#Local Gun Store

[unpretty]

i haven't posted about it much because there's no way to do that without it sounding like an ad, but my favorite purchase this year was probably a carbonator that works on non-water liquids and a special set of refillable CO2 bottles

it only costs like $3 to refill one of these bottles at the sporting goods store (because it's basically just a paintball/airsoft tank lol) and instead of buying special soda syrups i use those cheapo flavor packets they sell for water bottles

the up-front cost was stupid but i justified it to myself with all the money i haven't spent on energy drinks since i started doing this

[29625]

I’m always thinking about my Slider’s music taste…like, is it ooc if he liked The Cars? New Order? Bauhaus?

Then I look at this picture of Rick Rossovich and be like nvm he looks like someone from new wave/goth bands

I mean look at how gorgeous

[robinsnest2111]

I need to find a way for me to wear the guns n roses hoodie I bought myself for my birthday every single day until I die without it ever starting to smell so I won't have to wash it and go a couple days without

can I get it integrated into my body on a molecular level?

[little-klng]

If anyone is gonna ask me what the best gun is then there's no need because the answer is obviously the glock 43x that came out this year in cow print

[lazicalm]

Save me the war front, save me

[die-mitri]

Pretty sure the op of the Hamilton art is a terf and zionist

I looked at their blog and they definitely have some weird takes. I didn't scroll down super far but from what I could see, they're just very lukewarm about being pro-palestine. Which is super lame but not a crime.

As for the terf claim, I didn't really see anything abt that other than their bio. I know I "should" care, being trans and all but I tend not to vex myself over people whose opinions deny my personhood.

Idk what you expect me to do about it tho? Deleting my reblog doesn't help anyone, it's not like I'm giving them money, the post isn't about those things, etc. I hate both terfs and zionists to be sure but it's a lot more helpful to reblog Palestinian funds and such rather than try to maintain moral purity in regards to random reblogs of silly, non political art.

I'm not particularly concerned with making sure every single thing I reblog was originally posted by someone with all the "right" views on everything. It's a fruitless endeavor and it's completely useless to folks that need actual help :/

I understand if you're worried about whistleblowing but taking one look at my blog, it's fairly evident that I'm both pro-palestine and very transgender. So like. Breathe. If you're gonna give info but not your opinion on what I should do w the info, then like... What's the point?

While I disagree with their takes on the best way to protest and several other things, I'm certainly not one to throw the baby out w the bathwater and they do make a lovely point w this post... I feel it's applicable here.

[oceantornadoo]

ch1 something borrowed something blue (mafia!price x simon's sister!reader)

masterlist | next

-

“Yer gettin’ married next week.”

You scoff at your brother staring at his Scotch whisky like it holds the answers to the universe.

“And you’re the king of Egypt. Funny, Simon.” He doesn’t laugh. Instead, he glances at Johnny, his husband and right-hand man. The two have a silent conversation, a head twitch followed by a pursing of lips. Johnny’s lips are cracked and split, something you can’t imagine your brother is attracted to. Superb mental health does not run in your family.

Johnny rises out of his chair, a wooden thing that creaks with effort, and takes his leave. He ruffles your hair on the way out while you try, for the thirtieth time, to shove his side. You are, yet again, unsuccessful. He’s built like a tank.

“M serious, love. ‘Ve been in negotiations the past month. It’s happenin’ next Saturday, St Etheldreda's Church.” You run through a list of churches in your head. St. Ethledreda’s is not in Manchester. In fact, you’re pretty sure it’s not in your territory. Which means…

“Why’re you naming a church in London?” Simon’s quiet as his eyes bore holes into yours. This is one of his favorite tactics to use on his men - staying silent until they find the answer themselves. You hate when he uses it on you like you’re under his command and not his younger sister. 

“You can’t be serious.”

“We need an alliance an’ they offered.”

“Then write a fuckin’ treaty! Not a marriage certificate.”

“You know it doesn’t work like that.”

“It’s the 21st century.”

“Not in this family.”

That’s something you can’t argue against. Most people outside of your immediate circle don’t even know Simon’s married to Johnny, let alone into men. When he first came to power, you created a sob story for him - early marriage to his (female) childhood sweetheart, then fast-spreading cancer, ending with a man struck by grief. It allowed him a known reason for turning down arranged marriages while making him seem more human than your shared father. No one paid enough attention to you two as children to know the story wasn’t real, and fake certificates of marriage and death are a dime a dozen. Everyone knows he’s close with Johnny, his right-hand man, and that’s that.

“What about my bookstore?” It’s your pride and joy, plus it’s 95% legal. Mostly. 

“There’s bookstores in London.” London. Only 200 miles away, but it’s like another world. Another world where you can’t walk down the street where every single storefront owner knows who you are. Where the cops are on your family’s payroll and don’t blink an eye at the gun strapped to your hip. It doesn’t matter if you were raised away in your formative years, losing your accent and most concepts of slang that baffle you. It doesn’t matter if you only share a father with Simon, that your mother was a Riley employee and not Mrs. Riley. Manchester is your home. 

It doesn’t occur to you that you have a choice, mainly because you know you don’t. The firm, or mafia, gang, or whatever you want to call it, still operates as if women are objects to be traded and bought. Marriages are merely political agreements. Getting to run a bookstore, or cash-cleaning business, as a woman is almost unheard of where you’re from. Others might call you lucky, but it’s more like being a bird in a gilded cage. A glimpse of what a true, normal life might look like. Living in a flat above your store, hosting local book clubs, setting out free cookie samples - all to be ruined when Johnny stumbles through with a gunshot or the newest recruits are sent to grab more bullets from the basement. Every other week, you snap back from your daydream and remember that you’re a mafia princess at the end of the day, though duchess seems more adequate since the Rileys don’t have that big of a territory.

“And who is my husband-to-be in London?”

“John Price.”

“I’d rather marry Nikolai. In fact, I might just go elope.” Simon glares and you glare back. “I’m not marrying John Price.” You clarify, for emphasis. Simon leans forward in his office chair, looming over his desk like a puppet master. You’re in the chair across from him, crossing your legs casually like you’re not discussing your arranged marriage and potential future. “Contract’s done, love. Jus’ waitin’ on yer signature.” Your signature, the one change from the barbaric practices of old England. You could say no, but then Simon would have no choice but to cut you off. It would be a sign of weakness to the other families if he let a delinquent bastard half-sister run his decisions.

“I want to negotiate the contract.” It’s the closest your brother has ever been to rolling his eyes. They twitch with restraint, blonde lashes flickering. “This isn’t a TV show, kid. Yer not negotiatin’ yer bloody contract.” You uncross your legs, hands on your armrest like you’re about to leave. “Fine. Let me go call up the NCA, tell them all about my brother and his scary gang.” He sighs deeply, then pulls out his phone. “Bloody hell. Can’t wait t’ marry you off, fuckin’ arsehole.” You grab the bright pink stress ball on his desk, a stocking stuffer you gave him as a joke, and throw it at him. He doesn’t even bother to look up from his phone, huffing as the ball hits the side of his head. 

“Here.” He tosses you the phone that’s already ringing. There’s no contact name, just initials. JP. “Riley. Got a problem?” A smooth baritone emits from the phone’s tinny speakers. “Hope you’re not busy this weekend, future hubby. I can’t wait to see you.” Simon sighs at the consequences of his own actions. John’s silent on the other end, processing your words. Bit thick, that one.

“An’ why’s that, sweetheart?” It’s a term of endearment but he laces it with vitriol. “We’re having tea on Saturday at my store. Bring your contract and favorite lawyers. See you then!” You hang up before he can answer, tossing the phone back to Simon. He shakes his head at you.

“Smile, Simon. It’ll be nice to bond with your brother-in-law.”

This is going to be a very long marriage.

If you even get down the aisle.

-

Why does reader hate John? Why is she also a little shit? All will be revealed :)

[evilminji]

I will NEVER not want Danny to have Multicultural Zone Vibez.

Like? To just... just HAVE shit you CAN NOT GET in "this" Reality.

Is it a tee-shirt? The podcast he's listening too? Those snacks? Maybe it's the tea! He has a distinct accent. No one can place it. He talks about hitting up The Market. Is suuuuper vague about WHICH market, but it sounds awesome. He apparently gets like? ALL his shit from there.

Amazing deals on everything.

You've been over to his place. The linens look like something out of a fantasy novel. HAND MADE sorta shit. Like? It must have taken, what, months? Years? To make that? He got it "cheap", supposedly, because the shop owner is no longer in their "space phase".

None of his plates match. Some look futuristic, some are hand made, a few look CARVED. Is this bone?

"Don't worry about it."

You recognize maybe a third of the movies he owns, AT BEST. But you could have SWORN like three of them weren't out yet. And details are off in two others.

The dude is weird. His PLACE is weird. His FOOD is all knock off brands you've never heard off. They've gotta be. There's fruits you can't recognize in the fridge and he uses a vegetable you've never seen before in the stir fry. Tastes pretty good. Kinda garlicky. But, like?

You've NEVER seen him use any of them local grocery stores. You're half convinced, that even with a gun to his head? He would be able to tell you WHERE THEY ARE.

Dude.

And, yeah, it's a major city. A DC city of your choice. His weirdness lvl is so low, if constant, that it barely registers. Frankly? Everyone just thinks "ah, yes, an immigrant from... somewhere. Don't be a dick about it, me." And moves on. Gives it no further thought. But?

Eventually he's gonna make friends~

They ARE gonna want to know more about him.

And they're gonna realize he's WEIRD AF. Give them the LORE, Danny. It's driving them crazy!!

@hdgnj @babbling-babull @hypewinter @lolottes @mutable-manifestation

[fragranticareviewers]

do you have any recs on where to GET perfumes?

luckyscent and scentsplit are your best bet for samples IMO. always always always get a little sample before you break out the big guns! the samples are also usually pretty cheap, you get a tiny vial for usually around $4-7 USD.

once you have a scent you know you like, there's all sorts of places you can get full bottles. manufacturers often have their own online shops to purchase from.

if you want to go in-person, beauty shops like sephora and ulta beauty have both perfumes and testers. discount stores like marshall's and tj maxx often sell perfume at a discounted price, but i've never seen testers there, so tread carefully if you haven't smelled it before! more locally, there may be smaller boutiques and perfumeries in your area.

my final word of advice: don't buy from amazon, as amazon has a notoriously bad problem with counterfeit cosmetics. even if you're buying directly from the manufacturer's amazon shop, the real bottles usually end up being mixed in with the counterfeits.

[bluudsucka]

juna - bo chow x tomboy!reader

chapter I - chapter II

summary: you were never in touch with your feminine side, being raised by your father and older brothers you knew built a tough exterior. always opting for wearing male clothes and sporting a short haircut, but that was until you stopped at the new local convince store and met bo.

word count: 7k

warnings: smut, female reader, awkward/shy reader, slight mentions of race, loss of virginity, oral sex, noncanonical setting, unprotected sex, slight age gap (nothing too crazy reader is in her early twenties while bo is in his late 20s/early 30s), mentions of other characters

author's note: i had a lot of fun writing this! this is my longest fic i ever wrote so far, so thank you for reading and thank ya'll for the support! <3 (i was also listing to juna by clairo while writing bits of this haha)

“You make me wanna go dancin’, you make me wanna try on feminine, you make me wanna go buy a new dress, you make me wanna slip off a new dress...” 

The blistering summer sun nipped harshly at your skin, sweat from the heat and a hard day's work clung onto your chest and forehead while driving your father's rusty car, you'd hope you could pick up a breeze to cool you down. 

That of course didn't happen. 

He sent you into town with a shopping list of materials your household needed - and seeing as your mother passed last year - it was your duty as a woman to go out and shop for the boys, as your father so 'eloquently' put it. His remarks about your gender bothered you seeing as you were responsible in the cooking and cleaning while also being responsible with manual labor on the farm too. 

It was common to help your two older brothers fix run down and broken appliances such as rickety barn doors, leaky faucets, and wobbly banisters. Your hands were covered in cuts, scabs, and blisters from hammering away for hours. It didn't help that during those hours of work your brothers would tease you about not being 'girly' enough, jesting that you were more of a man than them both combined. It also didn't help that your family's budget was tight, meaning you had no choice but to wear their hand-me-downs.  

With a tired sigh you pulled yourself out of your thoughts, finally entering the town. The dusty and bustling streets was lively today despite the cruel heat wave that clung on the Mississippi air, breathing in the hot oxygen was like swallowing thick molasses.  

Parking the beat-up blue car, you adjusted the dingy green bandana that rested on the temples of your forehead, soft and short curls wrapping around the fabric. You tried your best to style it more feminine after your father cut way too short for your liking - but half of you still felt insecure about the hairstyle.  

Your eyes would gaze upon the ebony beauties that would waltz around town with frilly hair pieces and intricate styles, their long, gorgeous dresses flowing in the wind as men would stop and stare - you would stare too. Sometimes you would daydream about being in a moving picture playing the leading lady that had a lover who would do anything for you; give you flowers, love, and affection. The kind of guy who wouldn't be embarrassed about being tender on you. 

Slamming the car door after jumping out the sizzling leather seat of the car, your rough hands dug into the front pocket of your oversized denim overalls. Your eyes scanning the chicken scratch of a list your father wrote on stained paper, passing through the crowd, trying your best not to bump into anyone. 

nails (three 100 pack) 

gun oil 

chiken chicken feed 

red paint 

game meat 

horse fed feed 

fox repellaint repellent  

Walking towards the general store you normally shopped for your items; you noticed something strange; it had completely changed since you last stopped by. The store was bigger - more cleanly. Items within the store wouldn't be organized, as medicine would often be found next to the rat traps, but now just by gazing around the store everything was neatly placed in spots that...Made sense.  

You also noticed a man that you hadn't seen before, he was hunched over stacking cans of peas next to the tidy stack of caned carrots. Before any words could slip out of your lips he turned to face you, as if he could feel your eyes staring at the back of his head.  

He was handsome, strikingly so.  

His jet-black hair was neatly styled, and his lips held a light welcoming smile. He wore a crisp white button up with an onyx-colored vest on top, protecting the white shirt from the grime and dust. Rubbing his hands on his grey pants he lifted from the ground, rolling his shoulders and neck as he stood at his full height.  

"Welcome. What can I help ya' with?" He asked, a low southern drawl boomed from him, the sound of his voice made you jump. You didn't expect him to have such a sultry voice. Your warm skin on your cheeks began to tingle as your eyes quickly darted towards your muddy shoes. 

"U-Um, I'm just shoppin', sir. Thank you!" You rushed out, stumbling over your words as if you just learned how to talk an hour ago. His lips stretched into a kind and toothy smile, and he nodded his head, dark eyes not breaking contact with your frame. 

"Well, if you need somethin', lemme know."  

And with that he turned onto his heel and continued to work, you quickly scanned around the store looking for everything that you needed on the list. You wanted to leave the store as soon as possible, not because of the handsome man's actions - but because you felt as if you looked...Terrible. 

Your undershirt was a stained long sleeve, a once white fabric now faded into a dingy tan color due to dirt, sweat, and age. The shirt hung off your shoulders, it was your older brother's before it was handed down to you, the piece of clothing was basically swallowing your feminine frame. The muddy overalls that you sported was from your other brother, the second oldest, and it was big on you too.  

Wearing these clothes strangers would sometimes mistake you for a boy, which didn't bother you at all, but the thought of this attractive shopkeeper mistaking you for one sent a wave of anxiety through your body. Grabbing the gun oil, the multiple boxes of nails, and fox repellent your hands were already full.  

You looked around for a basket to hold your items, but none were found. You stood in the middle of the store your face twisting in confusion as you looked around one more time just to make sure you didn't overlook the baskets to hold your stuff, and the man noticed this. 

"Sorry, I just open this place up, last owner's baskets were full 'o holes. I had to toss 'em, won't get new ones till next week."  

"O-Oh, it's fine." 

"Here." he said as he strutted towards you, his arms stretching wide. Your eyes landed on his toned forearms, they looked strong and powerful, and you couldn't help but to gaze at the vein that pressed against his pale olive skin. Standing in front of you the stranger tilted his head in confusion, and you finally realized that he was signaling you to place the items into his arms. 

With a strained and awkward chuckle, you blurted out an apology and gave the items to him. 

"Don't worry, I'll place ya' things on the counter so you can shop around some more." He assured as his long legs strutted towards the register that rested on a mahogany table. He noticed you standing stock still as your fingers fidget between each other. Leaning on the wooden table with crossed arms he sent you another gorgeous smile your way.  

"You new to town?" He asked, his voice was alluring and warm, you could hear him talk all day if you could. 

"No, I live on the outskirts of town with my brothers and Pa, w-we got a farm..." You blurted out, the words rushed from your mouth like a running faucet, which made the man chuckle. 

"Hm, and they just let a pretty girl like yourself go shopping alone?" 

Your eyes widen like saucers and your already racing heart sped up even faster, it felt like you were moments away from a heart attack. You opened and closed your mouth in quick successions, as if you were a fish out of water. 

You were. 

You never heard a man refer to you as pretty. They called you strong, reliable, tough, hardworking - but never pretty. Noticing your anxiety rising he spoke again, this time more carefully. 

"My name's Bo Chow, I'm from around these parts but I just open this store few weeks ago," He then paused as if scanning his thoughts to find the right words to say to not scare you off. "You said your family has a farm? Ya'll got chickens and such? I'm lookin' into finding a stable source for eggs, got an ice box comin' in later today and I wanna stock up." 

"Oh, um. Yeah, we got chickens. Lots of 'em, mean bastards." You mumbled, spitting out a mild annoyance you had with the feathery animals, one of them bit you on the thumb this morning. 

Bo blurted out a laugh from your comment, his chuckles crashing into you like a wave, and it made you smile. With fidgeting fingers, you told him your name, which he repeated three times, each time breathier than the last. He told you that your name was beautiful - that it suited a beautiful girl like yourself. 

Bo noticed that you were on the shy side, so he toned down his flirty advances towards you, but he still let it be known that he found you attractive. Slowly you eased out of your shell and continued to shop, placing each item on the counter as words and laughter exchanged between you two. Completing your shopping list you paid for the items, Bo carefully bagged them into thick brown paper bags, his dark brown eyes trailing your face as he soaked in your beautiful features. 

It stunned him that such a pretty girl was so shy, it was if you were completely unaware of your beauty. With small smile you grabbed the paper bags and Bo reached for the horse feed that rested on the counter.  

"Lemme carry this out for you; it's pretty heavy." 

"No, n-no! It's fine I can make two trips." 

"Nonsense, what kind of man am I to let a lady carry all these bags by herself?" He replied as strong arms lifting the feed as if it weighed nothing, a rush of lust bloomed within your chest as thoughts of his arms holding you tight crept within your mind. But those thoughts were quickly replaced with embarrassment, and you avoided eye contact with the man as you both walked out of the store towards the car. 

Placing the bags in the passenger side of the vehicle Bo shot you a smile, which made you gaze at your shoes again, your boots kicking the dry dirt beneath your feet. Crossing his arms against his chest and without thinking he said: "I know some fella is really lucky to have you." 

"I-I ain't with no one, not like that." You whispered, biting your lip as you leaned against the hot car door, your eyes meeting his for only a split second before looking away. You had a boyfriend in the past, but the only thing you did with the man was kiss and hold hands, you weren't really attracted to him, and he was only with you for 'convenience' - according to him. So, it didn't hurt you none when he dumped you for another girl. 

But you did enjoy landing a right hook square against his jaw after that nasty breakup though.  

Just because he deserved it. 

"W-What about you? I mean, I'm not sayin' a fella is lucky to have you, unless there is--ain't nothin' wrong with that if there is--I mean--" 

"I'm divorced; my ex-wife works at the general store on the white side of town." Bo chuckled, cutting you off from your rambling. You whispered out a meek apology and silence soon followed. The muffle sounds of people's chattering, cars honking, and wheels racing on the dirt road eased your thumping heart a bit. With a sigh Bo tilted his head, his eyes traveling up and down your body as he tongued the inside of his cheek.  

"...I know some fellas who own a juke joint, just outta the way of town. They play some real good music there - and the catfish they serve is fresh, pipin' hot never cooked in stale grease, unlike the fish fry across the street." He said as he pointed his head towards the run-down restaurant that was packed to the brim with people. You giggled at his comment - he was right - despite the popularity of that place, their food was disgusting. With a pause his face twisted in deep thought, finding the next words that he truly wanted to say.  

"We should go there sometime - the juke joint," Bo casually said, his hands now tucked in the pockets of his pants. "Up to you, of course." He quickly added trying his best not to lay it on thick. Your body stiffed and you scrunched up your face in concern and without thinking you blurted out: "You ain't crazy, right?"  

Bo was a handsome man, the kind that you would daydream about as you hammered and worked your days away. It made no sense to you that such a gorgeous man like him would ask you out, he seemed like the type to be paired up with a woman who wore frilly dresses and expensive perfume.  

Not a woman in old, dirty hand-me-down male clothes.  

He shrugged his shoulders as an airy laugh escaped his lungs, you noticed that he laughed a lot. 

The sound of it was music to your ears.  

"Just think about it, okay?" He asked softy, which earned a nod from you. With one last smile he began to walk towards the store backwards, his chestnut-colored eyes not breaking contact with yours.  

"And make sure your brothers help you with movin' allat stuff."  

The drive back home was felt quicker than it actually was, your mind raced with thoughts of Bo. His soft smile, his strong muscular arms, his beautiful deep brown eyes, his thick southern twang with each word he spoke - even though you just met the man you were already falling for him, and you considered his invitation to the juke joint.  

Once pulling into the long dusty driveway of your home a quick realization set within you. 

How would you take him up on that offer? 

Driving back and forth from town wasn't manageable; your father's car drank up gas like it was nothing - and gasoline was expensive. You sighed at the missed opportunity to ask how communication would work between you two. With a lull of your head, your eyes landed on the grocery list that rested on top of the items you bought. Reaching for the stained paper your heart fluttered as you read the numbers out loud, his name scribbled on the bottom of it. 

──⭒─⭑─⭒────⭒─⭑─⭒── 

A few blistering weeks had passed and your relationship with Bo blossomed as you both spent hours talking on the phone, and you were starting to enjoy the tedious shopping trips your father would send you on - that meant you were able to see the shopkeeper in person. But when driving into town wasn't needed you settled on calling the man after finishing your chores.  

You learned that the Bo's family was from China, a long way from Mississippi. You would ask about the country and if it was any different from here, his deep voice would sigh and reminiscence about his homeland. His family moved here when he was only a small boy and stated that he lost his accent in exchanged for the Mississippi drawl from living here so long - but he still spoke perfect Mandarin.  

You noticed that his flirty persona would slip as he displayed a sillier side to him. Cursing and complaining about customers leaving messes around his store or local vendors who tried to rip him off, his soothing voice would slip into speaking his native tongue, the sound of those foreign words would caress your ears and make your heart flutter. You would ask him to teach you some words and phrases, which he gladly did.  

Most of them were curse words though.  

You would butcher the unfamiliar words with your southern accent, but he was patient with you as he chuckled out the proper pronunciation of those dirty words, praising you when you finally articulating them semi-perfectly.  

He would ask you about your day as well and you told him everything, down to the exact minute you woke up. He would let out a sharp whistle hearing all of the manual labor that you were responsible for - flirting with you about how you needed a break often saying things like: "Sounds like a hard day, you probably have knots in your shoulders - I could fix that, y'know." 

Which you would reply: "You givin' out massages now?" 

And in turn he would tut out a quick comeback along the lines of: "Only to those who deserves them. I've got magic hands...And a soft spot for women who pretend not to need them." 

You would choke and stumble over your words, quickly changing the subject towards something else. Tonight, you were on the phone with Bo, listing intensely at the story he told - your sore hands shooed your nosy brother away as he gave you a lopsided smile. You told your brothers about Bo, and they teased you relentlessly about him. 

"So, when am I gonna see you again?" Bo asked, making you bite your lip and shrug as if he could see you.  

"I don't know...Maybe soon?" You whispered you didn't want it to come out as a question, but it did, and you mentally kicked yourself for it. You remembered his offer to take you to this 'mysterious' juke joint, it sounded like fun. You love to dance even though you were self-conscious about doing it in front of people, often swaying your hips as you hummed a melody you heard on the radio while cooking or doing chores by your lonesome.  

"How...How 'bout we go that juke joint you were talkin' about? That sounds like fun." 

"Ah! Lil' miss busy body finally wanna come dance with me?" 

"Oh, haha," You sarcastically laughed, picking at the skin of your thumb. "How 'bout next weekend? Does Saturday work for you?" 

"Of course, I'm free Saturday..." He then paused and you could practically see the wide smile that clung onto his face.  

"It's a date, then?" 

"Y-Yeah, it's a date."  

──⭒─⭑─⭒────⭒─⭑─⭒──  

Your fingers fidget and twist around each other, the crunching sound of rock and dirt beneath your feet grounded you somewhat, but your palms were already beginning to sweat. Passing through parked cars and couples grinding themselves onto each other, you finally made it to this aforementioned juke joint, the booming sound of music and shouting made a lump rise in your throat.  

Stepping towards the large open double doors sat a stocky man. He nodded and waved as people enter and exited the makeshift club - his head snapping forward as his eyes landed onto you. With a wide and friendly smile, he tilted his straw hat with thick fingers - lowering his head in reverence as he spoke. 

"Hello, missy. Ain't seen you around here before," His head rise again, making heavy eye contact with you. You figured that this large man was a bouncer, here to try and keep troublemakers out of the juke. "Word gets around, huh? Each weekend more and more people come - since it's your first time here I recommend trying the Irish whiskey. It got some kick to it, haha. All thanks to those twins, of course."  

"Y-Yes, will do. Thank you." You mumbled, your shy eyes looking down at your feet. The muddy boots that you wore everyday were replaced with emerald green heels, the shoes hurt your feet, but the sales lady reassured you that they'll break in quickly.  

Shuffling around the man you stumbled into the crowded club, your eyes scanning for Bo, but you couldn't find him anywhere. A lost and confused look plastered onto your face - you were starting to feel overwhelmed as second thoughts rushed through your mind. Deciding that you should just leave you quickly turned on your heel, but you bumped into a soft body, strong yet comforting arms steadied you. 

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" You repeated with a strained voice, shouting out apologies over the loud Blues that reverberated on the wooden walls. 

"It's okay, you alright?" A womanly voice calmly spoke. Your eyes were met with deep mahogany brown irises, her features were beautiful, welcoming. Yet an air of sternness and confidence oozed casually from her as she adjusted her dark blue dress. Her natural hair was done up neatly, framing her face in a way that only enhanced her beautiful features. You couldn't help but to gawk at this woman. Noticing this her smile only soften as she awaited your answer to her question. 

"Oh, um. Yea', I'm okay. Thank you," you choked out, your awkward eyes darting around the room as you peered into the dancing crowd. "Have you seen Bo around?" You added with a bite of your cherry red stained lips - for the first time you were wearing makeup. 

"So, you're her? He's gamblin' with that drunk 'ol fool in the back." She stated, giving you a friendly grin. She turned her head and stopped a man dead in his tracks as he gave her a look that was tinged in nothing but respect.  

"Yes, Annie?" The man asked. 

"Take her to Bo and them, would you?" The woman, now known as Annie, casually said which earned a nod from the man. You gave your thanks to Annie as she winked and disappeared into the crowd. You followed the man, pushing pass people dancing and drinking with apologies falling from your lips, bumping into them accidently. But most of them were either too drunk to care or too busy dancing to notice.  

"Damn, Bo. I thought you said you was good?" A commanding voice boomed, which followed by a chorus of laughter from multiple men. The music wasn't as loud within this hidden room, the muffled hymns were drowned out by lighters flicking, glass bottles clanking, and cocky chuckles coming from each man that huddled together around the small table.  

"I am, but I'm already known' that Slim is cheatin." Bo sighed in annoyance, a cigarette hanged limp between his plump lips as he tossed a card down on the table, stress pulling at his chiseled features and smoke plumed from his mouth with each word he spoke.  

"I ain't cheatin'." A man, who was much older, confidently stated as he took a long swig from his metal flask - licking his lips to taste the alcohol that slipped pass his golden capped teeth.  

"You is." Bo shot back as he took a drag from the cigarette, pulling it from his lips with an index and middle finger, and leisurely blew the smoke into the already thick hazy air.  

"No, I--" 

A sharp wolf whistle cut off the older man's defense, which cause the men to snap their heads towards your direction. The whistle came from the man standing, his hands reaching for the red brimmed hat that rested on his head and placed it over his chest, shielding his well-tailored suit.  

"Ain't you a pretty lil' thang?" He spoke as his dark brown irises slowly ran up and down your body, he was absolutely undressing you with his eyes. You wore a thin silky emerald color dress that loosely hung onto your body - but the soft fabric outlined and accentuated your curves. Your short hair was styled in finger waves, mimicking how women would wear their hair in the many magazines you had hidden away in your bedroom.  

With long mascara covered eyelashes you blinked awkwardly, turning your head to look behind you, confused if the man was talking to you. Bo looked at you with awe, he couldn't recognize you at first but looking deeper at your dolled up face he could see those same beautiful features he'd grown fond of.  

You looked amazing, like a movie star that jumped straight out of the silver screen. 

"Y-You talkin' to me?" You asked the man, pointing at yourself with your head tilting to the side, the dangling silver earing you wore had small green gems, the light catching the dark color - making the jewelry sparkle. The jewelry grazed the warm skin of your bare shoulder as you lulled your head back into its natural position.  

"My, my. And she's humble too," he laughed as he reached his hand out for yours. With sweaty and shaky palms, you placed your hand within the stranger's grasp, it seemed like he didn't care about your drenched soaked palm as he placed a kiss on your trembling hand, the feeling of his moustache lightly tickled your skin. "My name is Stack, baby." He said as he shot you a wide smile, showing off his golden capped teeth that shined under the ember light of the club. But before you could open your mouth Bo quickly cut into the conversation, swatting away the advances Stack was planning on making towards you.  

"Watch yourself - she ain't like that, Stack." Bo hissed tossing his cards on the table, quitting from the game which made Slim smile ear to ear from the easy victory.  

"Why you care, ain't you married?" Stack jested back, his voice dripping with charisma, sending a wink your way after finishing his sentence.  

"Divorced." Bo said curtly. 

Stack raised his hands up in a playful display of defeat, his face twisting in mischief as a chuckle fell from his plump lips.  

"My bad, Bo. I ain't know you like the sistas." Stack chuckled as he pulled the empty chair from the table, claiming his seat as nimble hands collected the scattered cards - preparing to shuffle them for the next game.  

"I ain't know you like 'em either." Bo replied, sitting up from his chair as he rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, stopping right at the elbows - his cigarette still hanging limply from his mouth.  

This statement earned a raspy roar of laughter from Slim as he clapped his hands together, the sound of his foot stomping made you jump a bit. Stack's once confident persona melted as he shot glares at Slim and Bo, which only made Slim laugh even harder.  

You were oblivious to their 'inside joke'.  

"Whew, you have fun you crazy kids," Slim sighed out, taking another swig from his flask. "And you: get outta ya feelings, boy. Shuffle them cards." The older man places a hard pat on Stack's shoulder, which only made him grunt in annoyance. 

"I think you had too much to drink, old man." Stack seethed as he quickly mixed up the cards in his hands.  

Putting the cigarette out in the ashtray Bo's striking features eased with happiness as he laid his eyes on you. Holding his arm out for you to grab onto, both of you exited the small gambling room - now out on the bustling dance floor. His eyes were trained onto your face as he pulled you closer towards him, the bloom of attraction and arousal tugged within Bo as he bit his lip. 

You were looking damn good tonight. 

"I see why you didn't want me to pick you up - you're somethin' else, you know that?" He smiled, the dimples of his cheeks deepening as you shrugged your shoulders at his words, your eyes gazing at him. He looked handsome as always, but tonight he looked dashing. Noticing his eyes that flicked towards your body, you took a step back to show him your full outfit. 

"You like my dress? I bought it earlier today - I wanted to wear somethin' new." You gushed out and with a twirl you showed him the back of your dress that exposed the bare skin of your back, but you didn't notice Bo's eyes landing straight on your ass that poked against the thin fabric. Sticking his thumb in his belt loop, he adjusted his pants - he really wanted to see what's under that dress - but alas, he wouldn't outwardly say that to you as his own worrying self-conscious crept in.  

Bo wasn't bashful nor shy when it came to intimacy and sex, he was open about his wants and desires. But you were the polar opposite, so he tried his best to keep those lustful thoughts about you to himself, toning the flirty banter down to a minimum. But that was becoming a challenge tonight with how sexy you looked, and it didn't help much that Stack's actions made him a tad bit jealous. 

Bo knew you desired him just as much, but he knows it'll take a while for that shell of yours to crack.  

Low strumming of guitar strings pulled your attention away from Bo, your eyes gazing at the makeshift stage ahead of you, watching a man that was around your age plucked the metal strings of the instrument. With a low hum you noticed the once lively dancefloor coupled up in pairs, while the singles made their way to the bar to fill up on drinks. With a thumb on his bottom lip Bo, smiled at your sudden ramped attention towards the slow music. 

"That's Preacher Boy, he's mighty fine at playin' that guitar," Bo walked forward towards the dance floor with your hand in his. Both your fingers interlocking with each other's. "Care to fancy me a dance?"  

You couldn't do anything but to excitedly nod, the butterflies in your stomach were becoming unbearable. With strong arms Bo held you flush against him, you could feel his lean body through his clothes - both of you swaying to the rhythm of the song. Tough hands rested on the small of your back, his calloused fingers resting dangerously close above your ass. 

You wouldn't mind it if he rested his hand there.  

With threaded fingers he guided your steps, you tripped over yourself for a bit - but you quickly found the rhythm again. Your head rest on his shoulder while he placed his on top of your head, the tender lyrics about love and not wanting to let go echoed through your mind, the lovesick song made your heart swell.  

Bo then pulls away from your body, but only for a bit - he twirled you around, making you giggle at the action and with skillful movements, he pressed your backside onto himself. His hands guided your hips against his and you could feel his growing bulge pressing against your backside. You shiver in delight at the feeling of him pressing against you, his lips also pressing against your ear as he sang along the lyrics - switching some of the words with Mandarin. He was singing the song directly to you. 

Your loins were on fire, and you tried the ease the ache between your legs by grinding yourself onto his stiffening member. Bo took quick noticed of this, his fingers pressing down on your hips as he steadies himself.  

Helping you grind yourself on him. 

Turning around to face him again you wrapped your arms over his shoulders, still pressing yourself firmly on his body. Your lips ghosting over his - he leaned forward in an attempt to close the sliver of space between your lips, but you pulled away with a slight grin that danced across your cherry red lips.  

"Do you think I'm pretty even when I don't look like...This all the time?" You asked him. Though you enjoyed dressing up and doing your make up - a part of you also found comfort in wearing clothes that weren't 'conventionally' for women. You were shy and sometimes you had some bouts of insecurity - but that was every woman. 

You hoped that Bo could understand that.  

"The moment I laid my eyes on you - when you came into my store - I knew then that I wanted you," he paused as his brown eyes stared into yours intensely, every word he spoke made you lose your breath. "You're more than pretty; you're beautiful - gorgeous. Doesn't matter what you got on."  

With quivering lips, you kissed him, Bo's lips were soft, and his kiss was steady as he guided your unskilled mouth against his - deepening the kiss even more. His warm hands trailed over the exposed skin of your back, the feeling of rough fingers made you spiral, and you could feel yourself getting wetter by the second. Bo could feel your wetness too - pressing his thigh in between your legs and against your aching core.  

You moaned into his mouth, and you held onto his shoulders for dear life, you needed to feel this man inside you - you were growing desperate to relieve yourself from the intense arousal that bubbled in your core. 

"C'mon, lemme take care of you, baby." Bo whispered.  

──⭒─⭑─⭒────⭒─⭑─⭒── 

Slipping away from the crowd, you and Bo found an empty room upstairs of the juke, away from prying eyes. The room was dusty, and the air was stale and thick - as if you both were the first people to enter in years. The slow love song that Preacher Boy sang was now replaced with loud, intense melodies and the once tender lyrics now oozed with raunchy double entendres.  

Pressing your back against the wall, Bo's nimble hands ran over your body, stroking and squeezing all of your curves as if his life depended on it - his hands stopping at your breast, cupping them gently through the fabric of your dress. His faced rested within the crook of your neck as his lips sucked at the exposed skin, slightly nipping you with his teeth. Your hands race through his black hair, the strands threading through your fingers as your nails softly scratched at his scalp. 

"You see what you do to me, girl?" He asked as he reached for your hand, placing it over his clothed bulge that strained against his pants. You bit your lip as your fingers rubbed against his hard member, his hips bucking into your hand as you pressed down on his dick.  

"I-I gotta tell you somethin'." 

"What is it, baby?" He asked in between fevered kisses on your neck. 

"I ain't never did this before." You sighed out breathlessly. Kissing and grinding wasn't intimidating to you - you've done that before. 

But sex, actual sex, was a whole different ballpark. You weren't 'saving' yourself for marriage or anything like that; you never had the opportunity to be with anyone sexually. Until now, of course. Bo stopped in his tracks and pulled away from your neck, his eyes that were filled with lust a second ago soften while his hands rested at your sides.  

"...You a virgin?" He asked, which made you whisper out a yes. His eyebrows knitted together as he stared down at you, still pressing himself against your heaving chest. "Sure you want this?" 

"Yea', I'm sure...I like you, Bo. A lot, I wanna do it," you paused - your eyes looking away from him and in attempt to try to break the rising tension from the realization of you never having sex before, you spoke again. "Just be patient with me." 

"I'll be gentle I promise, baby. It's just like dancin', follow my lead - I'll make sure you feel real good." Bo whispered as his hand caress your cheek, his thumb rubbing circles. Leaning in he kissed you again, but this kiss was different than the last - it was slow and gentle.  

You kissed him back and his tongue swipe at your bottom lip, asking for permission to deepen the kiss, and you let him. Both of your tongues danced in unison, the taste of cigarette smoke with the hint of peppermint lingered on your mouth with each kiss. His hands reached for the hem of your dress, pulling up the fabric exposing your bare thighs and thin cotton underwear.  

His hand rubbed your leg, stopping at the waistband of your panties, his finger tracing over the band and stopping at the wet spot of the fabric. Slowly his fingers pressed against your clothed clit, rubbing small yet firm circles on the sensitive bud, earning a shallow moan that escaped your chest.  

"Does it feel good, baby?" Bo asked as he continued rubbing your pussy through your panties. You groan out a breathy yes, encouraging him to keep going.  

And he did.  

Your hips bucked against his hand, while his free hand pinched at your right nipple with attentive fingers. The sharp feeling of his pinching sent a wave of pleasure towards your loins and your hands gripped onto his toned biceps. With skillful and experienced hands, he stuck his thumb within the waistband of your soaking underwear, slipping the fabric off your hips towards your already shaking knees, his fingers now rubbing against your exposed pussy.  

"Oh, Bo. T-That feels good." You whimpered as he continued his movements - now picking up speed, making you moan even louder.  

You were glad that the music was blaringly loud. 

"Fuck...You're already so wet." Bo muttered as his fingers swiped across your aching entrance. He was practically straining against his pants, but since this was your first time, he didn't want to rush. He remembered his first time having sex - it wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great either - even so he still looked back on that memory fondly. The feeling of reaching that level of ecstasy sticks to a person and he was honored to be able to help you achieve it. It was daunting knowing that he's your first, but it also lit a fire within him. 

He wanted nothing more but to pleasure you, to make sure that your first time is special. Trailing gentle kisses down your body Bo got on his knees, tugging the panties off of your legs as he did so. Your hands gripped onto the hem of your dress in a tight fist and your eyes followed his every movement. 

"I wanna taste you, baby. Can I taste you?" He asked desperately, his eyes looking up at you as if you were an angel in disguise - as if you were a work of art.  

You nodded your head, but he didn't move. 

"Use your words, sugar."  

"Y-Yes, you can taste me." choked out awkwardly, you never talked dirty to anyone before but the act of doing it only made you hornier. Bo smiled wide at your answer, placing a feather light kiss on your thigh and on your sensitive bud. The feeling of his lips on your pussy made you shiver in excitement and slowly he began to lick you.  

The tip of his tongue skillfully circled your clit, only stopping to drag it across your soaking pussy. He moaned against your core - savoring sweet taste of your juices that filled his mouth. You bucked your hips against his face, riding on his experienced tongue as he continued repeating his movements. 

Chanting out his name with a groan your hands ran through his hair, it took everything within you not to pull at his dark tresses - but the sensation of his tongue lapping up your pussy made your head spin. Working over your core Bo slowly slipped his middle finger inside of you, stopping at the second joint in case you couldn't take the feeling. To your surprise the feeling of his finger inside you didn't hurt; in fact, it felt amazing - it felt heavenly.  

Careful and slow he moved his hand, pressing the finger in and out of your pussy as his lips sucked at your swollen and sensitive clit. Lulling your head to the side you rocked your hips to match the pace of his hand, biting your lip as a wave of pleasure washed over you. Bo then added another finger which made you squeeze your thighs against the sides of his head, holding his head in place with a vice grip.  

His middle and ring finger worked your over your core, the digits now fully inside of you. Picking up the pace with his fingers your pussy, guttural moans turned into high pitched groans as your left hand scratched at the wall behind you. An unfamiliar yet intense feeling tingled at your core, and something within you desperately needed the feeling to be alleviated. It was as if Bo read your mind and his tongue swirled over your clit and within an instant a wave of euphoria crashed into you as a loud cry fell from your lips, your body shaking intensely like a leaf in the wind.  

You came. 

Bo's mouth pulled away from your dripping pussy, he didn't want to overwhelm you as his now slick fingers lightly stroked your tender button, easing you through your orgasm.  

"Just like that, baby. You got it...Good job, great job." He praised. Looking down at him Bo's chin and the collar of his shirt was soaked with your juices, and it slightly embarrassed you with just how wet you truly were. But that feeling of embarrassment quickly dissipated when he stood up again, his lips crashing into yours - kissing you with fever.  

You could taste yourself on his tongue, with shaky hands you locked your fingers together at the back of his head, deepening the kiss. Something about tasting you on his swollen lips made your pussy tingle with a need to be filled again. 

"Bo...I-I need you."  

"I need you too." He whispered back between kisses. Your hand reached for the buckle of his belt, fumbling over your own fingers as you tried to free him from his pants. Bo held your hands in his, guiding them in unbuckling the belt.  

Finally, being able to free himself from his belt, he led your hand in his pants. You could feel just how hard he was. His member was thick and heavy and feeling the warmth of it on the palm of your hand made your mouth water in the anticipation of him fucking you. Pulling his pants off his waist, Bo's dick sprung free.  

With strong hands he lifted you up from under your arms, making you gasp. Following his lead, you wrapped your legs around his hips as he pressed his lean body against yours, pressing you on the wall to steady yourself. Your sweaty forehead rested on his as you both watched him stroke himself, pumping his dick with his hand, precum making a natural lubricant.  

With cloudy eyes you watched Bo lining himself towards your aching core he slowly entered you, his head rested on your hot and sweat slicked shoulder and the feeling of his cock entering your tight pussy almost made the man topple over. He was stretching you out and the raw sting of pain mixed with pleasure crashed into you like a tidal wave, your nails clung onto Bo's shirt, scratching at his skin through the cotton fabric.  

"Shh, it's okay, I got you." Bo reassured as he paused the movement of his hips - resting his cock inside of you - allowing both of your bodies to adjust to each other. You were so tight, so warm, so wet. It felt like he'd just stumbled into heaven, and it took everything in him not to buck his hips until you were ready. With a nod of your head, you signaled him to continue, your tense muscles melted as he placed a long kiss on your jaw as he slowly began rocking his hips back and forth, fucking into you as softly as he could.  

High pitched grunts fell from your lips with each thrust he made, and his thumb rubbed small and supportive circles over the skin of your thighs that wrapped around his hips, grounding you and easing the tense muscles within your legs. Bo began chanting your name, telling you how good you felt, and asking you if he felt good inside you too.  

The pain of his cock inside of your once unexplored sex subsided and was now replaced with nothing but pleasure. You moaned against his plump lips as he groaned out curses in Mandarin at the sensation of your pussy squeezing around his member; his hips thrusting into you rapid but steady pace. 

"Bo, I think I'm almost..." 

"I'm almost there too." Bo mumbled as he rested his forehead onto yours and with a few more thrusts you felt the familiar feeling of a knot formed within your abdomen and with shaking legs your mouth hanged open slack as a silent scream pushed through your convulsing body - the high of reaching your orgasm made you hold Bo in a vice grip.  

He cursed in pleasure as his own orgasm crept up on him, backing away from your tight grip with strong arms he pulled himself out of you, pumping his cock within his hand until he reached his climax - coming in his hand as he rested his head on your shoulders, your eyes watching him stroke himself. The sounds of heavy breathing filled the air as your head spin from experiencing your second orgasm. 

Your sweaty body leaned against the wall and with a deep sigh Bo steadied his breathing, rolling his shoulders as your eyes met with his. You noticed a bit of blood that was in his hand and the odd sensation of slick clung on your inner thighs, putting two and two together you looked away from him, embarrassment blooming within your already racing heart. But before you could blurt out an apology, Bo kissed your lips - pulling you out of your self conscious state.  

"That's normal for your first time. It's okay, baby." He reassured. Cleaning you and himself up with a small cotton handkerchief, you jumped at the soft fabric rubbing against your sensitive sex, which earned a sympathetic chuckle from Bo. 

"Hopefully next time we do it we'll have a bed. My back hurts..." You whispered as your hand pressed on the small of your back, getting fucked against a hard wall feels good in the moment, but you know you'll be stiff as a board the following morning.  

"Next time?" Bo asked as a mischievous grin tugged at his lips.  

"I-I mean if you want--" 

"I'll make sure we'll have a bed, and besides I promised you a massage, remember?" He smiled and you smiled back at him. After getting cleaned up, you and Bo rejoined the bustling crowd of the juke joint, hand in hand. 

You were counting down the minutes until your next 'encounter' with him - and so was he. 

[eremillie]

🌈 294 Selfship Questions & Prompts

go through a rainbow of emojis, with questions all about you and your F/O!

feel free to make a copy of the doc and answer as many questions as you'd like, and tag me with your answers!

examples of some of the questions below the cut!

RED

🎈 - You come across someone making balloon animals. What animal would you get for your F/O? What animal would your F/O get for you? 🧨 - Who’s more explosive or destructive? Why? 🧧 - A birthday or anniversary is coming up, and you’re looking at cards in your local store. What card would you get your F/O? What card would your F/O get for you? 🎢 - What would you and your F/O’s favorite rides be at an amusement park? 🎪 - What roles would you and your F/O have in a circus?

GREEN

🎄 - What holidays do you and your F/O celebrate? How do you celebrate them? 🧶 - Do you or your F/O have any hobbies involving yarn, like knitting, crocheting, or weaving? 🧩 - How good are you at puzzles? How good is your F/O? How well do you work together? 🔋 - How energetic are you? How energetic is your F/O? 🔫 - Water fight! Do you use water guns? Water balloons? A hose? How soaked do you get? Is there a decided winner, or are you doing it just for the fun of it? 🥗 - Are you or your F/O vegan or vegetarian?  🥫 - Who would survive longer in an apocalypse? What’s their strategy? 🧃 - Who’s more childish? In what way?

PINK

🎀 - Do you consider you or your F/O to be particularly cute? In what way? 🩰 - Do you or your F/O do any sort of dancing? How often do you dance together? �� - You and your F/O go out for sushi. What kinds do you get? 🧁 - How often do you and your F/O go out for treats?  🍧 - What are your and your F/O’s favorite flavors of snowcone? 🌸 - Who’s more gentle? 🌺 - How are your and your F/O’s energy levels throughout the day? How much do they fluctuate? Is one of you often tired while the other is energetic?

[batboyblog]

Things Biden and the Democrats did, this week #13

April 5-12 2024

President Biden announced the cancellation of a student loan debt for a further 277,000 Americans. This brings the number of a Americans who had their debt canceled by the Biden administration through different means since the Supreme Court struck down Biden's first place in 2023 to 4.3 million and a total of $153 billion of debt canceled so far. Most of these borrowers were a part of the President's SAVE Plan, a debt repayment program with 8 million enrollees, over 4 million of whom don't have to make monthly repayments and are still on the path to debt forgiveness.

President Biden announced a plan that would cancel student loan debt for 4 million borrowers and bring debt relief to 30 million Americans The plan takes steps like making automatic debt forgiveness through the public service forgiveness so qualified borrowers who don't know to apply will have their debts forgiven. The plan will wipe out the interest on the debt of 23 million Americans. President Biden touted how the plan will help black and Latino borrowers the most who carry the heavily debt burdens. The plan is expected to go into effect this fall ahead of the election.

President Biden and Vice-President Harris announced the closing of the so-called gun show loophole. For years people selling guns outside of traditional stores, such as at gun shows and in the 21st century over the internet have not been required to preform a background check to see if buyers are legally allowed to own a fire arm. Now all sellers of guns, even over the internet, are required to be licensed and preform a background check. This is the largest single expansion of the background check system since its creation.

The EPA published the first ever regulations on PFAS, known as forever chemicals, in drinking water. The new rules would reduce PFAS exposure for 100 million people according to the EPA. The Biden Administration announced along side the EPA regulations it would make available $1 billion dollars for state and local water treatment to help test for and filter out PFAS in line with the new rule. This marks the first time since 1996 that the EPA has passed a drinking water rule for new contaminants.

The Department of Commerce announced a deal with microchip giant TSMC to bring billions in investment and manufacturing to Arizona. The US makes only about 10% of the world's microchips and none of the most advanced chips. Under the CHIPS and Science Act the Biden Administration hopes to expand America's high-tech manufacturing so that 20% of advanced chips are made in America. TSMC makes about 90% of the world's advanced chips. The deal which sees a $6.6 billion dollar grant from the US government in exchange for $65 billion worth of investment by TSMC in 3 high tech manufacturing facilities in Arizona, the first of which will open next year. This represents the single largest foreign investment in Arizona's history and will bring thousands of new jobs to the state and boost America's microchip manufacturing.

The EPA finalized rules strengthening clean air standards around chemical plants. The new rule will lower the risk of cancer in communities near chemical plants by 96% and eliminate 6,200 tons of toxic air pollution each year. The rules target two dangerous cancer causing chemicals, ethylene oxide and chloroprene, the rule will reduce emissions of these chemicals by 80%.

the Department of the Interior announced it had beaten the Biden Administration goals when it comes to new clean energy projects. The Department has now permitted more than 25 gigawatts of clean energy projects on public lands, surpass the Administrations goal for 2025 already. These solar, wind, and hydro projects will power 12 million American homes with totally green power. Currently 10 gigawatts of clean energy are currently being generated on public lands, powering more than 5 million homes across the West. 

The Department of Transportation announced $830 million to support local communities in becoming more climate resilient. The money will go to 80 projects across 37 states, DC, and the US Virgin Islands The projects will help local Infrastructure better stand up to extreme weather causes by climate change.

The Senate confirmed Susan Bazis, Robert White, and Ann Marie McIff Allen to lifetime federal judgeships in Nebraska, Michigan, and Utah respectively. This brings the total number of judges appointed by President Biden to 193

[writersdrug]

Training for Two

Chapter 1. Interview

Masterlist

SUMMARY: After Riley's injury on a mission, she can no longer be a part of the task force. Simon reluctantly starts looking for a dog-sitter to watch her while he's away for work, and that's when you show up on his doorstep.

Warnings: none

Simon Riley would have laughed if anyone had suggested that he needed a dog-sitter.

Riley, his eighty-pound German Shepherd and only family (outside of the 141, of course), went with him everywhere. Grocery store? There she was, K-9 vest on to avoid getting the stink eye from trouble-stirring strangers. Missions? She was there, working alongside Simon, and when she couldn't join, she was safe and tucked away on the animal unit back on base. At the small, one-story unit he called home? You'd better believe she's sitting on the couch next to him as he watches the telly, trying not to succumb to his daily nap. He never considered having a dog-walker care for her, since there was hardly a second where she wasn't walking right there with him.

But of course, as expected - life threw him a curveball.

The mission had gone well so far; everyone was booking it to exfil, hardly worrying about the few enemies left who could barely manage to fire their guns. Simon and Riley were sprinting to the heli, Simon already imagining how he was going to take a fat nap when he got back to base, when he heard it - amidst the sparce gunshots, Riley's pained yelp.

Simon had never shot someone so fast, but before he knew it, there was a bullet planted between the enemy soldier's eyes. Simon rushed to scoop Riley into his arms as she whined and howled - he loaded her onto the helicopter with Soap's help, hands shaking as he looked for the damage. Her right hind leg was bleeding, and every time he tried to look at it, she snapped her teeth in his direction with a shrill yap.

Simon couldn't hear Price as he promised to get her into surgery ASAP. He didn't register Gaz wrapping gauze around her leg as he carried her off the heli and into the medbay. He couldn't hear Johnny trying to comfort him as they stood in the hall, waiting for her to come out of the operating room so Simon could finally see her again. The only thing he could comprehend was her cries, her blood, and the fact that he was responsible for all this.

It wasn't a lethal injury, he knew that. But he assumed, and the vet later confirmed that she wouldn't be fit to continue working. And that terrified him. He had to continue working - what would happen to her? He wouldn't put her up for adoption, in fact, he'd nearly bit the head off the poor soldier who had suggested the idea. She'd be coming home with him, once she had fully healed, but then what? How would he take care of her when he had to go on missions?

He couldn't. Much to his chagrin, and as much as he hated the thought of her being under anyone else's responsibility, he was forced to hire a pet-sitter. He begrudgingly posted ads online, and even put his request up at the local doggie-daycare, despite having never sent Riley there. It didn't take long after bringing Riley home before people began to answer his ad, and he plucked a good handful of them to interview over the weekend.

So, there he was - sitting in the breakfast nook with Riley at his feet, silently judging each interviewee that had walked into his home. He was quite disappointed in the selection.

Simon had already decided 'no' to nearly every dog sitter that had answered his ad. He sat across from them as they described their skills and achievements, bored out of his mind as they treated the interview like it was a college application. He didn't want an egotistical, decorated twat caring for his dog... if Riley didn't care about this bloke being voted 'dog-walker of the month' by the doggie daycare, why should he?

He knew it came down to much more than that - but he was going by Riley's reaction, too. And so far, she was uninterested in all seven that he had interviewed thay day. She sat by Simon's feet, bum leg out and eyes zoning out on the stranger's shoes as they droned on. No one had actually paid much attention to her, instead focusing on impressing Simon.

He hated to admit it, but a boarding house for dogs might be the best option.

He had just scratched the second to last name off of his list of interviewees, pouring himself a cup of coffee at 4 pm, when a knock rapped at his door. He sighed, looking down at Riley; she was laying on her side, huffing at the fact that the random visits from random people was still going on.

"One more, eh?" Simon said, reaching down to ruffle her ears. She groaned through her nostrils in annoyance as he straightened out and walked towards the door.

He reluctantly opened it to find you standing there.

You, with nothing but your phone and keys, wearing a t shirt, oversized plaid, leggings, and sneakers. No folder full of resumes and reviews, no bone-shaped doggie bag holders... the only other thing you had was an apologetic look on your face.

"Hi." You said warily.

"Evenin'." Simon responded, leaning against the door.

You sighed. "I should let you know- well, aren't I being rude..." You rolled your eyes at yourself and stuck your hand out at him. You stated your name with a sheepish smile.

He stared at your hand for a second, before shaking it with his own. "Simon."

The way your eyes lingered on his hand after he had gripped it so firmly didn't go unnoticed by him - but you quickly regained focus. "Well - before you waste your time on me, I should explain: I didn't read the posting correctly, and I thought this was a house-sitting gig. Only just noticed when I checked the address before I left... figured I'd still stop by since I told you I would."

You were looking at the ground out of embarrassment at this point. Simon's brow furrowed as he observed you. House-sitting isn't horrendously different from pet-sitting... he thought. "Well-"

"But I love dogs!" You quickly interjected. "Had three of them growing up, two bullies and a golden! Loves of my life, they are- never a day I didn't walk them. Well, besides that one week for Becca's wedding- and when my Nan had that nasty virus and I had to check up... on her..."

Simon's raised brow must have made you realize the tangent you had embarked on, because you snapped your mouth shut. You cleared your throat nervously and shifted on your feet.

Simon was the tiniest bit entertained. "And how's your Nan now?" He asked.

"Oh, much better." You said with a smile. "'Course, that was four years ago... she- she's alive, I mean! God, that sounded morbid, didn't it?"

Simon huffed out a laugh, before he stepped to the side and nodded his head towards the inside. "C'mon in - you came out this way, might as well chat. Could maybe use a house-sitter, too."

You muttered a quick 'thanks' and stepped inside, immediately taking note of how pristine and bare the home was. No decorations, only dark grey furniture with darker accents... the closest thing to decor was probably the mauve throw blanket over the back of the sofa.

"You like cleaning?" You speculated, following Simon into the kitchen.

"Not home enough to get it dirty." He replied nonchalantly, seating himself at the breakfast nook. He took a sip from his mug as he shoved a hand in his sweatshirt pocket. "Coffee?"

"Oh, no thanks." You shook your head politely. "Not now, anyways. I'll be up all-"

You cut your reasoning short when you spotted Riley, sitting still by Simon's feet. "Oh, hello!" You chirped, lowering yourself down to your knees and reaching your knuckles towards her, palm-up. "You must be Riley!"

She hesitated, then sniffed your knuckles, huffed, sniffed again, and thumped her tail slowly. She tilted her head back and looked at Simon with a questioning glance.

He chuckled, rubbing between her ears. He watched as you fished a small baggie from your pocket, taking out one of the lumpy, golden balls from the contents. You held it up for Simon to see.

"Peanut butter bacon cookie." You said, and Riley sniffed the air between her and the treat. "No sugars, no preservatives. Picked some up from the daycare on the way here."

Simon nodded once. "You can give-"

Before he could finish, Riley flawlessly snatched the cookie from between your fingers, downing it in a few bites. She licked her lips and stared at you as you laughed.

"Where are your manners?!" You said, poking her side. She followed your finger with her nose, searching for another treat.

You looked back at Simon. "I hope that was alright."

Simon shrugged, though he silently scolded Riley for accepting something from a stranger so quickly. "She'll survive."

Over the next hour - which was twice as long as he had entertained anyone that day - Simon listened to you ramble about your qualifications. Except, you didn't mention reviews, awards, or self achievements. You talked about your family dogs (the two pitbulls, Rowena and Charlemagne, and the golden retriever, Donald). You described the time you took care of your neighbor's schnauzer and home when she had to make a last minute trip to Berlin for two weeks. You talked about the best trails for dogs based on the texture of the ground and the environment (the younger dogs liked Swan's trail more, due to the thicker, woody area; older ones seemed to like Ellington park, where it was more of a suburban area with smoother paths). You rattled on about how that damn husky in the apartment across from you is always yelling, and how you really should invest in some noise-cancelling headphones.

Simon listened to every word you said. You seemed to know more than just how to walk a dog - it was almost as if you knew their language. You didn't just live with them, you cared about their personalities and preferences. He had a subconscious appreciation for how you regarded them - despite trying to keep up the act thay he was unhappy about needing a dog-sitter, he liked you.

And clearly, so did Riley. She was laying at Simon's feet, completely relaxed, eyes flitting between you and your hand movements as you spoke. You would occasionally look down to her, as if you were letting her know that she was also a part of the conversation, and she would lift her head ever so slightly and stare back - like she was listening.

"- and she decided that the day before my biochemistry exam, she was going to take her frustration out on my notes! Papers everywhere, even my sticky notes were torn up! You'd think she had a personal vendetta against me, wouldn't you?" You looked down at Riley for affirmation, and she looked back at you and slapped her tail against the floor a few times.

Simon chuckled, then sighed. "Well- I think you're more than qualified for this, and I think she likes you." He nudged Riley with his foot, who looked at him and huffed.

Your eyes widened. "Does that mean I got the job?"

He nodded. "Don't know when I'll be deployed next, but it should be soon. I'll send you an email with Riley's routine, and if you want to make some extra cash, I'll include some things you can do around the house."

"Oh, that's wonderful!" You exclaimed. You leaned down to Riley, who reached her head out and sniffed the air between your faces. "Ya hear that girl? You're stuck with me!"

Simon chuckled and stood up, followed by you and Riley. "You can expect to hear from me by Tuesday. I'll give you the spare key the morning I head out."

You followed him out of the kitchen and towards the front door. Riley pushed past you to stay close to Simon's side.

"That's fine. My schedule's flexible, I don't do much besides babysit. Also, let me know her preferences, like where she likes to walk, treats, toys, things like that."

Simon opened the door for you and you stepped outside, turning to face him on the landing. "Also - glad you didn't go with Mitchell. Bloke's a fraud."

Simon's brow raised as he leaned against the door. "S'cuse me?"

"Daniel Mitchell. Saw him on your piece of paper there." You replied, making Simon look down at the crumpled list of interviewees in his hand. "He was NOT dog-walker of the month - in fact, he was turned away when he applied to work at the daycare. He treated the dogs like they were cats, for gods sake! Said they don't actually need to be walked n' you can just let them in the backyard for a few minutes. He's out of his head!"

You sighed, tugging your keys out of your flannel pocket. "Anyways, I should get going. I'll look out for your email!" You turned and departed down the walkway, not sparing Simon a second glance as you left him in the doorway. "See you soon!"

He watched you climb into your small car, returning the wave you gave him before you pulled out of his driveway and disappeared down the street. Simon felt an odd stillness in his home - you had came and went like a storm, and the only evidence that you were ever here was the small baggie of peanut butter and bacon cookies on the kitchen table. He sighed, closing his front door and looking down at Riley.

"She's either gonna be the best, or the worst." He said, running a hand down his face.

Riley let out a groan, which turned into a high-pitched growl. She shifted her weight back and forth on each foot anxiously.

He raised an eyebrow. "Want t' go see Johnny?" He asked. She barked at the familiar name, running to where her leash hung in the closet.

He supposed it was about time. He hadn't seen his team since she was sent home. He knew she was probably aching to see someone other than him right now, and he was honestly going a little stir crazy himself, after spending so much time in the normal, civilian world.

He moved next to her, grabbing the leash and snapping it to her collar. She immediately ran back to the door and waited for him to open it, and he laughed.

"A'right, a'right... but no tackling Price this time. Nearly took out a few of his teeth last time, ya ninny."

Next ->

[carnalcrows]

NO WAY OUT – THE SALESMAN

pairing: the salesman x bottom male reader

synopsis: Trapped in a nightmare disguised as a quiet town, you make a desperate deal with the devil in a suit.

content warnings: 18+, dubcon (borderline noncon), gore, death, coercion, spit used as lube, painful penetration, a gun. dead dove do not eat

word count: 1.8k

The town had been quiet. Too quiet.

You had arrived with a small group, dumped in this unfamiliar countryside village with little explanation beyond the cryptic instructions: Survive until dawn, and you will be rewarded.

There was no mention of what you were meant to be surviving. No clarification on who, or what, might be out there.

It looked real enough—a cluster of rustic houses, a few scattered street vendors, a convenience store at the corner, and a small diner where an old radio crackled with static-laced music. There were people, too. Locals, you assumed, tending to their shops, walking lazily down the street, chatting as they leaned against their bikes.

And yet… something was off.

The air felt too still, like the town itself was watching. The people—while convincingly real—had a strange, rehearsed quality to them, like actors in a poorly directed play. A woman behind the fruit stall smiled at you, but her expression didn’t quite reach her eyes. A man sitting on a bench flipped through a newspaper, but his gaze never actually moved across the page.

You weren’t the only one who felt it.

“This is weird, right?” one of the others muttered beside you.

You nodded, keeping your voice low. “Yeah. I don’t like it.”

“Where even are we?”

No one had an answer.

Then, the first shot rang out.

A loud, piercing crack split the air, echoing between the buildings.

You barely had time to process it before a man in the center of the street jerked violently—his chest erupting in a burst of blood. He staggered backward, mouth opening in shock, hands clawing at the gaping wound before his legs gave out beneath him. His body hit the ground with a sickening thud.

For a moment, no one moved.

The woman at the fruit stall blinked at the corpse as if unsure how to react. The man with the newspaper lowered it, his lips twitching downward in something almost like annoyance.

Then the second shot rang out.

A woman’s head snapped back, a spray of red painting the shop window behind her. Her body crumpled.

Panic detonated.

Screams tore through the air. The "locals" abandoned their pretense of normalcy, scattering into nearby buildings, locking doors behind them. The other participants—actual people—bolted in every direction, sprinting for cover, shoving past each other in blind terror.

You ran.

Your breath burned in your lungs as you tore down the street, dodging past fallen bodies, slipping in their blood. You barely registered the faces around you—people who, just moments ago, had been joking nervously about what the challenge might be. People who were now dead or dying.

Someone tripped in front of you, hitting the pavement hard. They barely had time to push themselves up before another crack split the air—blood spattered across your face. Their body slumped forward, unmoving.

You kept running.

The town was a trap. The entire thing had been staged—a perfectly crafted illusion of safety, meant to lull you into a false sense of security before the real game began.

And now, the hunt was on.

You skidded around a corner, chest heaving. The bullets weren’t stopping. The laughter—the laughter—of your unseen pursuers echoed between the buildings. This wasn’t just a game to them.

It was fun.

Your stomach twisted violently. You had to hide.

The convenience store was the first thing you saw.

You ducked inside, slamming into the nearest shelf, sending a few snack bags tumbling to the floor. The store looked untouched. Too normal. The flickering lights, the neatly stocked shelves—it all felt like a cruel joke.

You pressed yourself into the corner, crouching low. Your hands were shaking. Your breath came too fast, too loud. If they found you—if they saw you—

The bell above the door jingled.

You went rigid.

Footsteps.

Slow. Deliberate.

And then—

"You shouldn't be out here alone."

Your blood turned to ice.

The voice was smooth, velvety—too calm for a situation like this.

Your breath caught in your throat as you turned, pressing your back harder against the shelves. He stood just a few feet away, partially silhouetted by the convenience store’s flickering fluorescent lights. His suit was crisp, clean—untouched by the chaos outside. He looked completely at ease, like he’d just stepped in for a late-night snack instead of stalking a blood-soaked battlefield.

Your gut twisted.

He wasn’t one of you.

"You… you have to help me," you forced out, even as your voice wavered.

His expression didn’t change. "Help you?"

Your chest heaved. "They’re killing people out there—I don’t know what’s going on, but we have to get out of here before—"

He took a step closer.

You froze.

Something was wrong.

His gaze dragged over you, slow and measured, like he was considering something. You swallowed hard. He hadn’t looked surprised when you mentioned the killings. He hadn’t asked what was happening. He hadn’t even looked concerned.

Then it hit you.

He already knew.

Your stomach dropped.

He was one of them.

Panic clawed its way up your throat. You tried to move, to run—

Too late.

He surged forward, faster than you could react. A hand slammed into the shelf beside your head, cutting off your escape. The other gripped your chin, tilting your face up toward his. His touch was deceptively light, almost gentle—but beneath it was an unspoken force that made your pulse hammer in terror.

"Now, now," he murmured, his breath warm against your skin. "Where do you think you’re going?"

You shook.

He was playing with you. Toying with you.

Your survival instincts kicked in, overriding every other thought in your head. You grabbed onto his wrist, voice cracking with desperation. "Please—I’ll do anything—"

Something in his eyes gleamed.

Oh.

Oh, you’d just said the magic words.

The corners of his lips curled into a smile. It wasn’t reassuring—it was wrong, twisted by something dark and knowing. He leaned in, tilting his head like he was thinking about what to do with you. His thumb traced absently along your jaw, a touch too intimate for a situation dripping in blood and fear.

"Anything?" he echoed.

You felt sick.

Before you could take it back, before you could rethink—

He kissed you.

It wasn’t soft. It wasn’t slow.

It was hungry.

His lips crashed against yours, rough and possessive, as if tasting victory. His hand tightened on your jaw, angling you up to meet the force of it. The kiss was messy, feverish—sloppy. His tongue swiped against yours without hesitation, deepening the kiss with a level of control that made your knees weak.

Your mind was screaming.

This was wrong. So wrong.

And yet—your survival instinct told you to go with it.

Your fingers curled into the fabric of his suit, gripping it like a lifeline. His breath was hot, uneven, and the way he moved was deliberate—like he was savoring this, drinking in every little shudder, every sharp inhale you made.

You didn’t want this.

But you wanted to live.

His grip on you was suffocating, his body caging yours against the shelf. You whimpered into the kiss—half from fear, half from the raw intensity of it. He devoured you, taking his time, making it clear who was in control.

And then, finally, he pulled back.

A strand of saliva still connected your lips.

His thumb ran over your bottom lip, almost affectionate, before he leaned down, his voice a breathy whisper against your ear.

"Good boy."

The realization hit you like a freight train.

You weren’t escaping this.

You had already been caught.

His hand trailed from your jaw to you neck– almost choking you as his other hand went to the hem of your pants, pulling them down with a swift tug.

Reality hit you, and you looked up at him– wide eyed. His hand left your neck

“Hey– maybe this isn't a good idea–”

You were silenced by a gun pressed to your throat.

“I don't think you're in the position to make demands here, hm?” He questioned, revelling in the way your eyes widened with fear.

He trailed the gun down from your neck to your boxers, pushing it down gently to reveal your erection.

“So you do enjoy this… And here I was thinking I was the bad person.”

You shuddered as he nudged your cock with his gun– you were fucking terrified.

The hand that wasn't holding the gun went to your lios6, parting them open.

“Suck.”

You merely obeyed, sucking on his digits until they were slick enough.

He removed them with a pop and suddenly turned you around, so that your back was facing him.

He must've put the gun aside, but a guy feeling told you that you shouldn't try to run.

He prodded a finger at your hole– making you gasp. This wasn't right, this–

You screamed as he pushed his finger through the tight ring of muscle, the pain being almost too much to bear.

Without concern, he pushed two more fingers in, making your back arch into him.

His other hand held you close, digits pushing in and out of you, squelches filling the air.

The pain was soon overcome by pleasure, and you found yourself moaning softly, eyes drooping.

“Please–” “Please what? Use your words.”

“Fuck me– god–”

You didn't even get to finish your sentence before he removed his fingers from your hole and replaced it with the head of his cock.

You whined at the sudden intrusion, feeling so, so full.

He pushed his entire length in, until the tip almost hit your prostrate, before pulling out to the head and slamming back in with full force.

Your back arched, a loud moan leaving your lips.

Both his hands steadied themselves on your waist, holding you upright as he fucked into you like an animal in heat.

This man must be really pent up.

Your hands held onto the nearest shelf, the packets on it nearly falling out due to the heavy movement.

He practically pushed you into the shelf, your face getting smushed into the ramen packets.

Without a care in the world, the man continued fucking you animalistically, using you for his own pleasure.

Suddenly, without warning, he came into your with a low groan, hiding his face into the crook of your neck as he painted your insides white.

He pulls out of you as you come undone, coating the food that (hopefully) no one was going to touch.

He got up and adjusted his suit, reaching for this gun as you slowly turned yourself around, arms shaking.

You felt your eyelids close before you heard the cock of the gun.

You looked up in shock to see the gun being pointed straight at you, the man looking completely nonchalant.

“But– you said you would let me go–”

“Well… I lied.”

The gun fires.

© carnalcrows on tumblr. Please do not steal my works as I spend time, and I take genuine effort to do them.

[novacorpsrecruit]

It’s lonely at the top

Here | part 2 | part 3

Read on Ao3

wc 998 | Steddie | angst

Steve has always been the life of the party. Even at parties he wasn’t hosting. He could shot gun a beer. Take shots like water. He was popular.

Until he wasn’t. And that’s okay. He grew to like being unpopular and unnoticed.

But he was never really unnoticed, was he? He had Robin and Eddie and the kids. He felt the same love and attention in a different way. A better way.

And maybe him and Eddie start to get closer than he’s ever been with a guy. And he’s okay with that. Actually, more than okay. This is what he wants.

He wants Eddie.

And Eddie wants him.

They start to date and eventually make a plan to move to Chicago. Robin’s already there for art school. They just need to find their own apartment.

So they found a shitty little apartment near Motor Row. Eddie’s got a decent job at a record store.

Steve’s taking classes at a city college and works at a local diner. They make ends meet.

One day, Eddie comes home and says a coworker invited them to a house party. Eddie’s never been to a house party with the exception of selling on the property.

So they go.

Eddie becomes the life of the party. Quickly absorbed in the attention. Steve doesn’t blame him. He would too. Eddie deserves the attention. He deserves to have a stage.

But Steve quickly gets forgotten. Lost in the crowd of people he doesn’t know. Everyone here were metalheads or at least into the scene. Steve stood out. He was glared at. Pushed around. Pushed away from Eddie.

Eventually, Steve found refuge outside. Bummed a cigarette off of someone and waited. He wasn’t sure what he was waiting for — the party to slow, his nerves to calm down, or eddie to find him.

But none of that happened until well after midnight.

“Stevie, what are you doing out here?” Eddie asked, leaning against the porch. Steve shrugged.

“Needed some air,” Steve said, dropping his 4th cigarette on the cement and stubbing it out with his shoe. “You ready to go?”

Eddie smiled sheepishly. “I think we’re thinking about getting food. You down?”

Steve declined. He was tired. He had a 7 am class. He would meet Eddie at home. Eddie gave his cheek a quick kiss goodbye and went back inside. Steve stuck his hands in his pocket and went home.

It wouldn’t have been so bad if the parties didn’t happen weekly. Steve tried to stay home but Eddie wouldn’t allow it. He wanted to be with Steve. He wanted them both to have fun.

But every time they got to the house, Eddie was quickly pulled away, and Steve would find himself outside again.

A routine that felt never ending.

Steve never felt so alone.

One night, Steve was done. He just got off of work before Eddie pulled him to the party. He hasn’t ate. He’s got class in the morning. He wanted to go home.

So he pushed his way through the crowd, searching for Eddie.

The music’s too loud. There’s too many people. He can’t find Eddie.

The further he moves in, the more people shove him around.

He felt one deliberate shove. “Fuck off, loser!”

Steve lost his balance. He crashed into someone. Their beer soaked his shirt.

“Steve?”

Fuck. It was Eddie.

“Steve, are you okay?” Eddie said, kneeling down next to Steve. “Hey, look at me.”

“Eddie, you know this loser?” Someone laughed. “Can’t stay on his feet.”

“I want to go home,” Steve said quietly.

Eddie frowned. “In an hour? Trick’s pulling out some weed soon.”

Steve felt his eyes swell up with tears. Another hour meant two. Then the diner. Then another late night. He pinched his nose.

“I’m going home,” he rephrased himself, leaning back on his feet to stand up.

“Steve —“

Steve pushed himself through the crowd, making his way to the front. He could hear protests, people begging Eddie not to leave.

Steve crossed the threshold of the house, feeling Eddie’s hand on his arm, pulling him to a stop.

“Why are you going?” Eddie asked. “I thought we were having fun?”

“You’re having fun,” Steve said. “I’m always outside waiting for you.”

“You’d have more fun if you were inside,” Eddie argued.

“They don’t like me!”

“Not everyone’s going to like you, Steve.”

“Nobody in there likes me,” Steve said. “Hell, I don’t think you like me in there.”

“What do you mean I don’t like you?” Eddie snapped.

“We go inside and you immediately abandon me!” Steve shouted. “Ask me how long I wait out here for you each night.”

“I’m not doing this,” Eddie said, hands up.

“Four hours,” Steve continued. “I tried talking to your friends, but nobody knows me! They think I’m just a loser who shows up here every week. We don’t even go home together!”

“You never want to get food with us!” Eddie shouted. “It’s like you’re not even trying.”

“I’m trying eddie, I am,” Steve said. “But it’s like you’re embarrassed by me. You don’t even defend me when someone calls me a loser.”

“They didn’t mean it.”

Steve let out a lifeless laugh. “Maybe we’re too different now. You got your friends. Go have fun Eddie.”

Eddie looked over his shoulder at the party that was calling his name. “You get home safe?”

“Not like you really care,” Steve said, stepping away. “We’re over, Eddie.”

“Steve —“

“No, go be the single guy you’ve been telling everyone you are. I’ll be okay.”

Steve pinched his nose as he walked away from the party. Away from Eddie.

Some part of him wished that Eddie would follow. Would walk home with him. Would choose Steve over the party.

But he didn’t.

Steve knew the second Eddie walked into the party as the crowd erupted into cheers.

He didn’t care about Steve anymore.

And maybe it was time that Steve didn’t care either.

[shidoglazer]

someone who’s born in a burning house will believe the worlds on fire

rin and sae found family

“please..” your breaths were shallow and shaky, kneeling in front of a man much taller than you, his hair dark, physique broad yet elegant, holding a gun in his hand that he’s pointed to you. your eyes were empty, looking up at his face shadowed by the midnight with your arms up in the air out of surrender, “please kill me..” 

you’ve been living in poverty for months. you’re barely 15, snatching food from fast food driveways, stealing food from grocery stores, sometimes even getting so bad that you plucked grass from the local park, bent over like a wild animal chewing on mud soiled grass. sleep was impossible, people shoo you away anytime you’re near public space, the alleyways reek of piss that makes you gag whenever you walk in between the walls, the best life could provide you was not sleeping until around 3 a.m. when the world is silent, and your footsteps painfully drag against the cement pathway before you reach the garden in front of a house with a bush that could hide your body, the one that you’ve been hiding behind for months.

luckily enough, you’ve been able to get at least a few hours of sleep, waking up before sunrise and continuing on your journey with no destination. well, that was until today. getting caught by the owner of the house, thats how you ended up in this position.

when you begged to be killed instead of begging to live, his gun slowly fell down, facing the floor. “hah? fucking freak. get off my property.” and you got up and ran as fast as you could. truth be told, just because death was the best escape route for your situation, doesn’t mean you were never scared of it. and its evident from how fast you’re running away from that house despite having not ate for days. you don’t focus on whats in front of you. your body just tells you to run. run. run quicker. RUN!

“what the?!-“ a mans voice mumbles out. your sprinting comes to a halt as you suddenly trip on his foot accidentally, landing you on your face. you don’t try to pick yourself up. you just lay there. lay there and hope that its a sign from a god that someones coming to kill you.

“the hell? get up.” the strangers voice sounds more worried then weirded out. he crouches down to your level and taps your shoulder. your face peaks out, smothered in the dust of cement and blood running out your nose. you look at the man beside you, dark green hair almost covering his sharp eyes, body slim yet lean. “i’m sorry.. run. had to run, m’in trouble, dead..” your words were slurred and almost gibberish. 

“leave her, rin. shes clearly mentally unstable.” another mans voice emerges from the side. your eyes trail upwards to peak at a pink-haired guy. “are you insane? shes a teenager that needs help.” rin bites back. you can hear the other man scoff before hearing a car door open. “take longer then 10 minutes and i’m telling the driver to leave without you.” 

you don’t know what happened next. you blacked out while hearing the 2 bicker as the green haired man brought you into the luxury car with him.

you woke up in a grand bedroom, a comforting cold air blasting from a machine that you’ve only seen in grocery stores, a bed thats softer than any grass and bush you slept in, you don’t reek of plants or sweat anymore, and— “morning.” you hear a familiar voice from the door walk in, the dark haired guy that saved you last night. “..hi.” your voice was hoarse from dehydration and also never really communicating with anyone unless necessary. you didn’t say anything more, your eyes stuck on him.

“..okay. i’m guessing you don’t know what happened. from now on, you’ll be living here. i’m rin. the pink haired man is sae. got it?” you’re confused. what is all this? why are they kind? shouldn’t they be disgusted and shooing you away? “..oh?..” you try to make it seem like you understand their gestures. “um. want anything.. in return? don’t have money. sorry.” rin shakes his head calmly.

“no. its fine. you’re younger than us, so just. rely on us older ones, yeah?” and that makes you even more confused. ..so what if you were younger than them? don’t you still need to have responsibilities? yet you couldn’t argue back, in fear of losing everything. “o.” you maintain the awkward eye contact with rin like a confused cat who’s just been exposed to the outside world. “..okay. you rest up then.” he leaves the room, door shutting gently as his footsteps gently thud away.

you lay in the bed, staring at the ceiling with the silk duvet covering your body, probably the most comfort you’ve felt in your entire life. and its so uncomfortable at the same time. you still have the instinct to slap your arms to kill bugs that climb on you when you sleep on the grass, you still try to shift around the bed trying to find a comfortable position like you did when you were homeless, but every position is comfortable and you’re so.. confused. 

a few hours passed, your stomachs yelling for food and your body’s shaking from hunger. yet you continue to lay on the bed, because you don’t know how else to get food except stealing from stores. this isn’t a store. its the big houses you saw when strolling mindlessly around the city. “..rin. sae.” you quietly mumble, remembering their names.

you slowly get out of bed, twisting the doorknob of the bedroom, head peaking out of the doorway. “…rin. sae.” you mumble again, calling out for them to no response. you shut the door of the bedroom and start walking aimlessly around the mansion, repeating over and over again, “rin. sae.” and your lips twitch downwards when again, theres no response.

you walk down the stairs and mumble their names again, this time you hear something, but its not their voices. its.. other voices. things you’d hear on the supermarket tv. you followed the noise which led you to a room with big sofas and a bigger tv in front of the sofas. anf they were right there.  “rin. sae.” 

rin immediately perks up and pauses the tv, looking towards you. “hey. need something?” while sae stares at you, unspeaking. you look to rin and place a hand on your stomach. “i need to go out.” rin cocks his head. “..why?”  you cock your head back in confusion. “to steal food. hungry.” “oh-“ rins about to respond before being cut off by sae.  “not how we do things here. kitchens down the hall, take anything you want.” and you’re standing there dumbfounded. 

“have a little patience on her, big bro.. she doesn’t know how to live properly.” rin rolls his eyes at sae before getting up, dragging you gently towards the kitchen, making you sit down at the dining table.

“i’m guessing you don’t know what to eat even if i asked you. its fine tho, i have a lot of prepped meals with veggies and meat. its good for you. understand?” and you barely know what hes saying, but you nod anyways. “okie.” you pause. “…thank you.”  “don’t sweat it.” you watch him open the fridge and take out a lunchbox, microwaving it for a few moments. you’ve seen those microwaves in convenience stores, you always thought they were rich-people stuff. 

after eating, rin takes you to the bathroom thats just connected by your room. “you know how to shower yourself, right?” well.. “ums. not really. sorry.” and you’d feel embarrassed about it if he wasn’t so calm, proceeding to teach you about what every bottle of soap is, how to turn on the water and sponges to use. you’re getting familiar with the feeling in your chest that feels misplaced. maybe this is what happiness feels like? 

you got accustomed quickly with rins help and saes straightforwardness. rin would pamper you to make sure you don’t feel overwhelmed while sae would discipline you to know how to be responsible. you didn’t care, as long as it meant not going back out on the streets.

eventually, you started calling them both big bro or sae-nii and rin-nii, to which both of them never minded. and obviously, it’s quite normal for big brothers to be overprotective over their little sisters right? 

you got your first online boyfriend over some random social media app and told them about it, and they were furious. rin started yelling at you, sae slapped you, both of them started dragging you out of the house and threw you back onto the streets, and, and— 

you shot up in your bed, sweating as tears welled up into your eyes. “niichan,” you shuffled out of the, hurriedly walking out of your room and barging into saes bedroom, since it was the one right next to yours. “sae-nii,” you cried out, crawling into his bed and shaking him awake. sae grumbled awake and opened his eyes, met with your crying face. “oh,” he quickly sat up, grabbing a tissue from his nightstand and wiping your tears away. “whats wrong hm? got a bad dream?” and you nodded, frowning heavily. 

“you and rin-nii threw me back to the streets.” and sae chuckled while shaking his head, continuing to wipe your tears for you. “nonsense. you think me and rin would do that to you?”  “it felt too real.” you said with a frown. despite your age, you were still a kid at heart. you’ve always felt like a little kid after meeting rin and sae, like it’s where you never truly felt safe to act your age, but with them? shit, it felt like you were a toddler pretending to be an adult sometimes.

“mmhm. you okay sleeping on your own for the rest of the night?” he finishes wiping your tears and places the used tissue on the nightstand, patting your head softly.  “..don’t think so. i wanna sleep with rin-nii and you.”   “m’already here.” rins sleepy voice emerged into the room, followed by a yawn as he shut saes door, dragging his feet towards you and sae, woken up from the commotion just now.

“rin-nii..” one of your arms reach out to him, and he nods. he bends over to place a gentle kiss on your head, falling on saes bed in a daze. “happy?” sae asked. and you nodded gently, covering yourself in the duvet. “feels safe with big bros.” while sae didn’t give much of a reaction, rin immediately pulled you to his chest to hug you, nuzzling into the top of your head. “go to sleep. hm? i’ll protect you from any nightmares.” and your lips dragged against the fabric of his shirt, cracking a smile. 

other than the sweet moments, living in one house with 2 men and 1 girl wasn’t easy. its not like you always want to be in the house, you’ve made some friends online and wanna meet up with them too! to walk around the city while knowing theres always a comfortable bed waiting for her to come home. unfortunately, that isn’t what your brothers think. “are you serious? online friends?”  sae crossed his arms, looking down to your figure. rin sighed and nodded along to saes words reluctantly. “imouto, as much as we want to let you go out and meet new friends, you can’t trust everyone on the internet, really. we don’t even know if these friends of yours are actually teenage girls or just.. old men who wanna take advantage of you, y’know?” 

“but i wanna go.. please big bro?” and as soon as rin saw your puppy eyes, he immediately shut up and was almost as if he was actually considering to let you go out with a stranger. sae on the other hand, scoffed at you. “you know that one wrong move with these strangers and you’ll end up right back onto the streets right?”  “don’t say that?!—“ rin looked at sae in disbelief, “its the truth. i need her to understand the consequences of her own actions if she decides to go out with people on the internet.”

by now, your hands are trembling and your heart is starting to accelerate as he brings up the word “streets”. its never a good experience whenever you start feeling like that. “i..i hate you both!” you know you didn’t mean that. but you have so much overwhelming emotions that crashed into your chest that you barely know how to word it properly. you ran up to your room and slammed your door, immediately dropping onto the bed, hyperventilating as your fingers claw at your scalp, your whole body’s trembling by now thinking of being taken away from sae and rin. rin told you its a trauma response whenever you start shaking and crying when the streets are brought up, he told you to stay calm and know that you’re never going back there, but its too hard. too hard to focus when all the negative thoughts are blasting through your brain like a bullet train. 

your thoughts came to a halt as your door creaks open, saes figure was standing there, arms crossed and leaning against the doorway. “calm down.” its not fierce or a demand. its a gentle reminder. your sobs quiet down but silent tears are still falling. 

sae steps in and shuts the door, blocking out the light from outside as he sits beside your bed. “talk to me. whats wrong?” your lips quiver as one of your hands reach out to grip the fabric of saes pants, as if you’re scared he’ll run away. “y-you said streets. don’t like the streets. i dont- hic! don’t wanna be taken away from, you n rin..” your words were slurred, just like the day they met you. and sae knows he screwed up a bunch. 

“..come on. lets get ice cream. with rin too.” and you slowly perk up, nodding. because when someones born into a burning house, they’ll believe the worlds on fire until a touch of cold that warms the heat balances it.