#space planning estimator

[asestimationsconsultants]

The Role of a Commercial Estimating Service in Pre-Lease Space Planning

Before a commercial tenant signs a lease, they often envision a space that must be adapted to suit their operational and branding needs. This process—pre-lease space planning—is crucial in ensuring a property meets both budget and functionality expectations. A commercial estimating service plays a central role in this phase, providing accurate cost projections, identifying risks, and helping stakeholders make informed decisions before any lease is finalized.

Why Pre-Lease Planning Matters

Leasing commercial space is not just about square footage—it’s about the cost to make that space usable for a specific business. Whether it’s an office buildout, a retail storefront, or a medical suite, tenants require precise modifications that come with significant costs. If these costs aren’t assessed early, lease negotiations can lead to financial surprises or operational delays.

A commercial estimating service steps in during this early phase to evaluate the potential fit-out or tenant improvement (TI) costs. By doing so, they bring transparency to the negotiation process and prevent unexpected expenses after the lease is signed.

Assessing Tenant Improvement Costs

The most direct contribution of a commercial estimating service is projecting the TI costs needed to convert a space for tenant use. This involves reviewing conceptual layouts, architectural intent, and the scope of finishes required. Estimators calculate costs for partitions, flooring, lighting, HVAC modifications, IT infrastructure, ADA upgrades, and more.

For example, a tenant seeking an open-plan office with collaborative zones, private suites, and branded elements may require extensive interior demolition and new construction. The estimating service helps quantify each of these elements based on local construction costs and current market rates.

Advising Landlords and Tenants on Lease Terms

In many commercial leases, the landlord offers a TI allowance—a financial contribution to help the tenant cover part of the buildout cost. But how does a tenant know if the allowance is sufficient? Or if the landlord is being fair? That’s where the commercial estimating service adds clarity.

By preparing detailed cost estimates, the service helps tenants determine if the landlord’s allowance matches the buildout needs. Conversely, landlords rely on estimators to ensure the TI budget aligns with what’s typical in the market and won’t result in excessive out-of-pocket expenses later.

Supporting Design Feasibility

A commercial estimating service collaborates closely with architects, space planners, and brokers during pre-lease planning to confirm the feasibility of design concepts. Estimators evaluate cost implications of high-end finishes, unconventional layouts, or system upgrades early on, allowing design teams to make value-based adjustments before too much time or money is spent.

For example, a proposed layout that requires moving core infrastructure (like restrooms or mechanical rooms) can be flagged early as prohibitively expensive, prompting the team to rethink the space configuration.

Addressing Building Constraints and Code Compliance

Not all spaces can accommodate every tenant’s needs. Older buildings might lack the power capacity for high-tech offices, or zoning restrictions may limit what type of business can operate. A commercial estimating service helps identify these hidden cost drivers and potential deal breakers.

Estimators also factor in local building codes and ADA requirements. If modifications like installing an elevator, creating a second exit, or upgrading fire suppression systems are necessary, these can dramatically change the project’s financial outlook. Recognizing these costs during lease negotiations prevents future disputes and construction delays.

Timeline and Phasing Considerations

In fast-moving markets, timing is critical. Tenants often want to move in quickly, but construction may delay occupancy. A commercial estimating service helps stakeholders understand realistic schedules and phasing plans. If the tenant wants to move in while part of the space is still under construction, estimators can help plan phased work with corresponding costs.

Understanding the lead times for custom materials, permitting durations, and contractor availability helps all parties set achievable expectations. Delays due to unforeseen costs or scope gaps are minimized when a detailed estimate supports the initial plan.

Budget Control and Negotiation Support

With an accurate pre-lease estimate, tenants gain leverage in negotiations. If the space requires a $200,000 buildout but the landlord only offers $75,000 in TI allowance, the tenant can negotiate higher support, a lower base rent, or other incentives.

From the landlord’s side, a commercial estimating service helps protect their investment. By understanding the cost implications of a lease deal, they avoid overcommitting to a space that requires more TI than they can afford or recoup.

Helping Tenants Compare Multiple Spaces

Tenants often evaluate more than one property before signing a lease. A commercial estimating service can prepare comparative TI cost summaries for each space, allowing the tenant to factor buildout costs into their decision—not just base rent or location. A cheaper lease may not be the most affordable option when renovation costs are accounted for.

Conclusion

Pre-lease space planning is a complex, high-stakes phase in commercial real estate. A commercial estimating service brings structure, clarity, and financial foresight to the process. By quantifying the cost of tenant improvements, identifying potential challenges, and validating lease terms, estimators ensure that both landlords and tenants enter lease agreements with their eyes wide open. This early investment in cost intelligence helps protect capital, enhance negotiation outcomes, and accelerate time to occupancy.

[maudiemoods]

You into arts and crafts too?! : 3

YES I LOVE ARTS AND CRAFTS!!! I just don't typically have the time, money, or energy to do them! But I'm trying to do it anyway!! This is my list of plans!!

IDK why but I don't have fin's swords listed but that was supposed to be my first project!! I plan on doing five of them to put above my couch!!

[reasonsforhope]

"In Sacramento, California, an estimated 6,615 people are experiencing homelessness, a number that — while still heartbreakingly high — has declined 29% since 2023, according to the latest Point In Time counts. 

But a new project, which has been in the works since 2022, might bring that number down even lower.

A new 13-acre property purchased by Sacramento County will soon be home to the Watt Service Center and Safe Stay. 

The county broke ground on the mixed-use service center this week, which will provide shelter, emergency respite, safe parking, health services, and more to community members who are unsheltered — meaning they don’t have a place to safely sleep at night.

“We wanted to do something that is not only larger, but a large-scale campus to provide more than just the shelter,” Janna Haynes, of the county’s Department of Homeless Services and Housing, told KCRA3 News.

The Watt Service Center will have amenities to help meet the needs of anyone staying there, including bathrooms, showers, laundry, and food, as well as mental health, treatment, and employment services.

“You can also meet with your case manager, get behavior health services, look for a job, get rehousing services, a place for your dog,” Jaynes added. “It’s really everything you need, not only for your day-to-day life, but to hopefully end your homelessness.”

While the center is a costly offering, the city explained that it is ultimately less expensive than allowing the homelessness crisis to go unmitigated.

The land was purchased for $22 million and will cost an estimated $42 million to construct the center. According to ABC10 News it will be mostly funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.

While the center will have the capacity to host 225 beds in Safe Stay cabins, 50-person capacity in Safe Parking, and 75-person capacity for emergency/weather respite beds, it will serve countless others outside of the 350 total people it can house at any given time.

According to a press release from the county, “conservative estimates” have found that over the course of 15 years, the center will serve 18,000 people.

In 2017, the city found that the average cost for an “unsheltered individual” was about $45,000 a year, considering public systems like county jail, shelters, behavioral health, and more.

With the projected impact of the shelter, that cost lowers to less than $3,600 per person.

“If you break down the funding, it’s actually not that expensive,” Rich Desmond, county supervisor for District 3, told ABC10.

“It’s a heck of a lot cheaper than letting someone stay out in the community, unsheltered where they are extremely expensive in terms of the emergency response from fire, our emergency rooms, our law enforcement response.”

Providing what the county calls “wraparound services” not only brings down costs but truly helps people meet their basic needs.

“The really great thing about this site in particular, that we don't have at any other shelters, is the sheer size and the ability to really wrap everything people need,” Emily Halcon, director of the Department of Homeless Services and Housing with Sacramento County, told ABC10. 

One notable feature is the center’s Safe Parking spaces, which are the first of their kind in the city. People living in their cars will now have a safe place to park, monitored by security.

“We know a lot of people who are unsheltered actually are living out of their cars,” Desmond said, “maybe a family that’s barely hanging on but they still need that vital transportation to get their kids to school or get to work.”

This support is especially helpful for those who are newly homeless, Halcon added, building on the amenities provided in the county’s two other “safe stay” facilities. 

While Sacramento County just broke ground on the Watt Service Center, officials say they hope to begin moving people into the facility in January 2026.

“Our staff is putting in extra time and attention to this campus, ensuring that it houses everything we need to end homelessness for people,” Desmond said in a statement.

Once it’s up and running, Jaynes told KCRA3, they plan to onboard formerly unhoused community members as part of the staff at the facility.

“When you have a conversation with someone who understands where you’ve been, and you see the success they’re having now,” Jaynes said, “it really does give you hope something could be different.”

-via GoodGoodGood, January 24, 2025

[arolesbianism]

Shaking and crying as I finally start working on some more long term oxygen production systems as if it's much more complicated than building a room with like 5 buildings inside all of which you can unlock without even building an advanced science station

[jinwoosbabyboo]

Life in SkyHaven w/ Self-Aware!Caleb

Who would've thought your first three days in SkyHaven would be like this? Actually you never even thought being in SkyHaven was possible yet here you are. Self-aware!Caleb x Emotionally-torn!Player A/N: Well part 3 is here. I thought Sylus would be first buuuuut you know it is what it is.

↢ previous

Three days have passed since Caleb left you in this fully furnished prison. His place was comfortable, but the atmosphere was cold. You found yourself counting the minutes which only made time tick by slower. He didn’t tell you exactly when he would be back, but you could estimate.

Should only be a few more hours before you get to see that handsome face of his. Also only a few more hours before you shove your foot so far up his ass he’ll be tasting nail polish for the next three months. You’re passed angry with this man — absolutely livid! Not only does he kidnap you and drug you, but he has the audacity to leave for three fucking days right after?

I’ll kill him.

He thought he was slick by setting up his guest room to perfectly resemble yours back home. Even down to the exact same books you had on your shelves. It’s almost like he’d perfectly planned this so you would be grateful that he took the time to get everything that you liked so you wouldn’t be upset about being stuck here.

What do I mean ‘almost’ that’s definitely what he did.

After the first night of sleeping in that imposter room you were so happy to wake up and see ‘your room’ that you actually believed the entire debacle was just a dream. Your joy was fleeting when you turned and saw those damn floor to ceiling windows. You could practically feel your soul shatter at the realization. That’s when you decided to sleep in Calebs room.

You woke up this morning in his bed as expected and sat up turning to stare out the window taking in the vast city of SkyHaven. A small ember of hope gnawed at you, but it was quickly pushed down. “Prepare for the worst and you won’t be disappointed….” You sighed, falling back into the plush pillows of Calebs bed. “I should get up” You’d hate to admit it, but damn was his bed comfortable if your stomach wasn’t growling you’d probably spend another few hours rotting in bed.

You wrapped the plush blanket around yourself and detoured to sit by the window for a little while. You sighed as you watched the everyday civilians below go about their day unbeknownst to them they had a foreigner watching their every move; trapped just a few stories above them wishing she could walk around freely like they do. In just three days you noticed a few patterns among them.

The sophisticated dark haired man who stops in the corner bakery every morning and sits alone.

The two teens running to catch the bus. How are they always late?

The old man who pushes his wheelchair bound — you assume wife — slowly through the park as he makes her giggle.

You kissed your teeth and slammed your fist against the window willing it to break, but your efforts were in vain. You glance over your shoulder to examine the mess you've left in Calebs room. Clothes strewn about making the room look like a tornado came through here. You hate that you find comfort by sleeping in his bed and since you can’t take it out on him the next best option was his room. You've left your mark everywhere disturbing the inhuman cleanliness he had. Could that be because he’s usually barely here? Possibly, but you don’t care it gives you a sense of power ruining his personal space.

However, his scent clings to his pillows and sheets lulling you to sleep. It feels like you’re being held in a loving embrace as you drift off into a lonely slumber. “I hate him so much, but I can’t deny that I do have feelings for that man” You mumble to no one, but yourself because who else is there to talk to? You stand throwing the blanket on the floor and head out of the room. “Doesn’t negate the fact that he’s fucked up for leaving me here”

Although you've kept yourself entertained while being here you can’t help, but miss home. You miss your friends, you miss your bed and you miss your fucking kitchen where you knew where shit was. Calebs kitchen is like a spaceship — three days and you still struggle to find anything in this bitch.

You went about your day as usual.

Eat breakfast….

Shower…..

Watch TV….

Read a book…..

Stare out the window…..

You find yourself jumping at any noise that passes by the front door. ‘Is he back early?’ ‘Is that him?’ then the sound fades and you’re left alone once again.

You curl up into your usual spot on the couch and crack open a book. The sun is starting to set now and you can’t help, but wonder if you'll have to spend another day here in this foreign place alone. SkyHaven truly is a sight to behold — you probably would have loved to explore and see what this place has to offer, but now you just want to go home. You can feel tears stinging the back of your eyes as you watch the sun dip below the horizon. Is he punishing me because I was mean to him? Should I have been nicer? At least the sunset is pretty.

You let your tears flow freely down your face — crying silently.

You turned on the lamp by the couch and tried to immerse back into your book, but you were interrupted by the sound of the front door unlocking. You quickly wiped your tears and tried to stifle your sniffling.

“Are you cryin'?” You had little time to react before you were smothered by Caleb in a tight, but gentle hug. “What happened?” He pulled back — wiping a stray tear from your already soaked cheek. You’re sure you look a mess in your current state and yet here he is looking at you like you're the most precious thing to ever exist. You reached a hand up slowly dragging your fingertips across his face just to make sure he was real. “I told you I'd be back in three days” He smiled as he nuzzled into the palm of your hand — giving it a chaste kiss.

“Caleb….” You felt some sense of relief having him in front of you again after three days of forced solitude. You graciously raised your hand and swung with everything in you — connecting with his cheek so hard it made your hand sting. For a lack of better words — you slapped the shit out of him.

Caleb who was previously sitting next to you on the couch was now sprawled on the floor rubbing his face. You stood over him — anger practically burning you alive “Why am I crying!?” The gall. The audacity. “I was kidnapped, drugged and then left to rot here while you were off with the Farspace Fleet finger poppin' each others assholes!”

Caleb looked up at you before dropping his head and chuckling silently to himself. “What’s so funny about that?” You pushed him onto his back with your foot trying to get a good look at his face. “You’re just very cute when you’re angry pipsqueak” Cute? He finds this all cute right now? Unbelievable. You turned on your heels and stormed out of the living room. You could hear his footsteps rapidly following behind you. Out of habit you stormed into his room and tried to slam the door behind you, but failed when Caleb was already there to catch the door with his foot. “Okay okay I’m sorry I'll explain myself”

You plopped down on the edge of the bed, crossing one leg over the other while gesturing for him to hurry up and start talking “It’s not like I can really go anywhere so go ahead” Caleb approached slowly — sinking to his knees and sitting back on his heels in front of you. Seeing him like this made your heart race and you did your best to remain composed. He stared up at you with those big amethyst eyes — they’re not helping your erratic heartbeat. “Did you trash my room because you’re mad at me?” His fingertips gently brushed your calf, giving you goosebumps, before settling on your knee. You swatted his hand away “Don’t touch me and stay focused”

Caleb chuckled as he ignored your demand and grabbed your foot proceeding to give you a foot massage. “For starters I didn’t drug you”

“Yes you di- ah!”

Caleb tickled your foot making your voice hitch “Your body didn’t respond well to the amount of g-force it took to get here which is why you slept for almost a full day when I got you here” A day? He uncrossed your leg so he could easily get to your other foot. “I imagine the shock you got from waking up here caused your adrenaline levels to spike and once you calmed down that adrenaline dump caused you to faint” The look in his eye seemed sincere, but you’d have to be naïve to believe him off rip. “I would never hurt you” He rested his chin on your thighs — those big amethyst eyes pleading with your angry ones. He actually looks like a puppy right now.

“You look like a kicked puppy” You deadpanned.

“You look gorgeous from this angle” He switched from a sad puppy to a lovesick puppy so fast it almost had your head spinning. “You’re always gorgeous though”

“You can’t sway me that easily Caleb” You shoved him by his forehead off your thigh and stood to your feet. “Even if you are telling the truth you still left me here for three days” You seethed “That’s fucked up and I didn’t appreciate it”

Caleb shifted so he was leaning with his back against the bed frame. “I had a routine patrol” His tone was even and relaxed like you were just supposed to be okay with that answer.

“So why not wait until after your patrol?” A familiar knot formed in your throat as you anger built up — no way you’re about to start crying right now. You swallowed hard and regained your composure. Caleb noticed the shaky breath you let out and it made something heavy settle in the pit of his stomach. He slowly got to his feet moving towards you. You stepped back wanting trying to keep him at arms length. “You deliberately brought me here and then left like it was nothing”

“Once I figured out how to bring you here why would I wait?” Calebs words were cold, but his voice was soft and his touch was even softer as he gripped your waist willing you to come closer. “I’m real now so we can be together according to your rules” You fought against his hold and repeatedly punched him in the chest. “I hate you so fucking much you lizard built bitch if you ever have no haters then I'm fucking dead” Part of you is hoping these hits are caving his chest in and the other part just wants to fall into him, but you’re so torn and it’s his fault.

By the time you calm down you realize your face is pressed into his chest. His arms are wrapped tightly around you and a gentle hand rubs your back. You hate to admit it, but being in this moment is the most comfort you've had in days. Nothing could stop the way you’re melting in his arms — fuck. “You can punch me a few more times if it will make you feel better” You want to, you really want to, but damn does being in his arms feel like a safe haven.

How can someone so unnerving be so comforting at the same time?

You sniffled and purposely rubbed your nose onto his uniform. Your last little bit of revenge on him. “I’m done I tired myself out”

The two of you stood there in an oddly comfortable silence. Caleb only held you tighter when you tried to slip away. He was the first to break the silence “Are you hungry? I can cook you something special” without looking at him you quietly nodded your head. Having a meal specially prepared for you sounded nice and you figured it’s a good way to have an actual conversation. “Since you so graciously got snot all over my uniform i’m going to shower and then get started on your dinner”

He turned on his heels, but not before placing the softest kiss on your forehead. It took everything in you not to recoil or tense up — you want him to think you trust him completely if you plan on getting any actual information out of him.

“I hate that your cooking is so good” You didn’t anticipate the fact that you’d end up scarfing down his food like a heathen when you agreed to have dinner with him. You didn’t even get to ask any of your questions. You wiped your mouth with a napkin and dropped it onto the plate, signaling to Caleb that you were full.

“You hate it, but you cleaned the plate” He snickered as he grabbed your plate and replaced it with a slice of warm apple pie topped with ice cream. Your mouth practically watered when the intoxicating aroma hit your nose. “Still have room for dessert?” You looked at him for the first time since you two sat down for dinner and the sudden movement shocked Caleb. You keep falling into this never ending loop of falling under this alluring spell of his whenever he’s close. The way his eyes sparkle when your gaze meets his shouldn’t have your heart racing, but here you are.

Memories of the kiss you two shared three days ago replay in your head and you find yourself hoping he closes the distance. “Well?”

“What?” You blinked rapidly.

“Do you still have room for dessert?”

You looked back down at the dish in front of you; you could tell it was going to be immaculate. “Of course there’s always room for dessert” You slid the bowl closer as Caleb moved around the table taking his seat next to you again. “I do have questions Caleb and I'm still mad at you”

“Then let’s go over each grievance one at a time pipsqueak” He pinched your nose making you swat his hand away. “You’re so cute”

You start dramatically scooting your chair away which probably is not helping your case, but who cares. “You need to take me seriously” You stabbed your spoon into the pie making sure to get a good apples to crust to ice cream ratio when suddenly Caleb drags your chair back to him — even closer than before.

Caleb: I’m listenin' You: How did you make a carbon copy of my room? Caleb: I could see it durin' our video chats You: Ok creepy … Did you put something in those flowers? Caleb: No you had a panic attack You: Do my friends and family know where I am? Caleb: I pulled some string with them don't worry You: That was incredibly vague what about my job? Caleb: Your job thinks you're on vacation which by the way thanks for lettin' your vacation time stack up you have enough time to be here for a month You: Im not staying for a month and don’t I need clearance to be here? Caleb: Of course that’s why you’re my Adjutant

You drew back in shock, choking on your food in the process “I’m what!?”

“My adjutant” Caleb so graciously repeated as if you actually didn’t hear him the first time. “No one will even dare to think about questioning you” He beamed at you while he spoke “See? I took care of everything”

“What if I don’t want to do that? I can walk out that door right now!”

“And go where?” His beaming smile shrunk into a cocky smirk. “How exactly do you plan on getting home?” His words were said with a smile, but the look in his eyes was cold. His demeanor sent shivers down your spine causing you to instinctively lean away. He must’ve seen the fear in your eyes because his gaze melted and nothing, but yearning pooled in those captivating eyes of his. “Let me make up for those three days”

“Caleb let me go” You whispered.

He cupped your face and caressed your cheeks with his thumbs “I’ll do anything, but that”

↢ previous

[little-jana]

"Meant to Be"

Pairing: Spencer Reid x wife!reader

Genre: fluff

Words: 3.2k

Warnings: Brief mention of child abandonment, emotional themes, adoption, foster care

Summary: Spencer and his wife never planned on having kids just yet—but when they find an abandoned baby near the FBI headquarters, everything changes.

a/n: request by anon

The day had started out like any other. You and Spencer walked hand in hand through the streets of D.C., enjoying the crisp morning air before he had to head into work. Being married to an FBI agent meant cherishing moments like these—the quiet ones, the normal ones.

But then, as you passed by a quiet alley near the FBI headquarters, a soft, muffled cry stopped you both in your tracks.

Spencer stiffened beside you. His hand instinctively tightened around yours. "Did you hear that?"

You nodded, scanning the dimly lit space between two buildings. At first, there was nothing but dumpsters and scattered debris. But then, just barely visible near the wall, you saw it—a small baby carrier.

Your heart lurched.

“Spencer…” You whispered, already moving toward it.

He was right beside you as you knelt down. Inside the carrier was a tiny baby, no older than a few months. Their chubby cheeks were flushed pink from the cool morning air, and their big brown eyes blinked up at you in confusion.

A note was tucked beside them.

Spencer grabbed it, his hands trembling slightly as he read aloud. I’m sorry. I can’t take care of him.

That was all. No name, no details. Just a heartbreaking confession.

You swallowed hard, instinctively reaching out. The moment your fingers brushed against the baby’s soft blanket, he let out a tiny whimper, his tiny hands grasping at the air. Without thinking, you scooped him up, holding him close to your chest.

Spencer let out a shaky breath. “We need to call the police.”

You nodded, but your eyes were locked on the baby. He felt so small in your arms, so vulnerable. He had no idea he’d been abandoned—he just wanted warmth, comfort. Love.

Spencer made the call while you rocked the baby gently, whispering soothing words. When he looked up at you, something in his gaze softened.

You didn’t realize it at the time, but that was the moment everything changed.

---

A few hours later

The baby—who the doctors estimated to be around three months old—was in good health despite being left outside in the cold. You and Spencer stayed with him at the hospital, waiting for Child Protective Services to arrive.

You hadn’t put him down once.

Spencer watched you the entire time, his mind whirring. He had always imagined you holding a baby one day, but it was supposed to be later—years later. Yet here you were, cradling this tiny boy like you were meant to be his mother.

And Spencer felt something shift inside him.

“Do we know his name?” you asked the nurse, adjusting the blanket around the baby.

She shook her head. “Nothing was left with him. For now, the social worker is calling him ‘Baby Doe.’”

You frowned, looking down at him. “That doesn’t seem right. He deserves a name.”

Spencer hesitated for only a second before saying, “James.”

You blinked up at him in surprise.

“My mom used to read me The Turn of the Screw by Henry James,” he explained. “I always liked the name.”

You smiled. “James. I like it.”

The baby—James—yawned sleepily against your chest, and something inside Spencer clenched.

He wasn’t ready for kids.

But suddenly, he wasn’t so sure he could imagine letting this one go.

---

A few days later

Spencer came home late from work, exhausted and distracted. The case had been tough, but it wasn’t what was weighing on him.

It was James.

You had spent every spare second checking on him, calling social services, asking about his placement. You hadn’t said it out loud, but Spencer could see it in your eyes.

You wanted to keep him.

And the terrifying part?

Spencer wanted that too.

As soon as he stepped inside, he found you curled up on the couch, your phone clutched in your hands. You looked up at him with an unreadable expression.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, immediately alert.

You took a deep breath. “The social worker called. James’ birth mother doesn’t want him back. He’s being placed in the foster system.”

Spencer’s stomach twisted.

Foster care.

James was so small, so vulnerable. He deserved better than being shuffled between homes, never knowing where he belonged.

The words were out before Spencer could stop them.

“What if we take him?”

Your eyes widened. “Spencer…”

“I know we didn’t plan for this. And I know it’s fast, and crazy, and maybe completely irresponsible. But…” He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t want him to go into the system. And I don’t want to spend the rest of my life wondering what happened to him. We could do this. We should do this.”

You stared at him, searching his face. “Are you sure?”

Spencer let out a breathless laugh. “No. But when I see you holding him, when I think about him going to strangers instead of us… I know I can’t just walk away.”

Your lips trembled, and Spencer reached for your hands.

“Let’s foster him,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “And if—if things go well, maybe one day we can adopt him.”

Tears filled your eyes, and you nodded. “Okay.”

Spencer let out a shaky breath, pulling you into his arms. He wasn’t sure what the future held, but one thing was certain.

James was meant to be theirs.

---

Six months later

James had turned your world upside down.

Sleepless nights, endless bottles, diaper changes—it was nothing like the quiet, controlled life Spencer had envisioned. But he wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Because now, his days started with James’ giggles and ended with you rocking him to sleep.

Because every time James reached for Spencer with his chubby little hands, his heart ached in the best way.

Because Spencer had thought he wasn’t ready to be a father.

But he was.

And as he stood in the doorway, watching you hum softly as you cradled James against your chest, Spencer knew he had never been more certain of anything in his life.

He stepped forward, wrapping his arms around you from behind, pressing a soft kiss to your shoulder.

“You were right,” he murmured.

You turned your head slightly, smiling. “About what?”

Spencer rested his chin on your shoulder, watching James sleep.

“About us being ready.” He swallowed thickly. “About him being ours.”

You reached up, lacing your fingers with his. “We should make it official, then.”

Spencer’s breath caught. “You mean…?”

“Let’s adopt him.”

A slow, disbelieving smile spread across his face. “Yeah?”

You turned in his arms, resting your forehead against his. “Yeah.”

Spencer kissed you then, slow and deep, pouring everything he felt into it.

James might not have been in their plans.

But he had been in their hearts all along.

And now, he was home.

[ddarker-dreams]

yan anaxa, mydei & phainon — handling jealousy.

It doesn’t take much to rouse Anaxa’s possessiveness. 

As a rational man, you’d expect him to operate on cold logic, but he’s prone to bouts of passion. Bizarrely, a person flirting with you is a pardonable transgression. He can’t fault people for succumbing to biological urges. What he can (and does) find fault with, however, is when others monopolize your time. He’s devised a simple system for issuing judgment. By his estimate, no one aside from him should take more than five minutes of your time. Anything beyond that is excessive. After all, he fulfills every role. Colleague, teacher, lover; he’s the complete package! So why would you need anyone else? 

Anaxa considers it a personal insult if you indulge others past their allotted time. This is made worse if you’re enjoying yourself. Why not tell him to leap into the black tide if you think so little of him? Despite the creative ideas swirling in his head, he won’t enact revenge on the guilty party. Instead, he hunts you down afterward. You’re then lectured on your ‘unbecoming conduct.’ He acts like people who seek your company are contagions you must avoid, lest you catch their stupidity. It’s best to let him finish his diatribe. Interrupting him will not go over well for you. 

Comparatively, Mydei is the most forgiving. 

People know to leave you alone. They assume their life would be forfeit if they so much as glance at you the wrong way. Mydei might not be the monster others assume him to be, but that doesn’t stop him from utilizing this misconception. Contrary to public perception, he won’t extinguish bloodlines over some youth trying to win your favor. No, stuff like that doesn’t get under his skin. It’s your former attachments he struggles with. The fact others hold a special space in your heart that’s permanently closed to him hurts more than a knife through the chest. 

He can protect you physically from threats, but he lacks what it takes to truly put you at ease. Try as he might to make himself less intimidating, you’ll always fear him. While this has its merits — such as discouraging subterfuge — he dislikes the terror in your eyes. In an ideal world, he’d prefer to see you smile or hear your laughter. Whoever brought you joy before earns his silent loathing. Mentioning them in passing guarantees putting him in a pensive mood. Mydei’s difficult to read, but with enough observation, you’ll come to recognize the correlation. 

If Phainon could, he’d handcuff your wrists together so you’d never be apart. 

Fortunately for you, the tricky logistics have dissuaded him from this plan. Your luck ends there. He always finds ways to hover around you, absorbing your attention like a sponge. Phainon’s reputation precedes him — in public, others are remiss to interrupt your outings when you’re together. They’d feel bad intruding on what little free time the Deliverer has. You’ll feel alone while surrounded by swaths of people who think they’re doing you a favor. Owing to this, there are rarely situations that could lead to him experiencing jealousy. 

The same can’t be said for inanimate objects. He’s gifted you an assortment of items in line with your interests, so that when he’s away, you can entertain yourself. When he returns and you don’t put them down, he can get a bit prickly. He’s been counting the days until he can see you again, only to lose to a book. Why read epics, when he can regale you with his equally thrilling adventures? It’d be obvious and reflect poorly on him as a man if he tossed out these belongings. This leaves him to compete with your hobbies for your attention, to varying success. 

[metanarrates]

I haven't seen a lot of coverage in the news about this, but my state has just advanced legislation on a bill that would criminalize trans bathroom use in publicly owned buildings. this could mean up to 6 months in jail and up to $1000 in fees for those convicted.

most alarming aspects of this bill:

-"publicly owned buildings" include airports, schools, libraries, government offices, some hospitals, and most terrifyingly AND explicitly within the bill, domestic violence shelters and rape crisis facilities. transgender people, who are estimated to be almost 4 times more likely to be victims of violent crimes than cisgender people, could become criminalized in the very spaces they seek out to shelter from abuse.

-on that note, the bill potentially threatens federal funding of already-underfunded domestic violence and sexual assault facilities. to recieve federal grants, facilities are required to follow nondiscrimination laws. this law could place the facilities in danger of losing the grants they rely on. this is severely going to impact victims' abilities to access critically needed services.

-the bill legally defines "sex" in a way that has a lot of potential impact across state legislature. according to the bill’s text, HB 257 would legally define a female as “an individual whose biological reproductive system is of the general type that functions in a way that could produce ova,” and a male as “an individual whose biological reproductive system is of the general type that functions to fertilize the ova of a female.” this could effectively end the state's legal recognition of trans people.

-the bill demands that trans people who DO use bathrooms in publicly owned buildings must have undergone both gender reassignment surgery and have had their birth certificate changed. this has several issues, obviously, but the biggest one I want to highlight is that this opens the door to potential genital inspection by law enforcement if someone is accused of being transgender in a bathroom. in addition to any other indignities suffered by being harassed by cops when trying to use the restroom, it is completely possible for law enforcement to now demand to see whether someone's genitals are in compliance with these laws. it's an unconscionable and humiliating invasion of privacy.

-the bill requires trans students to develop a "privacy plan" with their school in order to arrange access to unisex spaces. if unisex bathrooms are unavailable, the student can be granted access to a sex-designated space “through staggered scheduling or another policy provision that provides for temporary private access.”

-the bill allows the state’s attorney general to impose a fine of up to $10,000 per day on local governments that don’t enforce the bill. in essence, any government that isn't sufficiently committed to enforcing these draconian laws may face massive fines until they have reached the attorney general's standard of enforcement.

this is one of the most unbelievably severe anti-trans laws that have ever been proposed in the united states. it would effectively ban trans people from participating in public life, harm nearly every single victim of domestic violence and sexual assault who seeks services in the state, enforce criminality on random trans people in bathrooms, and open every single person who could be potentially accused of being trans up to a wave of harassment and discrimination from both private citizens and law enforcement. I'm not being hyperbolic when I say that this law would literally force me and my transfemme fiancee to flee this state.

the law's been fast tracked to an insane degree through the legislature. similarly to the anti-dei bill currently making its way through, it's only been a week since it was introduced, and it's already passed the house, and is now up for vote in the senate. if it passes both sets of votes, the only thing left in its way is the governor's decision to veto.

please share this post. make as much noise as you can. if you live in utah, please call and email your district senator as soon as possible. it doesn't matter how late you see this. the bill is up for vote this week (1/23/24 at the time of writing) and we need to do whatever we physically can to protest its passing. we've already moved past the opportunity for public comment on the bill, but a few organizations have called for a rally at the capitol steps on thursday (1/25/24) at noon. if you are in the salt lake area or are able to make it there, please consider attending. wear a mask and bring a sign. we are stronger together.

[les4elliewilliams]

❝SHE’S A MANEATER!❞ ─ 𝐦.𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭.ᐟ

LOSER!ELLIE ﾒ MEAN!READER—LOSER LESBIAN GETS PLAYED!!!

⊹ ࣪ ˖ SYNOPSIS. . . After bumping into you on her first day of college, Ellie spends the entire year captivated by you from a distance. You're everything she could never be—popular, wealthy, and effortlessly alluring, with a perfect, disgustingly rich family to match. Convinced she didn’t stand a chance, Ellie resigns herself to watching from the sidelines. But when her best friend Dina suggests they work at a public pool for the summer, Ellie agrees, hoping to save up some money. What she never expected was to find you there, commanding the space with a magnetic, dangerous charm that pulls her in. Now, Ellie’s summer is about to take a turn she never saw coming, and she’s about to find out just how close she can get to you before it all falls apart. .𖥔 ݁ ˖ PART ONE CONTAINS. . . 18+ CONTENT (𝓯𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓴𝔂 shit with plot), ANGST!, toxic relationship, controlling behavior, use of alcohol and drugs, fingering, oral sex, semi-public sex,tribbing, thigh riding, coworker!ellie, dom!reader, sub!ellie, player!reader x jackson!ellie, slapping, jealousy issues, unlabeled relationship, manipulation, overstimulation, choking kink, use of names (dollface, sweet/pretty girl, baby, babe, slut, etc...) ‘i love the smiths’ scene, ellie wears spiderman boxers cause she's a fucking loser, they 69 on a big canvas, ellie is a little very naive. ✶⋆.˚ CHAPTERS. . . ００１ ⋆ ００２ ⋆ ００３

❝SAVE YOUR TEARS.❞ ─ 𝐕𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐄 𝚰𝚰

PLAYER!ELLIE ﾒ MEAN!READER─ALWAYS PLAY THE PLAYER.

⊹ ࣪ ˖ SYNOPSIS. . . A year after that devastating summer, Ellie is stunned to see you again—this time at a summer camp where you’re both working at. The girl who once led her on and then disappeared without a trace is back, but Ellie’s no longer the naive girl you once played. Still aching from the way you broke her heart, Ellie is filled with a desire for revenge. She wants to make you feel the same confusion and hurt she felt. She’s ready to pull you into the same emotional game she was trapped in, to finally get her payback. But as she carefully lays her plans, Ellie finds herself in uncharted territory. She’s never been one for revenge, and now that the opportunity is in front of her, she begins to question if it will really give her the closure she craves or if it will leave her with something far worse. Is revenge really worth it, or will Ellie learn the hard way that some wounds can’t be healed by hurting the person who caused them? .𖥔 ݁ ˖ PART TWO CONTAINS. . . 18+ CONTENT, ANGST! (eventually with a happy ending, i promise), use of alcohol and drugs, santabarbara!ellie, player!ellie, coworker!ellie, campcounselor!ellie, switch!ellie/reader, campcounselor!reader, head-campcounselor!abby, mommy/daddy issues, homophobia, blackmail, strap-on sex (r!receiving), fingering, oral sex (e!receiving), emotional dependency/fear of abandonment ✶⋆.˚ CHAPTERS. . . ０００ ⋆ ０１０ ⋆ ０２０ ⋆ ０３０ [to be estimated...] .⊹⋆.˚ TAGLIST. . . @rew1nds @satellitespinner @boobdrug @ivying @elliewilliamsbelovedwife @mina-281 @hysteriawillnotsuccumb @chxrryvalxntine @bookpagecandlescent @fionaapplelover2010 @andersonslove @macaroni676 @elliesbabygirl @vampcubus @visupremacysstuff @elssaphica @kaykeryyy @nenas19 @rxreaqia @fatbootymuncher @dying-brb @euphoric-rush @intothespidersweb @d1psht [COMMENT TO BE ADDED!]

[redflagshipwriter]

ANOTHER UNDEAD FENTON

Inspiration came from this post by @stars-obsession-pit !

Word count: 1479

Masterpost of Archive Down Fics here.

(I wrote three dp x dc fics based off of prompts I've seen in the last day for reading while the site is getting maintenance. )

There was a high, shrill scream in the Fenton lab.

Maddie bolted for the stairs, abandoning her coffee without a thought. She flung herself down to see Jack bent over a body in front of the portal.

“Is this person a threat?” Maddie prepared to defend her husband, but the body didn't move.

Jack looked up at her. “No, I was just surprised! I think he's hurt, Mads.”

Her bleeding heart husband. She crossed the room and rolled their intruder over to see it was a kid, maybe Danny's age. In his sleep, he had a sweet, soft face. His face and throat were covered in faint scars.

Well. That was one of hers, now. No getting around it. That was a teenage boy on her floor who has obviously been the victim of violence.

“Well, shit,” Maddie said companionably. She blew out air between her teeth. “Dear, would you put clean sheets on in Jazz's room?”

They were running out of space, between the clones and the past evil alternate future children.

Jack saluted her, shouted an affirmation , and bounded away.

Maddie took a moment to wonder if her children would be an infinitely expanding collection and if so, if it would be better to move into Vlad's castle than to build the home addition they had planned for.

She gathered the teenager up in her arms despite him being her size, and laid him out on an exam table. She started checking his vitals.

A hand shot out and grabbed her by the wrist.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” Maddie said. She redirected her hand to smooth hair behind his ear. He blearily followed the movement, just as obviously intelligent as he was obviously compromised. She didn't know if it was a concussion or drugs or what, but this boy was not well. “It's Friday June 29th, and you're in Amity Park, Illinois. I'm Madeleine Fenton and you're at my house because you fell through a portal. Is there someone I should call for you?”

He stared at her. She could see the moment he decided not to speak to her.

That situation didn't change much all day. The kid walked himself up to bed and peered around at Jazz's old posters. He seemed to want to be alone, but Maddie caught him watching Dani and Dan playing catch in the yard. She made eye contact with him over her book and then looked back at her shrieking kids. Dan was doing flips on the trampoline and launching his sister in the air, catching and tossing her back up in the nick of time between flips.

Their new boy closed his curtains.

“I was thinking about Dante,” Jack said, bringing out a pitcher of iced tea. “Or, how about Jasper! Eh? Eh? You know, like Jazz-per?” Jack belly laughed.

“He probably has his own name,” Maddie said calmly. She'd estimated him at 16 or so, anyway. But whatever. If he wasn't going to give them a name, they did eventually need something to call him. And they needed to sort out accommodation fast, before Jazz got back from her college tour trip.

“Let's go with Jasper until he gives us his real name.” There were enough Ds in her home, honestly.

She lured Jasper out of his room for lunch. He sat at the kitchen table and watched them all warily. He only ate what they ate.

Danny arrived mid-meal. “Mom! Dad!” There was a whumpf as he probably threw himself onto the sofa. “We wanna go to Elmerton, that ok?”

“You should take your brother with you,” Maddie called back. “He needs clothes.”

“What?” Danny clearly pried himself up and came into the kitchen. Maddie silently offered to make him a plate. “No, I ate at Tuck's. Dan, what'd you do to your clothes?”

“Nothing, you pathetic worm,” said Dan, who really was a sensitive boy. “I am not the topic of discussion, you blithering fool.” He jerked a finger at Jasper. “New one.”

Danny stared.

Jasper looked uncomfortable. He gave a sort of hello nod.

“He's, uh, he's not-”

“Not a clone or alternate future version of you, nope,” Maddie agreed. “Though he did come out of the portal. We wondered if he might be a ghost, but it didn't seem necessary to ask.”

Jasper full body flinched at the word “ghost”, but he looked confused.

Danny squinted at his new bother who, it must be said, did look a bit like a Fenton already. “Not a ghost,” he said after a long pause. “But a little undead. Not sure what kind. But yeah, you're walking dead, buddy.” He clapped Jasper on the shoulder.

“You'll fit right in!” Jack cheered. “Dan is half dead! So is Danno! And so is Dani here! And-”

“Thank you, Jack,” Maddie cut him off. “It might be a sensitive subject, don't you think?”

“Nah,” said Danny, stealing food out of the pan despite saying he wasn't hungry. “We aren't that sensitive. Like-” he looked at Jasper and explained: “I got electrocuted to death in the lab two years ago. Dan is from an alternate future where everyone he loved died, so then he killed everyone else on earth. And Dani is a science experiment baby.”

“It's true,” Dani said solemnly. “I'm a work of science.”

“You make me sound so uncool,” Dan complained, stabbing at his spaghetti.

Jasper laughed for the first time. He himself seemed surprised by the sound. It was hoarse but there was promise there.

When the boys were off at the mall in Elmerton with Sam and Tucker, Maddie called up Vlad.

“You want to come here?”

“I’ve got more kids than I have rooms in my house,” she said wryly. “So if the offer is still open…”

“Yes, of course it is,” he assured her. “But- most of the little ones are still in the Ghost Zone, correct?”

“They're not big enough to leave yet,” Maddie agreed. “Which is why I need to be near a portal.” The ghostlings were staying with the LunchLady and Box Ghost, but they needed to be able to be in touch. “But no, I've got another one.”

Glass shattered in the background. “Another- what happened to Daniel this time?”

Maddie laughed at how flustered her old college friend got. “Nothing to do with Danny, actually, this one fell out of the portal. He's some level of partly dead, but we don't think he's a ghost at all.”

Left unsaid was that they needed to do a lot of research to figure out what other possibilities there were. If they could get into contact with Danny's GP, he might be able to get them on the right track.

“Well.” Vlad took a moment to rally. “When will the family be arriving?”

Two months later, all the kids were pretty settled in.

Jasper had never shared a name, but he was happy to let them call him Jay. He was a phenomenal big brother to Dani. He wrestled with Dan. He bullied Danny into doing his homework. It had been something of an administrative nightmare to get Jaspen enrolled in school, but Vlad had pulled off whatever magic trick he'd done for Dani (applied a lot of money to the problem, Maddie supposed) and Jay had settled in very well.

“Your debut in society,” Maddie hummed, making a point of straightening Jay’s tie. He was growing already, she was sure of it! He was going to wind up as tall as Jack.

“I've been to parties before, Mom,” Jay drawled, and then flushed a dark red that meant he didn't want to be asked questions. Maddie tweaked his nose instead of answering.

“But this is the first one where Vlad's introducing you to his business friends!” She said, already dressed up for a fun night. Vlad had flown them all in on his private jet for the day.

“Queen is a family man as well,” Vlad had said the night before, aiming for calculating and coming off soft. “It will put him off his guard or perhaps make him sick with envy that I have brought a higher quality child than he could ever manage to produce.”

They arrived together, Maddie on Jack's arm, keeping her flock of kids within eyesight as Vlad led the pack. She had a perfect view of Oliver Queen seeing them arrive, the smile dropping off his face, and him choking on his drink. He did look very silly, Maddie had to admit.

“Inept,” Vlad hissed, very pleased. “The fool can't even drink. His company will be mine-” he looked at Danny for some reason. Vlad faltered at whatever be saw. “....Through legitimate business practices, such as buying a majority of stocks,” Vlad weakly finished.

Maddie slapped him on the back. “Go get him, tiger.”

[asestimationsconsultants]

Quantifying Biophilic Design | The Role of a Cost Estimating Service

Biophilic design, a concept that integrates natural elements into built environments, is no longer a trend—it’s becoming a core philosophy in architectural practice. From living walls and indoor gardens to daylight maximization and water features, these nature-inspired components enhance user well-being, increase productivity, and elevate the aesthetic quality of spaces. Yet, as beautiful and functional as biophilic design may be, it presents financial complexities that must be addressed early in project planning. This is where a cost estimating service plays a critical role.

With expertise in translating conceptual design into measurable costs, firms like AS Estimation & Consultants help developers, architects, and contractors bring biophilic elements into projects without losing control of the budget. Their detailed assessments provide a clear picture of how nature-driven features impact construction costs, lifecycle expenses, and return on investment.

Bringing Nature into the Budget

Biophilic design includes a range of interventions—from skylights and green roofs to natural materials and acoustically engineered water elements. These features can greatly enhance occupant experience, but each one carries a cost. A cost estimating service ensures that these costs are fully understood and quantified before they become financial burdens mid-project.

For instance, installing a vertical green wall may require additional irrigation, lighting, and structural support. A cost estimator will itemize all associated components, including installation labor, ongoing maintenance, and energy usage, providing stakeholders with a full financial picture.

Comparing Natural Materials to Conventional Alternatives

Natural materials such as timber, stone, rammed earth, and reclaimed wood are common in biophilic design. While often preferred for their tactile quality and environmental benefits, these materials may come at a premium, especially if regionally sourced or custom fabricated.

A cost estimating service evaluates these materials not just on their purchase cost but also on their availability, sourcing logistics, installation needs, and long-term performance. This enables clients to make value-driven decisions. For example, AS Estimation & Consultants may recommend thermally treated timber over exotic hardwoods, balancing sustainability, aesthetic quality, and cost-efficiency.

Evaluating Daylighting and Ventilation Strategies

One of the most beneficial aspects of biophilic design is the emphasis on daylighting and natural ventilation. However, maximizing natural light involves strategic window placement, increased glazing, and sometimes structural alterations, all of which affect the budget.

Estimators assess how increased glazing impacts thermal insulation requirements, HVAC loads, and structural support systems. They also analyze how these changes influence energy consumption and long-term operating costs. A proper cost-benefit analysis helps decision-makers weigh the upfront investment against expected energy savings and productivity gains.

Quantifying Return on Wellness Investments

Biophilic design is well known for its positive impact on mental health, stress reduction, and workplace productivity. While these benefits are harder to quantify in monetary terms, a cost estimating service can still model the financial return from these wellness-driven investments.

In commercial settings, improved employee well-being can translate to fewer sick days, lower turnover, and higher engagement. In residential or hospitality projects, enhanced occupant experience can boost property value and customer satisfaction. Cost estimators can use benchmark data and case studies to forecast these indirect returns, supporting business cases for biophilic features.

Incorporating Water Elements and Sensory Features

Water features, another hallmark of biophilic design, range from indoor fountains to reflecting pools and natural filtration systems. While they create soothing environments and acoustic balance, their installation and maintenance can be complex.

A cost estimating service breaks down these features into detailed cost components—pumping systems, water filtration, structural waterproofing, and operational upkeep. AS Estimation & Consultants provides these insights in a way that allows for scaling or substitution without compromising the design intent.

Maintenance Planning and Lifecycle Costing

Many biophilic design features have ongoing maintenance needs. Living walls need pruning and irrigation, water features require cleaning, and daylight-optimized buildings may need higher-spec glazing with better solar control.

A cost estimating service takes these factors into account by preparing lifecycle cost reports. These include not just initial capital costs but also future operational expenditures, allowing clients to plan for sustainability both financially and functionally. This is especially useful for public projects, healthcare facilities, and long-term commercial leases.

Enhancing LEED and Green Certification Potential

Biophilic elements often contribute to sustainability benchmarks like LEED, WELL, or Green Star certifications. These certifications, while offering long-term environmental and financial benefits, come with their own set of compliance costs.

Estimators work in tandem with sustainability consultants to assign costs to credit-earning features—like low-VOC finishes, natural ventilation, and indoor greenery—helping clients understand the investment required to achieve certification goals. AS Estimation & Consultants frequently includes certification cost modeling as part of its preconstruction services.

Conclusion

Biophilic design has the power to transform how people interact with built environments, offering both emotional and tangible returns. However, without a clear understanding of the associated costs, these benefits can be lost to budget overruns or missed opportunities. A cost estimating service brings clarity, accuracy, and foresight to the process, ensuring that the integration of nature into architecture is as financially sound as it is visually and functionally impactful.

With expert services from AS Estimation & Consultants, developers and architects can embrace biophilic design with confidence—knowing that every living wall, skylight, and water feature is accounted for with precision and purpose.

[dandelionsresilience]

Good News - June 15-21

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $Kaybarr1735! And if you tip me and give me a way to contact you, at the end of the month I'll send you a link to all of the articles I found but didn't use each week!

1. Victory for Same-Sex Marriage in Thailand

“Thailand’s Senate voted 130-4 today to pass a same-sex marriage bill that the lower house had approved by an overwhelming majority in March. This makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia, and the second in Asia, to recognize same-sex relationships. […] The Thai Marriage Equality Act […] will come into force 120 days after publication in the Royal Gazette. It will stand as an example of LGBT rights progress across the Asia-Pacific region and the world.”

2. One of world’s rarest cats no longer endangered

“[The Iberian lynx’s] population grew from 62 mature individuals in 2001 to 648 in 2022. While young and mature lynx combined now have an estimated population of more than 2,000, the IUCN reports. The increase is largely thanks to conservation efforts that have focused on increasing the abundance of its main food source - the also endangered wild rabbit, known as European rabbit. Programmes to free hundreds of captive lynxes and restoring scrublands and forests have also played an important role in ensuring the lynx is no longer endangered.”

3. Planning parenthood for incarcerated men

“[M]any incarcerated young men missed [sex-ed] classroom lessons due to truancy or incarceration. Their lack of knowledge about sexual health puts them at a lifelong disadvantage. De La Cruz [a health educator] will guide [incarcerated youths] in lessons about anatomy and pregnancy, birth control and sexually transmitted infections. He also explores healthy relationships and the pitfalls of toxic masculinity. […] Workshops cover healthy relationships, gender and sexuality, and sex trafficking.”

4. Peru puts endemic fog oasis under protection

“Lomas are unique ecosystems relying on marine fog that host rare and endemic plants and animal species. […] The Peruvian government has formally granted conservation status to the 6,449-hectare (16,000-acre) desert oasis site[….] The site, the first of its kind to become protected after more than 15 years of scientific and advocacy efforts, will help scientists understand climatic and marine cycles in the area[, … and] will be protected for future research and exploration for at least three decades.”

5. Religious groups are protecting Pride events — upending the LGBTQ+ vs. faith narrative

“In some cases, de-escalation teams stand as a physical barrier between protesters and event attendees. In other instances, they try to talk with protesters. The goal is generally to keep everyone safe. Leigh was learning that sometimes this didn’t mean acting as security, but doing actual outreach. That might mean making time and space to listen to hate speech. It might mean offering food or water. […] After undergoing Zoom trainings this spring, the members of some 120 faith organizations will fan out across more than 50 Pride events in 16 states to de-escalate the actions of extremist anti-LGBTQ+ hate groups.”

6. 25 years of research shows how to restore damaged rainforest

“For the first time, results from 25 years of work to rehabilitate fire-damaged and heavily logged rainforest are now being presented. The study fills a knowledge gap about the long-term effects of restoration and may become an important guide for future efforts to restore damaged ecosystems.”

7. Audubon and Grassroots Carbon Announce First-of-its-Kind Partnership to Reward Landowners for Improving Habitats for Birds while Building Healthy Soils

“Participating landowners can profit from additional soil carbon storage created through their regenerative land management practices. These practices restore grasslands, improve bird habits, build soil health and drive nature-based soil organic carbon drawdown through the healthy soils of farms and ranches. […] Additionally, regenerative land management practices improve habitats for birds. […] This partnership exemplifies how sustainable practices can drive positive environmental change while providing tangible economic benefits for landowners.”

8. Circular food systems found to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, require much less agricultural land

“Redesigning the European food system will reduce agricultural land by 44% while dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 70%. This reduction is possible with the current consumption of animal protein. “Moreover, animals are recyclers in the system. They can recycle nutrients from human-inedible parts of the organic waste and by-products in the food system and convert them to valuable animal products," Simon says.”

9. Could Treating Injured Raptors Help Lift a Population? Researchers found the work of rehabbers can have long-lasting benefits

“[“Wildlife professionals”] tend to have a dismissive attitude toward addressing individual animal welfare,” [… but f]or most raptor species, they found, birds released after rehabilitation were about as likely to survive as wild birds. Those released birds can have even broader impacts on the population. Back in the wild, the birds mate and breed, raising hatchlings that grow up to mate and breed, too. When the researchers modeled the effects, they found most species would see at least some population-level benefits from returning raptors to the wild.”

10. Indigenous people in the Amazon are helping to build bridges & save primates

“Working together, the Reconecta Project and the Waimiri-Atroari Indigenous people build bridges that connect the forest canopy over the BR-174 road[….] In the first 10 months of monitoring, eight different species were documented — not only monkeys such as the golden-handed tamarin and the common squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus), but also kinkajous (Potos flavus), mouse opossums (Marmosops sp.), and opossums (Didelphis sp.).”

Bonus: A rare maneless zebra was born in the UK

June 8-14 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.)

[reasonsforhope]

"With a swath of U.S. cities adopting policies that would outlaw homeless encampments, advocates for unhoused people are working to fight stigmas against “tent cities.”

A new study out of the University of Colorado shows that involuntary sweeps of these camps do not improve public safety, for instance. And in San Diego, initiatives like safe sleeping camps work to provide transitional support to people with nowhere else to go.

Now, the city of Saginaw, Michigan, is taking a similar approach to address homelessness. 

The City Council has announced a community partnership to establish temporary legal encampments for homeless residents displaced from a site under an interstate overpass.

“We decided to be proactive and try to establish a place where we can provide some very basic amenities that drastically improve the health, safety, and dignity of the folks in that area,” City Councilwoman Carly Rose Hammond told Mid-Michigan Now. 

She added that the initiative aims to “have a positive impact on all the neighborhoods and businesses surrounding it.”

Hammond acknowledged that the plan is not designed to be a permanent solution, but it does allow those experiencing homelessness at least a little more dignity and support.

“What a legal encampment allows us to do is say, ‘Hey, we already know that these people are here. Even if we come out and destroy people’s stuff, they’re going to come back,” she told WNEM 5. 

“So, what can we do to provide some basic amenities and some necessities to help so that the environment is relatively clean and relatively safe?’”

Saginaw is not a major city, but it is part of the Greater Tri-Cities Region of Central Michigan, which has an estimated population of about 378,000 people. 

According to Saginaw’s 2024 Point in Time Count, there are approximately 325 individuals experiencing homelessness at any given time. And with the housing crisis on the rise, officials are hoping this move will provide more relief.

“We’ve seen the housing crisis climb and climb and climb, we’ve had more and more fallout from those social issues,” Hammond added to Mid-Michigan Now. “So [we’re] addressing this problem head-on, providing a temporary solution, and a pathway forward.”

Organizations like La Misión are part of the city’s plan to include nonprofits, businesses, community advocates, and neighbors in ensuring the success of the initiative. 

Veronica Vela, who leads La Misión, said legal and accessible encampments are vital to connecting with people who need urgent resources.

“We’re out here. We actually know names there. They know us,” Vela told Mid-Michigan Now. “So when they see my truck, they’re gonna come up to my truck. So it’s more of a relationship that we have with them.”

By allowing people the space to build community in a designated and safe location, caseworkers and on-the-ground advocates can get people the help they need with more speed and consistency.

The city also plans to form a permanent subcommittee to address homelessness — ideally before it begins.

While the timeline of this new initiative — as well as the specific services it will provide — remain unclear at this time, Hammond promises a step in the right direction.

“What’s going to come out of this is a healthier, safer environment for everyone,” she told Mid-Michigan now. “We can work on long-term solutions, rather than just kicking the problem around and kicking it down the road.”"

-via March 14, 2025

[from-izzy]

MY ALL | ATEEZ CHOI SAN

“Thank you for giving it your all.”

pairing » ateez choi san x fem!reader

trope/au » friends to lovers, school au, non-idol au

genre » fluffy fluffy fluff fluff sfw!!, san being shy, but not so shy, san is just in love with you hehe, wooyoung being a whole mood and a half tbh

word count; estimated reading time » 1949; ~7 mins

warnings (lmk if i missed anything!) » pet names

navi/masterlist!! 🤍 ateez masterlist

happiest birthday to my child @mars101 !! i can't believe you're all grown up now 😭 here's my little gift to you that is loosely based on your irl events (hehe) 🤭 a bit messy and i wish i planned my time better 😔 but i hope this makes you smile a bit 🥹 thank you to @jaehunnyy for beta reading!! 💗

Being best friends with Wooyoung meant that you live a very interesting life. His chaoticness and his willingness to always have you as his partner in crime mean that you’re always on the verge of getting detention. His chattiness and loud volume in class mean that you’re not safe from detention even during class. You come to school each day with a raised eyebrow whenever Wooyoung is in view, but recently your crossed arms and deadpanned face have changed to widened eyes and flaming hot cheeks.

“You’re what?!” The hallway booms with his voice, attracting attention from nearby students. The slap on his shoulder had him apologising. “You’re going on a date?! With San?!”

“Stop repeating what I said!” You warned through gritted teeth. “Oh my God, Wooyoung, I can’t believe this is happening.”

Yes, Choi San. The friend that Wooyoung introduced some time ago. It’s safe to say, with the number of times your name has come up in conversations between him and San, that the latter has his cheeks flaming in the same way that you have yours like now. Wooyoung has been pushing the two of you to go on more adventures together, but has always been met with nervous chuckles and stolen glances. At the very least, if he’s going to be a third wheel, he wants to be a proper third wheel. 

“We’re going before his volleyball game toda-“

“You’re going today?!” Wooyoung cheers. “Oh my God, my days of listening to his lovesick rants are over! We cheer for a better tomorrow!”

“Jung Wooyoung, keep it down!” The disciplinary teacher warns him for the first time today.

You have got to give a massive thank you to whoever made half-days at school a thing. If it wasn’t for them, you wouldn’t be sitting in the seat of Choi San’s car, driving to the mall to get lunch before his big game. As expected, San is a gentleman: opening the door for you, making sure your seat is comfortable, asking what song you want to blast, making sure the aircon is at the right temperature, but most of all, he’s holding your hand. He says it’s for safety measures in case he breaks unexpectedly, but we all know with his little adorable stutter and the tapping on his wheel, that it’s something else.

“I said, I believe you!” Your laugh echoes through the space of his car.

San groans next to you, his heart rapidly beating at the sound of your happiness. “Sure, you do…”

He worries that his palms are going to get too sweaty for your liking. Because then, you would have to let go, and it would just be so embarrassing for him to do so. He doesn’t want to let your hand go. He’s annoyed at the few seconds that he had to have both hands on the wheel; otherwise, he’s too shaky for safety. He doesn’t even want you out of his sight, despite how he hasn’t been able to look at your beautiful eyes ever since he greeted you when picking you up. He’s tried, so let’s give him some credit. But with such a beautiful girl next to him, even daring to look towards you would distract his focus for the rest of the drive. So (un)fortunately, he only has your hand for now.

“What did you want to get for lunch? Any cravings?”

“No,” you answer immediately. “As long as I’m with you, nothing else matters.”

San could swear the world stopped turning for a second. Your words haven’t fully registered in his head, but he almost swerves his car to the side of the road when he does. You leisurely rest against the seat, catching the way San’s lips try to form coherent words, but failing exasperatedly with a huge sigh after. His cheekbones blush a deeper pink while you cover his hand that’s over yours with your other one. The light swipes against his knuckles made him forget momentarily how to breathe, and he swore you could feel his heartbeat from his hand.

Throughout the ride, he made it his mission to hear your laughs because of his jokes or the things he said. But in the end, you're chuckling, and it's because of him.

You and San didn't have a lot of time before needing to head back to school in preparation for his game. Yet, you both swore to make every second count; and every gesture at least.

As much as San wants to hold your hand, he respects your space and wants to ask for permission first. However, the current situation is just like the one in the car: he's speechless. Even the fact that you're walking beside him feels like a dream, and he's satisfied with everything as it is. That is, until his lips forms a mind of its own, and takes control of the situation for him.

“Oh! We should go eat ther-”

“Can I hold your hand?” At the sudden question, you couldn't help but stop at your place. San, gazing at the way your eyes are widened slightly, starts to scratch the back of his neck. “W-What were you saying?” A forceful laugh from the embarrassed man, “Oh, right! Let's go ther-”

His body almost jolts at the touch of your warm palm kissing his. San would've melted to the marbled floor if it wasn't for you dragging him to the restaurant, briefly looking back to check his reaction. From the corner of his eye, he sees the way you playfully shake your head as you guide the way to the restaurant. You did all the talking while the boy beside you intertwined your fingers together, refusing to let go even at the table and looking through the menu.

“You only need one hand anyway,” he reasons. “Just…put it against the table and flip through the pages…” 

He's not wrong about that. “Cute,” you compliment him under your breath. 

Your hand stays enveloped within his, and your thumb soothingly swipes over the side of the index. The small talk indulges him into a state of calmness, taking in your features one by one as you filll the space with your cheerful tone and wide smile. The bright aura that you radiate puts San in a sure state: that he will give his all for you to be his.

With both your hunger satisfied, a carpool karaoke commences as San drives you both back to school for his volleyball game. It’s only when you get to the car that your hand finally separates from San’s, and you begin to realise how natural it feels to be around him. Singing songs, shouting the lyrics, swaying your bodies to the rhythm all felt so natural and easy when you’re near him. The initial nervousness that San had at the start of the day now seems unfamiliar, his heart rapidly beating against his chest for a similar yet sure feeling blossoming further.

You walk into the indoor gymnasium hand-in-hand, greeted by Wooyoung’s widely open jaw reaching the floor. He took the attention of nearby people with his squealing and finger, directing you and San to the entrance of the hallway. The pair of eyes had you hiding behind his frame, cursing your best friend mentally, even though he’s celebrating your win. 

“Don’t hide,” San tries to ease you. “I want to proudly show you off.”

His shirt tightens around his chest as you clump its back material inside your palm. You're flustered at the sudden confidence unlike the him whom you've been spending time with for the past few hours. His neck turns to see you already staring at him with widened eyes. He rumages through his bag, revealing two matching cat keyrings. He keeps the black cat for himself, an animal that you’ve commented looks like him, and gifts you the matching white.

Now, with him facing you, he’s able to land a soft kiss on your forehead. “If I win,” he gulps without fully pulling away, “will you be my girlfriend?”

“Oh,” is the first word that you unconsciously stammer. San smiles, his dimples only making you warmer. Unable to trust your ability to form words, you nod to him once, twice…multiple times.

“Okay,” he inhales sharply. He spares a glance at his competitors of the day. They’re known to be quite vicious in their plays, their teamwork is commented to be one of the best in the state, as they have placed highly in interschool volleyball competitions. 

But Choi San has you.

You’re here, in front of him, to cheer and support him. 

San unzips his jacket, handing the clothing to you. “Is it okay if I ask you to wear this?” Your head shake invites San to drape the material over your shoulder. A whistle blows behind him, the rest of his teammates coming together for a warmup before the game. You keep your eyes on him, unable to look away. Feeling your stare on the side of his face, San leaves you with a few final words: “I’ll give it my all.”

You stand still at the entrance of the room, only managing to stumble to the seat that Wooyoung saved for you minutes after dozing off. Immediately, the smirk on your best friend’s face earns him a hard shoulder smack.

“What was that for?”

“For the second-hand embarrassment! Shut up and watch the game!” 

You kept your eyes only on one player, even if the ball wasn’t in his possession. Even though you’ve been to many of his games before, you’ve never dared to openly pay close, special attention to him. But now with the remnants of his cologne over your figure, and his words filling your head, you couldn’t help but put all your attention on the boy who flawlessly blocks the spikes and offences. 

And now, at match point, the whole place is encouraging their sides, fueling competitiveness for the players on the court. San, thankful for the support, looks over to you in the hopes of catching your gaze. Maybe that’s the best thing he’s done because you mouth a ‘you got this’ with your fists next to your face as encouragement. He inhales deeply, putting the last of his energy and focus into this round.

The next thing he knows, his team huddles together, patting each other's backs and jumping to rid themselves of the excess adrenaline from the final score. From the corner of San’s eye, his coach releases the tension in his body by exhaling on the bench. He spends the next few minutes celebrating with his friends before slipping away from them.

“Go,” Wooyoung bumps your shoulder. With no hesitation, you playfully roll your eyes at him before nearly missing a step in your rush to meet a certain player. 

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” San holds your shoulders. “I’m not going anywhere, bubs.”

You acknowledge that, pressing a quick peck on his cheek. “I know.” Your fingers sweep his hair away from his face, unintentionally tickling him and erupting him into soft giggles. “You really gave it your all there. I’m proud of you.”

The boy hums, placing his hands on your hips and pulling you towards him. You couldn’t properly prepare for it, resting your palms on his defined chest as he dips his head to you. “I’m sorry that I’m sweaty, but can I kiss you?”

You’re the one who cups his cheek, guiding his lips to touch yours. Both your lips stretch into a smile at the contact, and San slides to join his hands together at your lower back.

“Choi San,” you say between kisses.

“Hm?”

“Thank you for giving it your all.”

navi/masterlist!! 🤍 ateez masterlist

join the taglist here » @k-films @kflixnet @starlit-network @kstrucknet @blossomnet @pirateeznet @illusionnet @haneul-and-clouds

[gilverrwrites]

Summer Loving

Ft. Bruce, Dick, Jason, Roy, & Tim.

AN: Have a lot of lengthy and/or smutty wips on the go atm and I can feel them bogging me down a bit, so I decided to take a break and work on some short summer themed slice of life/domestic fluff to cleanse my palate. I feel I must apologise for my gratuitous and obvious Roy Harper thirst but I wont, enjoy!

CWs: Some are more suggestive than others, reader discretion advised. Minor swearing and minors swearing, mentions of alcohol. GN! Reader

Bruce: Tan Lines

It’s moments like these where you wish Bruce didn’t have to spend his nights on the endless pursuit of justice. You knew what you’d signed up for, but you’d missed him all day and god, the feel of his strong fingers massaging after sun into your skin was euphoric. Would you be such a bad guy for trying to convince him to stay home?

“I like this.” His hum pulls you from your train of thought, and you look down to see his fingers trailing against the tan line your shorts had caused. He spares you a quick suggestive glance, the look a wolf might give a rabbit it’s particularly fond of before dipping down to replace his hands with his mouth.

“Ohhh, stay home tonight Brucie?” The look he gives you this time maintains its warmth but there’s an air of warning to it. Despite his simmering combativeness, you add a charming “Please?”

To that he lifts his head, just far enough to deny you of his lips, but close enough that his low voice still seems to reverberate through your body as he speaks. “Crime doesn’t take the night off, neither can I.”

“I know.” You sigh, admitting defeat before the battle has even begun, and he rewards you by assuming his barrage of kisses to your lower body.

“Just don’t go out too early.” You advise, trailing the tip of your finger from ear to ear, estimating the line where his Batman cowl ends. “Don’t want to get any tan lines of your own.”

“Trust me.” There’s humour in his tone now as he works his way upwards, ghosting his 5 o'clock shadow along the skin of your stomach as he prowls closer. “The evening is young, and I have plans for you yet.”

Dick: A/C

The A/C is broken. Again. To combat the heat the whole household has resorted to wearing nothing but their underwear, except of course for Haley who is always naked. Lucky dog.

Additionally, all the windows are open in an attempt to let the cool night air circulate the humid apartment but all it’s really doing is letting in the ambient sound of Blüdhavens boisterous nightlife and countless flies.

“Want one?” Dick asks from the kitchen spaces as he digs into his second ice pop since dinner, you joke about envying his metabolism despite knowing damn well that’s not the real reason for his physique. Although between the food and the heat-induced skipped workout, he’s bloating, just a little bit; the tiniest, most delicious bit of plumpness and you can’t take your eyes off of it. “Are you checking me out?”

“Always.” You reply with a brazen smile, continuing your laser-focused stare even as he begins approaching your spot on the couch.

“How about you stop looking and start touching, huh baby?”

“No.” You finally cease your objectification of his stomach to look him in the eyes. The intended sternness in your tone is stifled by the way his icy confection has turned his lips blue. “I already told you, no sex in this heat until the air con is fixed.”

Despite your posturing, you don’t fight his closing proximity, nor do you stop him from dragging his cool-raspberry-stained tongue along the length of your throat, it’s still cold from the half-eaten lolly and the sensation sends a welcome chill through your body. As inefficient as it may be, you much prefer this method of cooling down to an A/C.

Jason: Sunrise

The metal grate of your fire escape is surprisingly cool against your bare feet. It’s early, pre-sunrise early but the air is still thick, a combination of the arid summer heat and steam of the cities underground. Despite the unpleasant temperature, you settle onto the grill, with nothing but a pillow for comfort and two ice-cold glasses of lemonade.   

When 15 minutes pass, and you start to notice a growing tinge of orangeness in the sky, you start to worry you’re being stood up, or worse; something awful has happened. Something that would prevent him from coming home, but then you hear it; The heavy steps of Jason’s steel-toed boots approaching from your apartment’s rooftop.

You glance up just in time to see him dropping down. A loud clang rings out as he hits the floor, causing the whole structure to vibrate and you wonder if he does that every night, surely not, there’s no way you could sleep through it or that your neighbours wouldn’t complain.

“Aren’t you sweating balls?” You ask, taking in his gear as he sits down beside you. The boots, the cargo pants, turtleneck, jacket, gloves, and the full-face mask.

“Nah.” His voice is muffled by the headpiece until he takes it off, shaking his head to support his answer. “It’s weird but I’ve kinda run cold ever since I died, you know?”

Obviously you don’t know, in fact having felt his searing, naked skin pressed to yours on multiple occasions, you highly doubt him, but you nod regardless and hand him his drink. Unlike a man on the chilly side, he chugs half of the icy drink in one go and you wonder if he’ll ever stop jumping from buildings and telling white lies to impress you.

“Want some help warming up?” Before he can respond you lean up, brushing your nose against his and watching as his lids flutter closed in anticipation, his breath is cool on your lips and when you finally press into them you can taste nothing but the tartness of the lemonade. Regardless, it’s heavenly; soft and tender. Every kiss with Jason makes your heart flutter in the same way it had the first time.

When he pulls away you chase after him, eyes only opening to meet his heterochromatic irises when your pursuit for more becomes an abundant failure.

He’s grinning as he tells you; “We’re missing the sunrise.”

“I don’t care.” You answer, trying again, and this time succeeding in drawing him in for another kiss.

Roy: Paddling Pool

If ever anybody asked you to describe a moment of pure domestic bliss, this moment would be a strong contender. Your lower body is submerged in a paddling pool as you bask in the sun, enjoying the occasional splash of water caused by Lian’s uncoordinated but enthusiastic dancing beside you. She too is basking, but hers is under an endless stream of hose water being directed by her father; Roy, who is watching the two of you from a sun lounger, hosepipe in one hand and a non-alcoholic beer in the other.

He's quite the vision, no shoes, no shirt, just tastefully tacky swim trunks and his iconically worn-out grey baseball cap that may be protecting his head, but is doing little to tame his mop of fiery hair. From this angle, you’ve got a great shot of some of his lesser-seen tattoos, but every time you look over at him you find yourself far more smitten with the countless freckles that adorn his chest and shoulders, made darker and more noticeable by the recent heatwave.   

“How’s the Heineken?” You ask, genuinely curious how he’s enjoying his first taste of alcohol-free booze.

“Crap.” He replies, lips briefly curving into a self-amused smirk before dropping to woefully panicked as you both turn to look at Lian. Luckily, she doesn’t seem to have been listening in, content in her own toddler babblings. Relieved, he turns his attention back to you and corrects himself. “Um, not good babe.”

“That sucks. I’m sorry.” You offer your condolences, but he seems completely unbothered.

Instead, he turns the glass bottle around in his hands a few times before chucking it over his shoulder. It sails through the air before seamlessly landing in the open bin by your backdoor. Your concern about it leaking into the rest of the recycling is seconded by how impressed you are. It doesn’t seem to matter how many times his trick-shot hit, you’re always at least a little bit captivated by his impeccable aim.    

“It’s cool, hon.” He shrugs and leans back into the lounger. His eyes flicker back and forth between you and his child, a slow, contented smile spreading across his face. “Got everything I need right here.”  

Bonus:

Hours later, you’re sorting through the soggy contents of the recycling as Roy scoops Lian up in his arms and takes her sleepy frame inside. The sun is still high and bright, but it’s past her bedtime, and it’s been a long, exciting day for her. He dries her with the softest towel he can find, careful to pat down every pruned finger and toe before putting her to bed.

“How was your day, sweetie?” He asks, strong fingers petting her soft hair to help soothe her to sleep.

“Crap!”   

Tim: Ice Cream

Tim is still sleeping off a rough, muggy night of crime fighting as you circumnavigate the boat's sad excuse for a kitchen. The bags under his eyes had been growing darker each day under the stress of hunting down a mysterious new bank robber. You’d hoped to lift his spirits by surprising him with a tub of homemade ice cream, but so far all you’d managed to make is a mess.

After having a falling out with the thrifted ice cream maker you’d stuffed in the back of a cupboard months ago, you settled for hand mixing. By the time you put the concoction in the freezer to set, your wrists are aching, and Tim has begun to stir. You’re just finishing up the dishes you’d created when he finally emerges from the bedroom in shorts, flip-flops, and a not-so-summer-appropriate hoodie.

Before you can offer a ‘good morning, Timmybear’ his arms are around your waist, pulling you close from behind and settling the weight of his sleepy head on your shoulder.

“What’s this?” He asks and then he’s licking what you can only assume is a stray splash of the mixture from your cheek with the bravery only a man raised by Batman could possess. It could have been literally anything. “Banana?”

“Chunky monkey actually.” Goddamn. Surprise ruined in less than a minute. Oh well, at least you can give him something to look forward to. “Don’t worry, I didn’t get ice cream without you, I made it for you.”

“I figured.” He hums, sounding so very drowsy despite the ease with which he manoeuvres your body against the kitchen counter so he can keep you close while brewing his morning tea, occasionally planting soft kisses to the side of your neck as his hands move absentmindedly. “You’re the best, you know that? Can’t wait to try it.”

“You figured? How did you figure?” You skip right past the justified praise; he’d been practically comatose since 4 AM, how could he have figured?

“It’s on the ceiling.” He’s right, you look up to see a cream-soaked walnut lodged above you and let out a dramatic sigh as you fall deeper into Tim's arms.

Taglist: @wandalfnation

[resurrection-if-game]

re:Surrection is an upcoming interactive fiction game made in choicescript with high stakes slice of life and cyberpunk elements written by username zozopuff

Summary: You’re a bartender at a seedy neon bar on a space station in the not-so distant future of 2141. What the suspicious owner of the bar doesn’t know is that you have a secret – many secrets, really, but the important one would probably be that you’re a government experiment; a corpse brought back to life after an untimely death.

You’ve been sent into the workforce to prove to the researchers back at the facility that you can assimilate into society, resulting in the success of their experiment. They’ve given you a time limit of 30 days. If you can manage not to get fired, end up in jail, or get killed in a bar fight, then you’ll be free! If not, you’ll be another failure and culled.

Oh, and because they fried your brain a little during the reanimation process, you have a proclivity for violence. But you’re sure you’ll be fine. Mostly.

Features:

High stakes slice of life

Play as male, female, or nonbinary

Choose from four different backgrounds: ex-smuggler, ex-military, ex-xenobiologist, ex-salesman – I mean, marketing lead.

Survive 30 days as a bartender in a seedy bar that’s only safe when old Detective Black comes for a drink; and without strangling your shifty coworker (how hard can it be to fry chicken?).

Maybe romance the customer, Wren, (gender selectable) who understands your position quite literally, or what about the scientist who led the project to bring you back to life?

Figure out who you were and how you died. Will you do something about it?

Avoid filling your rage meter and going berserk. Or do.

Manage your health or fall apart at the proverbial seams.

Each day is slightly randomized so every playthrough would be unique.

The goal is to have a playable demo by the end of 2025 (this is a generous estimate as this is a side-project) that consists of an introduction and the first 5 days of gameplay. I plan to have a weekly devlog (this helps me keep on track lol). Progress on the demo is: Introduction (finished), Day 1 (~75% finished), Day 2 (plotted). I have posted a private playtest of the short introduction to re:Surrection on my patreon under the free membership option if you're interested in seeing how the game is shaping up.

My other work in progress is an adult high fantasy romance adventure game with RPG and dungeon break elements with a workable playtest that you can check out here.