#African Grey escape prevention

[themonsterblogofmonsters]

I would like to ask if you think there is an equivalent of Parseltongue for other animals. I would like to ask if you think there is an equivalent of Parseltongue for other animals. Like, is there any wizard who can talk to birds, cats, dogs, fish, amphibians, mammalians and other types of animals?

Parseldrakon

If you want to come up with other ones, I suppose you could, but that would remove the uniqueness of Parseltongue, cause way more ethical problems, and also raise the question of why no one knows about or acts on this. Even if it's as rare as Parseltongue is, people would still know it exists and have opinions on it.

There's also that while some other animal-speech abilities have been headcanoned - such as @americanwizarding's Bird-Kissed - they often run on fanon ideas of Parseltongue in order to contrast them, in ways that just don't work so well? Despite what that post says, Parseltongue can just be learned, no dark magic or ceremonies required, and there is no binding geas on magical serpents to respond to or obey a parselmouth.

And as mentioned above, the ethical problems: if people can speak to these much more commonplace animals, such as birds - the wizarding world makes huge use of owl-post, what happens when people can talk to the owls? Such an ability would be heavily regulated to prevent interference with the post, and the skill might also be a sure-fire invitation to work in the national post system or for the more espionage-oriented organisations. What happens to your chickens for eggs and roasting? Your geese for eiderdown? Your turkeys for Christmas or Thanksgiving? This significantly worsens the ethics of things like keeping parrots, especially long-lived African Greys, if they're sapient. And if these animals are sapient, what crime is the magical community allowing to continue by allowing the exotic bird trade or zoos?

An important question to ask when worldbuilding isn't just "is this idea cool" or "can I do it" it's also "what are the consequences of doing this?"

Parseldrakon, as I headcanon it, means people who can speak Parseltongue can learn a dialect that allows them some limited communication with dragons - it's rare, limited, and linked to a trait believed Dark, which explains why it's less common knowledge because Parselmouths would hide it. Why would they say "Oh yes, I can talk to your dragons and maybe calm them down for medical check-ups" if it means they might also get charged of dragon taming or poaching, of commanding dragon escapes and attacks, and be attacked for it?

So - what happens when people can talk to amphibians? Toads, frogs and newts are all potions ingredients. How do you deal with the ethics of that? Cats and dogs might be more possible, but if you're aiming for talking to your domestic pets, why not just find a way to headcanon "familiar bonds" in a way that doesn't breach canon? Birds, I've already mentioned. Fish - merfolk might be able to talk to some, but why or how would a human ever learn to, and why would merfolk try to talk to food?

It is important to at least be willing to ask "why not" as well as "how can I", because yes it can be a bit of a bummer, but it also means your idea holds up more securely to scrutiny.

[yelgreenconur35]

Yellow Sided Green Cheek Conure

All About the Yellow-Sided Green Cheek Conure: A Colorful and Loving Companion Introduction The Yellow-Sided Green Cheek Conure, also known simply as the Yellow-Sided Conure, is a stunning parrot species renowned for its vibrant plumage and affectionate personality. As a member of the conure family, these small to medium-sized parrots have become increasingly popular among bird enthusiasts and pet owners. They are adored for their playful nature, intelligence, and the strong bond they often form with their human companions. This article will delve into the captivating world of the Yellow-Sided Green Cheek Conure, exploring its characteristics, care requirements, and why it makes a delightful pet. Body

Characteristics and Appearance The Yellow-Sided Green Cheek Conure is a subspecies of the Green Cheek Conure (Pyrrhura molinae), native to the forests of South America, particularly in Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina. These birds are relatively small, measuring about 10 inches in length, including their tail, and weighing between 60 to 80 grams. What sets the Yellow-Sided variety apart is its distinctive plumage. Unlike the standard Green Cheek Conure, which has a mostly green body with a grey head, the Yellow-Sided Conure features a bright yellow hue on its chest, which can range from a light lemon shade to a deeper golden yellow. This vibrant color contrasts beautifully with the red patches on their belly and the rich green feathers covering most of their body. Their cheeks are a pale yellow or whitish color, and they have a dark grey beak with a playful expression in their dark, intelligent eyes. This combination of colors makes them one of the most visually striking members of the conure family.

Personality and Temperament Yellow-Sided Green Cheek Conures are known for their affectionate and playful demeanor. They are social creatures that thrive on interaction and enjoy spending time with their human caregivers. These birds are curious and energetic, often engaging in playful antics like hanging upside down from their perches or playing with toys. Their inquisitive nature means they love exploring their environment and can be quite mischievous if left unattended for too long. Unlike some other parrot species, Green Cheek Conures, including the Yellow-Sided variety, are relatively quiet. While they do have the ability to mimic sounds and words, they are not as loud or vocal as larger parrot species, such as African Greys or Cockatoos. This makes them a great choice for apartment dwellers or those who prefer a quieter pet. These birds are also highly intelligent, which makes them quick learners. They can be taught a variety of tricks, from simple commands like “step up” to more complex behaviors such as fetching objects or dancing. They have a reputation for forming deep bonds with their owners, often displaying affection through cuddling, head bobbing, and gentle nibbling. However, they can become possessive or territorial if not properly socialized, so early and consistent training is important.

Care Requirements Owning a Yellow-Sided Green Cheek Conure is a commitment that requires time, effort, and dedication. These birds can live up to 25 to 30 years in captivity with proper care, making them a long-term companion. Below are some essential care tips: • Diet: A balanced diet is crucial for the health of a Yellow-Sided Green Cheek Conure. Their diet should consist of high-quality pellet food designed for conures, supplemented with fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasional seeds or nuts. Fruits like apples, bananas, and berries, along with vegetables such as carrots, spinach, and bell peppers, are great choices. Fresh water should always be available, and foods high in fat, salt, or sugar should be avoided. • Housing: A spacious cage is essential to accommodate their active nature. The cage should be at least 24x24x24 inches, with bar spacing of about ½ to ⅝ inches to prevent escape or injury. Multiple perches of varying diameters and textures will help keep their feet healthy. The cage should also include a variety of toys for mental stimulation and to prevent boredom. • Social Interaction and Mental Stimulation: Yellow-Sided Green Cheek Conures are highly social and require daily interaction. Regular playtime outside the cage, at least a few hours a day, is essential for their mental and emotional well-being. Without adequate attention, they can become bored or develop behavioral issues, such as feather plucking or excessive screeching. Rotating toys regularly, teaching new tricks, or providing puzzle toys can help keep them mentally stimulated. • Health Care: Regular veterinary check-ups are vital for detecting any potential health issues early. Like other conures, they can be prone to certain illnesses such as Psittacosis, Pacheco’s disease, and Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD). Observing for any signs of illness, such as changes in droppings, appetite, or behavior, and consulting with an avian vet if needed is important.

Training and Socialization Training a Yellow-Sided Green Cheek Conure can be a rewarding experience for both the bird and the owner. These birds respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise. Early training should focus on basic commands, like stepping up onto your hand or returning to their perch. As they become more comfortable and confident, more complex tricks can be introduced. Socialization is equally important. Introducing your conure to different people, environments, and situations will help them become well-adjusted and less prone to fear or aggression. Start socialization early, and make sure experiences are positive and stress-free. Regular handling and gentle interaction will help build trust and strengthen the bond between you and your feathered friend.

Why Choose a Yellow-Sided Green Cheek Conure as a Pet? Yellow-Sided Green Cheek Conures make excellent pets for several reasons. Their compact size makes them suitable for smaller living spaces, while their relatively quiet nature means they are less likely to disturb neighbors or family members. They are incredibly affectionate and enjoy cuddling and playing with their owners, which makes them a great choice for someone looking for a pet that can offer companionship and entertainment. Furthermore, their intelligence and eagerness to learn new tricks and behaviors make them highly engaging pets. With consistent training and socialization, they can become well-mannered members of the household, capable of forming strong, loving bonds with their human caregivers. Conclusion The Yellow-Sided Green Cheek Conure is a vibrant, playful, and affectionate bird that can bring joy and companionship to any household. Their colorful plumage, intelligent personality, and relatively low noise level make them an ideal pet for both first-time bird owners and experienced avian enthusiasts. However, they require a commitment of time, attention, and proper care to ensure they remain happy and healthy throughout their lives. If you’re looking for a small parrot with a big personality, the Yellow-Sided Green Cheek Conure might just be the perfect companion for you.

#greencheek #greencheekconure #conure #conuresofinstagram #parrotsofinstagram #birdsofinstagram #conures #bird #parrots #parrot #birds #tampa #florida #tampabay #orlando #miami #tampaflorida #stpete #clearwater #tampafl #southtampa #explorepage #jacksonville

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Indonesia's gig work tech resistance

Gojek is a $10B Indonesian “super app” that combines “Postmates, Apple Pay, Venmo, and Uber” serviced by an army of ojol — drivers — who are subjected to all the high-handed algorithmic horrors that gig workers everywhere suffer through.

https://www.vice.com/en/article/7kvpng/delivery-drivers-are-using-grey-market-apps-to-make-their-jobs-suck-less

But Indonesian ojol aren’t helpless before their apps; a legion of toolsmiths produce, share, sell and support “tuyul apps” named for “a child-like spirit in Indonesian folklore that helps his human master earn money by stealing,” which modify the Gojek app.

As part of her MIT PhD, Rida Qadri studied Gojek, ojol and tuyul apps, and her account of the grey-market Gojek ecosystem for Motherboard is riveting.

https://www.vice.com/en/article/7kvpng/delivery-drivers-are-using-grey-market-apps-to-make-their-jobs-suck-less

Tuyul apps are wildly innovative and diverse, from tools to magnify text so older ojol drivers who can read the tiny default app’s text, to filters that allow drivers and riders to preview jobs, avoiding the algorithmic penalty for turning down a job after accepting it.

Indeed, many tuyul apps are tools that permit workers to resist their algorithmic employer’s “optimizations,” which inevitably “optimize” the work so as much value as possible is transferred from the workers to their bosses.

Take GPS-spoofing. Gojek’s corporate overlords have decreed that drivers have to be close to a pickup to be eligible to get the job. On its face, this sounds reasonable, but in practice, it creates massive jams around train stations where unsheltered riders wait in the rain.

Gojek created a situation that has clogged the roads around stations, creating traffic hazards and introducing delays into deliveries. Riders are on site and better equipped to decide how to do their job than a distant, unaccountable product manager.

Riders use GPS spoofers to trick the app into thinking they’re onsite when really they’re waiting at a sensible distance.

Tuyul app creators are drivers with tech knowhow, who fell into the work as part of mutual aid networks.

Over time, this has matured into IT Jalanan -”IT of the Road” — a full-service, somewhat ad-hoc tech support network of IT specialists who build, service and use apps that make gig workers’ lives better.

They have extensive documentation for users on how to root their phones and side-load the third party apps. Apps are sold and supported through Whatsapp and other platforms, along with service and support packages.

Crucially, the support for tuyul apps is much better than the support Gojek offers to gig workers when they struggle with the bugs in its app — making downloading a third-party mod a faster and better experience than trying to get Gojek to fix its shit.

Not all tuyul apps are benign. Some are scams that rip off drivers, other are scams that help drivers rip off Gojek. Gojek On Twitter, a driver community organized against being made “a slave of the algorithm,” has a mixed position on tuyul apps.

One of GOT’s founders has proposed that the GPS spoofing be integrated into Gojek’s official app, allowing users to place their pin within 1km of their actual location.

All of this is a powerful lesson in the importance of Adversarial Interoperability (AKA Competitive Compatibility/comcom), the practice of modifying an existing technology against the wishes (or without permission) of its maker.

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/10/adversarial-interoperability

Comcom allows the users of technology to override its designers’ choices based on their local, up-to-the-minute knowledge of their circumstances, like overriding your car’s mandatory software update when you’re trying to escape a wildfire.

https://locusmag.com/2021/07/cory-doctorow-tech-monopolies-and-the-insufficient-necessity-of-interoperability/

The point of interop isn’t “competition” or even “efficiency” — it’s technological self-determination, the right to decide how you live your life. This does lead to competitiveness and autonomous workers are more efficient than drones, but that’s not the point.

Companies like Gojek lump all mods into the same basket — mods that let drivers do their job better and mods that enable fraud. From Gojek’s perspective, anything that frustrates their shareholders is bad news —it’s all “felony contempt of business model.”

That’s why laws, not corporate decree, should determine what kind of interoperability we permit and which ones we don’t. Our current laws (in the US, Sec 1201 of DMCA, CFAA, etc) simply say, “If the manufacturer says no, it’s not allowed.”

https://gizmodo.com/in-2030-you-wont-own-any-gadgets-1847176540

We can — and should — draft laws that prevent fraud and require practices that don’t endanger others, while legalizing modifying our technology in ways that are socially beneficial and help workers and other users exercise technological self-determination.

Letting users modify their own technology makes life better for everyone. John Deere — archnemesis of users’ right to mod — “invented” modern tractors through engineers observing farmers’ mods to their Deeres and putting the ideas into production.

https://securityledger.com/2019/03/opinion-my-grandfathers-john-deere-would-support-our-right-to-repair/

Meanwhile, Gbwhatsapp and its constellation of primarily African Whatsapp mods are more popular on the continent than Facebook Messenger. There are many Whatsapp mods, used for different kinds of users Africa’s varied regions, nations and cities.

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/03/african-whatsapp-modders-are-masters-worldwide-adversarial-interoperability

Facebook rails against Gbwhatsapp the same way that Gojek rails against tuyul apps, pointing to the scams and harms from the mods that are created by crooks. But just like Gojek, FB lumps the mods that empower users in with the mods that harm them.

There are ways that interoperability can go wrong, but dominant corporations can’t be trusted with the decision about which mods are okay and which ones aren’t — they are terminally compromised by their own self-interest.

The rules for modding — privacy protections, anti-fraud protection and more — should come from democratically accountable legislatures, not the secret machinations of corporate boardrooms.

https://www.eff.org/wp/interoperability-and-privacy

[that-damn-girl]

(5) Bucky and The Bed

Completed

Chapter 4

Bucky and The Bed Masterlist 

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x (cis)fem!reader

Words:  3700+

Summery: You and Bucky are stranded in the middle of a snowy nowhere when there is an 'electronic blackout' during your mission. With no back ups or any way to contact your team, you take refuge from the worsening weather in the only cabin you find  in miles. Not to mention, with no power, Bucky has become your personal heater and there's only one bed.

Chapter type: Fluff.

Chapter/Triger warning: None that I can think of except for ‘highly self-indulgent’.

A/N: This is in submission to the lovely @sweater-daddiesdumbdork​ ‘s Any-Fucking-Fandom Fic Challenge. Check it out! My prompt is below.

Calloused fingertips ran slowly through your hair, absent-mindedly drawing varied patterns with gentle prolonged strokes. Eyes closed, you basked in the alleviating motion. The faint pressure of his tips combing through your scalp lulled you into a deep state of relaxation. Not that you'd been stressed before, but you welcomed the calming drift with open arms.

Head perched on Bucky's lap, you laid comfortably along the width of the bed on your back. The headboard of the bed supported Bucky's back as his legs were stretched, ankles crossed.

Flesh hand racking through your locks, his metal one was encompassed in the heat of your hold. It felt cool to touch, much cooler than the rest of him, but it had a certain aura of warmth. Languidly, you traced the smooth plates making up his palm and fingers and the back of his hand, committing every cranny, every nook to memory.

Your tips climbed up and down the dips of his knuckles, rounding the impeccably curved tips now and then. They seemed crafted as well as the natural human ones. With the whole of his metal arm being that way, you didn't know why you were so amazed by the uncanny resemblance.

Sweeping over the sleek black and gold plates over and over again, mapping the blend of contours and arcs, you said, "Never did I ever think I'd be tired of being uselessly free."

From studying the simple joints of wood panels on the ceiling, Bucky's eyes drifted down to you when you spoke, trailing over your delicate features and then again. Just because. He never thought he'd ever get tired of admiring your beauty anyways.

Eyelids shut, you looked content and yet dejected as your head rested on his lap. He knew you felt bored, hence the look of dejection maybe. He only hoped his presence was the cause of the slight contentment you felt.

It had been a couple of days since Bucky was able to contact Sam; three since they took refuge in this small cabin. There really was nothing to do except for eat, sleep, and repeat.

Chuckling, Bucky said, "It kinda reminds me of the time in Wakanda."

Opening your eyes and slightly craning your neck, you glanced at him. Though he looked at you, his eyes held a faraway gaze, as if having found a distant memory and reminiscing in it. Closing your eyes, you settled in more comfortably. You loved hearing stories about his experience in the astounding African country.

"Tell me about it."

Though you couldn't see him, you knew he wore a bright smile as he remembered the days. You interlaced your fingers with his metal fingers as his flesh ones occasionally twirled a few locks of your hair.

This was new, the touching at every moment, only for more to be followed in the next. Bucky Barnes was a reserved man. He did want a soft and comforting touch, but there weren't many people to give him that.

Steve, yes. Sam, sometimes. It wasn't as if he was open to letting others touch him either. He sought out the familiarity in the amiable contact, the assurance of no ill content behind it.

The past decade had taught him to believe a touch only meant one thing. Pain.

You had been with him as long as Sam had, but he was only able to open up to you in the recent few years. He had become comfortable with you. Didn't have any qualms about feeling your skin on him.

But there was always a limit. There was always a limit to how much he'd let someone in.

In the past few days, however,  you and him seemed to literally keep in touch at all times of the day. Asleep or awake. It happened involuntarily, really. As if your hearts made decisions of their own, claiming what they desired.

Bucky had noticed that and so did you, but neither dared to comment on it. Afraid of making the other more conscious. Of losing the closeness it had brought along. Of losing the joy it brought to your hearts with just a touch.

Bucky tried to convince himself that it was because you needed it, the warmth the super soldier serum provided him. But what was the explanation of the warmth you gave him, without any enhancements?

You needed him, but he was no longer able to deny that he needed the feel of your touch much more desperately. He needed it every second of the day since he'd had a taste of it. A taste of what it felt like to be around you at all times. A taste of heaven which you brought to him.

From every fortunate moment he woke up with you in his arms to sleep in the same way, he'd cherished it deeply. He loved cuddling with you and being cozy. Whether you cooked, or ate, or just were together, you'd always found a way to touch each other.

Your touch had become familiar to him in such a soothing way; he'd been accustomed to it so well, he didn't even want to imagine how being without it would feel like once you'd return.

But he didn't want to burden the pleasant moment by worrying about the future. Choosing to savour it as long as he could, he clutched your hand protectively in his as your fingers linked. Warmth spread across his metal arm and it tickled as the heat made its way through his heart.

Sighing contentedly, he began, "After Shuri was able to get the effect of the words out of me, I was free to live outside the palace and with the crowd. I'd go to therapy daily at first, but the frequency decreased eventually.

"My only purpose there was to recover, to relax, so I didn't really have anything productive to do. The children would play with me and braid my hair, but there's only so much of that which could be done.

"I felt so useless there, I begged T'Challa to give me some work." He paused, laughing before he continued, "I remember the look Okoye gave me. She thought I was a dumb old bitch. Wanting to work when free time was gifted to me on a gold platter."

Bucky looked down at you when you chuckled. A beautiful smile graced your face, lightening up the glow already there. His pride swelled up a little, knowing and liking the fact that he could make you smile.

Beaming widely, he added, "I did the work they already had machines for. Loading and unloading. Carrying things from one place to the other. Just helping anyway I could, even if they didn't require it." He sighed, "Maybe I really was a dumb old bitch."

Chuckling again, you tried to imagine as you said, "Ah, city boy turned farm boy. What a sight it would have been."

"Picture oily, greasy hair, and mud ridden clothes. That's how it was like." He said.

Opening your eyes, you cheekily grinned at him, "I bet you still looked damn good, Bucky."

Feeling colour rising to his cheeks, he was sure he would've stuttered had he spoken anything. You saved him from that, "I've always wondered if the serum prevented you from being ticklish."

"Why?" The word wasn't even out of his mouth when your fingers teased the sides of his torso. The furrow of his brows instantly morphed into a merry stance as he snickered.

"Stop," He wheezed when you sat up and tickled him with all your might. Hands roamed over all the tickle inducing spots you could reach.

"Y/N, wait," His eyes crinkled as he laughed. Seeing him squirm under you, you giggled along with him, enjoying the elated mirth on his face.

Pleading requests reached your ears between huffs of gleeful laughter. His hands tried to reach yours, swiftly shifted out of his reach. Not for long though.

Soon the tables were turned. His hands caught up to you. When he started tickling your spots, you tried to shrunk into a ball.

"Bucky!" You cried, eyes closing as you laughed joyfully.

"Nuh uh, doll, you brought this on yourself." Snickering along, Bucky said mischievously as his hands lightly stroked your sides and under your chin.

You wiggled under him, but he didn't let you escape. His fingers danced along your body. You shrieked with mirthful laughter when he reached a particular spot.

Your arms thrashed about as you tried to stop him. Bucky caged your hand in his when they hit his chest. Laughing still, he placed them by your head bent over you.

Giggling softly, you slowly opened your eyes as you calmed down from the high. You saw Bucky holding you down, a light chuckle playing on his lips. Suddenly you realised how really close he was.

Long dark locks framed his features as he leaned over you. His scruff had grown in the few days you were here. You decided you quite liked the look on him.

You wondered if he was open to the idea of growing his beard again. Bearded Bucky was a spectacular look after all.

Delight was clear in his expression as his blue eyes stared into your own. Upon such close inspection, you realised there was a bit of greyish touch to his eyes. Almost as if they could be called ocean grey.

How many before you had realised it? Or if it was your mind making you see things because it was clouded with the fact of your close proximity?

Bucky's lips were plump and pink. They seemed much more bright and colourful against his pale skin in the extreme cold. Did his lips look this rosy before?

Bucky saw your eyes drifting across his face as a realization struck them. Your smile faded slowly but the dazzle in your made up for it as they took in every feature. When your eyes dropped to his lips, they stayed there for a while.

He couldn't help but glance down at your lips. Slightly parted, they looked so soft. He wondered how sweet they tasted. Overcome by an urge to kiss you deeply and find out for himself, he looked at your eyes and back down at your lips.

It was only then that he realised how close he'd gotten to you. His breath hitched at that moment. He became nervous all of a sudden.

Yes, you two had been close ever since this fiasco started, but never like this. This was new to the both of you.

Something must have given him away, because he felt you stiffen under him. You too had realised close proximity.

He was worried you'd pull away. Not that you could with bed beneath you, but you could always turn your head sideways. You didn't. Instead, your lips only parted a little more.

Only inches apart, he could feel everytime you exhaled. His heart raced with the possibilities of every outcome if he leaned down just a little more. How it could turn out, just like he'd dreamed about it. How he could finally have you as his.

And then the negative outcomes swarmed his brain. What if he was reading all the signs wrong? Granted he was an expert in body language, yet he wasn't a mind reader.

If he did close the gap but you didn't want it to happen, he could lose a good friend to awkwardness. There were also days to be cut until either of you would separate from each other.

The tension would be unbearable if you rejected his advances. He couldn't let that happen. He couldn't let any of that happen at all.

Bucky Barnes was a fucking coward and so were you.

Reluctantly, he pulled back. You didn't want him to, but you didn't stop him either. Freeing your hands, he sat on his knees beside you. Leaning on the heel of your palms, you sat up too.

Bucky couldn't meet your eyes as he looked down at his lap. You were much the same beside him.

The tension was so thick you swore it could be cut with a knife. Bucky didn't want to make things awkward, but it had already gotten so.

After spending a pleasant time together, you didn't want anything to become a thorn between the two of you. Without thinking, you quickly spoke, "Let's dance."

Bucky furrowed his brows, confusion overtaking his expression, "You wanna dance?"

"Yeah, let's." You shrugged, "It's not like we got anything better to do."

Bucky opened his mouth but closed it when nothing came to his mind. If you were trying to steer the two of you away from the unwanted tension, you were definitely succeeding. There was just one problem though. "I don't remember how to dance."

"It's okay. It's not like I'm Micheal Jackson either." Bucky was glad the reference wasn't lost on him. The spider kid was doing a good job updating him with all the highlights of the past century he'd missed.

Getting off the bed, you extended an arm towards him. Figuring just rolling with your idea would be easier than acknowledging the moment earlier, he followed you suit.

As he stepped in front of your form, you were unsure where to place your hands. Keeping some distance, you kept arms on his shoulder and linked your fingers behind his head. He brought his hands to your sides, holding you loosely.

You were close but not like before. He seemed to be fine with it and so were you.

You started with shifting your weight on either of your legs, proceeding to sway your body gradually from side to side and moving about in the small space of the room. He directed his body along with yours, going at it with the pace you set.

"There is no music, you know." He remarked.

You pretend to give it thought, "I would be all poetic and say the birds are chirping and that's music enough, but the thing is there are no birds around. Or any living things for that matter."

Bucky scrunched up his nose, "Sounds a little creepy, doesn't it?"

You nodded, "Yeah. Why don't you sing?"

"Uh, no. I don't want your ears to bleed." He chuckled.

You tilted your head, "Come on, you can't be that bad."

"Well, I am that bad. Deal with it." He said

You rolled your eyes comically at him, "Fine."

He raised a brow, "Why don't you sing?"

Not wanting to disclose your singing abilities to him, or rather the lack of it, you said, "Oh, just shut up and dance with me."

Snickering, he replied, "As you say, Ma'am."

Bringing your hands down to his side, you encircled them around his waist and placed your head on his shoulder. Swaying softly to the beat of your own heart, you enjoyed the rhythm already set.

It wasn't really dancing per se, but it sure was relaxing. His warmth seeped into you through the embrace and. You relished in the feel of it. His heartbeat was clear under your ears, lulling you into a tranquil state.

Bucky liked the weight of your head on his shoulders. The way your hands were clasped behind his back. He felt whole in a way he couldn't really describe. Resting his cheek on your head, his hands tightened their hold around you.

The quiet around you was comforting instead of unnerving like you had anticipated. You didn't complain.

You spent a long time swaying in each other's arms. It felt good, being held like this in Bucky's warm embrace. You enjoyed the moment as long as you could.

Slowly, in a voice so low he thought he might have missed, you said, "I miss Sam, you know."

Bucky felt a pang of jealousy hit him. Not that he had anything against Sam. In all honesty, he missed their banters and the constant quipping at each other. He missed his friend too, but a sense of insecurity followed as well. Would you have preferred Sam over him to be here with you?

Oblivious to his inner turmoil, you continued, "Ever since we were active paramilitary, it was I, him and Riley, together everywhere. When Riley..."

You trailed off. Memories of the wonderful times with your late friend surfaced up. A lump formed in your throat at the onslaught of pictures flashing before your eyes of Riley pummelling to his death.

Closing your eyes, you took a deep breath and tried to calm down. You bit your lower lip to prevent it from trembling. Years later, the guilt of not being able to save him still lingered.

Who else would know better than Bucky how it felt losing your best friend? The constant guilt which ate you up when you thought it was your doing. The rethinking of every decision made which led you to lose them. The never ending 'What if's.

He had fallen down that rabbit hole too many times, and you were always there to pick him up. He wasn't about to back out when his turn came.

Feeling a warm hand pet your head softly, you looked up at Bucky. He didn't say anything, but he smiled sweetly, encouraging you to continue.

"It was hard to deal with it, but we coped up together. Sam and I, we got closer than ever. He became like the brother I never had."

Bucky knew it wasn't the time, but he sighed in relief. It was all brotherly and sisterly and platonic love between you and him. Before he could celebrate though, you proceeded.

"Sam and I were inseparable after that, you know. Imagine my surprise when the one time I don't go on a morning run with him and he meets Captain fucking America."

You laughed at the memory of how mad you'd been at yourself for oversleeping that particular day. Sam had had to do quite some work to cheer you up.

"After the both of us became Avengers, we usually went on missions together. If we weren't on the same missions, or when I was on one while he was at home, the work to be done didn't let my mind wander. Even after he took the mantle, it was the same between us."

You sighed, "It just feels weird, spending all of my free time being away from him."

Glancing up at him, you kept your chin on his chest. Displaying a cheeky grin, you said, "But I am glad I have you here, Bucky. I like spending time with you, getting to know you better."

Bucky felt his heart soar within his chest. He couldn't contain the joy he felt at hearing that. Smiling widely, he tightened his arms around your waist, "I like spending time with you too, Y/N."

Placing your head on his chest once again, you said, "I think I'm gonna miss this when we get back. All these moments. This closeness we've had." You added for good measure, "You were the best cuddle pillow I've ever had, after all."

Bucky chuckled softly, his chest reverberating as he did. Perhaps the intimacy you'd developed was only because of the circumstances you were put in, but he didn't want to lose it. Only if as friends, the two of you had grown much more closer than before.

Just like you, he feared that when you'd be back to your normal lives, this connection would be lost. He didn't want to squander all the progress he had made with you.

But he also didn't want to fritter away the time he had with you right then only to worry about what would or could happen. He promised himself to appreciate and cherish any moment he had the chance to spend with you.

Softly, he said, "Don't worry about it, doll. We got enough time for that later. All we have is now."

"All we have is now." You repeated, snuggling closer to him, luxuriating in the feel of his arms around you and savouring the warmth of his embrace in the cold.

The bliss didn't last long though. There was a petty itch in your eyes, promoting you to bring your hands up to rub your lids.

Bucky pulled back when he felt the movement against him, "Hey, what happened?"

Face half covered with your palm as you tried to get rid of the itch, you said, "Something got into my eyes maybe."

"Don't rub your eyes. You're only going to worsen it." He tried to pull your hand away from your face.

Whatever it was, it irritated and burned the sensitive tissue of your eyes. You had to forcefully will yourself to let Bucky drag your hand away.

Leaning into you, he cupped your face in his hands and puckered his lips to softly blow on your eyes. Hot puffs of air hit you as he tried his best to relieve the itch. Keeping your eyes open was hard, but soon the unwanted particle was driven out.

"Better?" He asked.

"Yeah, thanks." You muttered.

You realised a little too late the close proximity between you too. It was that moment again , rekindling the fire which wasn't really put off before.

Your breaths slowed and your heart thumped loudly in your ears. Bucky could feel the erratic beats of your heart against him. He heard you gulp as you stared intently into his eyes which looked hungry yet gentle.

Your pupils dilated as your gaze fell down to his lips, lingering there before coming back to his eyes. Pushing your tongue out, you tentatively licked your lips teasingly slow.

Your lips glistened as Bucky glanced at them. They looked soft and delicious, and Bucky had never wanted to taste anything as bad as them.

He had stopped himself from doing exactly that for a reason before, but with his brain clouded with thoughts about you and your lips, he couldn't remember why. It was as if his mind had stopped working, which he didn't doubt it had.

Bouts of confidence hit him in that moment, overhauling his senses and preventing him from thinking about anything else. Would it really be wrong to have your lips on his, to taste the sweetness of you? It was all he'd desperately wanted to do since a long time but never dared to.

Throwing all caution to the wind, he finally leaned down...

The divider is made by @writeyourmindaway​

Chapter 6

I think you all know ensues next. 😏 

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Thank you for reading!

[periwinkleparrots]

Bird of the Week- African Grey

Lifespan: Around 40- 60 years

Latin name: Psittacus erithacus

Diet: Seeds, nuts, berries and vegetation; they particuarly like fruit from the African Oil Palm.

Personality: Their behaviour in the wild is not well-documented, as they are secretive birds (perhaps due to being prey animals, preyed upon by a number of raptors. However, they are very social, and rely on a flock-type structure. In captivity, they tend to be good talkers, and are highly intelligent. Due to their complex needs, they can be prone to feather plucking, amd need plenty stimulation to prevent this. Unlike some other parrots, greys are not 'cuddly', and will usualy only tolerate head-scratching.

Native to: Also known as the Congo Parrot, they are native to equatorial Africa.

Habitat: Greys favour dense forest, but are also found at forest edges, and in more open savanna forests.

Conservation status: Endangered, numbers decreasing. This is largely due to deforestation and the pet trade.

Fun facts: Some African Greys are said to live in Florida- however, these are escaped pets, and no evidence of breeding has yet been discovered. One of the most famous African Grey Parrots was Alex, who could identify, request, refuse and categorise around 100 items.

[multiverseforger]

Arcane is a scientist whose obsession with gaining immortality has led him to create monstrous creatures known as "Un-Men", as well as other monstrous biogenetic experimentations involving the dead. He was able to resurrect his deceased brother Gregori as the Patchwork Man. He is also a skilled magician, which he is able to channel through his horrific experiments.[2]

Living in the mountains of Europe with his niece Abigail, Arcane is introduced after he discovers and lures the plant-based hero to his castle home. Arcane sought to use his scientific and magical abilities to transform his body into the Swamp Thing's form, while changing the Swamp Thing back into Alec Holland. At first very grateful to be human again, Alec soon overheard Arcane discussing his evil intentions now that he could carry them out. Alec then succeeds in breaking the spell Arcane cast, and sacrifices his humanity, so Arcane becomes a frail old man again. Pursued by the Swamp Thing, Arcane fell to his death, only to be resurrected by his Un-Men in a new body. He then attacked the Swamp Thing twice more before truly dying, the first time as a hulking corpse-like Un-Man (only to be destroyed by the vengeful ghosts of African-American slaves who had possessed his Un-Men) and later as an insect-like cyborg piloting a massive dragonfly-like vehicle that is actually a tesseract (i.e., its interior is larger than its exterior). It is after his third death that his soul was consigned to Hell.

Arcane's soul later escaped from Hell and ultimately helped to summon the demon Monkey King into the world.

After a fight with Abigail that culminated in her leaving on foot to find the Swamp Thing, Matt Cable (Abigail's husband) had an attack of conscience and drove after her. He had been drinking heavily and wound up crashing his car, leaving him mortally wounded. Ultimately Arcane managed to possess Cable's body, and with it gained access to Cable's godlike power.

In this body, he masquerades as Cable, claiming that he has a new job at a company called Blackriver Recorporations and is buying a mansion for them to live. Arcane combined his own magic with Cable's inherent psychic powers to alter reality and the employees of Blackriver Recorporations were the resurrected souls of deceased serial killers returned from Hell. He finally revealed himself, tormenting his niece and causing havoc and insanity by altering reality on a massive scale. For miles around natural and unnatural disasters occurred, people succumbed to homicidal instincts and the resurrected serial killers returned to killing.

He once again battled the Swamp Thing, accompanied by monstrous forms resembling Un-Men, after killing Abigail and condemning her soul to Hell, all the while declaring Earth as his now.

It was during this battle that Arcane found that the Swamp Thing was a plant elemental and thus possessed semi-magical abilities, allowing the Swamp Thing to combat him on a more even ground. The battle was enough for Matthew Cable to regain control of his body, and Arcane was exorcised directly back to Hell. Cable used his awakened power to resurrect Abigail's body, but not having sufficient power to repair himself, became comatose and finally died, whereupon he became Matthew, a raven living within the Dreaming.

Arcane next appears as a demon, having been promoted to this status by the Lords of Hell. He attacks Swamp Thing yet again, only to be defeated. In a later episode, Arcane temporarily repents of his evil ways after having briefly found God, who eventually banishes him back to Hell. Arcane is tortured by the demon Josephine, whom he seduces into helping him escape. The Swamp Thing defeats the two demons, causing their forms to morph together, and when last seen, it is revealed that the Arcane/Josephine being is pregnant.

The New 52Edit

In the wake of The New 52 (a 2011 reboot of the DC Comics universe), Anton Arcane is a regular antagonist in the monthly Swamp Thing comics.[3] After Abigail was able to fight off the mental control of Sethe, Sethe revives Anton Arcane from the dead.[3] as the avatar of the Black (a.k.a. the Rot), after which he tries to take over the Red (colliding with Animal Man as well) and the Green. Anton also has a son named William Arcane and Abigail is his daughter in this timeline.[4][5]

During Animal Man and the Swamp Thing's one year in the Rot, Anton Arcane and the forces of the Rot were able to take over parts of Earth. It was mentioned by Frankenstein that Anton Arcane had imprisoned someone beneath Metropolis.[6] When the forces of the Red and the forces of the Green converge outside of Anton Arcane's castle, Anton Arcane unleashes corrupted versions of Maxine Baker and Abigail Arcane.[7] Anton Arcane and the Rot's conquest of Earth is thwarted and undone when Maxine breaks the hold of the remaining Hunter's Three on her.[8]

After being defeated by the Swamp Thing, Arcane is put in a Hell specifically made for him by the Parliament of Decay when nothing ever rots and all is forever pure. Abigail, as the new avatar of the Rot, comes to him demanding information about her mother. Arcane reveals that when she was a baby she already had power over the Rot and she accidentally killed her by 'filling' her with the Rot. To make him talk Abigail lets him feel rot, but she now says he will never escape his Hell and will never touch rot again. Arcane says that when he touched it when she gave it to him, he became stronger than he had been in ages and he will escape and take revenge on both her and Alec Holland. As she teleports away, Arcane rips out one of his eyes and throws it in the portal. On Earth, a boy is about to eat an apple when it turns rotten. He throws it away and Arcane's eye appears in it.[9]

In Swamp Thing (vol. 5) #36, when the Swamp Thing goes in the Rot to warn Abigail about the new realm of machines, she initially assumes that he is there because of Arcane, who has escaped.[10] It is eventually shown that he has returned to Earth, but since he is not the avatar of the Rot, he can only gain strength from consuming rotten items, like corpses and garbage, and as such is terribly weakened. He joins forces with the new realm of Metal, which promises him the power that he lost, and his power does grow greatly in this time. He later poisons the Green from within, when the Swamp Thing is weakened in an attempt to destroy it, but this fails when all the avatars of the Green are awakened and use their power to cleanse the Green to its original state. Abigail challenges Arcane in the final war against Metal, and while she has the upper hand, Arcane eventually escapes.

In Futures End, it is revealed that five years in the future, a series of events conspired to ensure that all avatars swore to stay off of Earth and within their own realms to prevent chaos. Arcane only agreed to this if he was allowed to bind himself to Abigail forever, as seen when his left hand and her right are completely fused in a twisted embrace and when he calls her his "daughter-wife". In doing so, he allowed himself to leech off her power, as the true avatar of the Rot, and ensuring that the Swamp Thing could not fight him, without risking harm or death to the one he loved. However, the Swamp Thing has made the decision to destroy the Rot, using the power of a Life through a White Lantern Ring. Arcane attempts to dissuade him, by citing the necessity of death and rot, but the Swamp Thing counters it by saying that fungi/the Grey and bacteria/the Divided have already decided to take over the role of rot, while Metal will keep them in check. Arcane then tries to give up Abigail, but the Swamp Thing believes that there is enough life in her to let her survive and in the worst case, death is better than the Hell that she lives in. Arcane briefly tries to fight back, but Abigail makes her move to distract him, long enough for the Swamp Thing to activate the White Lantern ring and bringing about the death of Anton Arcane.

[heathsbitch]

365 DAYS - b.b*

A/N: This is from my Marvel Imagines book on Wattpad. (My Wattpad @ is in my bio. Pls check it out, I need friends.) This is one of my oldest imagines and I’ll be honest, it’s a bit shit and some things are inaccurate because I wrote this before Infinity War. It was also originally in two parts but I thought it’d be better if I combined them for Tumblr. But, nevertheless, enjoy...

Requested: No

Scenario: You were kidnapped by some supposed HYDRA agents a year ago. You were just starting to lose hope in escaping when a certain team of heroes come to your rescue.

Warnings: Smut, strong language, unprotected sex

365. I dropped the knife and took a step back from the wall. 365 marks were etched into it's surface. Every mark represented one day. It was 365 days ago that HYDRA had pried me from the precious confines of my home.

They claimed that I knew information of the whereabouts of the infamous 'Winter Soldier'. They told me that they wanted to use him, that he was one small piece in a huge puzzle. One part of a plan that would take man's one weakness away, freedom.

Of course I knew nothing about him, and nobody had even realized that I was gone. I didn't know how they found out who I was and why they thought I knew 'The Winter Soldier'. The only encounter I had ever had with him was 3 years ago. And even then, I had only saw him from a distance.

I saw him being chased by a person in a black suit that had silver etchings on it. But here I still was, in a dark and damp cell. The only light emanated from the minuscule window in the door. I sat down and lent against the boring grey wall and started to think that nobody was coming for me.

Scorching hot tears slipped out of my eyes and began to drip down my face; all of my hope went with it. I had finally lost my battle with myself. The fact sunk into my head and the pace of my tears started to quicken. I realized I was going to be stuck in here for the rest of my days. My head dropped and it fell into my hands.

Bang! Bang! Two thuds thundered through the room causing shock to course through me. My legs stiffened as I stood up. Bang! Bang! Two more thuds bounced through the room. I began to walk backwards until my back hit the far wall.

The door burst open and two tall men walked through into my cell. One was clad in a black suit that looked like a cat, similar to the one I saw chasing The Winter Soldier, and the other in a blue costume. The one in the blue suit walked over to me "Y/N Y/L/N? Is that your name?" I nodded my head and tried to speak.

"How do you know my name? Who are you?" My voice came out a more of a croak after not drinking for at least 24 hours. The man in the black costume stepped forward "We'll explain once we get you back to Wakanda."

His accent sounded a little strange. Maybe he was African? My head spun, who were these people? What did they want with me? What was this Wakanda that they spoke of? Was I finally getting rescued? My body went limp and dropped to the floor, strong arms cradled me and caught me before I could hit it. My vision darkened and I fell into a black abyss.

BACK IN WAKANDA

I opened my eyes and light flooded my senses. I shifted in my bed. Wait, bed? How and why was  in a bed? My gaze drifted around the room,  taking in it's decor. There was a small bed, a wooden desk and chair, a couple of shelves and a dresser with a mirror hung above it.

I sat up and the door to the simplistic room quietly opened. A man with dark skin waltzed in and took a seat at the desk. "Wow, we thought you were dead. No offence. You were asleep for four or five days." The news hit me like a truck but it wasn't too surprising, I hadn't been in a bed for a long time.  

"I am sure you have a lot of questions but, I'm going to ask you to keep them to yourself. Only for a little bit longer. Somebody will come in here soon with some food and then they will take you to my throne room. Then, and only then, you can ask me and my friends as many questions as you want." The words sunk into my brain.

"Is that okay with you?" I nodded. I figured it would be better to comply than fight back. After all, they gave me a bed and they're giving me food soon. The woman with the food came in roughly ten minutes after the other man left. She brought me a bowl, of what I assumed was rice, and a glass of water.

"You have thirty minutes to eat and regain your strength before I take you to the throne room. My name is Shuri. What's yours?" I smiled and replied "Y/N." Shuri and I talked and laughed for the next thirty minutes. I felt like we were slowly becoming friends. She led me out of my room when it was time to meet the man from before.

I was guided into a room with a glass floor and a throne in the center. Eight chairs were aligned in a circle around the throne. In the throne sat the dark skinned man. The other person who helped rescue me sat to his left in one of the eight chairs.

The girl who took me here, Shuri, took the empty seat to the right of the throne. Six out of the eight chairs were occupied. In the seat next to one of my rescuers was another dark skinned man with a little bit of facial hair, to his right, a girl with bright eyes and brown hair.

On the other side of the throne, next to Shuri, was a muscular man with long hair and what looked like the start of a beard. He was quite handsome actually. His face provoked a sense of familiarity in me, but I shook it off. To his left, another white man. His hair was turning grey and his body was rather small. I approached the throne.

"My name is T'Challa Udaku. I am the king of Wakanda, the country you find yourself in. We rescued you from the so called HYDRA agents because we believe that you could be a valuable asset to us. If you have any questions, ask them. We will do our best to answer." I thought over my questions in my head before speaking up "How am I valuable to you?"

The King looked at the floor before looking over to the man who was previously wearing the blue costume "We believe you to be one of the enhanced." Confusion rippled through me "Enhanced? What's that?" I asked "They are people who have have parts of their body's amplified. For example Wanda,"

He pointed to the woman with brown hair "She is an enhanced person. She has telekinesis and can control people's minds," He hesitated before continuing "Her brother, he um... he was one too. He had a higher metabolism which made him run really fast. Faster than any human being alive." I nodded, processing their words. "Do you know what my power is?"

"We believe it to be similar to Wanda's but only the telekinesis part. We also think that you can shape shift." Again, confusion coursed through me and my heart-rate quickened "How do you know this? When did this happen to me?"

The man with long hair stood up and walked over to me "When you were with HYDRA, in that room, what happened?"

"Not much, people would slide food through the small hatch at the bottom of the door one or two times a day. Sometimes people would come in and beat me up and ask questions, but that's it." The men all looked at each other before the one in front of me continued.

"When we came to rescue you, we looked at the security camera footage to find where you were. We saw you using your powers in your room. We also saw you getting experimented on. Do you not remember any of this?"

I shook my head "No. I had dreams that I would get experimented on but I thought that was just me being paranoid. I swear I don't remember anything else. Anyway, why did you guys come looking for me?" The other dark skinned man answered my question this time, "Over the past few weeks we've been trying to track down the remaining workers for HYDRA, I assume you know who they are?"

"Roughly, yeah." I replied. He continued "Well, we found out that three old HYDRA scientists were looking for a girl, around 25 years old, to test some things on. That's you. We immediately tried to save you from being captured. Obviously we couldn't get there in time and we didn't get close enough to start tracking them. After almost a year, we heard about HYDRA gaining a new 'secret weapon'. Something they could use to get revenge on us and fulfill HYDRA's main goal. We tracked them back to the place that Bucky was held in when he was The Winter Soldier,"

He pointed at the tall man to my right "Wait! You're the Winter Soldier?" I interrupted "Yeah. Well, at least I was when I was with HYDRA." My eyes widened in shock, I knew he looked familiar,  "The people told me they were looking for you. They thought I knew where you were."

"That would've just been a cover-up for what they were actually doing to you." Bucky reassured. "Can I continue now?" The man who was speaking before said "Sure, Sam." Bucky told him "Anyway, they took you to where they used to hold Bucky. They took you to Siberia. The place was still battered from a certain fight between two superheroes."

He looked at the man with the blue suit, "But they made it work. We broke in and rescued you, because that's our job. And Bucky didn't want another person going through what he went through when he was there." I smiled at Bucky to show him that I was thankful for what he helped do. "Is that all of your questions answered now?" T'Challa asked.

"Yes, for now I think." Everybody went back to their seats and the King began to speak again "Something is going to happen, something big. Something that none of us can prevent. It is going to affect the entire world if we do not stop it. We are going to need as much help as we can get. We would like you to join us in this fight, if that's okay with you."

Once again, shock ran through me "I'll help you. It's the only way I can repay you guys for what you've done to help me. After all, that's what you helped me for. But, I'll only help you if you tell me who I'm fighting and what's going to happen."

Everybody in the room looked towards me and Bucky took a step forward. "His name is Thanos. And he's looking for six gems called Infinity Stones."

A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER

It's been around three weeks since I've been saved. In that time, I've grown quite close to all of my rescuers, especially Bucky. Steve has told me more information on Thanos and what he wants. He thinks that Thanos is going to spring an attack on Wakanda in the next couple of days.

Along with the information, Steve and his friends have also been teaching me how to fight. Natasha, an ex-assassin I had found out, had taught me a few tricks that she had learnt in a place called 'The Red Room'.

I didn't want to ask anymore questions about that because it looked like it hurt her whenever she mentioned it. Yesterday was a particularly interesting training session, however. I was told that Bucky would be teaching me a few things. My feet tapped the floor as I walked into the gym. Steve, Nat, Sam, T'Challa, Bucky and Wanda were all training in their respective areas.

"Hey guys!" My voice echoed around the room. "Heyy," Nat sauntered over to me. We had become fairly good friends in the past weeks. I told her everything. She told me as much as she was comfortable with, which was quite a lot actually.

But, I had also told her something about Bucky. I didn't know I felt that way about him and i'm still not sure if what I said was actually the truth. I had told Nat that I liked him. Not just liked him but like liked him. Not gonna lie though, he was amazingly handsome and looked like he had been sculpted by the gods.

Whenever I was around Bucky with Nat she would always slyly tease me about it. And she knew that we were sparring together today. I walked over to the small-ish fighting ring in the center of the room. Bucky joined me shortly.

"You ready?" He asked and I responded with a small nod "I'll go easy on you at first." My heart rate started to quicken as nerves shot through me. He raised his fists into a fighting stance and got ready to fight. I reflected his stance and let out a steady breath. His metal arm shined in the light of the room. 'Could that be a kink?' I thought to myself.

Everybody crowded round the ring and began cheering us on. Words of encouragement rang through my ears and a smirk slid onto my face. Confidence dripped into my veins as I took my first swing. My right fist swung towards Bucky's face.

He ducked just in time to miss it. His right arm connected with my stomach and a grunt fell out of my lips. He pushed me backwards and I regained my stance. I lifted my leg up to his waist just as he was about to take another hit on me. It hit him and he stumbled back. Another smirk made it's way onto my face.

An idea popped into my head.

As Bucky prepared his next attack, I ran up to him. I lifted my leg up to his knee, stood on it, wrapped my legs around his head and swung my body around him. He hit the floor, his head still in between my legs. "Yeah Y/N!" I heard Natasha shout "That's my girl!" Sam yelled. I giggled and Bucky growled. I unraveled my legs from around Bucky's neck and sat up. He chuckled to himself.

"I see Nat's been teaching you a few things. Good job." A blush crept onto my face as he complimented me. He smirked, "Ready for round two?" Bucky's gruff voice rang through my ears. I nodded, smirking with confidence. We swung a of couple punches and kicks at each other but this time he beat me. I lunged for him, my right fist aiming for his jaw, 'Oh my goodness that jaw could cut me and I'd thank him', but he caught it.

The super soldier twisted my arm around and pulled me back into his chest. My back was pressed hard against his front, my arms restrained behind me. Bucky leaned down so his lips were next to my ear.

"Better luck next time, princess." He whispered. I felt my neck go limp and my head fell back against his chest. A sigh escaped my parched lips. His arms released me from their clutch and I ran straight over to Natasha "We need to go now, I have a lot to tell you."

She gave me a slightly perplexed look and we dashed out of the training room and into my bedroom. Within the first week of me staying here, T'Challa had set me up with my own room complete with an en-suite and a stunning view over Wakanda.

NOBODY's P.O.V

Everybody left in the training room was slightly confused at the enhanced girl's behaviour. Everybody apart from Bucky. He just stood and smirked to himself. 'I'll go check on her later.' He thought to himself.

"Dude, what did you say to her?" Sam asked. "Nothing much." Bucky replied with his gaze trained on the floor with a smile upon his lips. He knew the how Y/N felt about him and, honestly, he felt the same way.

He lusted after her but at the same time just wanted to cuddle up next to her. Steve just looked at his friend of 70 years and chuckled to himself. He knew what was going through Bucky's mind. Steve and Bucky left the gym before Sam, Wanda and T'Challa.

'Man Talk' was their excuse which left Sam slightly agitated at the fact that he wasn't invited. T'Challa told him not to worry about it. When Steve and Bucky got into the corridor, Steve laughed and looked at his friend. "What?" Bucky asked "Still got that 40s charm, hey Buck?"

"I guess I just have that effect on women."

Y/N's P.O.V

Nat and I sat on my plush bed as I told her about what Bucky had said and what was currently racing through my mind. "I just," I signed "I don't know how he does this to me." Nat smiled at her friend.

"I guess it's just that 40s charm." Her and Steve had had quite a few conversations about Bucky and me, unbeknownst to both of us at the time. They had even betted on when we would sleep together.

"Maybe." I laughed and fell back onto my bed. "I feel like a fucking teenager, what the hell is wrong with me?" A knock vibrated through the room. An annoyed sigh left Nat's mouth as she got up to answer the door.

Behind the wooden slab stood the infamous solider with a look of desire in his eyes that could murder any woman. "I'll just leave you two alone." The former Russain spy stated and left the room.

That meant just me and Bucky. In a room. On our own. Great.

The Jesus look-a-like walked into the room but not before closing the door behind him. I sat up on my bed and looked up at him through my lashes. "I just wanted to check how you were. You left in quite a hurry back there." Bucky knew exactly what he was doing. "Yeah, I just-I wasn't feeling well."

"And how can Natasha help with an upset stomach?" His silver tongue asked. By now he was sat next to me, looking down at my frame, unholy thoughts racing through his head. "Well-"

"It's okay, Doll," He cut me off "I think I know a way to make you feel better." Bucky's metal arm reached up to my face and brought it closer to his. Without warning, he smashed our lips together. I moaned at the sudden impact and lent into the kiss.

Both of his large hands now held my face against his, his tongue slipped into my mouth. He ran it across my upper lip and then my bottom lip. "Is this helping, princess?" I was breathless so I responded with a whine.

"I'll take that as a 'yes' then." He chuckled. His vibranium arm pushed me down onto the bed so Bucky could climb onto me. Sweat dripped down both of our body's, giving us a godly glow. Bucky sat up and removed his top.

His abs shone with sweat and tensed as he breathed in and out. "Like what you see?"

'I am not going to last much longer if he continues like this.' I thought to myself. His fingers played with the hem of my top and then proceeded to take it off my shaking body. He added it to the pile of clothes that had begun to build next to my bed.

His hands then moved down to my shorts. As he pulled my shorts off, he made sure to drag his fingers down my thighs, taking every last opportunity to tease the fuck out of me. "You're so fucking gorgeous, Doll." Bucky practically moaned in my ear.

His lips moved to my jaw, leaving little purple marks across my neck and collarbone. He made his way to my bra and slid his hands round to my back to take it off me. Snap. As quick as lightning it was on the floor with the rest of the clothes and his mouth was leeched onto my right nipple.

"Oh my goodness, Bucky." I moaned. He moved over to my other nipple and I snaked my hands through his soft hair. A small grunt came out of his lips when I tugged on it. He released my nipple and moved down towards my panties.

Bucky brought his hands up to my knees and pushed them up so my legs were spread wide for him. He trailed his fingers up my bare legs, his metal arm creating a trail of goosebumps behind it. His long finger hooked into my panties and dragged them down my legs.

He grunted at the sight of my dripping pussy. "God, I haven't seen anything this good in years." I blushed at his words but he surprised me when he dived head first in between my legs. My back arched up in pleasure, his tongue circled my clit while his fingers traced up and down my wet slit.

Another moan erupted from my throat, this one longer than the others though. Because Bucky had now slipped two of his incredible vibranium fingers into me. "Bucky."

"Yeah, Doll?" Another moan "I don't think I'm gonna last long." He laughed and said "That's the point." He got rougher and faster. His fingers plunging into me and pulling out at a rapid pace. More moans kept falling out of my mouth, like prayers.

They were a mixture of Bucky's name and various curse words. "I'm close, Buck." I said and he just grunted, the vibrations going straight to my core. My hands trailed around his head but eventually settled in his hair.

'I wanna make him grunt again.'

So I pulled and my prayers were answered, he grunted. Again and Again, every time I pulled he would grunt. My climax edged closer and closer until finally, the cord snapped. A wave of euphoria crashed over my quivering body.

Bucky kept his fingers going, making sure that I road out my high. "You're doing so well, princess." He praised. He stood up and I got to see the tent that had formed in his pants. A large bulge rested at the apex of his thighs. "All for you."

'Shit, he caught me staring.' He removed his pants and boxers and crawled back up to me. His lips captured mine in a hungry kiss, he devoured my lips. "Fuck, Bucky. Please."

"Please, what?" He teased "Please just fuck me." And so my prayers were answered for a second time that night. He pushed his large length into me and my hands grabbed and clawed at his back.

"Oh my-" My words were cut of by a strangled moan and yet another grunt by Bucky. He pushed in and out of me, feeding me more and more pleasure. Moans and grunts came flying out of both of our mouths.

We didn't care about anybody else in that moment. We only cared about each other, our tangled limbs and loud noises. A few 'fuck's' came out of Bucky's mouth along with "Shit, you're so tight." and "You're the best I've had in forever."

Our climaxes edged closer, the knots in our stomachs becoming more taut by the moment. He filled me up perfectly and I knew that I never wanted to move from this position. "I'm close." I warned Bucky "I know, me too Doll, just hold on a little longer."

His thrusts got faster and rougher. His tip began to hit the most magical spot in me. Stars began to form in my vision and I was high. "Bucky, shit. I'm gon-ugh-I'm gonna-" but I didn't get to finish my sentence because my orgasm pressed into me.

It coursed through every inch of me and took over my body. Parts of me started twitching and the stars crowded even more of my vision. Bucky came shortly after me, grunts and moans came out of his mouth as well. After our highs had calmed down, Bucky lay on top of me.

Still deep in me. We were both panting and trying to get over what just happened. Bucky eventually stood up and walked into my bathroom. He came out with a couple of small, wet towels. "Let's get you cleaned up, Doll." And so he did. He then tucked me under the covers and kissed my forehead before climbing in behind me. Everything went dark.

I was woken up the next morning by Bucky. He shook my shoulder gently, however the words that came out of his mouth held urgency. "Y/N, get up. We need to go, Doll."

"What's happening?" I croaked out. "Thanos is coming."

"Shit." I murmured. "Come on, follow me." I followed Bucky down to the armory where we got suited up. Bucky's suit was a deep blue and clung to his muscles perfectly. His left arm was sleeveless to display his iconic, shining arm.

My suit was similar to Wanda's as we had similar powers. Instead of red, my suit was a cerulean blue. It kind of matched Bucky's and I think T'Challa did that on purpose just to mess with me. We made our way through the streets of Wakanda and down to the soon-to-be-Battlefield. There we met up with Steve and the rest of the guys, and girls.

Everybody was there apart from Wanda. I was told she was protecting Shuri up in her lab, along with some man called Vision. Apparantly he had an infinity stone in his forehead and Shuri was trying to remove it. I was also introduced to M'Baku aka the seven foot wall of fresh Wakandan meat. They called him 'The Man Ape' and it was clear to see why.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." He said. T'Challa also introduced me to Okoye, a beautiful woman who was the head of the Dora Milaje. The stage was set. Everybody was in place. In the distance we saw a flying ring of some sorts.

Out of it came these creatures. They began to surround Wakanda's boarders, looking for weak spots. "They're surrounding us," T'Challa told Shuri through his suit. "Open it. Please, it's the only way." Shuri complied and opened up the gates to Wakanda.

We fought for what felt like forever. Wanda taught me how to use my powers over the past few weeks so I was flinging the outriders out of my way, killing them in the process. But more piled through the entrance.

All of my friends began to get taken down. That's when it happened. A giant pillar of light burst through the clouds, knocking a couple of the creatures out of it's way. When the light cleared, I could see three figures. One that looked like some sort of tree, a handsome man with a huge axe and a raccoon? Confusion racked my brain.

"Bring me Thanos!" The man shouted. He charged and leaped into the air. Lighting surrounded him and then struck the floor where he landed. We continued to fight. The battle went on and on. I ended up with Nat, Okoye and Wanda.

We had just killed something called Proxima Midnight. I think that was her name. We all sat on the floor, breathless when a  booming sound thundered through the trees at the border. "Thanos." Nat said.

We all stood up and began to sprint to the forest. When we got there, we saw a giant purple man. He stood with dominance and radiated power. On his left hand there was a gauntlet. In it, five stones. There was only one left. Steve charged at Thanos, grabbing his hand.

Wanda was using her powers to destroy the last stone. That must be Vision. I thought looking at the man on his knees in front of her. "I just feel you." I heard him whimper. I ran over to Steve just as Bucky sprinted out of the bushes.

We both lunged at Thanos. Bucky with his gun in his hand and me, in the form of a white tiger. I slashed at Thanos's legs but I didn't do much damage. He pushed me back and I went flying into a tree. I changed back to my human form and groaned; the wind had been knocked out of me and my back exploded in pain.

Thanos defeated everyone one by one. Then he got to Wanda who had just destroyed the last stone. Unfortunately, Thanos had the time stone. He reversed time and ripped the stone straight out of Vision's head. Wanda screamed in despair.

The axe from earlier came flying through the air, straight towards Thanos. He shot at it with his gauntlet but the axe continued to fly. It landed with a sickening thud in his chest. The tall man with the lighting now stood in front of a kneeling Thanos.

"I told you you'd pay for that." The man stated. "You should've gone for the head." Thanos raised his hand and snapped his fingers. A wave of energy burst from around him.  The gauntlet was fried and everybody was exhausted.

"What did you do?" The lighting man asked, worry lace his deep voice. "Bucky." I whined. My hand had started to turn to dust. Bucky ran over to me and lifted me into his arms. He cradled me and stroked my hair.

"Please don't go." He whimpered. "Bucky,"

"Yeah, Doll." He replied with tears brimming his crystal eyes. "I-I lov-" My entire body had turned to dust. Ashes covered Bucky's thighs and hands. "No!" He screamed "Please," He begged "Please come back." His hand then began to decompose. He fell to the ground, only to see Steve's feet come into his eye line. "My doll." Bucky cried just as his body disintegrated too. 

[rmsqueenmaryonthisday]

Report of false propaganda from an article entitled, "NAZI ESCAPE CORRIDOR NOW IS NARROWED" in the Times Daily, Florence, AL, on March 3, 1942:

"The Italian radio - perhaps just on a fishing expedition - declared today the 80,733-ton British liner Queen Mary was badly damaged by a torpedo hit off Rio De Janeiro several days ago with 10,000 "North American" soldiers aboard and was trying to reach the Falkland Islands.

"The Falklands, 250 miles east of the southern tip of South America, are the site of a British base.

"There was no confirmation of the report, which the Rome broadcaster attributed to "Argentine maritime circles." The U.S. Navy Department said it had no information or comment.

"The Queen Mary has been reported in various Canadian, Asiatic, African and European ports since grey war-paint was daubed over her black hull and she sailed two years ago as a troopship from the Hudson river waterfront in New York, where she shared attention with the now-capsibed [sic] Normandie. Her vast size, however, prevented her use of the Panama Canal."

photo: RMS Queen Mary in war color as the Grey Ghost

[crazyman185]

So I have four pets (soon to be five in August): a Crested Gecko, two Australian Green Tree Frogs, and a Western Hognose Snake. Later this year I plan to get a Columbian Red Tailed Boa, cause I want a big snake.

- Gary (or Garrosh Hellscream)

Gary is male Crested Gecko that is four/five years old. His actual name is Garrosh Hellscream, cause I let my guild from World of Warcraft name him, odd I know, but I just shortened it to Gary for everyone else. He is a very specialized morph which would take me forever to explain so I’ll just say he is a Blonde Harlequin /w 100% Pinstripe & Speckled Dalmatian traits. Unfortunately, he lost his tail the first day I got him in early January 2017. I was lied to that Gary used to people and he got spooked within an hour of getting him and jumped out of my coworker’s hand on to another’s butt. Then he couldn’t grasp his jeans well and fell to the ground where he shed his tail. This species never regrow their tail again but about 90% of all Crested Geckos in the wild lack tails anyhow. It’s purely cosmetic for them to keep it and nothing changes if they lose it. They are called frogbutts in the pet trade if they lack a tail. Anywho Gary escaped his cage a few weeks later (no idea how) and went missing for seventeen days. I thought he was dead for sure but one day when I was teaching Herpetology class to some 5th graders I went into our reptile house and there he was in our Red-eared slider aquarium on a floaty getting a drink. I was ecstatic and Gary’s behavior almost immediately changed to being very friendly being held and now he is a great tool in my teaching. Normally in the wild, they eat insects (when young), nectar, and rotten fruit. I feed Gary every 4 days, a fruit powder mix (his favorite is watermelon mango). If I treat him right he’ll live to be over twenty years old (they actually don’t their maximum age)!

-Judy Hopps and Kif

I got both Australian Green Tree Frogs in October of 2016. Judy Hopps is a female that turned 2 years old last month, and Kif is a male that turns 2 years old in June. One of my co-workers came up with the name Judy Hopps and I went with Kif as a reference to Futurama. Both are in their default colors in these pics, olive green for the female, and light green for the male. Though their colors change based off of their mood and temperature. I’ve seen them change to brown, white green, dark green, and even bluish green. Judy Hopps is a blue-eyed morph, Kif is a wild-type (or normal). At first, I didn’t know if there would be any differences in their gender so I got the female as a morph so I could tell them apart. Later I learned females are usually larger than males and that males have a grey throat & females a white throat. I use both in the herpetology class but they are the only animal I don’t let kids touch/hold cause they get antsy when they start to get pet/passed around. I feed them every 4 days, alternating between superworms and Dubai roaches. The superworms I dust with a multivitamin and calcium /w vitamin D3 powder. These are long living frogs that average 15-20 years of age but the longest living ever was 29!

-Piglet

My baby! I got Piglet the same day I wrote Cubicity’s first chapter, on July 23rd! She’s a Western Hognose snake. Her morph makes her pattern similar to the green anaconda, hence why it’s called an anaconda morph. A normal morph would have smaller and more numerous blotches in its pattern. I went with Piglet cause it’s cute and if she ended up being a boy it was going to be Porkchop. Technically she’s venomous but she’s a rear-fanged snake. Not only do rear-fanged snakes have to chew on you to release venom (versus just a quick bite like front-fanged venomous snakes) it’s also very mild (minus the African Boomslang) and is species specific (frogs and toads in this instance). She’s never bit me or kids and has been a great animal to ease kids into being comfortable with snakes until you bring out the bigger ones my work has. When I first got Piglet, she ate one pinkie (newborn mouse with no fur) every three days. At eight months old she now, she eats two pinkies weekly and will upgrade to fuzzies (young mice with their first coat of fur) when she’s older. Unlike my other pets (who like room temperature, 75F or 23/24C) Piglet requires a heating pad. I got an expensive device that regulates the voltage of my heating pad so you can control the temperature precisely and prevent overheating that can easily lead to death. They average at about 10-15 years of age but sometimes get over 20. 

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 12.4

771 – Austrasian king Carloman I dies, leaving his brother Charlemagne king of the now complete Frankish Kingdom. 1110 – The Kingdom of Jerusalem captures Sidon. 1259 – Kings Louis IX of France and Henry III of England agree to the Treaty of Paris, in which Henry renounces his claims to French-controlled territory on continental Europe (including Normandy) in exchange for Louis withdrawing his support for English rebels. 1563 – The final session of the Council of Trent is held. (It had opened on December 13, 1545.) 1619 – Thirty-eight colonists arrive at Berkeley Hundred, Virginia. The group's charter proclaims that the day "be yearly and perpetually kept holy as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God." 1676 – The Danish army under the command of King Christian V engages the Swedish army commanded by the Swedish king Charles XI at the Battle of Lund, to this day it is counted as the bloodiest battle in Scandinavian history and a turning point in the Scanian War. 1745 – Charles Edward Stuart's army reaches Derby, its furthest point during the Second Jacobite Rising. 1783 – At Fraunces Tavern in New York City, U.S. General George Washington bids farewell to his officers. 1786 – Mission Santa Barbara is dedicated (on the feast day of Saint Barbara). 1791 – The first edition of The Observer, the world's first Sunday newspaper, is published. 1829 – In the face of fierce local opposition, British Governor-General Lord William Bentinck issues a regulation declaring that anyone who abets suttee in Bengal is guilty of culpable homicide. 1861 – The 109 Electors of the several states of the Confederate States of America unanimously elect Jefferson Davis as President and Alexander H. Stephens as Vice President. 1864 – American Civil War: Sherman's March to the Sea: At Waynesboro, Georgia, forces under Union General Judson Kilpatrick prevent troops led by Confederate General Joseph Wheeler from interfering with Union General William T. Sherman's campaign destroying a wide swath of the South on his march to the Atlantic Ocean from Atlanta. 1865 – North Carolina ratifies 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, followed soon by Georgia, and U.S. slaves were legally free within two weeks. 1867 – Former Minnesota farmer Oliver Hudson Kelley founds the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry (better known today as the Grange). 1872 – The crewless American brigantine Mary Celeste, drifting in the Atlantic, is discovered by the Canadian brig Dei Gratia. The ship has been abandoned for nine days but is only slightly damaged. Her master Benjamin Briggs and all nine others known to have been on board are never accounted for. 1875 – Notorious New York City politician Boss Tweed escapes from prison; he is later recaptured in Spain. 1881 – The first edition of the Los Angeles Times is published. 1893 – First Matabele War: A patrol of 34 British South Africa Company soldiers is ambushed and annihilated by more than 3,000 Matabele warriors on the Shangani River in Matabeleland. 1906 – Alpha Phi Alpha the first black intercollegiate Greek lettered fraternity was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. 1909 – In Canadian football, the First Grey Cup game is played. The University of Toronto Varsity Blues defeat the Toronto Parkdale Canoe Club, 26–6. 1909 – The Montreal Canadiens ice hockey club, the oldest surviving professional hockey franchise in the world, is founded as a charter member of the National Hockey Association. 1918 – U.S. President Woodrow Wilson sails for the World War I peace talks in Versailles, becoming the first US president to travel to Europe while in office. 1939 – World War II: HMS Nelson is struck by a mine (laid by U-31) off the Scottish coast and is laid up for repairs until August 1940. 1942 – World War II: Carlson's patrol during the Guadalcanal Campaign ends. 1943 – World War II: In Yugoslavia, resistance leader Marshal Josip Broz Tito proclaims a provisional democratic Yugoslav government in-exile. 1943 – World War II: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt closes down the Works Progress Administration, because of the high levels of wartime employment in the United States. 1945 – By a vote of 65–7, the United States Senate approves United States participation in the United Nations. (The UN had been established on October 24, 1945.) 1949 – Sir Duncan George Stewart was fatally stabbed by Rosli Dhobi, a member leader of the Rukun 13, in Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia during the British crown colony era in that state. 1956 – The Million Dollar Quartet (Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash) get together at Sun Studio for the first and last time. 1964 – Free Speech Movement: Police arrest over 800 students at the University of California, Berkeley, following their takeover and sit-in at the administration building in protest of the UC Regents' decision to forbid protests on UC property. 1965 – Launch of Gemini 7 with crew members Frank Borman and Jim Lovell. The Gemini 7 spacecraft was the passive target for the first crewed space rendezvous performed by the crew of Gemini 6A. 1967 – Vietnam War: U.S. and South Vietnamese forces engage Viet Cong troops in the Mekong Delta. 1969 – Black Panther Party members Fred Hampton and Mark Clark are shot and killed during a raid by 14 Chicago police officers. 1971 – The Indian Navy attacks the Pakistan Navy and Karachi. 1971 – The PNS Ghazi, a submarine belonging to the Pakistan Navy, sinks during the course of the Indo-Pakistani Naval War of 1971. 1977 – Jean-Bédel Bokassa, president of the Central African Republic, crowns himself Emperor Bokassa I of the Central African Empire. 1977 – Malaysian Airline System Flight 653 is hijacked and crashes in Tanjong Kupang, Johor, killing 100. 1978 – Following the murder of Mayor George Moscone, Dianne Feinstein becomes San Francisco's first female mayor. 1979 – The Hastie fire in Hull kills three schoolboys and eventually leads police to arrest Bruce George Peter Lee. 1981 – South Africa grants independence to the Ciskei "homeland" (not recognized by any government outside South Africa). 1982 – The People's Republic of China adopts its current constitution. 1983 – US Navy aircraft from USS John F. Kennedy and USS Independence attack Syrian Missile sites in Lebanon in response to an F-14 being fired on by an SA-7. One A-6 Intruder and A-7 Corsair are shot down. 1 American pilot was killed, one was rescued and one is captured. 1984 – Sri Lankan Civil War: Sri Lankan Army soldiers kill 107–150 civilians in Mannar. 1991 – Terry A. Anderson is released after seven years in captivity as a hostage in Beirut; he is the last and longest-held American hostage in Lebanon. 1991 – Pan American World Airways ceases its operations after 64 years. 1992 – Somali Civil War: President George H. W. Bush orders 28,000 U.S. troops to Somalia in Northeast Africa. 1998 – The Unity Module, the second module of the International Space Station, is launched. 2005 – Tens of thousands of people in Hong Kong protest for democracy and call on the government to allow universal and equal suffrage. 2006 – Six black youths assault a white teenager in Jena, Louisiana. 2014 – Islamic insurgents kill three state police at a traffic circle before taking an empty school and a "press house" in Grozny. Ten state forces die with 28 injured in gun battles ending with ten insurgents killed. 2015 – A firebomb is thrown into a restaurant in the Egyptian capital of Cairo, killing 17 people. 2017 – The Thomas Fire starts near Santa Paula in California. It eventually becomes the largest wildfire in modern California history (at that time) after burning 440 square miles (281,893 acres; 114,078 ha) in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

[tiktokparrot]

Is clipping your bird's wings right for you? Learn the pros, cons, and safety tips for keeping your feathered friend happy and healthy. Easy to understand guide for new bird owners.

[comjasparable]

THE COUCH [NSFW]…

“Joe!” Caspar whines, letting the book he was half-heartedly holding drop to the floor. He’s absolutely knackered, as he has been spending hours on end planning his next video and he desperately needs a break. Joe is on his phone, as per usual, but instantly slips it back into his pocket as Caspar sprawls himself over his best friend’s lap.

“I’m tired,” Caspar says, pouting before he smiles sheepishly at Joe. Joe laughs and pulls a face. “Jesus, mate, get off me. You’ve only been at it again for an hour.” He runs his fingers endearingly through Caspar’s hair, though, earning himself a broad grin from the South African. “My half of the braincell is strained!” Caspar groans again, arching into Joe’s touch. It’s nice to have a best mate whom you can cuddle and touch and hug and kiss all the time. Caspar is really “fucking perverted”, as Joe constantly tells him, but Caspar honestly just likes being close to people, especially physically, especially with the older boy touching him right now.

Joe has sunglasses perched on the top of his nose. Caspar lazily flicks them off, wanting to look into Joe’s eyes. If he does it for long enough, Joe usually gets freaked out, which will precede wrestling and a laughing fit. Instead, Joe smirks and says, “Frisky are we, Caspar?” He raises a bushy eyebrows and tugs a little at Caspar’s hair, resulting in the escape of a tiny, embarrassing yelp from Caspar’s mouth. Caspar smiles gleefully and swiftly sits up, before grabbing onto Joe’s lean frame and lifting the other boy unceremoniously so that he’s straddling Caspar’s lap. “Fuck you,” Joe exclaims, but he’s grinning and pressing his small body shamelessly against Caspar’s lower region, resulting in a low groan from both of them. They are so comfortable in each other’s presence, attached at the hip since day one. These…things they sometimes get up to are merely platonic, okay? They’re best friends, they know each other better than themselves, they’re always together; it’s only natural that they get each other off occasionally. Okay, quite regularly…if Caspar’s being honest. But that’s what all best mates do, of course. Nothing weird about it. Caspar pulls himself from his thoughts and instead hungrily presses his mouth against Joe’s, who responds immediately and eagerly by sliding his tongue against Caspar’s teeth. This results in the both of them errupting into a fit of giggles, but they continue after they’ve calmed down. Caspar has his arms circled around Joe’s waist, pulling them impossibly close and still needing more, much more. Joe is clutching and tugging, trying to rid Caspar of his hoodie, grinding faster against him now, panting slightly. It’s silent in Caspar’s house, except for their ragged breathing. Caspar pulls away from the kiss momentarily to assist Joe in taking off his top, before he attacks Joe’s neck again hungrily, biting and sucking and worshipping the sensitive skin there. Joe makes a low growling sound in the back of his throat and Caspar smiles against him, pleased at always being able to reduce the sarcastic, seemingly cold boy to a quivering, blushing mess. Joe is his and only his. "You’re leaving marks, you dickwad,” Joe whispers in his ear, sending a shiver running through Caspar. “Fuck it,” he breathes and bites down on Joe’s shoulder lightly, earning an encouraging moan for his efforts. Caspar tugs roughly at Joe’s T-shirt, trying to prevent his eyes from rolling back at the sensation of Joe’s hard-on rubbing against his own. “Off,” he manages to get out, gesturing at Joe’s clothes. Joe obliges instantly, reaching over his shoulder and pulling his grey shirt off in a nimble motion. Caspar is presented with the most glorious abs ever, because Joe may be small, but he is definitely fit, very fit. He starts tracing lazy circles across the other boy’s abdomen, hard muscles contracting beneath his delicate touch. After a few minutes of wandering hands that grip and feel and squeeze and worship, sloppy kisses and whispered endearments, Joe becomes impatient. God, he is an impatient one, always nagging at Caspar that likes taking his time in bed. Caspar pulls him into a crushing hug, teasing, but Joe pushes him away with surprising strength. He gribs Caspar’s wrists in a steady hand, pinning them above his head. Then he’s briskly pulling down Caspar’s zipper, murmering something that sounds like “fuck” and it sends Caspar’s heart beating out of his fucking chest. It’s, of course, nothing compared to Joe firmly cupping him through his boxers. Caspar throws his head back, marvelling at the sensation of Joe’s hand palming him through the thin material. His mouth his hanging open and Joe is most likely to mock him for it later, as well as his loud breathing, but right now Caspar doesn’t give a fuck. He pulls his arms free from Joe’s loosening grip and, with fumbling hands, reaches for the smaller boy’s skin-tight jeans. Jesus, Joe and his skinny jeans… They do weird things to Caspar’s mind. He can’t seem to get the zip undone, too focussed on Joe’s hands that are everywhere, all over him, moving in just the right way. Joe huffs in faked annoyance and undoes his pants himself, revealing white Calvins that are stretching invitingly around his leaking prick. “Fuck, Joe,” Caspar breathes against his neck, reaching inside Joe’s underwear to grip his length firmly in his palm. Joe’s dick is hot and heavy and a trickle of pre-come coats his hand in stickiness, but he doesn’t mind. Of course he doesn’t mind. This is fucking brilliant. With a hazy mind and his favourite person in the world on top of him…Caspar can’t possible be any happier. He pulls Joe harshly towards him, sending both of them tumbling into the soft, purple cushions of the couch. “Bloody idiot,” Joe says and laughs, resuming his skilled strokes, now underneath Caspar. “I…wanna…together,” Caspar mouthes, as his lungs are failing him as they perpetually in Joe’s presence. Joe nods his acknowledgement and speeds up his paste a little. Their naked chests are rubbing against each other, a thin sheen of sweat coating them, and everything is hot, hot, hot and too close, close, yet not close enough. Caspar feels his orgasm coming on; it’s going to be a mind-blowing one, all right. He wants Joe to experience the same thing, so he swats his hand away from his prick, earning a puzzled glance from Joe. He climbs off his best mate and the other boy suddenly looks shattered, confused. Caspar giggles. Then he kneels. And takes Joe into his mouth. “Jesus fuck, Caspar!” is Joe’s response. His head is thrown back and his legs are trembling slightly. He laces his fingers through Caspar’s hair, holding him there. Caspar swirls his tongue around the tip, tasting the bitter-salty pre-come residing there and feeling way too fucking aroused at the thought of Joe inside of him. He licks along Joe’s shaft, making the brunette’s dick twitch in anticipation. Then, finally, he swallows the entire length. And Joe comes. In long white spurts down Caspar’s throat while screaming “fuck fuck fuck” over and over again. Caspar only needs to give himself a few tugs before he’s coming too, scrunching his eyes shut and exhaling loudly. He lies down next to Joe once more, feeling considerably more relaxed and ready to work again. Joe snuggles closer to him, sticky and still panting. “I love you,” they say at the same time, smile and fall asleep. This is how Olly and Josh find them a few hours later.

[tripstations]

Malawi safaris – an overview

Malawi is a country that is visited for the remarkable variety of attractions it offers – beautiful beaches on Lake Malawi, genuine and friendly cultural interactions, stunning scenery and thrilling safaris. But, whilst travellers are now visiting and exploring Africa as a whole for more than just its animals, it is still true that safaris are the primary draw card for the continent. Thankfully for Malawi, it is the country’s wildlife and safari experiences that have seen the greatest advancements in recent years as it emerges as a rival to its better known neighbours as a safari gem. In this blog we aim to give an overview of taking a safari in Malawi.

Game viewing has long been a little different in Malawi from many other African countries. While the number of animal sightings has, for many years, been fewer than in the top parks on the continent, that situation is starting to change, and, in any event, visiting Malawi’s national parks and wildlife reserves is much more about the experience they offer than how full your tick list end up!

Landscape and wilderness are attractions alongside the animals, offering viewing and exploration at a more fundamental level and without the crowds of other visitors. No great convoys of minibuses queue to see the animals in contrived conditions in Malawi. Instead, small groups travel through the bush unsure of what lies behind the next patch of vegetation. And with a variety of ways to explore the parks (see below), no two safaris are alike.

The variety and beauty of Malawi’s diverse landscapes provide a perfect backdrop to game viewing. Laws protect the animals and also the environment, which remains as close to its natural state as possible. There are relatively few artificial waterholes and the parks are nothing like as ‘developed’ as some of their more illustrious neighbours. This means there are large areas of near wilderness unexplored by all but a few.

There is also the unique attraction of the Lake Malawi National Park – a protected area of Malawi’s beautiful inland sea where thousands of brightly coloured fish can be hand fed just below the surface of the crystal-clear waters. This was the world’s first freshwater national park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Viewing fish may not be a standard ‘African safari’, but it’s a fascinating one and certainly something different to try.

The 1920s saw the first gazetting of protected areas in Malawi, which has culminated in the nine national parks and wildlife reserves of today. The first true national park was Nyika, proclaimed as recently as 1965. The current statuses of all nine areas were settled by the beginning of the 1980s. Locations were not always chosen solely for their natural beauty or existing wildlife populations. For example, Kasungu was gazetted to evacuate people from where tsetse fly had caused a sleeping sickness epidemic! However, most of the national parks and wildlife reserves are strategically located as important rain catchment areas. This is particularly so for those on Malawi’s watershed western border. The maintenance of natural vegetation prevents the rainwater washing away too rapidly across cleared soils and causing further erosion.

Malawi’s protected areas are spread across the whole country: Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve are in north Malawi; Kasungu National Park and Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve are in central Malawi; whilst south Malawi has Liwonde and Lengwe National Parks, Majete and Mwabvi Wildlife Reserves, and the unique Lake Malawi National Park. Although originally the wildlife reserves had less protection, fewer management resources and more limited infrastructure for visitors than the national parks, that distinction is now much more blurred, particularly with the arrival of African Parks to Malawi. African Parks now manage Majete and Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserves and Liwonde National Park. The phenomenal input and resources they bring and the tremendous work they have already done on the infrastructures and animal populations has ensured that those 3 protected areas are now the country’s best – with an honourable mention also to Nyika for its truly unique offerings.

Malawi also has a number of forest reserves. These have limited wildlife protection but do provide welcome escapes in truly beautiful environments, and plenty of opportunity for walks in the wild.

Wildlife

For many decades, Malawi has been perceived as not having as many animals most of its neighbours. But, thankfully, with the arrival of African Parks and their re-introduction of a few thousand animals (now successfully multiplying!), that situation is fast changing.

Big cats used to be only very occasionally seen but both lion and cheetah have been re-introduced to Liwonde and Majete and are thriving in both locations. The thick bush of Nkohtakota makes sightings difficult, but lion are heard there, and there has even been a very recent sighting of one in Nyika. The leopard is found across almost the entire country. Its elusive lifestyle makes sighting difficult but up at Nyika there is a decent chance of spotting one of the large specimens that live in the forest nearby Chelinda Lodge. Of the smaller cats, civet is the most widespread though genet, serval and wild cat can also be seen.

Hyena are the most common of the other major predators and are present in all the protected land areas. Jackal also have populations in Malawi. Sightings of wild dog have been only very occasional in recent years – most likely animals that are just visiting Malawi from Zambia or Mozambique! But there are rumours of their re-introduction to Liwonde.

Although not always easy to spot, preferring to remain in the thick bush, there are healthy populations of black rhino now in Liwonde and Majete There are good elephant numbers in pretty much all the protected land areas except the low lying Lengwe and Mwabvi. Nkohotakota witnessed the largest elephant translocations in human history across 2016-2017 with over 500 individuals moved in to the reserve to set up an elephant sanctuary there. They came from Majete and Liwonde, both of whom had growing populations with more than enough to spare for Nkhotakota. Hippos are numerous in Malawi and are commonly seen the Shire River, which runs through Majete and Liwonde, where they number in the thousands. Crocodiles are also common in the Shire.

Buffalo are fairly common across the lower lying parks and reserves. Zebra are best seen in Nyika and Liwonde, with smaller numbers in some of the other reserves and giraffe have recently been re-introduced into Majete. Of the antelopes, bushbuck, grey duiker, kudu, grysbok, klipspringer and reedbuck are found in most of the protected areas. Roan and eland can also be seen, with particularly impressive breeding herds in Nyika. Liwonde is the most likely places to spot sable and waterbuck, with Majete now not far behind. Of the rarer species, the beautiful nyala can be seen in Majete and Lengwe. This is the furthest north of all nyala habitats in southern Africa.

Malawi has a fantastic variety of birds with around 650 recorded species spread across the different landscapes. They are primarily woodland or grassland varieties including Livingstone flycatcher, red-winged francolin and the endemic Lillian’s lovebird. However, the lake, rivers and dams also attract waterbirds such as hamerkop, fish eagle, kingfishers, egret and pelican. Raptors, like the African marsh harrier, black-breasted snake eagle and peregrine falcon, give further variety.

The majority of the estimated 1000 fish species in Lake Malawi are cichlids, mostly endemic to Malawi. The small brightly coloured mbuna are easily seen in the protected waters of Lake Malawi National Park.

For flower lovers, there is great diversity, including 400 orchid species. These are found at all altitudes around the country. There are also numerous everlasting flowers, proteas, aloes and gladioli plus reedbeds and waterlilies in the river lagoons. Nyika is known for its wildflowers and orchids.

Types of safari

Malawi offers a variety of ways to get up close and personal with its wildlife. Any safari is best taken in early morning or late afternoon when the greatest heat is avoided and the animals are most active.

Walking safaris are possible in all of the parks and reserves and potentially offer the most intense experience, giving a much greater sense of involvement than in a vehicle. Though most animals will sense people first, there is plenty of opportunity for close encounters. Even if large mammals aren’t encountered around every corner, there is a fascinating amount to see and interpret. It can also be possible to arrange to spend a few days walking and camping within a park or reserve.

Driving covers a much greater area than walking, increases the chances of sightings and is a necessity in the more open areas. Vehicles can draw the animals’ attention but, unless advancing towards them, will not scare them off. None of Malawi’s parks & reserves have tarmac roads and the tracks that do exists are better navigated by the drivers, guides and scouts from the lodges, who know the parks intimately.

Boat safaris can provide excellent viewing opportunities. As well as the crocodiles, hippos and riverine birds in or on the water, animals attracted to the river bank to drink are less wary of anything on the water. A sundowner cruise is a particular pleasure – the boat launches late in the day when the animals are active and the hippos are beginning to leave the water. After initial game viewing, the boat drifts and the occupants sip their personal tipple as the sun sets. Finally, a spotlight illuminates the night activity in the water and on the banks. In Liwonde and Majete, the Shire River is excellent for a boat safari, and the Bua River in Nkohtakota can be explored by canoe. In Lake Malawi National Park, there are plenty of boats that can take visitors out from Cape Maclear to view the fish.

For more sedate viewing, hides allow very close sightings of animals completely unaware of a human presence. Observing the comings and goings around a waterhole from a hidden, close-up vantage point, can be a very rich and rewarding experience.

Practicalities

Whilst a couple of the nine national parks and wildlife reserves can be time-consuming to reach from the Malawi’s international airports, none is inaccessible. All are accessed by a final short stretch of earth road. A number of them now also have airstrips. Whilst entry by aircraft remains rare (apart from at Nyika where it’s the better option), it is certainly possible and is increasingly being offered by private operators.

The Parks and reserves are open all year. Peak time for game viewing is August to October when vegetation is low and limited water forces animals to gather at the few remaining sources. This is also the best time for viewing the mbuna fish in Lake Malawi. The high heath and grasslands of Nyika Plateau, however, attract animals through the rains, having spent the dry season on the lower slopes.

Originally, basic, government run camps offered the only places to stay in Malawi’s Parks & Reserves. Granting of concessions to private operators began later than in many African countries and only by 1997 was the accommodation in (just) four of the nine parks and reserves in private hands. Standards have risen and properties have continued to upgrade to now include some truly sumptuous lodges, but in the last 20 years there has been limited growth in the actual number of lodges in the parks. Most still only have one or two places to stay within the entire park, so ensuring an inherent level of exclusivity for their visitors.

Kelly White is Director of the Malawi Travel Marketing Consortium. Malawi Travel Marketing Consortium aims to provide you with the best information to make Malawi your tourism destination.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

The post Malawi safaris – an overview appeared first on Tripstations.

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[windycityparrot]

What Challenges Does Your Bird Face This Spring And Summer?

Linda F asks Hi, As spring approaches we look to protect furry as well as feathered friends. Any suggestions on Frontline and heartguard type products that are safe around parrots and toos (Cockatoos) when used on three little dogs? Are the two above mentioned harmful when used on dog that lives in same house as a bird? Thank you for all help I have received as my CAG (Congo African Grey, goffie (Goffin Cockatoo) learn to share our life together. Would not have made it as smoothly this far without your good advice and Birdy Brunch. Thank you again. Linda, Micha and Stewie   Hi Linda   Thank you for the kind words   In that dogs (mammals) and birds (aves) have different integumentary systems (fins, fur, feathers, scales) treatments should not cross over. Everyone likes to think of themselves as being prepared for disaster and certainly life’s cuts and scrapes.   I’ve personally sutured a dog in a garage (after 5 minutes of training by my vet :-)   I’ve yanked shards of glass out of more than one dogs paw and got them bandaged over the years.   Sutures are easy to come by if your vet is a fellow musher but for the most part many dogs, and I presume cat medical emergencies, can be treated with a human first aid kit.   Removing a little fur on a dog while rapidly getting a wound bandaged, is something a dog will get over pretty quickly.

Mammals are very different than birds.   Unless your birds are exposed to mosquito bites which is unlikely because they are indoors, the chance of incurring heartworm disease is slim to none.   Parasitic roundworms named Dirofilaria immitis affect mostly dogs but may manifest itself in ferrets, cats and other prey animals.   Once the roundworms mature they can be found in the heart, ergo the name heartworm but they can also be found in the lungs and blood vessels between the lungs in the heart.   It can take up to six months for the actual parasite to develop in a dog's heart.   Thus heartguard is certainly not a necessary prophylactic treatment for birds.   There is a topical flea treatment you can get from the vet.   SevenDust sprinkled on the ground helps kill the fleas in the sand.   I've used Adams flea and tick spray with success directly on birds who have fleas, but make sure to avoid their eyes and mouth.   Adams will work for feather mites and lice as well.   You may also try Pest Control Dyna-mite All Natural Mite-lice Repellent 8 Oz (.24 L)   best   mitchr   Migrating from spring to summer   We talk about parrots being equatorial animals and how life in North America, for example screws up their instinctual expectations for things like light cycles and temperature. So you would think with summer here all those problems would go away. Some do, but now we face new challenges. Escape routes Summer is the time of open doors and windows, screens instead of glass and much more in and out traffic typically. Flighted birds pose the risk of escape by flight, and summer increases that risk no doubt. But when your wing clipped 240g feather ball chews through the screen where you left the window open in the guest room on the second floor, your wing clipped bird could easily ride the warm summer thermals (those air things that keep un-motorized gliders afloat) and end up in the next state before you knew she was gone. If you open doors and windows, it’s best to keep your bird in a cage, flighted or not.   Ceiling fans A fan can be a human’s best friend. I’ve seen videos of birds who like to play in the airflow. That said, I’ve also seen birds who were placed under or in front of a fan with every good intention by its keeper. While keeping the air around the bird cool the birds feathers were always getting lifted. A “ruffled” feather needs to be put back in its place, and this is done by preening.   https://youtu.be/sIR-q9GsXcg   With the unceasing airflow from the fan comes when unceasing amount of preening, which has in the past triggered plucking. I advise you to keep your birds out of the path of direct airflow.   Ceiling fans fall under the category of super hazard for flighted birds. Veterinarians call the result “shredded tweet” For more ways on how we kill and injure our pet birds, read this. Shade We discussed the need for full-spectrum lighting on a regular basis. What could be better than the real deal, the sun. You know that thing that can fade paint, burn skin, crinkle car interiors? Yep, that sun.   Sunlight is good, direct sunlight is not - make sure your bird always has access to shade. If your cage is near a window check it throughout the day to make sure there is always a shady spot somewhere in the cage where your bird can seek refuge. Mosquitoes West Nile virus is usually transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause an avian condition resulting in death. Keep your bird protected from mosquitoes If you take him or her outside in a cage outside on an unprotected deck potential exposure you bird to mosquito bites greatly increases. An outdoor aviary may require an additional layer of screening. Burning the burgers Grilled food always taste better, who doesn’t like a good barbecue? Whether the barbecue is at home or your bird travels with you remember the smoke from campfires and barbecues may be toxic to your bird. Check to see that direct inhalation is not occurring through an open window, too.   The Varments For us the circle of life usually starts the supermarket and ends on our kitchen table. For a feral cat, a raccoon a nearby Hawk, the circle of life can be seconds away from your bird’s cage. Please don’t leave your bird alone outside for a moment. The ability to maintain a high and constant body temperature enables birds to exploit a remarkable range of habitats -- tropical, temperate, and polar. This achievement is not without cost, however. The "expense" of metabolic heat production must be repaid by taking in sufficient energy to balance what has been expended, and mechanisms must be available to shed excess heat when necessary. If the environmental temperature falls, birds raise their metabolic rate to prevent their internal temperature from falling as well. In contrast, if the environmental temperature becomes too hot, birds must mobilize water to lose heat through evaporative cooling (as we do when we perspire) and avoid death from overheating. Since birds have no sweat glands, heat must be lost through the respiratory tract by panting, or in non-passerines (birds with zygodactyl feet) by the rapid vibration of the upper throat and thin floor of the mouth ("gular flutter"). To minimize the energy cost of temperature regulation ("thermoregulation"), birds use a variety of morphological and behavioral traits to adjust their rateof heat loss and heat gain. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yjBoxDYfv4   Unfeathered (uninsulated) body surfaces serve as important sites for heat exchange with the environment. When heat-stressed, therefore, some birds, such as Black Vultures, excrete onto their unfeathered legs to increase heat loss by evaporation. Emergency liquid foods for caged birds are: sugar water lemonade (noncarbonated) milk and egg yolk pediatric pedialyte To administer: Use a plastic eyedropper or syringe (no glass or needles!). Hold your bird's head back 45 degrees. Do not put pressure on the chest, because doing so may inhibit her breathing. Instead, cradle her body and lightly tilt her head back. Administer one drop at a time to avoid choking your bird. Stroke your bird's throat to help her swallow. Repeat the process, giving up to 7 drops for small birds (canaries), 10 to 15 drops for medium birds (parakeets & small conures) and up to 5 teaspoons for large birds (cockatoos). written by mitch rezman approved by catherine tobsing your zygodactyl footnote   via GIPHY Read the full article

[hottytoddynews]

Wanting to know what new movies are playing at the local theaters this week? HottyToddy.com is proud to bring you a sneak preview from both of the Malco theaters in town!

Malco Oxford Studio Cinema

Peter Rabbit

Peter Rabbit’s feud with Mr. McGregor reaches new heights as both compete for the affections of a kind animal lover who lives next door.

The 15:17 to Paris

From Clint Eastwood comes “The 15:17 to Paris,” which tells the real-life story of three men whose brave act turned them into heroes during a high-speed railway ride. In the early evening of August 21, 2015, the world watched in stunned silence as the media reported a thwarted terrorist attack on Thalys train #9364 bound for Paris—an attempt prevented by three courageous young Americans traveling through Europe. The film follows the course of the friends’ lives, from the struggles of childhood through finding their footing in life, to the series of unlikely events leading up to the attack. Throughout the harrowing ordeal, their friendship never wavers, making it their greatest weapon and allowing them to save the lives of the more than 500 passengers on board. The heroic trio is comprised of Anthony Sadler, Oregon National Guardsman Alek Skarlatos, and U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Spencer Stone, who play themselves in the film. Starring alongside them are Jenna Fischer (“Hall Pass,” TV’s “The Office”); Judy Greer (“War for the Planet of the Apes”); Ray Corasani (TV’s upcoming “The Long Road Home”); PJ Byrne (“The Wolf of Wall Street”); Tony Hale (TV’s “Veep”); and Thomas Lennon (“Transformers: Age of Extinction”). Paul-Mikél Williams plays the younger Anthony, Bryce Gheisar plays the younger Alek, and William Jennings plays the younger Spencer. Eastwood (“Sully,” “American Sniper”) directs from a screenplay by Dorothy Blyskal, based on the book by Anthony Sadler, Alek Skarlatos, Spencer Stone and Jeffrey E. Stern. Eastwood also produces the film, along with Tim Moore, Kristina Rivera and Jessica Meier. The film’s executive producer is Bruce Berman. Behind the scenes, the creative team includes frequent collaborators Tom Stern, who served as cinematographer on 13 of Eastwood’s previous films, and Deborah Hopper, who has served as Eastwood’s costume designer on 17 prior films; editor Blu Murray, who most recently cut “Sully,” and that film’s composer, Christian Jacob. Veteran art director Kevin Ishioka, whose work can be seen in “Sully” and in “Dunkirk,” serves as production designer. Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, a Malpaso production, “The 15:17 to Paris.” The film will be released in theaters on February 9, 2018. It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.

Black Panther

After the death of his father, T’Challa returns home to the African nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place as king. When a powerful enemy suddenly reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king — and as Black Panther — gets tested when he’s drawn into a conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people.

12 Strong

In the wake of Sept. 11, Capt. Mitch Nelson leads a U.S. Special Forces team into Afghanistan for an extremely dangerous mission. Once there, the soldiers develop an uneasy partnership with the Northern Alliance to take down the Taliban and its al-Qaida allies. Outgunned and outnumbered, Nelson and his forces face overwhelming odds in a fight against a ruthless enemy that takes no prisoners.

Early Man

A plucky cave man named Dug, his sidekick Hognob and the rest of their tribe face a grave threat to their simple existence. Lord Nooth plans to take over their land and transform it into a giant mine, forcing Dug and his clan to dig for precious metals. Not ready to go down without a fight, Dug and Hognob must unite their people in an epic quest to defeat a mighty enemy — the Bronze Age.

Winchester

After the sudden death of her family, firearms heiress Sarah Winchester becomes convinced that she’s haunted by the souls of those killed by guns. Winchester then decides to build an enormous mansion that’s designed to keep the evil spirits at bay. When skeptical psychiatrist Eric Price visits the estate to evaluate her state of mind, he soon discovers that her obsession may not be so far-fetched after all.

Fifty Shades Freed

Believing they’ve left behind the shadowy figures from the past, billionaire Christian Grey and his new wife, Anastasia, fully embrace their inextricable connection and shared life of luxury. Just as the Greys begin to step into their new roles, sinister events come to light and jeopardize their happy ending before it even begins.

Maze Runner: The Death Cure

Thomas leads some escaped Gladers on their final and most dangerous mission yet. To save their friends, they must break into the legendary Last City, a WCKD-controlled labyrinth that may turn out to be the deadliest maze of all. Anyone who makes it out alive will get answers to the questions that the Gladers have been asking since they arrived in the maze.

Click the link for showtimes at Malco Oxford Studio Cinema.

Oxford Commons Cinema Grill

Forever My Girl A music superstar reunites with his first love and realizes the steep price he has paid for his success in Forever My Girl, an uplifting and emotional romance based on the novel by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin. Liam Page (Alex Roe) and his high-school sweetheart Josie Preston (Jessica Rothe) were the golden couple of Saint Augustine, Louisiana, until Liam left her at the altar for a shot at fame and fortune. Eight years later, Liam returns to his tiny hometown for the first time as a world-famous recording artist, but not even his own father is thrilled to see him. As he tries to rebuild the bridges he burned years earlier, Liam reconnects with his small-town roots, his close-knit community and Josie, the girl he left behind. As he attempts to reclaim everything he loved and lost, Josie does her best to keep him out of her heart, but life has one more surprise waiting for Liam, one that could change everything, in this heartwarming look at love, family and second chances.

Hostiles

In 1892, legendary Army Capt. Joseph Blocker reluctantly agrees to escort a dying Cheyenne war chief and his family back to their tribal land. Embarking on a harrowing and perilous journey from Fort Berringer, N.M., to the grasslands of Montana, they soon encounter a young widow whose family was killed on the plains. The travelers must now band together to survive a punishing landscape that’s crawling with hostile Comanches and vicious outliers.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

Four high school kids discover an old video game console and are drawn into the game’s jungle setting, literally becoming the adult avatars they chose. What they discover is that you don’t just play Jumanji – you must survive it. To beat the game and return to the real world, they’ll have to go on the most dangerous adventure of their lives, discover what Alan Parrish left 20 years ago, and change the way they think about themselves – or they’ll be stuck in the game forever.

The Greatest Showman

Inspired by the imagination of P. T. Barnum, The Greatest Showman is an original musical that celebrates the birth of show business & tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.

I, Tonya

In 1991, talented figure skater Tonya Harding becomes the first American woman to complete a triple axel during a competition. In 1994, her world comes crashing down when her ex-husband conspires to injure Nancy Kerrigan, a fellow Olympic hopeful, in a poorly conceived attack that forces the young woman to withdraw from the national championship. Harding’s life and legacy instantly become tarnished as she’s forever associated with one of the most infamous scandals in sports history.

Samson

When his youthful ambition leads to a tragic marriage, the all-powerful Samson embarks on a quest for vengeance that brings him into direct conflict with the Philistine army. As his brother mounts a tribal rebellion, Samson’s relationship with a Philistine temptress and his final surrender to God will help turn imprisonment into a final victory.

Click the link for showtimes at Oxford Commons Cinema Grill.

For more questions or comments email us at hottytoddynews@gmail.com. 

The post Weekend at the Movies: Here’s What’s Showing Now at Malco (with Trailers)! appeared first on HottyToddy.com.