Concord), the first Tears For Fears studio album in almost two decades. “But then we realized...we’re old...and there’s nothing wrong with that,” he continued. Indeed, such a realization led to ultimate success; The Tipping Point is already one of the English new wave band’s most acclaimed and commercially successful records to date in a career that has spanned five decades. At the same time, “new” vs. “old” is a false dichotomy when it comes to Tears For Fears. They were never really ahead of their time, nor stuck in tradition. The Tipping Point sports everything from Dylan-and-Cash-inspired folk (“No Small Thing”) to industrial stomps you could even mistake for Muse (“My Demons”). In essence, Smith and Roland Orzabal simply know how to write good songs that tug on your brain as much as they do your heart, and hearing The Tipping Point tracks mixed in with heavyweights from their discography proved to me that they’ve still got it.

Going into a Tears For Fears show, you know that the moment the introductory synthesizers of “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” drop, the crowd would shoot up to dance and sing along. They did on Thursday. But I’d argue the title track of The Tipping Point is as close to classic Tears For Fears as you can get. New agey, panning synthesizers give way to a shuffling rhythm, Orzabal singing emotionally about the loss of his wife 5 years ago. “Who’s that ghost knocking at my door / You know that I can’t love you more,” the band coos with resignation. The song is everything you want from the band: a tearjerker, an anthem, and an earworm. Songs like the theatrical, sparkling “Rivers of Mercy” and anti-patriarchy jam “Break the Man” held their own alongside the gorgeous “Woman in Chains”, a similarly tender and empathetic slow tune that proved a showcase for backing vocalist Lauren Evans. Evans was part of the choir on the studio version of “Rivers of Mercy”, too, and the band was able to bolster past songs like “Suffer the Children” by allowing her to take the lead. The rest of the live band--guitarist Charlton Pettus, drummer Jamie Wollam, and keyboardist Doug Petty--also appeared on The Tipping Point to various degrees but proved just as essential on the classic piano ballads like “Secret World” or prog rockers like “Badman’s Song”.

Like Tears For Fears, tour openers Garbage set out to separate their performance from nostalgic exercise. For one, they’ve been releasing new albums more consistently than their English counterparts, most recently last year’s No Gods No Masters (Infectious), from which they performed “The Men Who Rule The World” and the industrial-era-Bowie-like “Wolves”. But since they had an opening set, they (understandably) relied on hits. They would have blown you away no matter what they played. Shirley Manson was an absolute force, bellowing on “Automatic System Habit” and keeping you engaged on the slower, slinky tunes like “Queer” and “The World Is Not Enough”. Having never seen Garbage live, what perhaps stood out to me most was the sheer number of layers in some of their best known songs and how they had to adapt live. Even with venerable musicians like Duke Erikson, Steve Marker, Butch Vig, and touring member Eric Avery, “Special” had to start out acoustic and slowly build up as they tastefully sampled its recognizable backing vocals and drum fills. “Only Happy When It Rains” took a similar approach, beginning as a keyboard ballad and climaxing like an ELO piano jam before becoming the scuzzy chant-along everyone knew and loved.

But back to Manson, who is maybe the most charismatic frontperson I’ve ever seen. She shouted out Garbage’s LGBTQIA+ fans, sipped scotch, and called out both her friends in the crowd and the city of Chicago where Garbage first met. And most impressive was her ability to seamlessly channel other songs in Garbage deep cuts. “Wicked Ways” became Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus” for a moment, dedicated to the late Andy Fletcher. On slow-burning Version 2.0 closer “You Look So Fine”, Manson mixed in the chorus of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams”. But instead of Steve Nicks’ heartbroken eulogy to a relationship, a line like “Thunder only happens when it’s raining,” became ominous when delivered with Manson’s contralto atop the band’s swirling noise and distortion. Even though Tears For Fears were the main event, Garbage provided a notable storm of their own.

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ferrstappen · 1 month

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mónaco l Carlos Sainz

(a/n): this is a very short piece based on one of my favorite songs of all time which, by coincidence, is called Mónaco by Lagos and Danny Ocean. If you listen to it you can picture yourself having a summer romance with Carlos, true story. I'd love to dive deeper into it, but idk I just needed to get it out fast for some reason. hope you like it, feedback is always welcomed<3

summary: pero si algo que nos quedó es todo lo que pasó en Mónaco (but if there’s something left in us then it’s everything that happened in Monaco)

no sé si te acuerdes, de la vez que nos perdimos en septiembre

she'd never forget the warm september night when Carlos took her to the casino for the first time. He still wasn't very familiar with the principality and she was just a fleeting person for a couple of weeks, months, and he couldn't count on her of all people to know the streets of the heavenly Monaco.

As the flutes of Don Perignon continued to flow, he became more and more animated, trying his best to explain the intricate science behind poker and the true meaning behind each card. But despite his best efforts, she found herself unable to concentrate on his words. Instead, she was deeply lost in his eyes, taking in every detail of his sparkling hazel hue.

As she continued to stare, he finally noticed the piercing gaze, causing a warm flush to rise in his cheeks. A shy smile appeared on his lips, and she couldn't resist the urge to lean in and place a gentle kiss on them and when she pulled away, his smile grew wider making her fall deeper and deeper in this announced tragedy.

Everything was good until Carlos realized he was drunk, couldn't drive and didn't remember his address, eyes growing comically large as he came to terms that his alcohol-consumed brain really couldn't remember the name of his street, meaning someone had to drive him and his companion through the beautifully and carefully lit streets until one of you started to recognize his complex and as unusual and absurd of a situation they were in, she couldn't stop giggling as the streets kept passing by in a blur and watched Carlos still trying his best to remember.

tantas veces que tomé tres escalas para verte, creo que me acostumbré a tenerte como si no fuera a acabar.

her time in Monaco was over and Carlos' career in Toro Rosso was steadily climbing, he couldn't afford to take his mind off the track and she understood, she was willing to fly over just to see him.

but it started to fade away.

she was still willing to deal with three layovers to see Carlos, and his caramel eyes still sparkled when he saw her, but there was something missing, this wasn't like their late nights in strolling around Monaco, drinking cheap wine even if they could afford a way nicer bottle.

they weren't stupid, this wasn't meant to last any longer than a couple weeks in autumn, a simple memory, one of those people you can close your eyes and feel their scent, mind playing tricks that maybe if they closed their eyes long enough they might get a feel of the soft skin of each other, running her thumb through his cheek while he tried to fall asleep.

yo sé que para volver ya es tarde, y nuestro plan nunca fue quedarse, no sé si habrá una segunda parte, pero si hay algo que nos quedó es todo lo que pasó en Mónaco.

she stopped flying over, Carlos stopped asking her to spend the weekends off in his apartment, just the two of them

Both reminded themselves this wasn't meant to last, wasn't supposed to create one single string, but they both failed.

chances were, they would find each other again maybe on another holiday, another masters degree, PhD, Grand Prix; a part two, a proper goodbye to te September walks in heels she couldn't take off in order to not get a fine, pouting so Carlos would carry her on his back, as if they knew each other their entire lives.

it wasn't important now.

all they had left was what happened in Monaco.

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translations <3

no sé si te acuerdes, de la vez que nos perdimos en septiembre: i don't know if you remember about the time we got lost in September.

tantas veces que tomé tres escalas para verte, creo que me acostumbré a tenerte como si no fuera a acabar: so many times i took three layovers just to see you, I think I got used to having you as if it was never gonna end.

yo sé que para volver ya es tarde, y nuestro plan nunca fue quedarse, no sé si habrá una segunda parte, pero si hay algo que nos quedó es todo lo que pasó en Mónaco: i know it's too late to come back and staying wasn't our plan, i don't know if there's gonna be a second time, but if something's that's left in us is everything that happened in Monaco.

#carlos sainz x you #carlos sainz x reader #carlos sainz imagine #carlos sainz fanfic #carlos sainz fluff #carlos sainz blurb #carlos sainz au #carlos sainz angst #f1 fluff #f1 fics #f1 imagine #f1 fic #f1 fanfic #f1 x reader #f1 x you

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emptyjunior · 5 months

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I'm rewatching Starstruck in the break, can I say I DESPERATELY would have loved to have seen this intergalactic chase across the stars from the Other Side😭

Like okay, campaign where you're a crew of kooky spacers on the run, classic, fun, oh the adventures we had.., can you Imagine what this story would have been like from the pursuers side? From Lucienne and UFTP?

You're Lucienne and you just got SCREWED on the corporate ladder and are already dealing with some rich trust fund kid DYING yet also leaving you in Charge of an insane company.

And during that you find out oh my god the world might be destroyed?? And there's a Princeps who has a super special computer that will decide the fate of the universe? So you stash them away to keep them safe and go back to covering up the murder you might be to blame for, because universe destroying computer is like priority TWO right now.

And then you find out?? Your ex lover friend has become a pirate???! And has STOLEN the princeps??! AND THE WORLD ENDING COMPUTER??! And quit??! And posted Nudes to the world??! And they look amazing?

So okay okay new priority is FIND THEM right NOW so you send all the resources in the world to go snatch them up which should be easy enough because you've seen them run, they're literally a weak and flailing office worker in a pencil skirt.

Welp! Next report comes in and they exploded a building with sex putty??? And decimated a fleet of the best fighters you can hire? And had time to go to a dogshow in between???

Fine, okay, it's fine because you KNOW they'll slip up again and they do! They show up,,., in a live stream? Partying with the ceo of space uber?? In a casino? That they just OPENED? WHILE THEY'RE ON THE RUN?!

So you go to that planet and go to contact the sheriff and his Head is on a Fucking Spike because your Friend absolutely wasted him? And kicked every police officer out of town so the whole town could go super super hard for space burning man?

And have escaped Again.

So now you're in some kind of room with like 20 screens and probably two blackberries in each hand, going full manhunt. Face recognition software, algorithms, zooming in on photos and yelling Enhance.

And you find them! And they👏 are👏 at👏 Disneyland👏! What! The! Fuck!

You send your best guys again! (And also??! These 'best guys' maybe have a space slug in their skull that's going to end the world! Can't even focus on that rn!). And then when they get back, happy and proud they show you the Princeps that they've captured and it's god damned thin air! Because it was a hologram and this dumb sonuva bitch is zonked out of his mind from a fish psychic. Great, of course. Of Course.

You're being hounded by your company, you still don't know where your 'dead fiance' is, you're running out of time. How are you ever going to find them- You check your phone they are doing a hunger games at Las Vegas. And a rival company has made them influencers. And they're famous.

Of course.

But you do pull it off in the end! You get them! You imprison them! And their one fatal flaw? They decided to reunite one of their crew members with their birth mother while being wanted criminals.

So that's the chase you got them (they escape again of course they escape, and the birth mother turns out to be a Hell of a business woman and maybe just did a masterful corporate maneuver on you.)

And it's so important to know that this entire time you've been chasing a Big Hot Dog.

#dimension 20 #a starstruck odyssey #lucienne rex #margaret encino #d20 #dnd #stody #d20 starstruck

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stickyspeckledlight · 2 months

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Despite Everything, You Still Exist [Yan!Aventurine x Reader]

The short moments when the world remembers you. Hypothetical HSR voice lines based on Sunrise, Sunset, My Destroyed Body In the Onset. Can be read as standalone, though.

Notes: Lol I had some thoughts and doing this right now will mitigate my uncontrollable hype for when 2.1 is out later tonight. (From the future: lol 2.1 is out now ahaha)

Ao3

The air rings with the sound of cranking slots, spinning roulette, fallen chips, and spilled cards. Some visit for reasons outside the sound; the bar's happy hour, a good meal at the buffet, and the venue where musicians of middling to great renown play. They merely chatter amongst themselves, occasionally sparing a look to the many games at play, perhaps spending a few credits if they want to test their luck. But the ones of note are always the ones playing the game. For some, the sound of a shuffling deck of cards is as familiar as the back of their hand, and they cannot stand to be away from it for more than a day lest they live with the emptiness of their soul. Some have already accomplished much, do not know what they want anymore, and are just here to pass the time. Some are fools, believing they can strike a fortune and climb to the heavens. They feel the most, celebrating triumph and wallowing in despair alike.

But those who stand out most are those who decide to test their luck knowing of destiny's inherent unjustness.

Chat: Limits

"Most people do all they can to live within their limits. Whether it be maintaining their mundane routine, keeping to themselves, or turning away from things that pose too much risk to them. When most reach their limit, they tend to completely shut down, and give up—they dread that risk. What most people don’t realize though is that in breaking limits, you go beyond them. My friend, if you ever see someone reach their limit...pushing them past it will yield something truly special or, if you’re lucky, a destructive yet breathtaking beauty."

Chat: Lovely Things

“What do I like? Trying to gauge my weaknesses now are we? …oh? You just want to get me something out of the sheer goodness of your heart? Aw, you’re too sweet; my friend, we’ve already established such a great bond, you and I, so there is no need to exchange gifts between us! And, gift giving always does bring about jealousy; you wouldn’t want to incite that, would you? Besides, I doubt you could gift me anything lovelier than I already have.

Chat: Change

“Change is a wonderful thing! It keeps things from getting stale and predictable and is the prime ingredient for anything unexpected. Change doesn’t necessarily mean massive shifts like how most people envision, and I wholeheartedly believe one’s own self can remain consistent even with change. Speaking of changes to one’s self…heh, no matter how happy they may be as and with their changed self, a part of them will always mourn the person they used to be…even if the person of old runs counter to their changed self. Hm? A distant look in my eye? Nonsense, my friend! Just think of this as some helpful advice, free of charge. I do hope you’ll be able to put it to practice—I think we’d both hate if I were disappointed, after all.”

Casinos are ultimately reprieve, but eventually, one must return to their obligations. One can’t gamble without money, and money must be made from working. Work comes in many different forms—some work aims to increase other’s gains, some to increase its own, others to retrieve the money which is owed. These individuals are not so hard to find at the casino—like moths to a flame they aim to win with the wealth accrued by another, only to find themselves stripped of it unwittingly. It is easy to rig the game when the opponent believes they are the master. Chat: Interesting People

“My work takes me all over the place, so I get a lot of opportunities to meet all sorts of people! Granted, it’s my work that also causes a lot of meetings to not be on especially amicable terms too. And some of the people I have to deal with are…well, there’s a reason I keep a pistol with me. The best meetings though are when you’re off the clock and free to just wander about! Souvenir shopping, trying out local cuisines and experiencing its culture can be pretty nice, and it’s when me and Numby are just out and about where we meet many. I’m sure you Astral Expressers can relate to that. But, as with all things, some particularly stand out even when you don’t expect. Like, a little while ago, I finally finished a project—a big one that had some of us Stonehearts coming together—and I met this rather pleasant individual. Nice, polite, and their sense of humor wasn’t half bad; even gave me some pastries they made! A short but sweet conversation. But…there was just something…off, about them. My instincts are pretty good when it comes to these sort of things; it’s like…they were keeping themselves at a weird distance. Even though I deal with that a ton during negotiations, this time it just felt odd in a particular way, yet quite uncomfortably familiar. But it was after we said our goodbyes and I saw them again. I don’t know what happened, but then I saw the expression on their face, and…I know what that odd feeling is now. Maybe I should reach out, that guy isn’t exactly…o-oh, sorry! I got a little carried away, didn’t I? And I did sort of lead you on with starting things so lightheartedly…here, why don’t I make it up to you? A few Aetherium Wars booster packs, maybe?”

How do people lose money like this, though? Many go into the casino with the belief it is fair and just, not understanding just how rigged the game is. “Shed any and all illusions of outwitting the system,” one is told, left with nothing when they could not draw an ace of spades.

They are here because for many reasons: circumstance, unfortunate luck and their own hubris. And in that last reason lies the penultimate behind their misfortune: ignorance.

Chat: Willful Ignorance

“Ignorance is a horrid malady, but like all forms of malaise there are multiple variations. The most common is unwillful—what most think of when thinking of ignorance. Cures differ from individual to individual of course, but they tend to be the most simple affair; simple pedagogy does wonders in establishing a baseline knowledge, and for matters of great specificity or those already with baseline knowledge, a few thorough lectures are the ultimate vaccine. Willful ignorance, however, is a much different matter. Its cause is not rooted in the absence of knowledge, but of cognitive dissonance—you find it especially amongst those who have aged, already set in their ways and unwilling to engage with anything to broaden their horizons. For this, treatment must be thorough and harsh; it cannot be absolved without stripping down a patient’s worldview, lens, and grip of reality. But this is not the most vexing form. The hardest ignorance to cure is the one taken on fully aware, knowing it is false and knowing of its folly but nevertheless live by it; you look confused, so I’ll put it in simpler terms: a patient who isn’t ignorant, far from it even, but still lives their life as if they were. Curing this places patients in a rather volatile state. This ignorance is often the patient’s way of coping with a situation, when they’ve exhausted all other forms of protection. …But, I am a scholar. Advancements are not made by talking, it is through action, and eventually, I will be the one to make it. …I simply hope I can make it in time.”

But nothing lasts forever. The patrons return home, drunk or penniless, and the sound drowns out. Staff emerge from their shadows and silently do their part in crafting the honey trap, but even they must leave, and the lights are shut.

#yandere #yandere hsr #yandere aventurine #Topaz #Dr Ratio #hsr dr ratio #dr veritas ratio #veritas ratio #dr ratio hsr #hsr aventurine #hsr topaz #topaz hsr #honkai star rail #Destroyed Onset #Yandere aventurine x reader

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joelswritingmistress · 6 months

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You Scare Me, Professor: Chapter 9

Summary: The reader is taking graduate classes at a local university in the wooded upstate New York. She is drawn to her professor, Dr. Joel Miller, though she is also inherently aware that he has something dark about him that she can't quite put her finger on. As the reader's attraction grows deeper, she has to decide whether to endure the danger or run away as fast as possible.

Pairing: Professor Joel Miller x f!reader

Dr. Miller’s voice snapped my eyes open. The setting was perfect. It felt like a movie. What could possibly be better than this?

The fire, the dim light, the luxurious living room, the champagne. It all felt too perfect to take it someplace else.

Before I could even protest, Dr. Miller was taking my hand and towing me away from the enchanting scene he had set. Certainly there was more to this amazing residence and I did want to see it - really, I did. But right then I could only focus on one desire.

He glanced over his shoulder once with the tiniest smirk and we soon climbed up a stairwell that was enclosed on both sides by the same stone structure that the house was made of.

One. Two. Three. Four. Five.

I stopped mentally counting after five steps when the staircase winded, rounding upward to the next level. Te swirling stairwell added to the dreamy atmosphere. I half expected to awake in my own bed the following morning not knowing if I had been in a dream or reality.

Okay, I was more curious now. What did the second floor entail? There was a charming and, contradicting, dark mystique to Dr. Miller's home. It was almost as enticing as his persona; a perfect fit.

A faint glow illuminated a room straight away as we reached the top of the stairs. On our whisk by, I got a quick flash of a modest-sized room and could tell it was his home office.

Trailing off to the left we passed by two closed doors until reaching the master bedroom at the far end of the hallway.

Dr. Miller reached for the dimmer on the wall a step inside the door and a dim glow gradually took on the oversized space.

“Wow.” I couldn't keep the word from my mouth as I crossed through the threshold. Now I knew why he wanted to relocate.

The bedroom was lavish with a fireplace of its own and a flatscreen that sat atop a stone mantle. A king-sized bed was positioned directly across it. Odds and ends filled the spaces, and ceiling-to-floor curtains hung over what I assumed were a pair of windows against a far wall.

Dr. Miller casually strolled in and loosened up the buttons on his collar. I continued to marvel in the enchanting nature of the room that was only comparable to those I had seen in fancy catalogs, or lavish movie settings.

But that wasn't what had me awestruck. It was my professor. It was my enticing, sexy, older professor who was staring right at me as he slowly began to undress himself in the near-darkness.

“Come here.” Dr. Miller’s strict demand forced a shallow gasp from my lips. Once my eyes were locked on his again I felt like a wolf honed in on its prey.. only that prey was a bigger, badder wolf. What a paradox.

The walk to him was only comparable to what I could describe as dice dancing on a tabletop at a casino. What would happen once they rolled to a stop? That was the type of thrill we all secretly chased. The anticipation of what was to come in the most intense situations; your heart pounding, hands unsteady, face hot and a tingle running throughout every facet of your body.

Our lips met and I tasted the champagne on his tongue. Naturally, Dr. Miller's hand rested gently on the front of my neck. It made me pursuit him harder, kissing him with a heat that forced him to take a breath.

His hands snaked up under my sweater and he ran his warm palms the length of my torso from the bottom up until the shirt was thrown up over my head.

I was expecting him to pull me into his arms, for our lips to connect in the same fiery way as before. When I reached for him, his hand gripped my wrist so tight that an ache immediately spread in both directions up and down my arm. Without warning he shoved me down onto the oversized bed and I let out a deep breath as I stared up at him in his fully aroused state.

The clank of his belt buckle as he began to undo it was enough to make my bottom lip separate from my bottom one. My tongue danced across my lips. I couldn't wait to devour him - or let him devour me. Either way, I didn't care.

With his pants off his hips just enough to get a glimpse at the tented bulge in the front of his boxer-briefs, Dr. Miller leaned down, placing his hands on either side of me as he spoke against my lips.

“I'm going to fuck you now.” His voice was stern. His dark eyes locked on mine. He wasn't asking for permission, though he knew by now that I wouldn't deny him; I couldn't.

My eyes closed when I felt his fingers against the skin by my waist, swiftly undoing the button of my jeans in a craftily, effortless manner.

I didn't know if I sighed or moaned when he began to glide my pants down before fingering my panties and taking them along for the ride.

When I failed to respond to his racy demand he let his nose brush against mine and kissed me so firmly on the lips that it hurt.

“Say, okay Dr. Miller,” he demanded now.

I swallowed hard. “Okay, Dr. Miller.”

“Good girl.”

The world might as well have stood still when our bodies were entwined. Never, not once in my life, had an intimate encounter left me feeling so out of touch with the rest of the world.

Explosions of passion transpired in every kiss, every touch, every careless whisper only to be shared between the two of us. I felt it. I knew Dr. Miller felt it, too.

At times he was patient, numbing me with his fingers as he slowly and carefully turned my thighs to Jello. Other times he was forceful and hard, leaving me unable to even choke out a moan because my body was tense and tight and I was on the verge of exploding. He stopped each time he could tell I was close to my climax, controlling the pace of the foreplay, the lovemaking and everything in between.

Fuck, the stamina on this man!

Details of the night would be forever ingrained in my mind. The squeezes of his hands against mine. The firm hold on my throat that I encouraged through a chorus of moans each time he did it. The look in his eyes that alternated between dominant and desperate as he thrusted hard on top of me.

I had no idea how much time had passed when we finally laid quietly together with nothing but the sounds of our own breathing to fill the air. For several minutes I laid there with my eyes closed holding him close. Dr. Miller was a hot, sweaty mess on top of me. I was certain I felt and sounded and looked the same way.

If there was one thing I worried about it was the aftermath of a sexual encounter. Would the man want to cuddle? Would he ask you nicely to leave? Was it just about the sex? Did men worry about any of that stuff?

Dr. Miller’s arm was locked around my naked waist. It was possessive, and from him, alone, I craved that. I wanted to be his. I wanted him to be mine. That may have been wrong, or too intense for the length of time we had been in each other's lives; but that's how I felt. I realized, now, that I couldn't do this once. I couldn't do it twice or three times. I wasn't going to be the girl he called on occasion for a random hookup. None of that was possible - not for me. There would be no getting enough of this. The chemistry that existed between us was on a level I had no prior experience with.

My chest heaved up and down with a deep sigh. It prompted him to finally loosen his grip on me as his head lifted from the pillow we were sharing.

Moment of truth, I thought. I could usually read what a man's intentions were; at least I thought I could. Was Dr. Miller as into me as I thought he was? I couldn't be reading this all wrong, could I?

I wasn't about to let misplaced doubt kill the moment. I bit down on my bottom lip and slowly smiled, prompting him to do the same. When a low chuckle escaped him I echoed it with a giggle of my own.

He propped himself up on his forearm now and hovered above me with pillow-tossed hair. Such a beautiful, rugged mess he was. For a moment neither of us said anything; though did we really need to?

I let out another flustered breath as he leaned down and touched his lips to mine, staying there as if it would be the last time. Simultaneously, my hand found his bearded cheek, the other gently roamed through his messy hair.

We sighed together as the kiss broke off and I knew something had to be said.

“Dr. Miller-”

“Call me Joel,” he cut me off, referring to himself in such a different way than he had in the verbal foreplay that had kicked off our encounter.

I knew it would be difficult referring to him by his first name. In my quiet thoughts, fears and fantasies he would always be Dr. Miller; but I certainly couldn't continue to refer to him in that way.

“Joel..” I smiled again and sighed. That was it. That was all I had. I couldn't think of a coherent sentence. Not when my body still ached for all we had just done and more.

“(Y/N).” His gravelly voice ignited something inside of me - even more so when the weight of his body still blanketed mine.

For a moment I just held him. With our current, uncertain circumstances I had no idea if I would ever truly get this chance again. My hand rested on his cheek and then I leaned my head forward and kissed him again.

His next question made me feel safe and secure - a contrast to the hot-and-bothered, reckless way I had been feeling all night. “What side of the bed do you want?”

I was sure the diameter of my smile stretched my face to the limits. He officially asked me to stay.

“Either side.” I didn't care. I would have slept in the stiff, decorative chair in the corner of the room if he asked me to.

With a chuckle, he pushed himself away and slunk out of bed, slipping just his boxer-briefs back on. “Well decide. I have to go put the fire out downstairs.”

I let out a light flutter of laughter and agreed to his terms, watching him as he exited the room. I was alone with my thoughts, now, smiling at the ceiling. The sheets felt cool against my hot skin.

I could still feel a sting on the right side of my buttocks where Dr. Miller had indulged in perhaps the most pleasurable spanking of my life. My hand fell over the area and I smiled again, covering his hand print with my palm to feel the warmth he left there.

“Fuck..” I whispered the word to myself in the tastefully, exhausted state he had left my body in. If I died right then, I would die happy.

When he returned, my eyes drank in his physique. Chest hair trailed down the center of his rugged form down below his belly button. A lone scar decorated the top of his left arm and his typically perfectly-styled hair had been tugged in all different directions, leaving him with the most adorable fashion faux-pas.

Dr. Miller pressed the dimmer all the way down and closed the door, replacing the picture-perfect image in front of me with just a silhouette. When he slid back in behind me, my body naturally melted into his.

“Hope you don't mind the right side of the bed,” he said quietly in my ear, slipping one of his feet between mine as he pulled me against him even tighter.

“Mmm..” My eyes closed, “I don't mind.” I was exhausted, but I didn't want the moment to end. Despite the heaviness of my eyes I fought it. It wasn't until I heard Dr. Miller's quiet snores in my ear that I finally gave in. In the warmth of his bed with his body wrapped securely around mine, I got the best sleep of my life.

CLICK HERE FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER

@untamedheart81 @suttonspuds @cesspitoflove @michilandcof @amyispxnk @grogusmum @morallyinept @akah565 @brittmb115 @magpiepills @poodlebae @gobaaby-blog-blog

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selfaware-bungou-stray-dogs · 11 months

Note

What if the reader come to they world instead how will all the Organization react

When you came to their world

Self-Aware! BSD characters x GN! Reader

Warning: OOC, Slight Yandere. English is my second language.

A/N: The order of characters in Port Mafia and other organizations (except ADA) can be changed, when I will start writing full entries about them. Also, I am currently reading Gaiden, so, right now, I won't add Gaiden characters for now (Still planning to add them, when I start writing about The Government). Same situation with 55 minutes characters.

Another thing, my ideas about many characters are still in work in progress, so, they can change in the future.

_____________

The time has come. Finally, after all this time, they have fond a way to the real world. To Their Guiding Light.

Just a few moments left before their first meeting.

All of them gather near the portal.

The honor of turning it on was given to Atsushi Nakajima. The first person who became self-aware.

Atsushi pushes the button.

Bright light... So bright, no one can see anything...

Loud noise...

Then light faded...

But they were still there. The portal didn't work?

Everyone felt devastated. They hoped, they will be free from this world. They will be with you.

Then they heard a familiar voice.

"What in the...?"

So, the portal works. But it works wrong. Their Guiding Light were standing there.

Shocked...

Scared...

Real...

Their Guiding Light have come to their world.

___________________

General reaction:

🐾 Panic! Everyone is panicking, including you.

🐾 That's not how it should be!

🐾 When everyone calmed down, BSD gang explained the situation to you.

🐾 They also explained, what is happening in their world.

🐾 One thing must be noted. BSD characters have never been planning to kidnap you and bring you to their world.

🐾 Their world is a mess. Organizations members are the only people over there, streets are empty, night and day cycle are irregular and bizarre.

🐾 They think, that it would be torture for you to live in this world.

🐾 You, after some thinking, tell them, what cons and pros you see in your current situation.

🐾 Pros in living in BSD World:

1. There are no problems with supplies. You won't go hungry, thirsty, dirty or sick. 2. You have your favorite characters [You apologize for calling them characters, but everyone was chill about that] to talk to and spend time with.

3. No school/university/work. No taxes.

4. You can visit all Yokohama famous tourist spots for free. Plus, you can visit places from manga, including ADA building, Port Mafia headquarters, Moby Dick, Rats in the house of the dead base, Hunting Dogs headquarters, Sky Casino, Meursault and Mukurotoride.

5. There is nothing dangerous in this world.

1. The emptiness of the world and inconsistency of night and day will take a toil on you.

🐾 Cons in living in BSD world:

2. BSD Characters not only wanted to be with you. They wanted to be in reality. In a world full of other people.

3. You won't be able to see your family/ friends/ pets/ people that you hold dear.

4. Yokohama is the only normal city out of here. You won't be able to visit other cities.

5. You will have problems, if/when you got back in the real world. How exactly you are going to explain your disappearance?

🐾 At the end of the discussion, you all came to one decision. They will try to redo the portal to bring all of you to the real world. Untill then, you are having a vacation in Yokohama.

🐾 And if they won't be able to find a way... Well, that way they will make sure you won't be hurt. They will protect you.

Armed Detective Agency

🐯 Atsushi will think it's all his fault, so he will do his best to assure your stay here is comfortable. Will try to master full tiger transformation, so you can cuddle with him.

📒 Kunikida will try to make a schedule for you. It's a necessity in this world, so you can have a food and sleep schedule.

🩺 Akiko will be your personal doctor № 1. Will monitor your health. If you had problems with your health before come to their world, she would treat you. Even use her ability.

🌨️ Junchirou will be one of your guides. He and Naomi will show you around Yokohama. Also, he is the one who will cook for you.

👩🏻 Naomi will always be ready to have a conversation with you. She doesn't want you to become bored.

🍵 Kirako will make the best tea she can for you. Also, will talk with you about Mii-chan.

🛏️ Katai will find anything he can from your world Internet. Also, will monitor the police reports about your disappearance.

🐄 Kenji will go with you for a walk every day. He will insist on going outside the city.

🐰 Kyouka will be another person who will cook for you. Also, will invite you to eat boiled tofu.

🕵🏻 Ranpo will share his candies with you. Also, will discuss real life crimes with you.

👘🗡️ Fukuzawa will comfort you, if you need it. Will give you head pats.

🪢🦀 Dazai will try to keep you happy. He will do anything for you.

Port Mafia

💉 Mori will be your personal doctor № 2. Also, takes you on a shopping trips. Even if the shopping means breaking into the shop and take everything you want.

🍷 Chuuya will be another of your guardians. If you ask, will use his ability on you, so you can levitate.

🌂 Kouyou will keep you company. She, Kyouka and you will have tea parties together.

🇫🇷 Paul is your protector №3. Will try to learn, if you have enemies in the real world.

🎧 Rimbaud will share his coat with you, in case you became cold. Doesn't care, if he had to cuddle you to keep you warm.

🧥 Akutagawa will become your shadow. Will let you touch Rasenmon.

🔫 Higuici will be a part of the "friends for conversation" group. Will teach you, how to shoot, if you want to.

🚬 Hirotsu will tell you interesting stories about his past and about Yokohama.

🔪 Gin will keep you silent company. Also arranges tea time for her, Akutagawa and you.

🧲 Tachihara, been the member of two organizations, will do double job in taking care of you. Will protect you with guns and with any metal he can find.

🍰 ⭐⭕ Elise and Q will offer you to play together with them. And annoy Mori.

🍋 Kajii will offer you to do some experiments. Will blow something, if you ask him.

🍛 Oda will simply keep you company and giving you a tour around Yokohama.

The Guild

💰 Fitzgerald will bring you to a Mobi Dick, so you can stay in luxury.

🦝 Poe will read you his new novels. Also, Karl will curl on your lap.

🐋 Melville also will tell you stories about his youth and days of been The Guild leader

🐙 Lovecraft will tell you horror stories. Will let you sleep on him.

🍇 John will try to teach you about farming. Perhaps, one day, it will be useful.

☕ Lucy will try to keep you company. Only when Atsushi isn't with you.

🪶 Alcott will spend all her time to find a way to fix the portal. Bring her coffee time to time.

👒 Mitchell will offer you to teach you, how to be comfortable around rich people and how to show yourself.

♊ Twain will talk with you about his book. Will go with you if you want to take a look around forests near Yokohama.

✝️ Hawthorne will listen to you, if you want to vent. He, been a priest, is a good listener.

Rats in the House of the Dead

🫖 Goncharov will be your self-appointed servant. Will do his everything to make sure you are comfortable.

😷 Pushkin will show you Meursault. Also, will bug you, asking you to tell him more about his real world counterpart.

Decay of Angels

🐀 Fyodor will try to find the way to fix the portal. Will ask you questions about your world. Will let you wear his hat.

🤡 Gogol will be your partner in crime. If you want to set something on fire, he will bring gasoline and matches.

🃏 Sigma will bring you to the Sky Casino. Will teach you, how to play cards.

🧛 Bram will ask you about your world. You can talk with him about vampires in literature.

⚔️ Fukichi is another bodyguard. He is interested about your world history. Also, he is interested in politics.

Hunting Dogs

👶🧒🧓 Teruko will try to train you. Be ready to play chase with her.

💧Jouno will simply keep you company. Will tell you, if he noticed, if your friends have lied to you, before you were transported here. You had questions, how he managed to hear it through the phone speaker.

🌸 Tetchou is not allowed to cook for you. Will show you tricks with his ability.

The Government

⛩️ Taneda will be your guide if you want to take a look at the Yokohama temples.

💻 Ango will try to find news from your world, to discuss with you.

Others

👻 Oguri will discuss mystery novels from your world. And crime mystery shows.

🍎 Shibusawa will bring you to Mukurotoride. You will have a chance to lay on jewels.

🐱 Natsume will discuss your world with you. Will turn into a cat and let you pet him.

⌚ Gide is another of your bodyguards. Want to learn more about living a peaceful life.

👧 Aya will be another playmate. Will try to rope you into practicing karate with her.

#bungou stray dogs au #self-awareau #self-awarebsd #bsd #bsd x gender neutral reader #bungou stray dogs #gender neutral reader #bsd anime

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mackerel1522 · 19 days

Text

Hey guys, have we already considered that maybe Fyodor is the same as IRL!Dostoevsky?

We know he already met Bram at least a few times and Bram Stoker's "Dracula" is set in the late 19th century - the same century IRL!Dostoevsky lived in.

What I'm trying to say is: What if our Fedya was actually born in 1821 just like the real author? What if our Fedya is actually the Dostoevsky?

First: Dostoyevsky's Works

Fyodor's character/ability/environment containt lots of references to most of his works:

- Crime and Punishment: the crime is being killed and as a punishment he take over the body of the killer + his character is heavely Raskonikov-coded

- The Demons: Fyodor is often refered to as a demon (or as the "Northern Devil")

*also another title of this novel is 'The Possessed' which heavily refers to his ability too

- Notes From The Underground: Fyodor's philosophy has a lot in common with the one of the "Underground Man" (the narrator and protagonist of the novella)

- The House of the Dead: his organisation "Rats in the House of the Dead" is based partially on the novel

- The Gambler: we see him play at the begining of the manga against Ace (and nails it) + later the Sky Casino where he sends Sigma

(The list continues but it'd take way too long for me to cover all of it TuT')

- The Double: his double-personality-faking after his breakdown in mersault is "The Double"-coded

- The Brothers Karamazov: in an interview, Asagiri revealed he based most of Fyodor's personality on a scene of the novel (the one where Ivan Karamazov talks to 'the devil')

Secondly: Rodion Raskolnikov

Fyodor and Rodion share a lot of common points - Fyodor being heavely Raskolnikov-coded:

First and most obvious: Fedya's ability is C&P and Rodya is the protagonist from C&P

The complex personality: Fyodor is a highly intelligent and enigmatic character. He is confident, exceptionally intelligent, manipulative and can easily see through his enemies' desires and plans. Rodion, on the other hand, is a lonely former student who actively rejects the society's morality. Just like Fedya, Rodya considers himself an exceptional man and wants to test the limits of his own freedom by committing murder. His personality is also tormented and complex.

Common themes: Both characters explore deep themes such as guilt, suffering, redemption and human nature. They both embody dark and complex aspects of the human psyche.

Thirdly: Dostoyevsky and Dostoyevsky

IRL!Dostoyevsky and Our!Dostoyevsky also have a lot of common points:

Personality/Lives:

Both were born on November 11 in Russia

Both have been sentenced to death/sent to prison

Both are very religious people

Both traveled a lot around the world

Both have chronic illnesses (epilepsy/anemia)

Both share a similar philosophy (Orthodox Christianity and Utopian Socialism)

Common themes: religion, redemption, guilt, suffering, human nature, gambling, death, chronic illness, psychology, etc...

Fourthly: Crime and Punishment

"I am crime. I am punishment. Crime and punishment are close friends. Borders vanish. Rooms awaken. The incarnation of death, the master of the ability-consuming fog… Eat, howl, and make violence as your instinct desires. This is neither a loss of control nor a singularity." - Fyodor Dostoyevsky (Bungo Stray Dogs Dead Apple)

There is definitely more to Fyodor's ability than "just" possessing the one who just killed him. For instance we have what happened in Dead Apple but we also have some more details that should be noticed (I think): Don't you find it intriguing how everytime before he dies his eyes are light but once he is resurrected his eyes turn dark again? The same happens when he fakes a double personality after his breakdown in mersault: his eyes turn the lightest we've ever seen him have but once he abandons the act they turn pitch black again.

Y'all remember how Harukawa said something like "the darker the eyes, the darker the personality, the lighter the eyes, the closest they are to the good side"? (sorry I don't remember the correct quote but it's something like that)

Intriguing, huh?

Finally: "Dostoyevsky is immortal!"

In his novel "The Master and Margarita", Mikhail Bulgakov says "Dostoyevsky is immortal!". In the manga, we just learned Fyodor's ability which, as said before, consist basically in taking over the body of the one who just killed him. Based on all the canon events of the manga, mostly everything conducts us to think Dostoyevsky's, in fact, immortal. Could Asagiri have been inspired by this quote? That could be possible. (Would it be extremely cool? Hell yeah.)

What if our Dostoyevsky is the Dostoyevsky but in a reality where he is, in fact, immortal?

What do you guys think about it? Do you have another theory? Do you wanna add something? (I'm open to everything! Tell me what you think - whether it's the same or the opposite, I'm curious!)

#bungo stray dog #bsd #bungou stray dogs #bsd theories #fyodor dostoevsky #bsd fyodor #bsd fyodor dostoevsky #bsd meta #bsd crime and punishment #bsd dead apple #bsd 114.5 #bsd spoilers #heavy spoilers!!#please tell me what you think!

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forestshadow-wolf · 11 months

Text

GhostSoap famous gambler husbands AU

Ghost who will clear an entire casino once, usually over the course of 3-4 days or up to a week, before leaving and never returning. Never goes to the same house twice. All house masters know of him. Well practically everyone knows of him, he's a legend at the top of the ranks, and if you meet him you only meet him once. And oddly enough he never seems to be far behind nation famous gambler Soap...

Soap who will clean out table after table of a few houses for weeks before he moves on. He rotates houses every few weeks, house masters know him well, he draws in many challengers, business booms for house masters. So he ends up winning just as much as he brings in (he has a public schedule on his socials (to the public Ghost is saop's bodyguard; dresses drastically different and with a different mask when gambling, as opposed to when he's with soap))

The Ghost is just as elusive as his name suggests. He has no socials, speaks to almost nobody except head of table and house master(s), and those he does speak to gets no more that a few words of unimportant forgettable information. While it's said that The Ghost never returns its a lie, he just doesn't return until after soap has started a new cycle of visits for the season. And he never makes himself known, caught only by wispers in the crowd until it reaches the house master.

Soap on the other hand has just about every social media platform you could think of (the big ones anyway) twitter, instagram, tumblr, reddit, ect. (No facebook but there is a page dedicated to him) He's active too. Keeps his location updated to that week's casino(s). Pictures of what he did that weekend, his current hyper fixation, what show or movie he's currently obsessed with. He shares gambling tips for people just starting, but nothing to give away his secrets. The public knows that he has a husband (it's kinda hard to miss the flashy gold ring when he tries to get it in every photo of him) but don't know who it is. They do know that he has a heart of gold and enthusiastically protects his wishes to remain anonymous. Sometimes even going as far as attacking newer fans who try to reveal that information, Soap has had to remind people to be nice to eachother.

It's honestly a scam, they laugh about it at night while in bed sometimes. They think it's a miracle that nobody's caught on yet, or if they have that they haven't leaked it.

Despite having so many riches they live a modest life. Sure it's more than most, a house, food, money to have a much fun as they could possibly want, and a sizable savings. But they do donate a good portion of their winnings, try to help people in need, don't spend on overly frivolous things (excluding their gambling attire because appearances matter in that kind of setting)

John and Simon Riley-Mactavish work in a small, locally known bar, The 1-4-1, co-owned by John Price and his adopted son Kyle Garrick, sat in the middle block of a chain of casinos. It's frequented by solem casino go-ers after a long night of misfortunes or celebrating parties of extreme luck.

Simon Riley-Mactavish works as The 1-4-1's seasoned bartender making drinks, taking orders, charming the excitable patrons eager enough to miss or ignore the silver band that sits politely on his finger. When he sees someone getting harrassed he's quick to ask on a napkin if they'd like an angel shot (with lemon for take them to the back, lime if they need an escort to their car/uber, or straight if it's an emergency and needs immediate intervention). He's also a petty bitch so if it's not an emergency he'll order the harasser the most disgusting drink he can make, on the house.

John Riley-Mactavish is security of The 1-4-1, it's honest work. He's great at de-escalating situations, corrallin the too roudy. He's who is called when an angel shot is ordered. Luckily it's not too often. Usually is using his charm to finesse and guide the too handsy and drunk out of the bar and on their way home. All that being said... he has no tolerance for disrespect and hate, and it's a damned good thing price doesn't mind a little chaos or he'd have been kicked out already. He's got a watchful eye, intentional misuse of pronouns in a malicious way, racist, misogynistic, or homophobic comments is an immediate out. And he's none too gentle when he does it. Aside from the not infrequent need to remove someone he does enjoy his job, most people are respectful, he finds good conversations, gets to hand out at the bar with Simon. Price lets his go where he wants as long as he does his job well, and he does.

#el rambles #gambling AU #call of duty #cod mw2 #cod #john soap mactavish #simon ghost riley #ghostsoap #soapghost

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nekassvariigs · 1 year

Text

Doflamingo x reader encounter

(I hate this flashy bastard so much but he lives in my head rent free)

cw: Sfw so no worries here, hateful flirting, one sided interest, mentions of a certain someone wink wonk.

You noticed a large crowd gathering in the casino you frequented the massive amount of cheering and boatloads of girly screams only told you someone had an easily abusable ego.

"Young master you can't.." you walked right past him, his radiant feather coat was an eye sore on its own not to mention the way he held the women by her wrists licking over her neck, she clearly seemed to enjoy it but was ashamed of it in such a public place.

You couldn't see it but behind his glasses the certain dark figure which passed him crossed his eye in an instant. He whistled as you walked past. "Come join us." you knew the comment was directed at you, each girl that surrounded him seemed to glare daggers in the back of your skull for catching his attention so quickly especially since they've tried their hardest to look the best, their fake eyelashes, the hair extensions, fake tans, everything.

''Piss off." you smiled looking over your shoulder his sinister smile grew upon seeing your pretty face.

''She's got a bad temper." with a low whistle as he imitated being burnt with his hands everyone around you only looked a little bothered by this.

You don't know why you humored this idiot, but the way he was pissing you off with only a sentence was enough for you to give him a middle finger as you walked away from his taunts, your hips swaying with each step.

His heart dropped a beat watching your equally flashy exit, the smile on his face grew, laughter erupted loudly from him. Oh what a thrill.

He wasn't one to get denied so easily especially with all the call girls he had. They surely kept going back for something. So seeing you walk off with such sass only tickled the urge in his head to fuck with you more.

In a near moment he was walking behind you, brushing off every girl from his arms the long coat he wore dropping feathers every now and then.

"Come on, what's with the sour face?'' he smiled catcalling you as his long frame started catching up to you.

''Fuck do you care? Go catch one of your bitches." you chuckled taking out a packet of cigarettes from your pants, striking the lighter that hid inside the box, your lips were bothered with the white filter.

''I'm clearly chasing her, she's not in a good mood now is she." he smirked, the shit eating grin on his face as he leaned himself over you increased, his flashy red glasses eye level with your face, you had to look up at him.

You clearly ignored him with a quick statement. "What are you a giraffe, move your lanky ass." Smoke trailed from your lips as you took a long drag waiting for the cunt to move.

"If you're into those, I am." he smirked rising his glasses up a bit so his eyes showed, only for a brief moment.

With a little interest you chuckled blowing smoke in his face which he clearly didn't like, his face scrunching up from the pricking smoke.

"I don't have time to keep stroking your ego." you moved past him, his hand wrapped around yours quickly.

''Then you'll have the time to stroke something else?'' he chuckled lightly with his famous shit eating grin, his hand guiding yours over his open shirt.

He pressed your hand over his abs slowly trailing it over each muscle, you watched tanned skin slip past your fingers, your red nail polish seemed to clash well with the tone of his skin. You smiled a little at the thought.

His ego grew a little more inflated seeing a positive reaction from you.

"See, you want me." he teased.

"The only thing I'd want is for you to fuck off." you smiled looking right up at him as you pulled your hand away form his chest, his smirk deflating in a pissed scowl which he quickly retracted back to his regular smirk, your eyes no longer were on him, yet you were still staring him right tin the face.

The rush of dopamine that hit his head was like a drug, behind his glasses his eyes carefully examined your face, the quick glance you gave at his lips made him only lean in your face more.

"Wanna kiss me already?'' he chuckled, his breath tickling your face a little.

You took the smoking cigarette away from your lips, holding it between your fingers, you reached to gently slap his face a couple of times. "You wish."

You smiled proudly, the smoke disappearing in his blonde hair he stopped complaining for a bit, the red glass sitting in it's white frames seemed a little transparent, there was a light light blush near the rims that sat on his cheeks.

''I better go before you catch feelings." you stuck the cigarette in his mouth watching him grip it with his lips he pressed your wrist against his mouth lolling his tongue over it.

''I'll see you in a bit then." he smirked watching you pull away with confidence, you turned on your heel disappearing though the door, a familiar presence greeted you, the way he pulled you in with his golden hook, his lips pressing against yours in a rather passionate kiss, the large cigar in his hand that flipped him off through the closing crack in the door only made Doflamingo more eager to try to encounter you more often. He took long drags from your cigarette your lipstick gently staining the very middle of his lips.

His girls were really mad that day occupying him the entire night as they tried to get rid of the stain over his mouth with no success.

Meanwhile you were enjoying an expensive dinner with the man before you, his slicked back hair fell a little over the large scar on his face as he asked you about your encounter with the pompous prick.

''We exchanged a few words, he's pretty cocky,and not in a good way." you wiped your wrist with a wet towel, his cold eyes scanning your actions gave him an idea of what might have happened.

''We'll worry about that later." He puffed his cigar, tiny drops of sand landing on the tablecloth before him.

You offered him your hand seeing that he was eyeing the door in a rather protective manner.

His eyes dropped down to your hand, the cigar lingering between his his teeth, the wait was rather silent for his touch until the moment he cupped your hand in his , thumb stroking over your knuckles you smiled back at him continuing your evening in his undivided attention.

#one piece doflamingo #donquixote doflamingo #doffy x reader #one piece #one piece x reader #crocodile x reader #one piece crocodile #crocodile one piece #crocodile x y/n #one sided pining #established relationship #doflamingo x reader x crocodile #sir crocodile #one piece fanfiction #one piece reader insert #sir crocodile x reader

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thegildedbee · 7 days

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Hero: May 29 Prompt from @calaisreno

This latest chapter and the previous ones are here at ao3. (I had hoped to finish with everyone else on the 31st of May, but alas, it looks like it will be May 32nd or 33rd for me . . . ) ...............................................................................................

In Vienna, his search and destroy mission retained its danger; it was as exhausting, and as nerve-wracking as any other part of his journeys to date. It was, however, undoubtedly a much more elegant and luxurious phase. His cover was as an art dealer, an international concierge of sorts, assisting in obtaining the exact object to be placed in exactly the right hands. That this was rarely an above-board legal transaction was, of course, the point. One might say that his current activities fell under the umbrella of the art of money laundering.

Although there had been recent flurries on the part of policing agencies to upend the illicit trafficking of art and antiquities, the Moriarty organization, like many other criminal enterprises, had been delighted to add participation in the circulation of fake and stolen artworks to their already robust departments of fraudulent real estate deals, as vehicles for making illegal monetary gains appear to be legitimate. Auction houses and the like were under no obligation to report large cash transactions to governing authorities -- unlike banks, life insurance companies, casinos, currency exchangers, and precious metal dealers. They could even keep the names of buyers and sellers anonymous. It was like stealing candy from a baby.

His activities had him bouncing from the unsavory world of back-street feloniusness, to the elite world of the over-monied and the over-gullible. Personally, he himself believed that, in a properly-run world, it would be perfectly acceptable if being a billionaire was illegal, but no one had asked him, as such, to draw up plans toward that end. At the very least, he could kill two birds with one stone, by draining the coffers of the obscenely-wealthy as expertly as possible, while also bleeding dry the Order of Moriartyites.

There was a completely legal print gallery next door to the famous Opera House, and he had come to enjoy dropping by on occasion when he wanted to simply enjoy art for recreational reasons, rather than pecuniary ones. The gallery possessed one of the largest collections of original Japanese woodblock prints in Europe, and he had become particularly captivated by their collection of pieces by the nineteenth-century master of ukiyo-e ("pictures of the floating world"), Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. There were many mesmerizing items from two of his series -- 100 Aspects of the Moon and New Forms of 36 Ghosts -- but the images that he especially craved to return to and study, were from his 50 renditions of Handsome and Brave Heroes of the Suikoden, fantastical images of spirits, monsters, and magical creatures, drawn from legendary histories and myths.

On his last day in Vienna, he indulged himself by buying a copy of "Toraomaru Riding a Tiger," an image that encapsulated the feeling that was his constant companion, of living out a life reflecting the aphorism, "He who rides the tiger, dare never dismount." It was a reckless thing to do -- he had no fixed location, no place to store anything important, and whatever he "owned" was only on loan to him as a temporary matter, as it might have to be jettisoned or abandoned at a moment's notice. Nevertheless, he stubbornly refused to submit to practicality in this one instance.

A month later, after many different instances of meditating upon his Yoshitoshi print, the reason the universe had wanted him to own it became clear. While running down new leads on the west coast of the States, he had passed a tattoo shop one day in San Francisco, and impulsively stopped in to see if he could make arrangements soon, in the time before he would have to leave, to have one of the artists interpret the Toraomaru on his left arm. Two days later, he had the art piece vibrantly reproduced, and healing, on his body (and, not so incidentally, allowing the marks from his drug injection days to disappear). His intimate acquisition was a defiant, sentimental, and minutely optimistic act of voicing the unvoiced center of his existence, even if visually, rather than aurally.

And, as someone dear to him from his past might have said: quite apropos for a drama queen.

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

@calaisreno @totallysilvergirl @friday411 @peanitbear @original-welovethebeekeeper

@helloliriels @a-victorian-girl @keirgreeneyes @starrla89 @naefelldaurk

@topsyturvy-turtely @lisbeth-kk @raina-at @jobooksncoffee @meetinginsamarra

@solarmama-plantsareneat @bluebellofbakerstreet @dragonnan @safedistancefrombeingsmart @jolieblack

@msladysmith @ninasnakie @riversong912 @dapetty

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

#mayprompts2024 #calaisreno #sherlock bits and bobs #may prompts 2024 #johnlock

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tikay21 · 23 days

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🐺Dominic St. Clair

applicant for Yasmines Desire BC by @aniraklova

age: 35

character: mysterious, calculating, aloof

Dominic St. Clair, known in the gambling scene as "The Count," is a legend in the world of poker. He possesses a sharp mind and his approach to poker is deeply analytical. He constantly evaluates probabilities and reads his opponents with precision. Dominic's reputation precedes him and make him a feared opponent at any poker table simply by his presence.

Even in the most intense situations, "The Count" remains calm and focused, without letting his emotions take over. Although he's not afraid to take calculated risks, each of his moves is carefully planned and executed to maximize his chances of success.

His skills regularly crash the cash registers of casinos, making him an unwelcome guest and his life not entirely safe; there are said to have been attempts to eliminate him. Dominic is one of the wealthiest men around, and evidently, he has the means to keep certain individuals at bay. Unobtrusively, security always surrounds him.

Although he is a wealthy man, it is unclear whether "The Count" has acquired his wealth solely through poker or if there are other secret sources of his fortune. He is a master at shielding his private life and concealing his true self from the world.

Beyond his unpredictable appearances in casinos, Dominic lives secluded from the public eye. Whether he has friends or family is unknown. Speculations and rumors about his past and living circumstances are widespread, but he doesn't let anyone peek into his cards.

What prompts Dominic to suddenly step into the public eye and sign up for a Bachelorette show, stirring up rumors? Is he looking to redefine his image or bring a touch of normality into his life? Does he feel lonely in his reclusive lifestyle and yearn for human connection or a romantic relationship? Could he be seeking an authentic relationship untainted by his wealth or reputation as a gambling genius?

Might this show, of all things, offer him a chance to meet someone who appreciates him for his true self, beyond his secrets and his reputation? Dominic isn't the type to follow conventional paths; he's unpredictable, so let the games begin ...

more info under the cut > likes / dislikes

Likes

colors: black - white

music: classical - new age - metal - world - soul

characteristics: hard working - homebody - cerebral

conversation: stories - intimacy - deception - interests

fashion: preppy - polished - hipster - rocker

activities: fitness - research - violin - piano - climbing - cooking - riding - skiing - snowboarding - writing - wellness

deco: industrial - island - vintage - contemporary - modern

Dislikes

colors: yellow

characteristics: egoistical - pesssimistic - argumentative - ambitionsless

conversation: silly - potty humor - smalltalk - gossip

fashion: boho

activities: comedy - mischief - video gaming

deco: cosmolux - cute - shabby

privat DL if chosen

I had the idea for this character a long time ago as a call for a challenge theme (make an arrogant sim) and even created a sim for it, but I never actually played it out. Here, the character concept gets a new face, and I'm curious about what's to come - or what's not.

thanks @ all creators, posemaker and builders

(even those I can`t makeout here)

builds - Casino by EA ID: ameliejo111

Villa by EA ID: marmeladart

CC by @kijiko-sims @pralinesims @magic-bot @wistfulpoltergeist @sclub-privee @creamlattedream @nesurii @luumia @simdulgencemods @northernsiberiawinds @johnnysimmer @micklayne @darte77 @beto-ae0 @birba32 @pictureamoebae @christopher067 @jius-sims @mercisims @lorisims

poses by @helgatisha - @katverse - lostsouls

Sim by @tikay21

thanks for your support by doing this @xshinx86

#yasminesdesirebc #Dominic St. Clair #Dominic St. Clair “The Count”#pokerface #poker #gambler #tikays #casino #the sims 4 #character #thesims4 #ts4 #sims 4 #sims 4 bachelorette #Yasmine Mardishan #aniraklova #simblr

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guzhufuren · 11 months

Text

Favourite VegasPete Fics pt.3 (in alphabetical order) full rec list

1. baby got bounce by @lu-sn https://archiveofourown.org/series/3540850

As a present for Vegas, Pete learns how to twerk. & Pete's adventures as an amateur pole dancer.

2. clouded with dirt by @sapphicblight https://archiveofourown.org/works/46274284

Prompt: "No, I'm not dating your brother." As they wait for Vegas to wake from his coma, Macau tries to figure out what Pete means to Vegas. Pete would like to know, as well.

3. discothéque rouge by @lu-sn https://archiveofourown.org/works/44019583

Vegas is here at this night club on a job, and he really, really doesn't want to be. Then everything goes sideways — in a good way.

4. Five-Star Southpaw https://archiveofourown.org/works/46009846

When Vegas is handed the keys to a failing major family hotel and told to bring it back to life, he knows it’s not a gift, or a test, or even an opportunity to prove himself. It’s a taunt. It’s a way to set him up for failure so everyone can rub his nose in the shitshow he’s left with, defeated and inferior to his cousins like always. It’s the death sentence of his pride in a gilded cage. But misery loves company and all that, and he finds a surprisingly fitting cellmate in an unassuming looking employee named Pete. Now if only he could get Pete to stop playing hard to get, this cage could become a lot more comfortable.

5. he wanted it comfortable i wanted that pain by @hawkshadowwrites https://archiveofourown.org/works/45435295

Vegas pulls the cloth off his head and Pete’s suspicions are confirmed when the look on Vegas’s face is pure alarm and confusion, not pride and satisfaction. “What—” Vegas says as the same time Pete all but moans. “Fuck me,” Pete whines, high and desperately needy. His hips buck up against Vegas’s thigh and he whines again. “Khun Vegas.” — Or; an ep 4 auction au where Pete drinks the drugged water meant for Porsche and gets grabbed by Vegas instead.

6. it’s so sweet (knowing you love me) https://archiveofourown.org/works/46458253

“You’re smaller than me,” Pete suddenly announces- simpering like a fox in the henhouse right in Vegas’ face. aka the 5 times Pete makes Vegas feel tiny + the 1 time he feels tinier

7. Mansions and Mafiosi by @blackwatervial https://archiveofourown.org/works/46604890

Vegas overhears that someone called Pete is looking for a Dungeon Master. Vegas is convinced that he’s the man for the job – he both has a dungeon and is a master. But when he turns up at Pete’s place expecting hot stuff (sex), he instead gets hot stuff (8d6 fire damage). OR The Vegaspete DnD AU no one knew they needed

8. no rest for the wicked by @itsbinghebitch https://archiveofourown.org/works/45520291

Pete has long left Thailand. He is now living the American dream, working long hours to make his rich clients richer and himself more miserable than ever. But when his best friend Porsche invites him to his destination wedding to the mysterious Kinn, Pete finds himself suddenly thrown into the world of the Theerapanyakul family, the silent machinations underpinning their wealth, and Kinn’s cousin Vegas—who, for reasons unknown, has made it his mission to tear down every assumption Pete holds about his life. — resort romance AU where Kinn & co are still mafia (except Pete doesn't know)

9. sub(stitute) by @blackwatervial https://archiveofourown.org/works/46102267

Pete needs a fake-boyfriend for a casino party. Vegas needs to secure a deal with a casino owner. Everyone knows where this is going.

#kinnporsche #vegaspete #vegaspete fic recs #kinnporsche fic recs #fics #fic recs #recs #kpedit #mine #mygifs #userboots #taggingmarion #userspicy #kinnporschesource #dailyvegaspete #thank you to all the beautiful writers <33 you darlings mean everything to me

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georgegraphys · 4 months

Text

2024 team sponsors recap!

this is completely irrelevant to F1 but i study and do these stuffs for a living sooo 😩😩 2023 sponsors are based on the sponsors that are there at the beginning of the season (new sponsors that join in the middle of the season will be classified as 2024's)

Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team:

New sponsors: Whatsapp, Luminar (American tech company), SAP (German software company), nuvei (Canadian credit card services), Sherwin Williams (American painting company) 2024 data last update: 2024/02/14

Old sponsors that left: Monster Energy, Pure Storage (American technology company), fastly (American cloud computing services), Axalta (American painting company), Eight sleep (American mattresses company) 2023 data last update: 2023/01/07

Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team:

New sponsors: Yeti (American cooler manufacturer, joined later in 2023), APL (American footwear/athletic apparel manufacturer, joined later in 2023), CDW (American IT company, joined later in 2023), Sui (American tech app by Mysten Labs, joined later in 2023), Patron Tequila (Mexican alcoholic beverages company, joined later in 2023) 2024 data last update: 2024/02/15

Old sponsors that left: CashApp, Walmart, Therabody (American wellness technology company), Ocean Bottle (Norwegian reusable bottle manufacturer), PokerStars (Costa Rican gambling site), Alpha Tauri (? no info if they're official partners or not but Austrian clothing company made by Red Bull), BMC (Switzerland bicycle/cycling manufacturer), Esso (American fuel company, subsidiary of ExxonMobil), Hewlett Packard Enterprise (American technology company) 2023 data last update: 2023/03/07

More: Esso is a subsidiary of Mobil so there's possibility they merged or something

Scuderia Ferrari:

New sponsors: VGW Play (Australian tech game company, joined later in 2023), DXC Technology (American IT company, joined later in 2023), Peroni (Italian brewing company), Z Capital Group/ZCG (American private asset management/merchant bank company), Celsius (Swedish energy drink manufacturer) 2024 data last update: 2024/02/15

Old sponsors that left: Mission Winnow (American content lab by Phillip Morris International aka Marlboro), Estrella Garcia (Spanish alcoholic beverages manufacturer), Frecciarossa (Italian high speed train company) 2023 data last update: 2023/02/16

More: Mission Winnow is a part of Phillip Morris International. They are no longer listed as team sponsor but PMI is listed instead.

(starting here, 2023 data last update is 2023/02/23 and 2024 data last update is 2024/02/15)

McLaren F1 Team: (Only McLaren RACING's data is available idk if some of these are XE/FE team partners but anw..)

New sponsors: Monster Energy, Salesforce (American cloud based software company, joined later in 2023), Estrella Garcia (Spanish alcoholic beverages manufacturer), Dropbox (American file hosting company), Workday (American system software company, joined later in 2023), Ecolab (American water purification/hygiene company), Airwallex (Australian financial tech company), Optimum Nutrition (American nutritional supplement manufacturer), Halo ITSM (American software company, joined later in 2023), Udemy (American educational tech company, joined later in 2023), New Era (American cap manufacturer, joined in 2023), K-Swiss (American shoes manufacturer, joined later in 2023), Alpinestars (Italian motorsports safety equipment manufacturer)

Old sponsors that left: DP World (Emirati logistics company), EasyPost (American shipping API company), Immersive Labs (UK cybersecurity training company?), Logitech, Mind (UK mental health charity), PartyCasino (UK? online casino site), PartyPoker (American? gambling site), Sparco (Italian auto part & accessory manufacturer), Tezos (Switzerland crypto company)

Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team:

New sponsors: Valvoline (American retail automotives service company, joined later in 2023), NexGen (Canadian sustainable? fuel company), Banco Master (Brazilian digital banking platform, joined later in 2023), ServiceNow (American software company, joined later in 2023), Regent Seven Seas Cruise, Wolfgang Puck (Austrian-American chef and restaurant owner, joined later in 2023), Financial Times (British business newspaper), OMP (Italian racing safety equipment manufacturer), stichd (Netherlands fashion & apparel manufacturer)

Old sponsors that left: Alpinestars (Italian motorsports safety equipment manufacturer), crypto.com (Singaporean cryptocurrency company), ebb3 (UK? software company), Pelmark (UK fashion and apparel manufacturer), Peroni (Italian brewing company), Porto Seguro (Brazilian insurance company), Socios (Malta's blockchain-based platform), XP (Brazilian investment company)

Stake F1 Team (prev. Alfa Romeo):

???? Can't found their website (might be geoblocked in my country???)

BWT Alpine F1 Team:

New sponsors: MNTN (American software company), H. Moser & Cie (Switzerland watch manufacturer), Amazon Music

Old sponsors that left: Bell & Ross (French watch company), Ecowatt (??? afaik French less-energy smthn smthn company), Elysium (French? American? Software company), KX (UK software company), Plug (American electrical equipment manufacturing company)

Visa CashApp RB F1 Team (prev. Scuderia Alpha Tauri):

New Sponsors: Visa, CashApp, Hugo Boss, Tudor, Neft Vodka (Austrian alcoholic beverages company), Piquadro (Italian luxury bag manufacturer)

Old sponsors that left: Buzz (?), Carl Friedrik (UK travel goods manufacturer), Flex Box (Hongkong? shipping containers manufacturer), GMG (Emirati global wellbeing company), RapidAPI (American API company)

Haas F1 Team:

New sponsors: New Era (American cap manufacturer, joined later in 2023)

Old sponsors that left: Hantec Markets (Hongkong capital markets company), OpenSea (American NFT/Crypto company)

Williams Racing:

New sponsors: Komatsu, MyProtein (British bodybuilding supplement), Kraken (American crypto company, joined later in 2023), VAST Data (American tech company), Ingenuity Commerce (UK e-commerce platform), Puma (joined later in 2023)

Old sponsors that left: Acronis (Swiss software company), Bremont (British watch manufacturer), Dtex Systems (American? cybersecurity company), Financial Times (British business newspaper), Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, KX (UK software company), OMP (Italian racing safety equipment manufacturer), PPG (American painting manufacturer), Umbro (English sports equipment manufacturer), Zeiss (German opticals/optometrics manufacturing company)

#mercedes amg petronas #red bull racing #scuderia ferrari #visa cash app rb #haas f1 team #mclaren f1 #aston martin #alpine f1 #williams racing #stake f1 team #f1 #ari's rant #sponsor talks

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