#Git Integration

[ritikay]

Git Integration in Microsoft Power Platform enables native version control, bringing robust ALM to low-code development. This allows developers and makers to use Git for source control, collaboration, change tracking, and automated deployments. By connecting Power Platform solutions to Git repositories (e.g., Azure DevOps, GitHub), teams can efficiently manage changes to Power Apps, Power Automate, and Dataverse components, improving collaboration, reducing errors, simplifying rollbacks, and supporting CI/CD for higher quality and more secure solutions.

[ghoulodont]

while i was looking for writing advice (procrastinating) about how to write a first draft and be ok with being bad i saw a related reddit post about how people version their drafts like when do you save a new document etc. and several people said they use git to version control their writing. which ive said before has been my dream for some time but i still think its probably not a good idea. i think having a "rough draft" will be healthy for me. git would allow me to continue continuous delivery as i currently write and i think i need a safe space to be bad if im going to get this off the ground

[windmillcode]

LibTracker Updates 11/25/24: Simplify Dependency Management with this simple SBOM Tool

We are excited to announce the latest updates to *LibTracker*, our VSCode extension designed for professionals to simplify software bill of materials (SBOM) management. With LibTracker, you can effortlessly analyze and manage your apps, ensuring up-to-date versions, addressing security vulnerabilities, and resolving licensing issues—all at a glance.

Access it here: [LibTracker on VSCode Marketplace](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=windmillcode-publisher-0.lib-tracker)

### New Features in the Latest Release:

- **Grouped Paths**: Added the ability to associate multiple apps with a root folder, easing project transfers between computers.

- **App Detail Page**:

  - **Subdependency Information**: View detailed info and license info for subdependencies.

  - Toggle between root and subdependency data to explore license and CVE details.

- **Bulk Group Path Update**:

  - Recursively searches for app basenames within directories. or the exact subPath. Can specify a recusion level

### Upcoming Features:

- **App Detail Page Enhancements**:

  - Integration of CVE details for all subdependencies.

  - Search functionality extended to include nested child rows.

  - Expand and collapse all subtables within rows for streamlined navigation.

  - Responsive design updates to allow a card-based layout for improved usability.

- **Toggle Select All Apps**: Introducing a select-all option on the project detail page.

- **Workspace Folder Management**: Development depends on VSCode API’s ability to support VSCode profiles.

- **SBOM Generation**: Investigating whether to retrieve license and CVE details for every version of each package used in the app.

### Future Milestones (Exploring Feasibility):

- **Git Backup Changes**: Enhancements to streamline version control and backup capabilities.

- **AI-Powered Summaries**: Considering automated generation of license and CVE category summaries.

- **Subdependency Navigation**: Exploring the possibility of linking subdependencies in the license pane to their locations in the dependency table

- **Advanced Table Features** - the current package does not support

  - child row search

  - expand and collapse all subtables in a given row

  - responsiveness (remove columns or using cards at a certain viewport)

[elmardott]

https://elmar-dott.com/articles/bottleneck-pull-requests/

[intelliatech]

Top 10 ChatGPT Prompts For Software Developers

ChatGPT can do a lot more than just code creation and this blog post is going to be all about that. We have curated a list of ChatGPT prompts that will help software developers with their everyday tasks. ChatGPT can respond to questions and can compose codes making it a very helpful tool for software engineers.

While this AI tool can help developers with the entire SDLC (Software Development Lifecycle), it is important to understand how to use the prompts effectively for different needs.

Prompt engineering gives users accurate results. Since ChatGPT accepts prompts, we receive more precise answers. But a lot depends on how these prompts are formulated. 

To Get The Best Out Of ChatGPT, Your Prompts Should Be:

Clear and well-defined. The more detailed your prompts, the better suggestions you will receive from ChatGPT.

Specify the functionality and programming language. Not specifying what you exactly need might not give you the desired results.

Phrase your prompts in a natural language, as if asking someone for help. This will make ChatGPT understand your problem better and give more relevant outputs.

Avoid unnecessary information and ambiguity. Keep it not only to the point but also inclusive of all important details.

Top ChatGPT Prompts For Software Developers

Let’s quickly have a look at some of the best ChatGPT prompts to assist you with various stages of your Software development lifecycle.

1. For Practicing SQL Commands;

2. For Becoming A Programming Language Interpreter;

3. For Creating Regular Expressions Since They Help In Managing, Locating, And Matching Text.

4. For Generating Architectural Diagrams For Your Software Requirements.

Prompt Examples: I want you to act as a Graphviz DOT generator, an expert to create meaningful diagrams. The diagram should have at least n nodes (I specify n in my input by writing [n], 10 being the default value) and to be an accurate and complex representation of the given input. Each node is indexed by a number to reduce the size of the output, should not include any styling, and with layout=neato, overlap=false, node [shape=rectangle] as parameters. The code should be valid, bugless and returned on a single line, without any explanation. Provide a clear and organized diagram, the relationships between the nodes have to make sense for an expert of that input. My first diagram is: “The water cycle [8]”.  

5. For Solving Git Problems And Getting Guidance On Overcoming Them.

Prompt Examples: “Explain how to resolve this Git merge conflict: [conflict details].” 6. For Code generation- ChatGPT can help generate a code based on descriptions given by you. It can write pieces of codes based on the requirements given in the input. Prompt Examples: -Write a program/function to {explain functionality} in {programming language} -Create a code snippet for checking if a file exists in Python. -Create a function that merges two lists into a dictionary in JavaScript.  

7. For Code Review And Debugging: ChatGPT Can Review Your Code Snippet And Also Share Bugs.

Prompt Examples: -Here’s a C# code snippet. The function is supposed to return the maximum value from the given list, but it’s not returning the expected output. Can you identify the problem? [Enter your code here] -Can you help me debug this error message from my C# program: [error message] -Help me debug this Python script that processes a list of objects and suggests possible fixes. [Enter your code here]

8. For Knowing The Coding Best Practices And Principles: It Is Very Important To Be Updated With Industry’s Best Practices In Coding. This Helps To Maintain The Codebase When The Organization Grows.

Prompt Examples: -What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing code? -What are the best practices for security testing? -Show me best practices for writing {concept or function} in {programming language}.  

9. For Code Optimization: ChatGPT Can Help Optimize The Code And Enhance Its Readability And Performance To Make It Look More Efficient.

Prompt Examples: -Optimize the following {programming language} code which {explain the functioning}: {code snippet} -Suggest improvements to optimize this C# function: [code snippet] -What are some strategies for reducing memory usage and optimizing data structures? 

10. For Creating Boilerplate Code: ChatGPT Can Help In Boilerplate Code Generation.

Prompt Examples: -Create a basic Java Spring Boot application boilerplate code. -Create a basic Python class boilerplate code

11. For Bug Fixes: Using ChatGPT Helps Fixing The Bugs Thus Saving A Large Chunk Of Time In Software Development And Also Increasing Productivity.

Prompt Examples: -How do I fix the following {programming language} code which {explain the functioning}? {code snippet} -Can you generate a bug report? -Find bugs in the following JavaScript code: (enter code)  

12. Code Refactoring- ChatGPt Can Refactor The Code And Reduce Errors To Enhance Code Efficiency, Thus Making It Easier To Modify In The Future.

Prompt Examples –What are some techniques for refactoring code to improve code reuse and promote the use of design patterns? -I have duplicate code in my project. How can I refactor it to eliminate redundancy?  

13. For Choosing Deployment Strategies- ChatGPT Can Suggest Deployment Strategies Best Suited For A Particular Project And To Ensure That It Runs Smoothly.

Prompt Examples -What are the best deployment strategies for this software project? {explain the project} -What are the best practices for version control and release management?  

14. For Creating Unit Tests- ChatGPT Can Write Test Cases For You

Prompt Examples: -How does test-driven development help improve code quality? -What are some best practices for implementing test-driven development in a project? These were some prompt examples for you that we sourced on the basis of different requirements a developer can have. So whether you have to generate a code or understand a concept, ChatGPT can really make a developer’s life by doing a lot of tasks. However, it certainly comes with its own set of challenges and cannot always be completely correct. So it is advisable to cross-check the responses. Hope this helps. Visit us- Intelliatech

[fazedlight]

I went a little nuts trying to make my last fanvid.

[virtualizationhowto]

Docker Development Environment: Test your Containers with Docker Desktop

Docker Development Environment: Test your Containers with Docker Desktop #homelab #docker #DockerDesktopDevelopment #SelfHostedContainerTesting #DockerDevEnvironment #ConfigurableDevelopmentEnvironment #DockerContainerManagement #DockerDesktopGUI

One of the benefits of a Docker container is it allows you to have quick and easy test/dev environments on your local machine that are easy to set up. Let’s see how we can set up a Docker development environment with Docker Desktop. Table of contentsQuick overview of Docker Development EnvironmentSetting Up Your Docker Development Environment with Docker Desktop1. Install Docker Desktop2. Create…

[the-harvest-field]

Javascript lesson: API Integration

One of the most common tasks in web development is using JavaScript to fetch data from an API and display it on a web page. In this lesson, we’ll cover how to do this using the fetch() function provided by modern browsers. Objective: Fetch data from a sample API and display it in a webpage. Prerequisites: Basic understanding of HTML and JavaScript. A code editor and a web browser. Step 1:…

[muellermh]

Erweiterte Funktionen von CI/CD durch Verknüpfung von Kubernetes und ArgoCD: "Erweitern Sie Ihre CI/CD-Funktionen mit ArgoCD und Kubernetes von MHM Digitale Lösungen UG"

#ArgoCD #Kubernetes #ContinuousIntegration #ContinuousDelivery #MHMDigitaleLösungen #CloudComputing #DevOps

Kubernetes und ArgoCD sind zwei leistungsstarke Tools, die viele Vorteile für DevOps Teams bieten. Mithilfe von Kubernetes und ArgoCD können lokale Systeme auf eine Infrastruktur in der Cloud skaliert werden, sodass sie über mehrere Knoten verteilt werden können. Außerdem können komplexe CI/CD-Pipelines erstellt werden, um Anwendungen zu automatisieren und schneller zu veröffentlichen als je…

[ritikay]

Streamlining Power Platform Development with Git Integration: A Guide to Modern ALM

As organizations increasingly adopt Microsoft Power Platform comprising Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, and Power Virtual Agents ensuring efficient collaboration, code quality, and deployment becomes critical. This is where Git integration offers immense value by introducing modern Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) practices into low-code environments.

Git, the world’s leading version control system, enhances Power Platform development by enabling change tracking, version history, branching, and team collaboration. Integrating Git with Power Platform helps developers manage app and workflow source files more effectively, streamline deployments, and minimize errors during updates or rollbacks.

The guide begins by outlining why Git integration is essential for Power Platform users. In environments where multiple stakeholders are working on frequent updates, Git helps maintain order by supporting collaboration, tracking changes, and enabling automated build and deployment pipelines through CI/CD.

Git integration works by exporting Power Platform solutions, unpacking them into readable source files using the Power Platform CLI, and managing them within Git repositories (like GitHub or Azure DevOps). Teams can track, merge, and review changes efficiently aligning low-code development with DevOps practices.

To get started, developers must:

Export a solution from Power Platform.

Unpack it using the Power Platform CLI.

Initialize a Git repository.

Commit and push changes to a remote repository.

The ALM Accelerator, a Microsoft-supported open-source tool, further simplifies Git integration by automating solution export/import, syncing changes, and triggering deployment pipelines based on Git actions. This significantly reduces manual effort and fosters consistent delivery practices.

The benefits of Git integration in Power Platform are clear:

Enhanced collaboration and traceability

Faster, automated deployments

Improved quality through version control and reviews

Easier error recovery via rollback features

However, the guide also acknowledges challenges such as managing binary formats, training teams in Git workflows, and handling solution dependencies.

In conclusion, integrating Git with Power Platform transforms how organizations manage low-code development by embedding agility, structure, and collaboration into the entire lifecycle from development to deployment.

[hislittleraincloud]

*inner Cairo whispers* I like that jacket.

They look both absolutely stunning!!!

[moose-mousse]

Ok. I am going to let you in on a secret about how to make programming projects.

You know how people write really good code? Easy to read, easy to work with, easy to understand and very efficient?

By refactoring.

The idea that you write glorious nice code straight is an insane myth that comes from thinking tutorials is how people actually code.

That is because programming is just writing. Nothing more. Same as all other writing.

The hobbit is ~95000 words.

Do you think Tolkien created the Hobbit by writing 95 thousand words?

Of course not! He wrote many many times that. Storylines that ended up scrapped or integrated in other ways, sections that got rewritten, dialog written again and again as the rest of the story happened. Background details filled in after the story had settled down

Writing. Is. Rewriting.

Coding. Is. Refactoring.

Step 1 in programming is proof of concept. Start with the most dangerous part of your project ( danger = how little experience you have with it * how critical it is for your project to work )

Get it to do... anything.

Make proof of concept code for all the most dangerous parts of the project. Ideally there is only 1 of these. If there is more than 3 then your project is too big. ( yes, this means your projects needs to be TINY )

Then write and refactor code to get a minimum viable pruduct. It should do JUUUUUST the most important critical things.

Now you have a proper codebase. Now everytime you need to expand or fix things, also refactor the code you touch in order to do this. Make it a little bit nicer and better. Write unit tests for it. The works.

After a while, the code that works perfectly and never needs to be touched is hard to read. Which does not matter because you will never read it

And the code that you need to change often is the nicest code in the codebase.

TRYING TO GUESS AHEAD OF TIME WHAT PARTS OF THE CODE WILL BE CHANGED OFTEN IS A FOOLS ERRAND.

( also, use git. Dear god use git and commit no more than 10 lines at once and write telling descriptions for each. GIT shows WHAT you did. YOU write WHY you did it )

Is this how to make your hobby project?

Yes. And also how all good software everywhere is made.

[codingquill]

Essentials You Need to Become a Web Developer

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Mastery

Text Editor/Integrated Development Environment (IDE): Popular choices include Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text.

Version Control/Git: Platforms like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket allow you to track changes, collaborate with others, and contribute to open-source projects.

Responsive Web Design Skills: Learn CSS frameworks like Bootstrap or Flexbox and master media queries

Understanding of Web Browsers: Familiarize yourself with browser developer tools for debugging and testing your code.

Front-End Frameworks: for example : React, Angular, or Vue.js are powerful tools for building dynamic and interactive web applications.

Back-End Development Skills: Understanding server-side programming languages (e.g., Node.js, Python, Ruby , php) and databases (e.g., MySQL, MongoDB)

Web Hosting and Deployment Knowledge: Platforms like Heroku, Vercel , Netlify, or AWS can help simplify this process.

Basic DevOps and CI/CD Understanding

Soft Skills and Problem-Solving: Effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills

Confidence in Yourself: Confidence is a powerful asset. Believe in your abilities, and don't be afraid to take on challenging projects. The more you trust yourself, the more you'll be able to tackle complex coding tasks and overcome obstacles with determination.

[valiantverses]

Tremors

Ghoap X Reader

Summary: A therapist's waiting room wasn't exactly the place to have the most engrossing conversations. People were usually jittery, tense, or straight-up despondent. Somehow, you manage to strike a strange sort of connection with the retired military couple that had the Thursday slot just after you anyway.

Trigger Warning: Angsty. Discussions of Soap's injuries, the reader has mental health struggles and everyone has communication difficulties to some degree.

A/N: Comments, questions, requests and constructive criticisms are welcome. Hate is boring and will go unacknowledged.

_

Maybe therapy wasn't for you.

Baring your soul to a total stranger and unearthing your life to be scrutinised by somebody. Then having that somebody turn around and drop you as a client because you were 'beyond their scope' and recommending you to someone else. It left an acrid sort of burn at the back of your throat as you settled into the sofa in the cheery waiting room of your hastily found counsellor.

Tick.

The leather underneath your fingers was squeaky. Static-y. The kind of leather where the grooves of the well-worn parts of the couch were buttery smooth and a slightly darker shade of black until it reached the bits that weren't quite as worn.

Tock.

The sound of papers shuffling and a low voice calling out a name drew your attention. It wasn't yours. Wordlessly, you watched a woman to your left stand up. The rubber of her cane cracked across the linoleum as she she signed her name on to the clip board at the desk, murmured her greetings to the therapist and made her way inside, the door shutting with a soft click.

Tick.

St. Jude-Thaddeus Hospital's Rehabilitation and Pain Management Clinic had the honour of being the only facility of any sort in your area that offered psycotherapy services. Affordable ones, anyway. Something to do with being integrated into the Ministry of Defense Hospital Units for disabled veterans- but you didn't need to know, so you didn't ask.

You'd take what you could get.

Tock.

You glance up at the clock once more, seeing that you were now close to 10 minutes to your first ever appointment with this therapist. A part of you wanted to fast forward the next 40 minutes of your day. Maybe the next few hours. Get to the point where your obligations were done and the first meeting was over and done with.

Tick.

When the door opens next, you don't look up this time. You try to contain the shake of your hands and focus on that squeaky leather underneath you. The thumps of footsteps don't register before the slight sink of the couch does. When you glance up, it is to the bluest eyes you could imagine.

He was handsome, a part of your brain helpfully informed you. Dark eyelashes framing a sort of azure blue, shards of indigo flecked about like sleet in the rain. His tanned skin had that slight leatheriness that could only come from working under the sun, the hand jutted out towards you littered with callouses-

"-hnny MacTavish, haven't seen you round here before."

Your hand moves mechanically to accept his handshake, mouth producing syllables you knew was supposed to be your name.

Realising the beat of conversation had stretched on longer than it should and it was now your turn to fulfill your part of the social contract that the stranger had looped you into, you broke eye contact and glanced back down at the worn linoleum.

"It's my first time."

There was a snort to the other side of you, from a bulky man sat diagonally from the line of chairs you and Johnny were sat in.

You quickly ammend your statement "-with this therapist. Just moved in."

His bulk seemed to carve away the space of the room, hulking shoulders leading to a thickly corded neck, lower face covered in a black face mask and his eyes a thin ring of deep ocean blue. What little skin you could see of his face looked sallow. Drained.

"Ignore tha' git. Insists on tagging along with me like I'm a wee wain and wreaks havoc of all sorts." The voice from your left supplied as you quickly began reassessing the relationship between the two strangers you found yourself in the middle of.

"You two know each other?"

There was a rumble to your left, a deep bass-y sound you realised was laughter. "Could say that, ma'am. "

"My partner," Johnny supplied, eyeroll evident in his voice as you turned to look at him once more. It was a little overwhelming having to keep turning your head to and fro because of the way the chairs were positioned, and your fingers dug into the leather once more.

Slippery, smooth. Pebbled with some long indentations.

"That's Simon. We've been at this shrink for give or take four months now-"

"Fifteen weeks."

"*-would'a noticed a bonnie lass like you on our weekly, enlightening visits." His quip was cheery, but there was an element of sarcasm you couldn't quite place.

This conversation felt like navigating a field full of landmines. Couldn't ask about his condition, why the weekly visits rather than the gold standard (That is, the national healthcare coverage) of every two weeks, why fifteen weeks- so you asked the only thing you felt you could.

"She any good? The counselor, I mean."

Johnny blinked, head tilting and making eye contact with his partner - Simon - there was a flash of something twisting across his face as the wordless conversation happened in a split second.

It was fascinating. The sort of communication that only happened when two people had an intimate well of knowledge of the other person.

Then dawn broke across Johnny's face and he turned back to you with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Aye, lass. Not afraid to crack into your brain and really dig around. Well good laugh too, great to interact with given I've really only spoken to four people or so since I retired an' all."

You tried not to read between the lines. Tried not to stare at the way he leaned back to rub at the jagged line across his scalp, the puckered edges evident under the peach fuzz of dark hair. He was giving you what he could without dragging a stranger into his own vortex of struggles. You could relate.

"Retired? From military service?"

Regret looked different on people's faces. For some, there was a grimace. Maybe a slight widening of the eyes in realisation, or a hitch in their breath. Self-reproach for bringing it up in the first place. For Johnny, it appeared to be a slight furrowing of his brows and a darkening of his sky blue eyes as he edged backwards.

A cough and the scraping of the chair behind you drew your attention, looking to your right to meet the cold stare of the blond. Briefly, you felt like a cornered animal. Your hands grew still. His gaze was assessing, stony face giving nothing away except the overwhelming vibe of back the fuck off. His eyes flicked over your shoulder and then back to yours.

"Sounds like they're finishing up in there. You should sign in."

It appeared you had clambered out of the field of land mines only to immediately fall into a sinkhole.

Stuttering your goodbyes, you make to stand up, making the same trek the young lady had towards the desk. You fought to control the tremors of your hands. One stayed tucked deeply in a pocket as the other wrote your name down through sheer muscle memory. Sure enough, the door opened and the woman walked out with her mobility aid, a cheery voice calling out your name from inside.

As your shaky palm took hold of the doorknob to twist it so you could enter the room, you caught snippets of the conversation happening behind you.

"Bothering you-"

"-Ost, It would have been fine-"

"Your hands were shaking again-"

"Ach- I had it under control!"

"You don't owe strangers anything. Not after everything you've-"

"Please- I just- I need to have a feckin' conversation about it without breaking down-"

The door shut with a click.

As you sat down in front of your new therapist, you resolved to try and move your appointments to a different day.

[dreamingofaizawa]

Violent Tendencies - Lightning and Thunder

Sheriff! John Price x AFAB! Fem! Reader

~Small Town AU~

***This piece contains mature content. If ya ain't 18 or older, GIT***

Warnings: Mentions of sex and sexual behaviors, John being a fuckin' stalker (affectionate), mild descriptions of violence, an instance of sexual harrassment, blood, being in love with John Price

Word Count: 3k

Author's Note: Oh lord I'm in deep. Have fun, next parts are about to get dark :D

Series Masterlist

Part One Here - Part Seven Here

Enjoy~

***

John integrates into your life like he’s always been there. He migrates into your home slowly, over the course of several months, and one day you realize you can’t really remember when he started crawling into your bed with you in the mornings and afternoons between your opposing work schedules. It’s just how the days go now, always together in all of your free time. The rhythm you find is almost flawless. Eventually you talk to Kate about finally getting some off days integrated permanently into your schedule, and she changes the diner’s hours on the weekends so you have those two days off with John. 

Those days are spent either rolling around in the sheets or running errands for the house. 

The days you spend in bed are your favorite. The sex is mind-blowing, every damn time. He fucks like he fights, explosive and aggressive and powerful, but oh when you want him to be gentle? He’ll trace your body with his fingertips, feather light and whispering over your skin. His kisses linger far after he’s gone, burned into your body forever, scorched into your memory. Every night he rebrands you, sucks a new bruise onto your shoulder, robs the air from your lungs, strains the muscles in your legs. 

He says he’s making up for lost time.

But it’s not just the sex that you love. No, it’s him. It’s the way he holds you when you wake up together, like being apart would kill you. It’s in the moments when you manage to wake before him, tracing the scars on his back or chest in the white glow of the morning sun, his breaths soft and deep and oh so alive. You love the way he finds you first when he wakes up, brilliant blue locking onto you and watching his pupils blow wide open, his rough hands reaching for you. Falling asleep with him is another one of your favorite things. Especially when he’s on top of you, face buried into the crook of your neck and big burly arms tight around your waist, your thighs spread wide beneath the weight of his hips. You can feel every breath he takes like that, feel the puffs against your skin and his chest against yours, feel his heart beating in time with yours through your bare skin. 

All you ever want to do is stay beside him.

Errands are always run together now, because he may as well have moved in. Everything he owns has made its way to your house one way or another. Your closet and dressers have filled out with his clothing, your jackets smell like cigar smoke and leather where they’re kept with his, your shoe rack has a few pairs of boots on it that are far too big for your feet. His shower products sit beside yours, his toothbrush sitting in a cup beside the sink. The medicine cabinet is a lot less empty than it used to be, crowding with his spearmint floss, deodorant, shaving cream and a box of replacement razors for when the current blade gets dull. 

The old car your father left you gets a little more use now since your grocery runs are larger than you’re used to, now that you’re feeding a bear of a man as well as the occasional meal for his three deputies that share the same appetite. John always comes with you, taking his truck just in case he gets called to the station for something or other. It’s happened enough. He follows you around everywhere too. If he’s out and sees that old cherry red ‘64 Chevelle he’ll find his way to you, even if he’s on duty. You wondered for a while if he’d planted some kind of tracker on you, but he said that damn car is a beacon for him. He’s shown up at the bakery, the grocer, the butcher, hell even the auto shop when you were getting a dent buffed out that’s been there for twenty years. He still comes and visits you at work sometimes, keeping you company in the diner at least once a week.

You’re spending a few hours in the bakery today before you go home. The last time you were in the shop, Rita had said she was experimenting with a white chocolate raspberry blondie. You promised you’d come help her today, be her taste tester while she plays around with flavors and ratios. You’ve reconnected after the trial, being two of the small handful that haven't moved out of this tiny backwoods town you’ve been in since you were born.

“No Sheriff today?” Confused, you tilt your head.

“What do you mean?” She smiles at you, like she knows something you aren’t yet aware of.

“I mean John Price isn’t with you this time. He's usually on your shoulder.” Ah, right.

“Oh! No, he’s probably just waking up. Weekends are our off days, so he gets to sleep in.” You already let him know you’d be home late this morning after your shift, just so he wouldn’t worry about you. She lets out an airy little laugh, nodding mostly to herself.

“I see. I’m sure he’ll show up eventually.” Huh. You suppose maybe he will, but you’re not counting on it since he didn’t have anything planned today. He’ll probably just stay in bed or disappear down to the basement to hit the bag he’d hung.

Rita is one hell of a baker, you learn. It only takes two of what she’s deemed ‘less-than-satisfactory’ attempts for her to figure out the perfect raspberry to white chocolate ratio, as well as the perfect consistency for the treats since the raspberry curd she swirls in needs to marble instead of mix with the batter. And they’re damn good, too, the perfect balance of bitter and sweet and the browned butter just makes it all so rich and smooth. 

“Christ, Rita. These are a little slice of heaven.” 

“Oh you flatter me! I’m so glad you like them. I don’t think we can sell them in the bakery, but at the next town market these will be my main pastry beside the lemon cookies.” 

“Oh thank fuck. I’d feel awful if I’d have to ask you to make these again just for me. I’d kill to have these again.” You jump out of your skin when John’s rough chuckle bounces around the room.

“You would kill for sweets, Tempest.” Rita leans in, nudging you with her shoulder, whispering into your ear.

“What’d I tell you? Always right behind you.” Well you’ll be damned. She waves at him as he makes his way to your side, looping an arm around your waist.

“Morning, Sheriff. Your other half has been a wonderful guinea pig. Care for a blondie?” Warmth blooms in your chest. Other half. Yeah, you can get used to the sound of that. He graciously takes the small square presented to him, taking the time to really taste it. After the first bite, the damn thing is gone in two more.

“That’s bloody wonderful. I see why she’d kill for ‘em.” Rita lets out a little squeal, bouncing on her toes as she grabs her phone.

“I gotta tell Marcus. He’s been dying for a raspberry pastry lately.” Ah, so this was for the hubby. She really does love the man, and you know for a fact she was excited for a challenge like this one. It’s her first time messing with raspberries, or berries of any kind beyond strawberries for puree. Now’s as good a time as any to head home, you decide. She sends you off with a small box of the blondies, as well as the entire pan of the second attempt that you’d still kill for. It’s a little heavier on the raspberry, but still incredible. 

Over the next several months, you notice more and more that whenever you find yourself somewhere, people expect to see the Sheriff close behind. 

Ms. Clove over at the grocer always asks where he is when you come in. You always say he’s right behind you, because he’ll walk in just twenty seconds later, greeting the white-haired woman with a smile. Brian asks something similar every time you make a trip to the butcher, and if John doesn’t come in with you he shows up soon after. 

You’re having a drink with Celeste on her night off when a small bar fight breaks out. And you tried your damndest, but you ended up getting dragged in when Celeste caught a stray fist and you went on the defensive to keep her at your back. She’s not a fighter, doesn’t react to a hit the same way you do. When people are drunk, faces tend to blur together, and even just blocking a fist can piss someone off. 

John shows up before any of the deputies do, barrelling his way through the fray with a booming voice. The voice of a Sheriff, if there were any. That alone has everyone stopping in their tracks, fists halting mid-punch as he makes his way to you. In the few years John has been sheriff, he’s earned a great deal of respect around the town, and it sure as hell shows at times like this where his presence alone commands attention and order. You managed to keep away from the worst of it, only a bruise or two on your arms. You were too busy keeping Celeste behind you and keeping from getting hit by men twice your size to worry about doing any kind of returning damage. He takes you home once the main brawlers are dragged out in cuffs or go willingly with Kyle and Simon, a grand total of six crowding the backs of both their big state-issued SUVs.

It’s a wonder you ever lived without him. He’s always a step behind you, always on your heels if he’s not attached to your hip. He doesn’t surprise you anymore when he comes around the aisle in the grocer. Hell you expect him to be there at every turn, only to be proven right once you spot him lumbering toward you. When he slips an arm around your waist while you’re waiting for Rita’s dutch apple pie to finish, you don’t leap out of your skin like you used to. Just lean into him, into the kiss he presses to your cheek. 

You think maybe getting used to having him always there, being used to just leaning into him, is how you end up socking a man in the nose.

It’s an arm wrapped around your waist first, the same way John does it. A split second later you’re confused. Something’s off. You think maybe it’s the fact that the air around you doesn’t turn smoky, tobacco and leather completely absent when you go to breathe in his scent. That’s all it takes to have you turning, looking up at the stranger that’s come and held you like he had the right, whispering into your ear how pretty he thinks you are and asking you out on a date. 

If you were a different woman, you might have politely declined.

Instead you shove him away, bite out a ‘get the fuck off me’ while he’s stumbling backwards. But he doesn’t back off, a cocky grin on his stupid mug when he calls you ‘sweetheart’ and reaches for you again. When you step back he follows, and when you tell him you’re not interested he still doesn’t back off. Brian comes out of the back and tells the guy to bugger off, but even an increasingly angry 6’5” 300 pound butcher doesn’t seem to translate for the creep.

You don’t give a single warning before breaking his nose, blood pouring down his front when John makes his appearance only moments later, barking expletives at the dude as he drags him from the meat shop before his blood muddies the white tile. You follow them out after apologizing to Brian, who doesn’t look fazed in the slightest, but is calmer now that you've taken care of the problem.

“Get off me. She hit me. I didn't do jack.” John nearly throws him into the gravel.

“Bullshit. My woman doesn’t break someone’s nose for no good reason. Now apologize and get the fuck out of this town.” His woman.

“Oh fuck you man. Who are you anyway, husband? Boyfriend? You better get that crazy bitch under control.” You have to press your hands to John’s chest to keep him from attacking the guy, putting your entire body in his path while he lunges forward. You can feel the power in his body, every muscle pulled tight and ready to snap beneath your palms. The blue of his eyes is bright, his pupils drawn to pinpricks as he glares at the guy. Only for a split second do you let your mind linger on the concept of being married to him. When you turn to the man, he flinches.

“He’s the Sheriff, actually. And while I may be a bat-shit crazy bitch, not a damn soul in heaven or hell controls me. Now get lost.” When he doesn’t move, John steps up behind you and presses his chest into your back, slinging an arm around your middle with a big palm over your stomach to hold you tight to him. You can feel him shaking against you, breaths uneven where they huff against the skin of your neck. He’s holding you to keep from killing the guy.

“You heard the lady. Piss off. I ever see you again I’ll book you for harassment.” Or bury him where nobody will ever think to look.

The next day, Johnny walks into the butcher shop to ask Brian what went down since John was nothing but a fuming steam train that didn’t know the full story. He wasn’t about to try to ask you what happened, you’d probably downplay the whole thing and leave out the most important shit. Besides, he can use the excuse of getting an eyewitness account for the records, just in case something went legal.

“That girl’s always been ready for a fight. The dude deserved it, though. Real creep he was. I saw the first part happen in the camera, saw him come up and put an arm ‘round her hip. It all went downhill from there. She shoved him, he kept coming, she told him fuck off, I told him fuck off, and when he didn’t fuck off she clocked him.” That’s just about exactly what he expected to hear. Honestly he’s surprised you’d waited so long to throw a punch, but good on you for having patience.

“I’m assuming he ran off after that.” Brian chuckles then.

“Oh no, the Sheriff came barging in right when she hit him. Dragged the guy outside, I think he woulda pummeled him if it weren’t for her holding him back. Dunno what they said outside, but the guy only buggered off when the both of them looked just about ready to kill.” Johnny blows a long breath out, whistling at the end. 

“Those two were just fuckin’ made for each other, aye?” The butcher nods, heavy and sure.

“Oh yeah. Like lighting and thunder, the pair of ‘em.” Yeah, he supposes the two of you are just like lightning and thunder. Wherever you go, he’s soon to follow. Just like the natural phenomenon, always together. Where there is lightning, there is sure to be thunder, no matter how long it takes to come after the flash. “I’m happy for ‘em though. They seem good for each other, from someone who doesn’t really know either of them personally.” Huh.

“You didn’t grow up here?”

“Oh I did. I’m a couple years older than her, didn’t see her around much since we were two grades apart and I was a recluse. She beat me senseless over a decade ago, though. I deserved it for goin’ after her. I learned a hard lesson because of her, rethought my life if I was tryin’ to beat on kids half my size. I gotta thank that woman for keeping me on the straight and narrow when my parents deemed me a lost cause.” Johnny blanches, eyeing the man before him.

“She put you on your ass? Really?” He nods, this time a little solemn.

“Beat me to a damn pulp. Landed me in the hospital. Landed her in juvie. I didn’t know her well, but even I could see she came back different. Somethin’ changed, she was weirdly reserved. Still got in fights, but not nearly as many and not nearly as bad. She seems happier now though, and I think it’s ‘cause of him.” He had no idea what kind of event landed you in that juvenile hall with John, and finding out like this was definitely not in his agenda today, but now Johnny’s curiosity is getting the better of him. 

“And Price? You think he’s happier for it?” Brian nods.

“Again, I don’t know him. But the first two years he came to this town he was a hardass. Not a single damn smile, only ever grunting and huffing. Never said a damn word outside of ordering and nobody seemed to like him ‘cause he just wasn’t all that friendly. Damn good sheriff though, so it was enough for everyone to ignore the gruff exterior. Then those two got together, and I’m willing to bet good money he’s smiled more in the last year than he has in his entire life.” He’s keen to agree with the man on that. He hasn’t seen that man smile unless he was talking about you, and even then it wasn’t nearly as big and bright as when he’s with you. 

He supposes the two of you are like lightning and thunder in that aspect, too. Lighting up his life in a flash of fury, calmed by the steady rolling thunder that follows, or matched with a violent clap.

[neousfics]

Dead Boy Detectives Fic Recs (A Form of Genius Edition)

If you liked my fic A Form of Genius try reading a few of these excellent fics which inspired it: The Case of The... by sphisticatedyet Words: 6,689 Rating: T Status: Complete Summary:

Edwin wants to call it The Case of The Acid-Spraying Cephalopods, because that was what the actual case was about.

Charles wants to call it The Case of The First Kiss, because that's the only part that actually mattered.

---

An unfortunate run in with a monster leaves the Dead Boy Detectives stranded at (newly undead) Niko's apartment without any clothing, so Edwin borrows her dressing gown. Charles realises some things. Review: Edwin in a dress Edwin in a dress Edwin in a dress Edwin in a dress Edwin in a dress Edwin in a--

You make me feel like I am whole again by ch3kov Words: 1,284 Rating: G Status: Complete Summary:

Edwin didn’t turn back to his book. “What are you thinking about?” Charles glanced back up at him, at flecks of sunlight dancing in brown pupils, at the innocent curiosity on his face, and thought, fuck it. “Would you want to– would you want to kiss? Uh, me. Would you want to kiss me?” He blurted, eyes wide as his brain caught up with his mouth, but he didn’t retract the question and he didn’t look away. He just met Edwin’s shocked gaze as the other boy processed what he’d just been asked. “S–Sorry?” Edwin finally stuttered, turning rigid next to Charles’ likely stupidly relaxed form. Charles bit his lip, sliding his feet from the table back to the floor and turning in his chair to face Edwin properly.

“I think it might help me to figure stuff out. To figure us out. But if you don’t want to, or you want it to be only if I’m absolutely sure–” “Okay.” “...What?” “Okay,” Edwin’s eyes were wide, and he was (ironically) pale as a ghost, but he nodded slowly. “You can kiss me,”

Review: Short, sweet, cute as hell, we love boys figuring things out

Once Again (with feelings) by Becci Barnes (BeccEEE) Words: 3,336 Rating: G Status: Complete Summary: Even after returning to the comfortable familiarity of their London-based Agency, Edwin’s mood is as gloomy as the weather outside. Although Charles doesn’t really expect his mate to open up about it, he tries to provide some help talking it through. He definitely wasn't ready to be asked such a frank question, for precisely two reasons: 1) Edwin was very peculiar when it came to trying new things. 2) Charles never believed his friend was into kissing at all...

Review: Good characterization, the boys feel really comfortable with each other and I love that, very wholesome kissing + Edwin deserves a chance to be kissed by someone he actually likes lmao

Ice lollies by Th30L14m Words: 3,343 Rating: Technically Unrated but it's Explicit Status: Complete Summary: What begins as harmless teasing on an unusually warm May day ends with a lesson for Charles never to underestimate his best mate and his dedication to research.

Review: I want Edwin to be a slut so bad it hurts and this helps Made You Look by Baby_Spinach Words: 6,436 Rating: M Status: Complete Summary: "You let him get away?" Crystal says. "I thought you said this'd be a cakewalk!"

"Thank you for your contribution, Crystal," Edwin says testily. "Clearly we were wrong, and now another innocent may die because of it. Happy?"

"All right, settle down, you lot…" Charles says in the placating tone he's been using a lot more since Crystal's integration into the agency. "Yeah, we underestimated the pervy git and he's now running around wearing Edwin's face. So what are we going to do about it?"

-OR-

A shapeshifting incubus takes on Edwin's likeness. Charles gets very confused.

Review: Incubi and Succubi being a vehicle for personal growth is my kink, also really fun writing and characterization. I could definitely hear the characters saying all these lines + Edwin is not treated like a 5-year-old which is greatly appreciated

2 dead 2 boy by ObsessedWithFandom Words: 29,894 Rating: M Status: Complete Summary: It had been pretty obvious to Crystal from the start: their closeness and comfort with each other, the way they moved in sync, the way Edwin couldn’t quite contain his jealousy at Charles’ interest in her. She’d seen it before (where?), a relationship that one person wanted open and the other didn’t but would go along with, out of love. Ah, lack of communication. The enemy of polyamory.

Or: Crystal comes to the horrifying realization that these boys are not dating, and leads them to enlightenment (polyamory).

Review: I have quite the soft spot for a good poly fic and I thought this one was very well done + well researched, the communication felt genuine and it was thoughtful, cute, interesting, and fun

you will never be unloved by me (you are too well tangled in my soul) by emryses Words: 4,091 Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: A night in Port Townsend, after Hell, Charles and Edwin talk.

“You really didn’t remember what you look like?” Charles asked. “I fear I’ve already forgotten again," Edwin said. The admission didn’t sound sad, just factual. So Edwin was being very Edwin about this. It was only natural, then, that Charles became very Charles about it all. “You have a very straight nose,” Charles said. “And, um, a sort of soft jawline—strong chin, though. Thick brows, and high cheekbones. Your hair is brown, and your eyes are green. You get a little crinkle between your eyebrows whenever you’re doing practically anything.” Charles demonstrated by glowering playfully in Edwin’s direction. “Thinking, reading, telling me off.”

Review: Explored the genuine and kind aspects of Charles personality which I appreciated

It started with Eyeliner by CosmicJukebox Words: 4,598 Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: "What do you propose we do in the meantime then? You’ve already packed your bag of tricks, and I’ve read everything we should need to know to handle the case at least thrice."

Charles opened his mouth, then closed it again, looking at the floor. After a moment he seemed to shake it off, hesitantly meeting Edwin’s gaze. "Well… I'm still not entirely ready."

Edwin blinked at him in confusion. "You're not? Have you forgotten to pack something?"

"Nah mate, haven't put my eyeliner on have I?" he said, grinning lopsidedly.

"I hardly see how that will keep you busy. It’s like you said a minute ago, it only takes a moment to change our appearance."

"Usually yeah, but… I was kinda thinking that today I'd do it the old-fashioned way," he said, producing a pencil from the back-pocket of his jeans. "And that... maybe you'd like to join me?"

Review: I think it ought to be fairly clear why this inspired a fic like AFoG

Spiral All the Way Down by H2OGIRL48 Words: 3,153 Rating: M Status: Complete Summary: “You alright, mate?” Charles asked while suppressing a laugh.

“Yes, um, yes of course.” Edwin mumbled trying to get his composure back.

Charles watched his eyes drop to where he was still holding on to his arm, probably curious on why Charles hadn’t let go yet. So was Charles to be honest. But he didn’t want to let go. Not yet. - Or, Edwin figures it out while Charles catches up.

Review: the tags refer to this as "pretty porn" and I'm inclined to agree

run my fingers through your hair by shadowquill17 Words: 3,647 Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: Charles knows that Edwin likes his hair neat and tidy, solidly stuck to his head, dependable. It's his way of doing things. But even Edwin can't control everything, and sometimes his hair gets a little messy during cases.

Charles can't stop thinking about it.

Review: If you're disappointed by the lack of time I spent exploring Charles realizing Edwin is pretty, than this fic is for you

Comment if you have any other fics you think people who enjoyed AFoG would enjoy! Thanks for all your support, my darlings <3