#tree installation cost
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
creations-by-chaosfay · 9 months ago
Text
After I finish the skull mini quilts, I'll be cleaning up my sewing room in preparation for panel quilts. November 1st, the commission options will be reduced to pins/magnets, pine tree wallhangings, and rag quilts. December 1st, commissions will be closed until Spring 2025, probably in April or May.
If you want to commission me, now is the time to do it.
The pins I make can serve as "ornaments" on the pine tree wallhangings. The pine trees are perfect for displaying your own pin collection, as well. It's what I use my own for. You can also sew favorite buttons on there for much the same purpose.
Tumblr media
Rag quilts are a fun and quick type of quilt I can make on a lower budget because all the quilting is done during the sewing part. They're three layers of fabric, minimal piecing, made using large pieces, and have a good amount of weight to them. If you live in a cold area, or want to get a quilt for someone living in a colder region, three layers of flannel are an excellent option. They can be made with quilting cotton as well, which is heavier than flannel, but costs twice as much. Here's one rag quilt I've made. The reason I don't keep them in stock is due to their bulk and my extreme lack of storage space.
These are the same quilt, flipped over. The exposed edges are why it's called a rag quilt.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
9 notes · View notes
reasonsforhope · 2 years ago
Text
Holy crap, I didn't think Biden would be able to get the Climate Corps established without Congress. This is SUCH fantastic news.
--
"After being thwarted by Congress, President Joe Biden will use his executive authority to create a New Deal-style American Climate Corps that will serve as a major green jobs training program.
In an announcement Wednesday, the White House said the program will employ more than 20,000 young adults who will build trails, plant trees, help install solar panels and do other work to boost conservation and help prevent catastrophic wildfires.
The climate corps had been proposed in early versions of the sweeping climate law approved last year but was jettisoned amid strong opposition from Republicans and concerns about cost.
Democrats and environmental advocacy groups never gave up on the plan and pushed Biden in recent weeks to issue an executive order authorizing what the White House now calls the American Climate Corps.
“After years of demonstrating and fighting for a Climate Corps, we turned a generational rallying cry into a real jobs program that will put a new generation to work stopping the climate crisis,” said Varshini Prakash, executive director of the Sunrise Movement, an environmental group that has led the push for a climate corps.
With the new corps “and the historic climate investments won by our broader movement, the path towards a Green New Deal is beginning to become visible,” Prakash said...
...Environmental activists hailed the new jobs program, which is modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps, created in the 1930s by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a Democrat, as part of the New Deal...
Lawmakers Weigh In
More than 50 Democratic lawmakers, including Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, had also encouraged Biden to create a climate corps, saying in a letter on Monday that “the climate crisis demands a whole-of-government response at an unprecedented scale.”
The lawmakers cited deadly heat waves in the Southwest and across the nation, as well as dangerous floods in New England and devastating wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui, among recent examples of climate-related disasters.
Democrats called creation of the climate corps “historic” and the first step toward fulfilling the vision of the Green New Deal.
“Today President Biden listened to the (environmental) movement, and he delivered with an American Climate Corps,” a beaming Markey said at a celebratory news conference outside the Capitol.
“We are starting to turn the green dream into a green reality,” added Ocasio-Cortez, who co-sponsored the Green New Deal legislation with Markey four years ago.
“You all are changing the world,” she told young activists.
Program Details and Grant Deadlines
The initiative will provide job training and service opportunities to work on a wide range of projects, including restoring coastal wetlands to protect communities from storm surges and flooding; clean energy projects such as wind and solar power; managing forests to prevent catastrophic wildfires; and energy efficient solutions to cut energy bills for consumers, the White House said.
Creation of the climate corps comes as the Environmental Protection Agency launches a $4.6 billion grant competition for states, municipalities and tribes to cut climate pollution and advance environmental justice. The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants are funded by the 2022 climate law and are intended to drive community-driven solutions to slow climate change.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan said the grants will help “communities so they can chart their own paths toward the clean energy future.”
The deadline for states and municipalities to apply is April 1, with grants expected in late 2024. Tribes and territories must apply by May 1, with grants expected by early 2025."
-via Boston.com, September 21, 2023
6K notes · View notes
dandelionsresilience · 1 year ago
Text
Good News - July 22-28
Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my new(ly repurposed) Patreon!
1. Four new cheetah cubs born in Saudi Arabia after 40 years of extinction
Tumblr media
“[T]he discovery of mummified cheetahs in caves […] which ranged in age from 4,000 to as recent as 120 years, proved that the animals […] once called [Saudi Arabia] home. The realisation kick-started the country’s Cheetah Conservation Program to bring back the cats to their historic Arabian range. […] Dr Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the NCW, said: […] “This motivates us to continue our efforts to restore and reintroduce cheetahs, guided by an integrated strategy designed in accordance with best international practices.””
2. In sub-Saharan Africa, ‘forgotten’ foods could boost climate resilience, nutrition
Tumblr media
“[A study published in PNAS] examined “forgotten” crops that may help make sub-Saharan food systems more resilient, and more nutritious, as climate change makes it harder to grow [current staple crops.] [… The study identified 138 indigenous] food crops that were “relatively underresearched, underutilized, or underpromoted in an African context,” but which have the nutrient content and growing stability to support healthy diets and local economies in the region. […] In Eswatini, van Zonneveld and the World Vegetable Center are working with schools to introduce hardy, underutilized vegetables to their gardens, which have typically only grown beans and maize.”
3. Here's how $4 billion in government money is being spent to reduce climate pollution
Tumblr media
“[New Orleans was awarded] nearly $50 million to help pay for installing solar on low to middle income homes [… and] plans to green up underserved areas with trees and build out its lackluster bike lane system to provide an alternative to cars. […] In Utah, $75 million will fund several measures from expanding electric vehicles to reducing methane emissions from oil and gas production. [… A] coalition of states led by North Carolina will look to store carbon in lands used for agriculture as well as natural places like wetlands, with more than $400 million. [… This funding is] “providing investments in communities, new jobs, cost savings for everyday Americans, improved air quality, … better health outcomes.””
4. From doom scrolling to hope scrolling: this week’s big Democratic vibe shift
Tumblr media
“[Democrats] have been on an emotional rollercoaster for the past few weeks: from grim determination as Biden fought to hang on to his push for a second term, to outright exuberance after he stepped aside and Harris launched her campaign. […] In less than a week, the Harris campaign raised record-breaking sums and signed up more than 100,000 new volunteers[….] This honeymoon phase will end, said Democratic strategist Guy Cecil, warning the election will be a close race, despite this newfound exuberance in his party. [… But v]oters are saying they are excited to vote for Harris and not just against Trump. That’s new.”
5. Biodegradable luminescent polymers show promise for reducing electronic waste
Tumblr media
“[A team of scientists discovered that a certain] chemical enables the recycling of [luminescent polymers] while maintaining high light-emitting functions. […] At the end of life, this new polymer can be degraded under either mild acidic conditions (near the pH of stomach acid) or relatively low heat treatment (> 410 F). The resulting materials can be isolated and remade into new materials for future applications. […] The researchers predict this new polymer can be applied to existing technologies, such as displays and medical imaging, and enable new applications […] such as cell phones and computer screens with continued testing.”
6. World’s Biggest Dam Removal Project to Open 420 Miles of Salmon Habitat this Fall
Tumblr media
“Reconnecting the river will help salmon and steelhead populations survive a warming climate and [natural disasters….] In the long term, dam removal will significantly improve water quality in the Klamath. “Algae problems in the reservoirs behind the dams were so bad that the water was dangerous for contact […] and not drinkable,” says Fluvial Geomorphologist Brian Cluer. [… The project] will begin to reverse decades of habitat degradation, allow threatened salmon species to be resilient in the face of climate change, and restore tribal connections to their traditional food source.”
7. Biden-Harris Administration Awards $45.1 Million to Expand Mental Health and Substance Use Services Across the Lifespan
““Be it fostering wellness in young people, caring for the unhoused, facilitating treatment and more, this funding directly supports the needs of our neighbors,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. [The funding also supports] recovery and reentry services to adults in the criminal justice system who have a substance use disorder[… and clinics which] serve anyone who asks for help for mental health or substance use, regardless of their ability to pay.”
8. The World’s Rarest Crow Will Soon Fly Free on Maui
Tumblr media
“[… In] the latest attempt to establish a wild crow population, biologists will investigate if this species can thrive on Maui, an island where it may have never lived before. Translocations outside of a species’ known historical range are rare in conservation work, but for a bird on the brink of extinction, it’s a necessary experiment: Scientists believe the crows will be safer from predators in a new locale—a main reason that past reintroduction attempts failed. […] As the release date approaches, the crows have already undergone extensive preparation for life in the wild. […] “We try to give them the respect that you would give if you were caring for someone’s elder.””
9. An optimist’s guide to the EV battery mining challenge
““Battery minerals have a tremendous benefit over oil, and that’s that you can reuse them.” [… T]he report’s authors found there’s evidence to suggest that [improvements in technology] and recycling have already helped limit demand for battery minerals in spite of this rapid growth — and that further improvements can reduce it even more. [… They] envision a scenario in which new mining for battery materials can basically stop by 2050, as battery recycling meets demand. In this fully realized circular battery economy, the world must extract a total of 125 million tons of battery minerals — a sum that, while hefty, is actually 17 times smaller than the oil currently harvested every year to fuel road transport.”
10. Peekaboo! A baby tree kangaroo debuts at the Bronx Zoo
Tumblr media
“The tiny Matschie’s tree kangaroo […] was the third of its kind born at the Bronx Zoo since 2008. [… A] Bronx Zoo spokesperson said that the kangaroo's birth was significant for the network of zoos that aims to preserve genetic diversity among endangered animals. "It's a small population and because of that births are not very common," said Jessica Moody, curator of primates and small mammals at the Bronx Zoo[, …] adding that baby tree kangaroos are “possibly one of the cutest animals to have ever lived. They look like stuffed animals, it's amazing.””
July 15-21 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)
873 notes · View notes
batboyblog · 1 year ago
Text
Things the Biden-Harris Administration Did This Week #28
July 19-26 2024
The EPA announced the award of $4.3 billion in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants. The grants support community-driven solutions to fight climate change, and accelerate America’s clean energy transition. The grants will go to 25 projects across 30 states, and one tribal community. When combined the projects will reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of CO2, roughly the output of 5 million American homes over 25 years. Major projects include $396 million for Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection as it tries to curb greenhouse gas emissions from industrial production, and $500 million for transportation and freight decarbonization at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
The Biden-Harris Administration announced a plan to phase out the federal government's use of single use plastics. The plan calls for the federal government to stop using single use plastics in food service operations, events, and packaging by 2027, and from all federal operations by 2035. The US government is the single largest employer in the country and the world’s largest purchaser of goods and services. Its move away from plastics will redefine the global market.
The White House hosted a summit on super pollutants with the goals of better measuring them and dramatically reducing them. Roughly half of today's climate change is caused by so called super pollutants, methane, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Public-private partnerships between NOAA and United Airlines, The State Department and NASA, and the non-profit Carbon Mapper Coalition will all help collect important data on these pollutants. While private firms announced with the White House plans that by early next year will reduce overall U.S. industrial emissions of nitrous oxide by over 50% from 2020 numbers. The summit also highlighted the EPA's new rule to reduce methane from oil and gas by 80%.
The EPA announced $325 million in grants for climate justice. The Community Change Grants Program, powered by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act will ultimately bring $2 billion dollars to disadvantaged communities and help them combat climate change. Some of the projects funded in this first round of grant were: $20 million for Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association, which will help weatherize and energy efficiency upgrade homes for 35 tribes in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, $14 million to install onsite wastewater treatment systems throughout 17 Black Belt counties in Alabama, and $14 million to urban forestry, expanding tree canopy in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
The Department of Interior approved 3 new solar projects on public land. The 3 projects, two in Nevada and one in Arizona, once finished could generate enough to power 2 million homes. This comes on top of DoI already having beaten its goal of 25 gigawatts of clean energy projects by the end of 2025, in April 2024. This is all part of President Biden’s goal of creating a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035. 
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen pledged $667 million to global Pandemic Fund. The fund set up in 2022 seeks to support Pandemic prevention, and readiness in low income nations who can't do it on their own. At the G20 meeting Yellen pushed other nations of the 20 largest economies to double their pledges to the $2 billion dollar fund. Yellen highlighted the importance of the fund by saying "President Biden and I believe that a fully-resourced Pandemic Fund will enable us to better prevent, prepare for, and respond to pandemics – protecting Americans and people around the world from the devastating human and economic costs of infectious disease threats,"
The Departments of the Interior and Commerce today announced a $240 million investment in tribal fisheries in the Pacific Northwest. This is in line with an Executive Order President Biden signed in 2023 during the White House Tribal Nations Summit to mpower Tribal sovereignty and self-determination. An initial $54 million for hatchery maintenance and modernization will be made available for 27 tribes in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The rest will be invested in longer term fishery projects in the coming years.
The IRS announced that thanks to funding from President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, it'll be able to digitize much of its operations. This means tax payers will be able to retrieve all their tax related information from one source, including Wage & Income, Account, Record of Account, and Return transcripts, using on-line Individual Online Account.
The IRS also announced that New Jersey will be joining the direct file program in 2025. The direct file program ran as a pilot in 12 states in 2024, allowing tax-payers in those states to file simple tax returns using a free online filing tool directly with the IRS. In 2024 140,000 Americans were able to file this way, they collectively saved $5.6 million in tax preparation fees, claiming $90 million in returns. The average American spends $270 and 13 hours filing their taxes. More than a million people in New Jersey alone will qualify for direct file next year. Oregon opted to join last month. Republicans in Congress lead by Congressmen Adrian Smith of Nebraska and Chuck Edwards of North Carolina have put forward legislation to do away with direct file.
Bonus: American law enforcement arrested co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada. El Mayo co-founded the cartel in the 1980s along side Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán. Since El Chapo's incarceration in the United States in 2019, El Mayo has been sole head of the Sinaloa Cartel. Authorities also arrested El Chapo's son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez. The Sinaloa Cartel has been a major player in the cross border drug trade, and has often used extreme violence to further their aims.
772 notes · View notes
lostintransist · 8 months ago
Text
Secrets Are For Grown Ups | Part 2
Shout out to the fabulous @xbirdiex for letting me hit them up in their DM's to beta for this. 😘
CW: Limb Loss, suicide mentioned in passing, thoughts of murder, Emotions™
What does one do when confronted with their unknown sins?
Follow them home of course.
Johnny had lost his left leg at knee due to a bomb going off at a job and Simon had been discharged after repeatedly failing mental health evals. They were both given pensions and discharged with honors. Roach and Gaz had been kept together when moved to a new team and Price had been ‘gifted’ a higher position by command that left him chained to a desk.
The only confirmation they had that your leaving had been somehow their fault was the face down picture on the table. Price had called them to check on you as you had a family emergency. You had been firmly ensconced in a hard airport seat when they reached your flat. If they shared a speaking look about the photo before Johnny slid it from it’s frame and folded into his pocket, they never discussed it.
The discharges were how they finally ended up together. Simon needed something, someone, to care for to keep from eating a bullet and Johnny fighting him tooth and nail to stay alive was the right project. The physical therapists loved seeing Johnny rolled in by Simon because they knew he wouldn’t fight them on exercises today. He would snarl at his “L.T.” and actually work. They had to be careful to not let him overwork himself lest he be unable to work at the next day’s appointment.
Their first kiss had been when Johnny had been fed up with Simon’s sass about physical therapy. He had only been legless for a month and barely started trying to relearn how to balance.
Simon carried him from the car to their shared flat.
“I’m not going back.”
“Mmm, what a surprise it will be when I drag your ass to PT tomorrow then.”
Being carried bridal style rankled somewhere deep in Johnny. He wanted to take a bite of out Simon’s neck and keep ripping but that would have left him stranded in the hall with a dead body and only one working foot.
The look Simon sent him, one of cool acknowledgment and smugness had Johnny gripping both halves of Simon’s face and planting a kiss on him.
That would show the bastard.
Showed him something alright. All Simon could see the remaining few steps to the flat was the subtle shift in Johnny’s gym shorts and rising heat in his cheeks. Simon hadn’t said anything about it. Dinner had been a simple soup. Night fell. When Simon helped Johnny to bed that night, he inserted himself next to the man.
Johnny didn’t question it. Frankly he was relieved. He had flirted for years in front of the man he didn’t think he would ever catch. The press of his dry lips and light fingers had ignited the combustible fumes that swirled between them. Those fumes choked out any hope of anything healthy with anyone else.
When Johnny had ‘graduated’ from therapy and could walk with almost no limp Simon invited Johnny to move with him. They found a medium sized city in a place neither of them had been to but could reach several national parks and an airport relatively quickly. Housing costs were rising but they found an older neighborhood with a good amount of trees in the yards and a little space in the back to grow plants. They could see the mountains when they stood on the second story porch.
The previous owner had mentioned that the school pick-up and drop off point happened at their house for the junior high and the elementary schools. Kids would wait on the corner of their yard away from the cars. That is why the two owners prior had installed the stone benches that sat so close to the sidewalk. Simon had planned on taking them out until he heard that piece of information.
One day, during mid-spring where the mornings were chilled enough to need a jacket but the afternoons would leave you sweating, Johnny saw something that gave him pause. He was in the process of moving bags of clothes into the car to drop off at the shelter when the bus delivered a load of kids. He waved with the bus driver and slammed the trunk of the crossover.
The squeal particular to children had Johnny snapping his back to a pair of children who walked past his parked car.
“Don’t do that Mac!”
A glare he had only ever seen on Simon’s face painted itself across the face of a child who couldn’t be any older than seven. Johnny felt the bottom drop out of his stomach and fall into his ass.
“Don’t yell at me stupid!”
“Mom says you can’t call me stupid! Stupid!”
Stepping into the sidewalk Johnny watches the the children, one with long hair and the other short, bicker until they reached a house five doors up and disappeared behind the front door.
Stumbling into the garage Johnny attempts to call for Simon. All that escapes is a croak. After a hard shake of his head and clearing his throat it works.
“Simon!”
The shout must have had an edge of panic because Simon appears with a hand gun pointed at the floor and the his Ghost eyes staring out. Upon seeing Johnny, unharmed and alarmed Simon tucked his work face and his gun away.
“What happened? Why are you sweating? Are you sick?”
Johnny swatted away that hands that reached for his face.
“I saw a fecking child with your face Si. Kid got off the bus and was arguing with his sister. I need you to come with me.”
Simon blinked at his beloved a few times. The fuck did he say?
“Why would a child in the states have my face? You know it is possible for unrelated people to look alike right? It’s important to me that you know that.”
“Listen to me Simon!” Johnny stumbled back, prosthetic catching funny against the concrete floor. “I, never, in all my life have seen a glare that looks exactly like yours. But this kid when yelling at his sister had one of your meanest glares. I could see him in you still after he smiled. I am asking you to come with me and knock on a door to introduce ourselves to the neighbors and find out what the hell is going on.”
Simon hadn’t seen Johnny this riled up in a long time. He searched his husbands face, noting the heaving of his chest and the flex of his fingers as he fought them from curling into fists.
“Okay,” he said gently as if he were speaking to a spooked horse, “let’s go meet the neighbors.”
That is how the found themselves at your door. The waiting after the harsh knock sounded into the space beyond the frame rattled something loose in Simon. Could he have a kid? He had been no prude before settling down with Johnny but he couldn’t remember more than a few women he ever fucked raw. Everyone of them had been on birth control, at least they said they were.
Johnny crossed his arms, drawing Simon’s gaze. They were both freaked out, concerned.
When the door opens there is you. A little older, a little more solid than when you had fled England, a few new piercings, but it’s still you. Simon glances to the wall visible behind you catching sight of two children in photos who wouldn’t look out of place on the walls of his and Johnny’s home. His gaze snaps back to you as you blanch and slam the door shut.
The deadbolt slamming into place solidifies in him the answer that there is something going on here and it absolutely involves them.
Before Johnny can pound his fist into the door to demand answers Simon catches it. Placing a gentle kiss along his knuckles he coaxes him from the door.
“She won’t answer the door. You know she won’t. Let’s all take the evening and try and come back tomorrow while the kids are at school.”
“She owes us answers, Si,” Johnny’s eyes flashed as he snarled.
Simon pulled him down one more step. Once Johnny started moving they walked home, hand in hand.
“She does owe us answers, but we know where she is now and can see about getting them. Right now I suggest we recoup and see what we can find. One of the kids in the photos looked like you Johnny.”
Johnny vibrates with tension until he sees the wisdom in coming at this from another angle. His shoulders drop from his ears as tears prick at his eyes.
“Why wouldn’t she tell us Si?”
Mulling over the answer they complete the walk home.
“Why would she Johnny? You know how we are.”
That sobering statement colored the remainder of the evening. It is late when they decide to call their former captain.
Part 3
Secrets Masterlist | Masterlist
Tags:
@love-kha1 @bdbdhshhs @persephone-kore-law @vmaxis @splaterparty0-0 @momowhoo
@talia-the-gemini @redkarmakai
@beloveds-embrace @cherrycosmos392 @mxtallymarks @love-kha1
388 notes · View notes
holdmytesseract · 4 months ago
Text
Tumblr media
moodboard by the wonderful @chennqingg <3
...when hope is all you got...
[EoH Universe]
Daryl Dixon x fem!Reader feat. Teddy Dixon
Summary: When the prison falls, your family gets separated. Now it's all about finding each other again... Especially Daryl and your son.
Warnings: the usual TWD stuff, walkers, weapons, angst - a lot, blood, death,
The Road Era!
Word Count: 3,7k
a/n: I forgot that I wrote this story and remebered a few days ago. I thought for a second that I just dreamt writing this, but... Then I checked my docs and there it was. I never posted it, though. This has to change, 'cause I really like this installment of the AU. ☺️
EoH Masterlist °☆• Daryl Masterlist °☆• Masterlist
Tumblr media
Daryl's breath was laboured as he stopped to run; back pressed against a tree and crossbow dangling from his hand. He squeezed his eyes shut; throwing his head back. Rest wasn't granted him for long, though... The snarling and growling of the approaching threat caused his body to pump more adrenaline through his veins. "Damn it," he cursed and clenched his teeth, before he started to run again. In distance, the archer could see the thick cloud of smoke; marking the fall of the prison.
Tears gathered in his eyes. He had lost sight of everyone... Rick, Maggie, Glenn, Michonne, Carl, you, the kids, Teddy - everyone. He didn't know who was still alive and who wasn't.
Gritting his teeth, he continued to run - not away from the prison, though... Towards the prison. He had to find you and his son. At all costs. "Y/N! Teddy!" He yelled; his voice echoing through the woods and probably attracting the walkers all around the area, but he couldn't care less. The archer was running high on adrenaline; the pain, anger and fear in his heart pushing him on. He was more than ready to fight.
"Y/N! Teddy!" The closer Daryl got back to the prison, the more walkers came into his way. He killed them all; not stopping - until they had more or less surrounded him; coming at the archer from all sides.
He grunted and took quick breaths; sweat rolling down his neck and chest. His eyes flickered back and forth to not lose track of which walkers would 'attack' first.
The tactic was good at first - but at some time he lost track. More than ten walkers being too much for him as well. Therefore, he didn't notice how the threat sneaked up on him; ready to take a bite out of neck - when a loud gunshot suddenly urged to his ears. From the corner of his eyes, he could see the walker behind him sinking to the earthy ground beneath him. More gunshots followed.
Daryl quickly fought off the last two walkers (for now) and spun around - his heart leaping almost out of his chest as he saw you standing there.
"Y/N!" The usually so composed man almost sobbed; running over to you and straight into your arms. "Daryl," you croaked out; holding onto him for dear life. "I-I heard your calls a-and came as fast as possible, I-" You pulled back from the hug and cupped his cheeks; eyes scanning his body for any injuries. "You okay, sweetie?" He nodded; smiling ever so softly. "Now 'm okay." You breathed out a laugh and leaned in to press your lips against his in a desperate, but sweet kiss. You would've loved to kiss him longer, but the archer pulled back. His eyes were sloshing over with worry; hands twitching on your waist. "W-Where's our lil' boy? W-Where's Teddy?"
You swallowed hard; lump forming in your throat. "I-I left him on the bus, I-" "The bus?" You nodded; tears pooling in your eyes. "I-I went looking for you, thinking that he would be safe t-there. I-I had to look for you, but couldn't take him with me. It would've been t-to dangerous w-with all these bullets flying..." Your head dropped, just like your hands from Daryl's cheeks to land on his chest. "G-Gods, I-I hope they made it."
You felt how the archer's grip on your waist tightened softly; thumbs caressing your clothed skin. "Hey, sunshine, look at me," he spoke in a low, reassuring voice. You did what he asked you; looking up in those seemingly endless blue-grey orbs. "We're gonna find 'im, 'kay? He'll be a'right. Teddy's such a strong kid."
You nodded. "I-I know, but he's still just a child after all..." Daryl dipped his head to plant a firm kiss on your forehead; his goatee tickling your skin. "We find him, sunshine," he said again, "C'mon. We gotta get outta here." before untangling his arms around you and gently pulling you along; hearing the threatening snarls of more walkers getting closer. "Let's find tha' bus."
Tumblr media
Daryl's tracking skills were probably never more advantageous than they were now in this very situation. Unfortunately threw nightfall a wrench in the works. It was too dangerous to walk around all night. Especially with the two of you still being not that far from the destroyed prison, which still attracted new walkers. Daryl wanted to keep going, of course, so you had to be the reasonable one this time.
You had just come back from securing your small camp with old ropes and empty cans you two had found; creating a alarm system. Now, you sat down on the remains of a tree trunk, beside Daryl, around a small campfire. He was skinning and cooking the... snake he had caught earlier. You watched him work; knowing that you were in the safest place in the whole world... By his side. You just wished Teddy was, too... But giving up wasn't an option. It never was and it would never be.
"Here," Daryl gently nudged your side; interrupting your thoughts. "You gotta eat somethin'." You nodded and took the piece of cooked snake meat Daryl was handing you; taking a small bite. "Could be worse," you stated then and looked at your man, who answered with a grunt and shrugged his shoulders. "'S not bad. Had worse." "Oh, definitely."
Later that night - might as well call it very early in the morning, you had taken over to keep watch; insisting that Daryl needed some rest, too. It took you some convincing, but in the end, he gave in and granted his body some rest.
You kept your senses sharp; constantly looking out for any threats. And of course, it came how it had to come... Something - or rather someone found their way into your tiny camp...
Not a walker, though...
You had your rifle drawn and loaded; ready to shoot, as you pointed it into the direction of the quick steps on wooden ground you heard. You were hiding behind a thick tree only a few yards away from the camp.
The closer they got, the more picked your heart rate up. Your finger was hovering mere millimetres above the trigger; twitching - but to your sheer surprise and endless relief stumbled a familiar face out behind the bushes... "Beth?!" You breathed and immediately lowered your rifle; beyond happy to see one of your family members. It gave you hope that the others survived, too.
The blonde teenager looked at you wide eyed, as if she had just seen a ghost. "Oh my gosh, Beth!" You immediately lunged forwards; taking the young woman in your arms. You felt how her body relaxed against yours. "Y-Y/N..." "Are you okay?" You pulled back; giving her a quick once over. Beth nodded. "Are you alone?" Once again, she nodded. "A-Are you alone?"
You just wanted to answer something, when another voice cut through the air. "Sunshine? Ya a'right? Wha' 's goin' on?" Daryl. His footsteps could be heard as well; approaching. "It's all good, sweetie. I found Beth." Within seconds, he appeared from behind a tree; looking from Beth to you and back. Then he nodded and lowered his crossbow. "Ya okay?" "Y-Yeah..."
Of course, you took her to the little camp. "How did you find us?" You asked; giving her some water to drink. The young blonde woman shook her head. "I didn't search for you. I just stumbled across you." You smiled softly and placed a gentle hand on your shoulder. "I'm glad you did." "What you think I couldn't make it on my own?" Beth snapped; giving you a frown. You shook your head, "No. I never said that. I'm just happy to see you; knowing you are alive gives me hope." and gave the teenager's shoulder a gentle squeeze. You could see in her eyes, that she immediately regretted her words. "I'm sorry... You're probably right. I wouldn't make it, I-" "Yes, you will, Beth," you interrupted her. "You are strong. Stronger than you think." In return, the blond gave you a small smile. "Thank you."
Then she looked around. "Where's Teddy?" Her question brought you back down on the hard ground of reality. You swallowed hard. "I-I... We don't know. We hope he's in the bus..."
Daryl, who had been a quiet participant of your conversation with Beth decided to chime in. "He will be in tha' bus," the archer said and subtly reached for your hand, intertwining your fingers and giving it a soft squeeze.
Tumblr media
With the first daylight, you, Beth and Daryl got on the road again; trying to find the bus. It took you quite a while, but around midday, you finally found its tire tracks. "Are those...?" You asked as Daryl inspected the tracks; hope flaring up inside you. He nodded. "Yeah, 'm quite sure 's from the bus." You exchanged a relieved smile with Beth, since she was hoping Maggie and Glenn were probably in the bus as well. "Let's go!" You almost shouted; excitedly running ahead.
Your happiness didn't last long, though; got blown out like a candle within seconds. As you rounded the slight curve, you spotted the bus in distance; causing you to stop in your movements. The back door was ripped open and a lot of dead bodies were scattered on the earthy road. Familiar bodies. People you knew and once lived in the prison with you.
The moment of realisation hit you hard. It felt like your heart had just jumped over the edge of a cliff; free falling into its death. "No... No, no, no..." You whimpered; tears already starting to well up in your eyes, as you started to run again - straight for the bus. You heard quick footsteps behind you and Daryl's voice calling out your name, but you ignored him. You had to look for you son. You had to see if he was dead.
"Teddy!" You screamed from the top your lungs, but got no answer. Hastily, your eyes scanned the dead walkers, but Teddy wasn't one of them. Without thinking, you climbed inside the bus. "Y/N!" Daryl called out for you again, but once more you ignored him; your motherly instincts taking over.
You could feel your heart hammering against your ribcage, as you checked every nook and cranny of the empty, blood soaked bus. "Teddy!"
He wasn't there.
All you found was the red bandana he used to wear around his neck. Tears blurred your vision as you sunk to your knees; clutching the bandana against your chest. Teddy was gone, and you had no clue where to even start. Was he dead? Was he alive? The uncertainty ate you up inside.
Daryl and Beth reached the bus after you; the archer's eyes immediately scanned his surroundings. He didn't have to be an expert to know what happened. It was obvious. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he turned to Beth, "Ya keepin' watch, yeah?" and let his crossbow fall carelessly to the ground. Beth, who was shocked as well just nodded.
With a grunt, Daryl climbed inside the bus as well; spotting your shaking and crying form on the floor. Of course, he didn't hesitate and rushed to your side. A pair of strong arms lifted you up and embraced you tightly; catching you from falling. You buried your face in Daryl's chest; holding on to him for dear life.
The archer knew he had to be strong for you, but that wasn't easy. Teddy was his son as well. Keeping up a brave, strong face in this situation was impossible. He couldn't stop the tear from escaping the corner of his eye. "We're gonna find 'im, sunshine. I promise. He's out there 'n we're gonna find 'im. I ain't givin' up. Ya hear me?" You snivelled and lifted your head to look Daryl in the eyes. You could clearly see how much this affected him as well. The pain he felt.
Daryl lifted a hand and cupped your cheek; gently wiping away a stray tear with his thumb. "Ya hear me?" He asked again, and this time you nodded. "Y-Yeah..." Daryl gave you a nod as well, "Good." and pressed a lingering kiss on your forehead.
"Someone's been clearly here 'fore us, let all 'em walkers out 'n killed them. Perhaps got Teddy saved by the person who did this." "You think so?" "Could be, yeah," Daryl said; chewing on his bottom lip.
You stayed silent for a few moments; gathering your thoughts and trying to get a grip again. "Alright. Let's keep searching."
Tumblr media
You stared aimlessly at the concrete ground beneath you; trying to process everything that happened the past two days. You didn't even have time to breathe. Well, at least that was how it felt like... Finding the fallen bus, camping in an empty but stocked morgue, which resulted into losing Beth to god knows who. All you and Daryl saw was the white crosses on the rear window. It felt like another blow into the gut - full force. Now you were back at trying to find Teddy and the others; knowing very well that you couldn't rescue Beth alone.
You sat across from Daryl on the hard ground of the empty, only halfway finished building on the top floor; gaze directed on the landscape beneath your feet. Terminus was your destination; hoping that the others saw the signs too and followed the tracks as well.
The orange flames of the little campfire warmed your skin, but it didn't change the fact that you felt utterly cold. Without hesitation, you stood up and crossed the small distance to sit down beside the archer, who took you wordlessly in his arms. From your position, with your head resting in his lap, you looked up at him; noticing the trouble in his eyes.
Something was off.
Well, clearly Teddy still missing was occupying him, but there was also something else on his mind. You could feel it - and you had a guess...
You lifted your hand and gently cupped his cheek. He flinched at your touch; had been clearly lost in thoughts.
"What's going on in that handsome head, huh? Besides being worried about Teddy?" You asked; voice merely above a whisper. Daryl lowered his gaze and shook his head. "Nothin'." You huffed. "You can't bullshit me, Daryl. Not after seven years of being together. When are you going to learn that this won't ever work with me, huh?"
The archer started to chew on his bottom lip; lowering his head. He answered nothing at first and you didn't push him; caressing the skin on his cheek instead and trying to provide him some comfort and reassurance.
"'S on me," Daryl whispered after a while. "Losin' Beth..." You frowned; feeling his scruff tickling the tip of your thumb. "Sweetie..." You started and shook your head. "Why would that be your fault?" He swallowed hard. "'Cause I jus'..." He exhaled shakily. "I jus' send 'er out. I shoud've kept ya both safe... I-" "No..." You interrupted him immediately; shaking your head. "This is not on you, Daryl. You hear me? It's not your fault." You gazed deeply into his troubled eyes; swallowing hard. "You did what you think was right. And it was. You protected her from that literal herd of walkers by sending her out." You paused for a moment; letting your words sink in. "I hate that we found and lost her again in such a short time, but... She's alive, Daryl - and that's what's important."
The archer chew on his bottom and said nothing; just looked down on you. You could see in his eyes that your words had definitely reached his brain, but also that he was still hesitating. So, you jumped into action. "C'mere."
Sitting up, you shifted your position and gently nudged Daryl; gesturing for him to switch positions. Within seconds was his head now resting in your lap; face nuzzled into your stomach and arms tightly wrapped around your waist. It was exactly what he needed - and you knew.
You buried your hand in his chestnut brown hair; gently massaging bis scalp with your fingertips. "Let yourself feel it, sweetie. Imma catch you, I swear," you whispered; other hand running over his leather clad back. You just held him then; trying to be his tower of strength.
Silent tears were wetting your t-shirt, but you couldn't care less.
At some point Daryl had slept in - something you were really glad about. He needed rest and sleep; the physical and emotional exhaustion of the last few days catching up on him.
You went to check the barricaded staircase, before you extinguished the small campfire and laid down beside your man; trying to get some sleep as well.
Tumblr media
You didn't know how long exactly you and Daryl were sleeping, but it must've been quite a while, since the first rays of the morning sun didn't manage to wake you up. Something else did... The familiar snarling and snapping of teeth, alongside some shouts and the sounds of knifes slicing through skin and bone.
You sat up with a start.
Someone was fighting walkers.
Out of instinct, you immediately reached for your weapons and stood up. Moving to the edge of the opened side of the house, your eyes widened at what you saw. It wasn't just somebody, who fought against the walkers... It was Maggie and Sasha.
"O-Oh my... Shit," you cursed and ran over to the stair; trying to quickly move the barricade away. The noise woke up Daryl, of course. "Whatcha doin'?" He croaked out; voice still thick with sleep. "Maggie and Sasha are outside and surrounded by walkers! We gotta help them!"
No ten seconds later was Daryl by your side and helped you to get out of the building.
Together, you stormed down the stairs and floors, until you reached Maggie and Sasha outside; quickly helping them to kill the threat. Both women's eyes widened as they saw you and the archer, but there was no time to talk. You had to get rid of the walkers first - and you did. Together. Panting, you wiped some blood from your hand and smiled at the two family members you just found. "Maggie... Sasha..." They smiled back at you with tears in their eyes, and within seconds, the three of you were wrapped up in a hug.
"It's so good to see you," Maggie stated, while she went to greet Daryl; placing a hand on his upper arm. The archer gave her a soft smile and Sasha a nod - which she returned. "Likewise," you replied, before looking around. "Are you two alone?" Maggie and Sasha exchanged a look. "No," Sasha said. "Bob's with us. He went ahead. We have to catch up." You frowned; were slightly confused. "Why did he-" "Trust us," Maggie interrupted you; still smiling softly. "You'll see."
You and Daryl packed your things and joined Maggie and Sasha; following the tracks. After catching up, you got to know that they were looking for Glenn, of course, and heading for Terminus as well - what gave you hope that all your other family members would do the same. Daryl talked to Maggie about Beth and explained what happened.
It didn't take you long to catch up with Bob. You could see him walking in short distance. "Bob!" Sasha called out to him, which caused the man to stop and turn around. His eyes widened for a moment, before a bright smile stretched over his face. He turned around again for a few seconds, and what then happened literally took your breath away...
Bob wasn't alone. A way smaller figure appeared from behind him. A little boy you only knew too well. Teddy. "Mommy! Daddy!" He cried out the second he saw you two and didn't hesitate to instantly start running towards you and Daryl.
"O-Oh my god," you breathed out; hand reaching out to grasp your man's arm. Tears were glistening in your eyes. But this time, it was happy tears.
Nothing in this world could've held you back then. You stormed off; running towards Teddy and fell to your knees in front of your son; quickly taking him in your arms. "M-Mommy..." Teddy was audibly crying as well; beyond happy and relieved to see you, of course. He was still just a child after all. "I-I'm so sorry, baby... S-So sorry... I should've never left you alone," you whispered into his hair; breathing in his scent. Teddy's small arms squeezed you in response - and not just Teddy's...
Daryl had made his way over as well and was now perched on his knees, just like you; one arm wrapped around you, the other around his son. The little boy noticed the presence of his father immediately and quickly untangled his arms around you, in order to throw himself into Daryl's arms - and you happily let him. Unlike you, though, the archer stood to his feet with him; giving Teddy the opportunity to hug him even closer.
An opportunity the four-year-old took.
He wrapped his legs around Daryl's waist; clinging to him like a baby koala to a tree. You smiled warmly at the both of them; beyond happy that your little family was reunited - something you had to thank your other family members for.
You turned towards Maggie, Sasha and Bob, who were standing beside each other a few yards away; watching the joyful reunion with smiles on their lips. "Guys, I..." You had to hold back a few tears. "I can't even say how grateful I- we are...Thank you so very much." You walked over to them; taking all three of your friends in a group hug.
"You don't have to thank us, Y/N. We are family - and that's what family does," Maggie said. "Exactly," agreed Bob. "W-Where did you find him?" "The bus. He was hiding overhead. Smart boy," explained Bob. "We killed the walkers and found him," Maggie continued.
Everything made sense now.
"Again, thank you. I-I don't know what I or Daryl would've done if we had lost Teddy..." Maggie shook her head and hugged you again. "Don't think about that. He's here and safe." You nodded; "Let's find Glenn." giving her body a gentle squeeze.
And you did. Just like all of you found your way to Terminus...
Tumblr media
Tags: @angelwings-crossbowstrings @belitoxx @fictive-sl0th @marvelcasey05 @loz-3 @whore4romance @stitchintimefan @bigbaldheadname @making-the-most-0f-it @erebus-et-eigengrau @km-ffluv @0-aubrie0 @sweetz1919 @mikaela-granger @secretsicanthideanymore @dilfdixon @txtttttttttttttt @dixons-sunshine @stiveroon @cakesandtom @mayday2007 @dixonsdarkelf @huntedmusicgardenn @ffsjustletmesleep
126 notes · View notes
weirdrtvscomments · 10 months ago
Note
in case anyone is struggling with deciding who they want to vote for in the RTVStan/RTVS Nation/RTVSia/RTVS Topia/RTVS Topia-Ville presidential election, i have compiled a list:
Log
Representing the Ethernet Party: “A people with 5 ping to the main server is a people that prospers.”
Will change the name to RTVS Nation
Comic books are a part of the platform
Everybody gets a free moat
Eyes that are twice as big for everyone that wants them
Offload cost to Wifi users
Working on a battery charged snack
Hypnotist is a protected class
Robloxia war veteran
Defenses are proven
Will take your ants and import more
Endorsed by: Soulja Boy, Ken Masters, Stitch 
Signature move when President: Snake Trick (no weaknesses)
Punishment for other candidates: Follow him out & about like an RPG party
Mike
Representing the Sweets & Treats Party: “I was just outside eating a sandwich.”
Orange creamsicles will be available in every store
Free Steam Deck for every American citizen
Will lower tariffs and imports on all types of sweets and treats from Canada, while raising tariffs on everything else
Most important snack is Wasabi Peas
Not very good against zoners
Why are ants so bad?
Endorsed by: 2 (anonymous), Trap Snax
Signature gimmick when President: Whenever he eats a yummy piece of candy he gets an install, which gets its own theme
Special move when President: A cool punch like Marissa from Street Fighter 6
Punishment for other candidates: Have to reach into a bin of Bean Boozled that's 90% gross ones and eat it in public in front of cameras and the press. After, push into the alligator moat. Also, Mira’s idea
Mira
Representing the Drinks & Eats party: “I was rooting around in a dumpster out back.”
Will change the name to RTVSia
One of every food and drink, free of charge
Will develop a chemical compound called “Ketracel White,” will genetically engineer ants to be dependent on it 
Endorsed by: IceFrog, Yoshi, Yoshi (from Mario), baby Yoshi (might be one and the same), Chun Lee
Signature move(s) when President: Level up system (up to 3), if she gets knocked down she loses a charge of it, gets it when she does some power up move (or something), negative edge inputs (landmine, fireball, that one thing Bison does in Street Fighter 5), install where she gets a command grab, 8-way air dash, guard impact, levels reset between rounds, invincible super (can do it on wakeup)
Punishment for other candidates: Detractors rounded up and taken into woods where they are given a knife, camera, and laptop to make a Youtube channel of them living in the woods (Ethernet in the trees)
Trog
Representing the People’s Choice Freedom Integrity Liberty Justice Prosperity Sovereign Citizen’s Ethical Governance Democratic Renewal Global Sustainability Citizens for Unity (may be part of the Lego Star Wars Party): “We’re all part of God’s nation in my eyes.”
All breakfast restaurants have to be open for lunch & dinner in addition to breakfast
THEY HAVE TO GIVE YOU A LARGE WATER WHEN YOU ASK FOR IT
Desegregate PornHub and GayTube
Everybody gets a free castle
Immediately cease all snack exports 
Will start war with Canada
Will mail a bomb if you want him to
Will double your ants and give them to the next guy OR will turn them all into 1 big ant
New category on PornHub for ants
Will build death robots and a spaceship
Will be inventing gorgons, griffins, vampires, Frankenstiens, zombies, mummies, insects, gorgon ants (small)
Endorsed by: The Sims, Captain Video, Half Life 2: Lost Coast (demo), Tobuscus
Super move when President: 1 Sphinx on every tile surrounding, +1 food, +1 culture (if next to a river, +2 food, +2 culture instead)
Theme song: Steppin’ Out by Joe Jackson
Punishment for other candidates: All other candidates have to do an embarrassing pose and gaze into Medusa’s eyes, which will turn them into stone. The statues will be put in front of the White House, where during a nation-wide celebration they will be knocked down with a wrecking ball/individually destroyed with dirty bombs
Wayneradiotv/Wayne John 
Representing the California Milk Processors Board: “Enjoy DOGh.”
Every gallon of milk will have $2,000 in it
Free PornHub premium
Any dairy product you want whenever you want it
Will attract more ants
Will rename it to Milk Nation
Pig milk Iron Fist
Endorsed by: Britney Spears, Beyonce, Rhianna, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Shaquille O’Neal, Harrison Ford (all branded with Permanent Milk Mustache & committed their eternal lives), Batman, Mario, Spongebob
Signature move when President: Cow army that walks on their hind legs and shoot milk as projectiles
Punishment for other candidates: Mulched into feed for his cows
Things you need to rememer for the ONLY ELECTION THAT MATTERS!!!!
330 notes · View notes
manonsmartini · 15 days ago
Text
The Softest Revolution (S. Laforteza) — VI
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
✒️ last but not the least… (it actually is—it’s the shortest chapter in this series)
(1.3k words) | previous
It was hosted in the town plaza, the one [Y/N] used to pass by as a kid, never imagining she’d ever be speaking there.
Banners hung from trees with bold words in pastel paint:
“Para Sa Kabataan. Para Sa Bayan.”
The local youth coalition had pulled it together—art installations, spoken word, murals in progress. The crowd was mostly students, fresh from classes, a handful of teachers, NGO workers, a few parents.
The sun had dipped, and strings of warm yellow fairy lights blinked lazily between posts. Someone played a quiet guitar in the background.
[Y/N] stood by the mic with a clipboard. She wasn’t nervous. Not exactly. But there was a knot in her chest that hadn’t gone away since she saw her name on the program.
Keynote Youth Advocate: [Y/N] [L/N]
She spoke about participation. About how youth voices weren’t a warm-up act for real governance, but the governance. She quoted from community projects, name-dropped the kids she’d worked with at the daycare, smiled when the crowd laughed at her stories about her thesis interviews.
She didn’t say names.
But one line—just one—hung in the air like a held breath:
“We all grow up believing someone else is more qualified to speak. Older. Sharper. Safer. But sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is speak anyway—even if our voice shakes, even if it costs us something.”
She stepped away from the mic to applause, handing it off to the next performer.
And that’s when she saw her.
Standing in the back.
No pink shirt. No campaign color. Just a black blouse and jeans, glasses carefully placed on the bridge of her nose, her hair in a low bun. No entourage. No clipboard. Just a woman in the crowd, arms crossed over her chest like she wasn’t sure she should be there.
But she was there.
[Y/N] blinked, heartbeat suddenly loud in her ears.
Sophia’s eyes met hers—and held.
Not a plea.
Not a promise.
Just presence.
People trickled out slowly. Kids took photos in front of murals. Someone passed around leftover cookies. The air smelled faintly of turon and acrylic paint.
[Y/N] stood by one of the lamp posts, sipping water, trying not to check if Sophia had left.
She didn’t have to.
Sophia approached quietly. No preamble.
[Y/N] raised an eyebrow. “You came.”
Sophia shrugged, smiling, unsure. “I heard there was a girl giving the system hell again. Figured I’d stop by.”
[Y/N] smirked. “You didn’t even stay for the poetry.”
“I was waiting for you.”
Silence.
Then [Y/N] asked, not unkindly:
“So, is this your way of showing up?”
Sophia nodded slowly. “If you’ll still have me.”
[Y/N] looked at her—at the lines on her face that weren’t there the first time they met, at the softness that had finally replaced the mask of composure.
[Y/N] smiled, tired but sure.
“We’ll take it slow.”
Sophia’s smile was soft. Not triumphant. Not relieved. Just… real. It reached her eyes this time.
They stood in the amber glow of the lights, the world around them still buzzing with post-event chatter—kids posing with paint-smeared hands, someone laughing off-key near the snack table, a dog barking in the distance.
But for a moment, it was just them.
Sophia took a quiet step forward.
Her hand reached out—gentler this time—and this time, it didn’t stop.
Fingers brushing against [Y/N]’s. A question.
[Y/N] didn’t pull away.
She looked at her—not with the guarded stare from months ago, not with anger or uncertainty—but with a soft, steady gaze.
A kind of knowing.
A kind of finality.
Sophia’s voice came low, barely above the sound of cicadas and guitar strings.
“I used to think I’d only ever want to kiss you in secret.”
[Y/N] tilted her head, curiosity flickering.
“And now?”
Sophia smiled—just a little.
“Now I don’t want to kiss you unless it’s honest.”
[Y/N] blinked. Her breath caught.
Then, without another word, she leaned in.
Sophia met her halfway.
It wasn’t dramatic.
It wasn’t dipped in fireworks or orchestral music.
It was quiet.
A little shaky.
Warm.
It tasted like guyabano juice and monsoon air. Like beginnings.
Like permission.
Fingers brushed against jawlines. Foreheads lingered before lips found each other again—slow, sure, certain.
No rush.
No shame.
Just breath between them and everything unsaid finally understood.
When they pulled apart, neither of them spoke.
They didn’t need to.
[Y/N]’s thumb traced the edge of Sophia’s jaw. Sophia leaned into the touch.
Above them, the fairy lights flickered once.
The plaza hummed softly.
And the stars—finally, finally—had aligned.
The kitchen smelled like garlic rice and instant coffee.
[Y/N] stood barefoot by the stove, wearing an oversized campaign shirt that read “Makatao. Makabayan. Makalusugan.” across the back—the sleeves too long, the hem almost reaching her knees. Sophia’s shirt, of course. She’d stolen it without asking.
She was humming something under her breath—one of those folk protest songs that had somehow wormed their way into her playlist. A pan sizzled softly.
Behind her, Sophia emerged from the small bedroom, hair still damp from the shower, glasses fogging slightly from the kitchen heat.
She stopped by the doorway and just… watched.
Watched [Y/N] move like she belonged here. Like the space was hers, like she was hers.
Sophia leaned her head against the doorframe.
“Are you trying to poison me again with too much pepper?”
[Y/N] looked over her shoulder and smirked.
“It’s called flavor. You should try it sometime.”
Sophia padded barefoot into the kitchen and wrapped her arms around [Y/N]’s waist from behind, chin resting on her shoulder.
[Y/N] tensed—just a little, like she always did when caught off guard—but she relaxed quickly, letting herself lean back.
They stayed like that for a beat. Two heartbeats. Maybe three.
“What’s on your schedule today?” [Y/N] murmured.
“Outreach meeting at 10,” Sophia said into her neck. “Barangay consult at 3. And… dinner with you?”
“Mm. Bold of you to assume I’m free.”
Sophia pressed a light kiss to her shoulder blade.
“You’ll make time for me.”
[Y/N] turned slightly in her arms. “Confident, aren’t you?”
Sophia shrugged. “You kissed me under fairy lights, [L/N]. I think I’m allowed to hope.”
They ate on the balcony of their small apartment. A space just big enough for two mugs, two plates, a tiny potted plant, and a clothesline they kept forgetting to take down.
[Y/N] talked about her upcoming classes. Sophia shared about a local partnership she was excited about. At some point, [Y/N] reached out mid-sentence and tucked a strand of hair behind Sophia’s ear like it was the most natural thing in the world.
And it was.
Sophia leaned back against the pillows as [Y/N] typed away on her laptop beside her, glasses sliding down her nose.
She was rereading an article she’d co-written with her thesis adviser—something about rural governance and participatory planning. Sophia had read it five times. Pretended she hadn’t. Left little comments in the margins when she printed it out.
[Y/N] caught her staring.
“What?”
Sophia smiled. “I’m just really proud of you.”
[Y/N] raised a brow. “You’re biased.”
“Undeniably.”
She leaned in and kissed her temple. Just once.
[Y/N] closed her laptop and set it aside.
“Hey,” she said, soft. “You know what I realized?”
“What?”
“We’re finally boring.”
Sophia blinked. “Boring?”
[Y/N] nodded. “Like… soft, stable, and domestic. I never thought we’d get here.”
Sophia laughed quietly, threading their fingers together.
“Me neither.”
“Do you miss the thrill?”
Sophia pretended to consider it, then shook her head. “Not even a little.”
[Y/N] grinned.
And somewhere, in a quiet home built from months of doubt, defiance, and love—they kissed again. Just because they could.
No cameras.
No consequences.
Just love.
Just them.
THE END.
a/n: how are we feeling?
main
106 notes · View notes
followthebluebell · 1 year ago
Note
would love a list of low energy enrichment activities to try with cats. im always looking for more ways to be involved with my cat but she is 3 and very high energy and after a long day i often dont have the spoons to chase her around with a toy while she finds new exciting hiding spots to look at it from. this makes me sad :( i dont want her to be understimulated
Food-based enrichment:
Feeder toys are a favorite! But these carry the drawback of requiring cleaning afterwards, so calculate that into your spoons. Some of them are machine washable, so that may be an option if you've got a dishwasher.
Snuffle mats - another favorite, these also require the occasional clean but don't need to be cleaned every time you use them. You can make your own pretty easily. Or, hell, just grab a very cheap bath mat from a dollar store. Your cat won't know the difference.
Scatter feeding - literally just. Throw a handful of treats or kibble on the floor or down the stairs. Literally, that's it. Calculate clean-up into your spoons because cats aren't reliable vacuums. But it keeps them busy for a few minutes.
Toy based enrichment:
Get a cardboard box. Crinkle up some brown wrapping paper or whatever cheap paper you've got on hand and put it in the box. Congrats, you've now combined your cats two favorite things in the world: boxes and paper. For extra fun, add catnip (or silvervine or whatever your cat's drug of choice is), toys, or treats.
Ripple Rug: this is actually a specific product. It's literally a square of carpet or rug with velcro on the bottom that attaches to ANOTHER square of carpet or rug. It's fairly stiff. The idea is that cats can dive into it and make their own little tunnels. My cats LOVE it. You can probably recreate it quite cheaply using cheap rugs or carpet, tbh.
Cat crinkle mats: again, this is something fairly easily made at home. You get some cheap crinkly plastic and sew it into two old washclothes or something similar. Congrats. You now have a little mat your cats can sit on, bat around, and crinkle. You can also just buy them in multiple sizes. Many have catnip in them too.
Paper bags: cats just love paper bags. Be sure you remove the handles to make sure no one gets their head stuck. Most cats entertain themselves pretty well with bags.
Cat springs: those little plastic springs are a favorite, and so are those cheap rabbit-fur covered mouse toys.
Cat race track toys: another favorite.
Cardboard cat scratchers: the cardboard ones require MORE cleaning because they leave little bits of cardboard all over the place, but it is kind of nice that you can just throw them out when your cat is done. Any scratcher is good, though. I've listed cardboard for ease of clean-up and because it's a very popular material for cats.
Cat tunnels: like bags and boxes, cats just love tunnels.
I'm not a big fan of laser pointers or robotic toys. I haven't seen many cases of light chasing disorders in cats compared to dogs, but it's an issue enough that I don't readily recommend them. I also don't really recommend robotic toys because a lot of them make noises that cats don't like. If your cat enjoys these things, congrats; I just don't find them universally popular enough to really recommend. But I had to mention them, because if I didn't, my notes would be full of 'but what about Product X!!".
I've tried to keep this list to low cost toys and activities. There are other things you can do, like installing wall shelves or getting a big cat tree, but these things are more likely to be expensive, either in terms of money, time, or energy. I wanted to focus on low cost activities that I felt were more accessible to disabled folks.
246 notes · View notes
thereyouarewhereveryougo · 2 months ago
Text
Trump's record on military and vets
Trump can fuck off and die, Semper Fi
Only 1 Trump in America has served in the military (Fred Trump, Don's brother, served in the Air National Guard); this spans 5 generations, and every branch of the family tree. In fact, the reason his grandfather immigrated to America was to avoid military service.
Children of deployed US troops will no longer get automatic American citizenship if born overseas during deployment. This includes US troops posted abroad for years at a time (August 28, 2019)
On August 2, 2019, Trump requisitioned military retirement funds towards border wall
On July 31, 2019, Trump ordered the Navy rescind medals to prosecutors who were prosecuting war criminals
In July 2019, Trump denied a United States Marine of 6 years entry into the United States for his scheduled citizenship interview (Reported July 17, 2019)
Trump made the U.S. Navy Blue Angels violate ethics rules by having them fly at his July 4th political campaign (July 4, 2019)
Trump demanded US military chiefs stand next to him at 4th of July parade (reported July 2, 2019)
In June, 2019, Trump sent troops to the border to paint the fence for a better "aesthetic appearance" (June 7, 2019)
Trump used his D-Day interview at a cemetery commemorating fallen US soldiers to attack a Vietnam veteran (June 6, 2019)
Trump started his D-Day commemoration speech by attacking a private citizen (Bette Midler, of all people) (reported on June 4th, 2019)
Trump made his 2nd wife, Marla Maples, sign a prenup that would have cut off all child support if Tiffany joined the military (reported on June 4th, 2019)
On May 27, 2019, Trump turned away US military from his Memorial Day speech because they were from the destroyer USS John S. McCain
Trump ordered the USS John McCain out of sight during his visit to Japan (May 15, 2019). The ship's name was subsequently covered. (May 27, 2019)
Trump pardoned war criminals (May, 2019)
Trump purged 200,000 veterans healthcare applications (due to known administrative errors within VA’s enrollment process and enrollment system) (reported on May 13, 2019)
Trump deported a spouse of fallen Army soldier killed in Afghanistan, leaving their daughter parentless (April 16, 2019)
On March 20, 2019, Trump complained that a deceased war hero didn't thank him for his funeral
He refused to sign his party's funding bill, which shut down the government, and forced a branch of the military to go without pay. This branch of military was forced to work without pay, otherwise they would be AWOL. However, his appointees got a $10,000 pay raise (Dec 22, 2018 – Jan 25, 2019)
He didn't pay the Coast Guard, forcing service members to rely on food pantries (Jan 23, 2019)
He banned service members from serving based on gender identity (Jan 22, 2019)
He denied female troops access to birth control to limit sexual activity (on-going. Published Jan 18, 2019)
He tried to deport a marine vet who is a U.S.-born citizen (Jan 16, 2019)
When a man was caught swindling veterans pensions for high-interest “cash advances," Trump's Consumer Financial Protection Bureau fined him $1. As a reminder, the Trump administration's goal was to dismantle the CFPB, installing Mick Mulvaney as the director, who publicly stated the bureau should be disbanded. (Jan 26, 2019)
He called a retired general a 'dog' with a 'big, dumb mouth' (Jan 1, 2019)
He increased privatization of the VA, leading to longer waits and higher taxpayer cost (2018)
He finally visited troops 2 years after taking office, but only after 154 vacation days at his properties (Dec 26, 2018)
He revealed a covert Seal Team 5 deployment, including names and faces, on Twitter during his visit to Iraq (Dec 26, 2018)
Trump lied to deployed troops that he gave them a 10% raise. He didn't give them a 10% raise (Dec 26, 2018). He initially tried to give the military a raise that was lower than the standard living adjustment. This was before Congress told him that idea wasn't going to work. Then after giving them the raise that Congress made him, he lied about it pretending that it was larger than Obama's. It wasn't.
He fired service members living with HIV just before the 2018 holidays (Dec 19, 2018-present)
He tried to slash disability and unemployment benefits for Veterans to $0, and eliminate the unemployability extrascheduler rating (Dec 17, 2018)
He got three Mar-a-Lago guests to run the VA (unknown start - present, made well-known in 2018)
He called troops on Thanksgiving and told them he's most thankful for himself (Thanksgiving, 2018)
He urged Florida to not count deployed military votes (Nov 12, 2018)
While in Europe commemorating the end of WWI, he didn't attend the ceremony at a US cemetery due to the rain - but other world leaders went anyway (Nov 10, 2018)
He used troops as a political prop by sending them on a phantom mission to the border and made them miss Thanksgiving with their families (Oct-Dec, 2018)
He stopped using troops as a political prop immediately after the election. However, the troops remained in muddy camps on the border (Nov 7, 2018)
Trump changed the GI Bill through his Forever GI Act, causing the VA to miss veteran benefits, including housing allowances. This caused many veterans to run out of food and rent. “You can count on us to serve, but we can’t count on the VA to make a deadline,” one veteran said. (reported October 7, 2018)
Trump doubled the rejection rate for veterans requesting family deportation protections (July 5, 2018)
Trump deported active-duty spouses (11,800 military families face this problem as of April 2018)
He forgot a fallen soldier's name (below) during a call to his pregnant widow, then attacked her the next day (Oct 23-24, 2017)
He sent commandos into an ambush due to a lack of intel, and sends contractors to pick them up, resulting in a commando being left behind, tortured, and executed. (Trump approved the mission because Bannon told him Obama didn't have the guts to do it) (Oct 4, 2017)
He blocked a veteran group on Twitter (June 2017)
He ordered the discharge of active-duty immigrant troops with good records (2017-present)
He deported veterans (2017-present)
He said he knows more about ISIS than American generals (Oct 2016)
He said vets get PTSD because they aren't strong (Oct 3, 2016) (note: yes, he said it's 'because they aren't strong.' He didn't say it's 'because they're weak.' This distinction is important because of Snopes)
Trump accepted a Purple Heart from a fan at one of his rallies and said: “I always wanted to get the Purple Heart. This was much easier.” (Aug 2, 2016)
Trump attacks Gold Star families - Myeshia Johnson--gold star widow, Khan family--gold star parents, etc. (2016-present)
Trump sent funds raised from a January 2016 veterans benefit to the Donald J Trump Foundation instead of veterans charities (the foundation has since been ordered shut because of fraud) (Jan, 2016)
Trump said "I felt that I was in the military in the true sense because I dealt with those people" because he went to a military-style academy and that he has "more training militarily than a lot of the guys that go into the military". (2015 biography)
For a decade, Trump sought to kick veterans off of Fifth Avenue because he found them unsightly nuisances outside of Trump Tower. “While disabled veterans should be given every opportunity to earn a living, is it fair to do so to the detriment of the city as a whole or its tax paying citizens and businesses?” - 1991
Trump dodged the draft 5 times by having a doctor diagnose him with bone spurs.
70 notes · View notes
eleysims · 4 months ago
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
1000 Follower Gift Part 2: Penrose Manor CC Free Version
Thank you for 1000 followers! For the the second part of this gift here is a CC free version of the house I shared in part one. So if you would like a CC version then check out part one!
This is a large house with lots of landscaping so still might be more intensive on your game. It's quite interesting to build without CC after such a long time but I'm happy with the result! I hope you will enjoy it too.
To install use Sims2Pack Clean Installer, you can check out what defaults and fixes I use below if you would like it to look like the screenshots. But of course it's optional! Please let me know if there are any issues!
Cost: £119,000~
Size: 3x4
Download
Defaults:
Clear Glass Windows & Doors Default
Lush Terrain Default
3t2 Terrain Paint Default
Hedge Default - I use jodeliejodelie & Plant Fixes version
Plant Fixes Default
Ivy Replacements + Shine Fix
Upwardly Mobile Staircase Fixes
No Bump Maps On Certain Floors
No Sheen On Iron Garden Fence
No Sheen On Iron Stairs
Additional:
Higher Quality Tree Lot Imposters - Not required, it will be more intensive for your game! It just changes how the trees look from neighbourhood view.
The defaults are very much not required, but these are what I use in case you want it to look like the screenshots. I would recommend a version of the hedge default as it reduces the texture size of maxis hedges which can improve lag.
93 notes · View notes
homeofthelonelywriter · 11 months ago
Text
Of Cupcakes and Skulls | Part 6
(A/N) This is a bit on the shorter side, but I honestly struggled with the description of the bakery. I hope that it's good enough that ya'll can paint a picture in your mind.
Pairing: single dad! Mafia! Simon x baker! Reader
Warning: kissies, fluff, angst, comfort, Simon is fucking smitten
Synopsis: Based on this post by @lunamoonbby
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Simon chuckled quietly as he watched you stare at your shop. Your eyes were wide and your jaw hung open as he gently maneuvered you so he could get out of the car and pull you along with him. And once you were outside, you could see the entire storefront.
You didn’t know what detail to focus on first as you took in the changes that happened overnight. Until now, it had been a generic and rather boring exterior, something you always wanted, but never had the money to change. But now…it was beautiful.
The storefront was freshly painted in a dark green color, with metal accents decorating the usual plaster wall and a canopy overhead. The windows were sparkling in the sun, offering an easy view into the warm interior of the bakery, brimming with new furniture and counters. There were flowers everywhere, outside and inside, decorating and offering a sweet scent as you stepped closer. Additionally to the tables and chairs inside, there were a few scattered outside, in an area that was fenced off by wooden planters, and filled with tiny trees. Heaters hanging on the wall overhead, for the colder months.
You glanced back at Simon, who just smiled and gestured for you to walk inside. So you did.
As soon as you opened the door, a pleasant jingle rang through the air and the smell of the wood furniture filled your nose. You took a few more steps, hearing Simon following you inside, as you looked around. It felt warm and cozy, everything you ever hoped your bakery would feel like.
There were multiple showcases for your bread and pastries, as well as a whole nook for coffee and tea making, with brand-new machinery and cups. Just looking at everything, you knew it must’ve cost thousands of pounds. When you turned to look at Simon again, he was leaning against the wall next to the doorway that led to the kitchen. With a nod of his head, you walked through the revolving doors and entered…heaven.
You had already been happy with the equipment you had before, but now the room was filled with state-of-the-art machinery. Whether the giant mixer or the dishwasher, everything was brand new and extremely expensive. You knew that because you regularly gazed at them on the website, dreaming of the day you could afford them. And now you had them.
Suddenly, two strong, warm arms wrapped around you, pulling you against a hard chest. You relaxed against it, your eyes still flickering from one corner to the other, taking everything in.
“The windows are bulletproof, with multiple layers so they should be able to resist almost anything. And the door is a security door, it will lock automatically at a time you set and can only be opened by a combination of a key and code you have to enter into a keypad that’s beside the doorframe. I also went ahead and had the best alarm system installed, as well as cameras in the shop that are wired to the security firm, as well as to my people. If we see anything suspicious, we’ll be here within minutes.”
You turned around in his arms, wrapping yours around his waist, resting your chin on his chest as you peered up at him. He smiled down at you, pressing a quick kiss to the tip of the nose, before he straightened back up and spun you around, slowly walking you to the walk-in fridge. His grip on you tightened as he felt you tense up at the sight.
“We installed a new one.”
He was whispering in your ear, hot breath faning over your cheek.
“It almost functions more like a panic room than like a fridge. It can only be locked from the inside. The controls are also inside, so if something like last night ever happens again, they can’t play around with those. Also…”
He stopped in front of the door and opened it, gently leading you inside, where he pointed to a corner that was void of any shelves.
“This is a latch that leads into an actual panic room. Once inside, it locks down, and nothing except for maybe a nuclear bomb will be able to get in there. It’s outfitted with screens that show what’s going on up here, a landline, and a burner phone, as well as a bed and enough food and water to last three people two weeks. It has everything you could need in case anything happens. And as soon as it locks down, there will be an alert sent to my phone, as well to the phones of all of my employees.”
He spun you around again, gently cradling your face in his hands.
“Like I said, I won’t let anything happen to you. No matter where you are.”
You nodded, a soft smile on your face as he carefully wiped away the few tears that were running down your face. It had been so long since you felt so loved. Still, smiling, you watched as Simon slowly leaned down, your eyes fluttering shut as his lips ghosted over yours.
“Boss?”
Thanks to your proximity, you heard and felt him sigh, clearly annoyed, as he slowly pulled back, before he glanced toward the entrance to the kitchen. There was a tall, blonde man, clad in a dark suit. He glanced at you, before focusing on Simon.
“What is it, Graves?”
Simon’s arms remained around you as he glares at the man who just interrupted you two. The blonde man obviously felt uncomfortable as he kept glancing between the two of you before he finally spoke up.
“A call for you. It’s urgent.”
Simon nodded, pecking your lips before he pulled away and walked to the man, whispering a quick ‘I’m sorry’ as he was leaving. You just smiled as you watched him go, taking the opportunity to look around by yourself. You peeked into all the cabinets and every corner, finding new, amazing, and really expensive utensils. Even the cutlery was new, replaced by a set that had been designed by one of your favorite chefs.
The more you looked around, the more your fingers started to itch, wanting to try everything out. You walked to the wall, where you had installed a hook to hold your apron, and were pleasantly surprised when you saw that it was more or less the only thing that remained of your old bakery. As you were about to pull it on, Simon interrupted, clearing his throat as he leaned against the wall next to the swinging door that led into the kitchen.
“What are you doing?”
He looked at you, amusement swimming in his eyes. But you just shrugged.
“Bake something. I really want to try everything out.”
With a chuckle, he crossed the distance between you two, wrapping you up in his arms again.
“May I ask…with what ingredients?”
That’s when you finally realized that he was right. There was nothing here you could use to make something. Not even flour.
As you stood there, surprised and still, Simon squeezed you tightly, before taking your apron and hanging it on the hook.
“Come, that’s our next stop.”
Tumblr media
Please consider reblogging and following me! It helps a lot!
Call of Duty - Masterlist
Master-Masterlist
Tags: @lunamoonbby @distinguishedprincesstrash @xanvasy @reader-1290 (thought you might like to be tagged, if not just let me know!)
Like what you're reading? Buy me a coffee!
150 notes · View notes
multiheadcanons · 6 months ago
Text
I KNOW A GUY
scout: need a car pushed? need a free house sitter who won’t steal your shit? need a good playlist in thirty minutes for a very specific situation? need a group of guys in front of your place in an hour? need something delivered quickly under the radar? need someone jumped in a back alley? need a body buried? he’s your guy.
soldier: do you need a body buried? need someone’s nose broken? need some extra limbs of unknown origin? need a free bodyguard at the club so you can have a good time alone? need a free accidental hitman? need someone who will make you feel good about yourself by making you feel bad about yourself? need your gutters cleaned on your house? need someone who will come literally fight the monsters under your kids bed? he’s your guy.
pyro: need a body buried— well, cremated? got a financial emergency in which you can’t afford? need a sugar parent you don’t have to sleep with? at your nephews party and spider-man didn’t show up and now you need someone in a costume at this house pronto? need a gift for your nephew because you forgot to buy one? pyro’s your person for the low low price of kindling.
demo: need a drink that will make you experience ego death? need a ride for your bitch of an aunt so she never asks you to do anything ever again? need connections to a guy who sells peculiar cuts of meat from peculiar animals? need someone to get cussed out, for no reason? need a structure demolished in ten minutes? need someone who’s got vintage vinyls for sale? he’s your guy.
heavy: need your car pushed? need a meal made for fifteen? need someone handled? need an emergency ride to the hospital in the dead of winter? hell, need anything done in the dead of winter? need something out of a tree? need a tree cut down? need a plant sitter while you’re out of town? he’s your guy.
engineer: need your car’s computer replaced at a fraction of the cost? want someone’s tesla booted permanently? need a custom built prosthetic? need security cameras installed? need your wifi restarted? need someone who can cut a key in two minutes? need someone who can pick a lock in less than five? he’s your guy.
medic: you need some boobs? need some boobs removed? need to add or delete a penis? did you run out of testosterone or estrogen? need a binder? need a packer? hell, need a supplier for your side job of drug dealing? need a new kidney? need an abortion? need a hysterectomy under the table? need some unethically sourced body parts of unknown origin? all for the low price of free and don’t tell anyone? medic is your guy for all things medical. he does not care, he will just keep whatever he takes.
sniper: you need a body double to go with you to the store? need a guy who can do intermediate addition and subtraction without a calculator? need someone stalked? need a guy who has nothing but free time to get in an online queue and wait all day to buy your concert tickets? need a ride to and from said concert? he’s your guy.
spy: do you happen to need an armchair therapist? need access to a book in one library across the country? need a rumor spread like the plague? need someone handled? need a body buried? need a thirty minute etiquette class before you go on a date? need a new cook after you killed the last one at the restaurant? he’s your guy.
145 notes · View notes
moonchild9350 · 10 months ago
Text
Lost in a Dream
Tumblr media
Summary: We all love to dream, to escape into a fantasy world. You find yourself trapped in the land of the fairies, searching for a way home. You meet a fairy, Changbin, who can help you find your way back home. But, you soon realize even dreams come with a cost.
Pairing: Fairy Changbin x Gn reader
Genre: psychological thriller, fantasy au, angst, smut- 18+ MDNI
Word Count: 5.6k
Warnings: alternate reality, reference of “voices,” groping, sensual touch, dry humping, fingering, unprotected sex (don’t), creampie, multiple rounds, public sex, use of term bunny
Notes: another spooktober installment hehe. This kinda has vibes of a spin off of Alice in wonderland. Mental health plays big here so read the warnings.
If you enjoyed, please consider a like, reblog, or comment as it keeps me motivated ♡
Masterlist | Spooktober '24 Masterlist
Dividers by @saradika-graphics
Please do not copy, translate, modify, use, or repost this work elsewhere without my permission. ©moonchild9350 (2024).
Tumblr media
“A dream is not reality but who’s to say which is which.” -Mad Hatter (Lewis Carol’s Alice in Wonderland)
You loved to dream, often escaping to another world, leaving all your problems behind. You could dream anywhere, your mother chastising you for “being in the clouds” and to come back to reality.
You didn’t want reality, you wanted to be free, frolicking amongst the flowers, exploring enchanting lands, following what the voices spoke to you as you embarked on an adventure.
You decided to enter one of your dreams, annoyed at those around you as they muttered angrily about this and that. You could hear them messing about, making sure everything was in place and prepared for you. Closing your eyes, you traveled to your happy place, following the soft whispers as they floated within your mind.
Opening your eyes, you found yourself in a forest, the trees looming over you and casting a shade against the hot sun. You blinked a few times before sitting up, turning your head this way and that to take in your surroundings.
It seemed like you were on a path, the brown earth forming a walkway further into the forest. There were flowers littering the walkway, their scent permeating the air, attracting bees and birds alike.
You stood up and dusted the dirt off your dress, coughing as the dust floated up and into your nostrils. Satisfied that you looked presentable enough, you began to walk, making your way down the path. You took in the sights around you, the animals, birds, and insects going about their day, not noticing you.
What you enjoyed the most however, was the silence, the only sound being the occasional flutter of a birds wings and the crunch beneath your shoes as you walked.
Yes, this is what you wanted, to come to a peaceful place, escape all the people back at your home. You walked and walked, breathing in the forest air, taking in the woodsy scent. Eventually you came to a pool, the clear waters glittering in the sunlight. You decided to take a dip in the pool wanting to cool off.
You looked to the right and looked to the left, ensuring no one was around before unfastening your dress, the material pooling at your feet. You stepped forward and walked toward the water, the promise of cool water on your skin. You were delighted as you made your way deeper into the pool, kicking your feet off the banks to propel yourself forward.
Your laugh rang out, the sound like a tickling bell, echoing off the trees. You kicked and splashed, enjoying yourself with the treat. Eventually, you tired of the water and swam to shore, quickly scrambling up the bank toward your dress. You were about to dress but thought against it, not wanting to travel in a wet garment.
You made a decision to lay on the bank, letting the warm sun dry the droplets of water from your skin. You knew if your mother could see you now she’d be disappointed, chastising you for being indecent in public. There was no one here in the forest however, just the passing deer or rabbit, who payed you no attention.
After some time, you were satisfied that you were dry enough, and began to get dressed, fluffing your skirt once done. You enjoyed your little outing, but were ready to go home. You made your way back to the path, but stopped once there. How do you get home? Usually you came through a door, the door present when you were ready to come home. However, this time, there was no door.
You were stunned, not sure where to go. You thought for a moment, hoping to come up with a solution to your predicament. In the silence you heard a whisper, beckoning you forward the opposite way you came. Deciding to follow the whisper, you made your way once more down the path.
You walked for who knows how long, your feet starting to hurt in your boots. You knew you would have blisters by the time you got back home. You were growing weary and hungry, your belly growling at the emptiness. You spotted a rock, large enough for you to sit on.
Making your way toward it, you were stopped in your tracks as a man appeared in front of you. He was beautiful, his hair framing his fair face. He was muscular, his arms flexing as he moved this way and that. You gasped as you noticed a set of wings, almost translucent in the evening sun. You have just run into a fairy.
“You’re not from here,” the man spoke as he eyed your figure.
“Um…no, I’m not,” you said, uncertainty in your voice. “I’m actually looking for a way to get back home. I…I think I’ve lost my way.”
The man nodded his head. “Seems like it. I can help you find your way back home, if you’d like.”
You considered the offer, really needing the help. You were tired and hungry and couldn’t wait to be back in your own bed.
“Sure, thank you, I would love that,” you said.
The man took a step forward. “Excellent. My name is Changbin and I’ll help you find your way out but I have a request in return for my services.”
Changbin had a mischievous look on his face, his gaze never leaving yours as you pondered his request. You had nothing to lose, as you didn’t know your way back home. Plus, he was good on the eyes and seemed strong so he could protect you from the creatures of the forest if needed.
“I’m y/n,” you replied, your hands at your side, as you swayed back and forth. “What is your request?”
“You have to do whatever I say until we reach our destination.”
“Done,” you said without giving it much thought. “Can we get going?” You asked, eager to be on your way and back home.
Changbin grinned, and gestured for you to follow him, “after you m’lady.”
You started to walk, Changbin following behind you. You both walked in silence, the only sounds being the crunch of the dirt path beneath your feet. You admired the sights around you, listening to the birds chirp, the squirrels scamper from tree to tree. You loved nature and the serene atmosphere it brings. You almost forgot about your companion until he decided to break the silence.
“So, how did you get here? I haven’t seen a human in years,” Changbin said, matching your pace.
“I just closed my eyes to dream and here I was,” you said nonchalantly, like it was a natural thing to occur.
Changbin looked at you for a while, analyzing your face, your stance, how you walked. He noticed how you had a slight smile gracing your face at all times, your eyes darting to and fro as you took in the sites. You had a strange gait, not exactly a limp per se, but just extra energy to your step. You were a strange one, not like most humans he encounters.
“You just arrived here? Ok, if you say so,” Changbin said, his voice laced with disbelief.
“It’s true,” you said, stopping in your tracks and stomping your foot, causing dust to billow upwards and around the skirt of your dress.
Changbin laughed at your outburst, thinking it was cute. Yes, he’s never encountered a human like you before. ‘This’ll be fun,’ he thought.
“Well, if you want to go home, we need to keep moving. We have a long way to go bunny.”
You turned your head at the nickname, never having been called one. You debated on whether to correct him, telling him your name once more, but decided against it, the mission of finding a way back home more important. You continued to walk down the path.
You walked and walked for what felt like hours, the sunset presenting itself in the sky, the colors of red, orange, and purple spreading across the horizon as the moon made an appearance. You started to feel tired, your feet aching and swollen from all the walking.
“Can we rest for a while please?” You asked, turning pleading eyes to Changbin.
Changbin regarded you for a moment, taking in your tired face. He supposes you both can rest for the night, beginning your journey once more in the morning. Besides, he’s dying to cash in his request that he made you agree to.
He looked around, searching for a spot to rest. Spotting a patch of grass under the protection of some trees, he guided you over to the area.
“We can rest here,” he said, sitting down and resting against the tree.
He patted the spot next to him, beckoning you over. You regarded the area with careful eyes and once satisfied, made your way over to sit next to the fairy. You both sat in silence, resting after your journey.
“Are we close? Are we close to finding the way back to my home?”
You were eager to be back in your own bed, even ready to be listen to your mother chastise you about every little thing. You didn’t think it would take this long to get back, thinking you weren’t far off from your destination.
Changbin grunted beside you, crossing his arms across his chest. “Not even close bunny,” he said.
You looked at the man beside you, disbelief in your eyes. Surely he must be lying. It shouldn’t take this long. After all, all you had to do to arrive here was close your eyes and dream. Close your eyes and…. That’s it! You thought. You probably just had to go to sleep and dream of home. You couldn’t wait to sleep to try out your theory.
Looking at Changbin, your eyes immediately trained onto his wings. They were closed in upon each other, their luminescence gone in the night air. You wondered how they felt, if they felt soft, and delicate. Or did they feel more rough, like sandpaper. You didn’t realize you were reaching your hand out to touch them until you felt a hand on top of your arm stopping you.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you bunny,” Changbin said, his voice gruff.
You cleared your throat and snatched your hand away, looking down at your skirt. You didn’t mean to do that, your actions not catching up to your brain. You cleared your throat once more and sat back, facing the path once more.
You both sat in silence or so you thought, until you heard the trickle of voices in your mind, telling you to get going, that it’s time to go home. You were about to get up to be on your way once more when Changbin stopped you.
“Bunny, come here,” he said, pulling you towards him.
You listened to the fairy, scooting over towards him before sitting in his lap. You shivered as he wrapped his arms around your waist, holding you close. Changbin stared at you, watching your eyes dart anywhere but to his face. He smirked, amused at your reaction.
“Kiss me,” he said, tightening his hold on you.
You stared at the man in front of you, your eyes widened, your mouth agape at his suggestion. You were confused, you must have mistaken what was said. You watched as Changbin raised his eyebrows, waiting for you to comply.
“I um…,” you stuttered, “I don’t think…”
Changbin cut you off saying, “remember our agreement bunny? I help you find a way home and you do anything I say.”
You regarded Changbin’s words, remembering your conversation. You didn’t think it would come to this. You really had no choice, as you did agree to do whatever he says. You let out a breath before leaning towards Changbin. You closed your eyes, your breath shaky as they met his lips.
Changbin captured your lips with his, pushing his tongue past your lips, deepening the kiss. He pulled you ever closer to him, as he grunted, your hand brushing against his cock within his pants.
He unwrapped his arms from around your waist and grasped your hand, placing it firmly on his hardening cock. You yelped at the feeling, trying to withdraw your hand, but unable to do so due to his tight hold on your wrist. He continued to kiss you, holding the back on your head against his, as he continued to guide your hand up and down the bulge in his pants.
You could hardly believe this was happening. You were unsure of yourself as you felt a warm feeling tingle within you, a foreign feeling. You continued to kiss Changbin, his hand guiding yours against his pants, his groans getting louder with each stroke. Suddenly, you felt something warm and wet against the fabric, causing you draw your hand back.
You quickly scrambled off of his lap, landing on your back in your haste to get away. Your chest was rapidly rising and falling, your mind not believing that happened. As you steadied your breathing, Changbin looked at you, the corner of his lip upturning in a smirk. After a moment of silence, he straightened up.
“Time to get some sleep bunny,” he said, his demeanor unfazed, like nothing ever happened, like you didn’t just help him to orgasm in the middle of the forest.
You crawled over to the empty spot next to him, lying down to face him. You stared at Changbin as he leaned his head back against the bark of the tree and closed his eyes. You watched as he fell asleep, his breathing becoming more regulated.
You needed to go home, to get away from this place. Hopefully you would leave this place, within your sleep, never to return. Taking a deep breath, you closed your eyes and willed yourself to dream of home, dream of your bed, dream of the nightmare you called home.
Tumblr media
You heard the birds chirping, their loud chittering traveling from one bird to another. You opened your eyes, ready to find yourself back home in bed, but to your dismay, you were still in the forest. You rolled onto your back, staring at the canopy of trees above you. The sun was filtering through the tree tops, birds flying to and from.
You blinked your eyes, then rubbed them, not believing you were still here. You turned your head to the side, and sure enough, your companion was still there sitting against the tree, fast asleep. You sat up, stretching your arms before leaning back against a tree.
You sighed, frustrated that your plan didn’t work. You were still in the forest, filled with the animals, and trees, and lush green grass. You sat in silence as Changbin slept, watching the butterflies fly to and from, feeling the sun warm your skin in the early morning hours.
The voices began again, the little whispers fluttering around your brain, telling you to go, go, go, while others were saying stay, stay, stay. What were you doing just sitting here, wasting time. You needed to get home, you were sure your mother is worried about you, wondering where you got off to.
You were about to get up and start back on your journey when you felt a hand on your arm. Startled, you gasped, and scooted back, brought out of your thoughts.
“Where are you going bunny?” Changbin asked, curiosity in his eyes.
You stared at him and then looked at the hand on your arm.
“I was just going to get started on our journey. Didn’t you say we have a long way to go?”
Changbin studied you, his piercing eyes searching yours. Changbin grunted, agreeing with your statement. He started to shift from his spot on the grass, but before he could fully stand up, he pushed you back onto the grass, and moved to hover over you.
You stared at him, your eyes wide as you watched his wings spread out from his back, the sun shining through, causing the translucent look once more. Your eyes darted from his eyes, staring lustfully into yours, to his lips, slightly parted, his breath coming out in short puffs. You stared at this man above you, all the while the voices floating around you telling you to go, go, go, and to stay, stay, stay.
You sighed in relief as his lips pressed against yours, the voices quietening, hiding in the deep recesses of your mind. You kissed Changbin gently, reaching your arms around his waist, your fingers lightly dragging up his chiseled back until they reached his wings.
Changbin groaned against your lips, bringing his hand to gently cup your breast over your dress. You kissed and kissed him, your mind quiet for once as you focused on him, the feeling of his warm hand on your breast as he gently massaged the flesh. You shivered as you felt Changbin rut against you, his cock brushing against your pelvis.
You went to hold onto him tighter, but before you could, Changbin untangled himself from you and stood up. He reached his hand out to you to help you up. You blinked once, twice, took a deep breath before grasping his hand and sitting up. Once standing, you brushed the dirt off your skirt, and faced the fairy in front of you.
“Ready?” Changbin asked you.
You nodded your head yes, more than ready to begin on your journey once more. You both began to walk, taking the path laid out in front of you, putting one foot in front of the other. You grimaced as you heard the voices rejoice, happy that you were once more on your way.
You walked and walked, the day passing you by. Your companion was silent, as he focused on escorting you.
“How close are we?” You asked, your body growing weary once more.
“We are halfway there,” Changbin said, “if we continue at this rate, we’ll be there midday tomorrow.”
You nodded your head, satisfied with his answer. You walked and walked, your head growing fuzzy as time went on. The voices were quieter so you began to hum a melody.
Changbin listened to you hum, watching as you walked on. He was getting used to your antics, your quirks a welcoming change to the humdrum of his boring life. You were more than half way to your destination, and he was finding it more difficult to accept the fact that you would be leaving soon.
“Changbin,” your voice rang out, briefly pausing your song. “I’m hungry.”
Of course, how could he forget? Humans needed to eat more frequently than fairies. He thought for a moment before coming up with an idea.
“We can stop at this pub that’s right up the road,” Changbin said.
You nodded, happy to have something in your belly soon. You went back to humming, enjoying your walk with your companion. You noticed the whispers were still there but muted, their pitch barely audible. This was new, as you had grown accustomed to the loudness within your head, telling you to do this and that.
Is this because of your new companion? Or maybe it's because of the fresh air, the lack of responsibility, the lack of others nagging at you for your behavior. It was nice for a change.
“Here we are,” Changbin said.
You snapped out of your thoughts, surprised you were already at your destination. There was a small house coming into view, smoke billowing from the chimney. You sniffed the air, as something delicious was most likely cooking. You picked up your pace, eager to get something in your belly.
Changbin opened the door, beckoning you through. You stepped over the threshold into a small room equipped with tables, most of them empty except two. You followed Changbin as he led you to a table in the corner, away from prying eyes.
You sat down and swung your legs, waiting for Changbin to order for you, not knowing what was sold here. You watched as he did so once the waitress came over. She eyed you curiously, but quickly scampered away after Changbin glared at her.
“Thank you for stopping. I am so hungry,” you said.
Changbin only grunted, crossing his arms over his chest. You looked at him, wondering why he didn’t say much, just sat and observed his surroundings. He was definitely a different person on the road than when you were resting.
What even was that you wondered, your mind going back in time to last night and even this morning. You were shocked at first, a little shy too, but Changbin didn’t care or notice. You found that you liked it, like the warm feeling when he kissed you. The whispers were silent then too, which you definitely liked.
You were startled as a bowl was placed in front of you, steam arising from the soup in front of you. Your stomach growled at the sight of food, the sound audible in the quiet room. You blushed, embarrassed, before picking up your spoon and digging in.
You had no idea what you were eating, but it was delicious, the warm broth sliding down your throat nice and easy. You finished it in no time, making sure to get every last bite. Once done, you wiped your mouth and smiled, happy that your belly was full.
“Finished?” Changbin asked.
You nodded your head and smiled. Changbin placed a coin on the table and gestured for you to get up. You followed him toward the door, stepping out into evening air. You both started to walk once more.
“We are close now bunny. We should be there by mid morning tomorrow.”
You didn’t say anything at his statement, as you were lost in thought. You felt a little sad your journey was about to end. Did you really want to leave this dream?
Changbin looked at you, concerned at your silence to his announcement. A day ago you would have been jumping for joy. You seemed conflicted, a scrowl on your face. He would love to take a look into that pretty little mind of yours to see what you were thinking about.
But, just as soon as you were silent, you straightened up and started to hum, the same song you hummed yesterday.
“What is that song you sing bunny?” Changbin asked, curiosity getting the best of him.
“Oh! It’s a song my mother used to sing to me when I was upset. She still does. It calms me when I go into a fit, makes the whispers go away.”
Whispers? Changbin was confused. What were these whispers you mentioned? He grew more curious of you by the minute. He wanted to know more about you. However, he tried to keep his curiosity at bay as you would be gone tomorrow after all, back to the human world.
You both walked in silence after that, comfortable in each other’s presence. The sun was slowly setting, darkness descending upon the forest. The creatures became more sparse as they burrowed into their homes, preparing for a night of rest. The sky was clear, allowing the millions of stars to be seen, the moon casting an illuminating glow through the breaks in the trees.
You were getting tired, ready to rest. Changbin seemed to sense this as you slowed down, your steps growing heavy with each passing moment. He looked around, scouting for a spot to rest for the night, when he spotted a cave. A perfect shelter to shield you both, well, mainly you from the elements.
Changbin guided you toward the cave, his hand placed gently in your back. Once inside, you sank to the ground, happy to be off your feet. Changbin sat next to you, letting out a sigh. You felt the heat radiating from him, causing you to feel comfortable, even though you were sitting on the hard ground.
Without thinking, you climbed into his lap, and nuzzled your head into his neck. Changbin was startled, his hands coming up slowly to wrap around your waist.
He listened to your breathing, your breath softly tickling the skin of his neck. He slowly dragged his fingers up and down your spine, resting his head on top of yours. You rested in his embrace, the silence welcomed.
“Bunny,” Changbin breathed, his hold tighter.
You looked up, searching his eyes with curiosity. You watched as he licked his lips, his eyes traveling to yours. You both met in a heated kiss, as you wrapped your arms around him and pulled yourself closer.
He wrapped his arms around your waist, a shaky moan falling from your lips. He grinned, ecstatic that you were falling apart right in his lap. You experimentally rocked your hips, your body seemingly moving on its own.
Changbin moaned beneath you, the feel of you gliding along his hardening member, causing him to grasp you tighter. He helped your movements, guiding you back and forth, back and forth, catching your tortured breaths with his.
You felt your back touch the ground, the fairy hovering above you, the sight becoming familiar. He quickly grasped at your dress, trying his best to get the offending clothing off.
You helped him along, fumbling at the buttons as he tugged and tugged. Finally, you got the buttons free and Changbin ripped the dress from your body. You laid bare beneath him, your chest rising and falling at being so exposed.
Changbin grinned as you parted your legs, welcoming him between them. He dragged his hands up your body, watching as the hairs on your skin raised at his touch. You shivered as your lips parted, sighing as he touched you.
You arched your back as his fingers brushed over your nipples, his touch light, the nubs pebbling in the night air. You looked up, memorizing his face, the lust in his eyes, the shadow of his grin as moonlight shown through the opening of the cave.
“So sweet,” he murmured as he continued to touch you gently, taking his time to explore the valley of your breasts, your belly, the curves of your waist.
You could feel yourself slowly slipping, the feeling of his hands on your body causing you to become more wet, as you felt the slow trickle of your arousal coat your pussy. The whispers were silent, your heart rejoicing as you laid beneath this man.
You watched Changbin’s face, as he trailed his hands down lower, as he gently floated his hands between your thighs, the curve of your ass before drifting to your thighs again.
You let out a whine as he softly dragged his fingers through your folds, collecting the arousal that was steadily leaking out of your pussy. He groaned at the sight, your pussy glistening in the moonlight.
“So wet bunny,” he teased, bringing his fingers to flick at your clit.
You arched your back at the sensation, your mind hazy as he flicked your bundle of nerves again and again. You felt that warm sensation once more, the pressure building and building as you fell apart at his hands.
“Shhh,” Changbin cooed, his eyes sparkling. “Relax bunny.”
You took a few deep breaths, willing yourself to calm down. Before you can fully inhale and exhale, Changbin’s fingers breached your hole, pushing his way into your warmth. He watched you as he scissored his fingers, dragging them against your walls, searching for that special spot within you.
You let out a groan, his fingers dragging against the spongy spot within your walls, as he stretched you, preparing you to take him. He listened intently as the wet sounds coming from your pussy echoed within the cave, your moans mixing with the sound.
Satisfied, that he stretched you enough, he withdrew his fingers, bringing them to his lips to lick your arousal off.
You watched impatiently as he removed his tunic and pants, his thick cock springing out of its confines. You gasped, taking in his beauty, his pecs nice and defined, his cock girthy and angry, pre-cum leaking from the engorged tip.
Changbin grasped his cock, stroking the appendage before bringing it down to your folds. His eyes trained on your pussy, he slowly pushed the tip in, watching as your walls stretched around him.
You wailed as he stretched you, the pain of his cock breaching your walls being more than you can handle. You were about to cry stop when Changbin looked at you with gentle eyes.
“You can take me bunny, just take it yeah?”
Taking a breath, you let it out as he continued to push his cock within your walls, pushing to the hilt as you breathed once more.
“See bunny? Told you that you could take me,” he cooed, stroking your hair as he caged you in.
He began to thrust, his cock dragging deliciously through your walls, filling you perfectly. You latched onto him, pulling him closer as he fucked into you, whispering sweet nothings into your ears.
You focused on Changbin, his warm body caging yours, his cock as he eagerly rutted into you, that warm feeling that has once more begun to expand, causing you to shiver as it grew larger, larger, larger, until it exploded, pleasure and warmth spreading throughout your body.
You clenched around his cock, your walls fluttering, gripping onto him. Changbin grunted, praising you for cumming on his cock, for a being a good bunny, his words causing you to tip over the edge yet again.
Changbin couldn’t believe he could be so lucky to have found a human like you. For such a perfect being to grace his presence. Watching you fall apart not once but twice because of him caused an ego trip, his cock swelling before he reached his high, spurts of his cum flooding your walls, seeping out of your warm pussy.
He collapsed against you, pulling you close, as you both regulated your breathing. Changbin pressed a kiss to your lips before pulling his softened cock from your walls, his cum seeping out of your pussy and onto the ground below.
He pulled you into his arms, cradling your head in his chest. You were drowsy, on the verge of falling asleep. Closing your eyes, you fell into dreamland, guided by the sound of his beating heart.
Tumblr media
The next morning, the you awoke feeling well rested and warm. Opening your eyes, you were met with the gentle eyes of Changbin. He smiled once he saw that you were awake.
“Ready bunny?” He asked as you stretched, moving your aching joints.
You nodded your head and got dressed, putting your dress on once more. Once done, you realized Changbin was done dressing, as he waited at the cave entrance. He reached his hand for yours as you approached, intertwining your fingers together.
You began your journey once more. You felt sad as it was about to come to an end, you would have to enter the real world once more. You would be plagued by the whispers, your mother constantly telling you to snap out of it.
You were sad at the prospect, happy that you were free of the clutches of the whispers. A million thoughts running through your mind. You were so focused, lost in your own world, you didn’t realize you had made it to your destination.
Changbin gently called your name, you looking to see what he may have wanted.
“We’re here,” he said.
You looked around, noticing your surroundings. You had arrived at your destination, a beautiful lake in front of you. The waters were glistening, the grass green. You watched as the forest animal’s scampered, in a hurry to their destinations. There was a waterfall in the distance, the sound of the water crashing down into the lake below. You watched as rainbows flitted between the mist, the sunlights rays casting a warm glow over the water.
In the middle, on the edge of the lake was a door.
You made it. You finally arrived at the place that could take you home. Changbin looked at you expectedly, waiting for you to move on.
However, you were conflicted. You didn’t want to go home, not really. You enjoyed the company of Changbin. You were happy to have silence, not plagued by your thoughts, the whispers telling you to do this or that. You really didn’t want to leave.
Making a decision, you nodded your head and stomped your foot.
“I’m not going,” you declared, “I’m going to stay here…with you.”
Yes, you would stay here within this dreamworld. What once felt like a trap, threatening, now felt comforting, like home. Your true home.
Changbin grinned, happy at your decision and took your hand once more in his. He began to guide you away from the lake, the waterfall, the door. He led you away from the things that hurts you the most, the people, the places, the whispers that plagued you day and night.
You smiled as you walked back into the forest, the canopy of trees welcoming you back, welcoming you home.
Tumblr media
As you lay in your bed, your eyes closed tight, your body still, your family sit beside you in tears, willing you, beckoning you to come back.
They hope you will come back to them, open your eyes so they can see the brown orbs, see the many thoughts that plague your mind. They’d be better to you. A better mother, better sister, better friend, if only you’d come back. They want you to be happy.
Little did they know you were happy, happy within the confines of your dreams, in this world you stumbled upon with a man you love. Yes, you were happy, happy to leave it all behind to stay in this little place called a dream, your new reality.
Tumblr media
Taglist: @jehhskz @jeonginsleftcheek @simpforleeknaur @armystay89 @palindrome969 @slut4hee @ivydoesit23 @amarecerasus @kaysungshine @fun-fanfics @baby-stay92 @seungfl0wer
103 notes · View notes
rjzimmerman · 5 months ago
Text
Excerpt from this story from EcoWatch:
Fulfilling current land restoration pledges in 115 countries would require only a small amount of the global annual GDP, a recent analysis has found. Successful implementation would require about 0.04% to 0.27% of global annual GDP, totaling about $311 billion to $2.1 trillion.
The researchers analyzed costs of 243 land restoration projects happening globally and found that the median cost ranged from $185 per hectare to $3,012 per hectare, with an overall median cost of $1,691 per hectare. Lower-cost opportunities include forest management for $185 per hectare, passive regeneration ($513 per hectare), grazing management ($631 per hectare) and assisted natural regeneration ($804 per hectare).
“Passive regeneration is basically just fencing off an area and leaving it alone,” Dewy Verhoeven, lead author of the study and Ph.D. candidate at Wageningen University & Research, told Mongabay News. “Those costs are very low, maybe you have to install a fence and that’s it. But the opportunity costs are very large because you cannot use the land anymore.”
Projects with the highest median costs include agroforestry ($2,390 per hectare), cross-slope barriers ($2,562 per hectare), irrigation ($2,886 per hectare) and silvopasture ($3,012 per hectare), which integrates trees and pasture for grazing livestock on the same land.
In total, land degradation projects would add up to about 0.38% to 2.65% of global GDP for one year; however, the authors noted that spreading the cost out over a decade would lower the annual cost to just 0.04% to 0.27% of global GDP. The authors published these findings in the journal Land Degradation & Development.
While the total percentage is small, an even distribution of costs or distributing costs by project location would place a higher burden on lower income countries. The report authors found that most projects are concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa as well as South and Southeast Asia, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for almost half of all global land restoration pledges.
71 notes · View notes
nthspecialll · 1 month ago
Text
Rdr1 newspaper "Blackwater #60 transcriped
Masterlist link.
Tumblr media
Bank robbery foiled by government agents, your tax dollars hard at work.
Dutch Van Der Linde’s reign of terror and violence in West Elizabeth shows no signs of subsiding, following a bank robbery attempt that claimed the lives of several innocent victims. Van Der Linde and his associates entered the first National Bank of Blackwater, coerced employees at gunpoint to empty the money from the vaults and were about to make their escape when lawmen and government agents surrounded the area. After a bloody siege, lawmen stormed the building, but Van Der Linde fled the scene with a hostage in an automobile. Van Der Linde was chased to an old lugging camp at Broken Tree, where another bloody altercation ensued. Even though Van Der Linde’s body was not identified amongst the dead, many gang members included some Natives were killed. A spokesperson for federal agents assigned to Blackwater hailed this as an important victory over “the primitive and unprincipled forces that seek to undermine the freedoms and safety of the great American people”. Despite repeated and relentless  attempts to civilize the Native population in West Elizabeth, it is feared the charismatic Van Der Linde will not struggle to recruit further disaffected youths.
Sanchez’s government falls
Suddenly, Mexico has a new President. General Ignacio Sanchez’s government was swept from power yesterday as supporters of Abraham Reyes ransacked the president’s place and Mr. Reyes assumed control of the country. After weeks of fighting in and around the capital, food riots across the country and bloody battles being fought in many provinces, events turned quickly, when the Fifth Mexican Cavalry Division, which maintains a large parrison near the capital switched its allegiance from General Sanchez to Mr. Reyes, following Mr. Reyes’ promise to increase army pay and double leave. General Sanchez is believed to have fled the capital and gone into hiding, although conflicting reports suggest he may have been killed in bloody fighting. Mr. Reyes noted that this was a great day for Mexico. “FInally my people, the people of this proud and valiant land are free. A new golden age for our country is just beginning. First, we need a period of stability, and then elections and a place on the world stage. “Mr. Reyes then announced a three day Fiesta, declaring a national holiday. Rioting continued across much of the country, while initial reports suggest up to 100.000 may have died in the conflict.
Unrest in the East. Great Britain vs. Germany
The British nation's power upon the sea has been unapproached; however, a great rival is rising. Long has Germany desired expansion. Reports indicate the country is laying heavier and heavier levies upon her people in order to fund the formation of a mighty navy. Britain and Germany devore much of their industrial base to the production of weapons of war at the crushing cost of money. These engines of destruction are now seen as flying ships that rain death from above. With Europe heading seemingly closer and closer to war, people across the world are concerned as to how this will pan out.
The miracle of the telephone
Since the first experimental phone circuit was installed, the growth of the telephone business is a story of romance and science. The telephone company in certain cities reports nearly 60.000 calls per day requesting to know the time. Critics complain the telephone has made our citizens lazy and unable to read a watch.
Half of Americans living in cities
The prairies have gone quiet; the farms left for seed as more Americans escape to the glitz and glamor of the city. Old Dr. U. S. Census made his diagnosis of the condition of Uncle Sam and calculated that for the first time in the history of this great country more citizens reside in cities than in rural areas. Census questionnaires call for typical information as well as literacy, school attendance, and whether or not a family member is a survivor of the Union or Confederate Army. Census officials report attempts for especially difficult in former Confederate states where often the government officials are fired upon or hanged, such is the local custom.
Birth Control Techniques Refuted
Members of the clergy strongly denounced the North American Birth Control League for spreading health misinformation and lies. Leaders responded that such misdeeds and misinformation is similar to that of pagan Rome where babies were put to death for idle pleasure. “We marry and lay with one another only to produce children,” Re. Adair Agatha told this publication. “The blasphemous statements by the League turn the marriage chamber into a pleasure seeking brothel,” Agatha contends.
Massacre At The Wreck Of The Serendipity.
Dozens of dead bodies were discovered at the wreck of the Serendipity in southeast Great Plains. Most of the corpses were identified as wanted criminals, and kicked into the river. The Serendipity, once a glorious steamboat, but now little more than a wrecked hull, has become a known meeting spot for thieves, smugglers and general lowlife in recent years. Government agents in Blackwater have refused to comment and local police say that they have no interest in investigating the incident, attributing it to either divine retribution or, for the more godless amongst us, Darwinian natural selection.
Federal Government Increases Taxes, Extends Reach Further
Law makers in Washington agreed to increase federal income tax again last week, to pay for the massive expansion in the Federal government. Most of the expansion will be in the form of added bureaucracy, with plans to triple the number of civil servants within twelve months in order to better track the work done by the government departments and allocate spending more accurately. The government also vowed to increase health care provisions for the federal buildings across the country. A significant increase in military expenditure has also been mooted but not yet agreed to.
Safety Coffin Saves Young Bride
Florence Snyder, 13, was set to be married when she was stricken with a terrible case of cholera and  seemingly died. Her betrothed, Cecil Perkins, weeping by her gravesite, pledged to never marry as his heart was so rent asunder. Laying awake at night, he began to hear a faint bell. Leaving in only his bedclothes, he followed the sound to the graveyard where he found the bell above her grave ringing. Mr. Perkins had requested a P. J. Winder-stein’s safety coffin for his love. Furiously digging with his hand and spade, he retrieved her from her tomb, weakened but mercifully alive, having been in a state of cholera shock with low blood pressures mimicking death.
Professor Advocates Prairie Preservation
Professor Hector L. Burgess has been touring areas of West Elizabeth in recent weeks in an attempt to rally support for a movement to preserve and protect wildlife habitat. Professor Burgess, who has spent the last fifteen years in the academic study of fauna and flora in the West, but who also until recently had never left New York City, is convinced that, if hunting is not brought under some form of legal control, certain species of animal may be wiped out entirely. He claims that before white settlers arrived in the West, around fifty million buffalo roamed the plains, but that this number may now be in the hundreds, or even less. Burgess also believes that areas of both New Austin and West Elizabeth are prime locations for the establishment of a national park to rival Yellowstone in Wyoming. We say to Professor Burgess that the majority of the rural population remains extremely resistant to any form of prairie conversation, which we view as an attempt on the part of the urban elite to expatriate land, property and natural resources for their own nefarious gain.
Aeroplane Flies From Coast To Coast In Under 30 Days
WHile most prefer the relaxed slights upon the dirigible, those who desire to understand the aeroplane need only to speak with Horace L. CUrtiss who piloted from coast to coast in under 30 days. This most groundbreaking of sciences, air-bound locomotion, promises to allow travelers the freedom to take to the skies and visit the coasts with ease and comfort, with flight times from New York to New Austin in as little as 21 days and San Francisco to New Austin in as little as 16 days.
Miscellany
Blackwater bank manager, Mr. Harmon Weinstein, has been found dead near Broken Tree. We are told he will be missed by some.
Unwed and childless ladies, why not learn a career? Telegraph Operating classes twice weekly at the Blackwater Post Office.
Certificate of horse deeds for purchase. Dutch Warmbloods, Highland Chestnuts and Welsh Mountains of the finest lineage. S. M. Keely Ship Chanler & Grocer, Blackwater.
The Volcanic Pistol is a sidearm that will never go out of fashion. Modernity is not a substitute for craftsmanship. Large stock that must clear quickly. Jeb Murphy: Gun- smith, Armadillo New Austin.
Muriel Scranton, loving wife of Joseph Scanton, was killed by a gunshot to the head in the First National Bank of Blackwater.
Children between 10 and 14 years of age are sought for mining work. Good wages and conditions. Must be slender and comfortable within confined spaces.
For all your dynamite needs, both professional and recreational, visit the Manzanita Trading Company, Tall Trees.
Don’t you look fine and dandy
22 notes · View notes