#Climbing Gear Essentials

[keitoursandsafarisblog]

Tune in to discover the essential gear you need for Tanzania mountain climbing. Learn the best clothing, footwear, and accessories to enhance your Kilimanjaro mountain climbing experience.

Read More: https://www.keitoursandsafaris.com/blog/tanzania-mountain-climbing-packing-guide/

[reviewseason]

Starting Out with Climbing: Essential Gear for Beginner.

Photo by Muhammad Masood Climbing can seem like an intimidating hobby with its various knots, anchors, and technical terminology. To ease your worries, we’ve put together a list of the best climbing gear for beginners that covers everything you need to get started and nothing more. Whether you prefer indoor climbing at a gym or outdoor climbing, this guide will help you get started. It is…

[ruified]

ೃ₊• BSD Boyfriend HCs ❞

•➯; WARNINGS: alcohol (chuuya)

•➯; CHARACTERS: Chuuya Nakahara, Osamu Dazai, Fyodor Dostoevsky + Nikolai Gogol

•➯; SYNOPSIS: headcanons about being their partner

•➯; A/N: i will make another part if i come up with ideas for other characters

• • • 📂 ◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠❀ ┈┈┈

CHUUYA —

— he opens a bottle from his collection for your anniversary because that’s how important you are to him

— he’ll let you ride his motorcycle with him (a sign of trust) but he always helps you put on your gear first

— he does a little helmet bump (where your forehead would be) with you after it’s secured

— loves going to nice and fancy restaurants with you, typically likes to get a table that’s by a window or in a corner, somewhere a bit more private

— sometimes he complains to you about his subordinates doing dumb stuff, but you know that he cares about them regardless

— after long days, he’ll come home and just bury his face in you for a while

— when he’s had a rough day, he likes to eat in with you, something easy, and watch an old movie

— he calls the characters in the movie out on their stupidity, it’s cute how frustrated he gets with them sometimes

— he’s not the biggest fan of his birthday, but he likes to see how happy you get about it

— a lot of compliments + words of affirmation

— he likes to go shopping with you, especially clothes shopping, he loves seeing you all dressed up

— his favorite thing about you would have to be your smile

— he loves when you play with his hair, he loves the pressure of your fingers on his scalp and the little scratches

DAZAI —

— café dates, y’know, if he actually has the means to pay for it

— you’ll be cooking a lot for him, but the warmth in his expression makes it worth it, plus all the little kisses he gives you to distract you from cooking and washing the dishes

— his love language is physical touch so long as he initiates it, he’s not used to others initiating it, but he’s trying to get used to it

— after you two have grown close enough, he’ll take you to bar lupin

— refuses to get out of bed in the morning, he will hold you down and beg for just five more minutes

— he loves showing you little trinkets and things he just finds and picks up

— the type of guy to share “fun facts”, sometimes they’re incredibly morbid but he’s so enthusiastic about it

— his favorite thing about you is your laugh, especially when it’s because of him

— little, subtle touches when you’re in public: tucking your hair behind your ear, holding pinkies, holding hands under the table, pressing his thigh against yours, etc.

— he absolutely adores head pats, sometimes he’ll stop you from pulling away your hand to just have it rest atop his head

— sometimes he changes the words to songs to make them about you and sings them while walking around the apartment with you

— he loves laying on the couch and having you lay on top of him like a weighted blanket, pressure = comfort

FYODOR —

— this man essentially courted you, he doesn’t care if you already liked him, he’ll just make you fall more because he’ll be damned if he doesn’t do this properly

— he doesn’t want to rush anything so he takes his time with you, but he certainly makes it worth it

— he loves getting you gifts, but he’s not the type to give them in person, he leaves them in obvious places for you to find

— he’s great at being romantic, he gives the loveliest compliments and calls you sweet things like “love”, “darling”, “dear(est)”, “precious”, etc.

— he loves to have tea parties with you when he’s free

— he often goes to bed later than you, so he climbs in silently and immediately knows to hold you

— he genuinely appreciates it when you stop him from biting his fingers, especially when you hold his hand and/or give them kisses

— he loves having you sit with him while he practices the cello

— his hands are always so cold, so he loves it when you hold them, he loves feeling your warmth

— he isn’t the one who normally initiates physical affection, but he’s very accepting of it

— his favorite thing about you is your hair

— he will help you wash your hair and play with it, he’ll even take a few strands and kiss it

— he loves it when you make slavic food for him, it provides a homey feeling

— he’ll teach you some russian (if you don’t know already), especially things to call him/say to him

NIKOLAI —

— when he gives gifts, he makes them super elaborate and puts them in strange/unexpected places

— he finds it funny to tell you that there’s some sort of gift for you somewhere and then watch you try to figure it out, he always ends up giving you super obvious hints though

— he gets love aggression sometimes, he’ll come up to you and squeeze your face and say something about eating you alive (or possibly even more morbid)

— calls you “dove”

— he lets you braid his hair and do other stuff with it

— takes you on dates to the theater to go see random plays and musicals

— he loves to pick you up and spin you around, even if that means you both fall over in each others arms

— “who’s the most beautiful person in the world? correct, it’s you!”

— after the two of you get closer, he’ll start unmasking around you occasionally

— when he does unmask, he loves just laying with you and relaxing, it gives him time to recharge, he likes being taken care of too

— he loves holding your face in his hands

— he’s big on physical affection, he loves to cuddle you and squeeze you tight

[astrogre]

What gifts to buy for each Venus sign

Christmas is among us, my favourite season and time of the year. Venus is the planet of love, by nature it can display what we like to receive from others but if you don’t know their Venus or the house it’s in you can try to look at the persons Sun sign instead but Venus is ideal.

A gift based on their:

Sun sign will make them feel seen and like you know them well, it will be a gift they may appreciate

Venus sign is all they’ve ever desired it’s the pinnacle of their ideal gift. Especially as Venus represents how we like to receive and experience love

Aries/ 1H Venus

Gym membership, running shoes, thrill seeking experiences like tickets to bungee jumping, rock climbing, a skydiving event, gym outfit, tickets to their favourite artist, tickets to festival, cool lighter, archery classes, tickets to sports games, a shirt with their teams logo or merch from their favourite artists, scissors set, cooking tools, hair styling products like hairspray, hair dye, Fitbit/apple watch, knives set, sports gear, heavy bass headphones, tickets for those room smashing experiences, take them clay pigeon shooting, family destroying board games like Risk or Catan, diy tattoo kit, diy piercing kit, theme park tickets.

Aries Venus are by nature thrill seekers, Aries is ruled by the head and has 1st house influences, they can certainly appreciate something that ignites passion, they are impulsive and quick by nature to pursue what they desire. They need gifts that match their decisive nature and to let out that pent up energy they have in them, I honestly think experiences are the best for them. Or a box of hair dye for their impulsive moments

Taurus/ 2H Venus

Hire a chef or take them to a really good restaurant for a 5 course meal that serves orgasmic food and has impeccable visuals/atmosphere OR you can even arrange a 7 course homemade meal with the finest of recipes! , fine jewellery adorned with a gemstone, culinary experiences, cooking classes, kitchenware, go to fragrantica.com and find a high quality perfume to give, premium home decor, art, antique items, antique furniture, comfortable cosy clothing, hot water bottle, gardening tools, plants, selection of seeds for their garden, diffuser, essential oils, desserts like baklava/ferro rocher, luxury goods, wellness retreat subscription, day at the spa, tea set, comfy velvet winter pillows and bed sheets

Oh my Taurus natives, they know how to break a bank for Christmas and if not they can enjoy luxury on a budget! They enjoy the finer things of life of course Venus ruled, they know how to induge in pleasures and satisfaction. Due to the earthy influence they have a green finger and a natural affinity with plants and gardening, they may love flowers or want to grow plants themselves. Taurus venuses are rather easy to gift, if you know them they usually have a vice, it may be sleep, food or pure laziness, get them something according to their vice and they will treasure it.

Gemini/ 3H Venus

Really cool stationary, Spotify subscription, comedy show tickets, books from their favourite genre, a notebook, Grammarly subscription, cards against humanity board game, Duolingo subscription, multiplayer games, home kit recording studio, language learning stuff, calligraphy classes, kindle, portable car charger, Bluetooth speaker, karaoke machine, suitcase, travel accessories, a musical instrument, sealing wax kit, creative hobby supplies, microphone, podcasting equipment, audio editing software, a car, vr headset, Nintendo online subscription, Netflix/HBO/youtube/crunchyroll subscription

Gemini rules communication, short journeys and social engagement. Blessing these natives with tools to enhance their pleasant hobbies will make them swoon in gratitude, if you want to get them something make it engaging and whimsical. These natives are ruled by mercury and always welcome something that requires the mind.

Cancer/ 4H Venus

A cooking set, baking set, comfort food, commission artwork of the family, family photos, some really nice home decor, a keepsake/musical box adorned with velvets and soft materials that will store sentimental objects, a locket necklace, family recipe book make a recipe book of all their favourite foods and some foods you know they’d like, soft fluffy blanket, the family heirloom, hand crafted quilt, hand painted ceramic mug, animal crossing game, sims 4 game, games relating to the home, bring and fly in family that are far away as a surprise and cook their favourite meal together, household utilities, lush bath products, a personal chef for a day, a personal butler for a day, custom family tree art, ancestry DNA kit (please be careful though once you use them they keep your data and if they get hacked your information is out there), home movie night, comfy slippers and pyjamas, family board games, this christmas make them Christmas dinner this time.

Cancer rules the home and there’s nothing more appreciated by a cancer Venus than things that remind them of this. They are by nature expressive and nurturing, this time let them be pampered!

Leo/ 5H Venus

Hair care products, gift card for their favorite store, make them an edit no joke like a TikTok edit that makes them look really cool, one of those light up mirrors or a pretty handheld one if they don’t have one already, book them a photoshoot together if they don’t like the camera maybe post them on your social media and show affection for these bold natives, theatre tickets, bold sunglasses, luxury watch, good jewellery, VIP experiences like backstage passes or reservation to exclusive invite only restaurants, designer clothing that is a prestigious brand they love, commission style artwork, make them a playlist of songs that reminds you of them, fine wine, personalised fragrance creation that allows them to create their own signature fragrance, personalised makeup makeover, hire a stylist for them

A perfect gift for Leo’s need to have an element of self expression, luxury and incorporate their personality that garners attention from peers. They need a gift that makes them feel special, something tailored specifically for them that cannot be gifted to anyone else. Personalised gifts do well either this placement too. When I think of these natives I just think of that Meghan Trainor music video “Me Too” watch that and you’ll get their vibe.

Virgo/ 6H Venus

Skincare products, a blender for smoothies, lots of cleaning products, multi purpose aesthetic storage containers, Quora or chat gpt subscription (these guys like to be well informed), give them scientifically researched bath products that have all that vitamin breakdown qualities, make them a notion template to help them plan, quality office supplies like a desk organiser or chair, practical fitness gear like a yoga mat, a fitness tracker, get them a personal nutritionist, tailored meal prep services, bookshelf organiser system, a stylish briefcase, home office makeover (BUT PLEASE GET THEIR PERMISSION FIRST), online course subscription, digital subscription to news feed, you can never go wrong with practical things, an ikea haul, Costco membership, minimalist decor, multi vitamins, a precision watch, set of labelling and sorting tools, a neat tidy chess board, get them a nice little pet, honestly for some reason whenever I think of Virgos I think of matcha. Get them something matcha based.

Virgo Venus natives need gifts that resemble their routine and organisation, they can be rather difficult to purchase for since they have such a specific taste in mind. Gift cards are practical for them but they really need something that allows them to be more prepared. Take them out for comparison price shopping like say if you want to get them a sofa tell them you’ll take them out to Costco, Amazon, ikea, and compare the best ones. They are also very clean and efficient.

Libra Venus/ 7H Venus

Trending Make up like the fenty hot chocolit heat lip gloss, Korean skincare products, beautiful piece of art, a wedding ring 😏, bouquet of flowers, take them to a beautiful botanical garden, fashionable accessories like a silk scarf, books and courses on design, take them to a couples romantic date, a couples workshop, write them a love letter, museum date, tickets to an art exhibition, fine dining, an astrology synastry reading, if they’re single set up a blind date with someone who you KNOW they would like (make sure they’re handsome/pretty), couples retreat, love coach Patreon subscription, pottery/painting classes, relationship podcast subscription, relationship psychology books, fine fragrance/cologne

Libra is ruled by Venus and 7th house, all things related to love beauty and pleasure align with this native, even if they are single they have a natural gift for delving into relationships. Make sure that whatever gift you give them it is pleasing and sensual

Scorpio/ 8H Venus

Intimate gifts, a psychological crime documentary playlist like Epstein island documentary or YouTubers who speak of renowned cult leaders, personalised astrology reading, a dark seductive fragrance, dark artwork, dominance and submission guide book, shadow work journal with a lock on it, dark poetry and literature, escape room adventure tickets, monopoly game, dungeons and dragons game equipment, bdsm accessories, personalised erotic art, leather/latex clothing, bonding activities, empowering books like 48 Laws of Power, martial arts training, taxidermy, personal development workshops, intense workout equipment like a punching bag, chess, daggers, locks on their door or for their belongings like installing a lock for their drawers, buy them a ring camera and subscription, wine tasting experience

Give them something sultry and deep, it has to be psychological and empowering. They are not impressed by superficial gifts that mean nothing to them. They really like gifts that allow them to explore their nature and the darker aspects of existence.

Sagittarius/ 9H Venus

A scratch off map that allows you to scratch off countries you’ve been to, a surprise holiday where you take them abroad, Duolingo subscription, a wanderlust journal for them to document their experiences, passport accessories, an electric guitar, drums, take them to a fireworks display or do one at home for them, a telescope, a drone, binoculars, philosophical books or religious books based on their own beliefs and religion, running shoes, horse riding in the sunset experience, musical instruments, motivational and positive affirmations book or make some for them yourself, a book collection of all their motivational and positive messages they have said, a compass, pay for their tuition for a course they’ve always wanted, traveling stuff like suitcases, pillow for travelling, a portable flask, a disposable camera, a Polaroid camera, a tent, tickets to a cultural festival, hiking gear, skiing gear, camping gear, sketchbook, a donation in their name

Sagittarius Venus and 9H venuses love the concept of exploration whether it be in the mind or physically, the best gift you could give them is one that allows them to take in so much culture, information and experiences.

Capricorn/ 10H Venus

Customisable credit card (CUCU is a good site for this), a nice power suit like business attire, vintage pocket calculator, cufflinks or a tie, formal shoes, pay for their CV to be analysed by professionals in their industry, elegant timeless clothing and jewellery, make them business cards, get them a corporate slave (an assistant will do), pay for business class flights for their next trip abroad, project management courses, tickets to Ted Talk event, take them to and big them up at networking and entrepreneurial opportunities, a sleek desk, submit their work for trophies and awards, quality furniture, Starbucks or their fave coffee place gift cards, a fountain pen, personalised desk name plate, professional photoshoot, designer accessories like a Swiss watch, leather wallet, cheque book, pay for a professional calligrapher to design their signature, time management software

Our sweet cap Venuses and 10Hers need their professional acknowledgment, give them anything timeless and a way for them to better themselves. They love being the best of the best so give them things that support their ambitions.

Aquarius/ 11H Venus

A 3D printer, high tech phone, a gamer console, smart home device like Alexa, chat gpt subscription, AI art pieces of them, rubix cube, VR headset, bespoke one of a kind art piece, tickets to a science technology conference or musem, networking events, phone case, futuristic home decor, membership to an niche club their interested in, mini indoor garden like a plant terrarium, pay for an astronomy stargazing experience for them, alt clothing, goal setting journal, a camaraderie for their friendships can be a bracelet for an example, tickets to a unique workshop according to their niche interests, video editing software, a unique invention prototype for the industry their interested in say if it were cars then a mini Tesla or something, volunteer together, design software, film festival tickets, social cause merchandise, unique fashion piece, astronomy kit, an AI boyfriend or girlfriend, take them a Ted talk.

Always remember the specific niche interests of these natives they like things that are very niche and so sometimes asking them is actually the best thing to do. But make sure it’s something they’re passionate about not all of these natives live tech but they certainly are innovative.

Pisces/ 12H Venus

Seashell necklace, watercolour paints, fantasy book collection, their favourite mangas, handmade artwork, stained glass window art, dream interpretation book, flowerpedia book, vinyls, yoga mat, contact lenses, tickets to their favourite artist like mitski or the sort, create a playlist for them that’s about fantasy and imagination, they might like Disney consider taking them to Disneyland, windchime, subscription to mindfulness app, astrology book, go to the aquarium together, windchimes, art supplies, a dream journal, sound healing instruments, pay for their spiritual retreat, zen garden decor, a mystical music box, water fountain, take them to a mesmerising body of water, prayer mats, diary, write them a heartfelt letter of how amazing they are, take them to a nature retreat, wearable art

Dreamy imaginative gifts would be perfect for these people, they need gifts that allow them to appreciate their escape world where they have a reality that’s just better than here. Give them things that are as beautiful as their inner world.

[bad268]

Hii can I request a Paul Aron x reader? Maybe like they went to school together and she was known to keep to herself but he finds out she drifts cars as a passion outside of school. Maybe a cute interaction after he watches her and he's with a couple friends too?

Drift to Survive (Paul Aron X Drifter! Reader)

Fandom: RPF/F2/3

Requested: Clearly (haha I speedran this, but I learned a lot of shit about drifting <3) (Also, off-topic but LOOK AT HIS HAND)

Warnings: None

POV: Second Person (You/your)

W.C. 1132

Summary: Drifter! reader decides it's time to share the infamous after-school activity.

As always, my requests are OPEN

MASTERLIST // HITLIST

~~(^Pinterest)

What had started as an after-school activity turned into a fully-fledged career after a while. You had started drifting back when you were younger. Your dad used to compete in Drift Masters (DM), and you had always been interested in it since he would take you to the rounds.

By the time you were 10, your dad was taking you out to open fields or empty tracks to drift, and when you reached 15, you started competing in lower levels. It was difficult managing a full-time career on top of finishing school, but it would be worth it in the end.

Somedays you wish you had told your school friends about your passion for drifting, but then you remember how critical people are of different interests. It was better to keep it on the down-low until you got better at least.

Well, to say you were getting better would be an understatement. You started competing in Formula Drift earlier this year, and you were dominating. You just found out that if you secured the championship, you would be offered a seat in DM. 

Since there was a race for you this weekend, you decided to bite the bullet and invite a couple of your closest friends. They were racing in Formula 2 or Formula 3, and you knew they did not have a race that weekend. Surely, they were free. 

You sent a quick text to the group chat that included Dino, Ollie, Jak, and your best friend, Paul. Maybe you wished Paul was more, but right now, your focus was on your career, especially since you just graduated and were moving up in the world. That was something you could pursue another day.  

They all accepted immediately, intrigued at the prospect. They did not really attend a race where placement did not matter, so they were interested to learn about it. Also, they did not think it was something you were interested in. You were just so quiet. They did not expect you to be interested in their type of racing, let alone a more dangerous branch of it. 

The day of the event came, and you were feeling more confident than ever. You had done a few practice runs with your dad again, and he was confident you would get that DM seat. Your friends arrived at your room early that morning since you all agreed to carpool together. 

You all loaded in the car. You drove. It was after much debate from the guys, saying they were the racing drivers, but you rebuttled with how Ollie could not pass his driver’s license test. Plus, it was your car that your dad drove over for you. You did not plan on letting any of them take your car.

Paul sat in the front, Jak and Ollie took the window seats, and Dino sat in the middle despite him saying he was too tall for it. Granted, he was the shortest of the three, so his argument was invalid. 

You let Dino have control over the music, so he would shut up. Thankfully, he did have good taste in music. You made it to the track in no time, and you drove around to the back where drivers and the teams would park. The boys looked at you funny as you showed the garage passes to security, but no one asked anything until you parked.

“You never told us,” Paul started as he climbed out of the car and followed you toward the boot. You were grabbing out a bag that had some of your essentials like team merch, hat, and snacks. All of your racing gear was already with the team. Paul closed the boot for you after you grabbed the bag out. “Where are we sitting?”

“You guys are sitting in the garage,” You answered as you locked the car after Ollie, Dino, and Jak clambered out of the car just in time to hear your answer. They all gaped at you before Dino made a connection.

“Wait, where will you be?’

“In the car,” You said simply as you handed them the badges and walked down toward the entrance. They all stood in shock for a minute before running to catch up. You led them around before parting off to your garage. Ollie, Dino, and Jak decided they wanted to explore a bit more, but Paul said he wanted to stick with you. Plus, he really wanted to look at your car.

Call him a nerd, but all cars are interesting to him. 

You did just that. It did not take him long to realize that you were the “amazing”, “talented”, and “once-in-a-generation” driver that everyone talked about. You used an alias while driving, so he never made the connection before. You showed him your car, let him sit in it, and showed him your special helmet. Since this event was so special, you did a specialty helmet based on your dad’s helmet. If you could secure your DM seat with your dad’s helmet, it would have come full circle since he was the one to help you get there.

“Wow, this is incredible! I never knew you did this,” Paul said in awe as you explained a few more things in your driver's room while getting ready to get in the car. “It suits you though.”

“Thanks, Paul,” You laughed at that. “No one ever asks what I do outside of school, so I never said anything.”

“Well, now I’m gonna make it my mission to learn everything about you,” Paul said in a soft tone as he wrapped his arms around your waist to pull you into his body. He used one of his hands to do up the zipper and velcro of your race suit before resting his hand against the side of your neck, “If you’ll let me, that is?”

“I’d always let you in, Paul,” You whispered back as you slowly leaned in to press your lips against his. It did not last long as one of your managers knocked on the door, telling you it was time to get in the car. Reluctantly, you pulled away from him as you pulled your balaclava on and grabbed your helmet. “That’s my cue. Time to drift to survive. You better be watching from the garage. I need all of the energy I can get.”

“I manifesting that win for you,” Paul laughed as he followed you out to the car. As soon as you were situated in your seat, he leaned in one last time to give you a last piece of motivation, “You’ve got all of us behind you, just breathe, and you’ll do great as always. I’ll be waiting for you at the finish line to take you out for victory drinks.”

~~~~~

© BAD268 2024. DO NOT REPOST WITHOUT PERMISSION.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

The Amazon's Ashaninka tribe restored their territory. Now they aim to change the region

It was just before dawn when the Ashaninka people, wearing long, tunic-like dresses, began singing traditional songs while playing drums and other instruments. The music drifted through Apiwtxa village, which had welcomed guests from Indigenous communities in Brazil and neighboring Peru, some having traveled three days. As the sun rose, they moved beneath the shadow of a huge mango tree.

The dancing, which would last until the following morning, marked the end of the annual celebration recognizing the Ashaninka territory along the winding Amonia River in the western Amazon. The multi-day, nearly around-the-clock festivities included the ritual of drinking ayahuasca, the sacred psychedelic brew, archery tournaments, climbing towering acai palm trees and face-painting with red dye.

What was once a gathering to commemorate the Ashaninka has evolved into a showcase of what they have done: the village’s self-sufficiency, which comes from growing crops and protecting its forest, is now a model for an ambitious project to help 12 Indigenous territories in western Amazon, amounting to 640,000 hectares (1.6 million acres), about the size of the U.S. state of Delaware.

In November, the Organization of Indigenous People of the Jurua River, known by the Portuguese acronym OPIRJ, secured $6.8 million in support from the Amazon Fund, the world’s largest initiative to combat rainforest deforestation. With Apiwtxa as the model, the grant is geared toward improving Indigenous land management with an emphasis on food production, cultural strengthening and forest surveillance.

“We are expanding everything that we did at Apiwxta to an entire region,” said Ashaninka and OPIRJ leader Francisco Piyãko, speaking in front of his home in Apiwtxa. “This is not only about implementing a project. What is at stake is cultural change. This is essential to protect life, the territory and its peoples.”

Continue reading.

[scorpiosleeps]

Liminal Spaces - 141

((For this to make even a little bit of sense, please go read the wonderful brainchild of the talented @notspiders - I've linked the post at the bottom, you can't miss it! All credit goes to them ♥))

Part 1 - The Watchtower

There's only ever been one rule - You're supposed to stay up in the watchtower when he isn't with you (a rare occurrence as he seems to hate being away even for a moment) and you'd think there'd be some pull, some inclination to explore and see things for yourself... but not really? (Not anymore). 

Sometimes there's a nagging, irritating feeling in the back of your head, it tells you to do silly things, dangerous things - like putting on your hiking boots, getting some essentials together... and running away. 

But that's silly. (And you shiver when you think about going out into the woods on your own.) 

It's cozy up in the watchtower, always the perfect temperature inside, always a drink fitting the weather set out waiting for you, a snack prepared in advance if you get peckish, a blanket or some fuzzy socks if it's chilly or a pair of sunglasses and a hat if the sunbeams are persistent.  

Your biggest weakness however - several piles of books by the bed. You.. don't really remember how long you've been here, but you've read so many books one would think you should have managed to make a dent in the stacks by now - but no. 

And it's not like you're complaining, not at all, every single book you've picked up thus far has scratched just the right itch for that day. (But it's weird, isn't it?) 

And you couldn't have asked for a better companion, he doesn't crowd you when you want to be alone (though he's never far from sight). If you want to spend the day reading away, he'll simply take the four-wheeler (that only ever works for him) and go on a provision run, it's kinda funny how those trips are always on days when you have no desire to leave the watchtower (right?). Or he'll go hunting - disappearing in to the woods without gear or weapons of any kind and yet always bringing back game slung over his strong, broad back.  

It's not that he refuses to take you with him (not at all, he loves your company!) it's just that when you go with him, the two of you always seem to get distracted and end up doing something completely different then what you set out to do. Like rock-climbing! Or he'll teach you how to throw axes, or tie a snare - always willing to please you, quick to laugh and even quicker with a joke. 

Some days, instead of being boisterous and smiling, blue eyes glittering with mischief, he will go quiet, contemplative and go sit out by the railing and watch the horizon. - And you've found yourself thinking, on more than one occasion that it's as if he is actively trying not to look at you. His fingers wrapped around the old rusty metal, knuckles white and taut. You learned quickly that he was best left alone on days like that. (So things don't get out of hand). 

He always keeps you safe though, even from yourself. Because as good as you have it here, sometimes you have bad days too and you get confused. You don't like yourself very much on those days, on those days you don't like your companion very much either, or at all in fact.  

You scream and shout and cry, accuse him of horrible things, of scary things.. and on really bad days he has to restrain you, take hold of your smacking hands and scratching nails and push you down in bed under his solid body. Holding you still while he coos and whispers sweet nothings in your ear (always with that warm highland lilt) until you've calmed down, until you can breath again. When your head finally stops hurting, finally stops feeling like it's going to tear in two. 

And you can't fault him if his touch lingers, if he's reluctant to let you go. To release your body from under his much bigger one. And him grinding up against your core, slotting your body perfectly against his.. that's just to keep you from hurting yourself (Even if it short circuits your brain). So what if his eyes go a little crazed and stares at inappropriate places on your body - anyone can get cabin fever! 

The important thing is - He keeps you safe and even if you sulk and pout afterwards (his words, not yours), if you refuse to get out of bed and spend days simply laying curled up under covers and blankets staring out over the vast (never ending) stretch of forest surrounding you... he always takes care of you.  

He'll nail up an old bedsheet and set up the projector so you can watch movies together, or he'll pick up the book you've started on and read aloud - picking up right where you left off. 

More often than not he'll do voices for the characters, bring them to life with exaggerated accents and gesticulations, all to make you smile. Or he'll go completely off script and put on his own little show, just for your amusement, it never fails to leave you in stitches. 

He'll tempt you and entice you with delicious smelling foods, stacks of pancakes with butter and maple syrup, rich flavourful stews that leave you both groaning and unbuttoning your pants. Or he'll pull a pint of your favourite ice-cream out of the icebox, when you could have sworn, you'd run out days ago (Gaz only knows where he got it from).  

And soon enough the bad mood will pass, it will slip away and you're back to enjoying yourself in the quiet of the watchtower, feeling at peace once more. 

His big, steady arm wrapped around your shoulders, his nose pressed down at the top of your head, breathing you in, calming him down and stirring him up in equal measure. (Unbeknownst to you.) 

You're right where you should be, where you belong.

With him. 

[rat-king-writes]

Genji x male reader who is also an cyborg ninja like Raiden Metal Gear Rising Revengeance

( Thank you for the ask . )

Synopsis ; You are a half cyborg ninja , the other cyborg ninja ( Genji ) takes interest in you because of this .

Cw ; Minor violence ( I am so sorry I keep including some violence . )

-Being half human half cyborg was a tough way to live. You were constantly being eyeballed by both human and omnics alike, and people would avoid you on the streets like a plague. Your life has changed ever since the incident, and you often found yourself hopping from hotel to hotel, or even on the streets. Though this lifestyle seemed dangerous to outsiders, you weren't in any sort of trouble usually. You had grown up learning how to wield blades and other weapons, so you were safe from attackers who thought they could take advantage of you.

-Eventually your skills caught the eye of none other than Talon, a primarily morally bad organization that wants your talent for their own gain. And being that you are alone, broke, and essentially homeless; you take the offer to join them. Your first few days were rough. Being flung into a new environment full of people who didn’t care for rules or anything was a less than ideal situation. But what else could you do? You weren’t about to go back to hotel hopping. So you just steered clear of everyone outside of missions where you were forced to interact, but it was usually just yelled orders in your direction.

-On one terrible morning in Talon, you were called down for a debrief for a mission against Overwatch. A name you heard many times, but never really encountered on the field yet. Everytime Doomfist would mention the organization, he would do it in a way that taught you to despise them, so you knew they had to be absolute assholes, right? But you were also an asshole working with Talon, and your own research on overwatch concluded they wanted to save the world, but according to Doom they weren’t doing it right. This job was incredibly confusing. The mission was simple: infiltrate an Overwatch weapons facility and steal weaponry and maybe any intel Sombra - another Talon agent - could find. Simple, right?

-Wrong. Not simple, because when you arrived on scene, there were already guards there. No biggie, you could climb the wall and get in yourself while Sombra does her hack things. So you do; scaling the wall with ease and slipping into an open window. You landed on a grated platform, above all the weapons and equipment. Some guards were gathered there, so you carefully crouched down, readying your blade and swiftly taking each guard out before they could raise a gun to you. You pull back and place your sword in the holster, taking out your radio to tell your teammates the room is clear for extraction.

-When the other Talon agents arrive and start looting, you're instructed to keep watch, perching yourself back onto the grated high ground you had once been on. Everything was going well. Until there was a slice in the air and someone was lunging towards you. The speed caught you off guard, but you were able to quickly dodge before whoever was attacking you grabbed you. You lunged back, unsheathing your sword and looking at the assailant.

-You were shocked to see a man clad in a robotic like suit, similar to yours. You weren’t the only shocked one, as the attacker also seemed to be in the same position of confusion. You both stare at each other for a solid minute before you both, at the same time lunge forward; you both promptly stop in shock once more, a bit in awe at the similarity. It’s the presumed Overwatch agent that strikes first, throwing three shuriken at you. You lunged out of the way, but one managed to slice its way into the metal of your upper arm. Quickly regaining your senses, you run at him with a sword and, of course, he also has a sword.

-After a bit of back and forth a shout came from one of your team members signifying that it was time to go. You dash off of the grated platform and onto a vehicle containing the stolen goods and your team members. All the while you keep your eyes glued onto the green and grey robot man, he doesn’t do anything, he lets you go. The ride back to base was filled with laughter and pride. But you stayed quiet, something about the man you encountered left you stunned, and oddly, you wanted to see him again. You chalked these intruding thoughts up to years of loneliness and mistreatment clouding your judgment. Yet you still sit in your seat, hand delicately tracing the shuriken he had lodged in your arm, pondering what would have happened if you and that man met under different circumstances.

-Later that night you left the house in search of. Well, peace. The base had gotten louder because of the successful heist, and you just needed to get away for a bit. You head to your usual spot, a cliff-like area where you could sit down and relax. You were there for about 30 minutes before you were suddenly disrupted by someone walking up behind you, their footsteps were oddly quiet so you were sure it was someone trying to mug you or something. It was a shock when the person didn’t rob you, but instead sat down next to you. It was the robot man from earlier. You were very confused but he didn’t seem violent and you two just sat there for a bit. You kept your guard up, but you found yourself enjoying the company. No one talked, and it would stay like that until the man left. You also left after a bit, in a much better mood than before.

-The next following months each and every night you would sit at that spot and the man would join you. The first few weeks you two didn’t speak, but eventually you both introduced yourselves. You had learned through one of your many conversations the reason why Genji was the way he is, and you had also confided in him of your own story. In many of your conversations Genji would ask you to quit Talon and transfer to Overwatch, or just leave Talon and disappear somewhere ( Of course he told you to keep contact with him ). However each time you would shut it down, you had heard way too many speeches about the repercussions of splitting off, and you didn't think anyone in Overwatch would be fond of you joining.

-That is until a few weeks later Genji had told you of an ex Talon member who was welcomed easily into the Overwatch agency ( Not without some backlash from Talon itself ). So after careful consideration, and Genji's persistence, you two devised a plan. Firstly, Genji would tell Overwatch about your situation, and then you would pack; later that night you would sneak away and never return. Genji, the absolute sweetheart, was even able to stick you in a base that was farther away as it would help you steer clear of any Talon agents while your disappearance is processed.

-There were a few Overwatch agents there already, as well as Genji who also stayed with you. so you were well protected if anything were to happen. Thankfully it didn't. The base was nice, quiet, and the people there were much friendlier but a bit overwhelming so you usually hung out with Genji in your room. During that time you two just kept getting closer and closer, and eventually Genji showed you his face. That moment your heart was pounding, he was unbelievably gorgeous, and though he hated his scars you absolutely adored them. You worried him though, your long seconds of silence made you believe that you were uncomfortable, but you assured him you were just in so much shock someone could be that handsome.

-From that day on there was a new bloom to your relationship, you two sat closer, Genji would take off his mask, and you would take off your own prosthetics. It was something new, but something you realized you needed, and looked forward to. When you were finally cleared for safety, you and Genji went back to the main base and your feelings only grew from there. Missions with him felt more meaningful, watching him save people or show off was a thrill you never knew you could enjoy. And everytime you did something good, he would praise you after making your heart beat in your chest loudly.

-Of course your feelings got too unbearable to ignore, and one humid night you asked him out. Out to the same cliff he had joined you in originally. You both sat in silence until you mustered enough courage to spill your heart to him. It was fast, clumsy, and probably confusing. But in the end Genji takes off his face plate and smiles at you, telling you he feels the same. Time seems to stop for a minute, but you smile back and grab his hand, dragging him back to base. You would only really be affectionate in private, the quiet 'I love you's' hidden behind closed doors. However sometimes during battle Genji will bump his faceplate into your cheek until you give it a kiss.

[itsthestutterforme]

BROKEN SILVER LININGS: Chapter Six

Summary: You truly had John Walker to thank for what happens next.

Warnings/Notes: sexual themes (fingering, nipple sucking, dry humping), MINORS DNI

**

Your eyes slowly peeled open at the sound of your phone vibrating on the glass living room table.

You must have fell asleep when you were binge watching Outter Banks because the are you still watching? froze on the screen.

Taking the phone into your hands, you see that Bucky was calling.

“Hello?” “Oh I didn’t mean to wake you up, doll.” “It’s okay. I didn’t realize I fell asleep.”

“Have you watched the news lately?”

Those were six words you can go the rest of your life never hearing.

“What’s happening, Bucky?” “It’s nothing bad. Well, it’s not the greatest but it isn’t an end-of-the-world situation, baby.”

You let out a breath you were holding.

“Then what is it?” “They’ve instated another Captain America,” your heart sank in your chest.

“What?” You exit Netflix and clicked on the cable, flipping to the nearest news channel.

“But I thought Sam was..” “He turned down the offer. Said it wasn’t suited for him,”

“‘Wasn’t suited?’ But didn’t Steve write a letter saying the shield was his.” “Yeah,” Bucky says with a sigh.

Your eyes were trained on the TV, reading the headline.

“AMERICA CHOOSES ANOTHER CAPTAIN AMERICA TO SERVE AS A BEACON OF HOPE”

The newswoman elaborates on the increase in crime since the Blip as well as the increase of hopelessness leading to climbing suicide rates.

Essentially, they were spinning it that America needs Captain America.

“Y/N?” Bucky calls your name over the phone. “Hm?” “You okay?” You were going to respond when the newsroom panned to another section.

“John Walker Issues His Very First Press Conference as Captain America” was in bold letters on the bottom of the screen.

Your blood ran cold in your veins when the camera zoomed onto the man stand behind the podium.

He smiled and waving to a few fans cheering behind the metal fences that kept them away from the journalists and other officials.

He was waving. Wearing Steve’s gear. Carrying Steve’s shield.

How dare they just give away Steve’s belongings like that?

You don’t give a damn about technicalities. Howard Stark made that shield for Steve. SHIELD made the uniform for Steve. It is his, by all rights.

You were livid. But what John just said was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

“Did he just..? Did he say that he wanted to meet with us? Are you fucking kidding me?”

“I’m coming to pick you up right now.” Bucky tells you. You heard clamor coming from your window and got up to figure out what it was.

“Bucky, there’s paparazzi outside.”

God, you hated those people.

“I’m fifteen minutes away, doll. There’s traffic.” “You don’t have to rush, Bucky. I’ll be okay, I’m just..” you trailed off with a sigh, sitting back down on the couch.

“I know. I’m pissed too.”

The line went silent for a moment. “They made sure he looked like Steve too. Blonde hair. Blue eyes. What the fuck, Bucky.”

“They had no business giving away the shield either,” Bucky adds. “Exactly,”

In a matter of minutes, Bucky tells you he was at your place and to pack a bag. Your heart pattered in your chest at the authority in his voice but you shook your head to get rid of those kinds of thoughts.

This wasn’t the time for it.

You had changed into navy sweatpants and matching backless top.

If you had to brave the paparazzi (yet again), you might as well be comfortable.

Sliding on your shades, you stepped out of your apartment with your weekender bag in hand.

As soon as your foot touched the parking lot, you were submerged in a crowd of eager photographers asking you questions coupled with blinding flashes from their cameras.

“I’m not interested,” you tell them, pushing through them.

You looked straight ahead to see Bucky picking up and physically moving grown men out of the way until you had a clear walk way to the car.

He opened the door for you and ran around to the drivers side.

“God, these people are crazy.” Bucky says, whipping his car into reverse before peeling out.

“They are. Thank you for helping me out back there,”

“Of course,”

“So what are we going to do?”

**

“Wait how did we get here, exactly? You wanted to rip his face off earlier and now you want to talk to him?”

Bucky stands from the couch and ran a hand over his face.

“I still want to rip his face off, okay? But I don’t know, this conversation may be good for us.”

“How would that be good for us, Y/N?” “Maybe it’ll give us the closure we need. I don’t know.”

“They replaced Steve with that wannabe,” he points an accusatory finger at the TV.

“And you don’t at least want to know why? Why they chose him and not someone else?”

“That man is an asshole, Y/N. You’re not talking to him.”

This was the first argument between you and Bucky. And you didn’t like it at all.

“Hey, don’t confuse my feelings and respect for you with me relinquishing my control, alright? You don’t control who I talk to and what I do.” You snapped, shutting off the TV as you rose to your feet.

Letting out an exasperated sigh, he leans his palms on the back of the couch.

“He’s not a good guy, Y/N.” “I’m not saying he is. But how would you know that, Bucky?”

“Because I met him before,” he holds your gaze. “Much to my dismay, we shop at the same grocery store. He saw me and stopped me when I tried to go down a different aisle. Then he asked me about you.”

“What did he say?”

You sat back down on the couch and he sat next to you. You call his name when he hesitates.

“Was it.. something sexual?”

“He said something smart about you and men in uniform. I never wanted to break someone’s jaw so bad.” He admitted, chuckling at the last part.

“What held you back?”

“I thought of how disappointed in me you would have been if you found out I was in jail.”

“I would have bailed you out,”

“Yeah, I know.”

A lot was said in the span of ten minutes so some silence would do you both some good.

You both sighed in unison, leaning your head back to ease some of the tension.

“M’sorry for yelling, baby.”

“I’m sorry for yelling too, Bucky.”

This game between you and Bucky had been going on long enough. You’ve been waiting for him to make the first move ever since you kissed last month.

That was the only things he’s ever initiated since you’ve known him.

So it was clear that he was waiting for you like he said he would.

“Hey, Bucky?” You start, moving closer to him and slowly straddled his lap.

His eyes snapped open and he straightened his head to look at you.

“Y-yes?” he groans when you lift your hips slightly, your hands slowly sliding up his arms and resting on his shoulders.

“I’m think I’m ready now,” “Oh, you have no idea how long I’ve wanted to hear those words,” he says against your lips.

You held the side of his face and brushes your lips against his before finally pressing a warm kiss on his lips.

He held the back of your head, licking your bottom to silently ask for permission. You sighed when he deepens the kiss, his tongue fighting for dominance.

He followed your lips when you tried to pull away, already craving the way you taste.

He wrapped his arms around your waist and pulled you down into his lap, rolling his hips up.

Pulling away from his lips, you brushed his head to the side and mouthed at his neck.

His lips parted when you nipped at a sensitive part on his neck.

“W-wait, baby.” he pushed your hips back a bit and you pulled away from his neck.

“What’s wrong?” You asked, still dazed from the kiss.

“I’m sorry. I just.. I don’t want to hurt you.” He said breathlessly.

“How would you hurt me?”

“I haven’t been with someone in a long time and I just don’t want to mess this up.” He confessed.

A part of him was worried that you would get upset and walk out.

“We can take this slow, Bucky. We have nothing but time, right?” You pecked his lips before sliding off his lap.

“Right,” he watches you walk into the kitchen and open his fridge. “I’m grabbing a water. You want one?”

“Yeah,” he says after clearing his throat.

You were bending down to grab two water bottles when he stands from the couch and made his way over to you.

You hardly heard his footsteps so he startled you a bit when you turned around to see him a foot away from you.

“You scared me,” you whispered when he takes the water bottle from your hands and tossed them back into the fridge.

He takes you into his arms and sets you on the counter, sliding in between your legs.

“I thought you wanted to take it slow?” moaning softly when he kissed down your neck.

“We are. But that doesn’t mean we can do other things. Is that something you want?”

You got lost in how his mouth felt against your neck that you forgot to respond.

Bucky pulls away from your neck and grabbed ahold of your chin so you looked at him.

“Is this something you want, sweetheart?” He repeats, dipping his finger along the band of your sweatpants.

“Yes, I want it. Please.” You pulled him further between your legs, biting at his neck and slipping your hands under his shirt.

“Fuck, you’re going to be the death of me,” he groans when you scratch down his back.

Pushing you on your back, he pulls your sweatpants down your legs along with your panties.

You tried to sit up but he gently pushed you back down.

He pushed your bra and your crop top up over your breasts before latching on to one of your nipples.

Dragging a finger along your entrance to smooth your juices over your folds, your back arched when he slides a finger inside of you.

He waits until your walls relax before slipping in another finger. He pulls away from your nipple to suck bruises down your chest.

“Oh!”

“How does that feel, baby?” He whispers into your ear, scissoring his fingers until he found the sensitive spot that made your body jolt.

“Fuck, Bucky.” You whimpered. A hard knock on the door brought you out of your daze.

“They’ll go away, doll.” He tells you, not faltering his pace and you extended your legs until they trembled around his waist.

The knocking continued and Bucky took your nipple into his mouth again.

“Bucky, it’s Sam. We need to talk.” The voice spoke and Bucky pulled away from your chest to catch you staring at the door.

“Cover your mouth,” he tells you against your neck.

“What?”

You met his gaze and he curled his fingers inside of your hard until your covered your mouth with your hands.

He resumed sucking at the sensitive nub, quickly pumping his fingers in and out of you and rubbing quick circles on your clit with his thumb.

His metal arm circles your waist to hold you in place when your orgasm hit your like a freight train.

Your body shook and twitched in his arms, tears brimmed in your eyes from the intensity.

You finally went limp in his arms and he slowly set you down. He chuckles when you blink owlishly up at the ceiling.

He fixes your top so everything was covered before pulling you to your feet, sliding your panties and sweatpants up over your legs until they were on your waist.

“You alright, baby?” He wipes your tears away when you nodded.

“Good, because you’re the one that has to answer the door.” He opens the fridge and opens a water bottle for you to drink.

“Why me?”

“Because I have to deal with this,” he motions to his hardening bulge in his jeans and you groaned at the sight.

“Can’t we just tell him to come back another time?” “Sam is as persistent as they come,”

As if on cue, Sam says through the door, “Bucky, come on, man. This is important.”

You take a long swig of your water before turning to open the door when Bucky caught your hand.

He pressed a wet kiss on your lips before pulling away to push you toward the door with a soft pat on your ass.

Sam was about to knock again when you opened the door, much to his surprise.

“Y/N, hey. I was just about to call you.” Sam starts and you opened the door for him to enter.

“Did you hear about what’s been going on?” He asks.

“Yeah, and I’m trying my best to forget about it.” “How have you been holding up, Y/N?” He asks, his eyes softening when you met his gaze.

“The first month was.. devastating but I got through it. Couldn’t have done it with Bucky, honestly.”

“Man, I can’t imagine how you must have felt when it all went down. I’m sorry I didn’t check on you sooner.”

“It’s okay, Sam.” “No, it’s not. We should be keeping an eye on one another. Especially us.” He motions between the two of you.

“I’ll do better,” he adds.

“I assume you’re here because of that wannabe’s press conference?” Bucky retorts as he strolls into the living room.

He changed his complete outfit to a black compression tshirt and grey sweatpants.

You could definitely hear something purring.

“I mean he said he wanted to meet with us on national television so we don’t really have much a choice.” Sam considers and you shrug in response.

“You’ll want to hear what he has to say,” he adds, causing you and Bucky to share a look.

“You’ve met with him too?” Bucky questions. “He showed up at my house with a fairly lengthy file. He needs our help for a mission.” Sam pulls out the file from under his jacket and set it on the table.

“And you want to help him? The wannabe?” Bucky says in disbelief. “Look, I don’t like him as much you do. But this puts an entire city in danger if we don’t help,” Sam explains.

“If I agree to this, Y/N stays out of this. I’m not putting her in danger.”

“This is an all-hands-on-deck situation, Bucky.”

“I don’t care. Not her. She’s getting as far away from this as possible.” “I think Y/N can speak for herself,” Sam states.

“Let me see that file,” Sam hands you the file in your outstretched hand and your eyes scanned over the material.

“Steve told me to take care of her,” Bucky tells Sam. “And did that include falling for her?”

And the silence was deafening.

TAGLIST:

@mostlymarvelgirl

@babezawa

@torntaltos

@railmesebstan

[pikahlua]

so, yes bakugou no kacchan is stg I'm forever gonna be shuddering, silently sobbing abt when I'm alone, but,,, could we pick at nidaime's name too?

so I hope I got the kanji right for Kudou which is Ku + Dou = 駆 + 藤

the first kanji combines the radicals for horse + goods, meaning "ride, drive" and the second kanji combines the radical for plants + kanji for wisteria/climbing plants, right?

🥹 "wisteria rider" sounds very magical girl ngl im into it!! but I feel like there should be more nuAnCe :0

So, for 藤 its JP/Kun readings are mainly the ones rererring to climbing plants/wisteria, but its CN/On reading tou/dou seem to be used in another common word 葛藤 Ka(t)tou meaning discord, conflict, complication etc (do u see what I'm getting at lol)

So my angle is, could we maybe interpret nidaime's name "kudou" as "driving/driver of conflict/complication/entanglement" (accounting for its "kattou" usage for "tou"s meaning essentially) since he canonically made yoichi and afo's brocon problems and other business also the business of the entire world - "entangling" others, "complicating" the situation, etc etc etc

Anyway I'm v illiterate rn but I hope you got what I mean nonetheless sorry to impose upon you pika ❤️‍🩹

I'm kinda more pumped for "driver of conflict/complication" rather than "wisteria rider" if that could also be like a valid angle to interpret his name 🥹🥹 it'd be real cool since it makes me think of the name Loki, which also rerences "loops, tangling, locks, etc" and he's also a fogure associated with "driving conflict, discord, complications" 🫣

or am I just insane tbf that's also a perfectly valid angle-

Don't stop there! You can actually tie the "complication/entanglement" and "wisteria" meanings together! Wisteria is a twinning vine that has interesting symbolism in Japan. Apparently it features notably in a famous kabuki play about a woman enduring the hardship of an unrequited love, and thus the wisteria is a symbol of "victory over hardship."

But do note that the "drive" meaning for 駆 is not "driver" like an agent--it's more in the sense of "drive a car, race." The kanji is part of his name as a direct pun on Gear Shift. Because we can't not have puns on their quirks, let's be real.

[mountrainiernps]

Spring has sprung and our minds start to linger on …. snow.

Spring can be a great time to snowshoe, ski or snowboard. The light lasts longer and days are warming up. You can slather on the sunblock and head out for adventure from Paradise.

But before you leave the parking lot, can we take a moment of your time?

As the temperatures rise and solar increases, the snow pack is going through some changes. The warming temps can lead to risk from avalanches.

Most of the time, we think of avalanche danger as something after snowstorms, but it’s also in the spring. Wet slab and wet loose avalanches can and do occur on the slopes of our mountain.

So before you leave the parking lot, take one last second to research the latest weather and avalanche conditions. The hard working folks at Northwest Avalanche Center have tons of great intel on their website. Check your gear. Is your beacon on and have good power? Are you shovel and probe in good working condition? Do you have the latest info?

Great. Have a wonderful time on your mountain and tell us all about it when you get back.

Park information on winter safety can be found here https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/winter-safety.htm  Information on the 10 Essentials can be found on this website https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm  Northwest Avalanche Center is at Home - Northwest Avalanche Center (nwac.us)

These photos are from years past and do not reflect current conditions. NPS Climbing Ranger Photo. Wet slab avalanche started below Anvil Rock running down to Cowlitz Glacier. 6/24/2022. NPS Climbing Range Photo. Wet loose avalanche in Glacier Basin. 6/2022.

[unusuallysized-sfw]

Borrower Core Idea Dump #3

Plant or Patchwork based clothing

Sugar Cube Empire/Trading Ring

Woodlice "pets"

ziplines across the house via simple ethernet cables for internet

old alluminum cans repurposed for metal scrap

Leaving post it notes for the Biggos

Doorways made out of broken outlets

Elaborate Hotwheels track (for fun)

old Ashtray? hottub!

artist borrower who stole the missing crayons

an elaborate pillowfort made of lost socks

nintendo ds and switch carts as paintings/art

lego figures repurposed as manequins

old keys used as saws

matchbox beds

thumbtacks used as climbing gear

gba video cartoons (movie night without a phone)

coaster based bridges/wallarts

doll clothes nuff said

pincushion beanbag chair

cool rocks you found as "houseplants"

maps etched on scraps of paper

buncha confetti glued together for blinds or carpet.

rubber eraser as a mattress or sofa

series of straws used as eavestrough to catch rainwater

bug ranch

nuts n seeds and other essentials stored in ring boxes

old ipod nano as a stereo

spider silk clothes!

[criminalmindswhore]

Dark Pieces of Me pt.3

Trying to crank these out while the creative juices are flowing teehee. Name another series that gets updated this fast... I'm waiting.

If you want another part to this please let me know! I’ll make a final update about the after-effects if you so please.

Part 1 | Part 2

As you slipped in through a window, you could hear voices. Henry's rang out, "I don't care if she's injured, she's not dead. She will find a way with a broken shoulder to kill us all." You smirked, damn right. You climbed up a post and into the rafters, moving in silence. Your gun drawn, silencer on. AK slung across your back, flash grenade in hand. Tip-toeing through the rafters you could see lights coming your way. You needed to end this quickly before the team arrived. As you crept above an open room you saw your worst fear, a bomb. Fuck. You threw the flash grenade stunning everyone in the room, shooting with expert aim to take out the 10 men gearing the bomb. You stood still for a moment, waiting to see if anyone would notice. No one did. A pang of pain shot through your arm and you willed it away, adrenaline kicking in. You continued forward looking for Henry, and a glimmer of metal caught your eye, his wheelchair, you moved expertly just like you were trained. You could've easily taken him and the other 10 men around him out from where you were but, that wouldn't be so fun. You crept backwards finding a hidden spot to climb down.

Once your Converse hit the ground you were ready for essentially, the fight of your life. You let yourself think about Emily and the team one more time before charging around the corner, taking out 2 of the 10 men. Henry immediately attempted to flee but with one shot to his left hand, he was stuck. The other men guarding him returned fire only for you to dodge their bullets like something from a superhero movie. As you took down the rest of his guards, Henry was left alone in his chair. You made your way over to him, kicking guns away from the downed and putting a bullet in their heads, blood spraying over your face and body. Henry turned to face you, gun drawn. "Hello Samatha Jones, or should I say, Y/N Y/L/N?" You chuckled, "Henry, how's the operation going?" As you aimed your gun at him he shot you in the stomach, but this was not your first rodeo. As you hit the ground in searing pain and unzipped your jacket to reveal a bulletproof vest, you heard Hotch, "FBI drop your weapon." Henry shot at the team. You jumped up from the ground aiming your weapon at him, "Henry this ends now." You took a shot at this right hand, making him drop his gun. You walked up to him, taking his face in your left hand, aiming with your right, "You end now." JJ and Reid looked at the each other. “She has never shot this accurately.” Reid pointed out.

"Y/N, don't do it," Emily yelled after you. Your anger and rage towards Henry was louder than her voice. You went to take the shot but you heard her scream, "Y/N Y/L/N, so help me god do not take that shot." You were jolted by the sternness in her voice, and before you could tune it out to finish the job, a hand swiped your gun from you. Morgan shoved you backward. All of a sudden everything was ringing in your ears, the sirens, the voices, the clinking of handcuffs. You looked around noticing the fear in your team's faces. Reid nearing tears. You couldn't do this to them, you were showing them all the dark pieces of you. It was too late, they would never see you the same knowing you put a bullet in a child's chest. On the other hand, you really needed surgery for your shoulder. You stormed past the team, earning a "Y/N?" from JJ.

You booked it straight to an ambulance, ordering the EMT's to take you right away. You hopped on the gurney and they closed the doors, Emily came running after you calling your name as the doors shut. You were pushing her away still, he was in custody, and you had no reason to run. She opened the door, and jumped in closing the door behind her. “Emily get out.” Your voice was hoarse and tired. There was a certain venom in your voice that almost sent Emily running. Emily sat down, “No. You don’t get to be alone right now. I know where your head is at. You are not leaving us, me. I am staying here.” You went silent, still not looking at her. When you arrived at the hospital you still haven’t said a word or looked at her. The EMT’s rolled you in, doctors checked you over and Emily never left your side. Refused to actually. “Thank you doctors.” Emily smiled at the doctor as she left. She turned to you, laying there emotionless, not a single word was spoken between you two. “Okay Y/N, you ready for surgery?” No answer. “Give us a second?” Emily gave her a pleading look, the doctor nodded and stepped right outside the door. Emily turned to you, “You are going to stop this right now. Get it together. You are stronger than this. You need this surgery and you know it. You know I am not going to leave. Accept that.” You never looked at her. She sat on the edge of the bed, and laid a hand on your knee, you flinched. “Y/N/N, I just want you let me in. I know this feeling, out of everyone, I understand. I’ll see you after surgery.”

When you woke up from surgery everything felt different. You felt better like you slipped out of the spy mindset. You still felt scared, but you weren’t ready to run. Emily didn’t know that so she immediately jumped up and grabbed your hand. “Hey.” Her voice was softer than before, sweeter. “Don’t move, okay?” You nodded gently, “Emily, I’m sorry.” Tears came rushing from your eyes. “Emily I’m so sorry, I can’t believe I did this to - to all of you. I ran, I fucked up Em.” A sob escaped your mouth and Emily was quick to abandon her seat and sit in your lap. “Shhh. It’s okay.” She grabbed both of your hands and tried her best to calm you down. Eventually, you did. Your head against her chest, her hands on your face. At this point, Emily was also crying. “We will get past th- you will get through this,” Emily reassured you. You picked your head up, immediately feeling guilty for making her cry. Your not-injured hand quick to her face to wipe away the tears. “Em I’m so sorry, I made you cry.” Emily took your hand from her face and held it. “Hey, it’s okay sweet girl.” She smiled. “Y/N don’t ever leave me again. Ever.” Emily smiled as more tears came rolling down her face and landed on your hands. “I promise Em.” She pressed the sweetest kiss on your lips, finally sealing what was unspoken. You pulled away, from her smiling, “Does this mean we’re together?” Emily nodded against your forehead. You laughed together, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “My sweet Em.”

[lifeofpriya]

Could you write ,,giving you a massage,, with Jack please?

we're getting close to the finish line, y'all! we got a few more from the jack weekend 👍🏼

Cozy Night In

wc: 2.1k

You stand in the doorway, watching the rain tap dance on the cobblestone street. The sound is rhythmic, almost soothing. Inside, the scent of rosemary and thyme fills the air from the simmering pot of stew on the stove. You've been waiting for Jack to come back from his grueling practice. His footsteps echo through the hall, a familiar pattern of exhaustion and accomplishment.

Jack enters the room, his face a canvas of sweat and determination. His eyes lock onto yours, a silent plea for relief from the ache in his back. You nod, understanding his unspoken request. He's been pushing himself harder than ever lately, striving to climb the ranks in the tennis world. The towel slung around his neck is a stark contrast to the vibrant hazel of his eyes, which seem to have lost some of their usual sparkle.

"How was it today?" you ask, keeping your voice low, not wanting to shatter the quiet solitude that follows his intense sessions.

Jack's smile is weary but sincere. "Tough," he says, his shoulders dropping with the weight of his gear. "Trot had me running drills, really working on my backhand."

You guide him to the couch, gently taking his bag. "Let me help with that," you offer, placing it aside. His eyes light up in appreciation as he sighs, feeling the warmth of the room embrace him. The crackling fireplace adds a soft glow to the space, casting shadows that dance on the walls.

Jack winces as he lowers himself onto the plush cushions. His muscles are tight, a testament to the hours spent on the court. You move closer, your fingertips grazing his damp hair. "Where does it hurt?"

"Everywhere," he groans with a chuckle, "but mostly here." He points to a spot between his shoulder blades. You nod, knowing this is a common complaint after a day of relentless training.

"Dinner is almost ready," you say, moving to the kitchen, "but afterwards, I'll give you a proper massage."

Jack nods gratefully, his eyes closing as he inhales the savory aroma of the stew. The anticipation of relief is almost palpable. As you stir the pot, you consider the array of essential oils you have waiting. The calming scent of lavender might help him unwind, or perhaps the invigorating scent of peppermint to soothe the muscles.

Dinner is a quiet affair, the crackling fire and occasional clink of silverware against ceramic the only sounds breaking the silence. You both savor the meal, Jack devouring the stew with a hunger that comes from pushing his body to its limits. His eyes never leave yours, filled with gratitude for the simple comforts of home.

After dinner, you lead Jack to your shared bedroom, dimming the lights to create a serene atmosphere. "I'll go get the massage oil," you murmured under your breath, "just get comfortable."

Jack nodded his head and discarded his damp shirt, revealing the tapestry of muscles beneath. He laid face down on the bed, the sheets cool against his flushed skin. The room was bathed in a soft, golden light from the bedside lamp, casting a warm glow across the space.

You return with a bottle of almond-scented massage oil, the cap already loosened. You warm a generous amount in your palms, feeling the slickness of it as you rub them together. The scent fills the air, mixing with the faint remnants of his sweat and the lingering aroma of dinner.

"This might be cold," you warn, placing your hands on his back. His skin jumps at the sudden chill, but he relaxes almost immediately as you begin to work the oil into his muscles. Your thumbs press into the knots, applying firm, even pressure. You can feel the tension in his body start to dissolve, like sand slipping through your fingers.

You start at the base of his neck, working in slow, circular motions. His breathing deepens, and his body sags into the mattress. With each stroke, you feel the tautness of his muscles give way to your touch. You've learned his body's language over the months you've been together, the silent cues that indicate pain or pleasure, the spots that need extra attention.

The rain outside has turned into a gentle patter, the rhythm of the drops a soothing backdrop to the focused quiet of the room. You move down to his shoulders, applying more pressure, feeling the knots protest before they loosen. Jack lets out a sigh that's part relief, part contentment.

You glide your hands down his spine, spreading the warmth of the oil and your touch along the way. His breath hitches when you hit a particularly tight spot, but he remains still, trusting in your ability to bring him relief. Your thumbs dig in, kneading the tight muscles until they start to unravel. His skin is slick with the oil, making it easier to glide over the contours of his back.

As you work, Jack's breathing evens out, his body melting into the bed. The rain outside has become a soothing lullaby, complementing the rhythmic motions of your hands. You switch to long strokes, going from the base of his spine to the tips of his shoulders, feeling the tension dissipate with each pass. His back is a landscape of ridges and valleys, each one telling the story of the day's exertion.

You pause for a moment, taking in the scene. The warm light, the soft sounds of Jack's breathing, the scent of the massage oil blending with the rain-soaked air. It's a moment of quiet intimacy that you cherish, a reminder of why you're here, taking care of him. You resume your ministrations, applying gentle pressure to the small of his back, where the tension often hides.

"Does it hurt anywhere else?" you ask, your voice a soft whisper in the stillness.

Jack mumbles something unintelligible, his body now boneless under your touch. You interpret it as an invitation to continue. You glide your hands over his lower back, feeling the tension coil like a spring beneath your fingertips. With precision, you work on the tight muscles around his spine, the sound of his breathing guiding your movements.

As the minutes tick by, Jack's body relaxes further, the tightness in his muscles giving way to your persistent efforts. His legs twitch slightly, a sign that the tension is slowly seeping out of him. You switch to using your elbows, applying deeper pressure to the muscles along his spine, feeling the knots slowly dissolve.

The rain outside has become a gentle hum, the rhythm of the drops syncing with the rhythm of your movements. You can almost feel the stress of the day being washed away along with the rain. The room is warm and cozy, a cocoon of comfort for the both of you.

Jack's breathing slows, his body fully surrendering to the massage. You know he's close to falling asleep, but you want to ensure every inch of his back is attended to. You move down to his lower back, where the muscles are often the most neglected. Your hands glide over the contours, pressing firmly into the knots that remain. His legs twitch slightly in response, but he doesn't protest.

"Did that hurt, babe?" you ask, pausing as Jack's body tenses for a brief moment.

"A bit," he mumbles, his voice thick with sleep.

You apologize, but he waves it off with a lazy hand. "It's okay," he murmurs, his breathing already evening out again. You decide to be more cautious, using the flats of your palms to soothe the remaining tension in his lower back. The warmth of your hands seeps into his skin, and you can feel the last vestiges of his day's exertion slowly releasing.

As you continue to massage, Jack's body relaxes even further, his breaths deepening into the steady rhythm of sleep. You switch to lighter strokes, not wanting to disturb him. The tension in the room has shifted from one of pain and fatigue to one of peace and contentment. You take a moment to appreciate the feeling of his muscles relaxing beneath your touch, the trust he has in you to care for him.

The room is filled with the comforting scent of the massage oil, mingling with the faint aroma of rain that seeps through the windows. You can hear the distant sound of a car driving by, the wipers a metronome in the night. The warm lights sent softly glowed, sending a flicker of light across Jack's relaxed features. His forehead is smooth, no longer creased with pain.

You take a step back, admiring your handiwork. His body, once a battleground of tension, is now a canvas of tranquility. You gently squeeze his shoulder. "I'm all done now," you murmur.

Jack stirs, his eyes fluttering open. He turns his head to look at you, a sleepy smile gracing his lips. "Thanks," he whispers, his voice hoarse from the exertion of the day.

"You're welcome," you reply, your own smile mirroring his. "How do you feel?"

Jack stretches his arms over his head, arching his back. "So much better," he says, the tension in his voice replaced with a hint of satisfaction. "You have magic hands."

You laugh softly, the sound like a melody in the quiet room. "No magic, just a bit of TLC," you reply, taking the towel you've warmed and placing it over his lower back. The heat seeps into his skin, a gentle warmth that adds to his relaxation.

Jack groans in contentment as the warmth spreads, his eyes closing again. You take the opportunity to admire the defined muscles of his back, the way his body has transformed under the rigorous training regime. Each ridge and curve tells the story of his dedication, his passion for the sport that consumes his life. You feel a swell of pride, knowing that you're part of his support system, the one who helps him recover after each grueling day.

You lean down, placing a gentle kiss on his shoulder blade. "You should get some rest," you murmur, your breath fanning over his skin.

Jack nods, his eyes still closed. "Yeah," he agrees, his voice a rumble of satisfaction. "But don't go anywhere, okay?"

You sit on the edge of the bed, your hand resting on his back, feeling the rise and fall of his breaths. "I'm not going anywhere," you promise, stroking his skin lightly. The rain outside has turned into a steady pitter-patter, the sound of it a gentle lullaby.

Jack's eyes remain closed, his body fully relaxed under the warmth of the towel and your lingering touch. He rolls over onto his side, his eyes fluttering open to meet yours. The exhaustion has lifted, replaced by a softness that makes him look younger than his 22 years. "Thank you," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion.

You lean in closer, your foreheads touching. "It's nothing," you reply, feeling the warmth of his breath against your skin.

Jack's hand reaches up, cupping your cheek. "It's not nothing," he says, his eyes searching yours. "You always know what I need, even when I don't."

You blush, your heart swelling with affection. "It's just what we do for each other," you reply, your voice a whisper.

Jack nods, his eyes never leaving yours. He takes a deep breath, the tension in his body replaced by a newfound ease. "I'm lucky to have you," he says, his voice earnest.

You smile, feeling a warmth spread through your chest. "And I'm lucky to have you too," you reply, your hand resting on his chest. His heart beats steadily beneath your palm, a rhythm that matches the calming patter of the rain.

Jack's grip on your cheek tightens for a moment before he leans in and kisses you, a soft press of his lips that speaks volumes. The kiss is a gentle reminder of the connection you share, the unspoken understanding that goes beyond words.

Breaking away, he pulls you closer, wrapping his arm around your waist. "Stay with me," he whispers, his eyes pleading. You nod, curling up beside him, feeling the warmth of his body against yours. The bed shifts as he gets more comfortable, his arm pulling you tighter against him.

You lay there for a moment, listening to the rain, feeling his heartbeat against your chest. His breathing evens out, and you know he's close to sleep. But before he drifts off, he speaks again, his voice a soft rumble in the quiet. "I love you."

The words hang in the air, warm and tender, wrapping around you like a blanket. You lean in closer, pressing your nose to his neck, inhaling the scent of sweat and shampoo that is uniquely him. "I love you too," you murmur, your voice barely audible.

[half-life-citizen]

In a writing mood, so here is some digby backstory I wrote about

I really hope you enjoy

The bed was warm and comforting, but every adjustment made his skin itch something terrible. Even the lightest touch was too much, and he was not able to sleep.

His bones ached, he was tired and it was late, all the noise outside had quieted to essentially nothing, the only noise was a rhythmic tapping of rain against the roof and windows.

The sound had transported him back in an instant, back to when there was light in the old man's life.

He was young again.

He remembers so much, but so little at the same time, the years blend together and jump decades in an instant, but he was young again.

He remembers the wall of his childhood home, it was white, he remembers sitting with his back against it from the outside watching his father do something in the field nearby, he couldn't remember what.

He remembers the cold floor inside, the bed he slept in could just get a glimpse outside, he would stare at the stars when the night grew long.

He tries not to remember the hunger.

He tries.

He really tries.

He remembers the city, the bustle and sound of creaking wood from carriages moving past as he approached the docks, eager to finally get to his post, a lighthouse just nearby, he remembers the toothy grin of the man who sailed him over, the drink he gave him was strong.

He remembers the small cottage at the bottom, he had enough, but it was a lonely time, he only had to do his job and wait.

He remembers the climbs up to the top, the cranking of gears and the blinding light coming from above him as he walked back down.

He remembers sitting on a rock, feeling the sea breeze blowing against his beard and face as he looked up at the twinkling lights, imagining each one of them a lighthouse of their own, each of them having a keeper, all staring at each other in the dark.

He remembers going back to the mainland, feeling like he'd been an outcast for too long, that his time alone had changed him too much.

He remembers how the world had changed while he was away, The Capital had disappeared, all contact was lost, no reinforcements, no help, no royalty.

He remembers not losing much sleep over that.

He remembers finding a man hiring servants, he decided to get a reference and attempt to apply.

He remembers the faces that would look past him as he poured the wine.

He remembers the nights when he would look out of the window, not being able to sleep, trying to see the stars, but only a glimpse, only a fraction of what he remembers seeing.

He remembers his dear, they had stopped loving each other; but that love, for how brief it was, had led to the birth of a child the both of them truly adored.

He remembers watching him grow up with food on his plate, and light in his eyes.

He remembers seeing him become a person, outgrowing his clothes he remembers buying only months before.

He remembers another night spent looking at the stars, the same gap in the roof on the building across, where he could gaze not in hopelessness, not at the walls around him but at the same pinpricks he’d seen as a boy; thinking about the future he is bringing to his boy every day he stands those hollowed eyed people he worked for.

He remembers seeing the boy he raised become a man, thin stubble on his face, paired with gangly limbs, it reminded The old man of himself when he was younger.

He does not remember the last time he saw his son.

He remembers the trip down, himself and a few others alongside his master, on a boat in a canal, sent down to collect some inheritance.

He remembers the pain every time he shifts in his bed.

The old man's eyes are open, staring outside through the window, but he does not stare at the rain, nor the glowing lights across the city, nor the distant blue glow of the ceiling.

He does not see stars.

But he remembers them.