#CoLS Chapter 8

[ladyhindsight]

The second part of the book begins, and I am already done with the whole quote that starts the part:

I love you as one loves certain dark things — Pablo Neruda, “Sonnet XVII”

Because it isn't even a whole quote, not even a one I can find in this form, and it's not even the whole verse. This erases the whole meaning to fit into this loving certain dark things narrative, especially considering the actual following verse:

I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul.

I also don't know what translation Clare got that from because all I can find is the latter one. ANyway. We continue with Maia and Jordan, and Jordan can go fuck himself:

→ To begin with this, fucking hell. This refers to the ending scene of chapter 4 where Maia has a flashback to trauma Jordan caused.

He pulled her closer. He was shaking. She felt the heat of his strong body against hers as his hands slid down her back. “Maia,” he whispered. He started to lift the hem of her sweater, his fingers gripping the small of her back. His lips moved against hers. “I love you. I never stopped loving you.” You’re mine. You’ll always be mine. Her heart hammering, she jerked away from him, pulling her sweater down. “Jordan — stop.” He looked at her, his expression dazed and worried. “I’m sorry. Was that not any good? I haven’t kissed anyone but you, not since…” He trailed off. She shook her head. “No, it’s just — I can’t.” “All right,” he said. He looked very vulnerable, sitting there, dismay written all over his face. “We don’t have to do anything — ” She groped for words. “It’s just too much.”

And this fucking idiot thinks it's because he might be a bad kisser. Maia has nothing to apologize for, and I'm already sick of this chapter trying to flip this dynamic over to where Maia owns Jordan a goddamn thing.

→ The whole "I don't want to be friends" and Maia acting shocked is stupid because Jordan has come onto Maia plenty of times already that she should know what he actually means. This is all idiotic.

Then die.

This could've been said also by Jace, Simon, or Magnus because all the jokes are tonally and in terms of content always the same. Ha ha, two straight boys kissing. Funny.

We skip to Clary exploring the place Jace has brought her to and rummaging through a wardrobe.

Morgenstern men love heteronormative clothing for women who wear gear meaning also pants.

→ A scene that never happened but would've been a great callback to the previous book if it was written out.

→ Hopefully Clary would remember things that happened just a while back with a visual reminder. Also → "It had been a clear day in early October.."

The last time the box was mentioned was in City of Bones where it is told that the box held "with the medals were one or two photos, a wedding ring, and a single lock of blond hair. Sometimes Jocelyn took the box out and opened it and held the lock of hair very gently in her hands before putting it back and carefully locking the box up again."

Which makes me question whether Clary then knew what the contents of the box actually were since there are no metals or a wedding ring. Which is fine, but what is not fine is that the box goes unmentioned for forever and once it makes an appearance, Clary is suddenly in the know of the contents and the contents themselves differ drastically from what was previously told. Continuity where?

Here Isabelle is an outlet of Clare's bias. Different characters of course can have different opinions and preferences, but because other characters like Lucie also keep talking how brown (hair color) is ordinary and boring and how the writing keeps coming up with ridiculous similes and metaphors for every other eye color/hair color than brown or dark, it's obvious. Even more so when a little later down here Isabelle thinks blue eyes are more interesting than black.

Meaning faerie men possibly far older than her? Shadowhunters who? Who are these Isabelle's sexy ex-dates when none is ever mentioned or makes an appearance and the premise is that the Lightwood kids have grown up pretty secluded in the New York Institute because of their parents' exile?

So Isabelle thinks she would be more interesting if she had blue eyes instead of black ones. Because appearance is what makes to interesting, not your character. Pretty on point for the narrative.

Just call her Jocelyn. You just did.

→ ...and saw Jocelyn looking at her. Jocelyn opened her mouth...

Or if you must, this order makes more sense:

→ ...and saw Clary's mother looking at her. Jocelyn opened her mouth...

→ No need for any of these. This is Isabelle's PoV, we know this is what she can observe.

→ Isabelle rolled her eyes at him and turned around/away etc. Then paragraph division and the description may commence.

Cut back to the Boredom Crew.

Thank you for the clarification. Otherwise I might have confused him to some other shared father??

Jace has not shared that look with anyone ever because the only people with shared secrets and in the know have always been Jace and Clary because the narrative is jealous of Jace having that kind of relationship or bond with anyone else.

Also Clary has not known Jace long enough to say "in a very long time."

→ Is he squinting?

→ No need for this, it's her PoV. Stop overexplaining.

→ Or: "His look was calculating: he was deciding what he was going to allow Jace to do, how much leash to give his "brother."

[stusbunker]

Being friends with the man you've been secretly in love with is hard enough, but he also happens to be your boss. Meet Rockstar Dean, lead singer of Phantom Traveler, an international sensation with multiple platinum albums. As their publicist it's your job to maintain the band's image. But it's been a long year, after losing a founding member to Dean's temper and having to cancel the end of the last tour, you've got your work cut out for you.

What you sell to the record label is a new Dean: rejuvenated from months out of the spotlight, a new romance that hints he's ready to settle down all while still making amazing records. Now, you just need him to agree to it.

Warnings, etc: Slow burn, jealousy, assumed unrequited feelings, mutual pining, mild drug use, smut, lots of baggage with these two, Dean/Bela, past Dean/Jo, guilt, lack of self esteem, finding yourself before you can be ready to love someone else, with more specifics per chapter.

Chapter 1: Intro

Chapter 2: Measure

Chapter 3: Rest

Chapter 4: Bravura

Chapter 5: Fermata

Chapter 6: A Due

Chapter 7: Lontano

Chapter 8: Lilt

Chapter 9: Giocoso

Chapter 10: Cuivré

Chapter 11: Eco

Chapter 12: Hook

Chapter 13: Canto

Chapter 14: Pomposo

Chapter 15: Rubato

Chapter 16: Schleppen

Chapter 17: Trill

Chapter 18: Mordent

Chapter 19: Pizzicato

Chapter 20: Arpeggio

Chapter 21: Dolce

Chapter 22: En Cédant

Chapter 23: Furia

Chapter 24: Espansivo

Chapter 25: Vivace

Chapter 26: Polyphony

Chapter 27: Molto

Chapter 28: Guerriero

Chapter 29: Obbligato

Chapter 30: Larghetto

Chapter 31: Ziehen

Chapter 32: Tronco

Chapter 33: Stornello

Chapter 34: Animato

Chapter 35: Cambiare

Chapter 36: Acciaccato

Chapter 37: Portato

Chapter 38: Patetico

Chapter 39: Lusingando

Chapter 40: Col Legno

Chapter 41: Emporte

Chapter 42: Tutti

Chapter 43: Soutenu

Chapter 44: Unisono

Spotify playlist

Read on AO3

[usafphantom2]

Marines hit operational status with second carrier-capable F35-C unit

Todd SouthJul 31, 2024 at 04:56 PM

A West Coast Marine F-35C Lightning II squadron has achieved initial operational capability.

The Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, hit that key milestone Wednesday, 1st Lt. Madison Walls, wing spokeswoman told Marine Corps Times. The status means a unit can employ, maintain and train on the jet.

The Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, unit conducted its first independent live ordnance operations July 25.

“Initial operational capability is a milestone and achievement in readiness,” said Lt. Col. Michael Fisher, commanding officer of VMFA-311 in a statement. “It’s all on the backs of the Marines out there. What they do in their day-to-day actions is what made this possible.”

The squadron, also known as the Tomcats, flew more than 900 sorties, which equals nearly 1,700 flight hours and another 800 simulator hours and 2,400 maintenance actions to reach initial operational capability, according to a service release.

“The Tomcats have a storied history that includes legends such as Ted Williams and John Glenn, and participation in every major conflict since World War II,” Maj. Gen. James Wellons, commanding general of 3rd MAW, said in the release. “Today’s Marines add another chapter to that legacy with the introduction of the F-35C and fifth-generation capabilities to VMFA-311.”

Marine Corps Cpl. Larry Casas, a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, directs Capt. Joshua G. Falgoust, an F-35C Lightning II pilot. (Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez/Marine Corps)

In 2020, the squadron deactivated its AV-8 Harrier jets and then reactivated in April 2023 with 84 Marines and one F-35, reflecting the Marine Corps’ move to fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The transition has resulted in a gradual reduction in Harriers and F/A-18 Hornets.

The Corps’ two F-35C squadrons, VMFA-311 and VMFA-314, are both stationed at Miramar.

The VMFA-314, or Black Knights, reached initial operational capability in 2020, Marine Corps Times previously reported.

The F-35C is specifically engineered for carrier-based operations, featuring heavier landing gear and enlarged, foldable wings designed to facilitate catapult launches and arrestments on aircraft carriers. The foldable wingtips also facilitate easier storage on the carrier deck.

The “C” variant holds more fuel than other versions of the single-seat jet, with nearly 20,000 pounds of internal fuel capacity for long-range flights.

“The next step for VMFA-311 is full operational capability, attained when VMFA-311 receives its complete inventory of ten F-35C aircraft, projected for fiscal year 2025,” according to the release.

The Marine Corps has used the F-35B for years. The “B” variant, built to use short runways and flat-decked amphibious assault ships, is capable of short take-offs and vertical landings.

Currently, the Corps has eight operational F-35B squadrons and two training squadrons, totaling over 100 F-35B aircraft globally.

Todd South has written about crime, courts, government and the military for multiple publications since 2004 and was named a 2014 Pulitzer finalist for a co-written project on witness intimidation. Todd is a Marine veteran of the Iraq War.

@DefenseNews.com

[levi501ackerman]

Steel Heart Chapter 18:

The Light in the Dark

Hange x Reader Chapter Index Masterlist

Megan's Note: Buckle up for the next two chapters Posted: 8/30/24

Word Count: 4.9k

“How long will it take for Rai to like us?” Your arms were crossed and you were sitting on the floor. You and Hange stared at Rai, who was frozen in the corner of the bedroom. Ever since you and Hange released Rai freely into the bedroom, she has been hiding in the corner. You tried to pick her up and pet her, but she was terrified of your affectionate advances, running away to the other side of the room. Hange told you it was important for Rai to learn to trust you and that she would be frightened for a little while. Rai was still like a statue and you were trying to remain as patient as possible. “Maybe we can feed her?”

“She’ll most likely eat when we’re not around. Poor thing is terrified.”

“Rai . . .” You whispered toward the rabbit. “We’re not going to hurt you. We are going to take care of you . . .”

“We need to show her she can trust us,” Hange poked your cheek, but your focus remained on Rai. Then there was a knock on the door and Hange’s eyes filled with panic. Now Rai, Hange and you were frozen in the room. “W-Who is it?”

“It’s me,” Levi said behind the door. You softly gasped. Levi was against you having a pet bunny and what if he told you to get rid of Rai? You and Hange—mostly Hange—worked so hard to capture Rai. Hange pointed toward the bathroom and mouthed at you to try to chase Rai into the bathroom. You got up and went toward Rai in the corner. Rai dashed away from the corner and went under the bed. You dived onto the floor. Under the bed, you saw the back of Rai dash into the bathroom. You got on your knees and pointed at the bathroom door. You tried to catch your breath and calm down. Then Hange reached for the bathroom door and closed it. When Hange opened the door to the bedroom, Levi had his hands on his hips. He looked skeptically at you and Hange. His eyes were going back and forth between the two of you. “What’s going on here?”

“Hi Levi! What do you need?” Hange gave Levi their best charming smile and he furrowed his eyebrows at seeing you on your knees beside the bed. You hastily stood up and went to Hange’s side.

“What are you two up to?”

“Nothing! What do you need, Levi?” You tried to sound casual. Then, Levi scrunched his nose and looked confused.

“What’s that smell?”

“What smell?” Hange asked.

“I don’t smell anything!” You added. Levi walked past you and Hange, and you moved backward to the front of the bathroom door. “Did you need to talk to us about something?” 

“Your room smells funny . . .” Levi said skeptically.

“That’s rude, Levi!” Hange deflected. “This is Flegel’s home! Why would you say that?!”

“Yeah, Levi! RUDE!” You couldn’t help but butt in. 

“If you have a problem with it, go tell Flegel!” Hange pointed toward the door

“Yeah!” Levi rolled his eyes at your and Hange’s ridiculousness. 

“I came to let you know the knights started making dinner. Flegel had a tub of frozen chicken broth, so they are making a big batch of chicken soup. It will be done in an hour or less . . .”

“Sounds wonderful!” Hange said too loudly and Levi’s eyes darted between the two of you.

“Enough what are you hiding—”

“Levi, I want to learn how to fight!” You pulled on his arm and Levi used his other hand to plug his ear.

“Gosh, you are both loud!”

“I want to learn how to defend myself! Maybe you can teach me a few tricks or I don’t know, just something!”

“Quiet do—”

“You’re just such a good fighter! You’re small and fight people—”

“Okay! Okay! Stop yelling in my ear! Brat!” Levi took his finger out of his ear. “Dinner’s soon!” Levi groaned and walked out of the room. As you closed the door, Levi walked the stairs, grumbling. You couldn’t hold your giggle. Hange burst into giggles, and your heart swelled while you listened to Hange’s contagious laughter. The crow’s feet around their eye sent a jolt of dopamine through your body and the warm color on their smiling lips added to the pleasant view.  The light in the dark. 

“Let’s check on little Rai,” Hange said through a fit of laughter. They opened the door slowly and both of you were expecting Rai to bolt through the doorway. In the corner of the white wall bathroom, under the small porcelain sink, Rai was frightened as usual. Her tan little rabbit body was practically shaking, but she was safe. 

The thought of chicken soup for dinner came to mind. You planned that during dinner, while eating a bowl of soup, you wouldn’t eat the vegetables. Instead, you would let them cool down and then give the vegetables to Rai. Hopefully, Rai will learn to trust you by giving her food. 

“I wish she wasn’t afraid of us. I want her to trust me,” you whispered. 

“Rai and you have a little in common, you know?” Hange whispered and their tone was meaningful. 

“Why . . .?”

“When Levi and I reunited the morning after the battle at the Karanese Headquarters, he told me you had difficulty trusting people.” You kept admiring Rai and there was an uncertain feeling. Hange could sense your thoughts from the look of your face. “It’s not a negative trait, Y/N. Your guard should be up, especially as a Princess.”

“Did he say anything nice about me?”

“That you are a kind-hearted girl. Levi said you are loyal to those who earned your loyalty. He was right.”

“He wanted me to become friends with you.”

“Levi wanted you not to be so clingy to him,” Hange poked your nose. “He felt having another woman’s presence would have helped you feel safer.” 

The light in the dark.

“Hange . . .” You gently snaked your hand into Hange’s. “You are the best person I have ever met.” Then Hange brought your hand to their lips.

It was easy to leave the room without Rai escaping because she was in the bathroom. Hange and you quickly closed the door behind you and then instantly you smelled the warm hearty chicken soup. 

The smell of soup reminded you of your life in Shiganshina. Fairy Godmother Christa would chop carrots, onions, potatoes, and leafy greens. Fairy Godmother Ymir would have been cleaning the dishes and helping Christa with the chicken. You would have been sitting at the table; reading a book and admiring the pictures. On the wooden table there would have been fresh flowers in a vase on top. You used to think it was gross watching Ymir hug Christa from behind and kiss her cheek. But now it was desired. The comfort of being in someone’s arms, safely. 

Chatter from the knights filled Flegel’s home. On the main floor were knights standing and sitting. Their steel armor filled your sight overwhelmingly. You weren’t sure where to walk or sit in the sea of knights. 

“Good evening, Princess Y/N,” a knight pleasantly greeted.

“Good evening, sir,” you softly said.

“Good evening, your Highness,” you noticed the voice came from Franz Kefka. You gave him a small wave. Voices from the knights overwhelmed you and you tried to greet them all back with smiles and eye contact. Eren appeared from the threshold of another room and greeted you and Hange. He led you to another room connecting to the kitchen and there was a long wooden table where knights were sitting. Some were standing against the wall like in the other room, and more were in the kitchen. Flegel’s home was filled with knights. 

“We saved you a seat, Princess Y/N,” Eren motioned to a chair next to Jean and Connie.

“Oh, thank you . . . but is there a chair for Hange?” You leaned closer to Hange, not wanting to leave their side. Then Jean stood up from his chair, offering his place to Hange. 

“It’s alright Jean, I can stand.”

“Sit next to me!” You pleaded, which amused Hange. 

“The light is giving me a headache, anyway. I’m going to lay down,” Jean said, and he left the sea of steel knights. When dinner was ready Levi, Flegel, Daz, and three other knights were helping serve soup bowls throughout the house. Levi was wearing a ridiculous checkered apron over his armor and you couldn’t help but giggle with Hange.

The roasted chicken was tender in the warm broth, and your teeth easily mashed the carrots and peas. You thought that the spinach and celery—that Flegel provided the knights for the soup—would be perfect for Rai. The broth was light and rich and filled your stomach. 

It took a while for all of the knights to get their bowls of soup, and the house started to feel warmer. The soup was like a comforting hug and a healing medicine to rejuvenate the knights after a long day of traveling. The day was losing light, so Flegel started a fire in his fireplace and lit candles in each room. 

After your second bowl, you asked Levi for a third, but to mainly have vegetables in it. You could tell he was satisfied you were going to eat another serving. When Levi handed you the bowl, you thought it was perfect to give to Rai. Hange noticed your sly smile as you sat down and sipped on the rich broth. When Hange nudged you about your mischievous smile, you whispered to Hange your plan to feed Rai the vegetables from the soup. 

Levi took two bowls of soup to the room Jean was in and it was the perfect time to sneak the bowl upstairs. You tugged on Hange’s sleeve and motioned them to follow you. You held your bowl filled with vegetables and tried to subtly leave the room. As you and Hange walked up the stairs, you were giddy at the thought of Rai eating the spinach, celery, peas, and carrots. The thought of Rai hopping into your lap and cuddling with you made your heart swell. You tested the temperature of the vegetables with your fingers and they cooled down enough that you figured Rai’s tiny mouth wouldn’t get burned. Hange passed you on the stairs, reaching the top landing before you. Then they turned around, stuck their tongue out, and used their right hand to make an L on their forehead.

The door squeaked as Hange opened it. Then Hange motioned you to sneak in. You shut the door quickly and Hange went into the bathroom. The bedroom had a slight dirt and grassy odor. Hange gasped from inside the bathroom and you rushed to the doorway. Hange crouched down and pointed at a small cluster of brown little balls. Then, Hange gave you a thumbs up and a large grin. Rai wasn’t in any of the bathroom corners or under the bathtub. Your heart quickened a little, pleading that Rai didn’t escape and that she was somewhere in the bedroom—safe.

“Where is she?” Hange whispered as their eyes darted to all corners of the bedroom. Then they got on their hands and knees and looked under the bed. Rai was against the wall and frozen in place under the bed. “There she is!”

“Rai!!!” You got on your hands and knees, feeling relieved she was safe. Then, you started placing pieces of cooked carrots and spinach under the bed. You expected Rai to hop forward and start nibbling on the food, but she remained terrified against the wall. “Do you want something to eat? I’ll take good care of you!” You placed the bowl under the bed, figuring that giving Rai the choice of when to eat would make her trust you. 

The door to the bed opened, and your heart sank, terrified that Rai would escape the bedroom. Levi stood in the door's frame, and you turned bright red. 

“What is going on in here?! I know you two are up to something!” Levi sternly asked. You looked to Hange, speechless and begging for them to help explain. “Why are you two on the floor?”

“Levi, we could have been changing! Learn to knock!” Hange loudly deflected. Then Levi ducked and looked under the bed. Your heart was racing, knowing Levi could see your new pet bunny. Then he shot both you and Hange a piercing gaze.

“You’re going to tell me that I didn’t see what I just saw,” Levi said, his eyes narrowed in on Hange. A pressure behind your nose began to build and your eyes became glossy. “Why is there a rabbit in Flegel’s home?”

“Her n-name is Rai . . .” you said and felt small. 

“I told you you are not allowed to have a wild rabbit!”  

“Why not Levi?! We worked so hard to catch her! I am not getting rid of Rai!” You shouted back. The thought of Levi capturing Rai and then setting her back into the chilly outside made you yearn to protect her more. You thought that Rai would have a better life inside and away from predators that could hurt her. You thought that Rai having meals provided by you would ensure a healthier and safer life. “Please close the door!”

“Levi, what's the harm in the Princess keeping Rai?”

“We are a guest in Flegel’s home and you think having a wild rabbit is acceptable?!” Then he turned to Hange with a charged expression. “AND YOU?! You’re encouraging her to be entitled?! How long have you two had this rabbit?!” 

“We just caught Rai today!” Hange shrugged nonchalantly. 

“I AM NOT GIVING RAI BACK TO THE WILD!” You screamed.

“YES YOU ARE!”

“NO, WE’RE NOT!” Hange put their hands on you, trying to calm your voice. Suddenly, you felt like you were a young child again. As a child, Fairy Godmother Christa and you fought over wearing shoes to go to the market. You were determined not to wear shoes and Christa was firm that you were a young lady and needed to act like one. Fairy Godmother Ymir wanted the two of you to quit fighting over shoes. She would take Christa’s side initially but wanted you to stop throwing a tantrum. “FLEGEL DOESN’T WANT RABBITS IN HIS GARDEN AND SO I’M HELPING HIM BY KEEPING RAI OUT OF HIS GARDEN!!!”

“BY BRINGING IT INSIDE?!?!”

“HER NAME IS RAI!”

“YOU ARE BEING AN ENTITLED BRAT!”

“SHUT THE DOOR LEVI!” You felt your warm face turn hotter when Flegel appeared behind Levi. He was staring at you and noticed the bowl of vegetables on the floor. A shot of guilt spread through your chest and the shame of your behavior settled in.

“What is going on?” Flegel asked calmly. You couldn’t look him in the eye and looked at the wooden floor through your teary vision. There was a sense that all eyes were on you and everyone was pointing fingers at you. Hange placed a comforting hand on your back.

“Tell him what you did,” Levi’s stern voice towered over you. There was nothing else you could do but own up to your actions. Your chest felt heavy and it felt hard to breathe. The thought of Flegel being angry and losing Rai was difficult to swallow. 

“I . . .” you sniffled. “I captured one of the rabbits in your garden and named her Rai . . .” Then you wiped off the tear rolling down your cheek. Flegel’s sympathetic eyes were a contrast to Levi’s sharp eyes. Flegel was taken back and the four of you didn’t know what to say. You were waiting for Flegel to lay into you like Levi did. “I’m sorry, Flegel. Thank you for letting us stay in your home . . . I just really wanted a rabbit and I know it was wrong of me to bring in my new pet rabbit.”

Hange’s eye was downcasted to the wooden floor and Levi’s eyes ripped you to shreds. Flegel’s dumbfounded expression was staring back at you. A wave of embarrassment flooded your body. 

“Where is the rabbit?” Flegel asked.

“Rai is under the bed . . .”

“Well, uh, rabbits need space to roam freely. But I have a small handheld cage . . . that you can keep Rai in until you reach Mitras Castle.” You gasped at Flegel’s soft words. Then Levi shook his head slowly and you felt like Levi was getting more angry. You felt guilty about getting your way and disobeying Levi.

“Levi . . .?” You begged for his acceptance. He was staring daggers at you and you felt a twist in your chest. You didn’t want to cross Levi and upset him. He had done so much for you. “Please, let me keep Rai. She needs a home and I can give her one . . . and I swear Rai won’t bother you. Please.”

“And where?! Where is Rai going to be when we travel?!” Levi said. “Are you planning on holding her while we’re on horseback?”

“Well, maybe if Flegel gives me the cage, she could be kept on the cart . . . ?” You looked between Flegel and Levi. Then your heart leaped out of your chest. You noticed Rai hopped out from under the bed and you were nervous she would escape out of the room. But instead, she hopped in front of Levi, and your heart skipped a beat about what she would do next. You were nervous Levi would scoop up Rai and set her free outside in the cold. Everyone stared at Rai and then she started sniffing the toe of Levi’s armor. It was the closest you had seen her to a human without jolting away. Rai wouldn’t even come near you and Hange. 

“Awe, Rai likes you, Levi,” Hange laughed and Levi looked down at Rai sniffing him. Then he took a step back and Rai hopped to his feet again.

“WHAT?!” You exclaimed jealously. 

“Look, she’s saying please don’t make me go outside. I want to stay with Princess Y/N.” Hange said in a baby voice. 

“Yeah . . . Yeah! Rai wants to stay with me! She’s begging you, Levi! She’s saying please don’t separate me and my moms!” You said charmingly. Levi took another step back and Rai hopped toward him again. Hange giggled and put their hand over their mouth, trying to stifle their giggles. You crawled closer to Rai and Levi and gently raised a hand to pet Rai. She hopped away from you. “Oh, come on!”

Later, Flegel came to the room with a small hand-held metal cage to keep Rai in. You and Hange chased Rai around the room, trying to put her in the cage. It took a while, and Levi eventually scooped up Rai and put her in the small cage. Then he firmly told you that would be the only time he’d take care of the rabbit. You hugged him and apologized for yelling at him. Levi ruffled your hair and then reluctantly forgave you. 

As daylight ran out, raindrops hit the window, and a large storm was approaching. There was booming thunder in the distance, and Flegel exclaimed he was happy because the crops would have rainwater. The lighting lit up the farm, and the flash illuminated the outside land.

While you stayed in the room with Rai, Hange, Levi, Eren, and Flegel went outside in the rain to check on the horses and ensure they were safe and that the building was locked up. You tried to get Rai to eat by putting the vegetables through the spaces of the cage. Rai was frozen in the cage and too terrified to eat. So you tried to act like you didn’t care by laying on the bed and pretending to read the research journal Hange and their late friend Moblit made. 

You would pretend to read for a little and then glance at Rai and she still didn’t bite into the carrot. You entered the bathroom and tried to act like you left the room, but Rai still didn’t bite into the carrot. You went to the other side of the bed and sat on the floor, out of view. When you peeked over at Rai, she still didn’t bite into the carrot. Then you thought maybe she didn’t like carrots and was an odd bunny. You shoved the spinach and the peas through the cage's opening and hoped Rai would eventually eat. 

A sound of thunder boomed above you and it made your heart flip. Then you realize that Rai was possibly scared of thunder and lightning. You felt frustrated at the idea that Rai was scared of the thunder and lightning and frightened of you. There was no way of comforting her. 

When the bedroom door opened, a soaked Hange walked in, dripping on the wooden floor. Their wet white shirt was sticking to their revealed skin and they were shivering. Hange took off their glasses and then started digging into their bag. The damp shirt stuck against Hange’s body, outlining the curves of their body perfectly and their nipples were poking through the shirt. Hange’s body captivated your gaze and thoughts. Thinking of them taking off their shirt so you could look at the curve of their breasts. The thought of their soft skin against your hands sent a jolt through your body, starting from between your legs. Hange’s biceps and back muscles were visible through the white shirt and you shamelessly didn’t look away.

A knock from the bedroom door pulled you out of your thoughts and Hange turned to open the door. Then the thought of whoever was on the other side seeing Hange’s body through their shirt made you want to hide Hange in the bathroom and open the door yourself. 

“I’ll open it! You’re wet!” You panicked.

“Oh, it’s fine; just Flegel with a towel!” Hange opened the door, and Flegel was drenched. He was drying himself off with a towel and holding towels for Hange.

“I brought one for Princess Y/N, too.”

“Thank you, Flegel. Thank you for helping us with the horses as well,” Hange said, and they wrapped the towel around themselves and held the one meant for you. 

“No problem, Hange. When I wake up in the morning, I will feed them. Get some rest, you two.”

“Thank you, again, for letting us stay here, Flegel.”

“Thank you, Flegel!” You said from behind Hange.

“Good night, you two,” Flegel said and then Hange shut the door gently. Hange went into the bathroom and hung your towel and then they took out their hair tie and started drying their hair. 

The wet white shirt clung to their body and you bit your lip, trying to hide any indication that you were enjoying the view. Hange returned to their bag and searched through it again. The shirt was sticking to the skin of their back, highlighting their muscles. They pulled out another black eyepatch and took off their wet one. Hange’s hair hid the side of their face and they were facing away from you, but you wondered what their injured eye looked like. They dabbed their face with the towel and then Hange put on the dry eyepatch.

“Hange . . . ?” You whispered.

“Y/N . . .”

“How did you lose your eye?” Hange sighed and they stood up and walked into the bathroom. You felt like you overstepped a boundary. You recalled when you asked Levi how Hange had lost their eye and he told you it was personal. Perhaps it was a terrible memory that Hange didn’t want to discuss. Maybe it was not during a fearsome battle with Hange as the last one standing like how you imagined. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to . . .”

“It was a while ago . . .” Hange said as they stood in the bathroom and dried themselves. “It was when I was a young knight in the Scout Regiment. There are not many women who are knights. They typically aren’t respected. Men like to show that they are tougher than a dame. Four men wanted to beat me up and one stabbed me in the eye. So I killed them.”

It was weird to think that Hange was not a commander at one point. The idea that four dumb, egotistical men ganged up on Hange in an attempt to prove they were stronger made you clench your jaw. The thought of anyone trying to hurt Hange made you sick to your stomach. All the knights of Levi’s and Hange’s camp respected Hange.  All the knights did what Hange told them to do, and Levi said that Hange was trustworthy and friendly. Though Levi was Levi, you knew he also respected Hange. 

Anger started to build inside you and you scowled at the ceiling. You sat up on the bed. You imagined yourself and Hange walking down an alley and the four random douchebag men ganging up on you. But before they could hurt Hange or stab them in the eye, you kicked all of them in the balls and then punched them in the neck. You sighed, knowing that, realistically, they would hurt you instantly and you would likely never be able to fight them off. Though you could not turn back time and did not know how to fight, you wanted to protect Hange from that moment.

Thunder boomed loudly, and it sounded like the whole house was shaking. The rain pounded against the window and from above.

“If I were there, I would have tried to fight them,” you said bitterly. 

“Oh yeah?” Hange chuckled. “Little Y/N fighting men twice her size in order to save me? You’re adorable.”

“I know I wouldn’t be able to kill or fight them off, but I would have tried to protect you.” You sat on the edge of the bed facing the bathroom door and Hange. Hange fondly smiled. “This is why I need to learn how to fight. So I can protect you and protect myself. Maybe not kill anyone—I don’t want to ever kill anyone—but just enough to get out of a bad situation . . . you know?”

“I understand, Y/N.” Hange approached you and stood in front of you. You looked up at them from sitting on the bed. “I promise I will always protect you and I can take care of myself.”

“I know that, but when the time comes when I need to protect you. I want to be prepared!”

“Let’s hope that never comes.”

Let’s hope.

Another flash of lightning lit up the room and made Hange’s face glow. It was like the night in Karanese District, where Hange saved your life. The lightning illuminated the guardian angel. You changed your position to sitting on your knees and looked at Hange’s lips. Then you glanced at their boobs through the white shirt and realized Hange probably caught you. Your eyes darted away and you blinked rapidly. 

“Uh . . .”

“You’re so cute and not subtle at all,” Hange whispered. They put their cold hands on your face and used their thumbs to stroke your cheekbones. You placed your hands on Hange’s waist, feeling the drenched white cotton fabric against their skin. Hange leaned into you and you closed your eyes, waiting for their kiss. Their lips were soft against yours and you held onto Hange tightly. Their nose was against your cheek and Hange guided your lips, teaching you how to move them against theirs. Your heart was pounding and heat was rising in your body. You let Hange lead and the ache between your legs made you want more. You broke from Hange's lips and kissed their cheek. As you caught your breath, you took one of your hands from Hange’s waist and placed it on Hange’s boob. The swell of their breast under your hand made you want more and it sent a jolt through you. Hange gently took your wrist and removed your hand from their boob. They rested their forehead against yours like two swans. There was an amused smile on their lips. “No need to rush, my dear . . . I know you are filled with curiosity and want to explore . . .” Hange’s ragged breath was hot on your face. “But let’s take things slow . . .”

“Your body is . . . I can’t keep my eyes off you.”

“You are pretty mesmerizing yourself.” Hange’s brown eye was warm and inviting. You leaned up at Hange and used their shirt to pull them down. You pressed your lips against theirs and whimpered. The thunder boomed outside, masking your whimpers. Hange moved one hand down to your waist, pulling you in. You pulled at Hange’s shirt and placed your hands under their shirt. Their skin was damp and soft. Hange’s chest was heaving against yours and Hange broke the kiss to catch their breath. You placed more kisses on Hange’s cheek, Hange breathed harder and you boldly placed a kiss on their neck. “You’re too tempting . . . let’s stop . . . let’s stop . . . before I . . .” Hange was catching their breath and you leaned your forehead into their shoulder. They held your head and you didn’t want to remove your hands from their waist.

“I . . . I want to learn how to please you.”

“ . . . You’re too adorable,” Hange whispered. “We will learn and explore each other together.” You submissively gazed up at Hange and batted your eyelashes at them. Hange placed their thumb on your lips and felt your soft skin. 

next chapter, Chapter 19: This Action Will Have Consequences

chapter index masterlist

[hollywoodxwhore]

Ours | Chapter 8

Colson x Presley (Original Female Character)

Synopsis: Presley and Colson fell in love accidentally, but they were meant to be. Now that all the obstacles have been removed, they're moving in together in LA. Now, they have all the time in the world for Colson to teach Presley all of the things he knows. This fic is the sequel to Mine, which can be found in my masterlist!

Warnings/Content: Smut (18+), omorashi/piss kink, golden showers, swearing, masturbation, dirty talk, talk of dominant/submissive experiences, literally pure smut and filth I'm so not sorry for this

More angst to come soon!

Presley

Colson and I have been making love. A lot.

I’m not complaining. I love feeling close to him. I love the way I can feel all his love pouring out when we’re together. I’m satisfied every time, don’t get me wrong. It’s just that I want more. 

I think back to the first night we had anal. To the time he made me hold my piss and then let go when we were fucking. The time he dominated me. We were just getting into experimenting when we got engaged and we drifted away from exploring when it happened, falling back into the loving way we used to have sex before. Again, I love it, but Colson has opened a side of me that I didn’t know existed. And I like that side of me. But I’m still timid. I don’t even know where to start with asking Colson to try something new. 

But today, luck is on my side. I’m dropped right into a situation without having to do anything. 

I’m on the couch looking absentmindedly through some emails offering piercing jobs when the door from the garage into the house opens. I perk up. Colson is home later than expected, but to be fair, he did oversleep and had to rush to the studio. I glance at my watch. Colson and I woke up just after eight and it’s 4:30. 

I hop off the couch to greet my fiance in the kitchen. He’s grimacing as he sets his bag and phone down and I frown. “You okay?” I ask. He brushes a kiss to my lips and pushes past me.

“Yeah, just have to piss like you wouldn’t believe,” he says hastily, hurrying to the bathroom. I freeze in my tracks, remembering what we talked about last time. Next time, it’s your turn.

“Col, wait,” I call, hurrying to catch up to him. He’s in the bathroom, pulling himself from his pants as he lifts the toilet lids.

“What?” he asks, looking at me, and there’s a frantic spark in his eyes. He grips himself, squirming, and something about it turns me on.

“I don’t want you to go yet,” I say. My cheeks are flushed but I remind myself not to be embarrassed or scared. Colson is into this. He’s told me multiple times.

Colson winces. “Pres, I didn’t even have time to go when I got up this morning,” he confesses. “I ran to the studio. Had a big ass coffee and haven’t gone.”

My eyes widen. “You haven’t gone since last night?”

Colson shakes his head no and bounces on his heels a little, looking at me pleadingly. I consider for a second, but he looks way too cute, all wiggly and desperate. I smirk and his eyes widen. “Pres–”

“Hold it,” I demand. “Until you can’t.”

Colson actually whines. I’ve never heard him make that sound before and it seems to shock both of us. His cheeks redden and he clears his throat, tucking himself back into his pants. I catch a glimpse of his stomach, swollen and protruding with his need, and he doesn’t button his jeans again. He shifts uncomfortably. 

“It’s not going to take me long,” he says tightly. “So whatever you want to do, we’d better do it in the shower.”

“Oh, come on,” I say, walking closer to him. He’s tense, shaking, and a light sheen of sweat shines on his forehead. “You can hold it, can’t you?”

Colson’s eyes study mine and I can tell he’s thinking. “Pres,” he says through gritted teeth, “I last pissed at midnight when we went to bed. It’s almost five PM now. You do the math.”

He’s a little short with me, his voice taking on a snappy tone, and it’s adorable how close he is to his breaking point. But shit, when I do the math, I start to feel guilty. Midnight was almost 17 hours ago. Jesus Christ. “Col, I’m sorry baby, you can–”

“No.”

I lift a brow. “No?” I question.

Colson’s throat bobs. “No,” he says softly, jaw twitching. “Feels good.” His voice is so quiet I barely hear him. 

“What was that?” I ask with a little grin.

Colson groans, squirming before me. “I said it feels good,” he groans. “It’s that pleasure-pain shit you talked about when you did it.”

“Mm,” I reply, reaching out to cup his cock over his jeans. He hisses, hips twitching forward a little as he hardens just slightly. “Think you can fuck like this?”

“Absolutely not,” Colson croaks. “I have to piss too bad to even get hard.”

“That’s a shame,” I sigh. “Maybe you need to let out a little bit so we can fuck.”

Colson’s blue eyes go wide as he shakes his head. “There’s no way I’d be able to stop,” he admits. 

“Fine,” I say, taking his hand. “Let’s go. But as soon as you’re done, you’re fucking me.”

“Deal,” Colson says, eagerly following me upstairs to our big bathroom. I turn to face him and lift his shirt over his head. My hand slides slowly over his belly and he groans, eyes closing. I slip my hand into his boxer briefs, fingers grazing his cock, and he shivers. “Holy shit,” he croaks. He can’t keep still, circling his hips, jiggling his legs. 

As I lift my hand out of his boxers, I let my palm skim over his belly, and his eyes go huge. “Oh fuck,” he squeaks, arching his back. “We need to hurry.” 

“What’s wrong?” I pout. 

Colson’s eyes close and he shudders, wrapping his hands around my upper arms. He squeezes tightly and groans, entire body trembling. I look down, eyes widening when the front of his jeans darkens with a leak. Shit. He’s right, we need to hurry. 

I help him out of his clothes and then get out of mine, pulling my hair up. He grips his cock and eyes me, arousal darkening his eyes. “Are you gonna let me…” he starts.

I don’t say a word. I keep my eyes on his as I step into the tub and lower onto my knees, sitting on my heels. Colson groans and moves as quickly as he can to the tub, stepping in gingerly. I look up at him as he stands over me. 

Suddenly, he curses, hunching over a little as a small stream spills out, right onto my tits. I go completely still, eyes widening. This is getting real. Holy shit. “Fuck,” Colson says shakily. “You look so good, baby.”

“Cols,” I say quietly, looking up at him. 

His blue eyes are open as he looks right back at me. “Babe?”

“Claim me,” I say.

Colson’s eyes go wide and he moans as he lets go of another stream accidentally. “Fuck, I can’t hold it any longer,” he confesses, sliding his hand to the base of his cock. 

“That’s okay, baby, let it go,” I tell him.

Colson’s teeth worry his bottom lip and his thighs tremble as he tries to let go, but he’s held it for so long now that he can only release little spurts. I know it’s killing him, so I reach out and lay my hand over his belly. He hisses, saying my name urgently, but when I apply gentle pressure, he makes a sound, so raw and unintentional that it shocks me into silence. “Fuuuuck,” he growls as it bursts out of him. 

I stay completely silent, in total awe as he releases a torrent of pent up need all over me. He aims at my chest, at my belly, anywhere he can reach. Within mere seconds, I’m soaked in it. Once he’s not completely wrapped up in desperation, Colson opens his eyes and looks down at me. “Holy fuck, you look so good like that,” he rasps. He’s shaking as he finally lets go, panting. 

I’ve never seen him piss for this long, well over a minute at least. His head falls back and he lets out an almost tortured moan as it tapers off slowly. He shakes himself off and lets out a breath, slumping. “Holy fuck,” he says weakly. As soon as his bladder is empty, his cock starts to fill. Unintentionally, he starts to move his hand up and down his cock.

“Col,” I whimper, wanting him so bad but also wanting to watch him. He can’t help but touch himself, moving his hand a little quicker as he watches me. His stomach and thighs are tense and I can tell by the way his mouth hangs open that he’s already close. Holding it, claiming me, it turned him on like crazy. 

“Baby, fuck, I can’t stop,” he grunts, planting one hand on the shower wall for support. 

“Colson,” I moan, arching my back. “Come all over me, baby.”

“Fuck yes,” Col growls, hips jerking as his orgasm catches him by surprise. He comes hard, on my face, on my tits, on my tongue. I eagerly swallow it down, watching his body as he’s racked with pleasure. “Jesus Christ,” he moans when he’s done, slumping over. 

I swipe his cum off my face and lick it off my fingers. Colson’s cock twitches and he grunts softly, watching me intently. “Touch yourself,” he nearly barks. He sounds almost angry with his desire. I spread my legs and slip my hand between them, finding my pussy already wet for him. “Good girl.” I bite my lip as I circle my clit with my fingers quickly. “Did you like that? Me pissing all over you?” he growls, staring at my hand.

“Yes,” I whine, spreading my legs even more as I rub myself fast. 

“You gonna come for me? Good fucking girl,” Colson groans, dropping to his knees so he can be even closer to me. “God, I can hear how wet you are. You’re fucking perfect, Presley.” I whimper at his praises, hips jerking a little. “Don’t stop. Say my fucking name when you come.”

It doesn’t take more than a few seconds until I’m crying out his name, my head falling back in pleasure as my orgasm makes me tremble. “Holy shit,” I say weakly, finally pulling my hand away. Colson takes my hand and lifts it to his lips, tasting my release on my fingers. I shiver, whimpering as I watch him. He smirks at me and reaches behind me to turn on the shower. 

We wash up quickly and by the time we step out of the shower, Colson is all over me. Our skin is still dripping wet but he can’t help but lift me onto the counter and press between my thighs. “God, you’re so fuckin’ hot,” he growls, teeth gnashing at my lip. I whimper, dizzy with desire, and shove his chest. His eyes are dark as he backs up. I hop down from the counter and walk into the bedroom. 

“Where are you going?” he asks, following me.

I glance at him over my shoulder, looking him up and down. “I wanna ride your dick. Can’t do it like I want to in the bathroom,” I say simply, and I swear, Colson’s eyes nearly go black. I hide a smirk as he crawls onto the bed, settling onto his back. “No, sit up,” I say. He watches me, not usually one to relinquish power, but he seems interested. He does as he’s told and then I climb over him. Immediately, I sink down onto his hard cock, moaning as I do. My brows knit together as the crown settles right against my already swollen g-spot. 

“God damn, baby,” Colson rasps, shifting his hips a little beneath me. I watch him, gripping onto the headboard, and then slowly, I start to rock my hips. Colson groans, letting his head fall back against the headboard with a thump. Big hands curl around my hips but he doesn’t control my movements. 

I bite my lip against a mewl. I love riding him. I love how deep I can feel him, completely impaled by his huge cock. I know it feeds his ego, too, knowing how full he fills me. I like coming on top, too, because I can fall against Colson when I do. 

Colson grabs my hair and yanks me to him, his lips brushing my ear. “Do you have any idea how sexy you looked drenched in my piss?” he purrs. “Did you like it when I claimed you?” 

I whimper, goosebumps covering my skin as my hips jerk a little. I decide suddenly that I really like when Colson is dominant: marking his claim, choking me, spanking me, telling me what to do. It’s all so hot to me. “Y-yes,” I whimper.

“Yeah, I know you did,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to the double x tattoo I got behind my ear when I moved to LA. “Fuck, you’re so perfect for me.”

“Mm, daddy,” I whine, brow scrunched in pleasure as I continue to rock on his dick, abusing my g-spot so perfectly. 

“Fuck, angel,” Colson says tightly, squeezing my ass. “Mind if I take control here?”

“Please,” I squeak out, eyes closed. And then, I’m crying out as Colson grips my ass and bucks up into me, hard and fast. His cock slams into my spot with every hard thrust and I’m almost drooling with how fucking good it feels. “Colson,” I choke out. “Daddy–”

“Good fucking girl,” Colson moans, watching my face as I come undone. “You close for me? Can feel that pussy fuckin’ squeezing me.”

“S-so close, fuck, I’m gonna come, Colson,” I say frantically, digging my nails into his shoulders. 

“All over daddy’s cock, c’mon,” Colson grits out, and with one more slam of his cock, I completely come undone around him, my head going light as I squirt. “Holy fuck,” Col growls, barely waiting until I’m done before flipping me over and drawing my legs around his waist.

I whimper and squirm, sensitive from coming twice already, but it won’t be enough until I see Colson come, too. It’s the best part. So I pry my eyes open and watch as he works himself toward completion. 

“Cols,” I manage, and his eyes pop open. He looks like pure perfection right now, his cheeks ruddy and his hair messy, pupils blown as he fucks into me, desperate to make himself come. “L-love you,” I manage.

“I love you t– uhhh fuck!” Colson cries out, slamming his hips into mine. He jerks and shudders as he lets go inside of me, the most beautiful sounds falling from his pink lips. He’s shaking hard when it’s all over and I’m almost worried I pushed him too far. He collapses on top of me and curses weakly as I stroke his hair.

“You okay, baby?” I ask after a few minutes of quiet. He’s still trembling.

“Yeah. Fuck,” he rasps. “Can’t believe you made me piss my pants.”

“I didn’t!” I insist. “Not fully, at least.”

“That’s a comfort to no one but you,” he says dryly, but he smiles against my skin as he kisses my collarbone. 

“Sorry,” I say sheepishly.

“Nah, you ain’t,” Colson says, and he’s right. I just smile, completely sated, and keep stroking his damp hair. “I’m so getting you back for that.”

“Uh, no,” I protest. “That was payback for you making me pee on you.”

“You loved it,” Colson says cockily.

“I…I…no comment.”

Colson chuckles and we both whimper when his cock twitches inside me. “Alright,” he sighs, slowly dragging himself out of me. I’m so overstimulated that I whine until he’s finally out of me, and then I carefully waddle into the bathroom. Once I’m cleaned up, Colson comes in and lifts the toilet lids.

“Um, didn’t you just piss a gallon on me?” I ask.

Colson shoots me a glare. “Yeah, you fucked up my kidneys. I have to piss again,” he says, but the venom in his voice is barely there. I know how much pleasure he got from that. 

I shrug, leaning against the counter. “Yeah. You hated holding it,” I say casually. “That’s why you came as soon as you got your hand around your dick when you were done.” Colson grunts, gripping the base of his cock as his other hand presses to the wall. His brow is furrowed as he looks at me over his shoulder. “Oh, you must like being punished,” he says in his low, sexy voice, and I shiver. Fuck, will there ever be a moment I don’t want him? “Go away. I can’t focus.”

I snort. “You pissed all over me and you can’t pee in the toilet when I’m right here?”

“Presley!” Colson whines, bending his knees, and I laugh, relenting. I leave the bathroom, closing the door behind me, and crawl back into bed. 

I love when Colson dominates me, but god, I love controlling him just as much.

[pub-lius]

I just wanna say, DUDE. The majority of what I know about amrev comes from your blog. Your in-depth posts literally have me FOAMING AT THE MOUTHH I don't have much time to read longer books due to school but I wanna feed my obsession so do you have any books on the shorter side or some websites/archives I can research/read a bit quicker? If not it's totally fine.

Also off topic but I'm loving "It Began About Dusk" on AO3 <3

OH MY GOD THE FLATTERY‼️‼️‼️ you’re making me blush here anon. im so glad that you find my posts helpful!!! AND IM SO GLAD YOU LIKE MY FICS i have a chapter of it began about dusk in the drafts rn so you’ll get more content soon

now this is a tricky question because im absolutely insane and ive barely ever read short books. right now im reading His Excellency by Joseph J Ellis and i recommend it!! its only around 2-300 pages which is the shortest history book ive got VSJWBW primary sources can be really good to get in book form, things like Common Sense by Thomas Paine, Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior (Washington’s rule book), and Memoir of Lieut. Col. Tench Tilghman, Secretary and aid to Washington are all primary sources i have on my shelf that are short and sweet.

i also have Hercules Mulligan by Micheal J. Obrien which i haven’t read but is VERY small. there is also James Monroe by Gary Hart which is short but i have not finished (i dont even truly remember reading it but i annotated part of it apparently), The Drillmaster of Valley Forge by Paul Lockhart is a little longer than those others, but still isn’t chernow levels of wrong, but i also haven’t read that one. Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger isn’t the most serious history book, but it is pretty good and an easy read.

as for secondary source websites, start with encyclopedias ie Britannica, which post short articles on different historical figures and events that give you the overview. from there im gonna point you to the National Park Service. this is the best thing the US government has ever made for researchers. this is all your battlefields, winter encampments, historical reproductions, and former capitals. also check out private residences turned museums, such as Mount Vernon, Monticello, and Schuyler Mansion. these institutions have an abundance of easily accessible information on more than just the people who lived there.

now the Library of Congress was a good decision on Jefferson’s part, but it can be inaccessible if you don’t know how to use it well because their website is one of my least favorite things about being alive. so instead, i recommend using Founders Online for any primary source regarding the founding fathers or amrev figures. the Washington Papers are filled to the brim with almost everything that went out of headquarters during all 8 years of the war. founders online is the shit

all of these websites i’ve mentioned are free to access, because i do not pay money on any research tools besides books out of spite for late stage capitalism. also any primary source is 100% accessible online. that includes memoirs and court transcripts, which can be very helpful

also i really do recommend watching documentaries and informational videos on the subjects you’re interested in while doing work or other things if you’re someone who does that (ik some people don’t have background noise but im just assuming you’re as neurodivergent as i am) because you can absorb just a little of that information and it being about a subject of interest can make academics seem a little less miserable!

i hope this is helpful and if you have absolutely any further questions, feel free to ask. i know im very privileged to have the time and resources to read long ass books, which is why i very freely share the information i absorb with the public bc i believe education should never be gatekept by anyone. so if you have any questions, im happy to research them for you, or at least point you in the right direction. love ya!!

[dearlexies]

ok, I deleted the other post because god there a lot of typos (don't rely too much on Google translator) sooo i finally plucked up the courage to write a 4433 au, the problem is i had ideas for 8 different aus but i have serious focus and organization issues so i wanted to focus on just 1. Some are just ideas that haven't been written yet, others are already 1 or 2 chapters, others are just the name and a poorly done synopsis. I separated my favorites (and most likely to be made) and I want you to decide which one I should focus on.

1- something started in a getaway car

In this one Jos is forcing Max to have an arranged marriage, but ofc he doesn't want that, so on the day of the wedding Max runs away and ends up getting into Lewis' car, which is cool enough to drive him a long way away. Lewis takes him to a small town and temporarily shelters Max in his house while he is on the run from his father. As the days go by, Max begins to enjoy life away from the city as he slowly falls in love with Lewis and the quiet life he has.

Important information: long-fic, anxiety, past child abuse, single dad Lewis, parental neglect, kinda coffee shop au, found family, probably will be a series with fics of the other drivers.

2- Delicate

This would be after the Vegas GP where Max e Lewis have been in a secret relationship for years until at a party Max ends up drinking too much and ends up making posts on Twitter that imply that he is not straight. his and rbr PR team takes care of this, deleting the posts, paying journalists to not spread this information, and ofc Max says this is just a misunderstanding and that he was hacked, because he wasn't ready to come out. Everything was fine, the dust below and he even thought people had forgotten about it, that is until just as the 2024 season is about to start, pictures of him kissing another man appear. Now the media is on him like hungry sharks, his father is pissed off and is trying to disown him, and all Max wants is Lewis but at the same time he is terrified of dragging him into the madness his life has become, especially knowing everything that the media had done with Lewis over the years, so he tries to pull away and leave him alone even though I know it's not right.

Important information: Long-fic, established relationship, secret relationship, forced coming out, homophobia, anxiety, a little bit of miscommunication, angst with a happy ending, probably a series with fics of others drivers

3- I'm the reporter, baby, you could be the news

Max is a reporter who is covering his first Formula 1 GP, he ends up being responsible for interviewing the drivers who went to the podium and everything was fine until Lewis started looking at him with these lovely eyes, as if were looking at the most beautiful person in the world (like he does in THAT interview) Max doesn't notice at the time because he's so nervous and just trying to do the best he can so he's not really paying attention to Lewis or his answers, but then he comes home and he gets a text from daniel asking if he and lewis were dating and he's super confused because he had never talked to Lewis before, Max asks Daniel where he got the idea and he starts sending out a bunch of twitter posts of people asking who was the reporter and why Lewis was looking at him like that. So he looks at his interview trying to pay more attention to Lewis and he can't deny it, he looks at Max like he's the most beautiful person in the room. When they meet again it's kinda weird, but Max tries to be a little more open in communication and even tries to joke with Lewis about it, and when he flirts and Max blushes the fans go wild and start shipping them and getting really interested in this.

Important information: long-fic, angs/comfort, media being media, stalker (not lewis or max) cyberbullying, past toxic relationship, homophobia

4- We never go out of style

Max is a photographer who gets a last-minute work call to photograph a famous designer's newest collection, he accepts without a second thought, for the money ofc. there he meets a man, who he assumes is one of the models because of his beauty, he's really nice and for some reason is flirting with him?? Max doesn't understand why such a handsome model would be interested in a clumsy photographer like him, but that doesn't stop him from flirting back. While talking with him Max confesses that he didn't like that designer's collection, the model explains the clothing concept, but still Max didn't seem to like it, he looks a little offended but doesn't say anything. When the photo shoot finally ends, Max asks George (who had called him offering the job) why that model was the only one who wasn't being photographed and he reveals that he is not a model but actually the designer Lewis Hamilton. So Max runs over to apologize to him, but of course Lewis still looks a little pissed off. They have a small argument, with Lewis saying that Max has a very close mind for fashion and that he is not able to see the cultural and political messages behind the clothes, Max trying to make a joke (and get them to end this fight on good terms) says that Lewis should teach him about this complex and political world of fashion, and Lewis sees that as a challenge and doesn't think twice before invites Max to the louis vuitton fashion week in Paris.

Important information: long-fic, one bed, slow-burn, mentions of ed, anxiety, past toxic relationship, racism, mentions of transphobia, homophobia

[10piecechickennuggy]

Magic and Secrets, Ch. 8.5 - Christmas Special - Sanji x Witch!OC

WARNING: This chapter is pure fluff and not "canon" to the rest of the fic, but the main story does contain mature content.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own One Piece or the art featured above. This is a fan-created work featuring an original character.

Read Chapter 8 Here

Read Chapter 7 Here

Read Chapter 6 Here

Read Chapter 5 Here

Read Chapter 4 Here

Read Chapter 3 Here

Read Chapter 2 Here

Read Chapter 1 Here

Delicate snowflakes drifted through chilly air, nestling into a glittering sheet aboard the Thousand Sunny. The usually colorful ship was covered in ivory powder; each mast, railing, rooftop, and tangerine tree shone bright white against the endless expanse of blue sea.

“Come on, Vera!” Luffy’s boisterous voice broke through the witch’s thoughts as he ran onto the now covered lawn deck. “Let’s make snow angels!”

The boy flopped onto the floor before getting a response, his arms flailing wildly as he created a haphazard angel. His giggles were contagious, eliciting an eruption of laughter to bubble out of the witch before she joined her captain.

Without a care in the world, the two played like children on a snow day. It wasn’t long before their crewmates joined in their festivities. 

First, they created snowmen. Chopper’s was actually a snow reindeer, its misshapen head adorned with the doctor’s own hat. Usopp had crafted a warrior from the snow, its white shield adorned with a painted slingshot. Franky had somehow crafted a huge replica of himself - where he’d gotten all that snow from, Vera could only guess. Brook’s snow skeleton held a pair of panties, a smile on its boney face.

Wait.

Vera snatched the purple fabric with a scowl, using her magic to transport the article away. “How did you even get those?!” 

“Yo-ho-ho!” The musician held up his hands in mock surrender, inching backwards from the irate woman. “They were in the laundry this morning. But can you really blame me? Such a soft shade of lilac and beautiful handcrafted lace. I couldn’t help myself!”

The witch glared daggers at the skeletal man, debating with herself whether or not to punch him. Would it even hurt him if she did?

Eventually, she sighed and released her clenched fist. “Keep your hands off my underwear!” She shouted before stomping away, leaving Brook to chuckle lightly.

As she marched across the deck, ready to head inside, a snowball flew through the air and narrowly missed her. The white powder sprayed into the sea upon impact with the railing. Vera turned to see who had thrown the thing her way just in time for another to hit her straight in the face.

Vera wiped away the melting snow with gloved hands, her pale skin bright red where it had made contact. She bent down and quickly made a snowball of her own, prepaying to throw. “Whoever did that, you’re dead.”

The group chased each other around Sunny's deck, hurling snowballs at one another. Most missed, but everyone had a joyous time. Laughter and excited shouts filled the air.

A puff of smoke wafted towards the sky as the kitchen’s double doors opened onto the scene. A certain blonde chef emerged with a smile on his face and a tray of steaming beverages in hand. “I made hot cocoa for everyone. I’m sure you’re all col-“

A snowball hurtled towards Sanji, smacking the tray out of his hands. Hot liquid sprayed onto his shirt and pants, melting the snow into a puddle of brown at his feet.

“Goddamnit, Luffy!” The cook yelled, throwing the tray down in annoyance. Metal clanged, causing the broken porcelain to dance for a moment. “I just got this shirt at the last island! Do you know how hard it is to get stains out of silk?!”

Their captain rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. “Sorry, Sanji.”

The blonde’s chest was visible through the stains in his shirt - why he chose to wear such thin fabric during a winter snow flurry was a mystery. Vera took a moment to admire the sculpted muscles of his chest before she shook her head, pushing away her impure thoughts.

Rushing forward, she placed a hand just above the cook’s damp shirt. With a whispered spell, the liquid vanished - a dry and stain free outfit left behind. 

“Oh, Vera!” Sanji’s eyes lit up with hearts, his hands clasped together as he twirled about the girl. “You have my deepest gratitude!” He then fell to his knees, reintroducing his pants to the spilled beverages. “Your kindness is that of a goddess! Allow me to worship at your feet with tokens of my love!”

Vera could only blush, insisting that Sanji’s proclamations were much too grandiose for simply removing a stain from his clothing. Once she’d managed to calm him down enough, the blonde returned to his feet after picking up the now broken mugs and discarded tray.

“Well, if you won’t let me treat you like the magical deity that you are, then please allow me to offer you the first taste of the gingerbread cookies I just finished baking.”

At the promise of sweets, the witch’s face lit up. “That sounds wonderful!” Excitement took hold of her body, exploding outward as she made happy little stomps of her feet upon the snowy deck.

“I want cookies too!” Luffy had joined the pair on the way to the kitchen, his voice winey as he begged for a bit of the aforementioned treats.

“No, Luffy.” Sanji scolded his captain whilst holding open the kitchen’s door for Vera to pass through. “They’re for the Christmas party tonight. I’m only giving Vera one as thanks for helping me out.”

“Aww!” The brunette boy slouched in defeat, his form appearing deflated. “That’s no fair! I’m the captain, so I should get a cookie too!”

“You’re the same idiot who threw a snowball at me!” The cook growled through gritted teeth, the smoke puffing from his cigarette mirroring his ears. “You’ll get plenty of snacks during the party!”

With that, Sanji had entered the kitchen and allowed the door to slam shut, leaving Luffy outside with his remaining nakama.

“He sure is a handful.” Vera spoke with her mouth full, a headless gingerbread man held in calloused fingers. Swallowing, she reached for a glass of milk she’d poured while the two men were bickering.

“How is it?” Sanji smiled at the crumbs which dotted the corners of Vera’s lips as she brought the glass of milk to them.

“Really good.” She nodded to the tray of cookies before her. “They’ll be a hit at the party.”

“Thanks.” The cook moved closer to his companion, her seated position at one of the bartop’s stools causing him to appear taller than usual. 

“Your compliments always mean the world to me.” His voice was soft as he came closer, leaning down to just above her eye level before raising a slender hand towards her face. The blush that overtook Vera’s features was darker than even the chill winter air could have caused as Sanji’s thumb came to rest at the corner of her mouth.

Their skin only met for less than a second, but the sensation was as though bolts of lightning had erupted through her very being. When his thumb retreated, three crumbs of gingerbread clung to the skin. Without a moment's hesitation, Sanji brought the digit to his own lips. He held Vera’s gaze as he took the thumb into his mouth before removing it with a satisfying pop.

“You’re right.” He spoke with a smirk, his tone having become ever so slightly husky in their close proximity. “That was delicious.”

Vera was frozen. She could have died right there and been at peace - the most blissful she’d ever known herself to be. And yet she longed for more. 

Without a word, the witch leaned forward, her head tilting up to mirror his downturned gaze. Sensing her intentions, Sanji moved too - their movements in unison as the pair inched closer together. Smells of tobacco and exotic spices enveloped Vera’s senses, a hypnotic lull bringing her ever closer to her lip’s desire.

“Sanji!” 

Luffy’s voice broke the two from their trance, the pair bolting to attention before their captain. “I can’t wait until the party! Make me a snack!”

The cook erupted into another rant directed at the would-be pirate king, eliciting giggles from behind the witch’s raised hand.

[gorgeousundertow]

First Line Analysis

Rules: post the first lines of up to 10 of your last fics/chapters posted on AO3 or your WIPs and try to draw some conclusions.

Thank you to @ackackh for tagging me! I'm going to go in reverse order to see if I can learn something about the growth of my writing (or maybe the reverse, lol)

10. Richard Winters finished his letter, but hesitated over how to sign it. (From He That Shall Live This Day, and See Old Age)

I'm happy with this. It's short, but it invites the reader in; something is going on in Dick's mind, something he feels uncertain about, and since this is fandom, we already know this character so rarely feels uncertain.

9. Dear Mom & Dad, You'll be glad to know that Officer Candidate School is going to be a lot more pleasant than Basic Training was, or is looks like it so far, anyway. (From From This Day To The Ending of the World)

This one is more challenging, because it's an epistolary story, and, well, I just don't think Dick would be that good a writer. He would be straightforward and a little stiff, which felt true to voice but also frustrating sometimes (which was the joy of that fic). That said, we know he's at OCS, so we know where in the timeline we are, and we know who he meets at OCS, and that's fun too. (It's a little hilarious that these both start with letters. Sensing a theme).

8. Thornton: Thanks for coming in today, Captain Speirs. Speirs: I wasn't aware I had a choice. (From The Berlin Dossier)

Okay, I cheated, because the first lines of this fic are actually from Speirs' OSS file, but this is the first dialogue. This is another story told entirely in found documents, with some OCs. I guess this works okay? It establishes Speirs' cool discomfort with the situation.

7. Brad bought a ticket off of a scalper for way too much money and wondered what the fuck he was doing. (From Serpentine)

I loooooove this first line. It establishes place (well, not Iraq) and Brad never doesn't know what he's doing, so something is clearly going on. Plus it just feels very Brad.

6. Gunnery Sergeant Mike Wynn sat in his humvee and tried to think about what his wife was doing right now. (From Wall of Calm)

I don't love this as much. It establishes place and mood, but it doesn't invite me in the way the last one did.

5. CO. Col. Lt. Billy Turner. West Point. Demands fawning attention. Shouts. 3/10. (From Don't Give it a Hand, Offer it a Soul)

*cries.* Okay, so what this tells me is I need to stop writing epistolary fics. (Just kidding, I never will). But, er, they don't make for the best opening sentences.

4. Brad stood with his back straight and his eyes forward, his hands clasped behind his back in as convincing a position of penitence as he could manage, and tried to remember why he’d decided to become a cop. From The Burden of Tomorrow

At least it's a complete sentence? This isn't my favorite, either, although I guess it does what I needed it to do, which is establish the universe: Brad is a cop.

3. Dick Winters was not a lord, but he wasn’t a servant, either, not precisely. (From an in-process Ever After AU)

Same as above - it's just about establishing the universe. Utilitarian, 4/10

2. Upon reflection, it was stupid to show up for an interview as an office manager for a mid-level law firm in a three-thousand dollar suit. (From an in-process ArthurEames Inception fic)

Yay, back on my game! This is another line I love because whatttttt is going on. (The next line reveals that it is Arthur who has done this, but of course it is, in Inception only Arthur wears clothes worth $3k). It tells us that Arthur has left dreamshare and it's Not Going Very Well, which raises a lot of questions and invites the reader to keep going.

Alfie tucks his spectacles in his vest and frowns at the door; on the other side of it is Tommy Shelby, patiently awaiting his retaliation for being a bloody-minded prick. (From an in-process Tommy Shelby/Alfie Solomons Peaky Blinders fic)

I literally just wrote this ten seconds ago, because this fic is loosely mapped but entirely unwritten. So I didn't spend a lot of time on it, but I wanted to establish the power dynamics right off the bat - because that is what this fic is going to be about. I might play with it...but it's clear that Tommy's in trouble, but he's also still very much Tommy Fucking Shelby. Plus I just love Alfie's spectacles and will talk about them for hours.

My takeaways...judging from a first sentence is hard. First sentences have a lot to do, but so far as I'm concerned their jobs are these:

-ask the reader if they want to read more

-establish whose POV we're in

-establish the universe/what's going on (at least a little bit)

I think I'm consistently good about the last two...and need to work on the first one. :(

Tagging @blood-mocha-latte @mercurygray @nanuk-dain @noneedtoamputate @almost-a-class-act and anyone else who wants to put themself through this painful process

[jinx-on-mars-19xx]

Sin in Snow White Taffeta and Latex

It's a Nice Day for a White Wedding (Part One)

Part of the Yes Daddy Verse

Prequel

Prequel Series: 1 x 2 x 3 x 4 x 5 x 6

Yes Daddy: 1 x 2 x 3 x 4 x 5 x 6 x 7 x 8

Adventures in Toyland: Introduction

1 x 2 x 3 x 4 x 5 x 6 x 7

Dom x Colson (Yungblud x Machine Gun Kelly)

Warnings: Nothing really, sorry guys this chapter is all fluff! Swearing, feminization, drug use, a little grinding and kisses but this is just a happy fluff chapter 🖤 Rating: PG-13

Neither of them had ever been the type to plan things out. No, they were wild at heart and deficient of attention and a little mental at times. Perhaps that was why even though they'd been engaged for over a year and desperate to claim each other in every way possible they still weren't married on paper. They'd made plenty of jokes, the idea of running away to Vegas came up constantly or just going to the court house, but Dom thought Colson wanted something showier and Kells was positive his Dominic wanted to dress up. They were both so terrified of disappointing the other that they never even asked and it just got swept under the rug over and over again. That is until some of their friends took it upon themselves to get the boys absolutely shit faced.

It was interesting because though their friends were around each other frequently they hadn't exactly intermingled, which is why it took so long for any of them to realize the two gave about the same amount of fucks as to how they got hitched, they just wanted to be together. Mod had asked Tom to help him with a video shoot and while editing they'd begun to talk. It didn't take long before they were complaining about their respective boy problems, how their best friend was constantly whining about still just being engaged. For Dom it was sadness and worry over actresses trying to steal his man for arm candy and for Col it was self hatred for not doing right by his bitch but ultimately they found they faced the exact same problem. They needed better friends.

No, they realized neither cared how it happened, they just wanted the end result and it got the two from bitching to calculating to actually setting something up. Of course it would have to start with lots and lots of alcohol.

That's how Dom and Col found themselves three sheets to the wind and window shopping little white chapels under the painfully bright lights of the Strip. They were dressed to the nines though they barely remembered how they got that way and stumbling over themselves. Mod was attempting to be the designated decider and Tom was leading them, his back to the world as he snapped booze soaked memories for when they couldn't recall a thing later. They were all buzzing with excitement and worried at the pain they might cause other people but the wedded pair-to-be had been kidnapped and couldn't change a thing- yet another calculation. They both knew they'd thank their friends for it later. No matter what they said it was a personal experience and they didn't need anyone else watching.

"Daddy look!" The boy slurred, pointing one of his white latex covered fingers at the perfect chapel. It was hot pink and precious with a rock n roll vibe and there was an Elvis impersonator smoking a joint on the steps. It felt like a sign to his liquor addled mind and he jumped happily in his platform ivory creepers.

Col laughed and pulled his lover close, giving him yet another once over. The all white still made him smirk but it was the sluttiest wedding dress he'd ever seen. Honestly it's what he pictured strippers wearing at stag parties. Bone pale fishnet clung to his skin in a long sleeve top, barely covered by a ripped to shreds and safety pinned tee. The tutu was cute though, he had to admit and more than anything he just wanted to bend the punk over and see what panties he picked.

He was dressed much more relaxed but no less on point, a red suit to match his baby's hair and a white button up underneath, with his patent alabaster docs to finish it up. Dom had actually drooled when their friends took the blindfolds off, they'd meant to leave them on until they were in a church but they were both getting too frisky in the car and it was almost impossible to lead them around even with their vision working. "It's perfect doll." He sighed back, trying to pull his princess in for a kiss but his BFF stepped in and yanked the punk away.

"Shit guys, we're literally feet away. You can wait. Come on babe you can walk with me." The rocker tugged at Dom's shiny white palm and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. He got them a few feet in front of the grumbling rapper and whispered- "You look beautiful. Thank you for taking care of him." The kid sniffled, holding back his emotions because he refused to mess up his makeup and while he didn't completely agree with the statement, he could admit they took care of each other. That's what it was all about though wasn't it?

The King impersonator choked on a toke when they stopped in front of him, his brows going high behind his glasses. "Holy sh- Mama!" The man caught himself halfway through cursing and tried to pull his facade back. Kells reached to shake his hand and steal his weed. "What can I do for y'all?"

Colson arched a brow as he took a deep drag, teasingly looking between the chapel and his bride. "Here to buy a car obviously. What do you think?" It wasn't his best sarcastic line, he was a little too drunk but the guy laughed nervously anyway which was good enough for him.

"Play nice luv, it's our wedding night." Dom pouted trying to curl himself around his daddy but Derek pulled him back, grumbling about needing child backpack leashes on them both.

"Oh, awesome!" The Elvis grinned, seemingly giving up on the act. "Come on, I'll give you guys the full package on the house!" He pulled his leather jacket up to reveal a sleeve of music themed tattoos. A few that made them realize he was probably acting so flustered because he was a fan and some that implied he was definitely batting for their team. "Seriously, I'll take care of you. You guys fucking rock! Can I just say..." He started nervously. "I totally called this from your first video!" Kells chuckled and his bride-to-be agreed.

"You're not giving my bitch the full package kid." Colson joked, giving the actor a wink when he blushed and Dom tried to swat him.

"Don't fuck 'is up. You give 'im a 'eart attack who's gonna marry us?"

"Then let's fucking go. Wanna fuck you already." Col whined back, the poor officiate was blushing so hot he was probably sweating. The neon above made him look cherry red.

"Charming. That's exactly wha' a bride wants to 'ear." Dominic rolled his eyes but honestly he was flattered, he always was. He loved how much his daddy needed him. After all, it was just as bad for him. Already he could feel his lace thong a mess of precum and he felt pussy wet as his very soon husband liked to say.

The impersonator led them inside and Mod kept them separate as best he could until they reached the main room and he dragged the rapper away. "Literally two seconds and you'll be back together. Fuck you guys, you're obsessed." He chuckled as the doors shut behind them and Dom was left with his best friend and the camera he hadn't put down.

"You look beautiful." The man smiled, lowering his hand and reaching to fix the singer's veil with the other. It was attached with a cute little tiara, marking him the princess Col called him all the time.

"Yeah?" He asked, his eyes misting and his heart racing in his chest. They didn't need to talk much, they knew each other better than that and Tom was one of the only people the punk could just be quiet with. "Fank you for 'is. Not sure we ever woulda figured it out." He huffed, fidgeting with his skirt.

"No shit." He thought he caught the man sigh but it was so quiet he let him grumble to himself and he laughed when his friend offered his arm. "Someone has to give you to the bastard. Might as well be me."

He could tell Tommy was more emotional than he was letting on, he always was. He was right though, it shouldn't be anyone else. "Course it would be you." Dom beamed. "You kept us together luv." It was true, he knew the photographer had been pulling their puppet strings almost since day one. Tom was the one who told him he had to do the collaboration, he told Colson to go to London when the singer wouldn't answer his phone, he texted the rapper to join them on tour when Dom was feeling too bad about everything, he helped them with their entire relationship really and without him they wouldn't even be in Vegas. "Ain't no one I'd rather 'ave wiv me."

They were so wrapped up in their moment they both startled when the music started up and the door opened. Right inside was a drag queen who looked like a pin-up model and she handed Dom a bouquet of black and red roses before disappearing again. Yeah, this was the perfect place for them. Jade eyes took in the room, four empty pews and a little stage at the front. It was small and kitschy, something akin to an old rock club mixed with a disco and he couldn't help but wonder if they'd let him shoot a video here someday but nothing else mattered when his gaze found his lover. Everything went quiet and he felt himself calmed. It felt like his whole life led to this.

Kells smiled when their eyes met, his fiancé was perfect and he just wanted to get this over with so he could get his boy back to bed where they belonged. Of course he wanted to be married but he didn't care about the showy part all that much, he just wanted to call his bitch his. Derek was next to him, playing an electric guitar he found somewhere and the Elvis was on his other side, still shaking like a leaf.

Dom knew he was supposed to step carefully and slow but he'd never been either of those things and he wasn't about to start. His arm linked with Tom's and his fist gripped the flowers tight and he stomped down the aisle the same way he entered Col's house all that time before. Tom huffed but was smiling so wide, for once his camera laid forgotten around his neck. He could take more pictures after, this he wanted to be present for, not live through a lense. The closer they got the better Dom felt and when he was finally at his partner's side he could only think of one thing to say. "'Ere's me Machine Gun."

Kells felt his eyes burn with unshed tears, fuck his baby knew exactly what would get him. The whole trip he'd been thinking over their relationship and remembering the story of how they'd met. It felt like it all started with that, 'Where's the Machine Gun?' and their night would end with Dom being his Mrs. But first Tom had to actually give the kid away. He held his hand out as the officiant stuttered through the script but he barely heard a word. Everything felt like a blur around him but that boy he loved so much.

"I do." Tom sniffled when asked who gave Dom away and with one last squeeze to his hand and a kiss to his cheek that Colson growled about he let his friend go and handed him over. "Always trusted you with him."

That made the rapper grin and he nodded his thanks but he couldn't take his eyes off his queen. He looked like sin in snow white taffeta and latex and he felt his cock jerk in his too tight crimson pants. Those raven painted lips mouthed 'I love you' but when he moved in for a kiss he was stopped by a flash from Tom's camera.

They were both calmer than they thought possible and unable to look anywhere else but somehow as drunk and needy as they felt they recited everything they were told. When the fan paused and asked if they had their own vows Dom blushed but nodded fast, of course tradition wasn't enough. They hadn't been conventional since the day they were born and they wouldn't start with something so important. For the first time that night the punk felt truly nervous. How could he sum up everything his lover meant to him?

His breath shook and he handed the impersonator his bouquet, curling both his palms in his fiancé's. "I didn't fink I'd ever learn 'ow to love. Wiv 'ow I grew up I fhought… I fhought I weren't worthy. I craved belonging so bad I started a bloody band." He laughed wetly, he couldn't stop the tears anymore. He just hoped his eyeliner held up. "I fink I were in love wiv yas from the moment we first met. You… you give me wha' no one else can. I feel complete wiv yas. You make me feel safe and loved and accepted and… fuck I barely know wha' to say tha' I don't tell ya all the time. You keep me sane. You… you 'elp me love me'self and when I can't do it you do. You the love of me life Colson. You every'fin."

Kells cleared his throat, fighting the lump that threatened to choke him. He didn't want to cry like a bitch but he didn't know if he could help it. His hands shook with pent up emotions and Dom squeezed him tighter, his pillow soft smile and heart eyed stare gave him strength. "I didn't have anything to live for before you stomped into my life and took up all the fucking space. No one shines as bright as you baby, nothing makes me feel as much. All this doesn't matter to me but I'd do anything to make you smile at me like you are right now. When shit gets tough you're what keeps me going. You inspire me every fucking day, and when I need it you kick my ass just right. You ground me when nothing else does and I just… you know I didn't have anything growing up and I thought I couldn't love right… that something was wrong inside me. You showed me my heart bitch. Without you I'm nothing and fuck I just… I just want to start our lives together and have a family with you. You're it babe, you're everything."

Dom didn't know how he made it through all of it without bawling but he stayed mostly composed until their friends produced two simple platinum bands. This whole night had obviously been carefully planned out down to his undergarments even and while maybe they both didn't think they understood love until each other, they knew they had been deeply loved for years. He took the larger one with trembling fingers, glad for the grip of the latex or it would be lost and he slid it carefully on his lover's hand, hearing the two most important words his man would ever say to him. "I do." When the question was turned on him and Colson was trying to work the glove off his hand he couldn't help but giggle.

Col almost growled when his boy slipped the latex between his teeth but he bit down on the fabric and held tight. His hand quivered as he took the ring and slipped it on his baby's finger, the first tear breaking free when his boyfriend repeated those words and he felt it like a brand on his soul. "I do."

They beamed at each other as Elvis finally exclaimed- "You may now kiss the bride." They even laughed at the cornily added "Huba huba, thank ya very much!" but Col was already scrambling to get the veil up and spit the glove out of his mouth. Dom went up on tiptoes as Colson bent down and when their lips met the universe went quiet and warm around them. They swore the world held its breath. They couldn't keep it chaste of course and Dom felt his daddy's touch ghost down his spine before his palms were groping hard at his bare ass and he was pulled flush against him. His lips parted on a gasp and their tongues explored, they knew every inch of each other but somehow it still felt new. Different but so much the same.

They broke apart panting and the four people present clapped, the poor Elvis seemed even more flustered than when they first met but he stuttered out- "May I present for the first time- Mr. And Mrs. Machine Gun?" His voice went up at the end like a question and Kells nodded. Dom giggled and swat playfully at his man's shoulder.

"I'll allow it for tonight but I don't know if I'm taking ya name luv." The boy rolled his eyes and yanked him down closer again. "Guess wha'?"

"What darling?" He hummed back, his voice a drawl as if just being around the actor made him take the accent on. He trailed kisses over the punk's cheek and held him close. He didn't think he'd let him go again all night. If ever.

"You me 'usband." His voice was almost a squeak he was so happy and with the revelation Col's heart skipped a beat. His palms tightened and he lifted as Dom hopped until strong thick thighs were wrapped around his waist.

"Shit you're right. Wife." He purred back, his gaze searching the chapel for somewhere they could hide away for a quickie.

"Mmm, 'usband say it again." Dom's breath hitched, his dick twitching in his too tight white lace thong.

He was so tempted to make a Borat joke but he could feel the bulge pressed against his belly and he was desperate not to ruin the mood. "Wife. Fuck need to find a place to hide for a few so I can make you a momma too." He teased with a wink.

"Guys! Hotel! We got you a fucking hotel not five minutes from here." Mod groaned, hooking his finger in the neck of Colson's jacket. "Tell the nice Elvis thank you and keep it in your pants for just a few more minutes please?"

They giggled together but did as they were told, both shaking hands with the impersonator and drag queen and they promised to tag them if they posted any pictures. It didn't take long but it still felt like eternity until the desert air was on them again and Tom was leading them down the Strip. "We'd ask if you wanted to party but…" Derek trailed off but they were barely paying attention to anything but each other. Colson truly didn't know how he was even walking straight with Dom almost grinding against him.

"Oh we'll party just not with you, no offense. Maybe breakfast?" He shrugged, his voice going thready when his husband started nibbling his ear. "Shit- brunch!" He corrected, his breath coming faster. He could make it though, he knew he could. They'd get to the hotel and spend their first night of wedded bliss buried deep in each other. He knew his words were probably a lie, they may not come out for days and they all knew it. No, it was the first night of the rest of their lives and they planned to spend it exactly as they always hoped to be, part of each other.

Author's Note/Tags: @triplexdoublex @manicpixiedreamb0y @jaxbreaker @hollywoodxwhore @cole-way-iero28 if anyone else wants tagged let me know and if there's anything you want to see between these boys just ask! My anons are always open but I never judge 🖤 This is my first pure story chapter and I meant to keep going but I thought it deserved it's own part. I hope it was still enjoyed and don't worry, the wedding night is still to come!

[yidhraloves]

Info abt This Blog!+Links to the Gabriel x Reader Series:))

>My Wattpad is Yidhraloves, all of my stories are also posted on there, incase the tumblr layout is too confusing/u can’t find a ff chapter you’d like to read

>I don’t edit my ffs and my English punctuation isn’t the best so there will probably be mistakes! Feel free to correct me!

____________

Alt. Gabriel x Reader Series

PARTS 10,11 AND ENDINGS BCS IT DIDNT ALL FIT INTO ONE ^^^

[ladyhindsight]

Of rewritten family relationships, my pure hatred for Alec's storyline, and wandering parabatai runes.

Jace slowly wakes up in the Institute infirmary with Alec and Isabelle by his side. This scene is Clare’s attempt to alleviate responsibility on Jace’s part. This is also a point of realization as to how Clare talks about how Jace and Clary didn’t really have a relationship in this book because Jace was not himself, but Jace hasn’t had a relationship with Alec nor Isabelle since City of Glass. And even then on Alec’s part it was shit.

Not once have Jace and Alec been like this. This could’ve been a point of growing back together after growing apart first if that apart point was ever realized by the narrative.

Jace’s apology comes off as performative and ostensible because 1. What is he even apologizing for 2. Isabelle gives him absolution for all of it anyway 3. He will never be held accountable for any bad decisions that lead to bad shit and circumstances.

Jace shouldn’t apologize for what he was put through, of course. Some responsibility should’ve been recognized far before this, however.

Fuck off. Clare wrote Will and Jem and only then found some sense in Jace and Alec. It is similarly rewriting history as with the whole idea of Jace being gentle with things he loved.

PLACEMENT OF THE PARABATAI RUNES. It is interesting to note that during the introduction to the concept of parabatai it was never told there were runes placed upon the pair. There is barely a mention of them in TMI, and without this one uncertain scene in the epilogue of CoLS, it is never told where Jace has it. (“We never got to finish our conversation, before,” Jace said. “I just wanted to say that you don’t always have to be all right. I asked you to be my parabatai because I needed you, but you’re allowed to need me, too. This”—he indicated his own parabatai rune—) → in CoHF

→ “He raised his sleeve, showing Jocelyn the parabatai rune on his inner forearm.” Alec in City of Fallen Angels, Chapter 6 “No Weapon in This World”

→ “Alec said nothing, but his grip on Jace’s hand tightened. “You don’t need to swear,” he said, and with his free hand touched the parabatai rune near his collarbone. “I know. I can feel it. I don’t feel like I’m missing a part of me anymore.” City of Lost Souls, here in the epilogue

Whose collarbone, though? It’s difficult to infer, because the use of pronouns indicates himself, not Jace. I’ll then go even a step further, because in City of Heavenly Fire Alec’s rune also keeps wandering:

→ “It is good, but what I felt”—Alec put his hand unconsciously over his upper arm, near his parabatai rune—“that isn’t good. Jace isn’t dead,” Chapter 8 “Strength in What Remains”

→ “Alec pushed aside his jacket, shoved down the collar of his shirt, and craned to see the mark on his shoulder. Simon recognized the outlines of the parabatai rune. Alec pressed his fingers to it; they came away smudged with something dark that looked like a smear of ash.” Chapter 8 “Strength in What Remains”

These two parts above are actually like two pages apart and the same scene too….

→ “Alec said, “Isabelle. Come on.” He was holding the shoulder marked by his parabatai rune stiffly.” Chapter 8 “Strength in What Remains”

→ “Alec staggered to his feet, his face dead white except where it was smeared black with soot. He spun, turning his back to Isabelle, shrugging down his gear jacket. “My parabatai rune—can you see it?” Isabelle felt her stomach drop; she thought for a moment she might faint. She grabbed at Alec’s collar, pulled it down, and exhaled a hard breath of relief. “It’s still there.”” Chapter 17 “Burnt Offerings”

How come Alec was able to crane his neck to see the rune before but not in this instance? Shit writing, that’s what.

Anyway, onward we go.

They should’ve actually fought.

Again, fuck off, but also, yay.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN EVEN ALEC??? His brother, bestie, parabatai is lying on the ground seemingly dead and ugh, I guess even Alec made his way theereee

Reminds me of this, but in this case we actually know WHY EVEN ALEC.

Five books and the culmination of character growth is, let’s let Clary do just whatever she wants because she is Clary and everything she does is right. That’s actually more development for Isabelle since she berated Clary for the same thing in City of Glass.

There’s been couple instances where Clary’s character is being praised by others, this just being one of them.

→ Wasn’t City of Glass exactly where Clary’s “personal life” was “considered”?

Sure, but also the literal translation of the name Michael. You know, the Archangel. Also yay, Simon.

→ How do these few moments become minutes, even, when Alec made his way immediately to Magnus

→ I might be tired and not reading this right, but to me this sounds like Alec thinks he deserved to have died (before Magnus) for even a second thinking about what Camille offered. What, dude. No.

Was there some point in the whole of this relationship where Magnus’ behavior somehow promoted intimate trust required to be in a relationship? And now he is somehow surprised that Alec didn’t fully trust or believe him? That Magnus’ secrecy did nothing to show Alec he is necessary and required, not a passing part in Magnus’ life?

→ Yes, do please underline more the fact how young Alec is compared to you. And this makes Magnus look better? This whole book on Alec’s part has been two old-as-fuck adults screwing over a teenager and playing him in their own ways.

→ There must be a way to explain. Well, how about you just say all that? Though Alec not being good with words is consistent with his inner monologue.

And here we have it. How the hell did this relationship have any future? It’s all there, and Magnus is not written taking any responsibility for it (CoHF is the best book out of all six solely for the fact that Alec actually says what needs to be said in it). Alec’s insecurity is of his own to mend and build up, but sheesh.

Apples and oranges, but isn’t it a bit ironic how Alec was the one pressured to come out of closet and tell his family about Magnus only weeks after dating, how the story pretended it was Alec’s choice and not everyone treating him as lesser and talking shit about him for not doing it. Alec is held responsible for this mistake. Where is everyone else’s responsibility for what they did to Alec and how they treated him?

→ But he didn’t try anything? Alec did nothing and took no steps towards that. What he did was meet up with Camille in order to learn things about Magnus Magnus himself was not willing to tell. Camille offered and Alec refused (after even considering it).

→ I find this punishment of thought ridiculous. One can entertain ideas and thoughts and conclude that they could never do this or that. ?? We do this constantly when we ponder ethics or hypothetical situations. Thoughts, feelings, and actions are not the same. Also, why Alec had to think about it? Because the offer was so outrageous he had to take time to realize what the hell? Because he was in with the idea of actually doing it and not thinking about the consequences? Because this type of stuff thrown at his face takes time to chew down? It matters.

→ And why do you think that is? Alec not trusting Magnus while having nothing to trust is somehow all Alec’s fault.

Alec is wrong and does wrong, but this I’m not going to just swallow and take as offered.

But they did talk about how they did like each other?

Isabelle has said it?

Fuck off, Jem. His name is Jace, how many times it needs to be said and by how many people?

→ The Herondales have kept names in the family— what?

→ Clary, Clarissa. Could we hold onto some consistency here?

→ This conversation piece because we needed a TID reference.

You both should be yelled at.

These are some truly profound thoughts.

They aren’t, but I am also so sick of you both being Special, so fuck off.

→ If Alec is half of his soul and Clary is a part of that other half, then how much soul does Jace have for himself? Math question.

→ Great how we’ve somehow arrived to the point where Jace actually seems to care about his family, but also at the same time he is on his own without Clary?

→ He learns quickly.

→ I understand that Jem is obsessed with Tessa and Will’s descendants, but they are their own people whose actions and personality and being has nothing to do with them. Was Jem as obsessed with every Herondale son on the way to Jace?

The book then finally ends with an edgy comeback note from Sebastian. Woowee.

[nerds-yearbook]

The anthology comic All Star Comics 8#, cover date January, 1942, introduced Wonder Woman with her bracelets, magic girdle, and tiara, Paradise Island, Amazonia, Col Darnell, Steve Trevor, Hippolyte, Mala, Amazonian Doctor, and Aphrodite. They were created by William Moulton Marston (one of the creators of the lie detector) and Harry G Peter. In the issue, Dr Mid-Nite and Starman joined the Justice Society of America. ("Justice Society of America: Two New Members Earn Their Spurs, Introduction", "Chapter 1: Dr Mid-Nite", "Interlude", "Chapter 2: Dr Fate", "Chapter 3: The Atom", "Chapter 4: The Sandman", "Chapter 5: Starman", "Chapter 6: Hawkman", "Chapter 7: The Spectre", "Hop Harrigan: Sky Cutups", "Chapter 8: Johnny Thunder", "Justice Society of America: Two New Members Earn Their Spurs, Conclusion", "Wonder Woman: Introducing Wonder Woman")

[nightsidewrestling]

D.U.D.E Part 22 - Just One of Dem Days (Set in 2021)

Note: This is set in a universe where Men VS Women / Intergender matches can happen.

Chapter 1: here Chapter 2: here Chapter 3: here Chapter 4: here Chapter 5: here Chapter 6: here Chapter 7: here Chapter 8: here Chapter 9: here Chapter 10: here Chapter 11: here Chapter 12: here Chapter 13: here Chapter 14: here Chapter 15: here Chapter 16: here Chapter 17: here Chapter 18: here Chapter 19: here Chapter 20: here Chapter 21: here

Tags: @piratewithvigor @tantamount-treason @thedollmaker16 @janetreader

Around 2000 Words. 18+ in places (those chapters will be marked as ‘Mature / sexual content’ just to be safe). Please inform me if you wish to be tagged or untagged from posts. If the text is in italics and orange it’s Kirby’s inner monologue. If the text is coloured but not in italics, it’s either dialogue or a P.O.V change (P.O.V changes will be in bold and translated dialogue will appear in square [ ] brackets), Key below. Quick note on Geia’s text colour: Yes I do know that as Greed she should be in yellow but I decided to colour the men’s dialogue yellow so Geia was changed to be pink like the other women in the story outside of the main 8.

The Main 8: Damo - Bio. Vi - Bio. Billie - Bio. Geia - Bio. Kirby - Bio. Honey - Bio. Eli - Bio. Sara - Bio.

Kirby's P.O.V:

Kirby's uncle Bran spends the night sleeping on the couch, waking up at 10 am, on Saturday the 3rd of September, to the smell of Kirby cooking breakfast.

“Good lord kid, ya oul dear taught ya well.” He yawns, scratching his stubble as he gets up, joining Kirby in the kitchen.

“You still take ya coffee with milk and two sugars, Uncail [Uncle]?” She smiles softly at him, looking up from the pan of bacon and eggs.

“Indeed I do, have ya been cryin’ banphrionsa [princess]?”

“Dhúisigh mé ó nightmare, Tá Eddie fós ina chodladh agus ní raibh mé ag iarraidh é a dhúiseacht. Mar sin, tá [I woke up from a nightmare, Eddie is still asleep and I didn't want to wake him. So, yes].” Kirby nods, her uncle pulls her into a gentle hug, stroking her hair.

“Ya Aintín [Aunt] will be here soon, as will ya col ceathracha [cousins]. Ceart go leor [okay]?”

“Aye [yes].” She whispers, leaving her uncle to finish making breakfast, when she gets a text from her cousin Branwen, Bran’s only daughter.

Kirby goes to the front door, seeing the taxi pull up with her Aunt Meinir and her cousins Mostyn, Darach and Branwen stepping out.

“Don’t panic,” Darach jokes, “We haven’t brought the kids to tire out Aintín fathach [Giant aunt].”

Darach, forever the jokester, married to a lovely German lass.

“Nor have we brought the wives, or Branwen’s hubbie.” Mostyn adds.

Mostyn, Moss, the brawn of the trio. His wife’s a beautiful Native Canadian lady.

“I’ll help you wit’ the twins, banphrionsa dragon [dragon princess].” Branwen smiles softly.

Branwen, the brains, now a McCormick, her husband a half-French half-Irish gent with a mean right hook.

“Get yer butts in there before the house gets cold.” Meinir, Bran’s Wife, scolds her three kids, hugging Kirby gently when she enters the house.

If ever a tornado was named something Welsh, it would be named after her. As her name would suggest via its meaning, she’s tall, slender and beautiful, even at 69.

“Before you ask, this place is rented, and the twins are asleep in the nursery, don’t wake my sons nor my husband. Ed’s a grump in the mornings, and I don’t need the New Yorker being a grump, right now.” Kirby explains, leading the tiny percentage of her family to the kitchen first.

She takes over making breakfast from her Uncle Bran, quickly serving the group up a hearty breakfast, bacon, eggs, toast, beans, all the things her and her family are used to. She even remembers how the group takes their coffee and tea. Bran, coffee, two sugars and a dash of milk. Meinir, tea, black as she cannot have milk. Moss, coffee, one sugar, no milk, strong and sweet. Darach, tea, milky and with two sugars. Branwen, water, not a fan of tea or coffee.

“Holy fuck!” Eddie yelps, nearly falling on his ass when he sees Kirby’s cousins.

“Oh, we should have sat down, Moss.” Darach murmurs as he sips his tea.

“Ya think? I know I’m tall, but you two are tall and broad.” Kirby shakes her head, kissing Eddie’s forehead.

Moss, 6’5”, and Darach, 6’3”, look down at the floor in shame. Their 5’4” sister chuckles as she looks at them.

“And these guys are?” Eddie asks, using Kirby as a shield, having not gotten dressed yet and still in just his rosaries, boxers and a tank-top.

“Ooh, Dara, Kirby married a real New Yorker, maybe a Catholic too?” Moss whispers.

“Eddie, you met my Uncle Bran last night, this is his wife, Meinir, and his kids, my cousins, Mostyn, Darach and Branwen. Consider yourself lucky that they didn’t bring their spouses, or kids, this place would be nearly full.”

“How many kids do you have?” Eddie asks them, a look of total confusion on his face.

“Me and Gen have six, our eldest is eighteen, youngest is three.” Mostyn answers first.

Darach follows his lead, “Myself and Gertie have five, our eldest is fifteen, youngest is also three.”

Branwen is the last to answer, “Me and My hubbie, Faron, have four, Taliesin, Samuel, Rainbow and Quintella.”

“Ooh, Moss, has Eadberht said anything about proposing to his girlfriend yet?” Kirby asks.

“Oh no, he hasn’t said anything about proposing to Nerida, I think he’s a bit scared.”

“Aww, I was looking forward to annoying him about that.”

“Don’t worry, Ker, ya still the baby of the family.” Darach chuckles.

Eddie watches, stunned into silence, as Kirby and her cousins talk back and forth in Irish and Welsh, mentioning name after name, the occasional English word being spoken.

“Eddie, you a’ight?” Kirby asks, gently wrapping her arms around his neck.

He wraps his arms around her waist instinctively, “I have no idea, what any of, what you said for the past ten minutes means.”

“Luckily for you, none of it was important. Me and Branwen are gonna feed the twins, okay?”

“A’ight, Ma, I love ya.” Eddie whispers, kissing her gently before letting her go.

From the nursery, Kirby and Branwen can hear Bran, Moss and Dara questioning Eddie.

“So, what are the kids' names?” Moss asks.

“Emir and Ethan.” Eddie answers confidently.

“No, no,” Dara chuckles, “their full names.”

“Oh fuck,” Eddie’s confidence drops, “Emyr Fah-lawn Peri-der Ariel Moore and Ethan Lore-can Gwin Joel Moore.”

“Pretty decent for a non-Irish speaking ‘Irishman’.” Bran announces his approval, making both of Kirby’s male cousins shut up.

“Kirby,” Branwen whispers, “Say their full names, go.”

Kirby chuckles softly, shaking her head before pronouncing her boys names perfectly, “Emyr Faolán Peredur Ariel Moore and Ethan Lorcán Gwin Joel Moore. There, Branwen, ya happy?”

She nods and chuckles softly as she finishes feeding Emyr, handing him to Kirby. Kirby carries both boys into the kitchen with her. Kirby smirks and shakes her head as she watches Eddie wrestle with his belt.

“Babe, help.” Eddie mouths when he sees her.

Kirby hands the twins to their father and fixes his belt buckle, “How the fuck did you bend the metal of this?”

When Eddie doesn’t answer she looks up at his face, his line of sight directly going to her rear.

“Edward.” She grumbles.

Moss and Dara chuckle softly.

“Sorry, Ma, what?” Eddie’s face goes pink from embarrassment.

“How did you bend the metal of the belt buckle?”

“I don’t know, fuckin’ wit’ it too much?” He shrugs.

“‘Fuckin’ wit’ it too much’?” She mockingly asks, teasing her husband.

“Fucked wit’ you too much, got these two as a result.” He teases back, sticking his tongue out at his wife.

Kirby copies his actions, “Doughboy.” she whispers.

“Doll.” Eddie murmurs.

“Wild Card.”

“Punk Rock Princess.”

“Papi.”

“Ma.”

“Bite me.” She smirks.

“Did ya take ya anxiety meds, and ya iron supplements?”

“Yes, as soon as I woke up.”

“You got any more family showin’ up?”

“Ya might wanna pray, ‘cause I don’t know.” Kirby whispers.

“Take one of the Princes then.”

Kirby takes Ethan from his father, letting Eddie use his rosaries to say a small prayer.

“Hey little guy,” Kirby starts baby-talking to her son when he opens his eyes, his blue eyes staring up at her own, “How’s my little dude doing? Huh, baby boy, how is you doing my love?”

“You’re so cute, Ma.” Eddie murmurs, making Kirby blush a bright pink.

“Sorry, I got a bit lost in my thoughts.”

“I wish I got that on video, I would have watched it over and over.”

“He looked at me, you know I gotta talk to him if he looks at me.”

“I know,” Eddie wraps his free arm around her waist, “I love you, Kirby.”

“I love you too, Eddie… my Edward, my King of Diamonds.”

“My Kirby, my Dragon Princess.” He smirks.

“Did you like last night?” She asks softly.

“If Jon and Renee weren’t there, it would have been perfect.”

“It’s the closest thing to actually being in either a nightclub, or strip club with me.”

“I know, it’s also much more private and personal.” He whispers, kissing her jawline and the scar on her cheek.

“What’s gotten you so affectionate this morning?”

“I guess it’s just one of them days.” He winks.

“Did you go through my music?”

“Yep. You left your ‘Moody’ playlist up.”

“Don’t blame that on me, blame it on Spotify.” She murmurs, sipping her can of decaf coffee.

Eddie grabs a can of Red Bull, and they both head to sit on the couch next to each other. Moss turns the tv on, flicking through the channels until he gets to the sport, putting on a game of Rugby, Ulster v Dragons.

“Why don’t you put on some wrestlin’?” Eddie asks.

“Because,” Kirby sips her coffee, “As a family who runs a wrestling promotion, if we want to watch wrestling, we will watch something from our archives.” She explains.

“How far do the archives go back?”

“Oh jeez… Uncail, how far do our archives go back, with the tapes?”

Kirby’s Uncle Bran steps back inside, holding his cigarette outside of the patio doors, “Our taped archives?”

“Yeah, not the written stuff but the filmed stuff.” Kirby nods.

“I would think back to when Naoise started wrestling, so nineteen-sixty, maybe nineteen-fifty-nine? I would have to check. But it’s somewhere around then.”

“Oh wow,” Eddie mumbles, “That’s a lot of footage.”

“Yeah, most of it’s been digitised now too, so we’ll be able to go back, and use the footage to teach generations ahead.” Bran explains before stepping outside to finish his cigarette.

“Hey Da, can I bum a smoke off ya?” Dara asks as he steps outside.

“Take one of ya sister’s.” Bran grumbles.

“Here, and don’t tell my husband, he thinks I’ve switched to the robot.” Branwen chuckles softly.

“Switched to the robot?” Eddie asks Kirby softly.

“Switched to an electronic cigarette or vape. It’s something that my Uncle Rhod came up with.” She murmurs, engrossed in the rugby game.

“Sweetheart.” Eddie puts his hand on her thigh, getting her attention off the tv.

“Yes, Eddie?”

“You gonna explain what’s goin’ on?”

“With what?”

Eddie gestures towards the tv, “I don’t watch this stuff, you know me, Knicks, Yankees, that kinda stuff I watch.”

“Oh,” She smiles softly, leaning back and keeping Ethan close to her chest, “So you have Ulster, northern Irish, and The Dragons, a Welsh team. Currently The Dragons, the team Moss and Dara will want to win, are beating the asses of Ulster. You know how you have leagues and stuff?”

“Yeah, this works the same?”

“Yep. U.R.C, United Rugby Championship, if The Dragons win, they go on to face Edinburgh or The Sharks, depending on who wins that game.”

“Okay, and who are the Sharks?”

“They’re a South African team.”

“And why don’t you guys support Ulster?”

“Divorce him.” Moss grumbles.

“He’s askin’ why we don’t support Ulster, Moss, nothin’ more.”

“We don’t support ‘em, ‘cause they fuck the British willingly.” Mostyn scoffs

“Jesus, Moss. Right, long story short, we don’t support Ulster ‘cause they’re northern Irish, our ancestry comes from the republic.”

“Oh…” The weight of Moss’ statement dawns on Eddie, “So if I were to support Ulster, your family would hate me?”

“Don’t even mention them by name.” She whispers.

Eddie nods, putting a finger to his lips, indicating that he’ll stay silent. Instead Eddie focuses on Emyr, both him and Kirby watching as his son, Emyr, yawns and opens his eyes. Green eyes meeting green eyes. Son staring up at his father, reaching for his face, or rather the blur that takes up most of Emyr’s vision. Eddie in his ‘I hope you suffer’ tank top and a pair of jeans, timbs on but unlaced, rosaries hidden between his white and black tank-tops. Emyr in a small ‘kiss me I’m Irish’ onesie, a gift from his maternal grandmother, Kirby’s Mam, Oda.

“I hope one day, you’ll grow up to find a woman, or hell, a man, who is as amazing as ya mother, Emyr.” Kingston whispers, kissing his eldest son on the  head.

“Kingy, that has gotta be one of the sweetest things you’ve ever said.” Kirby whispers, receiving a gentle kiss on her cheek scar.

[thetuesdaytapes]

THE TUESDAY TAPES MARTEDÌ 17 GENNAIO 2023 ►► MONTHLY MIXTAPE 1) THE BEATLES > Polythene Pam 2) DON MURO > Want You to Know 3) HUDSON MOHAWKE > Dance Forever 4) FILIPPO TRECCA > Col fiato in gola 5) TEN FÉ > Twist Your Arm (Roman Flügel mix) 6) SLAM vs. U.N.K.L.E. > Narco Tourists (SSR69 edit) 7) JON GIBSON > Song II 8) SLUTA LETA > Whispers Special (intro) 9) MADLIB > Raw Introduction to Afreaka 10) CHUCK ARMSTRONG > Sweet Foxy Lady 11) BRIAN ENO > No One Receiving 12) MINORU FUSHIMI > In Praise of Mithocondria 13) NONA HENDRYX > Scream (Michael the Lion edit) 14) THE KILLS > No Wow (Chicken Lips dub) 15) HEADMAN feat. STEPHEN DEWAELE > Roh 16) BANDULU > Chapter 6 Ascolta su MIXCLOUD Ascolta su SPREAKER Guarda su YOUTUBE

[dfroza]

A link to my personal reading of the Scriptures

for the 29th of August 2024 with a paired chapter from each Testament (the First & the New Covenant) of the Bible

[The Letter of 2nd John, Chapter 1 • The Book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 27]

along with Today’s reading from the ancient books of Proverbs and Psalms with Proverbs 29 and Psalm 29 coinciding with the day of the month, accompanied by Psalm 71 for the 71st day of Astronomical Summer, and Psalm 92 for day 242 of the year (with the consummate book of 150 Psalms in its 2nd revolution this year)

A post by John Parsons:

"Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now take what’s left and live it properly." - Marcus Aurelius (see Col. 3:2-3).

====

We are instructed to look for small miracles, everyday "signs and wonders..." In the Torah we read: “And you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land he has given you.” (Deut. 8:10), which the sages say implies that whenever we derive benefit or enjoyment from something we are to bless (i.e., thank) God for his goodness. Indeed, Jewish tradition says that if one eats or drinks without saying a blessing, it is as if he has stolen from God. From the verse, “What does the LORD ask of you...” (Deut. 10:12), the sages infer that a person should say at least 100 blessings a day, since the word מה, “what,” alludes to the word מאה, a “hundred.” The Hebrew term for gratitude is hakarat tovah (הַכָּרַת טוֹבָה), a phrase that means "recognizing the good." The heart looks through the eye, and therefore how we see is ultimately a spiritual decision: "If your eye is "single" (i.e., ἁπλοῦς, sincere, focused)," Yeshua said, "your whole body will be filled with light" (Matt. 6:22). When we see rightly, we are awakened to God's Presence in the little things of life, those small miracles and glories that constantly surround us. The good eye of faith sees hundreds of reasons to bless God for the precious gift of life (1 Cor. 10:31). Open your eyes... The LORD is "enthroned among the blessings of His people" (Psalm 22:3).

Addictions, cravings, lusts, etc., arise from a refusal to be satisfied, by hungering for more than the blessing of the present moment. "My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water" (Jer. 2:13). The living waters are present for us, but we will only find them if we open our hearts to the wonder of God in this moment. We can "break the spell" of continual dissatisfaction, of the power of greed, ambition, and so on, when we discover that our constant hunger is really a cry for God and His blessing. This is the blessed “hunger and thirst” given by the Spirit (Matt. 5:6). Our sense of inner emptiness is an invitation to come to the waters and drink life. So come to God's table and ask the Lord Yeshua to give you the water that will satisfy your heart's true thirst for life...

It is written: “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack” (Psalm 34:8-9). We can only “taste and see” when we are earnest however, when we seek God with passion... When you pray, lift up your heart and soul to God, asking for the miracle to surrender to Him in the truth. Where it says, "with all your heart" (בְּכָל־לְבָבְךָ), present before him all your passion and desires; your hopes and your needs, your fears and your anger; and where it says, "with all your soul" (וּבְכָל־נַפְשְׁךָ), offer before him your very soul, as if to be sacrificed in his service; and where it says, "with all your muchness" (וּבְכָל־מְאדֶךָ) offer to him all your strength, all your means, and all your dreams. Ask to be filled with the Ruach HaKodesh to be enabled to apprehend the glory of God in the face of the Messiah (בִּפְנֵי הַמָּשִׁיחַ), through whom we are being transformed for the glory of God.

[ Hebrew for Christians ]

========

Psalm 34:8 reading:

Hebrew page:

8.27.24 • Facebook

from Today’s email by Israel365

Today’s message (Days of Praise) from the Institute for Creation Research