#Brock to me is definitely the oldest of the ' kids ' though

[a-tale-of-legends]

My hc that Blue dyed his hair orange when on Kalos is very funny just from how the world got gaslight into thinking his hair was always like that. But it's also very funny in the fact that when Blue met up with Misty again at the PWT she went " are you trying to copy me now? Get your own style, weirdo" and Blue's like " IT WAS A DARE! A DARE!!!"

[blondrichclosetwitch]

I got, I got, I got, I got—

Loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA

Cocaine quarter piece, got war and peace inside my DNA

I got power, poison, pain and joy inside my DNA

I got hustle though, ambition flow inside my DNA

I was born like this, since one like this, immaculate conception

I transform like this, perform like this, was Yeshua new weapon

I don't contemplate, I meditate, then off your fucking head

This that put-the-kids-to-bed

This that I got, I got, I got, I got—

Realness, I just kill shit ’cause it's in my DNA

I got millions, I got riches buildin' in my DNA

I got dark, I got evil, that rot inside my DNA

I got off, I got troublesome heart inside my DNA

I just win again, then win again like Wimbledon, I serve

Yeah, that’s him again, the sound that engine in is like a bird

You see fireworks and Corvette tire skrrt the boulevard

I know how you work, I know just who you are

See, you's a, you's a, you's a—

Bitch, your hormones prolly switch inside your DNA

Problem is, all that sucker shit inside your DNA

Daddy prolly snitched, heritage inside your DNA

Backbone don't exist, born outside a jellyfish, I gauge

See, my pedigree most definitely don't tolerate the front

Shit I've been through prolly offend you, this is Paula's oldest son

I know murder, conviction

Burners, boosters, burglars, ballers, dead, redemption

Scholars, fathers dead with kids and

I wish I was fed forgiveness

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, soldier’s DNA (I’m a soldier's DNA)

Born inside the beast, my expertise checked out in second grade

When I was 9, on cell, motel, we didn’t have nowhere to stay

At 29, I've done so well, hit cartwheel in my estate

And I'm gon' shine like I’m supposed to, antisocial extrovert

And excellent mean the extra work

And absentness what the fuck you heard

And pessimists never struck my nerve

And Nazareth gonna plead his case

The reason my power's here on earth

Salute the truth, when the prophet say

I-I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA

This is why I say that hip hop has done more damage to young African Americans than racism in recent years

I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA

I live a better life, I'm rollin' several dice, fuck your life

I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA

I live a be-, fuck your life

5, 4, 3, 2, 1

This is my heritage, all I'm inheritin'

Money and power, the mecca of marriages

Tell me somethin'

You mothafuckas can't tell me nothin'

I'd rather die than to listen to you

My DNA not for imitation

Your DNA an abomination

This how it is when you in the Matrix

Dodgin' bullets, reapin' what you sow

And stackin' up the footage, livin' on the go

And sleepin' in a villa

Sippin' from a Grammy, walkin' in the buildin'

Diamond in the ceilin', marble on the floors

Beach inside the window, peekin' out the window

Baby in the pool, godfather goals

Only Lord knows I've been goin' hammer

Dodgin' paparazzi, freakin' through the cameras

Eat at Four Daughters, Brock wearin' sandals

Yoga on a Monday, stretchin' to Nirvana

Watchin' all the snakes, curvin' all the fakes

Phone never on, I don't conversate

I don't compromise, I just penetrate

Sex, money, murder—these are the breaks

These are the times, level number 9

Look up in the sky, 10 is on the way

Sentence on the way, killings on the way

Motherfucker, I got winners on the way

You ain't shit without a body on your belt

You ain't shit without a ticket on your plate

You ain't sick enough to pull it on yourself

You ain't rich enough to hit the lot and skate

Tell me when destruction gonna be my fate

Gonna be your fate, gonna be our faith

Peace to the world, let it rotate

Sex, money, murder—our DNA

[loveforpreserumsteve]

End of the Line (Pre-Serum Alpha!Steve and Pregnant Omega!Bucky Modern Bus Trip A/B/O AU)

Thirteen:

After a successful bath for the pups, a quick shower for Steve, a delicious meal featuring a phenomenal dessert, and an old Disney movie Bucky found himself trying to get the pups to sleep with Steve right there beside him helping. One man on either side of the pups, boxing the two toddlers into one of the queen size beds. Boxing them in was definitely necessary as the kids were too excited about everything that the night had given them. And although Bucky wanted them to always be so lighthearted, he wanted them to sleep, so he could sleep.

"Daddy, I'm not tired," Maisie whined, rubbing her eyes which was a dead giveaway that she was, in fact, very tired and was just fighting it.

"Well, I'm tired," Bucky told her, fighting back a yawn. Gesturing over to Steve on the other side of Noah, he said, "Steve's tired too. We'll all feel better after a good night's sleep."

Maisie's face furrowed in her grumpiness and she buried it in Windy's frame, the way she did whenever Brock was around because lord knows what he'd do to a misbehaving, disobedient pup. It still churned Bucky's stomach when he remembered all the times that Brock would force the kids into sleep by using his Voice. Sure, it might've been easier than to let them fall asleep naturally -- especially when they were hyper from an exciting day filled with new experiences -- but it always made Bucky feel like he had been force fed hot, sticky tar.

"Daddy, sing? Sing song?" Noah pleaded, looking up at Bucky with those big blue eyes that he could never say no to. All the while, his eyelids fluttered whenever Steve stroked his fingers through his clean, soft, brown curls.

Blushing, Bucky glanced up at Steve who softly smiled at him, giving him a nod of encouragement. And despite him always being embarrassed to sing in front of anyone except for his pups, he cleared his throat. He wasn't the best singer in the world -- Brock had been quite clear about that -- but it comforted his babies, and helped them once Brock broke Windy so the stuffed bear would no longer play the Dumbo lullaby.

"From your head to your toes, You're so sweet, goodness knows. You are so precious to me, Cute as can be, Baby of mine," although it wasn't the beginning of the song, it was the part that he remembered the most.

Then, Bucky was pleasantly surprised when Steve joined in, "Baby mine, Baby mine."

Locking eyes with Steve for a moment, the pair smiled at each other. Still smiling, Bucky directed his attention back down to Maisie and tenderly pushed her waves away from her face. Leaning down, he kissed her forehead and said, "I love you, baby. Sleep tight."

Standing from his spot on the bed, Bucky took one of the extra pillows, fluffed it and placed it behind Maisie where he had been sitting. Maisie rolled onto her side and stated, "Night, night, daddy. Love you."

"Night, night, 'Teve," Noah told the alpha, kissing his cheek before Steve could move too far away after kissing his forehead.

"Night, night, bub," Steve affectionately replied, tucking the blanket loosely around the toddler. Taking the other extra pillow and placing it on the other side of Noah before walking around the foot of the bed to say goodnight to Maisie.

Passing each other as they exchanged pups to tuck in, Bucky couldn't help but think about how much it felt like they were a family. It tugged at Bucky's heartstrings. Especially after having overheard the conversation Steve had with the toddlers.

"Night, night, Steve. Love you," Maisie tiredly stated. Steve's eyes snapped up to Bucky, but Bucky was pretending to be too focused on Noah.

Realizing that Bucky wasn't going to make a big deal out of it, Steve let out a breath of relief and tucked the comforter around Maisie's small body, the same way he did with Noah. Kissing her forehead, Steve told her, "Night, night, honey."

Crossing the room to use the bathroom, Bucky paused by the light switch and turned around to ask Steve, "You want me to turn this off now?"

"Maybe wait just a minute, so I can make up the couch," Steve requested as he pulled a pillow from the leftover queen size bed.

Bucky's brows furrowed and he asked, "What's wrong with the bed?"

"Nothing's wrong with the bed," Steve nervously chuckled and clarified, "I'm not gonna make you sleep on the couch."

"Steve, that's a loveseat. And a small one at that," Bucky started rubbing his baby bump to self-soothe himself as he tried to fight off the distinct feeling of being rejected as he quietly questioned, "Why does anyone have to sleep on it anyway?"

Standing there fluffing his pillow, Steve paused and explained, "I just didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable."

"Well," Bucky swallowed around the lump in his throat, "I don't mind."

"Okay," Steve set the pillow back on the bed, "Then, I'll sleep with you."

Bucky's brows arched high on his forehead and an amused smirk tugged at his lips as he watched Steve's face turn redder than he had seen it so far. Steve quickly corrected, "Sleep in the same bed with you. I meant, sleep in the same bed with you."

"Yeah, I got that," Bucky giggled, biting back his grin as he watched Steve pull back the comforter. Turning towards the bathroom again, he flipped the switch for the main lighting and entered the bathroom to take care of his business.

Only once he was done and washing his hands did Bucky really think about how he was going to be sleeping in the same bed beside Steve. He was going to have that amazing scent all around him. Was going to have the warmth of his body beside him. Bucky had spent so many nights alone due to Brock's work schedule and his Boys' Nights, that he wasn't sure if he'd even be able to sleep.

Returning to the room, Bucky navigated the room through the dark towards the bed he'd be sharing with Steve. Pulling back the comforter, Bucky climbed in beside Steve. Instantly, that caramel apple at a festival wrapped in each other's arms scent consumed Bucky.

Wanting to know more about Steve, Bucky whispered, "Steve?"

"Yeah?"

"What's the G stand for?"

Rolling over to face Bucky, Steve quietly asked, "What?"

"The G? In S.G. Rogers," Bucky clarified, rolling onto his side, so he could face Steve.

"Oh," Steve chuckled under his breath, "It's Grant. After my mom's dad." Bringing his arms up, under his pillow, Steve curiously questioned, "What's Bucky short for?"

"Buchanan," Bucky answered, "It's my middle name. When I was growing up though, I would get into so much trouble with my siblings that eventually it seemed like the only name I was called by. Besides, I never cared for James anyway."

"It suits you," Steve agreed.

"Thanks," Bucky grinned into his pillow, feeling like he did back in high school around his crushes.

"How many siblings do you have?"

"Four," Bucky held up his hand as he counted his siblings on his fingers, "Teddy, the oldest. Becca, Mandy, and Tibby. What about you?"

"Only child," Steve relayed, "After my mom and I left my dad, she was too busy juggling being a single parent and a full time RN to worry about settling down and having more kids."

Smiling widening, Bucky questioned, "Your mom's a nurse?"

"Yup," Steve proudly confirmed. Then, he teased his younger self, "Which was good when I was a pup with being sick half the time and then getting into fights."

"Why were you getting into fights if you were sick?"

"Who else was going to stick up for the little guy?" Steve asked, quirking a brow.

Bucky's chest clenched. Steve was so good. And all Bucky could do was tease, "Steve, I'm not sure if anyone's told you, but you are the little guy."

"Yeah, I know," Steve chuckled, and in the soft moonlight streaming in through the curtains, Bucky could see him good-naturedly rolling his eyes. "Hearing it from anyone ever, it doesn't take a genius."

Feeling bad for possibly hitting a sore spot, Bucky assured, "Don't let it get ya down. You're one of the best alphas I've ever known."

At the proclamation, the pair laid there in comfortable silence. Bucky would've assumed Steve had fallen asleep, until Steve prompted, "Buck?"

"Hmm?" Bucky softly hummed.

"I was wondering," Steve started, a nervous, hopeful twinge to his scent. "What if -- once we get to New York -- you and the pups… stay with… me?"

Bucky's breath hitched, causing Steve to quickly add, "I have more than enough room, and I'm not coming on to you. Not that I don't find you attractive, because I think that you're extremely attractive. You're probably the most attractive person that I've ever met with the best scent I've ever smelled, almost like opening that one present you really wanted but weren't sure you'd get on an early Christmas morning near a cozy fire and sipping on a mug of cocoa. And you're such a good dad that I can't help but think about having a family with you. And --"

Body moving before his mind could, Bucky didn't realize that he had leaned into kiss Steve until their lips were pressed together. And Christ Almighty, Bucky didn't know a single kiss could feel like coming home until that moment.

Pulling back, Steve asked, "Is that a yes?"

Sure, it was everything that Bucky had ever wanted. But he wasn't going to exploit Steve's kindness and hold him back. "I don't think you understand what you're offering."

"Are you kidding?" Steve softly chuckled, "I wouldn't be offering it, if I didn't."

"Yeah, okay," Bucky worried his lower lip, "But it's a lot to offer. I mean, we haven't even known each other for a week. What if you decide you don't want to be held down by an omega and their pups?"

"What's a week have to do with anything? My friend Nattie mated Sharon after knowing each other for three days. Now it's seven years later and they're in the process of adopting their four foster pups," Steve took Bucky's hand in his. "Sometimes when you know, you know. And I know.  If you need more time, that's okay. And even if you don't want to, I'll still be your friend and help you out, if you want because I care about you. All of you."

Tears started building in Bucky's eyes at the kindness of, and the sincerity in Steve's words. Wanting nothing more than to accept Steve's offer, but he still found himself asking, "Why would an alpha like you want to be mated to an omega like me?"

"I don't know why someone wouldn't want to mate you," Steve reassured. Worrying his lower lip, he conceded, "I mean, I know that I'm not a strong alpha that can protect you the way an alpha's supposed to, and I can't knot… But I can promise you that I will do everything I can to give you and the pups anything you could ever need or want."

"I don't care about all that alpha bullshit," with their hands locked together, fingers laced, Bucky brought their hands to Steve's chest. Poking the petite blond's chest, he confirmed, "I care about you."

"You do?" Steve asked, sounding like that was the last thing he had been expecting, but everything he had ever wanted.

"I swear it."

[ambivalentte-blog1]

undefined

Today I realized that DNA by Kendrick Lamar perfectly describes Kylo Ren!

Relevant lyrics are in bold. I may edit this post at some point to explain the similarities. The rests of the lyrics are under the cut!

I got, I got, I got, I got Loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA

Cocaine quarter piece, got war and peace inside my DNA I got power, poison, pain and joy inside my DNA

I got hustle though, ambition, flow, inside my DNA I was born like this, since one like this Immaculate conception I transform like this, perform like this Was Yeshua's new weapon I don’t contemplate, I meditate, then off your fucking head

This that put-the-kids-to-bed This that I got, I got, I got, I got Realness, I just kill shit 'cause it's in my DNA I got millions, I got riches buildin’ in my DNA I got dark, I got evil, that rot inside my DNA

I got off, I got troublesome, heart inside my DNA I just win again, then win again like Wimbledon, I serve Yeah, that's him again, the sound that engine in is like a bird

You see fireworks and Corvette tire skrrt the boulevard I know how you work, I know just who you are See, you's a, you's a, you's a Bitch, your hormones prolly switch inside your DNA Problem is, all that sucker shit inside your DNA Daddy prolly snitched, heritage inside your DNA Backbone don't exist, born outside a jellyfish, I gauge See, my pedigree most definitely don't tolerate the front Shit I've been through prolly offend you This is Paula’s oldest son I know murder, conviction Burners, boosters, burglars, ballers, dead, redemption Scholars, fathers dead with kids And I wish I was fed forgiveness Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, soldier’s DNA Born inside the beast My expertise checked out in second grade When I was 9, on cell, motel, we didn't have nowhere to stay At 29, I’ve done so well, hit cartwheel in my estate And I'm gon' shine like I'm supposed to Antisocial, extrovert

And excellent mean the extra work And absentness what the fuck you heard And pessimists never struck my nerve And that’s a riff, gonna plead this case The reason my power's here on earth Salute the truth, when the prophet say I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA (This is why I say that hip hop has done more damage To young African Americans than racism in recent years) I live a better, fuck your life (5, 4, 3, 2, 1) This is my heritage, all I'm inheritin' Money and power, the makin' of marriages Tell me somethin' You mothafuckas can't tell me nothin' I'd rather die than to listen to you My DNA not for imitation Your DNA an abomination

This how it is when you're in the Matrix Dodgin' bullets, reapin' what you sow And stackin' up the footage, livin' on the go And sleepin' in a villa Sippin' from a Grammy and walkin' in the buildin' Diamond in the ceilin', marble on the floors Beach inside the window, peekin' out the window Baby in the pool, godfather goals Only Lord knows, I've been goin' hammer Dodgin' paparazzi, freakin' through the cameras Eat at Four Daughters, Brock wearin' sandals Yoga on a Monday, stretchin' to Nirvana Watchin' all the snakes, curvin' all the fakes Phone never on, I don't conversate I don't compromise, I just penetrate Sex, money, murder—these are the breaks These are the times, level number 9 Look up in the sky, 10 is on the way Sentence on the way, killings on the way Motherfucker, I got winners on the way You ain't shit without a body on your belt You ain't shit without a ticket on your plate You ain't sick enough to pull it on yourself You ain't rich enough to hit the lot and skate Tell me when destruction gonna be my fate Gonna be your fate, gonna be our faith Peace to the world, let it rotate Sex, money, murder—our DNA

[rwybstory]

Bad Words

“We’re back with Adrianna and Mackenzie Guerrilla!” Ellen speaks into the camera while the audience claps; the two women smiling on the couch next to the host. “So, let’s talk about the family. You two are getting quite the Brady Bunch.”

The wives and the audience both laugh, but soon turn into ‘awe’s as the large screen behind them shows a picture of the whole family from a couple weeks prior.

“Look at our babies.” Adrianna beams.

“We definitely make some good looking kids.” Mackenzie laughs and Adrianna can’t help, but to kiss her wife. She’s so proud of how far they’ve come.

“So, how is everything going? You guys have, what, twenty kids now?”

“Nooo,” Kenz draws out. “We have six. Autumn June, Conner James, Anya Janae, Radley Joel, and the newest two: Olive Joy and Brock Jaxon. Who are respectively, now, eleven, ten, four, and the babies will be two next month.”

“Wow! And how do you two manage that at the young age of eighteen?”

“Oh wow!” Ade fakes surprise. “I wish we were still eighteen, but thanks for that compliment!”

“I’m just kidding, but honestly, they might look young, but that’s because they really are. How old are you both?”

“A lady never tells her age, Ellen.” Mackenzie winks.

“But her wife does.” Adrianna finished to a laugh from the audience and the host. “Kenz is turning thirty next month and I am thirty-one.”

Some of the audience gasp, but most clap and whistle for the two guests.

“So, how big is your whole family now? I know both your families are extremely close.”

“Umm..” Adrianna starts naming people while Mackenzie ticks off, “There’s the eight of us. My parents, her parents, Naya and Heather makes five, Mychal and Lea make four, Miguel and Alison are three, Carlos and Holly will be four once the twins are born, Nickayla and Brent, and Lilly and Becca, so…”

“Thirty-two people is a normal family dinner for us.” Mackenzie laughs because it’s just normal to her, but she’s never actually counted everyone out before and it’s a huge number.

“So, do your kids help? Like, when you have a family gathering. I’d imagine they help.”

“Definitely,” Adrianna starts. “Autumn, our oldest, gets her OCD from Mackenzie and so the two of them are usually in charge of cleaning. They’ll usually recruit Radley and the babies.”

“Really? Not Conner or Anya.”

Mackenzie laughs. “Oh, no.. they get their cleaning skills from their mama which is ‘we’ll just wait until the last minute to clean.’ They know that doesn’t fly with me. Radley will usually help Autumn cleaning up the toy room and living room. The babies help me in the nursery and our bedroom and bathroom.”

“You’re telling me two year olds help you clean..” Ellen gives a non-believing look.

“Yes!” Mackenzie defends herself as Adrianna and the audience laugh.

“Honestly, Ellen, if I didn’t see it myself, I would think she’s lying too, but they help her dust, they help with laundry, they sweep the floors. Obviously, we’re not saying things are perfect, but it gets them doing something other than sitting in front of an electronic.”

“What are Conner and Anya doing when all this is going on?”

“They’re with Ade in the kitchen. The three of them love cooking and dishes are something they all willingly clean.”

“Nice! Backing up a little.. you two have always been pretty vocal about children and electronics and you’ve written multiple children's books, some on the topic of electronics. Why don’t we talk more about that?”

The two women look at each other to silently determine who would talk. Adrianna let’s Mackenzie.

“I mean, it’s kind of public knowledge now about how I grew up and was raised. My parents weren’t around a lot and I had kind of a revolving door of nannies who were usually there for a paycheck. Adrianna and I just really love being in the moment with our kids and always finding a way to learn and grow with them and watch them throughout their journey. We don’t completely ban electronics. We watch movies on Netflix and they have iPads and game consoles, but it’s limited and we know what their playing and watching. So many kids now are playing and watching things that are so mature for their age and they aren’t learning to be kids, so I think that’s just our view on it.”

“Well, a lot of people must think the same, because every one of your seven books have made it to the number one spot on the New York Times best-seller list!”

Again, the audience claps and Ellen cuts to a commercial break after announcing that every guest in the audience was getting a bundle of all seven books.

“We’re doing a special hour-long segment with your favorite mommies, Adrianna and Mackenzie!” Ellen waits for the audience to calm down. “Most of these questions come from audience members, so let’s go out to some of them right now. Where’s Maya Gold?”

A loud screaming came from the left side of the audience while a microphone was being passed down the aisle.

“Hello, ladies!”

“Hi!” The two answer in unison.

“I've been in a relationship for five years now and my question is: how do you keep the romance and sexiness in your relationship?”

Ooohhh’s fill the studio and Adrianna decides to answer the question.

“I wanna say something cheesy, like, ‘Have you seen how beautiful my wife is?’” The audience laughs as Mackenzie playfully slaps her arm. “But honestly it's not about looks or sex. Don't get me wrong, the sex is great!” Mackenzie hides her face while Ellen and Adrianna give five. “But when you have a connection with someone, such a connection that a kiss can make you weak in the knees; you can't beat that.”

“I agree.” Mackenzie talks over the audience. “We’re not always sexy and romantic. We’re also full time moms, so sometimes things can get a little crazy, but we do cheesy things to keep the romance up like make blanket forts and send the kids to grandma’s for the night to have the house to ourselves. We rent movies and just talk. Reconnect as a couple. We’re just normal parents. I will say that we both make an active effort to talk strictly our relationship everyday. We ask each other how the other is feeling or if something needs to be done. No kid talk. No business talk. Just us as a couple and that helps a lot.”

“Next question.. We have Esmeralda Martinez.”

“Hello! My question is: Have any of your kids said a curse word?”

“Oh my gosh. Yes!” Mackenzie exclaims. “All six of them, because their mama has a very bad habit of cursing in front of them.”

“Um, so does their Tía Naya!” Adrianna attempts to defend herself. “Anya’s first curse word was because of Naya. Not me.”

“Doesn't matter. You both need to stop.”

“Sí. Sí. Lo que tu digas.”

Mackenzie gasps. “Adrianna Isabella. You did not just whatever me!”

“I did, pero lo siento.” Ade kisses Kenzie’s cheek, but the blonde wasn't having it.

“No hemos terminado con esta.”

“She said ‘We’re not done with this conversation.’ Great, you all got me in trouble. Trying to act like a badass for you all and now I'm in trouble.” Adrianna pleads to the audience and Ellen.

“Oh boy So, I'm assuming the kids speak Spanish as well?”

“Yes, they’re fluent in Spanish and sign language and they’re all currently learning French.”

“And they know how to curse in two of those.” Mackenzie continues from moment before.

“See, but mommy, they learned how to curse in ASL from you. She’s got a potty mouth, people.” She turns to the audience. “Don’t believe the angelic exterior.”

Mackenzie again playfully slaps Adrianna’s arm and kisses her cheek while Ellen calls for the next question.

“Hello, ladies!” The audience member gushes. “My question is: If you could come up with a hashtag for your wife, what would it be?”

The two take a moment to think before Mackenzie answers. “Ade’s would be #tiredbutnottired. She is such a hard worker and such an attentive mother that she makes everything look so easy even though she’s exhausted.”

“Kenzie’s would probably be #iwasntjoking. She’s so witty and sarcastic. Which she gets from her sister.” She playfully rolls her eyes. “That so many people think she’s joking when she could, like, tear you to pieces. I’m telling you guys! I’m sure a lot of you have seen her in some of her many ‘twitter feuds.’”

Next question: “Hello! I’m a stay at home mom of two kids, ages 2 and 3, and currently 24 weeks pregnant with twins. I was just wondering how you introduced your kids to their younger siblings and if there was any jealousy.”

“Congratulations!” Mackenzie starts. “Well, Autumn was barely one when our older twins were born and she was kinda fascinated with them.” She looked to Ade who nodded in agreement. “When we decided to have Radley, the older three were 7 and 6 and they had been asking for years to have another sibling. They were such great helpers.”

“Now, our little Rad..” Ade jumps in and Kenz laughs, knowing the story. “Rad was two when the twins were born and he absolutely hated them for a couple months. They cried, he cried louder. They got a pacifier, he took it. Pulled their hair. Pinched them. He tried to bite Livy once, but we stopped him before he could. We just continually worked and played with him and made sure that he got attention from us, separate from the babies. After the first, maybe month and a half, he was fine and left them alone.”

“Now, he’s all over them to play. Now that they’re older.”

“Okay, one last question from the audience, where’s Alex Rydel?”

“Hello!”

“Oh my gosh! Hey, Alex!”

“Hey, gorgeous!” Ade calls out. “Alex has been one of our biggest supporters for years.”

“Hey, ladies. My question is: What are you most afraid of?”

“No! I refuse to answer.” Mackenzie instantly gets defensive and starts looking around the set. “Alex, you probably planned this with Ellen to scare me!”

The audience laughs as the blonde stands up and starts pacing. Adrianna pulls her sideways into her lap, Mack’s right arm instinctively wrapping around her wife’s shoulders and left hand tangling in her right.

“Baby, you know I scared Ellen years ago and told her if she ever scared you, she’d be in trouble.”

“En serio, Adrianna, qué control tienes sobre Ellen? Eh? Ninguno! Ella es Ellen!”

Adrianna laughs and again acts as translator. “ When Kenz is real serious, she switches to Spanish. She said I have no control over Ellen, because she’s Ellen! Back to the question. I’m most afraid of wild animals. Even, like, open zoos terrify me. Babe?”

“Aliens.” She whispers and quickly whips around to make sure no one is sneaking up on her.

“Aliens aren’t real!” Alex laughs.

“You don’t know that, Alexis!”

“Ohhhh, full-named!” Adrianna jokes.

“I’ve seen the documentaries. I’ve read the books! I swear I saw them when I was young..”

“AHHHH!”

“AHHHH! Pinche pendejo!” (Fucking asshole!)

Adrianna, along with Ellen and the audience, lose their minds laughing so hard as Mackenzie runs after the poor staff member dressed in a green alien costume.

“And she says the kids only get their cursing from me!” Adrianna shakes her head, waves to the audience, and runs to save the staff member from her wife.

[sheisararesoul-blog]

I got, I got, I got, I got Loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA Cocaine quarter piece, got war and peace inside my DNA I got power, poison, pain and joy inside my DNA I got hustle though, ambition, flow, inside my DNA I was born like this, since one like this Immaculate conception I transform like this, perform like this Was Yeshua's new weapon I don’t contemplate, I meditate, then off your fucking head This that put-the-kids-to-bed This that I got, I got, I got, I got Realness, I just kill shit 'cause it's in my DNA I got millions, I got riches buildin’ in my DNA I got dark, I got evil, that rot inside my DNA I got off, I got troublesome, heart inside my DNA I just win again, then win again like Wimbledon, I serve Yeah that's him again, the sound that engine in is like a bird You see fireworks and Corvette tire skrrt the boulevard I know how you work, I know just who you are See you's a, you's a, you's a— Bitch, your hormones prolly switch inside your DNA Problem is, all that sucker shit inside your DNA Daddy prolly snitched, heritage inside your DNA Backbone don't exist, born outside a jellyfish, I gauge See my pedigree most definitely don't tolerate the front Shit I've been through prolly offend you This is Paula’s oldest son I know murder, conviction, burners Boosters, burglars, ballers, dead, redemption Scholars, fathers dead with kids And I wish I was fed forgiveness Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, soldier’s DNA Born inside the beast My expertise checked out in second grade When I was 9, on cell, motel, we didn't have nowhere to stay At 29, I’ve done so well, hit cartwheel in my estate And I'm gon' shine like I'm supposed to Antisocial, extrovert And excellent mean the extra work And absentness what the fuck you heard And pessimists never struck my nerve And that’s a riff, gonna plead this case The reason my power's here on earth Salute the truth, when the prophet say I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA This is why I say that hip hop has done more damage to young African Americans than racism in recent years I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA I live a better life, I'm rollin' several dice, fuck your life I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA I live a better, fuck your life 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 This is my heritage, all I'm inheritin' Money and power, the makin' of marriages Tell me somethin' You mothafuckas can't tell me nothin' I'd rather die than to listen to you My DNA not for imitation Your DNA an abomination This how it is when you're in the Matrix Dodgin' bullets, reapin' what you sow And stackin' up the footage, livin' on the go And sleepin' in a villa Sippin' from a Grammy and walkin' in the buildin' Diamond in the ceilin', marble on the floors Beach inside the window, peekin' out the window Baby in the pool, godfather goals Only Lord knows, I've been goin' hammer Dodgin' paparazzi, freakin' through the cameras Eat at Four Daughters, Brock wearin' sandals Yoga on a Monday, stretchin' to Nirvana Watchin' all the snakes, curvin' all the fakes Phone never on, I don't conversate I don't compromise, I just penetrate Sex, money, murder, these are the breaks These are the times, level number 9 Look up in the sky, 10 is on the way Sentence on the way, killings on the way Motherfucker, I got winners on the way You ain't shit without a body on your belt You ain't shit without a ticket on your plate You ain't sick enough to pull it on yourself You ain't rich enough to hit the lot and skate Tell me when destruction gonna be my fate Gonna be your fate, gonna be our fate Peace to the world, let it rotate Sex, money, murder, our DNA

[sage-nebula]

thinking about your interpretation of xy ash and how he kinda ended up feeling like he had to act the mature hero-type because of how the others started looking up to him and now i'm wondering if he ever called up brock or cilan or tracey and asked 'em if this was what it felt like to be the "oldest"/"mentor" figure of the group or something. it's a cute but kinda bittersweet mental image tbh but i wonder what your thoughts would be on this?

My thoughts are that this ask has unbelievably perfect timing, because I was just thinking about this yesterday, I kid you not. Like, I know it might seem like I’m just saying that, but as I was going through the OS episodes for my Sass Ketchum compilations I came across that scene in OS009 (“The School of Hard Knocks”) where Brock pulls out an entire table, chairs, a tablecloth, decorative flower in a vase, plates, silverware, cups, tea seat, coffee pot, et cetera to make snacks and food for Ash and Misty to cure their grumps and get them to stop fighting, which really cemented his role as the Babysitter of the group, and that made me start thinking about the Babysitters Club in general and how the main group (i.e. Ash’s group) in the Kalos saga really didn’t have one.

Now, to begin with, I think it’s important to define what I mean by this, because I realize that referring to one of the characters in the main squad as “the Babysitter” might seem demeaning to the other characters, who are most definitely “the Babysat.” I don’t mean it in a demeaning way, however. I merely mean that one of the characters in the group—the Babysitter—fulfills a certain role within the squad and usually fits certain other pieces of criteria as well. Namely, the Babysitter is usually a teenager (how much older varies, mostly in the case of Tracey) who takes care of various “household” duties, such as cooking, laundry, navigation, et cetera. They can quell fights, give advice, and generally look out for the younger members of the group (i.e. Ash, another companion his age, and sometimes an even younger companion). While specific ages outside of select characters are usually left open to interpretation (e.g. both Ash and Misty are stated to be ten, but Brock’s age is an ambiguous “younger than the adults (and also Team Rocket), but older than Ash and Misty”), the Babysitter character is usually taller than the other two, generally more mature and responsible, and therefore can easily assumed to be a little older, even though they aren’t yet adults themselves. To date, here are our series Babysitters, by region:

Kanto: Brock

Orange Islands: Tracey

Johto: Brock

Hoenn: Brock

Sinnoh: Brock

Unova: Cilan

Brock and Cilan I always imagine to be about fifteen; Tracey I see as a little younger, maybe thirteen or fourteen (like, he really seemed to be the middle ground between Brock and Ash & Misty, but he was still a clearly defined Babysitter in that he a.) was brought in to cover for Brock, b.) sadly had to leave when Brock came back to reprise his role, and c.) was the team navigator and more experienced member of the Orange Islands trio, so even though he seems a bit younger than Brock, he still comes across as a bit older than Ash & Misty, and so I’d consider him a teenager in the 13-14 age range, versus the 15-16 range of Brock). Regardless of ages, though, all three of these characters fulfill the Babysitter role, with Brock having the longest tenure. 

(And again, I know the term Babysitter might sound demeaning, but I really don’t mean it in a negative or derogatory way. The Babysat aren’t lesser because they’re being looked after by a teenager who is better at things like cooking, laundry, taking care of the kids when ill, et cetera. They’re just young and less experienced, and that’s okay. Besides, the Babysitters are like older siblings, tbh. Brock in particular had a lot of experience thanks to his ten younger biological siblings, so he was well equipped to take care of Ash, Misty, May, Max, and Dawn. It’s not a bad thing that these five were taken care of by Brock, and I certainly don’t use the terms “Babysitter” or “Babysat” in a mocking fashion. It’s just sort of how it ended up working out. =P)

Now, when I started thinking about what I’ve affectionately nicknamed The Babysitters Club last night (as a play on that old book series—though, notably, all of our PokéAni series babysitters are male!), I came to the realization that the main Kalos squad doesn’t have one. That isn’t to say there isn’t one in Kalos at all, of course; in The Strongest Mega Evolution, Alan (age 15) acts as the Babysitter for Manon (age 10) since she has just started out on her journey, and—much like Ash at the start of the OS—has absolutely no clue what she’s doing (thus he watched out for and protected her). Of course, this set-up is inverted in a few ways; to start with, while the main series usually has it so that the protagonist is one of the Babysat (Ash), in The Strongest Mega Evolution, our protagonist is the Babysitter, Alan. Secondly, Alan didn’t join Manon on her journey; rather, Manon kept following him around, inviting herself on his journey, basically making him babysit her against his will (at least at first; he warmed up to her over time). Lastly, Manon ended up too dependent on Alan, something he calls her on in TSME 4 (“You need to stop depending on me all the time”), which ended up hurting her journey rather than helping it, which is honestly part of why I disregard the XY saga’s ending for the two of them and fix it by having her resume her journey independently (as I feel he would gently push her to do, so she can build her confidence and independence as a trainer). Typically the Babysat don’t end up wholly depending on their Babysitter, but that’s what happened here. Regardless of these inversions, however, Alan definitely qualifies as a member of The Babysitters Club given that he is a teenager who, for at least part of the time, looks after a child who just started on her journey. (They both also fulfill the Badass and Child Duo trope, with Alan as the Badass and Manon as the Child. Granted, Alan is younger than the standard Badass given that he’s still a teenager rather than adult, but they fit the bill nonetheless.)

But while Alan is definitely a Babysitter in Kalos, the fact remains that he’s not part of the main group because he doesn’t travel with Ash. (And in fact, his relationship with Ash is not akin to the typical Babysitter - Babysat relationship; Alan and Ash treat each other as equals, whereas Brock took care of Ash and Ash looked to Brock for advice, and Alan protects Manon and Manon depends on him for that protection and strength.) And while Alan is not the Babysitter in Ash’s Kalosean group, the truth is that Ash’s Kalosean group doesn’t have a marked Babysitter. If anything, Ash, Serena, and Clemont all share the role of Babysitter for Bonnie, which is another thing that makes me feel like the ages for those three are more than a little borked / unbelievable.

What I mean by that is … I know that Ash is ten in the XY(&Z) series. I know this. But he doesn’t act ten, and this is one of the ways in which he doesn’t. The fact that, for the first time ever, he didn’t need a Babysitter in the group speaks to the fact that he should be a couple years older (that he, like Tracey, should be ~13/14). The fact that he, Serena, and Clemont share the typical Babysitter responsibilities speaks to this. Ash handles the protection, the heroism, the strength, the advice; he has to be the Hero™ for them because they all expect it, as do so many others in Kalos (e.g. Shouta, Tierno, Trevor, and Shauna all see him this way, too). While Ash never hero worshiped any of the Babysitters he traveled with, as I said, he did look to Brock for advice at times. The Babysitter is typically seen as more experienced and mature and reliable in this sense. They know what they’re doing, and in the Kalos saga, everyone assumed that Ash knew what he was doing, since he was The Ace. He tried to be that for them because they expected it of him, and in this way he graduated to The Babysitters Club. (Also, remember XYZ044, when he was able to help out with the cooking? Yeah, he was just helping rather than being the main cook, but still. There’s a marked difference there between how he and Misty flailed around in Johto when Brock was sick, or how he made poison in the SM saga. It makes you think he grew some, that he has learned some, that Brock would have wiped away tears of pride if he saw his baby brother helping make the food.)

Meanwhile, while I may be forgetting certain episodes or certain things, I seem to remember both Serena and Clemont handling things like cooking or laundry at different points. In fact, I specifically remember a lot of Discourse™ surrounding Serena making cookies for Ash, and I also seem to remember Clemont inventing something to make laundry easier (though it, like his other inventions, might have exploded at some point—but look, he tried, and therefore no one should criticize him!). Rather than having one character handle everything, as Brock did, I feel like the chores were shared between Ash, Serena, and Clemont whenever they were shown at all. The only one who didn’t really participate independently was Bonnie, since she was so little, meaning that in a way Ash, Serena, and Clemont were all the Babysitter at different points, whereas Bonnie was indisputably the Babysat. (Which, it might seem ridiculous to say that one little girl needs three Babysitters, but it’s not because she’s a problem child. She’s not. It’s that her three Babysitters needed help, hahaha.)

So yeah, what I’m driving at here is—the Kalos saga really didn’t have a defined Babysitter, which forced Ash to step up and Babysit himself, + his companions at various points, while his other two companions at least did help out when it came to the “household” chores. (I mean, of course they didn’t really have a house, but you know what I mean.) It was basically a situation where, they didn’t have an older teenager with them this time, they realized this belatedly, and thus had to make due on their own. Thankfully, they didn’t die. But I do think it’s yet another thing that makes Kalos!Ash feel a bit older to me. He’s still not as old as Alan, but I can’t help but see Kalos!Ash as ~13/14, particularly when you compare him (and Serena and Clemont, tbh) to characters like Manon, who we know just started out and who acts like the ten-year-old child she is. Ash (and Serena and Clemont) act like young teenagers, versus kids, and the fact that they didn’t have a traditional Babysitter among the party contributes to this feeling.

So, uh, to get back to your original question—I definitely think that what you’ve described is very fitting. In my personal view, I feel like part of the reason why Ash decided to up and leave Kalos on his own (before his companions announced their own plans) was that he was just so exhausted after everything. He did a good job of keeping it together and trying to hide it, but as we see after his loss to Wulfric and subsequent fight with Serena he got really, really tired of having to be the Hero™ all the time, of having to be strong and upbeat all the time. (Which, again, is part of why Alan was so good for him; Alan was so strong that it was acceptable in the eyes of everyone else if Ash lost against him, so Ash could battle his hardest and just have fun with the match rather than having pressure on his shoulders. Additionally, while he does offer Alan emotional support, Alan doesn’t look to him for that; rather, Ash can go after him and offer it of his own volition, and just be honest about it, admitting that he doesn’t know what to say but offering what he can anyway. He doesn’t have to feel like he’s going to be judged if he admits he doesn’t know what to say, and it’s not expected of him to offer support to Alan. It’s a much more freeing and emotionally healthy relationship for Ash, as we’ve discussed before.) I think he was pretty eager to go back home to Kanto because of how tiring that all was, and I also think this played a part in how he stayed in Kanto for a while, seemingly chilling with Delia before they won that lottery, and even then originally going to Alola on vacation. It’s telling, I feel, that Ash didn’t feel compelled to go on a journey again right away. (Er, at least, telling if we want to pretend there’s still some continuity. We all know how the writers are nowadays, but I like to dream.)

With all of that said, I feel like Ash might still be in kind of a mindset where he doesn’t necessarily talk about this right away, especially if he’s trying to take a break from everything in Kalos—but I feel like his friends could tell. Brock in particular, being the nurturing guy he is (and having traveled with Ash for four regions), would probably pick up on it immediately if he traveled to Pallet to visit Ash while he was in town, and would be like, “What’s on your mind?” but also, “Here, let me get you a cup of cocoa. You still take it with six marshmallows, right? And Pikachu, I’ve got a fresh batch of those treats you like with me, let me get them out of my bag.” And Ash would get to enjoy what it feels like to be taken care of for the first time in a long time, and would no doubt relish in it. (Meanwhile, Pikachu’s like, “MY FAVORITE TREATS, FUCK YEAH!!” … well, maybe a little less profane than that, but it’s all Pikaspeak, so who can tell. :P)

Anyway, to wrap up this super long answer: I do think that Ash had to be the Babysitter (or at least share Babysitting responsibilities) for Kalos, and I do think that wore on him to a degree, at least by the time of the journey’s end—not so much because he had to Babysit per se (because he also acted as a coach to May in some ways), but more so because it was that plus having to be The Ace and The Hero™ with everyone acting like the world was ending if he lost or showed any weakness. And I do think he would think, sometimes, about how this must have been how Brock, Tracey, and Cilan felt to some degree, and so when Brock was making his cocoa would probably try to help, until Brock told him, no no, sit down, it’s just cocoa! He doesn’t mind making it. (Ash would, after some time of the two of them talking, probably say, like, “Hey, by the way—thanks for always looking out for me when we traveled together. And now. This, too.” And Brock would smile and shrug and say:

“No problem. I’m always happy to be here for you.”

Ash would probably drop by Oak’s lab to thank Tracey for not letting him and Misty die in the Orange Islands, too, and then call Cilan to thank him for helping him and Iris. You know. He knows how it feels now so he really feels compelled to thank them all.)

So yeah, absurdly long answer aside, I really do feel that this is the case! And your timing is perfect since I was just thinking about it, haha. Thanks for sending this in!!

[whiskeyshotsintheparkinglot]

Kendrick Lamar - DNA

I got, I got, I got, I got Loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA Cocaine quarter piece, got war and peace inside my DNA I got power, poison, pain and joy inside my DNA I got hustle though, ambition, flow, inside my DNA I was born like this, since one like this Immaculate conception I transform like this, perform like this Was Yeshua's new weapon I don’t contemplate, I meditate, then off your fucking head This that put-the-kids-to-bed This that I got, I got, I got, I got

Realness, I just kill shit 'cause it's in my DNA I got millions, I got riches buildin’ in my DNA I got dark, I got evil, that rot inside my DNA I got off, I got troublesome, heart inside my DNA

I just win again, then win again like Wimbledon, I serve Yeah, that's him again, the sound that engine in is like a bird You see fireworks and Corvette tire skrrt the boulevard I know how you work, I know just who you are See, you's a, you's a, you's a—

Bitch, your hormones prolly switch inside your DNA Problem is, all that sucker shit inside your DNA Daddy prolly snitched, heritage inside your DNA Backbone don't exist, born outside a jellyfish, I gauge See, my pedigree most definitely don't tolerate the front Shit I've been through prolly offend you This is Paula’s oldest son I know murder, conviction Burners, boosters, burglars, ballers, dead, redemption Scholars, fathers dead with kids And I wish I was fed forgiveness Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, soldier’s DNA Born inside the beast My expertise checked out in second grade When I was 9, on-sale motel, we didn't have nowhere to stay At 29, I’ve done so well, hit cartwheel in my estate And I'm gon' shine like I'm supposed to Antisocial, extrovert And excellent mean the extra work And absentness what the fuck you heard And pessimists never struck my nerve And Nazareth gonna plead his case The reason my power’s here on earth Salute the truth, when the prophet say

I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA I live a better life, I'm rollin' several dice, fuck your life I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA I live a better, fuck your life 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 This is my heritage, all I'm inheritin' Money and power, the mecca of marriages

Tell me somethin' You mothafuckas can't tell me nothin' I'd rather die than to listen to you My DNA not for imitation Your DNA an abomination This how it is when you're in the Matrix Dodgin' bullets, reapin' what you sow And stackin' up the footage, livin' on the go And sleepin' in a villa Sippin' from a Grammy and walkin' in the buildin' Diamond in the ceilin', marble on the floors Beach inside the window, peekin' out the window Baby in the pool, godfather goals Only Lord knows, I've been goin' hammer Dodgin' paparazzi, freakin' through the cameras Eat at Four Daughters, Brock wearin' sandals Yoga on a Monday, stretchin' to Nirvana Watchin' all the snakes, curvin' all the fakes Phone never on, I don't conversate I don't compromise, I just penetrate Sex, money, murder—these are the breaks These are the times, level number 9 Look up in the sky, 10 is on the way Sentence on the way, killings on the way Motherfucker, I got winners on the way

You ain't shit without a body on your belt You ain't shit without a ticket on your plate You ain't sick enough to pull it on yourself You ain't rich enough to hit the lot and skate Tell me when destruction gonna be my fate Gonna be your fate, gonna be our faith Peace to the world, let it rotate

[simplesammy-blog]

DNA.

I got, I got, I got, I got Loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA Cocaine quarter piece, got war and peace inside my DNA I got power, poison, pain and joy inside my DNA I got hustle though, ambition, flow, inside my DNA I was born like this, since one like this Immaculate conception I transform like this, perform like this Was Yeshua's new weapon I don't contemplate, I meditate, then off your fucking head This that put-the-kids-to-bed This that I got, I got, I got, I got Realness, I just kill shit 'cause it's in my DNA I got millions, I got riches buildin' in my DNA I got dark, I got evil, that rot inside my DNA I got off, I got troublesome, heart inside my DNA I just win again, then win again like Wimbledon, I serve Yeah, that's him again, the sound that engine in is like a bird You see fireworks and Corvette tire skrrt the boulevard I know how you work, I know just who you are See, you's a, you's a, you's a- Bitch, your hormones probably switch inside your DNA Problem is, all that sucker shit inside your DNA Daddy probably snitched, heritage inside your DNA Backbone don't exist, born outside a jellyfish, I gauge See, my pedigree most definitely don't tolerate the front Shit I've been through probably offend you This is Paula's oldest son I know murder, conviction Burners, boosters, burglars, ballers, dead, redemption Scholars, fathers dead with kids And I wish I was fed forgiveness Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, soldier's DNA Born inside the beast My expertise checked out in second grade When I was 9 5, on-sale motel, we didn't have nowhere to stay At 29 25, I've done so well, hit cartwheel in my estate And I'm gon' shine like I'm supposed to Antisocial, extrovert And excellent mean the extra work And absentness what the fuck you heard And pessimists never struck my nerve And that's a riff, gonna plead this case The reason my power's here on earth Salute the truth, when the prophet say

I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA I live a better life, I'm rollin' several dice, fuck your life I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA I live a better, fuck your life This is my heritage, all I'm inheritin' Money and power, the mecca of marriages Tell me somethin' You motherfuckers can't tell me nothin' I'd rather die than to listen to you My DNA not for imitation Your DNA an abomination This how it is when you're in the Matrix Dodgin' bullets, reapin' what you sow And stackin' up the footage, livin' on the go And sleepin' in a villa Sippin' from a Grammy and walkin' in the buildin' Diamond in the ceilin', marble on the floors Beach inside the window, peekin' out the window Baby in the pool, godfather goals Only Lord knows, I've been goin' hammer Dodgin' paparazzi, freakin' through the cameras Eat at Four Daughters, Brock wearin' sandals Yoga on a Monday, stretchin' to Nirvana Watchin' all the snakes, curvin' all the fakes Phone never on, I don't conversate I don't compromise, I just penetrate Sex, money, murder-these are the breaks These are the times, level number 9 Look up in the sky, 10 is on the way Sentence on the way, killings on the way Motherfucker, I got winners on the way You ain't shit without a body on your belt You ain't shit without a ticket on your plate You ain't sick enough to pull it on yourself You ain't rich enough to hit the lot and skate Tell me when destruction gonna be my fate Gonna be your fate, gonna be our faith Peace to the world, let it rotate Sex, money, murder-our DNA

Kendrick Lamar

[bigdome53]

I got, I got, I got, I got Loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA Cocaine quarter piece, got war and peace inside my DNA I got power, poison, pain and joy inside my DNA I got hustle though, ambition, flow, inside my DNA I was born like this, since one like this Immaculate conception I transform like this, perform like this Was Yeshua's new weapon I don’t contemplate, I meditate, then off your fucking head This that put-the-kids-to-bed This that I got, I got, I got, I got Realness, I just kill shit 'cause it's in my DNA I got millions, I got riches buildin’ in my DNA I got dark, I got evil, that rot inside my DNA I got off, I got troublesome, heart inside my DNA I just win again, then win again like Wimbledon, I serve Yeah, that's him again, the sound that engine in is like a bird You see fireworks and Corvette tire skrrt the boulevard I know how you work, I know just who you are See, you's a, you's a, you's a Bitch, your hormones prolly switch inside your DNA Problem is, all that sucker shit inside your DNA Daddy prolly snitched, heritage inside your DNA Backbone don't exist, born outside a jellyfish, I gauge See, my pedigree most definitely don't tolerate the front Shit I've been through prolly offend you This is Paula’s oldest son I know murder, conviction Burners, boosters, burglars, ballers, dead, redemption Scholars, fathers dead with kids And I wish I was fed forgiveness Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, soldier’s DNA Born inside the beast My expertise checked out in second grade When I was 9, on cell, motel, we didn't have nowhere to stay At 29, I’ve done so well, hit cartwheel in my estate And I'm gon' shine like I'm supposed to Antisocial, extrovert And excellent mean the extra work And absentness what the fuck you heard And pessimists never struck my nerve And that’s a riff, gonna plead this case The reason my power's here on earth Salute the truth, when the prophet say I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA (This is why I say that hip hop has done more damage To young African Americans than racism in recent years) I live a better, fuck your life (5, 4, 3, 2, 1) This is my heritage, all I'm inheritin' Money and power, the makin' of marriages Tell me somethin' You mothafuckas can't tell me nothin' I'd rather die than to listen to you My DNA not for imitation Your DNA an abomination This how it is when you're in the Matrix Dodgin' bullets, reapin' what you sow And stackin' up the footage, livin' on the go And sleepin' in a villa Sippin' from a Grammy and walkin' in the buildin' Diamond in the ceilin', marble on the floors Beach inside the window, peekin' out the window Baby in the pool, godfather goals Only Lord knows, I've been goin' hammer Dodgin' paparazzi, freakin' through the cameras Eat at Four Daughters, Brock wearin' sandals Yoga on a Monday, stretchin' to Nirvana Watchin' all the snakes, curvin' all the fakes Phone never on, I don't conversate I don't compromise, I just penetrate Sex, money, murder—these are the breaks These are the times, level number 9 Look up in the sky, 10 is on the way Sentence on the way, killings on the way Motherfucker, I got winners on the way You ain't shit without a body on your belt You ain't shit without a ticket on your plate You ain't sick enough to pull it on yourself You ain't rich enough to hit the lot and skate Tell me when destruction gonna be my fate Gonna be your fate, gonna be our faith Peace to the world, let it rotate Sex, money, murder—our DNA

[everytonemag]

I got, I got, I got, I got Loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA Cocaine quarter piece, got war and peace inside my DNA I got power, poison, pain and joy inside my DNA I got hustle though, ambition, flow, inside my DNA I was born like this, since one like this Immaculate conception I transform like this, perform like this Was Yeshua new weapon I don't contemplate, I meditate, then off your fucking head This that put-the-kids-to-bed This that I got, I got, I got, I got Realness, I just kill shit ’cause it's in my DNA I got millions, I got riches buildin' in my DNA I got dark, I got evil, that rot inside my DNA I got off, I got troublesome heart inside my DNA I just win again, then win again like Wimbledon, I serve Yeah, that’s him again, the sound that engine in is like a bird You see fireworks and Corvette tire skrrt the boulevard I know how you work, I know just who you are See, you's a, you's a, you's a— Bitch, your hormones prolly switch inside your DNA Problem is, all that sucker shit inside your DNA Daddy prolly snitched, heritage inside your DNA Backbone don't exist, born onside a jellyfish, I gauge See, my pedigree most definitely don't tolerate the front Shit I've been through prolly offend you This is Paula's oldest son I know murder, conviction Burners, boosters, burglars, ballers, dead, redemption Scholars, fathers dead with kids And I wish I was fed forgiveness Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, soldier’s DNA Born inside the beast My expertise checked out in second grade When I was 9, on-sale motel, we didn’t have nowhere to stay At 29, I've done so well, hit cartwheel in my estate And I’m gon' shine like I'm supposed to Antisocial, extrovert And excellent mean the extra work And absentness what the fuck you heard And pessimists never struck my nerve And Nazareth gonna plead his case The reason my power's here on earth Salute the truth, when the prophet say [Bridge] I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA This is why I say that hip hop has done more damage to young African Americans than racism in recent years I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA I live a better life, I’m rollin' several dice, fuck your life I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA I live a better, fuck your life 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 This is my heritage, all I'm inheritin' Money and power, the making of marriages [Verse 2] Tell me somethin' You mothafuckas can't tell me nothin' I'd rather die than to listen to you My DNA not for imitation Your DNA an abomination This how it is when you're in the Matrix Dodgin' bullets, reapin' what you sow And stackin' up the footage, livin' on the go And sleepin' in a villa Sippin' from a Grammy and walkin' in the buildin' Diamond in the ceilin', marble on the floors Beach inside the window, peekin' out the window Baby in the pool, godfather goals Only Lord knows, I've been goin' hammer Dodgin' paparazzi, freakin' through the cameras Eat at Four Daughters, Brock wearin' sandals Yoga on a Monday, stretchin' to Nirvana Watchin' all the snakes, curvin' all the fakes Phone never on, I don't conversate I don't compromise, I just penetrate Sex, money, murder—these are the breaks These are the times, level number 9 Look up in the sky, 10 is on the way Sentence on the way, killings on the way Motherfucker, I got winners on the way You ain't shit without a body on your belt You ain't shit without a ticket on your plate You ain't sick enough to pull it on yourself You ain't rich enough to hit the lot and skate Tell me when destruction gonna be my fate Gonna be your fate, gonna be our faith Peace to the world, let it rotate Sex, money, murder—our DNA

[rwybstory]

Pride

“Okay, guys! We should get going!” Adrianna announces through the kitchen intercom as she finishes packing up the babies’ snacks and sippy cups in the diaper bag.

“Mama?” A soft voice behind her speaks and she turns to see her eldest daughter. The eleven year old no longer in her rainbow dress, but just plain jeans and tshirt. Autumn’s head is down and she’s circling her toes on the floor.

“Baby girl, what’s wrong? Where’s your dress?” Adrianna quickly walks over to her and checks for a temperature, but finds nothing. The two walk over to the kitchen table and pull the chairs out to face each other. Autumn doesn’t sit down though, she instead jumps into her mama’s lap and starts to sob.

“We can’t go today. Please, mama!” The mother gives her time to cry; just holding her, rocking her, and rubbing her back. Quietly making soothing sounds every few seconds. Conner and Anya rush into the kitchen at the sounds of their big sister crying.

“Autumn, what’s wrong?” Conner questions. Anya choosing to let her brother take the lead in the conversation. She doesn’t handle other people’s emotions well. She takes after her mama in that aspect.

“We can’t go to Pride this year. There was a bunch of people from the LGBT community who were shot last night! We can’t go. We can’t die, mama!” She falls back into her mother’s chest and continues to sob, now the twins are also scared and the two of them start tearing up. Conner falls into his mama as well, but Anya stays standing.

Adrianna looks over to her daughter and sees her physically ripping the bracelets off her wrists and even goes to take her “Love is Love” shirt.

“Bug, leave your shirt on, please.”

“No! I’m not going if we’re going to die!” She continues to pull her shirt up as her mama is trying to keep it down.

“What is going on in here?” Mackenzie makes her appearance known at the kitchen doorway. Radley holding onto her shirt and the Olive and Brock in her arms. “Why is everyone crying.”

“Mommy!” Autumn runs and hugs Mackenzie, only barely missing the twins who were just placed on the floor. “Mommy, tell Mama we can’t go today. I’m scared!”

Mackenzie knew letting their eleven year old have a phone was going to get them into trouble. They were never going to keep the shooting a secret, of course they were going to tell their kids, but at least they’d be able to explain to them at a slower pace and give them the information needed to form opinions. They definitely wouldn’t explain it to them as the media has been all morning.

“Okay, I think we all need to sit down and have a family talk. Let’s go to the living room. Radley and Brock, follow us, please.” She rallies her hyper four year old who is wrestling his two year old brother. “Ade, can you get Livy, please?”

The family of eight moves into the living room and the mothers put the twins into their play area with Rad, who immediately begins to entertain his siblings with some stuffed animals.

“Okay, babes, let’s talk. Yes, Autumn is right, there was a shooting where a lot of people from our community died last night. It was in Florida. There was a bad man.”

“He was Muslim, mommy.” Autumn interjects.

“Autumn, we don’t know why he did what he did. So, we don’t assume like that. We do not judge anyone because of their religion. We judge them on their actions. It’s okay to be upset and angry right now. Mama and I are feeling those things, too.”

Adrianna adds in from where she is on the other side of the three older kids on the couch. “We’re also scared. We’re scared for you guys and for all the other kids and families and anyone in our community because this could do a lot of damage to people.”

“Because of that feeling, we would never make you all go to Pride with us. Ever. You all are old enough and if you want to stay home, we can find someone to stay with you. It’s okay to feel scared and to feel upset. Your safety and comfort is mine and mama’s number one priority.”

“But there are bad guys out there.” Anya whispers, cuddling further into Adrianna’s side.

“Yes, there are. Bad guys are everywhere. Which is why we teach all of you how to be safe and handle certain situations. There might be bad guys, but there’s more good guys in the world. That’s why you see so many flowers and candles after a tragic event. They’re to protect and help fight against gun violence and the bad guys. They’re to remember who we lost.”

“Are you guys still gonna go?” Conner spoke up. The spinning, thinking wheels and cogs in his head visible to his mothers.

“Yes.”

“But why?” Autumn panicked.

“Because a couple bad guys out there are not going to change the happiness and pride that your mommy and I have for loving each other. They aren’t going to change our commitment to change in this country. We’re going to go, because our fight is for the good guys.”

“Okay, I wanna go.” Anya says.

“Me too. I wanna fight for the good guys!” Conner jumps off the couch and strikes a Superman pose.

The two women look to their oldest and most emotional daughter. “Autumn, don’t feel pressured. Like we said, you can spend the day with Grandma and Grandpa Rivera.”

“Can I hold your hands?”

“Of course, baby girl!”

“Okay, I’ll go. I don’t want the bad guys to win either.”