#how to plan cost for home improvements

[asestimationsconsultants]

Can I Use a Building Cost Calculator for Renovations?

Introduction

You’re ready to transform your kitchen, add a second storey, or finally build that backyard studio — but first, the big question:

“Can I use a building cost calculator to estimate my renovation costs?”

It’s a fair starting point. With countless free calculators online, it seems like a quick way to budget.

But here’s the truth: renovations are not like new builds, and square metre calculators don’t always work the way you think.

In this article, we’ll explore:

When cost calculators are helpful

Why renovations are harder to estimate

What factors most calculators miss

And how to get a detailed, accurate renovation estimate

How Building Cost Calculators Work (and Where They Fit In)

Most online calculators ask you to input:

Area (in m²)

Type of build (single or double-storey)

Finish level (standard, premium, custom)

Location

They then apply an average rate (e.g., $2,200/m²) and produce a ballpark total.

This method is simple and effective for:

Project homes

Flat sites

Volume builds

But for renovations? Not so much.

Why Renovation Costs Are Harder to Estimate Per m²

Renovations don’t follow the same rules as new construction. Here’s why:

1. Demolition and Waste Removal

Before you build, you have to remove. Calculators rarely include:

Demolition

Temporary supports

Asbestos removal

Rubbish disposal

2. Structural Uncertainty

You won’t always know what’s behind that wall — and surprises = extra cost:

Electrical rewiring

Plumbing redirection

Damaged joists or slab irregularities

3. Access and Site Limitations

It’s harder and more expensive to work in:

Tight spaces

Occupied homes

Multi-storey inner-city sites

Scaffold hire, crane access, and labour loading must be factored in — calculators don’t cover these.

4. Integration with Existing Structure

It costs more to “tie into” your current layout than to start from scratch. Example:

Matching flooring or brickwork

Adjusting rooflines

Bringing older sections up to code

When a Cost Calculator Might Help

A renovation calculator can give you:

A ballpark figure to assess feasibility

Cost comparison between standard vs high-end finishes

An idea of cost per room (e.g., bathroom vs full-house reno)

Use it early — but don’t rely on it for final planning or financing.

The Better Way: Professional Renovation Estimating

Here’s what we do at AS Estimation & Consultants:

Review your floor plans and renovation brief

Conduct a digital takeoff (materials, labour, waste, etc.)

Factor in site access and demolition requirements

Use local supplier rates and labour costs

Deliver a BOQ or detailed estimate tailored to your project

This results in a more accurate, realistic forecast — especially for:

Kitchen and bathroom upgrades

Storey additions

Structural extensions

Multi-phase renos or heritage properties

FAQs

1. Can I use a building cost calculator for a kitchen renovation?

Only for very rough pricing. A kitchen’s cost depends on cabinetry, electricals, appliances, and plumbing — which calculators can’t fully capture.

2. Are renovation estimates per square metre accurate?

Not usually. Renovation work is more labour-intensive and includes demolition and integration — driving up the cost per m² significantly.

3. What’s the average cost of a home renovation in Australia?

It varies widely. Basic bathroom reno: $15,000–$30,000. Full extension: $2,500–$4,000/m² depending on complexity.

4. How long does a professional renovation estimate take?

Typically 3–5 business days after receiving floor plans and scope of works.

5. Can I use your estimate to compare builder quotes?

Yes — our BOQs help you verify if builder quotes are missing scope or inflated in certain trades.

Final Thoughts

Building cost calculators are great for new builds — but they fall short when it comes to renovations.

If your project involves demolition, custom adjustments, or working around existing structures, your costs will be highly variable. That’s why you need a professional, renovation-specific estimate.

At AS Estimation & Consultants, we understand the challenges of pricing renovations in Australia. We’ve worked on everything from unit makeovers in Sydney to rural property extensions in regional QLD.

Let us help you price your renovation with confidence.

[reasonsforhope]

Pictured: Luis Cassiano is the founder of Teto Verde Favela, a nonprofit that teaches favela residents in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, how to build their own green roofs as a way to beat the heat. He's photographed at his house, which has a green roof.

Article

"Cassiano is the founder of Teto Verde Favela, a nonprofit that teaches favela residents how to build their own green roofs as a way to beat the heat without overloading electrical grids or spending money on fans and air conditioners. He came across the concept over a decade ago while researching how to make his own home bearable during a particularly scorching summer in Rio.

A method that's been around for thousands of years and that was perfected in Germany in the 1960s and 1970s, green roofs weren't uncommon in more affluent neighborhoods when Cassiano first heard about them. But in Rio's more than 1,000 low-income favelas, their high cost and heavy weight meant they weren't even considered a possibility.

That is, until Cassiano decided to team up with a civil engineer who was looking at green roofs as part of his doctoral thesis to figure out a way to make them both safe and affordable for favela residents. Over the next 10 years, his nonprofit was born and green roofs started popping up around the Parque Arará community, on everything from homes and day care centers, to bus stops and food trucks.

When Gomes da Silva heard the story of Teto Verde Favela, he decided then and there that he wanted his home to be the group's next project, not just to cool his own home, but to spread the word to his neighbors about how green roofs could benefit their community and others like it.

Pictured: Jessica Tapre repairs a green roof in a bus stop in Benfica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Relief for a heat island

Like many low-income urban communities, Parque Arará is considered a heat island, an area without greenery that is more likely to suffer from extreme heat. A 2015 study from the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro showed a 36-degree difference in land surface temperatures between the city's warmest neighborhoods and nearby vegetated areas. It also found that land surface temperatures in Rio's heat islands had increased by 3 degrees over the previous decade.

That kind of extreme heat can weigh heavily on human health, causing increased rates of dehydration and heat stroke; exacerbating chronic health conditions, like respiratory disorders; impacting brain function; and, ultimately, leading to death.

But with green roofs, less heat is absorbed than with other low-cost roofing materials common in favelas, such as asbestos tiles and corrugated steel sheets, which conduct extreme heat. The sustainable infrastructure also allows for evapotranspiration, a process in which plant roots absorb water and release it as vapor through their leaves, cooling the air in a similar way as sweating does for humans.

The plant-covered roofs can also dampen noise pollution, improve building energy efficiency, prevent flooding by reducing storm water runoff and ease anxiety.

"Just being able to see the greenery is good for mental health," says Marcelo Kozmhinsky, an agronomic engineer in Recife who specializes in sustainable landscaping. "Green roofs have so many positive effects on overall well-being and can be built to so many different specifications. There really are endless possibilities.""

Pictured: Summer heat has been known to melt water tanks during the summer in Rio, which runs from December to March. Pictured is the water tank at Luis Cassiano's house. He covered the tank with bidim, a lightweight material conducive for plantings that will keep things cool.

A lightweight solution

But the several layers required for traditional green roofs — each with its own purpose, like insulation or drainage — can make them quite heavy.

For favelas like Parque Arará, that can be a problem.

"When the elite build, they plan," says Cassiano. "They already consider putting green roofs on new buildings, and old buildings are built to code. But not in the favela. Everything here is low-cost and goes up any way it can."

Without the oversight of engineers or architects, and made with everything from wood scraps and daub, to bricks and cinder blocks, construction in favelas can't necessarily bear the weight of all the layers of a conventional green roof.

That's where the bidim comes in. Lightweight and conducive to plant growth — the roofs are hydroponic, so no soil is needed — it was the perfect material to make green roofs possible in Parque Arará. (Cassiano reiterates that safety comes first with any green roof he helps build. An engineer or architect is always consulted before Teto Verde Favela starts a project.)

And it was cheap. Because of the bidim and the vinyl sheets used as waterproof screening (as opposed to the traditional asphalt blanket), Cassiano's green roofs cost just 5 Brazilian reais, or $1, per square foot. A conventional green roof can cost as much as 53 Brazilian reais, or $11, for the same amount of space.

"It's about making something that has such important health and social benefits possible for everyone," says Ananda Stroke, an environmental engineering student at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro who volunteers with Teto Verde Favela. "Everyone deserves to have access to green roofs, especially people who live in heat islands. They're the ones who need them the most." ...

It hasn't been long since Cassiano and the volunteers helped put the green roof on his house, but he can already feel the difference. It's similar, says Gomes da Silva, to the green roof-covered moto-taxi stand where he sometimes waits for a ride.

"It used to be unbearable when it was really hot out," he says. "But now it's cool enough that I can relax. Now I can breathe again."

-via NPR, January 25, 2025

[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.)

[kirlicues]

Quaint Country Cottage | Sims 2 Lot Download

This sunny little cottage features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and plenty of country charm. It is built on a 2x3 lot and costs $123,593. This lot comes partly furnished.

I have gotten so many sweet comments from the community on these lots and how they remind you of houses and places you've seen in real life. Thank you! But I will admit that at least 95% of my lots are not based on any house plans, they were just built off the top of my head, so any likeness to anything you've seen on TV or driving around in your neighborhood is purely coincidental since I don't really watch TV either. 💕

With all that being said, this house is inspired by my grandparents' place even though it doesn't look a thing like their single-story, ranch-style home. 🤭

Here's what this home looks like from the back:

Keep scrolling down for the lot download, or if you have a moment or 5, you can read some about the inspiration behind this home, first. 😄

When my grandma was still alive she was an avid seamstress who sewed many beautiful dresses for my cousins and I when we were growing up, and I'm blessed to still have a couple of them in my possession.

My grandparents' home was filled with all the kinds of things you'd expect to find in a house that had been lived in for 30+ years (and 60+ by the time they passed).

Why do I bring this up? Well, let me show you the floor plans and I think you'll see the connection! ❤

1st Floor: Clockwise from bottom left: dining room, kitchen, laundry/mudroom, living room, entry way, and bathroom.

This section doesn't look very lived-in, so let's head upstairs...

2nd Floor: Clockwise from bottom left: Master bedroom, bathroom, kids bedroom 1, upstairs landing, kids bedroom 2, kids bedroom 3/sewing room, and master bathroom.

There's that lived-in, well-loved look! 🥰

The other major difference between this house and my grandparents place is that they only had 1 bathroom for 6 people(?!). That would never work in the Sims game, so you, fortunately, get 3!

I used "moveobjects", the quarter-tile placement cheat, and the 45-degree angle cheats freely. I also have the Object Freedom mod in my game. Most things should be functional and accessible, but you may need to have that Object Freedom mod to get the home to look like this (the worst thing that will happen if you don't have it is objects may not be placed quite right on the walls or floors). If you notice an object blocking something feel free to move/remove it.

And as always, if lived-in/well-loved isn't your style feel free to redecorate it to fit your sim family's needs.

Quaint Cozy Cottage: MF | SFS

All EPs and SPs are required.

*I highly recommend that you have the PerfectPlants mod from TwoJeffs*

I’ve run this home through the Lot Compressor so any random references to sims that aren’t there should be removed. I have also run this lot through the Lot Cleaner to remove any bits of buggy code. This lot comes with a shiny custom thumbnail so it has even more curb appeal in your Lots and Houses bin! 😄

This home has 4 pieces of CC, 2 of which are Maxis pre-order bonus items which you may already have in your game. These can easily be replaced or omitted if you don’t want them though.

CC List (Included): -Functional Washer and Dryer by MustLuvCatz at ModtheSims -Maxis Match Wall Cabinets by CTNutmegger at ModtheSims -Seasons Pre-Order Bonus "Garden Swing of Bliss and Harmony" -Teen Style Stuff Pre-Order Bonus "Pennelle by Top Shelf Toys" stuffed giraffe

I ALWAYS recommend using the Sims 2 Pack Clean installer to install lot files.

Want to improve the look of your game, or grab some “Lost & Found” Maxis objects? Check out this post.

[lexsssu]

Naive (Alhaitham)

TAGS: Alhaitham/F!Bunny!reader, friends to lovers, pining, yandere, possessive behavior, obsession, mating cycles/heats, oneshot Ao3 ver. | Ko-fi | Commissions (OPEN)

“Why do we have to learn more math even if our major has nothing to do with it? At this rate, I’m going to flunk and take it again next semester…”

Alhaitham’s fingers twitched unconsciously as your pair of long ears drooped down, hanging by the sides of your face almost as if they were pigtails instead of actual appendages.

“What the heck am I going to need calculus for when I’m trying to develop improved cultivation tools and methods? It’s not like I need to find out the value of X while I’m plowing the fields or something…”

His heartbeat is delayed for a single second at the mention of ‘plowing fields,’ and he has no one else to thank other than the hormonal male Akademiya students who’d made one or two passing unsolicited remarks about Amurta’s only female beastkin student.

He made sure to memorize their faces and names for him to deal with at a later date.

“Alhaitham, help meeee…!” 

Despite being a proud descendant of the Taguel, the way you so easily beg and plead so submissively at him with large watery eyes and a pout formed by a pair of luscious lips has him wondering if you were unconsciously using some sort of secret seduction techniques passed on through your clan. Perhaps you were even secreting some sort of pheromones that made him calmer, more relaxed, and susceptible to your whims…

“Knowledge always comes at a price. I’m willing to tutor you, but you’ll owe me a single favor that you can’t refuse and which I can redeem at any time of my choosing,” bright turquoise orbs darkened as he leaned his head against his curled right fist. “Are you still willing to pursue this knowledge despite the costs?”

“Of course! I trust you, Alhaitham. So why would I be scared about the favor I’ll be owing you for this? Knowing you, you’ll probably make me do some paperwork or help with your research,” you giggle, the fluffy cotton ball of a tail you had wagging at how silly your friend was. 

Why would you ever be afraid of him when he’d been nothing but honest with you? Alhaitham wasn’t some random cur that tricked hapless maidens into his slimy grasp.

If only you knew just how depraved he truly was when it came to you. 

Then again, it is his luck that his adorable little bunny was such an innocent creature that only saw the best in him.

It’s up to him to make sure no one ever takes advantage of your kindness and naivety.

Even if it means he has to carefully plan and wait for the right time to finally express his true desires, he is willing to be patient. Especially when he knows that you are what awaited him at the end.  

You remain blissfully unaware of his thoughts and intentions, not even questioning him or thinking how odd it was for him to have you sit on his lap as he taught you your most dreaded subject.

Alhaitham is a good man and an even greater friend.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You both graduate within the same year with, as expected, flying colors, much to the joy of your respective families. It’s a solemn yet joyous affair, one that you invited him to because how could you not when it was with his help that you managed to even graduate with honors?

There is sure to be some teasing courtesy of your family once you get home, but that is the last thing on your mind as you leap into Alhaitham’s strong arms.

Even through the layers of your graduation attire, you feel the wall of solid muscle that is his body, something that always amazed you when he was one of the most brilliant scholars in Sumeru.

“Thank you, Alhaitham. I wouldn’t have been able to get this far without you always having my back,” you don’t notice the way his sandstone-colored irises seem to dilate as you curl around him, your entire body supported by a single arm around your soft waist while another hand settles upon the plushness of your bum.

Being so close to you like this allows him a whiff of your scent, a mix of soft floral and woody notes with a hint of fruity and citrus underneath. He feels his body heating up from the inside as his senses are assaulted by your voice, your body, and even your smell.

He won’t be able to last long if you keep this up.

Don’t you know how much you drive him crazy?

Rational thoughts come second to instincts when it comes to you, something your kind is very much familiar with.

If there aren’t so many people right now, he’ll throw you onto the grassy ground and mount you right here. He’ll put a whole litter of kittens in your belly and take care of you and your new family for the rest of his days—

Somehow, he manages to keep himself from making a scene by fucking you right in front of your family and the entire Amurta faculty, namely your master, Sage Naphis, whose short temper was legendary throughout the Akademiya. 

However, each day that passes and each small action you make only wears his thinning patience and self-control. It’s not a question of ‘if,’ but rather a question of ‘when,’ and only the Archons know when that will be.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So…Acting Grand Sage, huh? I always knew you’d go on to do great things, but Sumeru’s de-facto leader? Makes me wonder why you’re even hanging out with a country bumpkin like me~” Sticking your tongue out playfully and winking at him, you miss the way he swallows seemingly nothing but air.

“Don’t be absurd. Who I associate with of my own volition is no one’s business but my own.” 

Although he may look and sound cold at first glance, you have known Alhaitham long enough to know for sure that he simply has his own ways of showing he cares. He wouldn’t let Kaveh stay at his place if he didn’t care about his friend after all. And even if the scribe wanted to be stubborn about it initially, you simply offered to house Kaveh instead, which ended up with the architect staying at Alhaitham’s in the end.

It’s honestly downright adorable how contradictory he could be at times, seemingly wanting to maintain an unbothered and uncaring attitude when you knew full well how good of a friend he was.

If only you knew that the real reason why he allowed Kaveh room and board was that he’d sooner gut the other man than let him stay in the same house as you. 

He’d gouge the architect’s eyes out if they even settled too long on you.

It’s one of the reasons you’ve come to harbor feelings for him.

He is handsome, he is brilliant, but most of all, he is kind even when you have nothing to give him in return aside from your time and friendship.

You repeatedly stamp down the warm bubbly feelings within you that try to rise to the surface, repeatedly telling yourself that there is no chance that such a fine specimen as Alhaitham would return your affections.

Archons know just how many times you’d fingered yourself to thoughts of him during your heats. How you imagined scenarios of him coming to you in the dead of night, whispering sweet nothings and promises of breeding you full, just as nature had intended.

But there’s no way that could ever happen…right?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"'m sorry…didn't know…it'd come early this…year…!" 

You are a pitiful mess as you lie on the grassy ground, your body overheating from the inside as the symptoms of your heat swiftly overtake all rational thought. According to your calendar, it wasn’t supposed to happen for another few days!

He memorized the exact dates of your cycle, so he knows full well just when you’ll be perfectly ripe and ready for the taking.

Had you not forced his hand in the first place, he’d have gladly waited for your regular heat.

“Don’t l-look at me…Haitham…!” 

How can he not look upon the stunning sight of you looking so hot and disheveled because of your need to be mated and bred? It is a sight he will commit to memory for the rest of his life.

You desperately force down the beastly instincts that urge you to submit to the nearest virile male and present your soaked cunt that begged to be bred. It is humiliating, especially because Alhaitham is forced to watch your lewd and debauched display. 

It brings him such glee at the knowledge that no one will ever get to see you like this. 

Whether it was your upperclassman Tighnari, your friend Cyno, or even Kaveh, none of them will ever have this privilege.

You don’t even want to think about how you’ll face him after this.

Because why would he ever want a mere beast like you?

It is his misfortune that he wasn’t born a beastman like you were. However, he’ll make sure to make up for what he lacked tenfold.

You sniffle, feeling small tears pricking the corners of your eyes as your body and mind fight one another. Your hands move to cover your face, unwilling to let him see any more of the pitiful sight you made.

There’s no need for you to look for a mate from the other beastkin clans.

He’d rather burn Gandharva Ville to the ground than hand you over to the likes of Tighnari. 

Just because the other male was your senior and studied under the same sage didn’t mean that he’ll let that damnable fox sink his claws into you. 

“No. I believe I have a better solution for your plight,” with one hand, he pins both your wrists above you as he settles himself in between your legs.

“Mate with me.”

His words send a shock through your body, floppy bunny ears standing ramrod straight as you gaze up at him with large eyes, heart beating like a drum as the weight of his statement registers in your mind.

“Don’t you see? It’s simply because our bodies are compatible with one another that your heat opted to arrive earlier than expected. Your body already knows what your mind has yet to even comprehend,” Alhaitham’s turquoise orbs seemed like they were almost glowing in the dark as they gazed down at you like a predator eyeing its prey.

You were always the only one meant for him, even if you didn’t realize it at first.

And yet, you don’t feel a single ounce of fear.

Rather, you want to be devoured by him.

You want him to stuff you full with his cum again and again until his seed takes root in your awaiting womb and bears fruit.

You want him and will gladly take everything he’ll give you.

“Alhaitham…mate with me, please?”

[cassofnowhere]

Frank’s physical and emotional state in DD: Born Again

Occasionally I’ve seen people express confusion at Frank’s…general state in Born Again. He does seem unkept, unhappy, in a worse mood than usual and oddly detached from everything else.

The shock was apparently so big, people started theorizing SOMETHING must’ve happened to Frank. And I’m here wondering what people expected to find, exactly.

I mean, if you watched The Punisher season 2 you will know Frank embraced the vigilante life by the end of that season. You would also remember he ended up the show pretty much alone. He pushed Karen away in a very definitive manner, Curtis, if I remember correctly, was very done with his bullshit by that point and didn’t want any more contact with Frank, he sent Amy away to Florida and seemed like didn’t plan to meet her ever again. The only person he seems to be in contact with is Madani, but she was in the Middle East and he also shut down any relationship there when he refused her offer for a job at the CIA (because “he already has a job”).

So, what we are seeing in Born Again is Frank being The Punisher. It’s a guy who shut down every single relationship he ever had and it’s only focused on the mission 24/7. The only thing he does, day in and day out, is look for the next scumbag to kill, the next gang to gun down, the next mafia to disperse. He gets beaten up, goes home, stitches himself and does the same thing all over again the next day. He’s been doing this for years.

And I’m sure, at some point, he realized what he’s doing is pointless, because no matter how many criminals and bad people he puts to the ground, new ones take their place faster than he can kill them. So, all he has to hope for is to keep at it, until he eventually dies. Except he doesn’t die. Almost 10 years and he’s still at it, and not a single thing has changed. Fisk is freaking mayor of New York City, for gods sake.

What we are seeing is a man who has become hopeless and detached, because he has nothing to look for in his life, except death. So…..no shit he is moodier than usual.

I get that this is not a common arc for The Punisher in the comics (if it was ever portrayed), but I think it’s a very interesting thing to explore in the MCU version. I do think it’s in line with what the OG show might’ve explored if it ever got a third season.

Season 2 ended with Frank reaching the conclusion The Punisher was his destiny. There was no happy ending for him, his calling was to kill criminals no matter the cost. And that was actually a very tragic conclusion for Frank to reach, effectively shutting down any opportunity at recovery he could get. He didn’t find fulfillment living as Just Frank (A.K.A Pete Castiglione), so he would find it with The Punisher….except, spoiler alert: he doesn’t! He’s still as unhappy and miserable as he was before. Turns out, giving in to your worst impulses doesn’t improve your life.

I think the point of the mysterious pills we see him take in Born Again, is supposed to be a physical manifestation of Frank’s weariness. That there is a downside to living like The Punisher, and aside from the emotional isolation, he is physically weaker. And again, I know there’s a bunch of comics of an older Frank, and even though he is older, he is somehow as strong and agile as he was when he was younger, and while it’s a valid depiction of an older Frank, it’s probably not a realistic one. Like, the man doesn’t eat well, doesn’t sleep well, he gets punched, stabbed and shot at an alarming frequency and he doesn’t get any breaks. That’s not the lifestyle that creates a healthy and active 60yo. On the contrary, actually. Now, he might have chronic pain he needs to manage with medication, just to function. And I like that. After all, Frank is only human. To show him grappling with all the ways his body can fail him is very compelling storytelling in my opinion.

I mean, I don’t know what they are cooking with Frank, but if I’m right, I am very interested in what they might show in the future with him.

TL;DR: the reason Frank is….LIKE THAT in Born Again is not because of any singular traumatic event, it’s simply the downside of the life he chose as The Punisher. A lonely, violent life that finally is claiming his toll on him. So yeah, he is moody and detached and doesn’t care about much other than his next target.

[aheathen-conceivably]

Previously on The Darlingtons....

The year 1936 began with Jo and Antoine going back on the road, leaving Giorgio at home with a growing depression and the fear that he had not only failed in his dreams out West - but also in his relationship with Josephine.

Uncertain of the future and disgusted with the present, he takes comfort in memories - reliving the early years of he and Jo's relationship during the 1920s. Spiraling from 1924 to the present day, we see how Gio and Jo came to live together, and how their relationship descended from something unencumbered and passionate to power-driven and tension filled. When Gio reemerges into the year 1936, hoping that Jo has returned home, he's left with the knowledge that all of his plans and calculations have failed, and that he's once again living by Josephine's rules.

Simultaneously, Zelda's career begins to blossom. Her new employer Alexander takes her to an abandoned Victorian manor that he has selected as a potential site for a future library. Seeking her opinion on it, he shows her the once impressive grounds while explaining that he thinks the cost of refurbishment will be worth it to highlight the reach of the federal Works Project Administration.

While Zelda agrees, she also sees something else in the abandoned manor. From the crumbling greenhouse to the littered rooms, she senses the personal and emotional appeal of the home - implanting her own memories into the vacuous space as a placeholder for the people she imagines once lived there. Her heartfelt endorsement of the place is tinged with her desire to preserve - both the home itself but also her own memories and a connection to her past that she otherwise feels is slipping away.

Out on the road, Antoine and Josephine's professional lives also continue to improve. After another successful show, Antoine joins Jo at her table where she introduces him to a rival bar owner named George. Operating on Jo's guidance that “this is how you make it,” Antoine pushes past his reservations to network with the man as Jo continues to identify and subtly exploit his weaknesses.

Growing more aware of her tactics, Antoine continues to grow uncomfortable, coming dangerously close to the realization that Jo is reminding him of their mother. Interrupting his feelings, the man offers Antoine a slate of shows at his dance halls, directly conflicting with the handshake deal Jo had previously made with Hosa. Even less appealing to Antoine, saying yes would extend his time on the road and away from his family. But seeing how genuinely his sister wants this, and worried that if he turns her down she would simply find a new artist to represent, he ultimately acquises on the caveat that they be home in time for his daughter Violette's birthday.

When Antoine and Jo return home, Violette is in the stables with her horse Ozma, a previous gift from her father to try and make up for his long absences. She is enjoying the silence of the barn and pointedly avoiding sharing space with her mother, whose rules and melancholia grate at Violette’s burgeoning independent, vivacious personality. She is so anxious for her father’s return that the moment she hears the car door open, she rushes to the farmyard to meet him.

Running right into his arms, Violette is initially giddy at his return. Her excitement only increases when he tells her that he’s taking them to the circus to celebrate her twelfth birthday. However, her joy soon fades as her mother Zelda appears on the porch, taking Antoine’s attention away from her. As he walks away Violette sees his thinly veiled exhaustion - realizing just how little time and attention he has to give, and feeling like the brief moments when he’s there ultimately only leave her feeling even more lonely once he’s gone.

The next day, the whole family travels from Strangerville to a circus in a neighboring town. Violette is immediately entranced by the magical sight - full of lights and activity just like the life she’s beginning to imagine for herself. Her wonder only grows when the family goes inside the circus tent - watching one act after another with stars in her eyes. Her attention flickers between the acts to the crowd, basking in the energy of their collective reactions and wondering what the performers must feel like at the center of their attention.

The show culminates when an acrobat descends from the ceiling. Violette looks toward her mother, recognizing that both she and the woman performing share a magnetizing talent that gives them a magic all their own. She notices her father look at her mother too, realizing that he sees the same thing that she does. Turning back toward the acrobat, Violette muses on how that type of beauty and talent can be hidden and treasured for a select few, or used to awe and control a whole crowd of people. Violette vows that that is what she wants - not just one person’s love, but a whole crowd’s adoration.

Back at the site of the future library, Zelda has begun to settle into her new professional life. We see her in conference with the project foreman, who’s looking to her for confirmation on everything from purchase numbers to the order in which things are completed. When Alexander enters the room, she seems to momentarily second-guess her new-found leadership, but swiftly regains her footing with his encouragement.

Alexander then takes her upstairs where he’s been working on the office for Library Administration. While there, he tells her that he’s leaving the day to day operation in her hands, as the WPA has chosen to open an office in town and has selected him to survey the region for potential projects and hire workers. In return for all her hard work and belief in the project, he tells her that if she knows of anyone in need of work he would be glad to hire them for infrastructure projects. Zelda looks away, picturing Gio in the dying fields.

At home the next day, Antoine and Zelda look out their living room window, discussing which one of them should tell Giorgio about the WPA job. Although Antoine offers to do so, he ultimately tells Zelda that it would be easier for him to hear the news from her - in part simply because she’s a woman, but also because she had stood there in the fields with him for so long.

When Zelda emerges into the field, Gio seems to not only be aware of her presence, but also of the fact that she’s there to tell him it’s time to leave the field and his dreams to die. As she informs him of the job he’s distant and morose, ultimately only coming back to life once Zelda grabs his hand. Even after accepting the job he seems unwilling to move, explaining that he just wants a few more hours to believe in the possibility.

Looking sideways at the dead stalks, Zelda is overcome with emotion not only for him, but for her own dreams of having another child that she had abandoned in the field months ago too. She pulls him into an embrace both for his loss and her own, unaware that Antoine is still watching them from the window.

Later that night, Josephine emerges from the farmhouse in search of Gio. She finds him sitting amongst the dead crops, still unwilling to move but now in a dark mood. Jo senses it in the air, cautiously approaching the cornfield and trying coax him out of it rather than join him there. Instead he plants himself deeper in the dirt, challenging her on the promise she had made that she would sell him back his shares of the farm when he had the money.

At first she nervously attempts to dance around the question, but eventually becomes combative. He attempts to rebuff her arguments, rising from the ground to stand on equal footing with her for the first time in months; but she shoots him down with the one line she knows will cut him deepest. I’m not your wife either.

Suddenly guilt ridden by her own rancor, Jo walks into the corn field to comfort him. As she reaches him, her genuine love and emotion manifest not only in her relief that he doesn’t move away, but also in her uncharacteristic desire to wash away his failure through self-sacrifice. It’s only with her encouragement that he finally manages to walk away from the corn field, even if her tenderness does make him momentarily forget that she never answered if she would sell him back his shares.

As the weeks pass and the corn is cut back, grief settles over Gio and Zelda. While their partners try to support them, Josephine eventually begins to lose patience with the situation. Counting down the days until she can go back on the road, she’s caught by surprise one day when Hosa Grove visits their house. Spurred by the deal Jo had previously made with his competitor, he asks Antoine to play at the opening of his dance hall. Even though this means that he and Jo would have to leave home weeks early, Jo says yes without consulting Antoine.

Gio, having witnessed the deal, immediately confronts Jo over her betrayal of Antoine. But Jo approaches the argument just like she did her dealings with Hosa - planning her retorts to work in her best interest rather than actually addressing his concerns. In particular she’s trying to avoid him asking her to sell him back his shares again; however, her cool momentarily slips when he brings up Violette, and she realizes the validity of his argument.

But rather than accept that her guiding principles and self-perception have begun to warp, Jo turns the mirror back onto Gio, exploiting his insecurities and need for comfort to quiet him into submission. Pulling him down to kiss her, she doesn’t even realize that the line between truth and her manipulations has completely blurred.

As Jo and Antoine return to the road, the house is left in turmoil. Gio has begun work with the WPA, although he finds it unfulfilling and exhausting, while Zelda is left trying to parent her increasingly distant daughter alone. Distraught by her father’s sudden departure, Violette is directing all of her frustration toward her mother - arguing that because Antoine left before they could go riding, she should be allowed to go alone. Recognizing the hurt and validity in her daughter’s statement, Zelda struggles to answer; but as their argument had taken them outside, Gio overhears it. Driven mainly by his own guilt for not stopping Jo from leaving, he offers to go riding with Violette.

But Violette immediately rebukes him and the lingering emotional intimacy she can sense between him and her mother - shouting that he can’t replace her father. After she is made to apologize, Violette storms back into the house, leaving Zelda alone with Gio. Overcome with emotion, she expresses just how difficult she sometimes finds interacting with Violette - something she has never even told Antoine. A bit flustered, Gio attempts to comfort her the way she’s always done for him, ultimately drawing them closer together as they rely on eachother in small, domestic ways as they find their partners gone more and more.

[morganski-19]

Chills Right to the Marrow Part 20

part 1, prev part

Wayne’s not so sure how he can do this anymore. The bills are piling on themselves and it’s getting to the point where it’s challenging Everest. It was stupid to check the cost of his stay at the motel. It was stupid of him to be driving his car this much when he can just walk to the hospital each day. It’s only a little way down the road. It could have kept him from filling up his gas tank for another week.

It was stupid for him to do a lot of things, but here he is. Sitting in front of his notebook and splitting his paychecks up into pieces. Taking more out than he should to pay off the motel a little so the bill goes down. Knowing that he can always have a payment plan with the hospital. Take a loan out or something.

All because a house he’d always dreamed of moving into opened up. All because he, stupidly, wondered if he could make just enough to afford the down payment. The mortgage. And he probably could of, if he had somewhere to couch hop instead of paying for this room. If he asked for just a little bit of help. He could have stretched it just thin enough.

There were grants he could have applied to. People willing to donate money to those in need after the earthquake. Anything to give himself a raft to float on. But Wayne’s always been stubborn enough to try and build one on his own. Know he’s drowning because of it.

He does the thing he always did when needing to forget about the world. Burn through a few cigarettes and wish they were cans of beer. Maybe something a little stronger. Question the viability of his vices and his reliance on them to forget. All while trying to remember the point of all of this to begin with.

When the last one in the pack hits the stub, he crushes it into the ash tray. Trying to hold back the damn from breaking. To keep his tears where they need to stay. Inside with his fears. Even if he’s alone, in a room he’s struggling to afford. Even if he could really, truly break in the comfort of solitude.

And if he did, no one needed to know.

All he wanted was a home for Eddie to walk into after the hospital. A room that looked like his back in the trailer with band posters and books pooling of the shelves. Random little figurines and Knick knacks that were so priceless with meaning, but worthless other wise. The acoustic that Wayne saved up to buy, and the electric that Eddie took up dealing just to be able to think about affording.

All he wanted was to be a good father to his kid. To provide the most basic necessity. A safe home with food on the table. A space where Eddie could escape his problems and just be himself. Wayne couldn’t even provide that right now.

His boy was struggling to find himself again, while Wayne’s struggling to stand on two solid feet. He needed the home just as much as he wanted to provide it.

The next day, Wayne pulls himself to the hospital even though he just wants to sleep. Wants to listen to the pull in his back to just give himself the rest he needs. Knowing that he’s going to haul himself off to work and try to get in some overtime.

But here he is, sitting in the hospital room watching Eddie sleep. Just like he has been. The same damned cycle that doesn’t seem to end. Only improving slightly to provide a false sense of security.

It’s starting to get really predictable.

The seat next to him fills, Steve sitting next to him. “Hey. How’re you doing?”

Wayne doesn’t have the energy to lie or tell the truth. So he just shrugs. Steve huffs in agreement.

“Yeah, that tracks.”

They in silence until Wayne asks a question burning on his tongue. “How does it feel to look at a bill and know you can just pay it? Without having to take away from something else?”

“It doesn’t feel like anything,” Steve responds after pausing to think.

“That must be nice.”

“It was.”

Was. Wayne takes surprise to that. “I wouldn’t expect you to have to worry about stuff like that.”

A pained smile finds its way to Steve’s face. “There’s a lot of things you wouldn’t expect about me.”

Wayne doesn’t say anything, trying to give Steve the space should he decide to share more. A few weeks ago, Wayne would have probably lashed out at him. Thought that he was just looking for pity from someone who had nothing left to give. But he’s been more willing to listen. To see beyond his assumptions.

To let someone, he wouldn’t initially think of, let him know that this isn’t a problem only he deals with.

But instead, Steve goes back to silence. When he does speak again, it’s to pull the conversation back to Wayne. “Is something bothering you? Is that why you asked?”

Wayne grunts. Not believing he’s about to share money problems with the son of one of the richest men in Hawkins. Someone who grew up with every luxury there was. Not thinking about the other side for a second. But here he goes, sharing one of his deepest insecurities to open, listening ears.

“I’m just worrying about the bills starting to pile up, that’s all.”

“I’m sure that really stressful. At least Eddie’s hospital bills should be taken care of, that should give you some relief.”

The rest of the room becomes a stark silence. A rush of confusion coming to Wayne’s head. “What?”

“Has his bill not been taken care of?” Steve looks shocked, and angry.

“Not the last I checked.” Wayne starting to wonder if he’s even checked at all, or just went straight to assuming. With all the chaos, it was hard to keep track of the days. What he did in each of them.

Steve stands, rather abruptly. Swearing under his breath. “I’m going to go make a phone call. I’ll see you later.”

Wayne nods goodbye as Steve leaves the room. Glad he shared what he did, even if he was hesitant to. Now he might have a fighting chance to pay his debts. Now he might have a chance to get a house for his boy to go home to.

For himself to go home to. It’s enough hope to make him want to cry again.

Time passes at some undetermined speed. The minutes on the clock slowly ticking by. Creeping toward the time where Wayne has to leave to be able to get to work on time. Wondering if it’s worth it to head back and try to get some rest before he goes.

But he waits. Patiently waits for something to happen. For Eddie to open his eyes and remember him. Say something in his direction other than swears. Say something that he actually means.

It’s later in the afternoon when Eddie starts to stir. His eyes blink open and stare blankly at the ceiling. Realizing all at once that he’s stuck in this fate. Look so defeated while he tries to do something as simple as raise his head.

It’s like he’s back to being newly born and learning how to do things on his own. Anger and sadness being the most reliable emotions. Rampant frustration knowing that he’s capable of more, but just can’t.

Wayne steps in when Eddie grips the handrails and tries to pull himself into a sitting position. Places a hand on Eddie’s shoulder to stop him while he readjusts the bed. Making sure Eddie’s pillows are still comfortable.

Eddie leans deeply into the bed with a silent thank you in his eyes. Hands falling in his lap, gently twitching and starting to fidget. If Eddie was wearing his rings, he’d be spinning them around his fingers.

“I’m sorry, I don’t have a book or anything to read to you,” Wayne says to fill the silence. Not quite knowing what to say. “It’s just me today.”

Eddie stares at Wayne like he’s searching for something. Mixed with a knowing sadness behind it all. He knows what he did, Dustin said as much the other day. He’s starting to remember more and more. New and old pain coming back to him all at once.

It must be exhausting.

“That’s ok,” Eddie breathes. Barely a whisper. It’s the first thing he’s said to Wayne that he actually means.

“You just missed Steve,” Wayne says cautiously. “Still don’t fully understand how the two of you ended up hanging out over the break. Or became what I’m assuming is some level of friends. If what he says is true. But I guess people change right, otherwise he wouldn’t be givin’ you the time of day let alone visiting you this often. Turned out to be a nice kid.”

Wayne’s just talking to get some kind of reaction. Filling the space with nonsense just to be good company. So Eddie doesn’t feel so alone anymore.

“I’m doing ok,” he continues. Making sure that Eddie knows not to worry about him. “You know me, just working at the plant. Tryin’ to get some overtime. Like normal. I’ve been stayin’ at this motel down the road so I can be here if anything happens. Don’t have to drive across town.”

Eddie takes a deep breath. Mouth opening as words start to form. “I’m sorry.”

“For what, you did nothing wrong.”

Tears gloss over Eddie’s eyes. The pain releasing itself in the only way it knows how. “I ran. I’m sorry.”

Wayne sits on the edge of his seat, getting as close to the bed as possible. “Listen to me, you have absolutely nothing to be sorry for. You were scared, you ran, we all do. I don’t care what happened in that week. I don’t care what happened yesterday, or the day before. What matters now is that you’re here, and you’re getting better. That’s all that matters to me.”

“But,” Eddie chokes. Breathing in deep. “I yelled at you. I’m sorry.”

“You were scared. You’re in pain. I know you didn’t mean it. It’s ok. I didn’t go through all of your teenage years without getting screamed at, I know how to take it.”

“I want to go home,” Eddie says, voice breaking.

Wayne wants so much to be able to give him that. Wants to lie and tell him it’s waiting for him. But Eddie’s going through enough already, he doesn’t need the lies. The truth might not be the nicest to hear, but it’s better than the feeling of a revealed lie. Wayne didn’t need to add anything to Eddie’s pain.

“Yeah, I do too.”

They sit in silence until Wayne has to go to work. Stands from the chair and wishes his back would just act like twenty years ago again. Says his goodbye to Eddie and makes his way out the door.

“Love you, Wayne,” Eddie says to him before stepping outside of the room.

Wayne turns back to look at Eddie practically falling asleep again. “Love you, too, Eddie. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

note: a little earlier this week cause I'm going on vacation. chapter now posted on my ao3 as well.

next part

tag list, let me know if you want to be added or removed: @the-they-who-nerded, @insteviewetrust, @croatoan-like-its-hot, @jettestar,

@tinyplanet95, @steddie-as-they-go, @slv-333, @littlecelestialmoth, @thatonebadideapanda,

@fandomsanddeath, @marismorar, @wonderland-girl143-blog, @glass-bottle03, @gutterflower77,

@here4thetrama, @goodolefashionedloverboi, @jaytriesstuff, @cryptid-system, @manda-panda-monium,

@resident-gay-bitch, @anaibis, @xxsutherlandxx, @forevermineliv, @mugloversonly,

@gregre369, @n0-1-important, @different-tale-student, @spectrum-spectre, @tartarusknight,

@devondespresso, @swimmingbirdrunningrock, @cheertain, @anti-ozzie, @autumncrocusandladybug,

@greeniebean911, @cr0w-culture, @stillfullofshit, @connected-dots, @daisynotquake,

@morgannotlefay, @a-little-unsteddie, @dolphincliffs, @maskofmirrors, @me-and-my-sloth,

[gallavich-annise]

Here's another little short for Gallavich Week! It didn't exist yesterday. I hope you like it. 💜

Gallavich Week Day Two: Lights

Like Home

They've lived here over a month and it's starting to come together. To feel like home. A place they've made just for them.

But Mickey's still unhappy about one thing. The living room lights are too bright. He hates it. Harsh daylight bulbs in the ceiling making him feel like he's under searchlights. 

He won't admit he misses the Gallagher house, but he definitely misses the warm yellow lighting. This place feels too much like an office building.

He can't just change them out because they're embedded into the ceiling; he looked it up and it'd cost too much to replace them all at once.

But his home shouldn't remind him of fucking weed grow lights. So he makes a plan.

They're better off now than they've ever been, but spending on non-essentials doesn't come naturally. And he'd just steal what he wants, but it's quite hard to shoplift stand lamps. 

So he does buy them. Borrows the ambulance and Debbie helps him carry four of them out from the shop. Just second-hand IKEA stands, heavy bases and wobbly tops. Some yellow bulbs from the hardware store (he doesn't spend hours researching how to figure out the colour profile to make sure he gets the right ones, fuck you very much). Nothing special, but hopefully enough to be an improvement.

He sets them up around the living room while Ian's out. Spends longer than he will ever admit adjusting the position to make sure the room feels light when they're all on, but not too bright. 

Finally he settles on the couch to watch TV, just the four lamps on and the main lights off. It already feels better. Comfortable. A gentle evening glow. Warm. 

Ian gets home late; he's been babysitting Fred while Lip and Tami went to some Tamietti family dinner. He drops his keys on the table in the hall and comes in. Mickey looks round when he hears him. 

"Hey," he says, smiling and standing up to round the couch and give his husband a kiss. Fuck you, it's only been six hours, he still missed him, okay? Ian kisses back, gentle and warm. Like the new lights.

"You get these?" Ian asks, pointing at the lamps when they separate.

"Yeah... Just from the goodwill or whatever. They okay?"

Ian looks at them, then cocks his head on one side to look at Mickey. 

"Yeah. You look good in this light."

"Yeah?"

They move close again, Ian's hands sitting on Mickey's hips.

"Yeah. I like it."

And Mickey looks at the way his husband's hair looks in the lamps, the soft green of his eyes. It's not the full model glow he's been seeing of late, a look that does have a kind of appeal to someone with a husband as hot as Ian is. But it's something better; he looks like he did in the Gallagher house. He looks like he's at home.

After all these years, they've finally got a home that's together. And now even the lighting is perfect.

----

@gallavichthings

[rouge-the-bat]

yo would anyone be able to help out and send me and my girlfriend ( @ashtwinproject22 ) some money for some kitty-wellness?

TLDR; we need help to get 3 female stray cats fixed asap as its mating season, and get one of my cats lump checked at a vet before fixing him too. this all can cost anywhere from approx $157 to $253+ the unknown price for potentially removing the lump. if you can help, my girlfriend's cashapp is $nalathequeen2186 and paypal is @nalathequeen2186 !

(also please check the reblogs when you can, in case i have any updates about prices, if we reach the amount we need, changes to the situation, etc. will also show updates of the kitties when we can get them fixed/to the vet, to prove were getting it all done!)

the strays weve been trying to help out ⬆️

my sweet silly boy with the lump (ft. me) ⬇️

full explanation under the cut:

one of my brothers and his girlfriend moved in with us until they can find a place, and they brought over the cats that were living under their house that theyve helped take care of, but theyre mostly stray, and unfortunately my brother is very "let nature run its course" about outside cats 🙄

its 3 sister mama cats, and we already took in their 3 surviving babies, and have gotten 2 of the babies fixed and have the 3rd one scheduled to be fixed in less than a week. so atm, we have 7 cats in this house, and as much as i would love to, we just cant take in the 3 mamas as well, even though theyre incredibly sweet.

im unsure what our full plan will be about the 3 mamas, especially since im unsure what my brothers plans with them will be once he and his gf move back out (were not exactly on speaking terms right now since hes been a total piece of shit about me and my gf struggling with mentall illness- which he doesnt even believe is real 🙄🙄🙄). im hoping we can get them nice homes, but at least for now were wanting to get the three of them fixed so there wont be more stray cats, and especially not more kitties dying out there. and unfortunately, mating season slipped my mind and is now upon us, so we REALLY need to get these mamas fixed ASAP.

and in addition to that, one of my cats has this large-ish lump on his right side that were wanting to get checked out, and get him fixed as well. i suspect that its nothing serious, considering it doesnt seem to cause him any issues- he'll even lay on it without a problem- but im worried about it nonetheless, and we'll need to get it checked out and potentially removed before we can get him fixed in case it could cause complications during the neutering.

unfortunately, as you can imagine since im making this post, we dont really have the money for this. my mom, who we live with, rarely has much extra money and certainly doesnt atm, and me and my girlfriend have been struggling with too many mental health issues- and for her, physical health issues as well- to get a job for a while now. things will be improving soon now that we have adhd diagnoses, but my gfs insurance is dragging its feet to finally get her adhd medication approved, and i only JUST finally got my own a few days ago, and am basically playing extreme catch-up with trying to get stuff done around the house right now and help out my mom more.

im really not sure exactly how much everything will amount to, but so far ive figured up getting all 3 mamas fixed should be either about $75 if a certain program the spay/neuter clinic nearby has for strays/ferals can be used, or if not itll be between $111-171, and getting just an exam to check out my cats lump would be around $55, and i dont know how much a potential fixing/removal of the lump could be as i cant get an estimate until hes examined. then itll be $27 to get him neutered.

so if this is all right, and were able to use the program, theres no health risk with the lump, and no other additional charges for anything else, all of this can cost about $157 or so as the minimum, OR it could be around $253 PLUS however much it may cost to fix up the lump.

(also as a bonus pic, heres the 3 precious babies we took in that the mamas were collectively taking care of. theyre living a nice cozy indoor life now and are very happy and SO sweet <3)

[cirilla-fiona-riannon]

Galileo Galilei Main Story

Translations may not always capture the exact nuances or tone of the original text. Expect grammatical errors and inaccuracies.

Spoilers ahead. Not proofread. Rush translation.

Mitsuki: "I have so many things I want to ask you and talk about."

Through my blurring tears, his profile looked pale, and the hand I brushed against my cheek felt cold.

At that moment, as I fervently wished for his awakening, his fingertips moved slightly.

Mitsuki: "Galileo!!"

His eyelids slowly opened, revealing his amethyst eyes.

His gaze wandered for a while, then he tilted his head and looked at me.

Galileo: "You..."

Mitsuki: "You've regained consciousness! Thank goodness, I'm so glad."

Feelings that cannot be put into words well up from the depths of my chest, overflowing as tears.

His cold fingers brushed against my cheek, awkwardly wiping away my tears.

Later, after some time had passed,

Sailor: "Hey, Drake! You should be doing the new guy's job."

Drake: "Aye, aye, sir!"

Drake: "But first, let me finish this drink."

Sailor: "Hey, that's my wine!"

Drake laughed as he deftly avoided the sailor who tried to take back the bottle.

Drake: "Haha! Never let your guard down. There's nothing Captain Drake can't steal!"

Sailor: "Who said you're a captain? You're just named after some big shot in the English Navy."

Sailor: "By the way, are you from England?"

Drake: "No, I'm from France now."

The sailor tilted his head in confusion as Drake laughed softly and turned his gaze to the open sea.

The horizon stretched out endlessly, with no land in sight, but he thought of the place where his comrade and Mitsuki were.

Drake: "For someone like me who never had a place to call home, it's strange to think I now have a land to return to."

Drake: "Maybe after I sail around the world, I'll show my face there again."

With those words, Drake raised the wine bottle towards the sea.

One day, sometime after Galileo awoke, I visited the mansion.

Mitsuki: "Wow, this bread smells delicious! Thank you."

Sebastian: "I'm glad you like it."

The warmth of the freshly baked bread brought an involuntary smile to my face.

Though I still resided in the hideout, I would occasionally visit everyone.

Napoleon: "How's Galileo doing?"

Mitsuki: "His health seems to be improving a lot. He can even get up and go for walks now."

Even after narrowly escaping death, his body was still being ravaged by the founder's miasma.

But ever since he woke up, he's shown signs of a steady recovery.

Napoleon: "I see. I was worried, but I guess this is a miracle."

Mitsuki: "Yeah."

(It's a miracle Galileo himself created.)

(His strong will, even at the cost of his own life, must have led to this fate.)

I was just letting Napoleon and Sebastian know I'd drop by again when I heard some quick footsteps approaching.

Isaac: "Mitsuki, wait."

Mitsuki: "Isaac?"

Isaac came up to me, fiddling with his hair as he spoke.

Isaac: "I don't know what that guy plans to do next, and this is just my wish, but..."

Isaac: "Please tell Professor Maury we're waiting for his return."

Mitsuki: "----!"

Napoleon: "A school where Newton and Galileo teach? That would be a competition of wisdom."

Sebastian: "I feel like attending university myself."

Isaac: "Don't tease me. That's all I wanted to say. See you."

Mitsuki: "Thanks, Isaac! I'll be sure to let him know."

(I hope Galileo and everyone can build a new relationship.)

With such hopes, I couldn't help but feel excited.

I found myself lost in thought after leaving the mansion and walking down the main street.

(As Isaac said, what will we do now?)

What came to mind was the moment Galileo woke up.

------------Flashback-----------

Galileo: "Did I survive?"

Galileo: "Even though I was ravaged by the miasma and stabbed by Drake's knife?"

He gazed at his palm in wonder, as if he couldn't believe he was still alive.

Mitsuki: "Everyone at the mansion and the old castle did everything they could to help you."

Mitsuki: "And Comte said that perhaps it was because you were a dhampir that you were saved."

Both the miasma and the knife are dangerous for vampires, but Comte suggested that perhaps Galileo's human side helped save his life.

(Although the truth is unknown, as long as Galileo is alive, that's what matters.)

But...

Galileo: "After trying to destroy the world and being rejected by it, did I survive again?"

I took his hand in mine as he muttered self-deprecatingly.

Mitsuki: "Galileo, let me tell you again."

Mitsuki: "I love you."

Galileo: "........."

Mitsuki: "Even if the world rejects you, I will continue to seek you."

(I want to accept every part of you.)

Mitsuki: "I'm not asking you to respond to my feelings. I just want you to stay alive."

Galileo: ".........."

---------Flashback Ends--------

(He didn't say anything back then.)

I wanted to stay by his side and support him to make him happy.

(But what are Galileo's thoughts on the future?)

When I returned to the hideout, Galileo was by the window, gazing outside. He turned to face me as I entered.

Mitsuki: "I'm back. Look, Sebastian gave me some bread."

Galileo: "Mitsuki."

His rich, low voice called my name, and his eyes captured me.

Galileo: "I want to talk with you for a bit."

He led me to the garden.

The sunlight streaming down made the pure white flowers shine.

He knelt and gently caressed the petals of the red flowers.

Galileo: "Looking at this red flower brings back the sorrow of the dhampirs I've seen. Their pain still lingers in my mind."

Mitsuki: "Yeah."

Though I haven't dreamed of dhampirs recently, seeing the white flowers stained with the color of blood still hurts my heart.

Galileo: "I wanted to save them. I wanted to do something for the friends and family I lost."

Galileo: "In the end, that wish didn't come true."

Galileo: "I thought that if I ended this world entirely, all the sorrow would disappear."

Galileo: "Carrying everyone's regrets and achieving destruction had become my reason for living."

He spoke as if reflecting on his past, then turned his gaze towards me.

Galileo: "But some time after I woke up, I saw a certain scene."

(A certain scene?)

What Galileo mentioned was an interaction I had with Miguel a few days ago.

------------Flashback-----------

Miguel: "Big sis!"

On the day I was visiting Mireia's grave, I ran into Miguel.

He is currently living with a pureblood couple, thanks to Comte's arrangements.

Mitsuki: "Miguel, it's been a while. Huh?"

Puppy: "Woof, woof!"

I widened my eyes in surprise as I recognized the brown puppy he was with.

Mitsuki: "This puppy..."

Miguel: "I found him a little while ago. He was wandering alone in the city, and I couldn't just leave him."

Miguel: "I brought him today to meet Mireia. His fur is chestnut-colored, just like her hair."

This puppy was the same one Sidereus had protected and whose injuries I had treated.

When I told him this, his blue eyes also widened in surprise.

Miguel: "Really? That's amazing! Both this puppy and I were helped by everyone."

Mitsuki: "Yeah. It's like a miracle that such small events connect in this way. It feels like a fortunate coincidence."

(No, this might be what we call destiny.)

Even if what we can do at the moment seems trivial, it eventually leads to new happiness.

It would surely help heal suffering and sorrow little by little.

Mitsuki: "Miguel, if it's okay, could you take this?"

Miguel: "What is it? Wow, a bird made of paper."

Mitsuki: "It's an origami crane. I folded it, thinking of Mireia before coming to the grave. Normally, you would fold a thousand of them."

Mitsuki: "In my hometown, we fold them with wishes or to remember those who have passed. It can also be a symbol of peace."

I imbued it with a wish that no more sorrowful events would occur.

Miguel: "A symbol of peace."

He placed the origami crane with its wings spread on his palm and smiled gently.

Miguel: "Thank you, big sister. I'm sure Mireia will be happy, too."

Mitsuki: "I hope so."

---------Flashback Ends--------

(Galileo was there at that moment.)

Galileo: "Watching your interaction with the boy reminded me of my past conversations with my father."

Galileo: "As you said, the root of my desire was not destruction."

Galileo: "The hatred within me hasn't disappeared."

Galileo: "Humans and vampires alike are foolish, and the endless conflicts in this world will still fill me with indescribable anger. But..."

Galileo lifted his head and looked directly at me.

Galileo: "Will you stay by my side?"

(.......)

Galileo: "You're the reason I'm alive."

Galileo: "Even if anger and hatred drive me again, with you by my side, I will surely remember my dreams."

Galileo: "Only you can lead me to my true desires."

His touch was as cold as always, but his eyes were filled with warmth, like when he gazed at the stars.

(His eyes are seeking me.)

Galileo: "I know it's selfish of me to ask you this after hurting you, and I know that my hatred and regrets still remain in my heart. But still, you need to choose. Will you stay with me or let go of this hand?"

I could feel his sincerity and earnestness as he revealed his innermost feelings. I grasped his hand firmly.

Mitsuki: "The answer is clear."

Mitsuki: "I already said I would continue to seek you out."

Why are tears welling up in my eyes?

Receiving his feelings, I spoke with a voice trembling with joy.

Mitsuki: "Galileo, I love you."

Mitsuki: "Please let me stay by your side. No matter what happens, don't let go of this hand."

Galileo: "Mitsuki."

He stood up, his expression softening gently.

Galileo: "I love you, Mitsuki."

Galileo: "I won't let you go. My love for you is true."

As if to confirm our feelings, we gently kissed, surrounded by the beautifully sorrowful and ephemeral white flowers.

Mitsuki: "What are you going to do now?"

I asked while snuggling close to him on the bed.

He hesitated slightly before speaking.

Galileo: "I can only live by seeking the truth. I plan to return to being a university professor and pursue academic studies as I did before."

Galileo: "Also, Drake will return to this place."

Mitsuki: "You're right. Hehe, Isaac will be happy."

He softened his expression, but he let out a faint sigh.

Galileo: "But I might fall into despair again, and my heart could be trapped by distorted desires once more."

Mitsuki: "When that time comes, I will accept it. All your anger, hatred, and sorrow."

Galileo: "Mitsuki."

Galileo: "Thank you."

Galileo: "This time, I hope I can remember the true wish you made me realize."

Galileo: "I hope our journey from here can become a bridge between the human and vampire worlds."

Mitsuki: "I'm sure it will."

(You’re neither a heretic nor someone to be persecuted.)

(You’re simply a person who earnestly wishes for peace. That is who you really are.)

Suddenly, Galileo leaned his head on my shoulder.

His gesture felt like he was seeking comfort, and it made my heart race.

Galileo: "What about you? What will you do?"

Mitsuki: "What will I do?"

Galileo: "Yeah. I have no intention of letting you go, but..."

Galileo: "With the door, you can return to your original world—the country and time you were born and raised in."

(So there's a way for me to go back.)

Though I realized this when he mentioned it, my resolve didn't waver.

Mitsuki: "My place is already by your side."

Galileo: "........."

Mitsuki: "I can't imagine living in a world without you."

Mitsuki: "I'll be with you forever."

Galileo: "Forever, huh?"

Galileo: "It's like an eternal vow."

He placed his hand on my cheek and looked into my eyes.

As I was mesmerized by his happy smile, he gently stole a kiss.

Mitsuki: "Nn..."

He repeatedly showered me with kisses and touched the scar on my forehead. 

Mitsuki: "Ah, that's right. There's something I've been wanting to ask you."

Galileo: "What is it?"

Mitsuki: "When did you realize I was the child you saved from the accident long ago?"

Galileo: "That? I realized it the day you had a fever."

Galileo: "The story you told me about your lifesaver and the scar on your forehead matched my memory."

With a nostalgic, gentle smile, he began to speak as if unraveling memories from long ago.

Galileo: "Among the friends, family, and dhampirs I couldn't save, you were the one I could finally rescue."

Galileo: "That was a small light for the powerless me."

Galileo: "Even though I lived in despair and was consumed by destruction, somewhere in my heart, that light remained."

Galileo: "Until it led me to this moment."

(The past connects to the present.)

Whether this encounter was a destined fate or a series of coincidences and choices we've made, I don't know.

(But now, you're alive before me.)

(This joy and this truth are everything.)

Once again, we leaned toward each other, sharing yet another kiss.

As he undid the buttons on my blouse, Galileo also loosened his collar.

The cold touch of his fingers gradually warmed, making my heart race.

Galileo: "Haaa, Mitsuki."

Mitsuki: "Nnn. It's strange to think that I would meet the person who saved me back then again like this."

Mitsuki: "Actually, you were my first love."

Galileo: "Your first love? Even though you had forgotten my face?"

Mitsuki: "Don't mention that, please."

He let out a small laugh and lifted me onto his lap.

Galileo: "Then, make sure you never forget what happens from now on."

Galileo: "Just as you sought me out, I will seek you."

His beautiful, amethyst eyes looked up at me, drawing me in.

(Beautiful.)

I wanted to keep looking at him forever. I wanted him to look at me forever.

Mitsuki: "Please seek me, Galileo. Let me take in everything about you."

(And let me wrap you in my love.)

Galileo: "I love you, Mitsuki."

Galileo: "Even if the world rejects me, your love will keep me alive."

Galileo: "Like the stars that revolve, this love is eternal."

Like the moon and the sun, which revolve and transcend time, we have met again.

Embracing all the sorrows and the newfound affection, I will always see the true you.

Previous Part ╎ Masterlist ╎ Romantic End

[kikyoupdates]

Changing Plotlines ⭑˚💞⭑ 𝑠𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑠

yandere!ocs x f!reader

yandere, reverse harem, yandere reverse harem, original characters x fem!reader, slowburn, isekai

A desperate cry on your deathbed leads to you being given a fresh start at life. You're overjoyed at having finally obtained a healthy body and a real chance at living normally, only to discover that you've been transported into a yandere game, where danger lurks at every corner. Determined to protect your new life at any cost, you vow to stay as far away from the major characters of the game as possible. But things don't always go as planned.

previous | story masterlist | next

After receiving Cedric’s letter, you made sure to visit the smithy the very first chance you got. Keeping Flora away from the yanderes was all well and good, but you still fully intended to have a weapon to fall back upon, especially if you were going to have to spend some time with Lawrence awfully soon.

You brought a servant along into town with you, just to be absolutely safe, but you didn’t anticipate anything happening in broad daylight like this. Still, there was nothing you stood to lose from being cautious.

“Lady [Name], are you absolutely certain you want to take this weapon home with you?” the servant fretted. “I’ve never heard of a noblewoman who carries a sword around...”

“That’s nice,” you brushed off. “I guess I’ll be the first.”

“Aren’t you worried about your reputation taking a hit?”

“Not particularly. Should I be?”

“Er, yes. I would think so. Most people certainly would be.”

“It’s a good thing I’m not most people, then.” You finally arrived in front of the smithy and promptly squared your hands upon your hips, smiling brightly. “Now. Let’s go and see what kind of badass sword Cedric cooked up for me!”

The servant let out a sigh. “Yes, I suppose we must.”

Much like last time, he didn’t smother you too much once you were inside. You could tell he really didn’t want to be here, so it kind of sucked to be him, but hey—jobs were shitty sometimes. Such was the way of life.

“Cedric!” you called out towards the back. “It’s [Name]! I got your letter and I’ve come to pick up my sword.”

A few moments later, you spotted Cedric’s toned frame pushing through the clutter. As always, he had on his usual good-natured smile, and his skin was once again flushed and lightly glazed in sweat. Although his character had never been mentioned in the game, you decided he fit the “gentle giant” trope quite well. Even with the sole interaction you’d had with him thus far, you could tell he was a sweet guy with nothing but good intentions.

“Hiya, [Name]!” Cedric beamed. “I’m glad you swung by so soon. I gotta tell ya, I was real excited to show this thing off, especially since you’ve never had a sword before. This will be your first one! I’m pretty proud of how it turned out, hehe.”

You brushed away an imaginary tear.

Aw. He’s so damn cute. Like a big teddy bear.

“I’m excited too,” you grinned. “Will you do the honors?”

“Of course! I’ve got it tucked away real snug near the back, just come right this way.” He hummed as he led you over, and he even seemed to have a bit of a bounce in his step. You supposed he must really have been looking forward to showing you how the sword had turned out. Admittedly, your expectations were pretty damn high, but you had a feeling he wouldn’t let you down. Eventually, he stopped and carefully withdrew a sword within its sheath from inside one of the drawers.

He handed it to you, smiling expectantly. “Here. Go ahead and take a look for yourself.”

You didn’t need to be told twice. The second the sheathed blade brushed against your fingertips, you could feel your heart beating a little quicker. Already, it was a massive improvement compared to Sergei’s sword. You weren’t yet wielding it in a proper stance or anything, but it was a good deal lighter and overall a much more comfortable fit for your height and build.

You slowly pulled the sword all the way out of its sheath, pausing to marvel at how damn glossy the blade was. There was even a small engraving, upon closer inspection. It read: Property of [Name], Zodite’s strongest and prettiest noblewoman.

“Oh my god!” you squeaked in adoration. “This is so cool! I love, love, love it!”

Cedric blushed a bit, folding in on himself. “I’m really happy you like it. I ain’t never crafted a sword for a lady before, but I was thinkin’ something a bit lighter like this would be better, especially since you were saying Sergei’s sword felt a bit uncomfortable to use. The reach on your sword won’t be quite as long, but it’ll make a lot of movements simpler as a result.”

“Yep,” you beamed, repeatedly rotating the sword just to see it from all different angles. “It’s perfect. And the engraving you added is super cute. I wasn’t expecting it. You really think I’m the prettiest noblewoman in the kingdom? Surely that’s just you stroking my ego, haha.”

“No, honest!” Cedric insisted. “You’re super pretty and nice! Granted, I haven’t met very many noblewomen, but I doubt they’d be as pleasant as you. Your friendliness makes you prettier in my eyes. I bet you have a lot of suitors lined up already.”

“Pfft, nothing like that,” you mused. “But I’m flattered you think so. But seriously, you did a great job with the sword. I’m so happy I finally have one to call my own. I realize my request was a bit unconventional, but you still took it seriously, so thank you for that.”

“No need to thank me! I was just doin’ my job, and—o-oh!”

Cedric stiffened up a bit. You were so darn happy right now that you just couldn’t help but wrap him in a big hug. His already flushed cheeks seemed to deepen several shades, but he got over his embarrassment rather quickly and proceeded to hug you back while chuckling.

“I gotta say, this is somehow better than the generous sum you already paid me,” he grinned happily, patting you on the shoulder a few times.

You felt your own cheeks heat up in response. It felt nice to hug someone like this. Honestly, your new life was so freaking awesome. You already had a sweetheart like Flora as your friend, and Cedric seemed like the type of guy you could really hit it off with—whether simply as friends or perhaps something even more than that one day.

But before you could sing his praises any more, you heard the front door opening and shutting with a distinct thud, and scarcely a few seconds later, a familiar face had joined you inside the smithy.

It was Sergei. And when he walked in on you and Cedric hugging with content expressions, he made a sour face.

“Lady [Name]? And Cedric? I... didn’t realize the two of you were already so close,” he remarked.

You pulled away from Cedric and smiled. “I was just thanking him for making me such an awesome sword. Here, take a look!”

You proceeded to show off the sword you’d just recently laid eyes upon yourself, with Cedric watching proudly and occasionally nodding his head in silent approval. But for some reason, Sergei didn’t look anywhere as thrilled as you’d been expecting. You finally had a weapon that felt natural to use, which would make your training go a lot more smoothly. Why wasn’t he happy for you?

Maybe I’m just being overly sensitive. Sergei isn’t exactly the most expressive guy to begin with.

You decided not to read into things too much. Meanwhile, Sergei withdrew his own sword—the unnecessarily long one that was too heavy for your brittle wrists—and handed it off to Cedric.

“I’d like it to be sharpened and greased a bit,” Sergei said. “There are some small chips here and there, so let me know if those need to be mended right away. If so, I’ll come by and pick it up another time.”

“Sure thing!” Cedric agreed, as chipper as always. “Just from a quick look, I don’t think they’ll be much of an issue, so there's no need for a mending quite yet. The maintenance shouldn’t take much longer than usual. Ya mind waitin’ a few minutes?"

“No, of course not.”

“Great! Then, I’ll be right back.”

You’d already finished your business at the smithy, but truthfully, you were still oohing and awing over your new sword. It really was cool getting to live in a completely different time period than you were used to. There was surely nobody else but you who could say they’d ever had such an incredible experience.

While you kept grinning stupidly, all too pleased with your newest exploit, Sergei looked over at you with pinched lips and a furrowed brow.

“You should be careful, Lady [Name],” he advised. “It wouldn’t do your reputation any favors to be seen embracing a person of lower status.”

“Hm? Oh, trust me, I don’t care about any of that,” you shrugged. “Come to think of it, my servant was saying something similar earlier. But yeah, I don’t focus on trivial matters like those. Let people talk. Cedric’s a nice guy. I really like him!”

Sergei’s expression still looked awfully sullen. He was normally quite stony-faced in the game, so this wasn’t too unexpected, but you really thought he’d started behaving quite comfortably around you. Perhaps he was just having a bad day?

“Maybe I’m just imagining it, but you look like you could use a hug,” you offered, then proceeded to extend your arms out. “C’mon. Don’t be shy.”

Sergei reacted by blushing profusely, then shaking his head. One thing was for certain, he was still remarkably easy to fluster.  

“I just told you why you shouldn’t do those things!” he exclaimed. “Don’t—I’m serious, Lady [Name], you can’t—”

Except you’d already hugged him, delighting in how awkwardly adorable he was. The fool, thinking he could dissuade someone as stubborn as yourself. What an amateur move.

He was pretty much stiff as a board and seemed at a loss as to where to put his hands, which sort of made for a crappy hug, but you didn’t mind it much. Even though he was standing around, as if waiting for it to be over, you didn’t miss the small smile twitching upon his lips. He was enjoying it somewhat, even if he refused to admit to it.

Eventually, you stopped. “There,” you smiled. “Now, was that so bad? You big grump.”

“I’m not a grump,” Sergei huffed grumpily.

“Yes, yes, whatever you say.” You had half a mind to tease him a bit more, but if he really was having a bad day, it was probably best to just leave it at that. Cedric didn’t take much longer to return from refining Sergei’s sword, anyways.

“Here ya go,” Cedric smiled while handing the sword off. “Good as new, I’d say.”

Sergei sheathed his sword and nodded, but didn’t bother to thank him. “I have to go now,” he blurted suddenly, and walked right out of the smithy without so much as a goodbye to either of you.

You frowned. “Seriously, what’s up with him? Is it just me, or does he seem kind of off today?”

“Nah, there ain’t nothin’ to it,” Cedric reassured. He didn’t seem bothered at all, so perhaps you really were being too sensitive about things. “Sergei looks all serious and stuff, but he’s a real good guy. He’s patient and helpful. I’ve never even seen him get mad.”

Well, even you knew that based on having witnessed his character in action inside the game, but interacting with him in real life was a significantly difference experience. Here, Sergei was much more three-dimensional and multi-faceted, and without his relationship with Flora in the picture, it was difficult to tell what exactly was going on through his head.

I wonder if he’ll still meet Flora and fall in love with her. If the yanderes don’t get involved, they could finally be happy together. I sure hope that happens.

Hopefully, regardless of what Sergei was dealing with, it would all be alright. He was a good person. Whatever he wanted, he deserved to have.

“Flora, at the risk of sounding too full of myself, I think might be a genius,” you said. You then proceeded to lift up three quizzes you’d gotten back during your various classes today, all of which you’d obtained a perfect mark for.

She pressed a palm to her mouth and reacted with just as much enthusiasm as you’d been hoping for. “Oh, my! [Name], I always knew you were more remarkable than most people, but I had no idea you were such a diligent student as well! This truly is impressive. You’re incredible at whatever you do!”

You lifted your chin up to the sky and chuckled. “Hehe, yes. Praise me more.” It was possible that your academic success was getting to your head a bit, but you wanted to savor the moment while it lasted. You’d never gotten to attend university in your previous life. It was nice that you finally had the chance to excel at learning, something you’d always been passionate about.

“I really could learn a thing or two from you,” Flora sighed. “I do my best to study, but I’m afraid academics have never come easily to me. I don’t have much of an educational background, after all. I’m sorry. You must be embarrassed to have a country bumpkin like me by your side.”

“Stop that,” you frowned, poking her on the forehead. “You’re kind and lovely. There’s no reason to get so down on yourself. Everyone’s good at different things, and the majority of people here have an advantage because they’ve been receiving an education for far longer than you. You’ll catch up soon, I promise.”

Flora blushed. “It’s strange. I’ve never been all that confident in myself, but hearing you say those things really makes me think I can pull them off.”

“Of course you can! Soon enough, we’ll both be scoring perfect on our tests.”

She flashed another cheerful smile your way. The two of you were currently resting on one of the benches in the middle of campus, with a bit of a break before your last class of the day. The weather was sunny and pleasantly warm, perfect for basking outside. You’d had a rather plentiful meal for lunch earlier, so you and Flora were sharing jam-covered scones as a midday snack.

Everything was going perfectly. You couldn’t recall having ever felt such happiness before.

“Hey! You there! That’s right, I’m talking to you!”

Sigh. Why does the universe hate me?

It was Theresa Simmons, that insufferable brat. She really couldn’t give you a break and mind her own business, could she? Like yes, you had thrown a shoe at her face, but only because she’d been acting like a bitch to start with! Your reaction had been totally warranted.

“It’s unsurprising that someone as crude as you would choose to spend your time around a commoner,” Theresa scoffed. “Seriously, have you no shame at all?”

You rolled your eyes at her, unbothered. “Are you trying to get hit in the face again, or what?”

“W-What is it with you and always threatening violence?” Theresa gasped. “You’re behaving even more like a commoner than the one sitting next to you!”

“I don’t know,” you shrugged, taking a bite out of your scone. “Violence works sometimes. All I’m saying is, don’t harass people without expecting them to retaliate. Now, shoo, please. I’m trying to enjoy my break.”

By now, Theresa was practically blowing steam out of her ears, bright red from humiliation. It didn’t help that her usual posse was with her, and she was currently being made an absolute fool of.

“You—you!” she cried out. “The night of the gathering at my estate, you told me that you were sorry for hurting me! Was that just a lie?!”

“No, I meant it,” you affirmed. “But I was kind of hoping that you would've learned your lesson after that and maybe toned down the bullying a bit. If you leave me and Flora alone, I have no reason to throw any more shoes. Sound good?”

“You should be ashamed of yourself,” Theresa gritted out. Tears were rising to her eyes. God, she was such a big baby. You’d hardly even said anything mean. People who dished out what they couldn’t handle were the absolute worst.

“I’m good,” you smiled. “I’m quite proud of myself, actually.”

“Ugh!”

“Miss Theresa,” one of the other noblewomen prodded. She looked troubled by the fact that their ringleader was progressively embarrassing herself more. “Let’s just leave it there for today. There’s no point in arguing with people beneath us, right?”

The other women nodded in agreement, looking very eager to remove themselves from this uncomfortable situation.

Too bad Theresa lacked the same social awareness.

“You—[Name]!” she exclaimed, jutting her index finger towards you accusingly. “You are very fortunate that my time is so valuable. Otherwise, I would’ve rendered you into a pitiful, weeping mess. But make sure not to get too comfortable. Sooner or later, I will make you regret what you’ve done.”

“I wonder why I don’t believe you,” you sighed.

“Grr!” she fumed. “J-Just shut your mouth, already! I’ve had enough of your foolish-looking face for today. I hope you have nightmares every day for the next, um... three weeks or so! Actually—even longer than that! You stupid idiot!”

She stomped away from you, with her underlings in tow, although they looked quite sheepish as they fled the scene. Which was fair enough, considering her last words had been "stupid idiot”.

“Man, that was lame,” you eye-rolled, then promptly polished off the rest of your scone. “Yummy. It’s sweet, but without being too sweet, you know?”

Although you, for one, were completely unruffled, Flora was staring at you with wide, trembling eyes. “[N-Name],” she said, voice quivering slightly. “I’m very sorry to put you through that. This is all because... you saved me that day. Now she’s decided to start picking on you as well. You must regret having ever interfered...”

You licked the leftover jam off your fingers, then gave her a confused look. “Who, Theresa? Nah, I really don’t care. She’s a bit of a bully, but she doesn’t scare me. Trust me when I say that there are far worse people you could get involved with. Compared to them, this is child’s play.”

“Which people are you referring to?”

“Huh? O-Oh, I was just making a general statement,” you recovered hurriedly. “As in, there are really scummy people that can be found all around, so when you think about it in the grander scheme of things, a bit of harassment from time to time isn’t so scary.”

“Ah. I think I understand what you mean.” Flora cast her head down and fiddled with her thumbs. “But still... having to deal with Theresa can’t be pleasant. I really hope you’re not too upset with me.”

“Flora,” you said sternly, grabbing her hands in yours. “I’m not upset with you. It would take a lot to make me upset with you, and I know you’re a good person, so there will never be any reason for something like that to happen. Theresa will get bored of pestering us before long, that much I’m quite certain of. All I need to do is keep standing my ground, and soon enough she’ll lose her nerve. I think she could stand to learn a good lesson anyways.”

Flora’s cheeks flushed that lovely shade of pink you’d gotten so used to seeing these past few days. You knew from playing Zodin’s Benevolence that she was rather timid and insecure, so you really hoped you could help her build up her confidence somewhat.

“Thank you, [Name].” She eagerly squeezed your hands and smiled once more. “I’m so lucky to have met you. I will always be grateful towards my adoptive father for taking me in and providing me with so much, but I knew the transition into a new lifestyle would be difficult. But thanks to you, I feel hopeful and optimistic for the future. I think... you might be my first real friend.”

You giggled. “Yeah. You’re my first real friend, too.”  

More chapters are available on Quotev!

⊱.⋅follow + post notifications on for story update announcements or join the author's discord!⋅.⊰

💞 main masterlist ♡ character appearances

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - January 1-7

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles!

1. Homes built with clay, grass, plastic and glass: How a Caribbean island is shying away from concrete

“[… Clay] traps moisture which then evaporates and pulls heat from the surface as it goes. […] The roof is covered in old recycled advertising banners and piece of a water tank, the other half of which is used to house some of Rahaman-Noronha's fish [… and] multi-coloured glass bottles inset into walls provide an avenue for streams of light and colour.”

2. To Combat Phoenix’s Extreme Heat, a New Program Provides Sustainable Shade

“The neighborhood workshops allow residents to get a shade plan tailored to their community’s needs and identify the locations where officials can plant trees. Meanwhile, the workforce-development side of the program creates the jobs needed to keep the trees alive for generations[….]”

3. Conservation corridors provide hope for Latin America’s felines

“[… S]cience has shown that to maintain healthy populations there needs to be connection between individuals. [… A] protected area that is close to another has more species and more potential for their survival.”

4. Social program cuts tuberculosis cases among Brazil's poorest by more than half

“The decrease [“in TB cases and deaths”] was over 50% in extremely poor people and more than 60% among the Indigenous populations. […] "We know that the program improves access to food [… and healthcare…] and strengthens people's immune defenses as a result.””

5. Geothermal has vast potential to meet the world’s power needs

“New geothermal systems could technically provide as much as 600 terawatts of carbon-free power capacity by 2050[…. C]ountries could cost-effectively deploy over 800 GW of geothermal power capacity using technology that’s in development today[….]”

6. New D.C. Catholic archbishop is pro-LGBTQ+ and anti-Trump

“In 2018, he objected to the blaming of gay priests for the clergy sexual abuse crisis, “saying that such abuse was a matter of power, not sexual orientation[….]” “We must disrupt those who portray refugees as enemies [… and] seek to rob our medical care, especially from the poor.””

7. Chesapeake Bay Will Gain New Wildlife Refuge

“The Chesapeake Bay area will have a new wildlife refuge for the first time in a quarter century. […] “This new refuge offers an opportunity to halt and even reverse biodiversity loss in this important place, and in a way that fully integrates and respects the leadership and rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities.””

8. Inside Svalbard seed vault’s critical mission to stop our favourite fruit and veg from going extinct

“[… T]he world’s largest secure seed storage […] sits proudly in a massive former coal mine[….] Right now, there are over 1,331,458 samples of 6,297 crop species. […] “During 2024, 61 seed genebanks deposited 64,331 seed samples, including 21 from institutes that deposited seeds for the first time this year[….]””

9. Medical debt will be erased from credit reports for all Americans under new federal rule

“The rule will affect more than 15 million Americans, raising their credit scores by an estimated average of 20 points. [… S]tates and localities have already utilized American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to support the elimination of over $1 billion in medical debt for more than 700,000 Americans[….]”

10. 'Forgotten' water harvesting system transforms 'barren wasteland' into thriving farmland

“"The process started with the community-based participatory planning[….]” 10% to 15% of the water will actually soak into the ground to replenish the water table, creating a more sustainable agricultural process.”

December 22-28 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.)

[kirlicues]

J & M Legacy Home | Sims 2 Lot Download

This spacious home is built on a 4x3 lot and has a traditional look that incorporates modern touches with plenty of room for all. This lot is very lightly furnished and costs §109,656.

This lot was originally built as an upgraded house for a Legacy challenge family one of my kids was playing years ago--J and M are the initials of the founder, and his wife (who I'm pretty sure was Melissa Fancy). I've redone the upstairs, which required putting on a new roof, and I'm happy to say that for the moment I'm really pleased with how it turned out. Here's a look at the back. The white fence is a Maxis "Lost & Found" object. I'll pop a link near the lot download so you can grab it for your game too if you haven't already.

The lot looks awfully small for a legacy family you might say, and you'd be right! 🤣 I rebuilt the home on a smaller (4x3) lot so it would run faster and be more efficient for playing.

Let's take a look inside and see the floor plan! I'm using a default replacement for the Euro set porch railings so that they are plain white and don't have that ugly neon blue stripe on them. Along those same lines I've also got a default replacement for the Hydrangea shrub to make the eye-searing, neon blue flowers look more realistic. I'll have a link near the bottom of the post if you need to have them in your game too.

1st Floor: Clockwise from bottom left: Dining room, bathroom/laundry, kitchen, back entryway with office nook, family room/music room, entryway, stairs, and living room. Oh yeah, there's a garage in there too, but I bet you can pick out which space that is. 🤭

2nd Floor: Clockwise from bottom left: Master bedroom, master bathroom, kids room 1, bathroom, kids bedroom 2/nursery, kids bedroom 3, upstairs landing, and kids bedroom 4.

As usual, if you don't like something or it doesn't fit your style, tear it out and put something different in.

J & M Legacy Home: MF | SFS

All EPs and SPs are required.

*I highly recommend that you have the PerfectPlants mod from TwoJeffs*

I’ve run this home through the Lot Compressor so any random references to sims that aren’t there should be removed. I have also run it through the Lot Cleaner to remove any bits of buggy code. This lot comes with a shiny custom thumbnail so it has even more curb appeal in your Lots and Houses bin! 😄

This home uses 3 pieces of CC which you may already have in your game. They can easily be replaced or omitted if you don’t want them though.

CC List (Included): -Maxis Match Wall Cabinets by CTNutmegger at ModtheSims -Functional Washer and Dryer by MustLuvCatz at ModtheSims

CC List (Not Included): -Maxis "Lost & Found" PineGultcher White Rail Fence at ModtheSims

Default Replacements Shown: -Lupin shrub from @peppermint-ginger If you don’t have these in your game your Lupin will look more “plastic”. -Hydrangea shrub from @peppermint-ginger If you don’t have these in your game your Hydrangea shrub's flowers will look neon blue. -Plain white default of the OFB Euro stairs and fence rail by Rosie (Rosebine at MTS2) -White Wall Top Texture Replacement by Maranatah at Mod the Sims

I ALWAYS recommend using the Sims 2 Pack Clean installer to install lot files.

Want to improve the look of your game, or grab some “Lost & Found” Maxis objects? Check out this post.

[plagueddead]

Technoverse - A guide for interaction roleplay and insert wise.

This was EXTREMELY requested

This blog exceeds to help newcomers to my AU environment. This blog will be updated over time if I see fit to change how this works interacts with itself. This blogs images will be updated over time if I find more suitable matches.

Photos have been found through Pinterest and art station. I will try and credit the source if I can.

This is an AU inspired by Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This is a free to join au. Major canon characters are prohibited from being claimed. Villains are up to discussion.

This is a isn't the backstory post of the turtles but the world they live in.

THIS AU CONTAINS TOPICS OF RACISM, ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES AND ACTIONS, AND VIOLENCE. Though I've done my best to try and make it as friendly as possible. This AU is a 16+ story due to these warnings.

Current AU time

25 years after the ROTTMNT movie.

AU Theme

Cyberpunk dystopia

Fantasy

Dark fantasy

Major city settings within AU

New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, London

City Summary

After the integration of Yokai as independent civilians and free citizens world wide, and with the collaboration of their technology as well as krang salvage, a new system of buildings and interlinks have been created to accommodate citizens. Buildings stacked overhead that pierce the clouds, the old world was left to turn into slums and poor living areas on ground zero. Due to permanent clouds caused by pollution and overhead cities, these major empires are in a permanent state of darkness. Neon signs often light these cities to create a spectacular aroura of lights and designs. Though with a permanent overcast comes with a cost, as rain clouds mix with polluted smog to create a toxic like rain that causes many illnesses. It's common among every citizen to keep an oxygen mask at all times in case of rain.

City main inspiration and reference: Altered Carbon

Major cities as listed above are unique as floating SSC (Solar System Cosmopolis) Cities cover most of the dense populated area. These floating cities serve as purpose as secured homing for politicians, celebrities, and mostly the rich. Though they are also engineered mega labs founded by Barron Draxum and Donatello Hamato. They serve to bring back and study extinct species, cultivate cures for major diseases, and help improve on already futuristic technology. They spin very slowly and resemble that of a solar system. Hense the nickname.

These cities are held afloat by a self sustainable gravity generator that uses the gravity of a man made miniature star; created by Donatello Hamato (age 20).

Main inspiration from CMD Studios recent project!!!

Hidden cities

These main cities are focused world points for another reason. They rest above other hidden cities in which they have their own theme and setting.

New Yorks hidden city belongs to Big Mama, a spider Yokai who deals in illegal gambling and the distribution of illegal mystic items. NY Hidden city remains as a hub for traveling species of Yokai from all around the world.

Hong Kongs hidden city belongs to [REDACTED TBA]- A Dragon Yokai who deals in illegal sales of mystic items and krang salvage from the old battle.

This hidden city is less developed than the others, as most accomodation plans have been denied to preserve its pristine buildings and history. This hidden city resembles deep mountain caverns with buildings built into the sides. Common mystical creatures from Chinese mythology live within this city and rarely travel. Humans are not allowed.

Main inspiration by David Noren!

London's hidden city belongs to [REDACTED TBA] A plant like fairy Yokai who often helps with creating forged ID's to help Yokai find a better place to live. She also is known to sell potions that aren't approved by the hidden cities overlords and FDA.

This hidden city has developed slowly over time, but due to quick overgrowth of plants and trees. Most buildings have been built into large glowing trees that hang over the city in beautiful rainbow colors. The ground is a great hub for growing fruits and herbs for medicines. The Yokai in this hidden city are spirits from English folklore. They have spread over different cities over time.

Main inspiration found on Thin blue line on Pinterest!

Seouls hidden city belongs to [REDACTED] a Polar Bear Yokai who deals in illegal weapon distribution and species trafficking.

This hidden city is up to date and mostly in an indoor environment due to this hidden city being within a freezing temperature climate. More artic themed Yokai live within, but this hidden city is popular as a summar retreat by humans and other Yokai looking to stay cool for the summer. But this hidden city isn't as welcoming to humans as the others.

Main inspiration by Annabale Siconolfi!

Tokyos hidden city belongs to Yeosobai. A jellyfish Yokai who deals with handles most black markets and distribution of illegal substances.

This hidden city is completely underwater. Surrounded on a deep voided ocean under Japan, pod cities have been added to accommodate air breathing citizens, though most buildings were air tight even before. This hidden city is also a large hub for tourists due to its underwater appeal. This city distributes most seafood around the county. Known for its large amount of attractions and adult clubs, it's also a very crime ridden city.

This is also where Current Donatello resides.

Main inspiration creator unknown

Human and Yokai stances

With the sudden booming population of mutants and Yokai integrating into human society, of course tensions and protests by humans were bound to happen. A world they were so used to was building into something unknown before their very eyes after all. And so, tensions between species rose.

Humans with a deep dislike towards other species either hide their hate, or become extremists. Often getting tag as cultists as over years hate crimes toward Yokai and mutants became a world wide situation. Yokai were often kidnapped from their homes to be found barley recognizable by their attackers. Yokai would retaliate, and after much tension, civil wars broke out. Protests for safer living for both species were in demand, and so most governments integrated an artificial intelligence police force that contained mostly droids to prevent race picking. Most countries have adapted this form of law enforcement.

Cultists are still a major problem though their numbers have thinned.

The term Mutant has become a word to target Yokai and mutants in a hateful way, and this word soon became outdated. All non humans are now under the identification of Yokai. This includes mixed races between the two.

It's common for Yokai and humans relationships! Often by now the first generations of Yokai and humans hybrid children are born!

There are even schools for these rare breeds as they are still being studied as a new species.

It is illegal for most countries to have discrimination between species. No Yokai only or human only living spaces, restaurants, or shops.

Though within most slums there is a secret rule to separate the species as mostly disgrunted humans and Yokai live here.

And now we're here!

I want my character to join the au, but I don't know what's allowed!

This part of the blog aims to help you adapt your character into this new universe.

What should my character wear?!

It's really up to you! Most humans and Yokai wear mostly cyberpunk themed clothing! Often I find Pinterest as a source of inspiration. I think your character would fit better if it comes from a certain part of the world. Armor and glowing clothes are welcome and encouraged! Get creative!

I want my character to have cool robotic limbs and mods in their body! Is this allowed?

Yep! And encouraged! This is a futuristic setting! So modifications to the body aren't uncommon!

Can my characters have cool unique weapons?

Of course! And I'd love to see them!! 🔥🔥🔥

Do I have to ask before joining this AU?

Nope! But I'd love to see/read your creation! Or see that you're inspired to join!

Does my character have to be human?

Nope! Any species welcome!

Can my character already know personally main characters?

That's up for discussion. Current time Donatello isn't open to being known nor talkative to strangers. I'd like it if you didnt. He's playing dead unlike the rest of his brothers. Leo's up for discussion but with Mikey and Raph, they are more social and I can see them having multiple friends. Leo's treated more as a police officer and doesn't have a lot of friends due to his work.

Can my character work for the main boss Yokai of the hidden city.

Yes! I'd like you to stay close to what they do in terms of how they run things!

Can I claim ships with these characters?

NO.

Claiming ships with only your characters and main cast is prohibited. That's why Y/N is created as a medium for all 18+ participants that want to ship their characters with main cast. Ships are fun and welcome! But you cannot claim it as a you only ship.

Thank you for reading what I have for now! More to be added!

[thezombieprostitute]

Dragonfly - Part 2

Summary: Steve has just about everything he could ever want in life. He's got you, a baby on the way, and a successful Family. No one would dare interfere with that. Right?

A/N: Reader is female, pregnant. No other descriptors used.

Word Count: ~1k

Warnings: Death threats, Implied violence, Pregnancy. Please let me know if I missed any!

Part 1 -- Part 3

Series Masterlist

You’ve been stuck inside the house for days. It’s a beautiful house, you feel comfortable in it, but knowing you can’t leave makes you want out more than ever. You try to distract yourself by cooking and baking whatever it is the baby is craving but that only goes so far. Especially when you can feel Steve’s frustration adding to your own. Something needs to actually be done but, with nothing you can actually do, it’s just building up a lot of frustrated energy for both of you. He can at least use the home gym for some of his energy but all you’re allowed to use in there is the treadmill and it’s just not enough. 

Bucky finally has some news and calls you both into Steve’s office. You vaguely recognize the person with him as God the Bounty Hunter, or GBH as he allows only his closest circle to call him. Steve sets you in the chair behind his desk, the most comfortable one in the office, before sitting on the desk facing the two men. 

“GBH has been able to get an appointment with the person who runs the boards,” Bucky starts. Steve’s fists clench as he grabs the edge of the desk, fighting the urge to punch the faceless person. “It’s at the Cairo Hotel and I’m gonna recommend neither of you is there for it.”

“What?” Steve’s anger is evident in his clenched jaw.

“There are a few factors, Steve,” Bucky raises his hands. “Namely, I don’t think you can control yourself to follow the rules of neutrality at the appointment. We can’t afford to lose Pine’s support.” 

Steve lowers his head in understanding. You get up and gently rub your hand between his shoulder blades, trying to help him keep calm.

“Another factor is my professional standing,” GBH adds. “I have a reputation and clout to uphold. These aren’t the kind of people you want to piss off. Anything happens to Mr. Smith at an appointment with me, I’ll be done for. And not just professionally.”

“GBH assures me that there is procedure for a target to remove their contract or for someone else to do so on their behalf,” Bucky offers. “It’s likely gonna cost a lot, but I know that doesn’t matter.” Steve nods. “Plus, it’ll keep her off of the contract postings for at least five years.”

“But I am highly doubtful anyone will get any information on who posted the contract,” GBH confessed. Steve turned to glare at him but the other man seemed unaffected as he continued, “again, lots of regulation and factors. Namely trust within the business. No one’s gonna post a contract if there’s a chance the target finds out they’re the ones who opened it.”

“Just business, huh,” Steve mocks. 

You hug him from behind, “just getting the hit on me removed would be a major quality of life improvement.” You nuzzle your face against his shoulder. “And maybe we can send one of the Garbage Men to the appointment? They’re good at getting subtext and negotiations, right?”

Steve and Bucky both nod at your assessment. 

“I was planning on just me and God,” Bucky admits. “Would it be acceptable for us to bring a third?” 

GBH contemplates, “it shouldn’t be a problem. The key thing is that it’s at Pine’s establishment and he doesn’t have to worry about someone trying to hurt him in retaliation for doing his job.” 

Steve’s grip on the desk makes his knuckles go white. He hates the idea of his wife’s life or death being a matter of ‘business’. But he knows that’s how it is for everyone outside his circle. It’s the kind of thinking that he’s worked hard to make sure he doesn’t fall into. “Whatever you need to do, do it. I want this contract burnt.”

It’s finally the day of the contract appointment and you do your best to distract yourself and Steve. He’s always been willing to do whatever you needed but it’s been magnified since your confirmed pregnancy test a few months ago. Thinking it might help both of you to relax a little, you ask him to help you out. 

A foot massage for your swollen feet, keeping his hands busy and his thoughts focused on your moans of pleasure. 

A warm bath to help your muscle aches, keeping his attention focused on your naked body and the temperature of the water. 

Which, of course, led to the two of you in bed so he can properly worship your body. Part of you misses the rougher sex but you understand Steve’s hesitancy. And damn if he doesn’t still make you feel so good you forget your name. 

Steve holds your sleeping form in his arms, gently rubbing your belly. He knows you’ve been trying to distract him and he’s so grateful to you. He’s barely been able to keep from punching walls and checking his phone every five minutes. But taking care of you really helped to settle him. 

He hears the telltale chirp of his phone and moves as carefully as he can so that he doesn’t wake you. The message is from Bucky, Contract burnt. Possible lead thanks to Teach. His shoulders go lax as he finally feels the relief he’s been longing for. 

He returns to his place in the bed, holding you close. You barely wake up, just enough to make yourself comfortable and kiss his neck. It’s not completely safe for you and your baby boy yet. But now that the overarching danger has been taken care of, he can focus on finding and crushing the source. Whoever Dragonfly is, Steve vows they will die in agony by his own hand.

Part 1 -- Part 3

Series Masterlist

Tags:

@alicedopey; @aryhyuuga; @cynic-spirit; @icefrozendeadlyqueen; @jamneuromain; @jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory; @ktficworld; @leryg0; @rayofdawnworld; @rebekahdawkins; @talesofadragon; @texmexdarling