#cost-reducing steps

[petpetisy]

How Much Does A Dog Neurologist Cost Without Insurance in 2024? Answer is Really Shocking!

As a devoted pet owner, you might worry about the cost of seeing a neurologist for your dog. Without insurance, the price can be a big concern. But what exactly will you have to pay for a dog neurologist without insurance? Table of ContentsKey TakeawaysSeverity of the Pet’s ConditionType of Medical Services RequiredGeographic Location of the NeurologistExperience of the NeurologistWhat Do Dog…

[fincrif]

How to Plan a Bullet Repayment Strategy for Your Loan?

A personal loan is one of the most convenient financial tools for managing urgent expenses, be it medical emergencies, business needs, or home renovations. While most personal loans follow an Equated Monthly Installment (EMI) structure, some borrowers opt for a bullet repayment strategy—a method where the principal amount is paid in a lump sum at the end of the loan tenure while interest payments are made periodically.

A bullet repayment strategy requires careful financial planning to ensure timely loan closure without financial strain. In this guide, we will explore how to plan a bullet repayment strategy for your loan, its advantages and disadvantages, and tips to manage repayments effectively.

1. What Is Bullet Repayment?

Bullet repayment is a loan repayment structure where the borrower pays only interest during the loan tenure and clears the principal amount in one lump sum at the end.

✅ Example of Bullet Repayment:

Loan Amount: ₹5,00,000

Interest Rate: 10% per annum

Loan Tenure: 5 years

Monthly Payment: Interest-only payments

Final Payment: ₹5,00,000 (Principal) in the last installment

📌 Tip: Bullet repayment is commonly used in business loans, bridge loans, and investment-backed loans but can also be applied to personal loans with specific lender approvals.

2. When Should You Choose Bullet Repayment?

A bullet repayment strategy is suitable in the following situations:

✔️ If You Expect a Large Future Cash Inflow – Ideal for borrowers expecting bonuses, property sales, or business profits at the end of the loan tenure. ✔️ If You Want Lower Monthly Outflows – Since only interest is paid monthly, it reduces immediate financial burden. ✔️ If Your Investment Returns Are Higher Than Loan Interest – Investors who earn higher returns from stocks or real estate may prefer bullet repayment to maximize gains. ✔️ For Short-Term Personal Loans – Best suited for short-term loans where the lump sum repayment is manageable.

📌 Tip: Consider bullet repayment only if you have a clear repayment plan at the end of the loan tenure.

3. How to Plan a Bullet Repayment Strategy?

A bullet repayment strategy requires disciplined financial planning to avoid repayment stress at the end of the loan term. Follow these steps to plan effectively:

A. Assess Your Financial Situation

Before opting for bullet repayment, evaluate your income sources, expenses, and financial stability.

✅ Key Considerations:

Do you have a reliable source of income to fund the final lump sum payment?

Are you expecting a bonus, investment maturity, or business revenue?

Will the bullet repayment affect your cash flow or financial security?

📌 Tip: If your future income is uncertain, reconsider opting for a bullet repayment loan.

B. Open a Dedicated Savings or Investment Fund

Since the entire loan principal is due at the end, create a separate savings account or investment fund for gradual accumulation.

✅ Investment Options:

Recurring Deposits (RDs): Monthly deposits with fixed returns.

Fixed Deposits (FDs): Safe investment with guaranteed interest.

Mutual Funds or SIPs: If you have a longer tenure, consider moderate-risk investments for better returns.

📌 Tip: Automate monthly transfers to this account to avoid missing contributions.

C. Set Up a Monthly Contribution Plan

Instead of relying on a one-time large payment, break it into smaller, manageable contributions over the loan tenure.

✅ Example:

Loan Amount: ₹5,00,000

Tenure: 5 Years

Required Monthly Savings: ₹8,334 (₹5,00,000 ÷ 60 months)

📌 Tip: Use a personal loan bullet repayment calculator to determine how much you need to save monthly.

D. Track Interest Payments Diligently

Even though you are not repaying the principal each month, you still need to pay interest regularly.

✅ Ways to Track Payments:

Set up automatic debit for interest payments.

Keep a buffer fund to avoid missing any payments.

Review loan statements periodically to ensure correct calculations.

📌 Tip: Missing interest payments may lead to penalties and negatively impact your credit score.

E. Consider Partial Prepayments

If you have surplus income, consider making partial prepayments towards the principal amount. This will reduce the burden of the final payment.

✅ Advantages of Partial Prepayments:

Lowers total interest cost.

Reduces the final bullet payment amount.

Helps close the loan faster.

📌 Tip: Check if your lender allows penalty-free prepayments before opting for bullet repayment.

4. Pros and Cons of Bullet Repayment Strategy

Pros:

✅ Lower Monthly Financial Burden – No high EMI payments, making it ideal for those with fluctuating income. ✅ Ideal for Business Owners and Investors – Helps free up funds for investments that yield higher returns. ✅ Flexibility in Repayment – Provides time to arrange for a lump sum payment without immediate pressure.

Cons:

🚫 Higher Interest Outgo – Since principal is unpaid for the entire tenure, total interest paid may be higher. 🚫 Requires Strict Financial Discipline – Failing to plan properly can lead to repayment difficulties. 🚫 Not Suitable for Everyone – Risky for salaried employees without additional income sources.

📌 Tip: Evaluate if the total cost of bullet repayment aligns with your financial goals before choosing this strategy.

5. Alternative Repayment Strategies

If bullet repayment doesn’t suit your financial needs, consider these alternatives:

✅ Step-Up EMI Plan: Start with lower EMIs and gradually increase payments as income grows. ✅ Flexible EMI Plan: Some lenders offer seasonal EMIs, ideal for businesses with fluctuating revenue. ✅ Loan Balance Transfer: If interest rates are high, switch to a lender offering better terms.

📌 Tip: Choose a repayment strategy that balances affordability and long-term financial health.

Final Thoughts

A bullet repayment strategy for a personal loan can be a great financial tool if managed properly. It provides flexibility in monthly payments, but requires strong financial planning to ensure smooth closure of the loan.

Before opting for bullet repayment, evaluate your income stability, savings capacity, and financial discipline. If you have a reliable source of future funds, this method can help manage cash flow efficiently.

For expert guidance on personal loan repayment strategies, visit www.fincrif.com today!

[thenotoriousscuttlecliff]

Both of Nicholas Meyer's Star Trek films (II and VI) are the ones where the budget was obviously slashed to barely nothing because their more expensive predecessors had underperformed, forcing the production team to use every single trick in Roger Corman's book to save money. Sets, costumes, models, and whole FX sequences from The Motion Picture were reused for Wrath of Khan, and the bulk of the movie was just shot on the same bridge set, which was used for the Enterprise and Reliant. Meanwhile The Undiscovered Country just used as many redressed Next Generation sets as it could.

Meyer made both films on B-movie budgets, yet still managed to make them feel bigger and grander than the expensive films that came before them.

[poguehearted77]

Hi!! I saw that your requests were open and I'm a big fan of your work and I was wondering if you could write something for rafe where reader is a pogue and they need to steal something from tanney hill but Rafe comes home unexpectedly and reader is supposed to distract him but they end up fucking >.< tyyy!!!

Oooh this is freaky. I love it.

My requests are still open.

smut!! -> >.<, penetrative sex, rafe gets flashed, dom! rafe, missionary, size kink, tummy bulge, rafe doesn't pull out..

In and out. That was the plan you and Sarah had agreed on. She would search through the office while you guarded the halls to make sure the coast remained clear.

Things got complicated. Plans changed when Sarah realized that Rafe had taken the liberty to add locks onto the cabinets where the files are kept. Your heartbeat drummed through your ears as you noticed the flash of headlights from Rafe's truck shine through the glass windows.

"Shit. Sarah, Rafe's back early. ETA on the files?" you panic, scurrying through the tiles halls until your feet take you into the office where the blonde crouched, picking the lock with a bobby pin. "I've almost got it. Distract Rafe, keep him as far from here as possible."

Your legs carried you as fast as they could, hoping to meet him outside the front door but he was already inside, your head bumping into his firm chest at full force, sending you tumbling to the ground. "Holy shit. What the-" He's mid-curse when he notices the face of the intruder. Your face.

"Y/n? What the hell are you doing in here?" His thoughts beat your lips to the answer as they geared the possibilities. His jaw locks as it dawns on him, "Where's Sarah, huh? Is she in here? You helping her steal from me now too?"

His steps are powerful as they begin to clear the premises but you desperately grab onto his bulging biceps. "No, Rafe! Stop." Not expecting him to obey so easily, he whips around, startling you.

Just over his shoulder, you see Sarah's head peek out of the office. She gives a wave with the needed files in hand. You had to make sure Rafe didn't turn around, at all costs.

"I thought you were different, y'know? I always thought you were too good to be hangin' with those pogues-" He's about to turn around while Sarah sneaks out the back. You do the first idiotic thing that comes to mind. Your fingers are hooking under the fabric of your top and heaving upwards to flash him your tits.

His sentences break off into chopped, undecided stutters and his hands slowly reach for your round mounds. His hands were hesitating until you gave him a slight nod. "H-holy shit. Most fuckin' perfect pair of tits I've ever seen." His mind is racing to catch up with his hands that gently massage your breasts and you let out a soft moan.

That's the last time either of your clothes were still draped across your bodies. The interaction was quickly followed by uncalculated steps and heated kisses toward the couch where he'd laid you down and fucked you dumb.

"You feel that?" Rafe relishes in the depths of your soaked cunt that sucked in his generous length. Summoning him to a state of bliss, serving a sentence he wished would last the rest of his lifetime.

His hand is placed arrogantly on your lower abdomen where the outline of his girth could be seen pushing up against your insides. Surely, the question is rhetorical as you'd been reduced to a whimpering mess under his touch.

"My dick's splittin' you open. You fuckin' like that shit?" His hips snap, and you squeal, your whole body jolting with every moment of his much bigger one. The sight of you beneath him was more than enough to get him riding along the edge of ecstasy.

"You got the best fuckin' pussy on the island, goddamnit." His lower lip is tucked between hiss teeth, doing his best to hold himself back.

Rafe wouldn't deny any allegations of previously imagining having you in this very position, but the reality puts the products of his imagination to great shame. "R-rafe!" You moan, unbelievably turned on by your 'sworn enemy'.

"Yeah-- shit. Me too." It's not long before his thrusts begin to falter with strained grunts but added force, and he cums not long after you do. He slowly pulls out, admiring the stringy white cum that kept you connected before he realizes what he's done.

"Rafe..." You slowly sit up, dreading the consequences of his actions. "Fuck--I know, shit. I jus' got so caught up- and your pussy jus' felt so good. I wasn't thinking straight." You're both scavenging to get your clothes on as he rambles on.

He reaches into his back pocket and grabs a wad of cash, "Go get a plan B, and we can both act like this never happened, okay?" With a cold gaze, you pocket the money before rushing outside where the Twinkie is waiting for you around the corner out of sight.

"Y/n! Oh my god what took you so long? We thought Rafe had done something to you." Sarah gasps once you finally pull open the doors of the van. Your head shakes, "Nothing. Just Rafe being Rafe, let's go."

[reasonsforhope]

"As 3D-printing methods continue to evolve, it’s not uncommon to see this method employed for various engineering projects, especially in the construction of affordable housing, structures, and schools.

In Ireland, a first-of-its-kind social housing project has been built from the ground up, using 3D printing as a time and money-saving solution.

In fact, it’s Europe’s first 3D-printed social housing project, fully compliant with international standards. In Grange Close, Dundalk, the three-unit terraced build is now a milestone achievement in eastern Ireland. It was created by Harcourt Technologies Ltd (HTL.tech) and assembled using COBOD’s BOD2 3D construction printer.

The unit is 3,550 square feet and is divided into three separate homes, each measuring 1,184 square feet.

The use of this technology allowed for a 35% faster construction process, which took 132 days from start to finish. During that time, the 3D-printed superstructure itself was completed in just 12 printing days. 

Conventional construction methods usually require more than 200 days, according to COBOD, meaning this method could be transformative in quickly scaling affordable housing options.

“Ireland’s housing crisis, driven by a decade of under-construction and rising demand, has reached critical levels, leading to widespread protests and influencing national elections,” HTL.tech shared in a press release.

“The rapid construction made possible by 3D printing offers a promising solution. The homes in Dundalk demonstrate how this technology can address housing shortages by dramatically reducing construction time and costs.”

In the 132 days it took to go from initial site preparation to handing over keys to the client, builders say approximately half of the time savings came directly from 3D printing. 

Additionally, during the project, COBOD upgraded the concrete hose of its printer, which increased its output by 40% and significantly increased the printing speed. With this upgrade, the company estimates that printing times for similar structures would be reduced to nine days instead of 12.

“We continue to improve our technology,” Henrik Lund-Nielsen, general manager and founder of COBOD International, said in a statement, “and although a hose update can be seen as a small step, the numbers from HTL.tech proves that it is not.”

Now, the client — a local housing council — will finish furnishing the homes and will rent them to social housing tenants at an affordable price.

It’s a success that will surely have ripple effects.

“As the first 3D-printed social housing project in Europe, the Grange Close development sets a precedent for future housing solutions,” a press release from HTL.tech explained. “With countries like Sweden and Germany also experimenting with 3D-printed homes, this technology is poised to become a standard approach for addressing housing shortages.”

The statement also added that governments across Europe may increasingly adopt 3D printing to “deliver faster, more cost-effective housing solutions for low-income residents.” 

“This project not only showcases the potential for rapid, sustainable construction but also serves as a blueprint for other nations facing similar challenges,” the statement concluded. “As 3D printing technology evolves, its role in shaping the future of housing construction looks increasingly promising.”"

-via GoodGoodGood, January 23, 2025

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[blossomcola]

NOBODY’S BUSINESS — 𝓢ophia 𝓛aforteza

❝𝘢𝘪𝘯’𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘣𝘪𝘥𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘺.❞

──── ( 🖇️ ) when an affair with your boss, a wealthy socialite named sophia, seems like the only escape from a mundane life, you’re blinded by the glitz and glamour. but as your secret love with sophia intensifies, you discover that inherited wealth and personal connections come at a steep price, one that puts her marriage and your future at risk.

𝓟airing. dom!boss!sophia laforteza x sub!employee!fem reader

𝓒ontent 𝓦arnings. angst, cheating, cunnilingus, degradation, fingering, multiple orgasms, scissoring, squirting.

𝓦ord 𝓒ount. 7,8k (7,826)

the rhythmic click of your heels against the polished marble floor echoes in the sterile hallway, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing in your stomach. each step propels you closer to the lion’s den – sophia laforteza’s office. the laforteza family name is practically synonymous with wealth and privilege in this city, and their company, a sprawling empire built on generations of shrewd investments, is where you unfortunately find yourself employed.

sophia. the name itself tastes like citric acid on your tongue. the quintessential daddy’s girl, draped in designer clothes and radiating an air of unearned authority. you’ve seen her in action, witnessed firsthand the ease with which she navigates the corporate landscape, a landscape paved with her father’s connections and influence. it grates on you, this effortless ascent fueled by nepotism.

it’s not the work itself that grates on your nerves. numbers are numbers, spreadsheets are spreadsheets, and you happen to be exceptionally good at manipulating both. it’s sophia. sophia laforteza, the epitome of a spoiled heiress, someone who landed in her corner office not through merit, but through the sheer luck of being born into the “right” family. her perfectly coiffed hair, designer clothes, and the perpetually bored expression on her face are constant reminders of the chasm that separates your world from hers.

you despise the way she treats everyone below her with a thinly veiled disdain, the way she takes credit for ideas that aren’t hers, and the way she seems utterly oblivious to the real world outside the gilded cage she inhabits.

and yet, here you are. stuck. the pay is exorbitant, far more than you could realistically expect anywhere else with your skillset. and the hours, miraculously, are reduced, offering you a semblance of work–life balance you desperately crave. the golden handcuffs, they call it. and you, it seems, are firmly shackled. the thought of another job search, the endless applications, the soul–crushing interviews, the potential for yet another dead-end position… it’s a deterrent. the golden handcuffs are firmly in place, and you find yourself reluctantly grateful for their restrictive comfort.

you reach sophia’s door, a heavy mahogany monstrosity that screams wealth and privilege. you briefly consider knocking, but the absurdity of it hits you — she’s probably expecting you anyway, but you can't stop being professional.

reaching the door, you pause, taking a deep breath to compose yourself. you smooth down your skirt, a silent act of defiance against the internal chaos. then, you knock.

“come in!” her voice, a shade too high–pitched and laced with a practiced air of authority, slices through the polished wood.

you push the door open and step inside. sophia’s office is exactly as you'd expect — a carefully curated space that screams “expensive” without actually saying anything of substance. the desk is a vast expanse of dark wood, meticulously organized, with a single, perfectly placed vase of orchids providing the only pop of color. sophia herself is seated behind it, a whirlwind of paperwork seemingly engulfing her.

sophia is seated behind her expansive desk, a chaotic landscape of paperwork threatening to engulf her. she’s wearing a cream–colored silk blouse that probably costs more than your rent, and her perfectly coiffed black hair shines under the soft glow of the recessed lighting. she glances up as you enter, her eyes, the same shade of glacial brown as her mother”s, narrowing slightly. you can practically see the gears turning as she tries to recall why you're here. it’s a familiar dance.

“ah, there you are.” she says, her voice a carefully cultivated blend of sweetness and authority. it’s a tone that always makes your teeth clench. “come in, close the door behind you. i was just reviewing the quarterly reports. quite a mess, wouldn’t you say?”

you oblige, shutting the heavy door with a soft click. the sound seems amplified in the suddenly confined space. you walk towards her desk, your posture stiff and professional.

“you wanted to see me?” you ask, keeping your voice neutral, devoid of any hint of the disdain that churns within you.

she gestures to one of the plush leather chairs opposite her desk. “please, have a seat.”

you sit, maintaining eye contact, refusing to be intimidated by her carefully constructed facade. the air in the room thickens with unspoken tension.

“i’ve been reviewing your reports for this quarter,” sophia begins, tapping a perfectly manicured nail against a stack of papers. “and while the numbers are… satisfactory, i feel like there’s a certain… lack of initiative.”

you raise an eyebrow, a silent challenge. “lack of initiative? i’ve consistently exceeded my projected targets.”

she waves a dismissive hand. “targets are just that — targets. meeting them is expected. i’m talking about going above and beyond. thinking outside the box. being proactive.”

“i am proactive.” you retort, barely keeping the edge out of your voice. “i identify potential problems and implement solutions before they escalate.”

“yes, yes, i’m sure you do.” she says, her voice dripping with condescension. “but i’m looking for more. i want to see you taking ownership, leading the charge, innovating.”

“innovating what, exactly?” you ask, your patience wearing thin. “my role is primarily data analysis. i provide the information on which key decisions are made.”

“exactly! and that information is crucial. so, you need to be more… creative with it. think about how you can present it in a way that inspires action, that drives growth.”

you stare at her, feeling a growing sense of frustration. she’s speaking in corporate buzzwords, empty platitudes that sound impressive but mean absolutely nothing.

“are you suggesting i fabricate data?” you ask, your voice dangerously low.

sophia’s eyes widen slightly, a flicker of panic crossing her face. “of course not! i would never suggest anything unethical. i just want you to be more… persuasive.”

“persuasive how?” you press, enjoying the discomfort you see in her eyes.

she fidgets in her chair, avoiding your gaze. “i… i don’t know. that’s what i’m paying you to figure out.”

“you’re paying me to analyze data, not to spin it into a narrative that suits your agenda.” you say, your voice hardening. you've spent the last three weeks buried in spreadsheets, sifting through customer demographics, purchase histories, and marketing campaign results. the numbers don’t lie, and they’re painting a picture sophia clearly doesn't want to see.

sophia finally looks up, her eyes flashing with anger. “don’t talk to me like that. i’m your boss.”

the words hang in the air, thick and heavy. you feel a bitter laugh bubbling in your chest, threatening to spill out and make a scene. you manage to swallow it down, but the taste of bile lingers on your tongue.

“right.” you say, your voice dangerously low. “my boss. remind me, sophia, what kind of boss sleeps with her employees, sophia?” you ask, the question hanging heavy in the air like a humid summer storm. the blood thrums in your ears, a frantic drumbeat against the sudden, suffocating silence of her opulent office. outside, the city hums its relentless song, a stark contrast to the tense quiet that has settled between you.

sophia’s face pales, the carefully applied makeup unable to completely mask the sudden flood of guilt and something that could be fear. she opens her mouth to speak, but no sound comes out. you press on, relentless now that the dam has broken. she opens her mouth, then closes it, searching for the right words, the right lie, but finds none.

“that’s… that’s not fair.” she finally stammers, her voice losing some of its usual steel. “you… you wanted it too.”

“wanted it? or was it subtly, skillfully coerced? was it the promise of a brighter future dangled in front of me like a carrot? tell me, sophia, how many other analysts have you ‘mentored’ into your bed to get ahead?” the words spill out of you, fueled by weeks of simmering resentment and a bitter, burning betrayal.

you watch her squirm, a small satisfaction blooming in your chest. for too long, she’s held all the power, manipulated the narrative, and controlled the game. now, for a fleeting moment, the tables are turning.

“that’s a disgusting accusation.” she hisses, her composure returning with a vengeance. “i value you, (y/n). your work is exceptional. the… the personal aspect was separate.”

“separate? you think i’m stupid? that i can’t see the connection? you’re offering me the position of your personal secretary, sophia. your personal secretary. an upgrade in title, more money, more proximity to you. all predicated on one condition: that i keep my mouth shut about our… ‘personal aspect,’ especially to your wife, manon.” you spit the name out like a curse.

the air crackles with unspoken accusations, with the weight of your shared secret, with the bitter taste of exploitation.

sophia stands abruptly, her chair scraping against the polished floor. “how dare you?" she hisses, her voice trembling. “this is completely inappropriate. i’m going to pretend you didn’t say any of that.”

“oh, i think we both know you won’t forget it.” you retort, pushing yourself away from the desk. “the truth has a funny way of sticking in your craw, doesn’t it?”

“manon doesn’t need to know.” sophia says, her voice softening again, a desperate plea slipping through the cracks of her carefully constructed facade. “it was a mistake. a moment of weakness. it doesn’t have to affect anything.”

“oh, but it does, sophia. it affects everything. it affects my trust, my self–respect, and my career. it affects your marriage, your reputation, everything you’ve built. and you expect me to just… ignore it? to become your silent accomplice?” you step closer, invading her personal space, forcing her to look you in the eye. “you underestimate me. you thought you could buy my silence with a title and a raise. you thought i was just another pawn in your game.”

“get out.” she says, her voice barely a whisper, but there's a steel edge to it that sends a shiver down your spine.

“gladly.” you reply, grabbing your bag and heading for the door. “but don’t think this is over, sophia. the data speaks for itself, and so willi.”

as you reach the door, sophia explodes. “you think you can just waltz in here, sleep with me, threaten me, and walk away scot–free? you are sorely mistaken! you are nothing but a glorified number cruncher, and i can replace you in a heartbeat! do you really think anyone will believe you? it’s your word against mine! and who do you think they’ll trust, hmm? the owner of the company or some two–bit data analyst?”

you turn back to face her, your jaw clenched. “two–bit data analyst? you were singing a different tune last night, weren’t you? when you were whispering in my ear, telling me how brilliant i am, how much you appreciate my… dedication.” you let the word drip with sarcasm. “and as for replacing me, go ahead. but replacing the truth? that’s a little harder, don’t you think?”

“liar!” sophia screams, advancing towards you. “you’re twisting everything! i never offered you a promotion in exchange for your silence. that’z a complete fabrication! you’re just jealous because you know you’re not good enough!”

“jealous?” you scoff. “of what? your loveless marriage? your ethically bankrupt business practices? your pathetic attempts to control everyone around you? i wouldn’t trade places with you for all the money in the world.”

“get out!” she roars, her face contorted with rage. “get out before i call security.”

“go ahead.” you challenge, standing your ground. “call them. tell them everything. see how that plays out for you.”

a wave of nausea washes over you as the full weight of the situation crashes down. what have you done? you’ve jeopardized your career, possibly your reputation. but you couldn’t stay silent any longer. the lies, the manipulation, the blatant disregard for ethical boundaries — it was all too much.

“you know.”.you say, taking a deep breath to steady yourself. “i actually felt bad for you. i thought you were trapped, that you wanted out of this… charade. but now i see the truth. you enjoy it, don’t you? the power, the control, the ability to manipulate people like puppets.”

“shut up!” sophia shrieks, grabbing a heavy glass paperweight from her desk.

you instinctively flinch, taking a step back. “don’t.” you warn, your voice trembling. “don’t do anything you’lll regret.”

“i already regret ever meeting you!” she screams, her eyes wild with fury. “you’ve ruined everything!”

“no, sophia.” you say, shaking your head sadly. “you ruined everything yourself. i just exposed it.”

the room falls silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. sophia stands there, panting, the paperweight still clutched in her hand. you stare back at her, your heart pounding in your chest.

finally, she slowly lowers the paperweight, placing it back on the desk with a thud. “get out.” she repeats, her voice barely audible now. “just get out.”

the humid air hangs heavy in the room, thick with unspoken words and simmering resentments. the mahogany desk gleams under the soft glow of the desk lamp, a silent witness to the drama unfolding within the four walls. time seems to slow to a crawl, each second stretching into an eternity as you lock eyes with sophia.

the room falls silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. sophia stands there, panting, the paperweight still clutched in her hand. its smooth, cold surface glints menacingly in the dim light, a stark contrast to the fury blazing in her eyes. you stare back at her, your heart pounding in your chest, each beat echoing in your ears like a frantic drum.

you can feel the sweat prickling on your skin, a cold sheen born of fear and adrenaline. the air is thick with the scent of her perfume, a familiar fragrance that usually brings a sense of comfort, but now feels like a suffocating blanket. you search her face for a sign, a glimmer of the sophia you thought you knew, the sophia you had fallen for. but all you see is anger, raw and untamed, a storm raging behind her usually calm, collected facade.

finally, she slowly lowers the paperweight, placing it back on the desk with a thud that reverberates through the silent room. the sound is jarring, a sharp punctuation mark at the end of a sentence you hadn’t even realized you were speaking. “get out.” she repeats, her voice barely audible now, a mere whisper lost in the oppressive silence. “just get out.”

you hesitate. the word hangs in the air between you, a fragile thread stretched taut. part of you wants to obey, to turn and flee, to escape this suffocating atmosphere and the burning intensity of her gaze. but another part, a foolish, stubborn part, refuses to let go. you want to say something, anything, to explain, to apologize, to salvage what little remains of the bond you shared.

“sophia.” you begin, your voice hoarse, the word catching in your throat. but she cuts you off with a sharp shake of her head.

“don't.” she says, her voice cracking. “just… don’t.”

you swallow, the lump in your throat growing larger. the silence returns, heavier now, laden with regret and unspoken accusations. you know you should leave. you know you have no right to stay. but your feet feel rooted to the spot, your body unwilling to obey the commands of your mind.

you take a step back, preparing to turn and walk away, to disappear into the night and leave her to grapple with the wreckage of your affair. you feel a pang of guilt, sharp and painful, but you tell yourself it's for the best. for her. for her wife. for everyone.

but just as you’re about to leave, just as you’re about to sever the last fragile thread connecting you to her, you feel sophia grab you by the tie. the silk constricts around your neck, pulling you back towards her with a sudden, unexpected force. you stumble, caught off balance, your hand instinctively reaching out to steady yourself against the edge of the desk.

her grip is tight, her knuckles white against the dark fabric of your tie. you look at her, confusion warring with a flicker of something else, something that looks dangerously like desire. her eyes are still filled with anger, but there’s a vulnerability there too, a desperate plea hidden beneath the surface.

“sophia?” you ask, your voice barely a whisper.

she doesn’t answer. instead, she pulls you closer, her face inches from yours. you can feel her breath on your skin, warm and ragged. the scent of her perfume intensifies, filling your senses and making your head spin.

“just… one last time.” she whispers, her voice trembling. “before you tell my wife that i’m cheating on her with you."

the words are like a slap in the face, bringing you crashing back to reality. you push against her, trying to create some distance between you. but she doesn’t budge. her grip on your tie remains firm, unyielding.

“sophia, no.” you say, your voice strained. “this is wrong. we can’t.”

but your words lack conviction. the truth is, a part of you wants this. a part of you is drawn to her, to the chaos and the danger that she represents. a part of you is still hopelessly, foolishly in love with her.

she ignores your protests, her eyes locked on yours. there’s a raw intensity in her gaze, a hunger that mirrors your own. she tugs on your tie, pulling you even closer until your bodies are touching. you can feel the heat radiating from her, a palpable force that threatens to consume you.

and then, she kisses you.

it’s not a gentle, tender kiss. it’s a desperate, hungry kiss, a kiss born of anger, regret, and a desperate need for connection. her lips are firm against yours, her teeth nipping at your lower lip. she tastes of salt and desperation, a potent combination that sends a jolt of electricity through your body.

you try to resist, to pull away, but her grip on your tie is too strong. and, if you’re being honest with yourself, you don't really want to resist. the kiss is too intoxicating, too addictive. it’s a reminder of everything you’ve lost, of everything you could have had.

you moan softly, surrendering to the moment. your arms instinctively wrap around her waist, pulling her closer. her body is pressed against yours, every curve and contour a familiar comfort. you deepen the kiss, your tongues tangling in a desperate dance.

the world around you fades away, the only reality the feel of her lips on yours, the taste of her on your tongue. you forget about the past, about the future, about the consequences of your actions. all that matters is this moment, this desperate, fleeting connection.

she breaks the kiss, gasping for breath. her eyes are glazed with desire, her cheeks flushed. she looks at you, her expression a mixture of anger, longing, and regret.

“please” she whispers, her voice barely audible. “just… one last time. please."

and then, without waiting for your response, she pushes you backwards, towards the desk. you stumble, your back hitting the hard surface. the sudden impact knocks the breath out of you.

before you can react, she's on top of you, her body pinning you to the desk. her hands are everywhere, tearing at your shirt, tugging your tie. you try to protest, but your words are lost in the frenzy of her touch.

she nuzzles your neck, her teeth gently nipping at your skin. you moan, your body betraying you. you know this is wrong. you know you shouldn’t be doing this. but you can’t stop yourself. the desire is too strong, the pull too irresistible.

she lays you down on her desk, scattering papers and pens across the floor. the cool surface of the desk against your back is a sharp contrast to the heat of her body pressed against yours. she kisses you again, her lips hungry and demanding.

your hands move of their own accord, exploring the curves of her body. you trace the line of her spine, the swell of her hips, the gentle curve of her breasts. she moans, arching her back against you.

the world narrows to the space between you, a private universe where only pleasure and desire exist. you forget about everything else, about the betrayal, the lies, the consequences. all that matters is the here and now, the feel of her body against yours, the taste of her on your tongue.

the sounds of your ragged breathing fill the room, punctuated by the occasional moan or whisper. you’re lost in a haze of sensation, your mind blank, your body on fire.

this is it. this is the moment you’ve been both craving and dreading. the culmination of weeks, months, of stolen glances and whispered conversations. the moment when all the carefully constructed walls come crashing down.

and as you lie there, lost in the throes of passion, you can't help but wonder what the morning will bring. will you regret this? will she? or will this be a memory you both carry with you, a secret whispered in the dark, long after you've gone your separate ways? only time will tell. but for now, in this moment, all that matters is the heat of her body pressed against yours, and the desperate, undeniable truth that you are both completely, utterly lost.

she kissed you like she was starving for it, like she wanted to devour you whole. her lips moved forcefully against yours, her tongue pushing past your teeth to claim your mouth with aggressive hunger.

one hand remained fisted in your hair, holding you in place, while the other arm wrapped around your waist, crushing your body against the hard planes of her own. you could feel every inch of her, from the swell of her breasts to the lean muscles of her stomach and thighs. she pressed you back against the wall, pinning you there with the weight of her body.

sophia kissed you until your head spun and your knees went weak. she kissed you until you could barely remember your own name, let alone where you were or how you’d ended up in this compromising position. the taste of her, the scent of her, the feel of her — it consumed your senses until nothing else existed.

when she finally pulled back, it was only to attack your neck with the same fervent intensity. she kissed and nipped and sucked at the sensitive skin, her teeth grazing your pulse point before her lips closed around it, sucking hard. her hands roamed your body, slipping under your shirt to caress the smooth expanse of your back, your sides, your ribs. she touched you like she owned you, like you belonged to her.

she murmured filthy words against your skin, praise and promises and threats all tangled together in a heady, intoxicating mix. “fuck, you taste even better than i remember…” she panted, her voice ragged with desire. “i’m going to ruin you for anyone else, (y/n). I'm going to make you forget what it feels like to want anyone but me…”

her hand slid lower, dipping beneath the waistband of your skirt. her fingers brushed against your inner thigh, teasing, threatening to go higher, to touch you in the place that ached most for her touch. she looked up at you, her eyes dark and wild and full of sinful promise.

with a low, wicked chuckle, sophia’s fingers crept higher, brushing maddeningly against the fabric of your panties. she could feel the damp heat emanating from your core, could sense how much you wanted her touch. she rubbed slow, teasing circles against your clothed sex, applying just enough pressure to make your hips twitch and buck against her hand.

“you’re already so wet for me.” she purred, her voice a sinful rumble against your ear. “i’ve barely even touched you and you’re already dripping. fuck, that’s so hot…”

she nipped at your earlobe, tugging on it lightly with her teeth before soothing the sting with her tongue. her fingers continued their torturous teasing, rubbing and stroking and circles until you were panting and mewling with need.

“tell me what you want, (y/n).” she demanded, her voice a low, dominant growl. “tell me exactly what you need. i want to hear you say it.”

her thumb found your clit through the damp fabric, pressing down on the sensitive bundle of nerves. she rubbed mercilessly, sending jolts of pleasure shooting up your spine. her other hand slid up your body to cup your breast, kneading the soft flesh and rolling your nipple between her fingers.

“be a good girl and tell me, baby.” she coaxed, her breath hot on your skin. “tell me what you need and i’ll give it to you. i’ll give you everything you’ve ever wanted and more. you just have to ask for it.”

she punctuated her words with a sharp pinch to your nipple and a particularly firm press against your clit. she was relentless, determined to make you beg for it, to make you admit how desperately you needed her touch, her body, her everything.

a low blow to your pride. as much as you would like to give sophia a witty comeback, you couldn’t, not when your body craved it and spoke louder than your brain — but even though you wanted to say something, a part of you knew this was wrong, you couldn’t stop thinking about manon and all the damage you’ve been causing these past few months, even if she doesn’t know you’re sleeping with her wife, you’re hurting her.

but here we go again, your body has more power than your brain.

“... i need you to fuck me.”

sophia’s eyes flashed with triumph and hunger at your desperate, wanton plea. A wicked, feral grin spread across her face, revealing perfect white teeth. she let out a low, approving growl that reverberated through your body.

“mmmh, such a dirty mouth on an angelic face.” she purred, her voice a sinful rumble. “i fucking love it. don’t worry, baby, i’m going to take such good care of you…”

she captured your mouth in another searing kiss, swallowing your moans and whimpers. her hands were everywhere, touching you, caressing you, claiming every inch of your skin. she pushed your skirt up around your waist and ripped your panties off with one sharp tug, baring your dripping sex to the cool air of the office.

sophia’s fingers delved between your thighs, stroking through your slick folds, teasing your entrance. she circled your clit with maddening slowness, applying just the right amount of pressure to make your hips buck and writhe against her hand.

“fuck, you’re soaked.” she groaned against your mouth, her fingers sliding easily through your arousal. “i can feel how much you need it. how much you need me inside you.”

she pushed one long, slender finger inside you, pumping it slowly, shallowly. her thumb continued its relentless circling of your clit, the dual sensations driving you crazy with lust. she added a second finger, then a third, stretching you open, filling you up.

sophia kissed down your neck, her teeth and tongue leaving a trail of marks and bites. she sucked hard on your collarbone, determined to leave her claim on your skin. her fingers picked up speed, plunging in and out of your dripping cunt with increasing force.

“fuck, you’re so tight.” she panted, her voice rough with desire. “i can feel you squeezing my fingers, trying to pull me in deeper. you want to be filled up, don’t you, baby? want to be stretched out and fucked hard until you can’t walk straight?”

she curled her fingers inside you, rubbing against that spot that made your vision go white and your toes curl. her thumb pressed down hard on your clit, the stimulation almost too intense to bear. she could feel your inner walls fluttering. her fingers curled inside you, rubbing mercilessly against that sensitive spot deep within your core. your back arched off the desk, your hips bucking wildly against her hand as she fingered you with ruthless intensity. sophia’s eyes darkened with lust as she watched you come undone, reveling in the power she held over your pleasure.

“fuck yes, that’s it.” she growled, her voice low and thick with arousal. “come on, baby, let me feel you come on my fingers. i want to feel your tight little cunt squeezing me, milking me for all i’m worth.”

she captured your mouth in a filthy kiss, all teeth and tongue and desperation. her fingers never slowed their relentless pace, pounding into you, claiming you, owning you. she could feel your body tensing, your muscles pulling taut as your orgasm approached. she kissed you through it, swallowing every moan and cry that spilled from your lips.

when your climax finally hit, it was with the force of a tidal wave. your inner walls clamped down on her fingers like a vice, rippling and squeezing as ecstasy crashed through you. sophia groaned into your mouth, feeling your release, reveling in the way your body shook and shuddered against her own.

she worked you through it, her fingers gentling to slow, sensual strokes as your orgasm ebbed. she pulled her hand away, bringing her soaked fingers to her mouth to suck your essence clean. her eyes fluttered shut as she savored your taste, a low moan of satisfaction rumbling in her throat.

“fuck, you taste even better when you come.” she purred, her voice a sinful murmur. “sweet and tangy and all mine. i could get addicted to your taste, (y/n).”

she leaned in close, her lips brushing against yours as she spoke. “and now that i’ve had a little taste, i’m going to need a bigger serving. i’m going to need to devour you whole, until you’re drowning in pleasure and begging for mercy.”

sophia’s hand slid up your thigh, her fingers leaving a trail of fire in their wake. she cupped your breast, kneading the soft flesh roughly, rolling your nipple between her fingers until it pebbled beneath her touch.

she grabbed your hips and spun you around, pushing you to sit on the edge of desk. the wood was cool against the backs of your thighs, a stark contrast to the heat radiating from sophia’s body as she stepped between your legs.

sophia’s hands slid up your thighs, pushing your skirt up around your waist. she hooked her fingers in the waistband of your panties and tugged them down, tossing them carelessly to the floor. her eyes darkened as she took in the sight of your bare sex, glistening and swollen from your recent orgasm.

“fuck, look at this pretty little pussy.” she groaned, her voice thick with desire. “so cute and perfect, just begging to be eaten. and i’m going to enjoy every fucking bite.”

she pushed your thighs further apart, opening you up to her. her head dipped down, her breath hot against your sensitive flesh. she placed a single, open-mouthed kiss on your clit, her tongue flicking out to taste you. she hummed in approval at your flavor, her eyes fluttering shut.

sophia licked a slow, sensual stripe up your slit, her tongue delving between your folds to stroke along your entrance. she circled your clit with the tip of her tongue before suckling on it greedily, her cheeks hollowing as she drew it into her mouth.

she pushed two fingers back inside you, pumping them slowly, shallowly. her other hand slid up your body to palm your breast, kneading and squeezing the soft mound. she rolled your nipple between her fingers, pinching and tugging on the sensitive bud.

sophia could feel your arousal coating her fingers, dripping down to pool on the desk beneath you. the scent of your desire filled the air, musky and heady and intoxicating. she could feel her own arousal growing, her core clenching and throbbing with the need to be filled.

sophia’s fingers curled inside you, stroking along that sensitive spot that made your back arch off the desk and your toes curl. she rubbed mercilessly, determined to make you scream, to make you beg, to make you completely fall apart.

her other hand slid down your body, her nails raking lightly over your skin, leaving faint red lines in their wake. she grasped your thigh, pushing it higher, opening you even more to her hungry mouth and questing tongue.

sophia’s eyes flicked up to meet yours, dark and intense and full of sinful promises. she held your gaze as she lowered her head, her tongue delving between your folds once more. she licked and sucked and flicked, her mouth working tirelessly to bring you closer to the edge of ecstasy.

you could feel the coil of tension in your lower belly, pulled taut and ready to snap at any moment. sophia could feel it too, could sense your impending release in the way your inner walls fluttered and clenched around her fingers, could hear it in the desperate, needy sounds spilling from your lips.

she doubled her efforts, her fingers pumping harder, faster, her tongue lashing against your clit with ruthless intensity. she could feel her own arousal growing, her core aching and empty, but she focused solely on your pleasure, determined to make this experience unforgettable for you.

suddenly, she pulled her fingers from your dripping sex and grasped your hips, flipping you over onto your stomach. she pushed your chest down against the desk, your breasts flattening against the cool wood. your ass was raised in the air, your legs dangling off the edge. she pushed your thighs together, trapping your lower body beneath her.

sophia’s hands slid up your calves, over your knees, your thighs, your ass. she squeezed and groped, her fingers sinking into the soft flesh. she grasped your ass cheeks and spread them apart, exposing your dripping slit to the cool air.

she leaned down, her breath hot against your entrance. she placed a single, teasing kiss on your clit, making you jump and gasp. then, without warning, she dove in, her mouth latching onto your sex like a starving woman at a feast.

she ate you like she was ravenous, like she needed your taste, your pleasure, your release to survive. her tongue delved deep, stroking along your slit before flicking rapidly over your clit. she sucked and licked and lapped at your dripping sex, her mouth and chin glistening with your arousal. her hands gripped your hips, holding you in place as she feasted on you, determined to make you come undone.

sophia could feel your body tensing, your muscles pulling taut as your orgasm approached. she could hear your breath coming in short, sharp gasps and pants, could feel your thighs trembling where they were trapped beneath her. she knew you were close, and could sense the impending explosion of pleasure that was about to consume you.

with a low, approving growl, sophia doubled her efforts, her tongue and lips and even her teeth working in tandem to drive you to that peak of ecstasy. she could feel her own body pulsing in time with your racing heart, her own core clenching and aching with the need for release. but she focused only on you, on your pleasure, on making this moment unforgettable for you.

she could feel your body tensing, your muscles pulling taut as your orgasm approached. she could hear your breath coming in short, sharp gasps and pants, could feel your thighs trembling where they were trapped beneath her. she knew you were close, and could sense the impending explosion of pleasure that was about to consume you.

with a low, approving growl, sophia doubled her efforts, her tongue and lips and even her teeth working in tandem to drive you to that peak of ecstasy. she could feel her own body pulsing in time with your racing heart, her own core clenching and aching with the need for release. but she focused only on you, on your pleasure, on making this moment unforgettable for you.

she could feel your body shaking, your hands fisting in the desk calendar as your climax crashed over you like a tidal wave. your inner walls clamped down on her tongue, fluttering and squeezing as ecstasy ripped through you. sophia groaned against your sex, the vibrations only intensifying your pleasure, pushing you higher.

she worked you through it, her mouth and fingers never slowing, never stopping, until your body went limp and boneless against the desk. she licked you clean, swallowing every drop of your release, savoring your taste like a fine wine.

finally, she pulled back, her chin and lips glistening with your arousal. she licked her lips, her eyes fluttering open to meet your dazed gaze. a wicked, satisfied grin spread across her face as she took in your wrecked state.

“fuck, (y/n).” she purred, her voice a low, rough rasp. “you taste even better than i imagined. i could get addicted to making you come, to feeling you shake apart in my arms.”

sophia’s eyes flashed with renewed hunger and desire at your breathless plea. she licked her lips, a wicked grin spreading across her face as she climbed off the desk. she grabbed your wrists and pulled you up, spinning you around to face her. her hands slid around your waist, gripping your hips possessively as she backed you up against the desk once more.

but your body wasn’t sure if it could continue or even have one more little round. sophia always knew how to use you perfectly and completely drain your energy until you were a pulp. “sophia i’m tired…”

“don’t give up right now, baby. i’m going to scissor you so hard, you won’t be able to walk straight for a week. you’ll be feeling me every time you sit down, every time you take a step. i’ll make sure of that.”

she pushed you down onto the desk, your back hitting the cool wood. she climbed on top of you, straddling your hips, her knees on either side of your thighs. she wore a skirt that had ridden up her legs, revealing the long, lean muscles of her toned thighs. she wasn’t wearing panties, and you could feel the heat of her bare sex pressing against your own through the thin fabric of your pencil skirt.

sophia’s hands slid under your skirt, pushing the material up around your waist. she grasped your thighs, pushing your legs apart until your knees were bent and falling open, exposing your dripping sex to her hungry gaze. she licked her lips as she took in the sight of you, spread out beneath her like a feast.

“fuck, look at this pretty little pussy.” she groaned, her voice thick with desire. “so sensitive and swollen and ready for me. i can’t wait to feel it against mine.”

she leaned down, capturing your mouth in a searing, demanding kiss. she licked into your mouth, her tongue stroking along yours, tasting you, claiming you. her hips rolled against yours, grinding her bare sex against your own. the sensation of her slick folds sliding against your sensitive flesh made you gasp into her mouth.

sophia’s hands slid up your body, pushing your shirt up and over your head. she broke the kiss just long enough to tug it off and toss it aside, leaving you bare beneath her. her eyes darkened as she took in the sight of your naked body, splayed out on the desk for her pleasure.

“mmmh, you have such a gorgeous body, (y/n).” she purred, her gaze raking over your curves hungrily. “and it’s all mine. mine to touch, mine to taste, mine to fuck. i’m going to explore every inch of you, baby.”

she leaned down, trailing open–mouthed kisses along your jaw, your neck, your collarbone. her hands cupped your breasts, kneading the soft mounds, rolling your nipples between her fingers until they pebbled beneath her touch. she lowered her head, taking one hardened peak into her mouth, sucking and swirling her tongue around it until you arched off the desk with a gasp.

sophia’s hips continued their sensual grind against yours, her wetness coating your inner thighs. she could feel your arousal growing, your sex throbbing and aching with the need for more. she knew she had you right where she wanted you, desperate and wanting and completely at her mercy.

“tell me what you want, (y/n).” she murmured against your breast, her breath hot on your skin. “tell me exactly how you want me to fuck you. i want to hear you say it, baby. i want to hear that filthy mouth of yours begging for my cunt.”

she punctuated her words by rolling her hips harder, grinding her sex against yours with more force. she could feel the heat of her own arousal building, could feel her walls clenching and pulsing around nothing. she could feel your hips bucking up against hers, seeking more friction, more contact. a low, approving growl rumbled in her throat as she felt your desperation. she loved reducing you to this state, loved knowing that she was the one driving you crazy with lust.

“that’s it, baby.” she purred, her voice a low, seductive murmur. “don’t be shy now. tell me exactly what you need. i want to hear you say it loud and clear.”

she rolled her hips harder, grinding her slick sex against yours with deliberate, teasing strokes. the desk creaked beneath you with the force of her movements, the obscene sound only spurring on her hunger. she could feel your body trembling beneath her, could hear your breath coming in sharp, desperate gasps.

“please, sophia. don’t tease.”

sophia’s eyes flashed with triumph and hunger as she heard your desperate plea, your filthy words falling from your lips like a prayer. a wicked, feral grin spread across her face, revealing perfect white teeth. she licked her lips, her gaze raking over your naked body with blatant, unchecked desire.

“mmmh, such a naughty girl, begging so sweetly for my cunt.” she purred, her voice a low, dominate growl. “i fucking love it. don’t worry, baby, i’m going to give you exactly what you need. i’m going to scissor this pretty pussy so hard, you’ll forget your own name.”

sophia’s eyes flashed with dark promise as she heard your breathless plea. she licked her lips, a wicked grin spreading across her face as she ground her hips harder against yours. the desk creaked beneath you with the force of her movements, the obscene sound only spurring on her hunger.

“that’s my girl.” she purred, her voice a low, seductive murmur. “so desperate for my touch, for my taste, for my everything. i fucking love it.”

she leaned down, trailing open–mouthed kisses along your jaw, your neck, your collarbone. her hands slid down your body, gripping your hips possessively as she positioned herself between your thighs. she grasped your legs, pushing them further apart until you were spread wide open beneath her.

sophia’s eyes darkened as she took in the sight of your dripping sex, swollen and glistening with arousal. she licked her lips, her gaze hungry and intense as she leaned in closer. her breath was hot against your neck, making you shudder and gasp.

with a low, approving growl, sophia closed the scant distance between your bodies. she pressed her sex against yours, the first touch of skin on skin sending a jolt of electricity through you both. she rolled her hips, grinding her slick folds against your own, coating your sex with her arousal.

“fuck, you feel amazing.” she groaned, her voice rough with desire. “so soft and slick and perfect. i can’t wait to feel you dripping down my thighs and smearing across my skin.”

she rolled her hips harder, the desk creaking beneath you as she ground against you with increasing force. her hands slid up your body, cupping your breasts, kneading the soft flesh, rolling your nipples between her fingers until they pebbled beneath her touch.

sophia’s mouth found yours in a searing, demanding kiss. she licked into your mouth, her tongue stroking along yours, tasting you, claiming you. she swallowed your moans and whimpers, drinking them down like a woman dying of thirst.

she could feel the heat of your sex building, could sense your impending release in the way your walls fluttered and clenched around nothing. she knew she had you right where she wanted you, desperate and wanting and completely at her mercy.*

“come on, baby.” she purred against your lips. “let me feel you come undone. i want to feel your pretty pussy spasming and dripping and soaking my thighs. give it to me, (y/n). give me everything.”

with a low, dominant growl, sophia rolled her hips one last time, grinding her sex hard and fast against yours. at the same time, she pinched and tugged on your clit, rubbing the sensitive bundle of nerves mercilessly as she felt your body tense and shudder beneath her.

your climax crashed over you like a tidal wave, your sex clenching and fluttering wildly as you came with a scream of pleasure. sophia groaned as she felt your release, your arousal gushing out to coat her thighs and drip down onto the desk. she worked you through it, her hips rolling and grinding, her fingers never stopping their relentless stimulation until your body went limp and sat beneath her.

finally, sophia collapsed against you, her chest heaving as she caught her breath. she peppered your face with soft kisses, her touch now gentle and almost reverent as she came down from her high. she nuzzled into your neck, breathing in the scent of your skin, savoring the moment of intimate connection.

“fuck, (y/n).” she murmured, her voice a low, satisfied rumble. “that was incredible. you’re incredible. i knew from the moment i saw you that we would be amazing together.”

she lifted her head to look at you, her eyes soft and warm with a tenderness that made your heart flutter. she brushed your hair back from your face, tucking it gently behind your ear. her thumb stroked along your cheek, tracing the curve of your lips with a feather–light touch.

“please don’t tell manon about this.” sophia begs, her soft tone of voice catching your attention. “can we continue this in secret like we have always done? please.”

you didn’t want to stop this either. being with sophia felt... good, even if she was cheating on her wife. but could you continue knowing the damage you were causing to her marriage.

[videolari]

ISTANBUL OBESİTY CENTER

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[batboyblog]

Things the Biden-Harris Administration Did This Week #36

September 27-October 4 2024

President Biden and Vice-President Harris have lead the federal response to Hurricane Helene. President Biden's leadership earned praise from the Republican Governors of South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Georgia, as well as the Democratic Governor of North Carolina and local leaders. Thousands of federal workers are on the ground in effected communities having given out to date over 8 million meals, over 7 million letters of water. Both President Biden and Vice-President Harris have been on the ground in resent days meeting with effected families. During her trip to Georgia Vice-President Harris announced that the federal government will reimburse state and local government 100% of the costs from Hurricane Helene.

A strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association that briefly shut down ports on the East Cost and Gulf ended in a tentative deal. Both sides thanked Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg for helping push the deal through. President Biden and Vice-President Harris had expressed solidarity with the works when the strike was announced and President Biden directed Secretary Buttigieg to take the lead in pressuring management to make a deal with the Longshoremen. The ILA got a 62% raise as part of the agreement.

Vice President Harris announced new actions to help those struggling with medical debt. This actions include new standards from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on debt collection. the CFPB plans on requiring debt collectors to confirm debts are valid and accurate before engaging in collection actions. As well as cracking down on debt collectors that collect on debt that is not owed by patients. Other actions included an announcement by the DoD that it was reducing pricing for civilians who get medical treatment at DoD hospitals and a track down on tax-exempt hospitals who are required by law to offer financial assistance but often do not. These steps come after Vice President Harris in June announced plans to remove medical debt from credit scores. Following the Vice President's call to action North Carolina moved forward a plan to eliminate medical debt for 2 million people in the state. President Biden's American Rescue Plan funds have been used by state and local Democrats to eliminate $7 billion dollars in medical debt.

The Department of Transportation announced $62 Billion in infrastructure funding for 2025. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed by President Biden this will be $18 billion dollars more than was spent in 2021. The Biden-Harris Admin has helped support over 60,000 infrastructure projects across all 50 states, rebuilding roads and bridges, breaking ground on America's first high speed rail, updating ports and airports, and breaking high speed internet to rural communities.

The Department of Transportation announced $1 Billion dollars of investment in America's passenger rail future. This comes on top of $8.2 billion in investments announced in December 2023. The funds will help expand and modernize intercity passenger rail nationwide.

The Departments of Energy and Agriculture announced a $2.8 billion joint project to bring 100% carbon pollution-free energy to the rural midwest. The DoE is investing $1.5 billion into helping bring the Palisades Nuclear Plant in Michigan back on-line. Shut down in 2022 plans to refit and reopen it to allow the plant to keep generating clean energy till 2051. Once back online the Palisades Nuclear Plant will help stop an anticipated 4.47 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions a year, or 111 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime. The USDA is investing $1.3 billion in two rural electric cooperatives, Wolverine Power Cooperative and Hoosier Energy, which cover rural communities in Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana. This investment will help Wolverine and Hoosier connect to the Palisades Plant, reduce prices for customers, and reduce climate pollution, putting Wolverine Power on the path to be 100 percent carbon-free energy before 2030.

The Treasury and the IRS announced that 30 million Americans, across 24 states will qualify for free direct filing of their taxes in 2025. The IRS says that the average American spends $270 dollars and 13 hours filing their taxes. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, passed by President Biden with Vice President Harris' tie breaking vote, Americans will be able to file their taxes quickly and for free directly with the IRS. Tax payers in Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming will in 2025 be able to use direct file.

The USDA announced $7.7 billion in funding for Climate-Smart Practices on Agricultural Lands. This represents the single biggest investment in these programs in USDA history. Since implementation began in 2023 this conservation assistance has helped over 28,500 farmers and ranchers apply conservation to 361 million acres of land.

The Department of Energy announced $1.5 billion in investments in transmission infrastructure to help ensure our grid is reliable and resilient. This will help support nearly 1,000 miles of new transmission lines across Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. These lines will bring 7,100 MW of new capacity and create 9,000 good paying union jobs. Studies find to keep up with growth and meet our climate goals of carbon free energy the US will need to triple the 2020 transmission capacity by 2050. This is an important step to meeting that goal.

[chuluoyi]

first ultrasound with gojo (love entries) headcanons?❤️

࿐ ࿔ 🕰️ 「 12:55 P.M 」

*sigh* why am i so weak to domestic requests... this is just a little thing i wrote in one sitting while stalling my nanami fic (and after coming back from the company retreat!) sobs, i'm going back to it i promise!! :')) this loosely takes place after daddy-to-be <3

a part of gojo's love entries

“now let us see…”

you were lying on the examination table as the ultrasound gel made contact with your still flat abdomen. the sheer coldness and the way the probe pressed hard on your skin made you wince a bit, until that discomfort was eased by a comforting squeeze of your hand, prompting you to turn your head towards the source.

your husband, gojo satoru, offered you a smile so warm it made everything else fade into the background. beyond his sunglasses was the way he always fondly looked at you, as if he was silently assuring you that he would be by your side every step of this journey.

you couldn't help but smile back at him.

“ah, here’s the baby,” your doctor gestured at the monochrome screen with a grin. “around five weeks now. it’s the size of a seed.”

a seed? your gaze fixed on the screen with a sense of wonder. honestly you couldn’t really pinpoint where your baby was, until you saw one dot that the doctor zoomed in.

and there it was—the tiny beginning of life. the product of you and your husband’s love, growing steadily inside you.

suddenly it felt so real that you were carrying a new life. your heart overflowed with warmth, swelling with emotion, and you struggled to hold back tears as your gaze shifted between the screen and satoru, who offered you a comforting pat on the head.

“hush,” he whispered softly, seemingly moved too after looking at the living testament of his baby on the screen. “don’t cry now, hmm?”

after seeing the sonogram and had it printed, both of you sat before the doctor as she instructed you to take things easy from now on, and through it all, satoru held your hand firmly in his, attentively listening to everything the doctor mentioned and even proactively asking questions in return.

“doc, she gets dizzy and nauseous easily, can you prescribe her something to make it bearable?”

“i can certainly prescribe some anti-sickness medication, but i highly recommend you to have plenty of rests and eat healthy food too to reduce morning sickness—”

“hmm, and can you recommend anything to improve sleep? she can have trouble sleeping too…”

honestly it touched you to see satoru picked up on these little things about you despite being away so often. only now did you realize that he had always been watching over you, without fail.

back at home, he sat you down on your bed, back to being a carefree clown who would draw laughs out of you.

“now, little mom,” he began, his lips already turning up into a grin as he took your hands in his, kneeling before you. “you need to listen to me very closely, okay?”

you snorted. “don't address me like that!”

“uh-oh, no squirming,” satoru warned playfully, pinching your cheeks, and you swatted his hand, holding back giggles.

oh my. just what a blissfully happy couple you were.

“first thing first, now you are to have lots of breaks and rest,” he declared, amusement melted a bit from his tone. “the doctor said so. it'll help with your nausea too. if you feel the slightest bit unwell, you have to go back and rest.”

you rolled your eyes. “yeah, yeah...”

“and no staying up late too,” he added, fixing his clear eyes on yours. “especially not for waiting for me to be home.”

that got you to clamp up. so he noticed it too, the way you would always wait for him, even at the cost of not sleeping at all. satoru never really said anything all this time, but now you knew, he was indeed worried.

once again, your chest burst with love and warmth. but still...

“can you promise me that?” satoru asked you gently, his smile still in place, but you knew the underlying command behind those words. “i'm coming back. always. i have everything i want here, with you. there's no way i'm not coming back.”

you hung onto his every word, and much like spellbound, you let go of everything and nodded.

“and now baby...”

he then shifted his focus to your tummy, gently brushing his fingers across it, and the gesture stirred something inside you, making you throb with emotion.

“you only have one job. grow big and healthy, and you can even bother mama sometimes! just don't make her too sick or i'll worry...”

somehow your vision blurred with tears, hearing how unusually earnest he was. “satoru, you're so silly.”

but as always, he would pick this moment to flip the switch, reverting back to his usual teasing.

“hmm, what's that? you're getting soft now, aren't you, mommy~?”

“...why do you have to sound like that? you're making it lewd on purpose!”

in this little world of love of yours, it was just you and him, along with the tales of your life together. you had weathered various moments side by side, and now, as you were embarking on another significant chapter with him, you were certain that everything would be alright.

satoru pulled you to the bed and smothered your head with kisses, trapping you between his strong arms. “hmm, comfy now?”

“mmm, yeah. keep cuddling me...”

and from his side, he was sure, that right now, everything had never been and felt so right than ever before—with the love of his life and future in his arms.

[justcuriouspolls]

*Just you/the person answering this poll, not the entirety of humanity

Health bar: Shows how much “hp” you have, compared to you at maximum health. Lower hp=closer to death. Has a list of temporary ailments (diseases, injuries etc) affecting you, how much damage they deal, and how long it lasts before going away. If you have a chronic condition that affects your health/will stay with you most/all of your life, max hp (compared to current hp) is reduced. Also shows a stamina bar as well

Quest menu: Guides you on how to do things, from lifechanging achievements to everyday activities. Detailed step-by-step instructions, accurately prioritized, and a “hint menu” in case you get stuck

Checkpoint: From here on out, you can set one “point” (a specific date, time, and location- you must be at that point when you set it) that you revert to when you die, retaining the exact state you were at but with the addition of knowledge that you have at time of death. Once you set the

point you cannot change it, and you must revert there when you die. An extra life, essentially

Inventory Slots: You can store items (you must be able to physically hold them/carry them with ease) in a pocket dimension, and take them out/put them back at any time. Space is limited but is based on diversity of items vs number of items. Carrying bags, purses etc increase how many inventory slots you have

Damage Resistance: A single strike from a sword won’t kill you, tripping and falling won’t send you to a hospital, what would instantly kill the average person would typically just be an inconvenience to you. (You are not immortal, you just now have Video Game Logic ™ applied)

Rapid cooking/eating: You need a method of cooking and the required ingredients, but for some foods you can cook them instantly (it is still perfectly cooked and safe to eat) and you can instantly eat things (you can’t sense the texture/flavor, you still get nutritional benefits/detriments, foods eaten in this manner cannot harm you from overeating (but you are still restricted from eating further/you have a sense of fullness))

Skip Cutscene: If you have had the same conversation multiple times, or have a task that you do repetitively, you can skip it once a day

Fast Travel: In addition to the location where you wake up (if your sleep schedule is irregular, the location where you are at during midnight), you can select three other locations to teleport to. You can teleport three times a day. You can move around your teleport markers, but you have to physically go there to access them/move them

Double Jump: Self explanatory, you can jump twice, with slightly less height but half the stamina used as your regular jumping ability, and timing your second jump properly can significantly reduce the damage taken from high falls

[dandelionsresilience]

Good News - July 22-28

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my new(ly repurposed) Patreon!

1. Four new cheetah cubs born in Saudi Arabia after 40 years of extinction

“[T]he discovery of mummified cheetahs in caves […] which ranged in age from 4,000 to as recent as 120 years, proved that the animals […] once called [Saudi Arabia] home. The realisation kick-started the country’s Cheetah Conservation Program to bring back the cats to their historic Arabian range. […] Dr Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the NCW, said: […] “This motivates us to continue our efforts to restore and reintroduce cheetahs, guided by an integrated strategy designed in accordance with best international practices.””

2. In sub-Saharan Africa, ‘forgotten’ foods could boost climate resilience, nutrition

“[A study published in PNAS] examined “forgotten” crops that may help make sub-Saharan food systems more resilient, and more nutritious, as climate change makes it harder to grow [current staple crops.] [… The study identified 138 indigenous] food crops that were “relatively underresearched, underutilized, or underpromoted in an African context,” but which have the nutrient content and growing stability to support healthy diets and local economies in the region. […] In Eswatini, van Zonneveld and the World Vegetable Center are working with schools to introduce hardy, underutilized vegetables to their gardens, which have typically only grown beans and maize.”

3. Here's how $4 billion in government money is being spent to reduce climate pollution

“[New Orleans was awarded] nearly $50 million to help pay for installing solar on low to middle income homes [… and] plans to green up underserved areas with trees and build out its lackluster bike lane system to provide an alternative to cars. […] In Utah, $75 million will fund several measures from expanding electric vehicles to reducing methane emissions from oil and gas production. [… A] coalition of states led by North Carolina will look to store carbon in lands used for agriculture as well as natural places like wetlands, with more than $400 million. [… This funding is] “providing investments in communities, new jobs, cost savings for everyday Americans, improved air quality, … better health outcomes.””

4. From doom scrolling to hope scrolling: this week’s big Democratic vibe shift

“[Democrats] have been on an emotional rollercoaster for the past few weeks: from grim determination as Biden fought to hang on to his push for a second term, to outright exuberance after he stepped aside and Harris launched her campaign. […] In less than a week, the Harris campaign raised record-breaking sums and signed up more than 100,000 new volunteers[….] This honeymoon phase will end, said Democratic strategist Guy Cecil, warning the election will be a close race, despite this newfound exuberance in his party. [… But v]oters are saying they are excited to vote for Harris and not just against Trump. That’s new.”

5. Biodegradable luminescent polymers show promise for reducing electronic waste

“[A team of scientists discovered that a certain] chemical enables the recycling of [luminescent polymers] while maintaining high light-emitting functions. […] At the end of life, this new polymer can be degraded under either mild acidic conditions (near the pH of stomach acid) or relatively low heat treatment (> 410 F). The resulting materials can be isolated and remade into new materials for future applications. […] The researchers predict this new polymer can be applied to existing technologies, such as displays and medical imaging, and enable new applications […] such as cell phones and computer screens with continued testing.”

6. World’s Biggest Dam Removal Project to Open 420 Miles of Salmon Habitat this Fall

“Reconnecting the river will help salmon and steelhead populations survive a warming climate and [natural disasters….] In the long term, dam removal will significantly improve water quality in the Klamath. “Algae problems in the reservoirs behind the dams were so bad that the water was dangerous for contact […] and not drinkable,” says Fluvial Geomorphologist Brian Cluer. [… The project] will begin to reverse decades of habitat degradation, allow threatened salmon species to be resilient in the face of climate change, and restore tribal connections to their traditional food source.”

7. Biden-Harris Administration Awards $45.1 Million to Expand Mental Health and Substance Use Services Across the Lifespan

““Be it fostering wellness in young people, caring for the unhoused, facilitating treatment and more, this funding directly supports the needs of our neighbors,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. [The funding also supports] recovery and reentry services to adults in the criminal justice system who have a substance use disorder[… and clinics which] serve anyone who asks for help for mental health or substance use, regardless of their ability to pay.”

8. The World’s Rarest Crow Will Soon Fly Free on Maui

“[… In] the latest attempt to establish a wild crow population, biologists will investigate if this species can thrive on Maui, an island where it may have never lived before. Translocations outside of a species’ known historical range are rare in conservation work, but for a bird on the brink of extinction, it’s a necessary experiment: Scientists believe the crows will be safer from predators in a new locale—a main reason that past reintroduction attempts failed. […] As the release date approaches, the crows have already undergone extensive preparation for life in the wild. […] “We try to give them the respect that you would give if you were caring for someone’s elder.””

9. An optimist’s guide to the EV battery mining challenge

““Battery minerals have a tremendous benefit over oil, and that’s that you can reuse them.” [… T]he report’s authors found there’s evidence to suggest that [improvements in technology] and recycling have already helped limit demand for battery minerals in spite of this rapid growth — and that further improvements can reduce it even more. [… They] envision a scenario in which new mining for battery materials can basically stop by 2050, as battery recycling meets demand. In this fully realized circular battery economy, the world must extract a total of 125 million tons of battery minerals — a sum that, while hefty, is actually 17 times smaller than the oil currently harvested every year to fuel road transport.”

10. Peekaboo! A baby tree kangaroo debuts at the Bronx Zoo

“The tiny Matschie’s tree kangaroo […] was the third of its kind born at the Bronx Zoo since 2008. [… A] Bronx Zoo spokesperson said that the kangaroo's birth was significant for the network of zoos that aims to preserve genetic diversity among endangered animals. "It's a small population and because of that births are not very common," said Jessica Moody, curator of primates and small mammals at the Bronx Zoo[, …] adding that baby tree kangaroos are “possibly one of the cutest animals to have ever lived. They look like stuffed animals, it's amazing.””

July 15-21 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[abbotjack]

warning : spoilers for materialists, mentions of SA

The Materialists made me feel sick. Not because it was brutal, but because it was so pleased with itself. Because it inserted sexual assault into a story and called it honesty. Because it took one of the most common, devastating violences women endure and treated it like a stylistic device. Something to add gravity. Something to sharpen Lucy’s arc. Something to balance the tonal ledger.

But the camera doesn’t stay with Sophie. The film doesn’t sit with her. It doesn’t honor her. It doesn’t even keep her in the room.

Instead, it sweeps her under the rug. Lets her scream offscreen. Refocuses its gaze on Lucy’s existential unraveling, as if Sophie’s assault were just a detour. A single, dark tile in the mosaic of someone else’s story.

And this, this is the part where I become “difficult.” The one who ruins the vibe. The one who stands in the lobby after the credits roll—not charmed, not impressed, but angry. Not because I misunderstood the message, but because I understood exactly what it did.

Sophie is not a character in this film. She is a device. A hinge. A pivot point in another woman’s narrative. She is allowed to scream once, cry once, accuse once, and then she is folded into the margins of Lucy’s development like a crumpled receipt at the bottom of a designer bag.

And I am tired—so tired—of watching women make films about women, only to find that they, too, have learned to replicate harm in the language of symbolism. Still finding a way to include sexual assault and call it nuance. Still using violence against women to prove the film has something to say.

The film says it wants to interrogate love. Modern dating. Transaction. Commodification. And yet, the moment it gestures toward sexual assault, perhaps the most violent transaction of all, it refuses to slow down. Refuses to linger. Refuses to look at the wound it’s created. It moves forward like it’s made a point. Like it’s said something brave.

But that’s the lie. That’s the wound that doesn’t close.

Because it didn’t have to be there.

It wasn’t built toward. It wasn’t unpacked or allowed to shift the narrative. It didn’t complicate Lucy’s values. It didn’t challenge the structure. It didn’t change anything.

It happened. It hurt. And then it vanished, like a whispered statistic. One in three. And if it’s so common, why frame it like a twist? If it’s so honest, why not sit with it?

I am exhausted by this kind of cinema, the kind that pats itself on the back for including trauma, but never dares to show what it costs. That uses assault not as a rupture, but as a rhythm. As a beat. As evidence that the film is serious.

But it isn’t serious. The brave thing, the truly difficult thing, would have been to stay with Sophie. To give her more space, not just to suffer, but to exist. Not just as an idea or a burden for Lucy to feel guilty about, but as a woman. As a person who was hurt in a way that does not resolve on cue.

But that would have complicated the arc. That would have meant disrupting the aesthetic. That would have meant stepping outside the dress and the lighting and the curated sadness. And cinema hates when women’s pain disrupts the aesthetic.

I know what the defenders will say: it’s not glorifying it, it’s reflecting it! But reflection without care is not art. It’s replication. And replication, without critique, is complicity.

You cannot say sexual assault is part of dating culture and then treat it like background noise. You cannot claim to care about the “brutal honesty” of modern romance while reducing a woman’s assault to a plot beat designed to deepen someone else’s arc.

It’s not brave to include it. It’s not radical. It’s not thoughtful to throw it in and then move on. It’s cowardly. It’s insulting. It’s violent.

And the fact that so many critics call this bold, that they nod solemnly and say “finally, someone’s telling the truth”, only makes me angrier. Because we’ve always told the truth. Women have been telling it for decades. In essays. In whispers. In voicemails. In buried tweets. In hospital reports that no one reads.

But it never counts unless it’s curated. Unless it’s stylish. Unless it’s packaged as prestige. Unless it’s part of a clever genre subversion from a director with Oscar buzz.

Sophie’s assault didn’t challenge anything. It upheld everything.

It was a narrative performance of harm, a stylish nod to the suffering we’re expected to endure quietly. And I will not be grateful for that. I will not call it honest. I will not applaud the inclusion of trauma that serves no one but the film’s own self-satisfaction. In Materialists, assault isn’t the rupture. It’s the justification. The sacrifice required to give the film emotional weight. It’s the shadow cast on a carefully arranged frame so the director can murmur, “See? I’m paying attention.”

But I want to say this:

Paying attention means not using us.

Paying attention means not discarding us.

Paying attention means knowing the difference between representation and reproduction.

And this film reproduces harm. Elegantly. Quietly. Beautifully. But harm, nonetheless.

It tells me Sophie matters because she got hurt, but only until Lucy learns something from it. It tells me assault is part of the system, but not worth lingering in. It tells me one in three is enough to include, but not enough to center.

And that is what I cannot forgive: the idea that trauma must be seen, but never felt. Referenced, but never grieved. Aestheticized, but never honored.

I’m not asking for purity. I’m not asking for silence. I’m asking for accountability. For films that don’t use our wounds as wallpaper. For stories that don’t treat a woman’s pain like it’s just another step in someone else’s plot. I’m asking that if you include our pain, you let us stay in the room.

But Sophie is not allowed to stay. She is written out.

And Lucy gets a ring.

If telling the truth about dating means re-traumatizing women in increasingly aesthetic ways, then perhaps the truth isn’t the goal at all. Perhaps it’s still the same thing it’s always been:

Critical praise.

Aesthetics dressed up as daring.

A film that wears trauma like silk.

A director who says, “I had no choice,” when in fact, she did.

She chose this.

And I choose to say: it didn’t make the film better.

It made it cruel.

And if I sound angry, it’s because I am. If I sound repetitive, it’s because the movies are. If I sound like I’ve ruined the vibe, it’s because the vibe was built on silence.

I don’t care how clever the final shot was. I don’t care how well Dakota Johnson wears the dress. I don’t care that it was based on a statistic.

I care that you turned that statistic into a subplot and called it cinema. I care that you built the scaffolding of your film on another woman’s pain, and never looked back. I care that you didn’t have to include it, but you did. And you called that choice necessary.

It wasn’t.

It was violence.

And I will not thank you for it.

[drdemonprince]

I grew up with abstinence-only sex education, and it did a real number on me. But I’ve shaken off enough of my old cultural programming to realize that the transmission of bacteria and viruses is a thing that sometimes just happens when animals come together, no matter how stringently we might try to prevent it.

I have gotten urinary tract infections when a stray microbe found its way into my urethra after sex. Lube and bodily fluids have disturbed my vagina’s pH and caused a yeast infection many times. So has wearing a bathing suit for too long without drying it, yet another “risk” worth the pleasures of swimming along the sea wall.

Once or twice I’ve had an outbreak of cold sores, just like 80% of humans. If I’m like most people, I probably caught oral herpes when I was very young, sharing a sippy cup or rolling around at a sleepover.

None of this makes me disgusting, irresponsible, evil, or dangerous to others. It just makes me a living creature that exists in close contact with other creatures. I believe I have a responsibility to get tested regularly, to alert people who have been close to me when I get sick, and to use preventative measures like condoms, PreP, vaccines, toys, and masks to prevent the spread of infections as best I can. But I never imagine I can lead a life without risk — or that such a life would even be desirable.

There is no such thing as completely “safe” sex. A friend of mine can’t use condoms because they give her bacterial vaginosis. She chooses instead to fuck raw and take PreP and get anything else she catches treated. A guy I know who masks and tests religiously caught COVID while fisting someone (with a gloved hand!) at an air-filtered party. HPV is so prevalent that most sexual wellness clinics don’t bother testing for it, and can’t do much for a patient if they do have it. Our bodies are teeming at all times with various endemic viruses and microbes that we will never have the power to purge.

Then there are the possible costs of not having sex — vaginal atrophy, pelvic floor weakening, reduced access to endorphins, loneliness, touch starvation, the despair of harboring dreams that one never dares try. I can’t decide for anyone else which dangers loom the largest, but for me a gonorrhea shot is a fair trade for the hours of leg-cramping, bed-staining, hypno-kinky sex that led to it. There’s no guarantee that the next time I have sex it will be anywhere near as much fun, but the potential keeps me throwing the dice.

I hear quite frequently from sexually inexperienced Autistic people who crave an intimate connection, but desperately wish to remain responsible and “safe.” They want there to be a set of iron-tight rules they can follow that will guarantee they remain a virtuous person who never hurts anyone’s feelings, and never catches any sexually transmitted infection.

I understand why they want someone to impose order onto an unpredictable, terrifying world. But I can’t give that certainty to them, nor can anyone. All I can suggest is that they be honest with themselves about what they want, inform themselves of the costs and benefits to pursuing their desires, and then venture forward — proudly welcoming the correct risks into their life, rather than trying to avoid any risks at all.

Life is nothing but a negotiation of risk. If a person has gender dysphoria and they want to combat it, they must risk a transition they could one day regret. If an abolitionist wants to take a stand against the police state, they must plan for the possibility of arrest or political repression. When we open our hearts to love, we expose ourselves to grief — our partners will keep changing and growing, sometimes away from us. Each step that we take forward in life closes off potential paths. There is no avoiding this.

Instead of chasing after the false promise of “safety,” trying to remain completely insulated from harm and challenge forever, we must get better at admitting risk into our lives.

I wrote about all about the messy business of risk mitigation, and how the pursuit of perfect safety is used to justify isolation, theft of bodily autonomy, and political repression. It's free to read (or have narrated to you by the app!) at drdevonprice.substack.com

[bonefall]

[ID: Ask from @storiesandsquirrels, transcribed in alt text]

also: link to Cow Lore

There's one major misconception here I've gotta correct before answering earnestly; Holsteins do need Super Duper Food. This is one of their major problems as a breed, you need to give them high quality feed for high quantity, low quality milk.

But! That said! These are valid questions that deserve real responses. In spite of the quick correction, I actually want to answer them as you phrased them because I think it would be more illuminating. I'm going to try and summarize them as I go along;

Question 1: "Why wouldn't we want to use The Most Efficient Cow?"

The simplest answer is disease. My ""prediction"" came true, and bird flu has mutated to spread extremely easily through the infected udders of Holsteins. No one has died of bovine-contracted HPAI yet, but with Brainworm Bobby and his love of raw milk in charge of the CDC...

well. my last prediction was prophetic. let's hope this one's not.

Minmaxing a breed for one specific purpose always means intensive inbreeding. Like I mentioned, 9 million Holsteins are genetically equivalent to 60 individuals. A more genetically diverse population is one that will be better at preventing disease outbreaks, and reducing their severity when they do.

And what even is the Most Efficient Milk Cow? If you're only selecting for pure milk production to drive down its cost, you get a breed of cattle that lacks every other important trait that would make it good livestock;

They get sick more often, due to inbreeding depression and lack of physical fitness, requiring more antibiotics and veterinary care.

They are bad parents who will need more human intervention to birth and raise calves

They won't be good grazers, meaning they need a specific food grown for them, increasing how much "functional" land is actually dedicated to cattle husbandry.

Their carcass won't yield as much meat, so more cattle have to be raised and slaughtered to meet demand.

Their bodies will burn out much quicker than a healthier animal, meaning you need to replace your livestock more often.

When it comes to living beings, "efficiency" is "fragility." It's not a stable system to begin with.

Even with the pure logic aside, just, step back here and look at the situation with a heart. We'd be making unhealthy, short-lived animals lacking critical instincts to lead good social lives. AND we probably haven't even fixed the "less land" problem, just shifted the land off-site.

For what? For more milk? We have SO MUCH milk we don't even know what to do with it!

Question 2: "Isn't an overabundance of cheap milk a good thing?"

no.

Under the infinite genius of Capitalism, thousands of gallons of milk just gets poured into the sewer daily because there's too much of it. Transporting it to a processor would cost more than it's worth, sometimes the processors turn milk away because they don't want to overproduce products, and even the US government can't subsidize every last drop; it still has 1.4 billion pounds of cheese in various caves and warehouses across the country.

The price of milk cannot get any lower because it's already being sold below the cost it takes to produce it, and yet, we're still here literally pouring it down the drain.

[photo from bill ulrich who photographed a farmer dumping milk back during the pandemic. this isn't even a recent photo. this happens every time there's a milk surplus. im using this photo because i like the farmer's cunty little pose. look at him. "just ain't right"core.]

And milk being dumped into the sewer is more than just wasteful. It's a biohazard.

Milk doesn't stop rotting when it's dumped. If you live downstream of a milkhouse, improper milk disposal reeks.

It's full of nutrients, too, which causes diatoms, cyanobacteria, and other types of algae to go into overdrive-- causing a Harmful Algal Bloom event in the water, or HAB.

HABs are horrific. There's HUNDREDS of different types. They can suck up oxygen and create "dead zones" which kills all aquatic life, they can poison the water supply for an entire town, and some can even cause toxic fumes that make it hard to breathe on land.

Now, listen, I don't want to scare you into never dumping out rotten milk or anything! It's that on an industrial scale, it's REALLY REALLY bad if a farm overproduces milk-- especially crummy milk that can't be made into decent cheese or other dairy products.

In fact, if we did produce milk on a smaller scale, it would be better for everyone! Unless you're a Milk Guzzling Fiend like I am, you probably wouldn't need to buy a whole gallon at a time. In countries like Italy, it's sold fresh and in smaller containers, and you're just expected to pick it up as you need it.

This is why milkmen used to exist, and still do in places that are cool; they'd deliver your supply fresh from the creamery. Less waste, less stress! The "subscription model" is actually sooooooooooo much better for milk production, since it helps to stagger out those "surges and drops" of demand that leads to milk dumps.

Question 3: "If the cow eats less, doesn't that mean less land for pasture, which is a good thing?"

There's a lot to unpack within this sentiment. It's actually based on a couple of common assumptions on a few levels, which are incorrect in fascinating ways. Challenging this means opening up your worldview on how complex keeping livestock actually is!

I'll start with the simpler part;

You could cut fresh pasture out of the equation entirely and shove a cow into a concrete pen with a food box-- but are you counting the land growing the fodder?

When you grow corn the way that we do on industrial farms in the US, it's unbelievably destructive. Unending oceans of monoculture. Fogged with pesticide, pumped full of fertilizer which causes HABs like dumped milk does, sprayed with thousands of gallons of wasted water.

When you look at this image, I need you to understand you are looking at a dead zone. Like a suburban lawn, just because it's green doesn't mean it's good. Nothing grows here but corn and pests of corn, which gets poisoned and dies without returning any of that energy to the ecosystem.

This is usually what is being given to "grain-fed cattle," either when they're sent to a feedlot to hit their slaughter weight, or when they're lactating so they need the extra nutrition. It's also so nasty it's inedible to human beings.

Now, a lot of cattle farmers will just supplement their cow's diet, doing a mix of pasture feeding (much cheaper) and grain feeding (quicker gains). But the facts on this are clear; pasture-kept cattle result in LESS emissions and need LESS total space than cows in confinement.

In fact, there were a LOT of benefits!

Overall gas emissions from the cows dropped by 8%

Ammonia pollution was down by 30%

Not needing to run farm equipment for fodder planting and harvest reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 10%

Rotated crop fields didn't sequester carbon; but the newly converted perennial grasslands store as much as 3,400 pounds per acre.

The outside cows did produce less milk volume, but the milk they did produce was higher quality. So, looking at all the benefits here, it's clear that pasture is actually something that should be embraced for ecological reasons, not rejected.

In FACT, it should be EMPHASIZED. Because, this is the mind-blowing part,

Pasture can ALSO be an ecosystem.

In fact, I'm a Warrior Cats guy who once did a deep dive on moorlands just so I could write WindClan better. There are entire biomes that only exist because of grazing, and British lowland heath is one of them!

Keeping cattle in a sustainable, ecologically sound way is going to look different depending on where in the world you're doing it. So many earnest, good-willed people have bought into the lie that humans are a problem, and that everything "associated" with us becomes a barren wasteland as if we are tainted. YOU are not the problem! The problem is, and always has been, exploitation. Unsustainable relationships with the land we're part of.

Indigenous people in Europe, Asia, and Africa have been keeping cattle for thousands of years. In North America, cattle can be used to maintain ecosystems that have been badly affected by the colonial eradication of the American Bison. In South America, Brazil specifically has been making incredible advances with highly efficient integrated crop-livestock-forestry farming.

Generally, pastures here in the US are not as intensely managed as an equivalent crop field. Some people fertilize them, or water them mid-summer, but absolutely not to the same extent as industrial corn farms. Cattle are typically rotated between pastures, allowing each to re-grow before they come back to graze again.

Obviously, yes, overgrazing can be an issue. Not every open space should be converted into a pasture, and the destruction of other environments to turn into cow land is a problem. But that is an issue of bad land stewardship, not the mere practice of keeping livestock.

Bottom line, though? Cattle who can graze and survive outside are better for the environment than cattle that can't.

...but hey, you know what Holsteins happen to be really bad at?

EVERYTHING. GRAZING.

They are notoriously terrible grazers. They can't do megan THEEEEE thing that cows are known for. Fragile frames, a lack of fat to keep them warm outside, increased demand for food, distaste for any rough forage, horrible mothering instincts, the list goes on. Holsteins are a NIGHTMARE to try and keep outside all year round compared to other breeds.

(especially heritage breeds, like the Milking Devon, Florida Cracker, or Texas Longhorn. Between these three, you'd be totally covered in 80% of American climates.)

I've already explained why it's not actually very good or important that we minmax milk volume, but even if that was actually something we should value, there are so many downsides that they would absolutely not be the dominant cow breed in a truly "efficient" system.

"Less cows means less cow food and cow land" is sound logic, but Holsteins are not the right cow for that job.

Question 4: "How could this be done in a way that doesn't increase cost of living?"

I'm not sure how to answer this question, simply because I'm not Bonestar, Leader of AmericaClan. Wish I was. I would rule tyrannically.

It's worth noting that Brazil is the second largest producer of beef in the entire world, AND the number one largest exporter of it, AND only puts 30% of its land to total agricultural use. The USA dedicates over 50%. And also Brazil is net reducing its amount of agricultural land while increasing output.

It seems clear to me that the USA actually has a massive food waste and resource distribution problem, to the point where the price we pay for stuff is actually wildly disconnected from the actual value of the goods and labor.

I think the way that us Americans tend to frame our conversations on these topics as "growth" vs "cuts" instead of asking how to minimize waste by making existing systems more efficient prevents us from solving problems. We're also just... really culturally resistant to the idea of anything being more "expensive," even if it ends up costing us a lot more money in waste or mismanagement later.

Penny wise and dollar foolish ass country.

Question 5: "What can we personally do about this?"

I mean, I wasn't making a call to action in Cow Lore, I was just explaining to one of my regulars why I don't like Holsteins LMAO. Since you're asking though...

I don't think we can change the wider trend in the dairy industry without actual government intervention and regulation, though, and that's very unlikely in the current political environment. they just sent random dudes to Ausalvador-Birkenau and when the Supreme Court said "bring this specific person back" they said "nuh uh." fellas I don't think we're getting better dairy regulations in the foreseeable future.

So I think the most productive thing to do is focusing on supporting small farms and heritage breeds. Get involved in your community garden or heritage society if you have one.

Not only is that generally a very rewarding thing, but it will be helpful to you in case The Situation Gets Worse. Knowing your neighbors and having real human connection is your best defense against economic recession.

Supporting the locals is always a great thing to do, which can be as simple as going to farmer's markets. You don't need to buy fancy food every day to make an impact on your community-- it can be a treat sometimes!

You could also subscribe to the Livestock Conservancy's free newsletter, where they talk about the work they're doing and upcoming events. If you're a knitter, crocheter, or any other kind of fiber artist, you could even join in on a challenge they're running where you make items out of rare wool for prizes!

Should you end up liking the work they do, you can become a member for 4$ a month, or go to one of their educational events.

Even just talking about the problem can do a lot! Did you know the Highland Cow was actually critically endangered in the USA within the past 10 years? It was the work of the Livestock Conservancy, plus a surge in their popularity, that helped to bring their numbers up. Word of mouth is a powerful thing.

All that said, remember, you can't solve every problem. It's a big world and there's a lot of them. Being made aware of an issue doesn't mean you have to drop what you were previously doing-- just care a lot about something that you want to improve, and let that guide you.

[why-animals-do-the-thing]

I finally moved somewhere that I can have a garden/be on ground level/hear the weather and it took me... like less than a week to start being into birding. Oops.

Anyway I should be working but instead I've been strategizing the best perching setups I can build to reduce feeder displacement between the different groups of neighborhood songbirds. (Before folk ask, from talking to local wildlife officials, I'm not too worried about avian influenza since passerines are less of a risk - but I'm using PPE for cleaning feeders and will be disinfecting them regularly regardless). I'm on my second or third iteration of sticking fallen branches into the dense bushes as perching and I'm happy with it, but... but I could do more things. Maybe a squirrel ninja warrior challenge...

This is only the first step in a long-term plan to rewild the garden with drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly, bird-feeding native plants. But first, I gotta figure out who lives here (and, y'know, recover from moving costs first).

Was I supposed to be working? oops, I was watching the finches again. oops, I was --

[reasonsforhope]

"The UK government has announced that 500,000 additional children will receive a free school lunch following a major expansion in the program that provides it.

Previously, the free meal was available only to students who come from the lowest of low-income households. Following the expansion, most low and middle-class citizens will be able to qualify, and the government says it will lift 100,000 students out of poverty from the cost savings which will amount to around £500 per month, corresponding to nearly $700.

Despite having a ceiling of £7,400-per year for eligibility, last year an estimated 2.1 million students received a free school meal.

A rather arbitrary cut-off point, someone making £8,000 per year hardly possesses greater means to pay for the school meal than someone making below the cutoff point.

Under the new plan, any students from households on the UK’s universal credit will be eligible to receive one free meal a day. The universal credit replaced a number of British welfare programs, and provides a monthly cost of living assistance handout to people living in a variety of situations with a net worth of less than $20,000.

Set to begin at the outset of the 2026 scholastic year, the new expansion will also address food quality, and will be fully, rather than partially funded, to ensure there’s no delay in getting the expansion moving.

“Today’s historic step will help us to deliver excellence everywhere, for every child and give more young people the chance to get on in life,” the UK’s education secretary Bridget Phillipson said, adding “background shouldn’t mean destiny.”

The decision comes amid a record-high level of childhood poverty in one of Europe’s largest economies. The new Labor government under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to drive down poverty levels in the UK, and the expansion of the student meal program was a part of that.

Free school lunches became a hot topic during the administration of Boris Johnson, when the young black Manchester United star Marcus Rashford decided to criticize Johnson for reducing the size of the free school lunch program.

While some sport pundits believed Rashford’s aim was noble, they also felt he should focus on his soccer. But he persevered and the government relented. Through this and his work with hunger charities in the city of Manchester, he was presented with an MBE, the British order of merit below a knighthood, for his advocacy work on behalf of England’s poorest students."

-via Good News Network,June 9, 2025